Going on a cruise can be a fantastic romantic getaway for couples. With the right planning and research, you can find a cruise that offers the perfect atmosphere and amenities for both you and your partner. However, not all cruises marketed as “couples cruises” actually provide a romantic experience. To ensure you pick the right cruise and make the most of your vacation, there are some key things you need to know when planning a cruise as a couple.
Some cruise lines provide a much better experience for couples than others. Additionally, some will be better suited to your needs and preferences than others. The best cruise ships have done a lot of research to provide the best experience for everyone aboard. They tailor their experiences and marketing using tools like a customer journey map to ensure they provide the right experiences to the right couples.
When choosing a cruise line, you should pick one that has been in business for some time. These lines are much more likely to have streamlined everything using past experiences and have professional crews who can make the experience much better because they can afford them.
Remember that your budget will play a significant role in what cruise lines you choose. Each line has different prices depending on several factors, including facilities, dining, provided experiences, length, and destinations.
The Best Cruise Line Destinations for Couples
One of the things that make some cruise lines more attractive and better suited for some couples than others is the destinations they visit. You can choose from lines that visit tropical or Caribbean destinations, some that take you on a frozen adventure to Alaska and some that visit European destinations.
Here are some romantic options to consider:
Mediterranean cruises – These are best suited to couples who love and enjoy European cultures and landscapes. These cruises allow couples to experience several national landmarks in the Mediterranean and some of the most popular port cities in the region. These cruises are also an excellent option for couples who love visiting different cities.
Alaskan cruises – While these cruises may not be your first choice, they can surprise you. They can take you to the most beautiful places on earth, allowing you to enjoy spectacular views of the region and see animals you cannot see anywhere else. These are great for couples who do not mind the cold or don’t mind giving up the beaches for a unique experience.
Caribbean cruises – These are very popular, with many affordable and smaller cruise ships running these lines. They are great for couples who love duty-free souvenirs, sandy beaches, and lots of sun.
Remember that cruise ships sail all over the world and there are many more options if you want to explore those; these are just some of the most popular options.
What Activities Are Available?
Going on a Cruise as a Couple: What You Need to Know 4
Cruise ships arrange many activities for couples to enjoy. Many of them are romantic but they are all fun and provide unforgettable experiences for all couples on board. One of the most popular things to do on a cruise ship is walking the promenade deck. Walking around it while enjoying the sights and sounds can be romantic and fun, but you should also take the opportunity to talk with other guests.
Another thing you can do is arrange romantic dates on the cruise ship or the destinations you visit. There are endless date ideas to pick from, but these will depend on where the cruise docks and the cities it visits. As you make arrangements, ensure your partner is happy with your choices so they do not get bored.
Couples also tend to watch the sunrise or sunset together on romantic cruise sips. While no one expects you to wake up at dawn every day, you should arrange to see at least one or two sunrises and sunsets. Sunsets on the ocean are always better than on land, so ensure you experience them at least once on a cruise.
Enhancing the Experience
One way to ensure an even better experience is to set time to spend together as well as alone. It might seem counterintuitive to go on a cruise and spend some time apart. However, the cramped quarters can make things awkward and annoying, especially for new couples. This arrangement also works well for couples with different interests because they can enjoy activities separately and meet up at the end of the day.
Romantic cruises are an excellent idea for new couples and those who have been together for some time. They allow you to leave the world behind and spend time together, seeing the world and experiencing new things. It may take some planning and budgeting to book the right cruise, but the effort will be well worth it once you are on your way.
Royal Caribbean’s The Key is a paid add-on, usually from around $30 to $40 per person per day, that gives any cabin priority boarding, a welcome lunch, reserved show seating and one-device VOOM Wi-Fi. Royal Caribbean suite perks go much further, especially in Sky and Star Class, with Coastal Kitchen, a suite lounge, concierge help and, at the top level, a Royal Genie, drinks and gratuities included. If you’re in a balcony or junior suite, The Key can be good value. If you’ve booked a Grand Suite or higher, you don’t need it.
The rest of this guide compares The Key with suites perk by perk. It covers what each one costs at the time of writing and the in-between cases people tend to get wrong, such as junior suites on Oasis, Quantum and Icon Class ships, and the newer paid Royal Genie package.
What The Key Includes in 2026
The Key is Royal Caribbean’s “VIP for a day or two” package. You buy it before you sail through the Cruise Planner in My Royal Cruise. It is not sold on board. It’s priced per person, per day, and every guest aged 6 and over in the cabin has to buy it for anyone in the cabin to get the benefits. According to Royal Caribbean’s official FAQ, The Key currently includes:
Priority terminal access at a dedicated Key arrival time
Carry-on drop-off with delivery to your stateroom (two bags per guest, up to 25 lb each)
An exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room on embarkation day
20% off dining offers booked on Day 1
50% off select onboard sports activities, such as private FlowRider sessions (this varies by ship)
$60 off a spa service when you spend $250 or more
Fast lane access at onboard activities
Priority departure at tender ports
Dedicated seating at shows in the Main Theater, AquaTheater, Studio B and Two70 (reservations are still needed on Oasis and Quantum Class)
One-device VOOM high-speed internet package per guest
A private à la carte breakfast and your choice of departure time on the last morning
The package has changed a lot over the years. In March 2025 the free private FlowRider time was replaced with a sports discount, which was raised from 25% to 50% in August 2025, when the spa discount was also added. Check the current list in your Cruise Planner before you buy.
How much does The Key cost?
Pricing is dynamic. Recent reports put it at roughly $25 to $40 or more per person per day, depending on ship, itinerary and date, and it often goes on sale in the Cruise Planner. For two adults on a 7-night Oasis Class cruise, that works out to roughly $350 to $560 in total. The included Wi-Fi alone is often priced at around $18 or more per day if bought separately, so if you would pay for internet anyway, the real cost of the rest of The Key is much lower.
Royal Caribbean Suite Perks Explained: Royal Suite Class Tiers
On Oasis, Quantum and Icon Class ships, suites come under Royal Suite Class, which has three tiers. Perks rise steeply from one tier to the next, and that matters a great deal when you’re weighing up The Key.
Sea Class (junior suites)
Sea Class covers junior suites and, from May 2, 2026, Surfside Family Suites on Icon Class ships. Perks are fairly light: a dedicated check-in line, dinner at Coastal Kitchen (subject to availability and reservations), a bathrobe, upgraded toiletries, an espresso machine, a more comfortable mattress and double Crown & Anchor points per night. Sea Class has no suite lounge, no concierge, no included Wi-Fi and no reserved show seating.
Sky Class (Grand Suites and similar)
Sky Class includes Grand Suites, Owner’s Suites, Crown Loft and AquaTheater suites, and on some ships Sunset and Sky Junior Suites. Perks include flexible boarding times, priority departure, Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Suite Lounge with evening drinks and snacks, the Suite Sun Deck, concierge service, priority dining reservations and reserved seating at select shows. Wi-Fi is included for most Sky Class suites. The exception is Sky Junior Suites, which lost free Wi-Fi on Icon, Spectrum and Utopia from May 2026.
Star Class (the top suites)
Star Class is the full luxury tier, covering Royal Loft, Owner’s Loft, Ultimate Family and similar suites. It adds a personal Royal Genie, expedited boarding and departure, priority access to activities, the best reserved seats, included specialty dining, a Deluxe Beverage Package (or Refreshment Package for under-21s), a stocked minibar, gratuities, laundry and pressing, and premium bedding. It costs many thousands of dollars per person for a week. The top family suites can run into five figures per sailing.
Suites add space and lounge access that The Key cannot buy. Photo: Bingqian Li on Pexels
The Key vs Suite Perks: Side-by-Side Comparison
This table compares The Key with the three Royal Suite Class tiers on Oasis, Quantum and Icon Class ships. Benefits can vary by ship and sailing.
