Best Adults Only Cruise (2024) - USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards (2024)

Photo courtesy of Kirk Fisher / iStock / Getty Images Plus

No. 10: Star Breeze - Windstar Cruises

Aboard this all-suite ship, guests on the Star Breeze enjoy a spa, a plethora of dining venues, an infinity pool, and a fitness center. Each suite also features bathrooms stocked with L'Occitane bath amenities. Star Breeze welcomes guests ages 8 and up, but ship experiences are more adult-focused.

Photo courtesy of Cunard

No. 9: Queen Mary 2 - Cunard

A standard of luxury in cruising, the Queen Mary 2 invites you to do as little or as much as you please. From relaxing at the spa to enjoying afternoon tea, there are many offerings for all interests. You can even bring your beloved pooch along on a transatlantic crossing. The ocean liner welcomes passengers of all ages, but you'll find that there are mostly adults on board.

Photo courtesy of Star Clippers

No. 8: Royal Clipper - Star Clippers

Named the world's largest square rigger in service by Guinness World Records in 2001, the Royal Clipper provides luxury cruising in a tall ship experience. For instance, not many cruise ships offer guests the opportunity to climb the mast and take in the view from the crow's nest. Or you can retreat to the bowsprit net suspended over the water or one of the hidden balconies on either side of the bow. Guests of all ages are welcome aboard, but experiences and amenities are adult-focused.

Photo courtesy of Crystal

No. 7: Crystal Symphony - Crystal Cruises

Accommodating just 606 guests, the Crystal Symphony invites you to come aboard and leave all your worries behind. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Palm Court, sip a fine cognac in the Connoisseur Club, or relax with a frozen drink by the Seahorse Pool. With nine dining venues, you'll find a wide variety of cuisine, accompanied by several shows and activities to fill your days and nights. Younger passengers are able to sail on this ship, but the experiences are geared more towards adults.

Photo courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

No. 6: Scenic Eclipse - Scenic

Built to emulate the cruising experience on a luxury yacht, the Scenic Eclipse accommodates approximately 228 guests to ensure each one has an intimate, six-star cruise. Even excursions are elevated to the next level. For instance, head to the polar regions, where you can explore the area by helicopter, submarine, Zodiac vessel, or kayak. Guests aged 12 and up are welcome to sail on Scenic Eclipse, and passengers 18 or under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Photo courtesy of Viking Ocean Cruises

No. 5: Viking Neptune - Viking Ocean Cruises

This all-veranda ship sails to numerous destinations ranging from the Panama Canal to Hawaii, Scandinavia, and beyond. Spend time at The Nordic Spa for a day of pampering, or head to the sports deck where you start the day with yoga. Take in the view from the infinity pool on the ship's aft or catch a show in the theater. Viking Neptune welcomes guests aged 18 or older.

Photo courtesy of Azamara

No. 4: Azamara Onward - Azamara

When cruising on board the Azamara Onward, you can visit ports bigger ships can't reach; these includeAmalfi, Italy, and Rovinj, Croatia. During your cruise, you can enjoy top-tier cuisine, or sip on an artisan co*cktail as you take in music at a cabaret nightclub. This is the ideal cruise for anyone looking to enjoy the sun and sea. And while the ship allows families to sail, Azamara encourages that each passenger be at least 18 years of age.

Photo courtesy of "Viking"

No. 3: Viking Mars - Viking Ocean Cruises

When sailing on the Viking Mars, all guests stay in staterooms complete with verandas, free Wi-Fi, and large private bathrooms with heated floors. Ship amenities include a full-service spa, movie theaters, boutiques, two swimming pools, a sports deck, and multiple restaurants. And while this is an ocean cruise ship, it accommodates just 930 guests for a small-ship feel. All passengers must be 18 years old to sail aboard the Viking Mars.

Photo courtesy of Crystal

No. 2: Crystal Serenity - Crystal Cruises

As you sail on the Crystal Serenity, take time to gaze at the stars through the glass roof or take in the expansive views from the forward observation deck. For your accommodations, you can choose from the different guest rooms and suites, all outfitted with elevated details and artisanal finishes. Don't forget to take in a game of pickleball or fine-tune your golf game on the putting green. While all ages can enjoy this ship, it caters mainly to adult passengers.

Photo courtesy of WhitneyLewisPhotography / iStock / Getty Images Plus

No. 1: Wind Spirit - Windstar Cruises

When sailing on Windstar's Wind Spirit, guests will feel like they're on their own private yacht. This four-masted sailing yacht accommodates just 148 guests, so intimacy rules throughout your cruise. Amenities include two primary restaurants, a spa, swimming pool and hot tub, and a water sports platform. Plus, you'll find fresh fruit in your room each afternoon. To sail on the Wind Spirit, guests must be at least 8 years old, but the intimate nature of the ship is geared more towards adults.

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