Does Carnival Have Adults Only Cruises?

Are you considering a cruise but lean towards a more adult-oriented experience? The cruising world, including popular lines like Carnival, offers various options that cater to various preferences.

In this article, I’ll delve into the spectrum of adult-focused experiences available in the industry. From exclusive adult-only areas on family-friendly cruise lines like Carnival to entire ships dedicated to adult passengers, there’s an extensive array of choices for those seeking a “mature and tranquil” cruising environment.

Does Carnival Have Adults Only Cruises?

Carnival Cruise Line does not offer cruises that are exclusively for adults. However, they provide an adults-only area known as the “Serenity Adult-Only Retreat” for guests aged 21 and over. This area is designed to be a peaceful getaway on the ship, offering complete peace, sea breezes, swaying hammocks, and a nearby bar. It’s a place where adults can reconnect with their partners, finish reading a book, or simply relax.

Although this retreat offers an adults-only environment, it’s important to note that it is part of a cruise ship that accommodates families and children. The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat is included in the cruise cost and provides a space that feels separate from the rest of the ship’s activities and excitement.

Related reading: The Best Carnival Cruise Ships.

Other Cruise Lines

If you are looking for an adult-only cruise, there are plenty of other cruise lines that offer this:

Viking Ocean Cruises

On the other hand, Viking Ocean Cruises offers a wholly different experience. Unlike Carnival, Viking Ocean Cruises is an entirely adults-only cruise line with a strict policy that only allows passengers who are 18 years or older.

Viking has revolutionised the cruise industry by appealing to an older demographic and focusing on immersive experiences in local culture, cuisine, and onshore activities. Rather than offering non-stop entertainment and round-the-clock buffets, Viking aims to provide a more thoughtful, sophisticated cruise experience.

Passengers are allowed to relax between ports and immerse themselves in the destinations they’re visiting their culture, art, history, and cuisine. With features like local wine tastings and cooking classes offered as part of the excursion in each port, Viking cruises cater to the discerning adult traveller.

Virgin Voyages

If you’re seeking a hip, cool, and perhaps even sultry cruise experience, Virgin Voyages may be the perfect choice. Launched by Richard Branson in 2020, this cruise line is an entirely adult-only option, with a strict policy of only allowing passengers who are 18 years or older.

Branson’s goal is to attract people who may never have considered going on a cruise before, and with amenities like the world’s largest daybed at sea, a fancy nightclub, and a test kitchen, Virgin Voyages certainly offers a unique take on cruising. The maiden ship, the Scarlet Lady, is a high-end, ultra-modern vessel that caters exclusively to adults, ensuring a cruise experience unlike any other.

Saga Cruises

For those aged 50 and above seeking a serene and sophisticated cruise experience, Saga Cruises stands out as a distinguished choice. This British boutique cruise line specialises in small-ship sailings, ensuring a more intimate and personalised journey.

One of the most appealing aspects of Saga Cruises is the all-encompassing fare structure. Guests can indulge in various culinary delights with meals included at any of the onboard restaurants. Whether a formal dinner or a casual bite, the dining options are diverse and cater to all palates.

Additional inclusions such as gratuities, Wi-Fi access, and most beverages make the experience hassle-free. This comprehensive approach extends to fitness classes, offering a range of activities designed to cater to all levels of fitness and interest.

Understanding the needs of their guests, Saga Cruises also includes transfers to and from the ship, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start and end to your journey. This attention to detail is a testament to Saga’s commitment to providing a seamless travel experience.

P&O

P&O Cruises, a renowned British cruise line, presents a delightful option for adults seeking a vacation free from the hustle and bustle of family-centric travel. With two exclusively adults-only ships, the Aurora and the Arcadia, they offer a serene and sophisticated atmosphere perfect for adult passengers.

The Aurora and the Arcadia, each designed with adults in mind, promise a tranquil journey. These ships cater to an adult-only clientele (18+), ensuring that every aspect of the cruise, from entertainment to dining, aligns with the preferences of an adult audience. The larger size of these ships provides a sense of grandeur and spaciousness, allowing guests to explore various onboard activities and spaces without feeling crowded.

While P&O Cruises’ pricing structure isn’t all-inclusive, it offers flexibility, allowing guests to tailor their experience according to their preferences and budget. This approach will enable travellers to choose which additional services and experiences they wish to pay for, making it a cost-effective option for those who prefer to customise their cruise experience.

P&O Cruises stands out for its wide range of itineraries. Whether you’re looking for a brief getaway or an extensive voyage, this line offers trips varying from short excursions to journeys spanning up to 40 nights. Their itineraries cover many destinations, offering something for every traveller’s taste. Each voyage is an opportunity to explore new horizons, from the sun-kissed Mediterranean to the scenic fjords of Norway.