Perk
The Key
Sea Class
Sky Class
Star Class
Priority boarding
Yes (Key arrival time)
Dedicated check-in line
Flexible arrival, priority
Expedited
Carry-on delivery to cabin
Yes
No
Varies
Varies
Embarkation lunch
Private MDR lunch
No
Coastal Kitchen
Coastal Kitchen
Coastal Kitchen
No
Dinner only
All meals
All meals
Suite Lounge and concierge
No
No
Yes
Yes
Reserved show seating
Yes
No
Select venues
Best seats
Wi-Fi
One device per guest
No
Usually included
Included
Drinks package
No
No
Lounge evening drinks only
Deluxe Beverage Package
Specialty dining
20% off (Day 1)
No
Priority reservations
Included
Gratuities
No
No
No
Included
Royal Genie
No
No
No
Yes
Disembarkation breakfast
Private, choice of departure
No
Coastal Kitchen, priority exit
Coastal Kitchen, priority exit
Typical extra cost
From around $30 to $40 pp per day
Junior suite premium
Often thousands more per cabin
Highest fares on the ship
The pattern is clear. The Key copies the “front of the line” perks of a suite: boarding, lunch, show seating and a smooth last morning. It doesn’t give you space, a lounge, a private restaurant or included drinks.
Suites on Older Royal Caribbean Ships
Royal Suite Class only exists on the Oasis, Quantum and Icon classes. On Freedom, Voyager, Radiance and Vision Class ships, suite perks are simpler. If you’re not sure which group your ship belongs to, our guide to Royal Caribbean ship classes sets them all out.
Junior Suites get priority boarding, a bathrobe, better toiletries, an espresso machine and double Crown & Anchor points, and little else.
Grand Suites and above add Concierge Lounge access with evening drinks, concierge help, priority departure and tendering, priority dining and shore excursion booking, a reserved theater section and a departure breakfast.
That means a Junior Suite on a Voyager or Radiance Class ship has almost none of The Key’s benefits, so buying The Key on top can make sense.
The Royal Genie Package: A New Middle Option
In 2026 Royal Caribbean began offering a paid Royal Genie package for guests outside suites on Freedom, Radiance, Voyager and Vision Class ships. On Oasis, Quantum and Icon Class, the Genie stays a Star Class perk. Early reported pricing is about $300 per adult per day and about $200 per child, and everyone aged 6 and over in the cabin must buy it.
The package includes a dedicated Genie from up to two weeks before you sail, included specialty dining, the Deluxe Beverage Package, VOOM Wi-Fi and priority access to dining, activities and reserved show seating. It costs far more than The Key. For guests who would buy a drinks package, a dining package and Wi-Fi anyway, it can come closer to Star Class service than any suite on those older ships.
Choosing between The Key and a suite depends on how you spend your days. Photo: Jan van der Wolf on Pexels
Is The Key Worth It, or Should You Book a Suite?
Choosing between The Key and a suite comes down to what you actually want from your cruise. Here’s a simple way to decide.
You’ve booked Sky or Star Class, or a Grand Suite or higher. Skip The Key. You already get priority boarding, a better lunch spot, show seating and usually Wi-Fi.
You’ve booked Sea Class or a junior suite. The Key is worth pricing. It adds reserved show seating, Wi-Fi, carry-on delivery and the private lunch and breakfast, none of which junior suites include. Many cruisers find this combination good value.
You’re in an inside, oceanview or balcony cabin and want a smoother start and finish. The Key is the cheapest way to skip lines on the busiest days. It’s best on short cruises and on mega-ships, where embarkation crowds are biggest.
You want space, quiet places to retreat to and included extras. Price a Sky Class suite. The Key can’t recreate a lounge, a sun deck or Coastal Kitchen.
You’d pay for Wi-Fi anyway. Take its cost off the Key price. What’s left is often small enough to make The Key easy to justify.
One point that’s easy to miss: The Key’s best perks are front-loaded on the first and last days. On a 3- or 4-night cruise those days are a big share of the trip. On a 10-night cruise you pay for every day but get most of the benefit on two of them. Suite perks, by contrast, work for you every day you’re on board.
Ship choice matters too. On the biggest ships, such as those compared in our Icon Class vs Oasis Class guide, crowds at boarding and at popular shows make The Key more useful. Keep an eye on fare sales as well. Suites and The Key are both discounted regularly, and our roundup of cruise deals for 2027 explains when the best offers usually appear.
Sailing with Celebrity instead? Our guide to Celebrity Retreat benefits compares what each suite level includes.
Sky Class, Star Class and Grand Suite (or higher) guests don’t need it, because their perks already cover priority boarding, show seating and more. Junior suite and Sea Class guests may still benefit, because their suites don’t include Wi-Fi, reserved show seating or the private embarkation lunch.
How much is The Key on Royal Caribbean?
At the time of writing it’s typically from around $25 to $40 per person per day, depending on ship and sailing. Every guest aged 6 and over in the cabin must buy it. Prices change often, and Cruise Planner sales are common.
What are the levels of Royal Caribbean suites?
On Oasis, Quantum and Icon Class ships, Royal Suite Class has three tiers: Sea Class (mostly junior suites), Sky Class (Grand Suites and similar) and Star Class (lofts and the largest suites, with a Royal Genie). Other ships split suites more simply into junior suites and Grand Suites or higher.
What are the benefits of a Royal Caribbean Sky Class suite?
Sky Class includes flexible boarding, priority departure, Coastal Kitchen for all meals, the Suite Lounge with evening drinks, the Suite Sun Deck, concierge service, reserved seating at select shows and, for most Sky suites, complimentary Wi-Fi.
Can you buy The Key on board?
No. Royal Caribbean says The Key must be bought before your cruise through the Cruise Planner in My Royal Cruise, and it isn’t sold on board.
Carnival Corporation has been highlighted on Forbes’ esteemed “America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2024” list, a significant achievement that reflects the company’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
As of April 25, 2024, this leader in the global cruise industry is recognised not only for its position among the top 100 companies but also as a front-runner in the travel and leisure category.
Operating a fleet of 87 ships across nine cruise brands, such as Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, Carnival employs over 160,000 individuals globally. This positions it as a major entity in the cruise sector, offering various roles both onboard and on land.
The diversity ranking by Forbes, developed in partnership with Statista, is based on a comprehensive evaluation process. The list is created from the feedback of more than 170,000 U.S.-based employees from large companies.
The employees share their experiences at work, highlighting essential factors like age, gender, ethnicity, and more. Carnival’s top position in diversity mirrors its progressive initiatives and policies.
A key advantage for Carnival Corporation is its international workforce, featuring employees from over 100 countries. This diverse array of cultures and backgrounds creates a dynamic and creative work atmosphere where varied perspectives are crucial and celebrated, contributing significantly to the company’s achievements.
“We are a better company when the diversity of race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, culture, beliefs, and other backgrounds are celebrated.”
Bettina Deynes, the Global Chief Human Resources Officer. She further highlights the company’s target to become the top employer in the travel and leisure industry by cultivating a supportive and inclusive work culture.
This inclusion on Forbes’ list represents just one of many accolades for Carnival Corporation. The company has also been recognised in Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023, standing as the only cruise company to earn a top five-star rating.
Its consistent acknowledgement on Forbes’ lists of the World’s Best Employers and Best Employers for Diversity reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive work environment.
Also, Carnival Corporation has the highest score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index, marking it as the Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality for the sixth year running.
