The best cruise lines for adults

What makes a cruise ‘the best’?

At World of Cruising, our team of experts curate ‘best for…’ guides rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. We look at what cruise lines stand out for each destination we review and each type of traveller. We look for those subtle, if-you-know-you-know details so we can tailor our recommendations.

At a glance

• Adults-only cruises come in all styles, from the relaxed luxury of Viking and Saga to the bold entertainment and nightlife of Virgin Voyages
• British travellers have solid options with P&O’s dedicated adults-only ships and Saga’s over-50s exclusivity
• All-inclusive pricing is a standout on Marella Explorer 2 and Saga, covering everything from drinks to tips
• Smaller ships from Fred. Olsen and Viking offer peaceful settings and itineraries to lesser-visited ports

Best for luxury: Viking Cruises

For a refined cruise experience, geared exclusively for adults, Viking Cruises offers the full spread of options across its portfolio of river, ocean and expedition voyages. Famed for the Scandi-inspired serenity, Viking’s ships are designed with a focus on cultural enrichment and relaxation. All staterooms in the ocean cruise fleet come with their own private verandas, and the enrichment programme delves deep into the cultures of the destinations, tackling the topics in a mature and thought-provoking style. Viking scores high for authentic cultural immersion, and splendid peace and relaxation.

Viking’s ships are mid-sized, carrying around 930 passengers, and the décor leans heavily on Scandinavian minimalism – all clean lines, muted tones and understated luxury. Sample itineraries include 10-night Baltic sailings, Rhine river cruises through Germany and the Netherlands, or longer ocean voyages stretching from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia.

Prices typically start from around £2,500 for a week-long cruise, with flights, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, drinks with meals and gratuities included.

See offers:Viking Cruises

Best for trendy ships: Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is unlike any other cruise line… on this list, or any list at that. The line's three ships offer a modern and stylish experience with a focus on excellent food – there are over 20 dining venues on each ship, curated by Michelin-starred chefs no less. Everything about Virgin Voyages feels fresh, bold and unconventional, from the design of its ships to the entertainment line-up. And it’s not all wild partying, all of Richard Branson’s red ships feature exquisite spa facilities for a proper detox. These are adults-only ships for people who never thought they’d like cruises.

The three ships in the fleet – Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady – sail mostly in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, with a growing list of longer voyages. Food, essential drinks, fitness classes and Wi-Fi are all included in the fare. Prices for a week-long sailing usually start from around £1,200 cruise-only.

See offers: Virgin Voyages

Best for Brits: P&O Cruises

Designed for British cruisers, P&O Cruises keeps two of its ships exclusively adults-only: Arcadia and Aurora. For fans of the British brand, this is where they focus on extra elegance and tranquillity. Out with the kids’ club, in with the luxurious Oasis Spa and The Glass House wine bar, curated by Olly Smith. Now we’re talking. Entertainment ranges from production shows in the three-tiered Palladium Theatre to daily film screenings in the Playhouse Cinema, and nightly parties in The Globe nightclub.

Sailing from Southampton, itineraries range from short getaways to the Norwegian fjords to longer journeys covering the Canary Islands or the Mediterranean. Typical pricing for a 7-night cruise starts at around £700 per person. Both ships are well suited to those who want a relaxed atmosphere without flying, and the British touches – tea and toast for breakfast, roast dinners on Sunday – will appeal to many.

See offers: P&O Cruises

Best for all-inclusive: Marella Explorer 2

Marella Cruises is a popular all-rounder cruise line, and many of their ships offer family holidays. But for those looking for an all-inclusive just for the adults, Marella Explorer 2 is the ship you’re looking for. As with all Marella Cruises ships, everything you need is included in the price of the cruise – the tips, the drinks, the food – plus no kids in sight. Enjoy the adults-only pool, indulge at the Champneys Spa and sip cocktails in the stylish bars. Marella Explorer 2 is a top choice for couples or solo travellers looking for that reliable TUI experience, without the kids.

This ship offers a range of Mediterranean and Caribbean fly-cruises. Flights are usually included in the package price when booking from the UK, and a typical week-long cruise starts from around £1,100.

See offers:Marella Cruises

Best for over-50s: Saga Cruises

Saga Cruises are dedicated to cruisers over 50 – it’s too adult for even some adults. But with that, they’re masters at what they do, and there are many 45-year-olds counting down the days to their first Saga Cruises voyage. Every cabin has a balcony, every guest is treated to chauffeur service door-to-door, and all the useful extras are included as standard – that even includes Wi-Fi, tips and travel insurance. Saga Cruises’ ships are more boutique hotel than resort, and they offer excellent solo cabin options too. Thoughtful service with classic British touches.

Saga currently operates two ocean ships – Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure – both purpose-built for the brand and accommodating under 1,000 passengers. Cruises sail from the UK and cover destinations from the Baltic to the Canary Islands and Iceland. Pricing is higher than more mainstream lines, with 7-night sailings typically starting at around £1,200, but the level of inclusivity and service makes it competitive.

See offers:Saga Cruises

Best for itineraries: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Starting in 2026, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will offer exclusive adults-only cruises onboard Borealis. Thanks to its intimate size, with capacity for 1,353 guests, this ship has an appealing range of itineraries, visiting lesser-known waterways that are off-limits to larger ships. Onboard, you’ll be treated to six restaurants, eight bars and lounges, a show lounge, spa, boutique shops and a well-stocked library – a real favourite with Fred. fans.

Fred. Olsen’s guests tend to be older and well-travelled, and the atmosphere onboard is relaxed and low-key. The cruise line is known for its interesting itineraries, including voyages around the British Isles, the Baltic and Norway’s fjords, often with overnight stays or extended time in port. Pricing is typically competitive, with 10-night cruises starting at around £900 per person. Fred. Olsen offers departures from several regional ports, including Liverpool and Newcastle, which is a major draw for those outside the southeast.

See offers:Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines