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It’s not that you don’t love the little ones. But every now and again, it’s grown people’s time. Don’t feel guilty. Instead, start packing your bags for an adult-only Caribbean cruise.
There are a handful of cruise lines that cater to the 18+ crowd and other cruise lines that are adult-centric; they don’t prohibit children, but they aren’t tripping over themselves to attract them either. This means you likely won’t find a kids club, a Frozen-themed theatrical dining experience, or a waterslide. What you’ll find are adult-only pools, decks, and quiet areas.
Here’s where to turn when you’re ready to set sail on one of the adults-only cruises in the Caribbean.
5 Best Adults-Only Caribbean Cruises
1. Virgin Voyages
Forget about long lines at the buffet. On Virgin Voyages, not only are there no buffets, but no designated mealtimes or formal dinners. This is not one a typical cruise line. You might think you’re at a Caribbean uber-luxe resort with 20+ eateries and menus crafted by Michelin-star chefs. Ship interiors were inspired by W Hotels and Soho House. They showcase the work of interior design gurus like Tom Dixon and Roman and Williams. For entertainment, there’s the Duel Reality Show, an acrobatic performance that takes a page from the Romeo and Juliet playbook. The Untitled DanceShowPartyThing is a wild, immersive dance show. The late-night PJ parties are legendary as well. If you’re not hungover, sunrise meditation classes await.
With Virgin, you get all that and itineraries like the Eastern Caribbean Antilles, an eight-night trip that sails from Miami to Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Croix, and Bimini, before returning to Miami. In Puerto Plata, take your pick of adventures like a cable car ride up a mountain for epic views and lunch, rum tasting, or exploring villages, rivers, and waterfalls. In San Juan, it’s all about experiencing the El Yunque Rainforest, gallivanting the cobblestone streets, hitting the bars and restaurants in Old San Juan, or horseback riding. You get the picture, big-people fun. With just over 2,700 passengers, Virgin Voyages isn’t a mega-ship either, giving it a bit more of an intimate feel.
2. Viking
If you have the pleasure of sailing on Viking’s West Indies Explorer, you’ll know this is not a trip for the kiddies. You’ll soak up knowledge from lectures like Explorers: The Age of Discovery, The Bayeux Tapestry, and Islands in History.
Spend 11 days in 9 countries. Start in San Juan and make your way to Tortola, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Barbados, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Thomas, and back to San Juan.
Hike Sage Mountain and end your journey on the beach or tour historical sites. In Roseau, Dominica, a visit to Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a must, as is snorkeling in the much-ballyhooed Champagne Reef. A stop in Philipsburg brings opportunities to create your own fragrance in a perfume class, co-pilot a multi-million-dollar boat during a pretend “America’s Cup” race, or enjoy a chairlift ride to the top of Sentry Hill. It’s one of the best Caribbean cruises out there.
3. P&O Cruises
This UK-based company’s Aurora and Arcadia ships are adult-only ships. If you want a hefty dose of the Caribbean, set sail on the Aurora from Southampton for a 24-night adventure. Ports of call include Madeira, Portugal, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Barbados, Ponta Delgada, and Portugal, returning to Southampton.
Highlights include Kingstown, St. Vincent, with its rainforests, caves, waterfalls, and swimming holes. Or you can set off in a catamaran for snorkeling and Princess Margaret Beach. Get off your ship with a big appetite when you go on shore in Guadeloupe. Fill your belly with the spicy Creole food at Point-a-Pitre’s restaurants. History buffs will get their fill of history in Bridgetown, Barbados. There are so many architectural and cultural gems that Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with finds like the Georgian St. Mary’s Church, the neo-Gothic Barbados Parliament, the Garrison, and more. Save time for the Harrisons Cave, which includes caverns and waterfalls.
On days at sea, relax in the Oasis Spa, workout in the gym, and enjoy the pools and whirlpools.
4. Saga
This is not only adult-only, but Saga is just for those 50 and older. While the Caribbean is the draw on this UK company’s cruises, you’ll hardly be bored in between excursions. There are lectures, theater productions, recitals, outside deck games, fitness classes, and exercise clinics where you can ask the pros fitness and mobility questions. For the crafty types, there are classes that could be anything from making jewelry and frames to creating mosaics, and more. There are culinary demonstrations from UK celebrity Chef Phil Vickery. The gymnasium has a swimming pool, hot tubs, sauna and steam room, and hydrotherapy pool.
Island Hopping in the Caribbean is a month-long romp in the Caribbean that begins and ends in Portsmouth, UK. The first port is Ponta Delgada in the Azores, and then it’s St. John’s in Antigua, Tortola, San Juan, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Madeira, and back to Portsmouth.