These consistent recognitions reflect Carnival Corporation’s ongoing commitment to diversity, which remains a cornerstone of its corporate ethos, paving the way for a more inclusive industry.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
A swingers cruise is an adults-only lifestyle voyage where a specialist company charters a whole ship (or hosts a large group on one) for open-minded couples. The three best-known operators for 2026-27 are Bliss Cruise, Desire Cruises and Temptation Cruises, with fares running from roughly $185 per person per night to well over $1,000 a night in a suite. Taking part in anything beyond the parties is optional, and consent rules are strict.
This guide covers which swinger cruises are actually sailing in late 2026 and 2027, how a full-ship charter works, what you will pay, what the theme nights and dress codes are like, and how these trips compare with ordinary adults-only lines such as Virgin Voyages. It is a practical travel guide, so the focus is on logistics, not on what happens behind cabin doors.
Swingers cruises at a glance (2026-2027)
Schedules below come from each operator’s own sailing pages and agency listings checked in October 2026. Sold-out sailings sometimes reopen through waitlists, and ships are not always named until close to departure.
Operator
Who it’s for
Upcoming sailings
Typical ships
Guide price
Bliss Cruise
Couples only (M/F couples are the core market)
Nov 2026 Miami to Aruba and Curacao (sold out); Feb 2027 Tampa to Cozumel (sold out); Apr 2027 Fort Lauderdale to Cabo Rojo and Grand Turk; Nov 2027 Miami to St. Maarten and St. Kitts; Feb and Apr 2028 on sale
Large mainstream ships, e.g. Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas (Nov 2026) and Celebrity Summit (Apr 2028)
Inside cabins from about $1,785 per person for 7 nights, plus taxes
Desire Cruises
Couples only, upscale
Nov 2026 Thailand; Feb 2027 San Juan round trip (Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten, St. Thomas); Sep 2027 Lisbon to Morocco (waitlist); 2028 Hong Kong to Singapore and Rome to Trieste
Smaller premium ships, e.g. Oceania Allura (Feb 2027)
Veranda cabins from about $4,250 per person for 7 nights
Temptation Cruises
Adults 21+, couples and friends
Oct 16-21, 2027 Miami to Montego Bay and Grand Cayman; Nov 2028 Miami to Great Stirrup Cay and Puerto Plata
Norwegian Cruise Line Jewel-class ships (the FAQ references Jewel and Pearl)
From $185 per person per night with an open bar
Group cruises (agency hosted)
Lifestyle couples and singles sailing among regular guests
Many dates, often on Virgin Voyages
Regular sailings
Normal cruise fares
The main swinger cruise companies
Bliss Cruise: the biggest name
Bliss Cruise, founded in 2014, is the largest US operator and the one most people mean when they search for a swingers cruise. It runs couples-only, full-ship takeovers of big-name ships, mostly from Florida and New Orleans into the Caribbean and Mexico. Its November 2026 “Wonderland” sailing is on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas from Miami, calling at Aruba and Curacao, and the February 2027 “Fiesta” trip from Tampa is already sold out. Seats remain on the April 2027 “Celestial” sailing and the November 2027 “Saints and Sinners” cruise.
Because Bliss charters mega-ships, you get the full mainstream line experience (Broadway-style theatres, multiple pools, the usual restaurants) layered with Bliss’s own programme of workshops, meet-and-greets and nightly theme parties. Bliss is aimed at male-female couples; singles can only come as part of a couple’s booking, and the company says that is a very small share of guests.
Desire Cruises: smaller, more upscale
Desire Cruises, part of the same group as Temptation, positions itself at the luxury end. It charters smaller premium ships and sails further afield than the Caribbean, with Asia and Mediterranean itineraries alongside winter Caribbean trips. The February 12-19, 2027 West Indies sailing is a private charter of Oceania Allura from San Juan, calling at Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten and St. Thomas. Expect a quieter, more food-focused atmosphere than on a 5,000-passenger ship, and prices to match.
Temptation Cruises: the open-bar party option
Temptation Cruises grew out of the adults-only Temptation resort in Cancun and keeps that playful, social style: pool parties, international DJs, theme nights, workshops and designated au naturel and top-optional decks. Its next sailing is a five-night trip from Miami on October 16-21, 2027 to Montego Bay and Grand Cayman, priced from $185 per person per night with an unlimited open bar and prepaid gratuities included. Guests must be 21 or over, and unlike Bliss and Desire it welcomes friends travelling together, though a couples’ lounge is reserved for couples.
Other options
Beyond these three, lifestyle travel agencies run “group” or “community” cruises where a few hundred like-minded travellers book the same regular sailing and meet at private events on board. Virgin Voyages is the most popular choice for these because of its adults-only policy. Kink-focused and clothing-optional charters also exist, but they are niche and sail infrequently, so check the operator’s history before paying a deposit.
Sail-away and sunset gatherings are a big part of most lifestyle charters. Photo: Zeynep Sude Emek on Pexels
How a full-ship charter works
On a true charter, the lifestyle company buys every cabin on a specific sailing from the cruise line, then resells them under its own brand and rules. The ship, crew, food and safety standards are exactly the same as on a normal sailing. What changes is the guest list and the entertainment programme.
You book with the charter company, not the cruise line. Bookings go through the operator or an approved lifestyle travel agent. With Bliss, the cruise line’s own reservation number only arrives about 125 days before sailing.
Deposits and staged payments. Expect $500 to $800 per cabin for standard rooms and $1,600 to $7,500 for suites, with final payment due several months before departure, earlier than a typical cruise booking.
Strict cancellation terms. Charters sell out and cannot easily resell your cabin, so penalties start early. Travel insurance is worth considering.
Clothing-optional rules apply only at sea. Upper decks may become clothing-optional once the ship leaves port, but normal dress applies in port and in restaurants.
The crew remain professional. Staff stay clothed and are not part of the entertainment.
How much does a swingers cruise cost?
Prices are per person, based on two sharing, and vary hugely by ship and cabin. Recent published rates give a good sense of the range:
Bliss on Wonder of the Seas (7 nights, Nov 2026): inside cabins from about $1,785, balconies from about $2,420 and suites from about $4,810 per person, plus roughly $425 per person in taxes and fees. Gratuities are prepaid; drinks are extra.
Desire on Oceania Allura (7 nights, Feb 2027): veranda staterooms from about $4,250 per person and penthouse suites from about $6,855, plus around $400-450 in port charges. Gratuities are included; specialty restaurants and excursions are extra.
Temptation (5 nights, Oct 2027): from $185 per person per night, which works out at around $925 per person before cabin upgrades, with an unlimited open bar and gratuities included.
As a rule of thumb, a charter costs noticeably more than the same ship on a normal week, because you are paying for the private programme and the exclusive guest list. There are rarely last-minute bargains because popular sailings sell out a year or more ahead. Early-bird sales are the main way to save; our guide to when to book cruise deals in 2027 explains how booking windows work on regular sailings if you are comparing options.
Themed dress-up nights are a signature of lifestyle cruises. Photo: Polina ⠀ on Pexels
Theme nights, dress codes and daily life on board
Most of a swinger cruise looks like any other Caribbean holiday: sunbathing, port days, dinners and dancing. The difference is the evening programme. Each night usually has a dress theme, and common examples include white night, lingerie or “leather and lace” night, glow or neon parties, toga night and masquerade or fantasy nights. Costumes are entirely optional, and many guests simply dress up for the party and change for dinner.
Dining rooms keep normal cruise standards. Bliss and Temptation both specify resort or smart casual at dinner, with no swimwear, tank tops or T-shirts in restaurants and shorts only in the buffet. Bliss also runs an optional formal night. Days are filled with pool parties, trivia, seminars and relationship workshops, and some sailings offer clothing-optional shore excursions arranged by the operator.
Pack more outfits than you would for a normal cruise, since a seven-night sailing can have six different themes, and check the operator’s app or “know before you go” pack for the exact list a few weeks before sailing.
