The 6 best Royal Caribbean ships for adults

Table Of Content

• Best Adults-only Cruises, According to Travel Experts
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises Offer the Most Base Fare Inclusions
• The Best Cruise Lines For Adults & Couples
• Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Cruises: Viking, Virgin Voyages and Saga

Yet it's got much to offer adults looking to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Book a relaxing treatment, such as a couples massage or solo facial, in the serene oasis of the Vitality Spa. Or take a dip in the Solarium, the adults-only retreat with loungers, pools and panoramic ocean views.

Best Adults-only Cruises, According to Travel Experts

For instance, on many Royal Caribbean ships there is a Solarium area that is a covered pool designed only for adults. That’s appealing to some, but if you want something that’s more open air, then you might like Carnival’s Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. This is open-air (allowing you to get some sun) with hot tubs and private seating. Only a handful of cruise lines ban children from their ships and promise cruises for grown-ups — perhaps the most notable being cruise newcomer Virgin Voyages and fast-growing Viking.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Offer the Most Base Fare Inclusions

However, the hook for North Americans is that every ocean departure leaves from the UK. In a conscious effort to cater to the “thinking person,” Viking is free of casinos and eye-catching amusements, instead focusing on guests’ enrichment and relaxation. This is especially apparent around each one of Viking’s ocean or expedition ships, outfitted with remarkable libraries as well as planetariums and research facilities, respectively. Touches from years of river cruising, including a free tour option in each port, beer and wine served at meals and a 24/7 coffee and tea station, have migrated over to all ships across the brand. Unique to its ocean and expedition ships is the stylish Nordic Spa, a complimentary thermal suite employing hot and cold rooms and a gorgeous thalassotherapy pool. Unchanged across any ship is the Norwegian cruise company’s heritage, infused into every aspect from its interior design to its spa treatments and selection of aquavit.

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The Best Cruise Lines For Adults & Couples

It's got activities for all ages and interests, with themed areas of the ships – called neighborhoods – dedicated to different pursuits, such as entertainment or swimming and sports. Adults can have thrilling experiences during the day, find their zen before heading off to dinner and enjoy entertainment late into the night, all by moving between a few decks. All of the vessels in Scenic’s river fleet — which carry no more than 200 guests — offer top-of-the-line, all-suite accommodations, plus private butler service. In addition to fine dining and alcoholic beverages, fares include excursions, e-bikes, onboard Wi-Fi, transfers, and, in some cases, return flights. Port charges, tips and gratuities, and taxes are also included, so you don't need to worry about hidden fees.

Oceania Cruises

Like Navigator of the Seas, The Bamboo Room bar is located on the ship’s Royal Promenade, and is a fantastic getaway for adults onboard. In addition, the updated specialty restaurants make planning a date night easy, whether you’re in the mood for hibachi or homemade pasta. Although Navigator of the Seas is over twenty years old, she underwent a $115 million amplification in 2019 that significantly revitalized the cruise ship. One of the most significant changes was a revamp of the pool deck, which added Caribbean-style decor and venues.

This is a “resort within a resort” that is its own private spot with upgraded rooms, private restaurant, it’s own lounge and sun deck. And while there are places to get married on pretty much any cruise ship, Princess also has anniversary, engagement and honeymoon packages (complete with couples spa services and champagne) available. That said, the type of trip you take, the time of year, and the cruise line you sail can have a big influence on who you cruise with.

The breadth of Viking’s destinations and cruise styles is nearly unmatched, but its decision to accommodate a kid-free atmosphere positively sets it apart. This makes for a quieter, more tranquil atmosphere onboard while still offering world-class entertainment and a wide selection of dining and bars. Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, will debut in 2024 as the biggest cruise ship in the world. Although Icon of the Seas puts a heavy focus on family-friendly activities, the sheer amount of features onboard easily puts the ship as a top choice for adults. Viking Cruises is a river and ocean cruise line that recently added expedition sailings and the Great Lakes trips to its repertoire. "T+L readers rave about the consistency of Viking's vessels and their Scandinavian design," cruise expert Fran Golden reported when Viking once again topped T+L's World's Best Awards last year.

Best Cruise Line for Older Couples

Adults-only cruising is the standard for Viking River cruises, which, as mentioned above, requires all passengers to be 18 and older. The minimum age to sail on some river cruise lines Emerald Waterways, Grand Circle Cruise Line and Scenic) is 12 to 13. Most other lines adhere to rules similar to those of AmaWaterways, which bans children under age 4 and discourages kids younger than 8. In this section, we will uncover the many compelling reasons why choosing an adults-only cruise can be a game-changer for your vacation experience.

Cruises with Adult Amenities

Think of this cocktail as an adult version of a Capri Sun—you can order it to go and sip the drink as you explore the ship. When it's time to eat, head to Giovanni's Table, where Italian dishes are prepared and served like they are at your nonna's house. The kids might turn up their noses, but grownups will love the signature dishes, such as the grilled octopus appetizer and the housemade linguine with clams entree.