Marella Cruises

Marella Cruises, renowned for its innovative approach to sea travel, entered the adults-only cruise market with the launch of Marella Explorer 2 in 2019. This vessel represents a new era in cruising, designed exclusively for passengers aged 18 and above, offering an experience that combines relaxation with modern luxury.

Marella Explorer 2 caters specifically to adult travellers, ensuring a sophisticated and tranquil environment. By restricting its guests to those 18 and older, the ship provides a serene atmosphere that is ideal for couples, friends, and solo travellers seeking a peaceful retreat away from the liveliness of family-focused cruises.

The fare for Marella Explorer 2 is thoughtfully crafted to include tips and a wide range of drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. This inclusion not only simplifies the cruising experience but also adds an element of luxury, allowing guests to enjoy their holiday without worrying about additional expenses.

Marella Explorer 2 boasts an impressive array of dining options with nine eateries. This variety caters to all taste buds, from casual bites to fine dining. While four of these eateries are specialty restaurants with additional charges, they offer unique culinary experiences worth exploring. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a casual meal with new friends, the dining options on Marella Explorer 2 are designed to enhance the overall cruise experience.

Adult-Oriented Areas in Multi-Generational Cruise Lines

While most cruise ships cater to families, there is a growing trend towards offering adult-only areas onboard. These areas provide an escape for adults, away from the noise and activity of family-oriented activities. These adult-only areas or areas are perfect for those seeking a more serene cruise experience. Here are a few options for cruise lines which offer adult-only areas:

Disney Cruise Line’s Adult-Only Zones

Although Disney Cruise Line is known for its family-friendly activities, but offers adult-only zones. These zones, such as the Quiet Cove Pool and the Satellite Sun Deck, provide adults with a peaceful retreat to relax and unwind. These areas feature poolside loungers, a sun deck, and a bar, providing a serene escape from the more family-oriented areas of the cruise ships.

Disney Cruise Line goes above and beyond to ensure their adult guests enjoy an enjoyable and relaxing experience. They offer adult-only cruises that provide a tranquil escape from family-oriented activities. These cruises feature a variety of adult-oriented activities and amenities, including fine dining options and sophisticated entertainment.

Furthermore, Disney Cruise Line has designed certain areas of their cruise ships specifically for adults. These adult-only areas provide a peaceful retreat where adults can relax and unwind away from the noise and activity of the ship’s family-oriented areas. This commitment to adult guests sets Disney Cruise Line apart from many other cruise lines.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Specialty Areas

For those seeking tranquillity on the high seas, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a unique experience. The cruise line provides specialised areas specifically designed for adult relaxation. One of the standout features is the Vibe Beach Club. This exclusive club offers an atmosphere of serenity combined with luxury. Here, the calm ocean breeze and the soothing sound of the waves create a peaceful sanctuary.

The Vibe Beach Club is just one of the many adult-only facilities onboard the Norwegian Cruise Line. Apart from this, there’s also the Posh Beach Club, a haven of peace and luxury. Here, the focus is on providing a high-end experience for adults, with amenities such as cabana rentals and private pool areas that offer a quiet escape from the bustling ship activities.

Another adult-only area is Spice H20. Located on the ship’s upper decks, this lounge area is a kids-free zone during the day. It boasts hot tubs, loungers, and a serene waterfall, offering a perfect place for relaxation.

However, the ship caters not just to adults but also to onshore excursions. These trips are designed with adults in mind, providing a balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Cruise Options With Celebrity Cruises

As an adult traveller, you may seek a cruise experience that offers solace and sophistication. Celebrity Cruises, one of the luxury cruise lines, offers a variety of amenities geared toward adults. This intimate ship is designed for relaxation and refinement, providing a quiet space for passengers to unwind.

Their dining options range from 24-hour gourmet dining to a spa cafe and juice bar, catering for different tastes and dietary needs. While there are activities for children on board, the experience is shaped more towards adults seeking a tranquil sea escape. The cruise destinations are varied, allowing you to choose a journey that best fits your interests and desires.

Final Thoughts on Adults-Only Cruises

While Carnival Cruise Line isn’t exclusively an adults-only cruise line, it does offer the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, which provides a peaceful oasis for adults aboard a lively, family-friendly ship. This balance allows for a unique experience where adults can enjoy tranquillity and relaxation without missing out on the broader array of amenities and activities that a large cruise ship offers.

For those specifically seeking an adult-only cruising experience, the industry offers a diverse range of options. From Viking Ocean Cruises’ immersive cultural experiences to Virgin Voyages’ modern, hip atmosphere and Saga Cruises’ tailored services for those aged 50 and above, there is a cruise line to suit every adult’s preferences. P&O Cruises and Marella Cruises also provide unique adult-only experiences, each with its distinctive flair.