Swinger cruise etiquette and consent rules
Lifestyle operators enforce clear house rules, and breaking them can get you removed from events or put off the ship at the next port. The core rules are consistent across companies:
No means no, the first time. A polite “thanks, but we’ll pass” ends the conversation, and nobody is expected to explain.
Ask before touching. Approach couples as a couple, and respect agreements partners have made with each other.
No photos or video in sensitive areas. Bliss and Temptation both ban cameras in clothing-optional areas, private event rooms, workshops and during theme nights. Elsewhere, never photograph other guests without permission.
Keep public areas discreet. Pools and lounges are social spaces, and anything more is confined to cabins and designated adult-only rooms.
Behave in port. Local laws and dress norms apply ashore, and some Caribbean countries are conservative, so dress as you would on any normal shore day.
One point often missed: participation is completely optional. Plenty of first-timers spend the week socialising, dancing and enjoying the theme nights without going any further, and experienced guests generally welcome that.
Who are swingers cruises right for?
A lifestyle charter suits couples who are already comfortable with the scene, as well as curious couples who want a structured, rules-based environment to find out whether it is for them. It also appeals to people who simply enjoy a very sociable, party-focused cruise with a confident, body-positive crowd.
It is not the right choice if one partner is unsure, if you want a quiet or culture-focused holiday, or if you would be uncomfortable around nudity on deck. Same-sex couples and single men will find most mainstream lifestyle charters built around male-female couples, so check the operator’s policy before booking.
Swingers cruises vs adults-only cruise lines
Adults-only does not mean lifestyle. Virgin Voyages, for example, is 18+ and has a reputation for being fun and a little flirtatious, but it is an ordinary cruise line with ordinary passengers and no swinger programme of its own. Lifestyle agencies do book group blocks on Virgin sailings, but those groups share the ship with everyone else and keep their events private.
If you want an adults-only atmosphere without the lifestyle element, look at lines and ships that ban children altogether. Our roundup of the best adults-only cruise lines compares the main options, and UK travellers can see adults-only cruises from the UK for sailings closer to home.
Lifestyle charter
Adults-only line (e.g. Virgin Voyages)
Guests
Only charter guests, mostly couples
Any adult, general public
Nudity
Designated clothing-optional decks at sea
Not permitted
Programme
Theme nights, workshops, private adult areas
Normal cruise entertainment
Booking
Through the charter company, a year or more ahead
Direct or any travel agent, any time
Price
Premium over a normal week
Standard fares and promotions
Tips for booking your first swinger cruise
Book early. The big Bliss sailings sell out many months ahead, and balconies and suites go first.
Use a specialist agent. Lifestyle travel agents often hold cabin blocks, run group meet-ups and charge no extra booking fee.
Read the house rules and cancellation terms before paying a deposit, since charter terms are stricter than cruise line terms.
Budget for extras. Drinks packages, specialty dining and excursions are usually not included on Bliss and Desire sailings.
Talk boundaries through as a couple before you sail, so the week is fun for both of you.
FAQs
Which is the best swingers cruise?
Bliss Cruise is the largest and most popular, with full-ship charters on big Caribbean ships. Desire Cruises suits couples wanting a smaller, more upscale ship, and Temptation Cruises is the best value thanks to its included open bar.
Are there swinger cruises in 2027?
Yes. Bliss sails in February, April and November 2027, Desire sails from San Juan in February and from Lisbon in September 2027, and Temptation sails from Miami in October 2027.
Can singles go on a swingers cruise?
It depends on the operator. Bliss and Desire are built around couples, and singles generally join only as part of a couple’s booking. Temptation lets friends book together, and agency group cruises on lines like Virgin Voyages are more open to singles.
Is Virgin Voyages a swingers cruise?
No. Virgin Voyages is an adults-only (18+) cruise line with regular passengers. Some lifestyle agencies run private group events on its sailings, but the line itself has no swinger programme.
Do you have to take part on a swinger cruise?
No. Participation is entirely optional, and many first-time guests simply enjoy the parties, theme nights and social atmosphere.
Carnival Cruise Line solidified its position as the leading cruise line in California on Wednesday as it christened its newest ship, Carnival Firenze, at its new home, the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.
Christend By Godfather Jonathan Bennett
Hollywood actor Jonathan Bennett served as the ship’s godfather, and he and Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy celebrated all things Italian with the help of a Broadway star, a Puccini aria, and even a Catholic priest making a running jump onto the stage to deliver a blessing.
Carnival Cruise Line’s NEW Carnival Firenze
The 5,000-guest Carnival Fun Italian Style ship is sailing year-round from the Port of Long Beach, building on the popularity of Carnival cruises by adding significant capacity and joining two Carnival ships currently sailing year-round — the 5,100-passenger Carnival Panorama and the nearly 4,000-passenger Carnival Radiance. Launching just ahead of the busy summer travel season, and amid continued growth of cruise vacations’ popularity, Carnival Firenze is part of a significant expansion that added five ships to the Carnival fleet in the past 18 months. By next year, Carnival will embark more than 750,000 guests from Long Beach on more than 200 sailings, an increase of 100,000 more guests compared to 2019.
“We carry more guests than any other cruise line from California, and now this ship is giving us the opportunity to offer more fun to more people sailing from Long Beach,” said Duffy. “The recipe combining this ship’s beautiful Italian theming with the familiarity of our friendly team’s hospitality is, in a word, perfecto!”
Bennett was made an honorary Italian during the fun-filled evening, which included a performance of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” by Carnival’s Playlist Productions cast, an Italian blessing by Father Charbel Grbavac of the Mary Star of the Sea Catholic church in nearby San Pedro, and was capped off by a show-stopping performance by Leslie Kritzer, Bennett’s co-star from the recent Broadway revival of “Spamalot.”
Carnival Fun Italian Style
Like sister Carnival Venezia, the ship features new concepts and experiences that put an Italian Style twist on Carnival staples for guests to enjoy. Carnival Firenze, however, is the first ship in the fleet to usher in new technology and harnesses artificial intelligence that creates guides for optimal, energy-saving routes on each sailing. The ship’s captain and officers will be the first to utilize this significant update to Carnival’s voyage efficiency system, ahead of a fleetwide rollout the cruise line expects to begin later this year. The ship is also the latest Carnival vessel to utilize shore power and joins Carnival Panorama and Carnival Radiance in connecting to the electric grid while docked in Long Beach instead of running its engines.
The 2020-built Carnival Firenze just finished a 49-day dry dock in Cadiz, Spain that integrated Carnival Fun Italian Style features into the ship’s beautiful design. Notable additions to the ship include the specialty restaurant Il Viaggio – Italian for “The Voyage;” it’s aptly named as its menu promises a journey across Italy through the country’s rich and diverse cuisine. Special programming, like Festa Italiana, a top-deck “street party,” enhances the Italian theming. The ship will sail a variety of itinerary lengths, with three- to seven-day Baja Mexico and Mexican Riviera cruises open for sale now through the spring of 2026.
The ship is setting sail on a seven-day cruise to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas on Thursday afternoon.
In a spectacular celebration at the Port of Barcelona, award-winning actress and performer Hannah Waddingham officially welcomed the newest and most innovative Princess Cruises ship – Sun Princess – serving as godmother during a star-studded naming ceremony.
Hannah Waddingham Officially Christens Sun Princess
Godmother Hannah Waddingham Officially Names Sun Princess!
The time-honored maritime tradition took place onboard Sun Princess in the all-new Princess Arena and Waddingham, alongside the ship’s Captain Craig Street, joyously pronounced, “I name this ship Sun Princess. May God bless her and all who sail on her.” She then released the celebratory bottle of Champagne to smash against the ship wishing good fortune to all of the ship’s guests and crew sailing to incredible destinations all over the world.