Kids aren’t welcome on Emerald, and this makes sense, because there’s likely nothing about this luxurious cruise that they’d enjoy. There are no water slides, no kids club and no video game consoles, just rich history, fascinating local culture and fine food and wine on board and to explore on land through curated—and complimentary—shore excursions led by passionate locals. If you love nature and photography, an adult-only cruise to Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions is the perfect once-in-a-lifetime, child-free vacation at sea. Aurora Expeditions allow photographers and videographers of any skill level to learn through lectures and presentations, expert tips and tricks, and hands-on guidance on board the ships.

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Viking Ocean Cruises prohibits anyone under 18 from setting foot on board, which means passengers can enjoy a laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere without kids. The beloved cruise line’s (nearly) identical ships — which carry a maximum of 930 passengers — offer sleek common areas, including natural light-filled lounges, elegant eateries, expansive terraces, and enchanting libraries. A veranda with every stateroom and serene Scandinavian-inspired decor elevate the experience, as does the onboard spa, which offers both saunas and artificial snow grottos.

For an adult-focused cruise to Alaska, try Quantum's weeklong voyages to the Last Frontier from May through September. The ship sails to such exciting ports of call as Skagway, Sitka and Ketchikan and offers scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm and by Dawes Glacier. Royal Caribbean is well-known in the cruising industry, as there is something for everyone onboard their cruise ships. Since its start in 1969, Royal Caribbean has grown its cruise line to 24 ships that travel to more than 800 destinations.

While the cruise line allows kids onboard, grown-ups seeking solitude can head straight to the adults-only Solarium, a tranquil pool area ideal for relaxation. Meanwhile, gourmet restaurants such as Le Voyage and Luminae (both helmed by renowned chef Daniel Boulud) make the perfect date night spot. Conclude your evening with a nightcap at one of many bars and lounges, including the Sky Observation Lounge (which offers incredible live music) and the Martini Bar & Crush (which boasts an ice-covered bar counter to keep your cocktails cool). Carnival is popular for its various departure ports; you can embark from Galveston, Texas, to set sail to the Caribbean or enjoy the Mediterranean seas from Barcelona, Spain. The cruise line’s onboard amenities are also hard to beat, with fine dining options, live performances, pools and even the first roller coaster at sea. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers the most inclusions of any luxury line in its base fares.

The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Table Of Content

• Silversea’s Vancouver to Seward
• The best Alaskan cruise line for every type of traveler recapped
• Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska
• Cruises
• Best for multigenerational travel: Discovery Princess

If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures. Some lines also offer Alaska cruisetours that venture into Canada's Yukon, including a few Holland America tours that combine half a cruise with a cruisetour that starts or ends in Skagway. You'll have four sea days (for example, two days from San Francisco to Juneau) plus a day of scenic cruising at a spot like Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Endicott Arm, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go. If you book a Gulf of Alaska voyage, you'll also enjoy exploring parts of the Inside Passage and its ports that could include a mix of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point. Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore.

Silversea’s Vancouver to Seward

If glaciers, wildlife and picturesque coastline have long been on your bucket list, consider booking a cruise to Alaska. The northernmost American state offers an activity for everyone's interest and level of adventure. You can take a thrilling helicopter flight to explore a glacier on foot or observe miles of Alaska’s lush scenery and spy whales from a comfortable seat on a boat. Oceania Cruises is one company that makes our list of best cruise lines for Alaska in the midsized ship category.

The best Alaskan cruise line for every type of traveler recapped

Starting in 2024, Uncruise Adventures will be offering a winter cruise, where winter sports and northern lights viewings are all part of the package! Running February through March, this is a great option for travelers looking to experience Alaska during the winter months. Cruises are typically offered in three-night, seven-night, and even up to 28-night cruises. On average, a seven-night cruise ranges from $500 to $5,000, depending on the cruise line and state room of your choice. The price typically includes all on-board expenses such as food, room, and on-ship activities.

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Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska

We suspect the lower starting prices for Holland America ships as compared to Carnival ships on Alaska sailings out of Seattle is because Alaska cruises from Seattle are round-trip voyages. Many Holland America fans who cruise to Alaska choose a one-way voyage to or from the state that lets them add extra days for touring in Alaska at the start or end of the voyage. Such one-way voyages only are available out of Vancouver, British Columbia. Because of the shorter season, your ship will likely be close to capacity and several ships may overlap in ports.

Best for families: Disney Wonder

The good news is there are so many options for travelers that you should be able to find a great trip that fits your budget. As you'll see below, an Alaskan cruise can cost under $500 per person for some week long trips. Don't forget to check out our Alaska cruise deals page to save even more on your next sailing.