The port in Gustavia, St. Barts, is the stuff of movies with its mega yachts, tony shops, and restaurants. Get ready to profile with the pretty people. In Tortola, the secluded beaches and coves are ideal for a cuddly couple. Your stop in Antigua won’t be complete without a visit to a rum shop, either to taste or bring back gifts. A walking tour showcases the Colonial architecture, or maybe you’d enjoy a guided tour of the Cadres Reef. When you’re in the Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago, street food from the market stalls is the way to go. Bird lovers won’t want to miss the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. Independence Square and the botanical gardens should also top your list.
5. Norwegian Cruise Line
When it comes to catering to solo travelers, the king of the hill among the big-ship lines in the Caribbean is Norwegian Cruise Line. The Miami-based cruise operator offers entire zones for solo travelers in the center of its Caribbean-focused ocean vessels.
Each of these solo cruiser zones includes dozens of Studio cabins for solo travelers, all clustered around each other and designed to maximize storage space. There is also a private lounge with a bar and television where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings. However, one big caveat with Norwegian’s solo cabins is that they’re all rooms without an ocean view.
Single travelers looking for ample relaxation might want to consider the “10-day Bermuda & Caribbean: Puerto Rico & Dominican Republic” cruise departing from New York City on Norwegian Getaway. Bermuda is the initial port of call, followed by visits to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan, and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic
Norwegian cruise ships offer world-class dining options, bars, nightlife spots, and fantastic entertainment. With Norwegian’s laid-back dining arrangement, travelers aren’t constrained by pre-set dining times and table mates so they can invite newly made friends to dinner at a time convenient to everyone.
Pro Tip: On adults-only cruise lines, it’s crucial to respect the atmosphere by avoiding disruptive behavior like excessive noise or rowdiness. Additionally, it’s essential to adhere to the dress code for various venues.
Adult-Centric Cruise Lines
While there are a handful of adult-only cruise lines, companies are increasingly offering adult-only spaces; be it adult-only pools, decks, quiet areas, and lounges.
Take, for example, Regent Seven Seas Cruises; it doesn’t have adult-only itineraries, but as an uber-luxe line, the demographics tend to skew heavily toward grown folk. The lavish suites, upscale spa, multi-million-dollar artwork collections, foodie-pleasing restaurants, and intellectually and culturally stimulating excursions won’t captivate the young ones. You’ll likely feel quite comfy on the Caribbean escape — Merengue, Salsa & Calypso cruise.
Celebrity Cruises also has adult-centric amenities. The Solarium is on the resort decks of all ships. It’s an adult-only pool area covered by a glass dome, ideal for reading, napping, or lounging with a cocktail, or in the hot tub. The adult-only SEA Thermal Suite boasts eight therapeutic experiences as a place to connect with other wellness gurus before or after treatments at The Spa. You’ll love the rainfall water therapy room, float room, and heated tile loungers. There’ll be no kiddies at the sunset or martini bars. You’ll vacay like a grown-up on Celebrity’s Caribbean cruises.
Uncover marine treasures! Book your stay at the best snorkeling resorts in the Caribbean and discover vibrant underwater ecosystems.
FAQs
What Happens on Adults-Only Cruises?
Adults-only cruises provide an ideal opportunity to unwind and enjoy oneself without worrying about children running around. Adults-only cruises feature many adult-centric activities such as live entertainment, comedy acts, casinos, dance clubs, and more.
Which Adults-Only Cruise Line to Choose?
The choice of an adult-only cruise line depends on your preferences. Viking Ocean + Expedition Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are the number one luxury cruise lines for adults, Virgin Voyages targets younger travelers and singles, while Saga Cruises and Windstar Cruises cater to older couples.
Which Adults-Only Caribbean Cruises Offer All-Inclusive Voyages?
For kid-less escape and free-flowing cocktails Virgin Voyages, Saga Cruises, and Silversea Cruises are your best bets. Yet, other adult-only cruises like Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Windstar Cruises provide more affordable all-inclusive fare.
What Are the Top Adults-Only Cruise Destinations?
Top adults-only cruises include the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and cruises to South America where adult passengers can go on shore excursions, enjoy onboard entertainment, and explore some of the most magical destinations. When it comes to river cruises, Viking River Cruises in Europe are a great fit for adult travelers.
Which Adults-Only Cruise Ships to Consider?
It depends on your needs. Larger ocean ships can accommodate up to a thousand adult guests while smaller cruise ships board half of that number. Apart from size and privacy, fine dining, luxurious suites, all-inclusive services, and amenities like spas, salons, or swimming pools, are what travelers are looking for in their adults-only getaway.