“Hannah is globally admired and adored for her immense talent and determination. Those qualities coupled with her family’s deep connection and love for the sea make her the perfect godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “We are honored that she has joined us for this pinnacle moment, and that she will remain a treasured part of the ship’s legacy forever.”
Known for her adored role as Rebecca Welton in “Ted Lasso,” Waddingham said being named Sun Princess godmother is a “pinch me” moment as she joins an esteemed group of women, including members of the Royal Family, who have also served as godmothers to Princess ships: Diana, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess, 1984); Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess 2013); Audrey Hepburn (Star Princess, 1989); Sophia Loren (Crown Princess, 1990); Martha Stewart (Crown Princess, 2006); among many notable celebrities and dignitaries.
Waddingham grew up boating and has fond memories of weekends in Dunkirk. In addition, her grandfather served in the Royal Navy during World War II.
“As much as theatre has always rippled through my bloodstream so too has a strong, historic familial connection with the Royal Navy and all things nautical,” said Waddingham. “I have of course seen over the years the iconic godmothers who have been asked to represent these magnificent ships and looked on in awe. It is therefore such a great privilege to have been asked to act as Godmother to the Sun Princess, first of her class. I can’t quite believe it.”
Actor and magician Michael Carbonaro served as master of ceremonies for the event, and joined by a host of celebrities and TV personalities including Tyra Banks, Romero Britto, Randy Fenoli, Jeff Corwin, Rob Floyd, along with celebrated chefs Dario Cecchini, Makoto Okuwa, and beloved original “Love Boat” cast members Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing), Ted Lange (Isaac) and Bernie Kopell (Doc).
In addition, Natasha Bedingfield was on hand to fittingly perform her smash hit “Pocket Full of Sunshine,” along with other award-winning hits including “Unwritten.”
What’s New, What’s Next
Princess to Add Ship-within-a-Ship Concept to Sun Princess, Star Princess
Sanctuary Collection Debuts in September
Prior to the Sun Princess naming ceremony, Princess President John Padgett shared a few details on what’s ahead for the world’s most iconic cruise brand. Notable news included introducing the exclusive, next-level Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess, as the ship prepares to debut this select, all-inclusive oasis in October 2024. Guests reserving in the Sanctuary Collection will enjoy exclusive access to the ship’s top-deck retreat area, along with many additional bespoke events and high-end amenities designed to enhance their voyage.
Star Princess to Sail Alaska Voyages in Summer 2026
Also announced, the next Sphere-Class ship, Star Princess, will sail her first full summer in 2026 in Alaska, making it the first of its class to ever sail to the Great Land. Star Princess is currently under construction and scheduled to debut in the Mediterranean in September 2025.
Princess Collaborates with Celebrities to Launch Love Line Premium Liquors
Princess also revealed its newest indulgence – the “Love Line Premium Liquors” collection. Crafted in collaboration with renowned celebrities Pitbull, Jason Aldean and Romero Britto, this exclusive line of wines and spirits promises an unparalleled experience for guests sailing aboard ships from the Love Boat. The new premium collection features meticulously selected wines and spirits, each bearing the unique touch of its celebrity partner including Voli Vodka by Pitbull, Love Prosecco by Britto, and Melorosa Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon from Jason Aldean. The Love Line collection is currently available aboard Sun Princess, and will roll out to all the ships in the Princess fleets throughout the summer.
Love by Britto Officially Debuts Aboard Sun Princess
During the day’s festivities, Love by Britto, an artistic-inspired dining experience from world-renowned artist Romero Britto, made its debut. Known for his bold, colorful, and joyful style, and a global advocate for happiness, Britto has created a dining concept that serves as an exquisite showcase of the artist’s iconic and joyful designs against the backdrop of a boutique restaurant designed to immerse couples in a world of vivid colors, bold patterns, and heartfelt emotions. Unlike anything else in cruising, the venue also highlights the talents of Princess Cruises’ Head of Culinary Arts Rudi Sodamin who has created an array of tantalizing choices that embody profound passion, exquisite flavor, and boundless creativity with a seven-course, prix fixe menu ($149 per person) that begins with a flute of Champagne upon arrival and features luxury ingredients including lobster, caviar and truffles, and dessert options that always include chocolate fondue.
More About Sun Princess Godmother Hannah Waddingham
British actress and singer, Waddingham is beloved for her role as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso,” in which her performance garnered a Primetime Emmy, Critics Choice Television Award and Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as two individual Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations. She will next be seen in the highly anticipated Universal film “The Fall Guy” opposite Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in theaters on May 3, 2024. Earlier this year, Waddingham earned a BAFTA TV Award nomination for her own Apple TV+ holiday special “Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas.” Waddingham made her worldwide hosting debut in April 2023 at The Olivier Awards (she returned as host for the 2024 ceremony) followed swiftly by the BBC Eurovision Song Contest 2023, for which she has gained her second BAFTA TV nomination and won The Royal Television Society award for “Best Entertainment Performance” in 2024. Her upcoming films include Sony Animation film “Garfield” out May 24, 2024 and in 2025 “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two.”
Get To Know Sun Princess
The new 177,882-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess introduces an innovative new ship platform designed exclusively for the world’s most iconic cruise brand. A true engineering marvel, Sun Princess officially started its inaugural cruise season on February 28, 2024, and currently is sailing a series of Mediterranean voyages before debuting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in October for the ship’s first Caribbean season.
Princess ships are renowned for offering spacious venues and Sun Princess takes that to the next level. Sun Princess debuts new eye-catching experience venues including The Dome, a groundbreaking geodesic, glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship inspired by the terraces of Santorini. The outward and suspended Sphere Atrium, the namesake of this new class of ship, takes the central Piazza hub of the ship into a new dimension. Here guests are enveloped with expansive ocean views and an open concept, inspired to deliver the desired lifestyle of relaxed indoor and outdoor living.
Sun Princess offers an extraordinary cruise experience with not-to-be-missed culinary, entertainment and luxury accommodations, including:
The Greatest Foodie Destination at Sea
Sun Princess serves up 30 inviting restaurant and bar venues with an unprecedented collection of celebrity collaborators, high-end ingredients and culinary experiences from:
Spellbound by Magic Castle: Blending the captivating world of magic with the art of culinary and mixology to create an extraordinary, innovative and immersive dining experience, steeped in magic and adventure.
Makoto Ocean: Reshaping traditional sushi with a creative approach, the Master of Edomae-style sushi, Chef Makoto Okuwa brings his 25 years of experience with a new concept crafting playful, exquisitely presented dishes paying tribute to Japanese traditions.
Love by Britto: A high-end boutique restaurant with the most romantic view from the ship celebrating love and art from world-renowned artist Romero Britto.
The Butcher’s Block by Dario: A new specialty pop-up restaurant from the world’s most famous butcher Dario Cecchini, guests enjoy perfectly prepared beef and steak, including Cecchini’s signature cuts.
The Catch by Rudi: An exceptional dinner concept from renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin showcasing delectable treasures from the sea.
Good Spirits at Sea with Rob Floyd: Destination-inspired, one-of-a-kind cocktail creations from celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd.
Debuting a three-story dining room with endless aft views, inaugural menus have been created in collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America. While retaining what guests love about Princess, the ship also features favorites like Crown Grill, Sabatini’s and Crooners with new design elements to impress.
Showstopping Entertainment in Technically Advanced Spaces
The Princess Arena is the most technologically advanced theater at sea, offering showstopping and original productions including performances in the round. At night, The Dome astonishes audiences with acrobatic Cirque Ãloize performances while the Piazza dazzles with a retractable stage and immersive Champagne Waterfall.