Also, certain sections of the access road to Denali National Park may close in September due to snow, so check your itinerary if that's your preferred Northern Lights viewing spot. There are numerous factors you need to consider for a cruise to Alaska, including the best time of year, costs, itineraries, which line to choose and which destinations matter most to you. Oceania cruises introduce Alaska to guests by offering local experiences in partnership with native tribes for a more meaningful connection to the area beyond sightseeing. If you envision sipping Champagne as you watch a glacier thunderously calve into the sea, consider booking an all-inclusive luxury cruise on a Seabourn ship. Big ships can only offer deckside viewing of the marvels of Glacier Bay, but UnCruise Adventures sends its ships to the rarely visited outback. In Fern Harbor, Dundas Bay or No Name Cove, passengers can get up close to the natural wonders with birding expeditions, paddleboarding, beach walks, and more hiking and kayaking.

Cruises

The ship's captain has the flexibility to seek out the best remote islands and bays for beachcombing, tide pooling, hiking and kayaking adventures. If you're looking to get away from the mega-cruise-ship crowds, the best Alaska cruise for you might be with Lindblad Expeditions. The 100-passenger National Geographic Quest (and its twin, National Geographic Venture) frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in Alaska on weeklong itineraries between Juneau and Sitka. It's the sort of itinerary that specifically appeals to retirees with the time (and money) to book such a long trip.

Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. The fun continues the minute cruisers disembark in each port, with excursions ranging from dogsledding to private helicopter tours.

If you're happy with a couple of historic tours and a guided hike, you could likely budget $500 or less per person for shore excursions in Alaska. But if once-in-a-lifetime Alaska experiences like helicopter rides and flightseeing in Ketchikan are more your speed, you'll need to triple that amount -- or more. As part of the American Queen Voyages expedition experience, the line has partnered with Dr. Michelle Fournet, an acclaimed acoustic ecologist and leading expert in the communication of North Pacific humpback whales. As such, hydrophones are used onboard Zodiacs to listen to the voices of Alaska’s whales in real-time. Guests will also learn about and participate in whale tracking through fluke identification by uploading their own photos from the vessel to a scientific database following their seasonal movements.

One day might involve kayaking in Patterson Bay followed by a brisk snorkeling session. Another could see guests hiking to a glacial lake or going for a skiff tour among icebergs. And another could involve biking in an area known for its healthy population of brown bears (if you dare). What’s particularly convenient about this sailing is that it ends in Seward, making it easy to continue your Alaska vacation (a visit to Denali National Park and Preserve, anyone?) by road or rail. With Lindblad Expeditions, passengers will get up close and personal with nature. Mary Curry is another T+L A-List advisor who specializes in small-ship cruises to Polar regions and the Galapagos.

You’ll find three main dining rooms, plus a pizzeria, gastropub, Italian restaurant, chop house, and Mediterranean bistro. Or, kick things up a notch with a Chef’s Table Lumiere experience of multiple courses with wine pairings. Spend your time listening to live music in the Crooners Bar, exploring cocktails from around the world at Good Spirits, and relaxing at the jazz club. Be sure to check out SeaWalk, a walkway that cantilevers off the side of the ship and has a glass bottom so guests can see below and above.

Regardless of which ship you choose, Royal Caribbean’s Alaska expeditions promise “warm impressions of the wilderness,” meaning shore excursions and glacier viewings that prioritize comfort. Royal Caribbean also puts an emphasis on hearty, locally sourced food like wild-caught salmon, satisfying sourdough, and fresh-picked Alaska berries galore. Princess also boasts exclusive service on Alaska railways and five Princess Wilderness Lodges that put cruisetour travelers close to Alaska’s national parks in Kenai, Denali, Fairbanks, and the Copper River Valley.

Life onboard is made easy, too, with the cruise line’s revolutionary Medallion technology that not only keeps people traveling together connected, but makes buying gifts in ports a snap by charging purchases back to your cabin. The cruise line’s Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary offers two glacier viewing experiences, as well as a voyage across the Gulf of Alaska to see Prince William Sound, known for its abundance of marine and coastal life. Guests can extend their Alaska cruise with three- to 10-day day pre- and post-cruise tours.

Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. Impact on your credit may vary, as credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations. • Book with your card to get automatic travel insurance coverage for your cruise. • Book with your card to get automatic travel protections for your cruise. Norwegian also makes some cabins available for solo occupancy on select cruises if a single studio is unavailable. Whether hiking a glacier, kayaking through the water, dog sledding, panning for gold or taking a panoramic helicopter ride, there is plenty to do.

The majority of cruise ships cruising to or throughout Alaska depart from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, Canada; Whittier, Alaska; or Seward, Alaska. Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters onboard Disney cruises or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival.

Our Alaska cruise departure ports have big personalities and loads of attractions. An elegant and spacious Alaska cruise ship with fresh floral arrangements and garden-inspired décor. Choose from seven refreshingly uncrowded ships for a front-row seat to Alaska's splendor.