Elevated & Welcoming Areas & Accommodations
Sun Princess also features the cruise line’s largest casino, two-story Lotus Spa, and an expanded retail environment with more than 200 premium brands. The retail space also includes several firsts a sea including an upscale showroom dedicated to luxury horology showcasing TAG Heuer and Breitling and more than 25 new brands available to cruise guests like Italian handbag brand, Pinko and athleisure favorites Beyond Yoga and Varley.
With diverse accommodations to suit every preference and more than 1,500 cabins with balcony views, Sun Princess’ re-imagined staterooms include exceptional suites and new Cabana Mini-Suites with extra space for secluded outdoor relaxation.
Rooted in sustainability, Sun Princess is the first LNG (liquefied natural gas) vessel for the cruise line, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and features ingenious energy recovery systems for eco-conscious cruising.
Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean are on sale now. More ship details can be found at www.princess.com/sunprincess.
More information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com.
Regardless of the cruise line sailed, the places visited along the way or who is sailing with us, we want to capture the moment in photos. We might do that with the camera in our smartphone, use an easy point-and-shoot camera or invest in professional-quality equipment.
Improve Your Cruise Photos
However we go about it, what counts are the images we end up with and will share with friends and family or just keep for our own amusement. Focusing our attention first on some basic image-capturing guidelines then on the subject can make all the difference in the world.
Photo by George Milton
Shoot Wide
Adding more border around a shot than is necessary is a good idea that gives us more to work with later. While we may be focusing on a person, place or thing, the camera sees it all and might see something we missed at the time but are happy to have later.
Photo by Nicole Michalou
Take Two Shots
Take two shots of everything to be sure you have captured what you intended. Holding down the shutter just a little longer gets the second photo which can also be sharper because your finger is not moving.
Photo by Jessica Lewis Creative
Back It Up
Have a way to back up photos, either by syncing a smartphone with a laptop, copying them on to an external drive or, if the at-sea Internet situation allows; sending up to a cloud-sourced backup supply. Using multiple memory cards can also be helpful here.
Photo by Garon Piceli
Be Aware Of The Sun and where it is located
In most cases, your best bet is to have the sun at your back, shining on the subject. Still, don’t be afraid of the sun either. Some of the most amazing photos can be had at sunrise and sunset, a golden time at sea as on land.
Photo by Michael Burrows
Learn How To Edit
Learn how to edit your photos using built-in programs and downloadable apps for your smartphone and software for your camera. This type of software will allow you to crop or resize image as well as other enhancements. Practice this before going to sea so you get past the learning curve and have a working knowledge of how to manipulate/fix images while sailing.
The Rule of Thirds in 5 minutes | Creating More Dynamic Framing
The Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is a basic composition rule that photographers use, dividing a picture into thirds, horizontally and vertically. Placing important parts of the picture on the lines or at the intersections will make your photo more interesting than a catalog view, centered photo.
Photo by Anton Gofman
Consult An Expert, On Board
Applying all of the above can improve your photo skills in a hurry. To go further, consider onboard programs that might help teach passengers how to get the most out of their camera, hosted by the ship’s photographers. Consider the source: those people are at sea all the time; its their job to take good photos. Why not take advantage of their knowledge?
The best adult only cruise lines right now are Viking (ocean and river, 18+), Virgin Voyages (18+), Oceania Cruises (18+ on new bookings since January 2026) and, for UK cruisers, Saga (50+), plus the adults-only ships run by P&O Cruises and Marella. If you just want a calm ship where children are rare rather than banned, luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn and Azamara are worth a look too. Below we compare minimum ages, what each fare includes and who each line suits best.
Truly Adults-Only vs. Adult-Focused: What’s the Difference?
A truly adults-only line sets a hard minimum age, usually 18, and will not accept younger passengers at all. An adult-focused line still allows children, but has few or no kids’ clubs, longer and more port-intensive itineraries and higher fares, so families are uncommon outside school holidays.
There is also a third group: mainstream lines that keep one or two ships adults-only, or run occasional adults-only sailings. These can be great value, but the rules can change from season to season, so always check the specific sailing before you book.
The Best Adults-Only Cruise Lines
Viking (Ocean and River) – 18+
Viking does not allow anyone under 18 on its ocean or river ships, and there are no casinos, no kids’ areas and no art auctions. The ocean ships are mid-sized, carrying roughly 930 to 1,000 guests, with a calm Scandinavian design and a strong focus on history, culture and destination lectures.
Fares typically include one shore excursion in each port, Wi-Fi, all onboard restaurants (including room service), wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, specialty coffees and access to the spa’s thermal suite. Viking is a good fit for travellers who want enrichment and port time more than nightlife.
Virgin Voyages – 18+
Virgin Voyages is the adults-only option with the most energy. Its four ships, Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady, are large (around 2,700 guests) but have no buffet, no kids’ clubs and a lively, design-led feel with late-night entertainment and a well-known festival-style party night.
The fare covers more than 20 restaurants and eateries with no specialty dining surcharges, basic Wi-Fi, group fitness classes, entertainment, soft drinks and water. Crew gratuities have traditionally been included too. Alcohol is extra unless you buy a bar tab or package. Virgin suits couples and friends in their 20s to 50s who want a social, modern atmosphere.
Oceania Cruises – 18+ (New Bookings)
The biggest change in this category came in January 2026, when Oceania Cruises announced it would only accept guests aged 18 and over on new reservations. Bookings made before the change that include under-18s are still honoured, so you may see the occasional teenager on sailings booked before then, but that will fade over time.
Oceania never had a children’s programme and is best known for its food, with several specialty restaurants on each ship at no extra cost. Drinks, Wi-Fi and excursions are often bundled through promotional packages, so compare what is included in the specific fare you are quoted.
Photo: Nemika F on Pexels
UK Favourites: Saga, P&O Cruises and Marella
Saga Cruises – 50+
Saga is built for travellers aged 50 and over, and a travelling companion can join from age 40. Its two boutique ocean ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, carry fewer than 1,000 guests and have many single cabins, which makes Saga popular with solo cruisers.
Saga fares are among the most inclusive in this list: crew tips, all specialty dining, Wi-Fi, a selection of wines with meals, gym classes, specialty coffee, port shuttle buses and a chauffeur service to the port (within set distance limits) are typically included. Bar drinks, excursions and spa treatments usually cost extra.
P&O Cruises – Arcadia and Aurora (Mostly Adults-Only)
P&O Cruises still sails Arcadia and Aurora, its two smaller, traditional ships long reserved for adults. However, the policy is softening. From December 2026, a limited number of designated sailings on each ship (about a dozen on Aurora and eight on Arcadia through September 2027) are open to families. There are no kids’ clubs on either ship, and most other departures remain adults-only.
Longer term, Arcadia is due to leave P&O for Holland America Line in August 2029, with Cunard’s Queen Anne moving to P&O. If a child-free ship matters to you, check that your chosen P&O sailing is not one of the all-ages departures.
Marella Cruises – Explorer 2 and Discovery 2
Marella, part of TUI, runs Marella Explorer 2 as its dedicated adults-only ship, and has announced that Marella Discovery 2 will become a permanently adults-only ship from the winter 2027 season, with former kids’ areas turned into a speakeasy-style bar, an escape room, a karaoke room and an arts and crafts space. You can read more in our piece on Marella’s Discovery 2 adults-only transformation.
The minimum age on Marella’s adults-only cruises is usually 18. Marella fares are all-inclusive, covering meals, a wide selection of drinks and tips, which makes it one of the best-value ways to try a child-free cruise from the UK.
Adult-Focused Luxury Lines Where Kids Are Rare
These lines accept children, but their small ships, high fares and long, port-heavy itineraries mean most guests are adults. Expect more families in summer and over Christmas.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Highly inclusive (drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, most excursions and tips). Regent still welcomes children and runs a youth programme on selected holiday sailings.
Silversea – Small, all-suite ships with butler service and an expedition fleet. Children are allowed but there is no dedicated kids’ club on most sailings.
Seabourn – Intimate, all-suite ships with an inclusive bar and dining. Families are uncommon and children’s activities are limited.
Azamara – Mid-sized ships known for late nights and overnights in port. There is no children’s programme, so the atmosphere is very adult.
Explora Journeys – MSC’s luxury brand is calm and adult-leaning, but it does run the Nautilus Club for ages 6 to 17, so it is less child-free than the others here.
Photo: Rachel Claire on Pexels
Adults-Only Cruise Lines Compared
Line
Minimum age
Style
Key inclusions
Price level
Viking
18
Mid-sized, cultural
One excursion per port, Wi-Fi, wine/beer with meals
Premium
Virgin Voyages
18
Large, lively, modern
All restaurants, basic Wi-Fi, fitness classes
Mid to premium
Oceania
18 (new bookings)
Mid-sized, food-led
Specialty dining; packages vary
Premium
Saga
50 (companion 40)
Boutique, British
Tips, Wi-Fi, wine with meals, port chauffeur
Premium
P&O Arcadia/Aurora
Usually 18; some all-ages sailings
Traditional, British
Main dining and entertainment
Mid-range
Marella Explorer 2 / Discovery 2
Usually 18
Relaxed, all-inclusive
Meals, drinks, tips
Value
Regent, Silversea, Seabourn
Children allowed
Small, ultra-luxury
Drinks, dining; often more
Luxury
Azamara
Children allowed
Destination-focused
House drinks, tips (check fare)
Premium
Prices change constantly with season, cabin type and promotions. As a very rough guide, Marella and P&O are usually the cheapest options here, Virgin sits in the middle, Viking, Oceania and Saga are premium, and Regent, Silversea and Seabourn are at the top end. For current offers, see our guide to cruise deals for 2027.
How to Choose the Right Adults-Only Cruise
Want a party? Virgin Voyages has the most nightlife.
Want culture and quiet? Viking or Saga.
Want great food? Oceania.
Want value from the UK? Marella’s all-inclusive adults-only ships, or an adults-only P&O sailing.
Want luxury and don’t mind the odd child? Regent, Silversea, Seabourn or Azamara, ideally outside school holidays.
For special-interest sailings, from music festivals at sea to fan events, see our themed cruises guide.
If you would rather drive to the port than fly, our guide to adults-only cruises from the UK covers the child-free ships sailing from Southampton, Dover and London.
FAQs
Which cruise lines are completely adults-only?
Viking (ocean and river), Virgin Voyages and Oceania Cruises (for bookings made since January 2026) accept only guests aged 18 and over. Saga is limited to travellers aged 50 and over, with companions from 40.
Is P&O still adults-only on Arcadia and Aurora?
Mostly. From December 2026, a small number of designated sailings on both ships are open to families, but most departures remain adults-only. Check the individual cruise before booking.
What is the minimum age on an adults-only cruise?
It is usually 18. Saga is the main exception, with a minimum age of 50 for the lead traveller and 40 for a companion.
Are luxury cruises child-free?
Not officially. Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Azamara and Explora all accept children, but families are rare on most sailings outside school holidays because of the itineraries, fares and limited kids’ facilities.
Cruise line private islands are beach destinations that a cruise company owns or leases, so only its own ships call there. In late 2026 the main ones are Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day CocoCay, Disney’s Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay, Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye, MSC’s Ocean Cay, Virgin’s Beach Club at Bimini, and Carnival Corporation’s Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Most are in the Bahamas, and almost all of them add paid extras on top of a free beach day.
A lot has changed since these lists were first written. Labadee in Haiti has had no ship calls since April 2025. Princess is moving its guests away from Princess Cays. Carnival opened Celebration Key. Royal Caribbean launched its first Royal Beach Club, and CocoCay quietly lost a word from its name. Here is the current picture, island by island.
Cruise line private islands at a glance (2026)
Island / destination
Owner (who visits)
Location
Opened
Key features
Extra-cost highlights
Perfect Day CocoCay
Royal Caribbean Group (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity)
Berry Islands, Bahamas
Perfect Day version 2019 (leased since 1990)
Oasis Lagoon pool, seven beaches, Up, Up and Away balloon
Pass required. Adult pass with drinks launched at $169.99
Celebration Key
Carnival Corporation (Carnival, plus sister lines)
Grand Bahama
July 2025
Two huge freshwater lagoons, two-ship pier
Pearl Cove Beach Club from about $100, Suncastle slides $15, cabanas
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
Carnival Corporation (Carnival, Holland America, Princess)
Little San Salvador, Bahamas
1997 (pier opened June 2026)
Long crescent beach, new tram, new bars
Cabanas, day beds, horseback riding
Princess Cays
Carnival Corporation (Princess)
Eleuthera, Bahamas
Early 1990s
Half-mile beach, barbecue lunch
Bungalows, water sports. Being phased out from fall 2026
Great Stirrup Cay
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCL)
Berry Islands, Bahamas
1977
New pier, 1.4-acre Great Life Lagoon
Great Tides Waterpark, Vibe Shore Club, Silver Cove
Harvest Caye
NCL (island owned by Belize)
Southern Belize
2016
Big pool, lagoon, Flighthouse zip line
No free lunch, villas, excursions
Castaway Cay
Disney Cruise Line
Abaco, Bahamas
1998
Family beach, Serenity Bay adults-only beach
Cabanas, bikes, water sports
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Disney Cruise Line
Eleuthera, Bahamas
June 2024
Bahamian-designed spaces, long beach
Cabanas, excursions
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
MSC Cruises
Near Bimini, Bahamas
November 2019
Eight beaches, lighthouse light show, late stays
Cabanas, drinks outside packages
The Beach Club at Bimini
Virgin Voyages (adults only)
Bimini, Bahamas
2023
Lagoon pool, DJs, included food
Cabanas around $630 a day
Motu Mahana
Paul Gauguin (Ponant group)
Off Taha’a, French Polynesia
Long-standing stop
Snorkeling, kayaks, floating bar, barbecue
Massages and some extras
Prices are what cruise news outlets and the lines reported during 2025 and 2026. Several lines now use dynamic pricing, so check your cruise planner before you sail.
Royal Caribbean: Perfect Day CocoCay, Labadee and the Royal Beach Clubs
Perfect Day CocoCay (Bahamas)
Royal Caribbean has leased Little Stirrup Cay since 1990 and turned it into Perfect Day at CocoCay in 2019. In August 2026 the line dropped the “at”, and the island is now branded Perfect Day CocoCay on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity bookings. It is still the most built-up of all the cruise private islands: a free Oasis Lagoon pool, Splashaway Bay for kids, several free food venues and beaches. The big draws cost extra. Those are Thrill Waterpark (home to Daredevil’s Peak), the Up, Up and Away balloon, Coco Beach Club and the adults-only Hideaway Beach.
Labadee (Haiti): closed for now
Labadee is a fenced peninsula on Haiti’s north coast that Royal Caribbean has used since the 1980s. Because of security problems in Haiti, ships stopped calling in April 2025. In July 2026 the line extended the suspension through June 2027. Older itineraries that showed Labadee now get a substitute port.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island and what comes next
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opened in Nassau in December 2025. It is a 17-acre site a short water-taxi ride from the cruise pier, split into Chill Beach, Party Cove and Family Beach, and each zone has a pool and swim-up bar. Entry needs a paid pass, which includes food and drinks. Royal Beach Club Cozumel is scheduled for December 31, 2026, and a beach club on Lelepa in Vanuatu is planned for 2027. One plan has stalled: Mexico’s environment ministry said in May 2026 that it would not approve Perfect Day Mexico at Costa Maya. Royal Caribbean said it would look for another approach, but any new plan needs fresh government approval, so don’t book around it yet.
Big freshwater lagoons are now the centerpiece of several private islands. Photo: Danilo Lopes on Pexels
Carnival Corporation: Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays
Celebration Key (Grand Bahama)
Carnival opened Celebration Key on Grand Bahama in July 2025. It is the company’s biggest destination project, and its pier can berth two ships at once. The island is split into themed “portals”. Starfish Lagoon is for families, Calypso Lagoon is livelier with a DJ, and Paradise Plaza and Lokono Cove are for shops and food. The lagoons, beaches, loungers, trams and one Island Eats meal per guest are free. Carnival’s Cheers! drinks package does not work there, and cocktails are roughly $12.50 to $16. The Suncastle waterslides are about $15 for the day. Pearl Cove Beach Club (adults only) starts around $100, and cabanas run from about $450 to well over $1,000.
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay (Little San Salvador)
Holland America bought this 2,400-acre island in 1997. Carnival rebranded it RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in late 2024. A new pier opened in June 2026, so the long tender rides are over, and even Carnival’s largest Excel-class ships can dock. The beach is still the star. It also has a new tram, upgraded bars and grills, and reservable cabanas and day beds. Holland America and Carnival both call here, and Princess now sends most of its Bahamas calls here too.
Princess Cays (Eleuthera)
Princess Cays is a 40-acre beach on the southern tip of Eleuthera, known for its colorful bungalows and barbecue lunch. Starting in fall 2026, Princess is moving its calls to Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, and the site is no longer in Carnival’s Paradise Collection of private destinations.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye
Great Stirrup Cay (Berry Islands, Bahamas)
Great Stirrup Cay was the first cruise private island, used by Norwegian since 1977. It has just had its biggest overhaul. A pier opened in December 2025, which ended tendering. The heated, 1.4-acre Great Life Lagoon with swim-up bars opened around the same time, and it is free. Great Tides Waterpark followed on September 4, 2026, with 19 slides, cliff jumps and an 800-foot action river, and it needs a paid day pass. The quieter Vibe Shore Club (adults) and Silver Cove areas also cost extra. NCL’s Free at Sea drinks benefit can be used at many bars on the island.
Harvest Caye (Belize)
Harvest Caye opened in 2016 on a 75-acre island owned by the government of Belize. Its large pool, saltwater lagoon, 3,000-foot Flighthouse zip line and mainland excursions make it more of a resort port than a desert island. One catch first-timers miss: there is no free lunch ashore, so eat on the ship or plan to buy food.
Disney, MSC and Virgin: the best cruise private island for each kind of traveler
Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay (Disney)
Castaway Cay opened in 1998 and is still a favorite for families. It has a dedicated family beach, teen and kids’ areas, the Pelican Plunge waterslide and Serenity Bay, an adults-only beach. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on Eleuthera opened in June 2024. It focuses on Bahamian art, music and design and has a long, wide beach. Lunch is included at both, and cabanas and some water sports cost extra.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Bahamas)
MSC turned a former industrial sand-mining site into a marine reserve, which opened in 2019. It has eight beaches, a lighthouse that hosts a nightly light show, and many sailings stay into the evening. MSC Yacht Club guests get their own private beach area.
The Beach Club at Bimini (Virgin Voyages)
Virgin’s adults-only Beach Club at Bimini is a resort-style club, not a whole island. It has a lagoon-style pool, included food, several bars and DJs in the afternoon. Ships anchor and guests tender in. Cabanas cost around $630 a day with a drinks credit.
Motu Mahana (French Polynesia)
For something completely different, the small ship Paul Gauguin, now part of the Ponant group, takes guests to Motu Mahana, its private islet off Taha’a. Expect a barbecue, a floating bar, snorkeling and kayaks in a South Pacific lagoon.
Shallow, calm water makes some private islands better for young families. Photo: Rainer Eck on Pexels
How to choose the best cruise private island for you
Thrill seekers and teens: Perfect Day CocoCay and Great Stirrup Cay have the biggest waterparks. Both cost extra, so budget for the passes.
Young families: Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay and Celebration Key’s Starfish Lagoon all have shallow water and a lot of free fun.
Beach purists: RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and Ocean Cay have the most natural-feeling sand and water.
Adults only: Virgin’s Beach Club at Bimini, or the paid adult areas at CocoCay, Celebration Key and Great Stirrup Cay.
Value for money: If you skip the extras, a day on any of these cruise line private islands costs very little. The free lagoons at CocoCay, Celebration Key and Great Stirrup Cay are the best free options right now.
Most of these islands appear on short Bahamas and Caribbean sailings from Florida. Our guide to the cheapest 7-day cruises out of Florida shows which lines give you the most island time for the money. If you want a mix of private island days and real ports, see our list of Western Caribbean cruise ports worth visiting, and watch our 2027 cruise deals for early fares on itineraries that include the new beach clubs.
Tips the brochures don’t mention
Your drinks package may not work. Carnival’s Cheers! is not valid at Celebration Key. Royal Caribbean beach club passes include drinks, so a separate package doesn’t help there.
Weather can cancel the day. Docking piers at Great Stirrup Cay and Half Moon Cay make cancellations less likely than with tenders, but strong winds can still stop a call.
Book early, but check refunds. Prices often rise as the island day sells out. Most lines refund prepaid extras if the call is cancelled, but confirm this in your cruise planner.
Two-ship days get busy. CocoCay and Celebration Key can host several ships at once. Reserve a cabana or day bed if shade matters to you.
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Holland America, Princess, Norwegian, Disney, MSC and Virgin Voyages all use private islands or private beach clubs. Most are in the Bahamas. Paul Gauguin has one in French Polynesia.
What is the best cruise private island?
It depends on your group. Perfect Day CocoCay has the most attractions, Castaway Cay is the strongest for families, and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and Ocean Cay have the most natural beaches.
Is Labadee open in 2026?
No. Royal Caribbean has not called at Labadee since April 2025 and has extended the suspension through June 2027 because of security concerns in Haiti.
Which Carnival private island is best?
Celebration Key is the best choice for lagoons, activities and walking straight off the ship. RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is better for a classic, quieter beach day, and it now has its own pier too.
Are cruise line private islands free?
Getting ashore, the main beaches, loungers and usually lunch are included in your fare. Waterparks, beach clubs, cabanas, water sports and most alcohol cost extra.
Celebrity Cruises has launched a new set of short Caribbean cruises, allowing guests to experience Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, for the first time.
The trips started with the Celebrity Reflection on April 22nd and the Celebrity Beyond on April 23rd.
This exciting destination is part of Royal Caribbean Group’s offerings and was first introduced by their sister brand, Royal Caribbean International. But now, it will be used by both cruise lines.
Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, highlighted that the new itineraries were created based on guest feedback and are designed to provide quick, enjoyable escapes for those looking to relax with family and friends.
Perfect Day at CocoCay is set to deliver a standout adults-only beachfront experience called Hideaway Beach. This spot includes a DJ, four bars, and local food options.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy the Coco Beach Club, where they can swim in an infinity pool, have a fine dining experience, or relax in the first overwater cabanas in the Bahamas, featuring hammocks, slides, and other luxurious amenities.
Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Beyond will make stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay during their five-night Western Caribbean sailings departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These cruises will also visit other sunny locations like Bimini, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Key West.
Looking ahead, Celebrity Cruises has also revealed its 2025-2026 Caribbean cruise season. These new offerings include three, four, and five-night trips starting from Fort Lauderdale.
The future seasons promise visits to beautiful destinations, including Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bimini, Cozumel, Key West, and Nassau aboard the Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Summit.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
