Taking a cruise with the kids is fun, and there are plenty of options if you’re looking for thebest cruise lines for families. Sometimes, though, you want to get away from it all and enjoy a relaxing vacation—without the kids. Fortunately, there have never been more ways to experience an adult-friendly cruise escape. Below, we compare the best Caribbean cruises for adults across categories like atmosphere, onboard entertainment, dining, and more.
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Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line appeals to a wide range of cruisers, from families to couples and solo travelers. While Norwegian isn’t an exclusively adult cruise line, there are many offerings catered to adults that allow you to experience a truly adult-centric escape. The Norwegian currently has 20 ships in its fleet that travel to over 50 destinations around the world, with seven more ships slated to set sail over the next 10 years.
Atmosphere
Norwegian cruises offer a mix of high-energy thrills, lively nightlife, and spaces to relax and unwind. Norwegian calls itself the pioneer of “freestyle” cruising, moving away from traditional cruising standards such as set dining times and rigid formal nights.
Accommodations
Norwegian offers various accommodations that are perfect for adult-only trips. They also have a line of cabins exclusively made for solo cruisers. Guests in these solo Studio Cabins can also visit an exclusive lounge and participate in events specifically for solo cruisers to mix and mingle. Book a Spa Suite for a truly relaxing escape. These suites are located close to the Mandara Spa and offer rejuvenating amenities for a cruise focused on self-care. Book a stateroom in The Haven to experience the most luxurious staterooms on board. These staterooms are nestled on the ship’s top decks and feature a wide range of upscale amenities, including 24/7 butler service, a dedicated concierge, and access to a private courtyard with a pool, restaurant, and lounge. Haven rooms also come with private elevator access, expedited embarkation, and priority reservations for onboard activities.
Attractions and Amenities
What makes Norwegian one of the best cruise lines for adults is its entertainment and activities that appeal to people of all ages. Entertainment offerings include direct-from-Broadway shows like Six and The Jersey Boys. There are also tons of interactive entertainment options, from game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Deal or No Deal to comedy clubs, dueling piano bars, and more. Norwegian also has dedicated adult-only spaces like Spice H20, an 18+ only sundeck that includes a pool, whirlpools, sunbeds, a buffet-style eatery, and a bar. For an additional upgrade, spend the day at the Vibe Beach Club, a limited-entry, adults-only area offering gorgeous ocean views from the private sundeck with padded loungers, hot tubs, light refreshments, and chilled towels. Other adult-focused activities on board include a casino, fitness center, and art auctions. When you’re looking for adventure, the thrills are all in one space. The Thrill Plex includes full-scale attractions like multi-level go-kart races to the Aqua Slide Coaster, the world’s first roller coaster/waterslide hybrid.
Dining
From upscale to laid-back experiences, Norwegian ships have it all. Their signature freestyle dining format lets you eat whenever and wherever you’d like. From self-service buffets to grills, specialty restaurants, and grab-and-go kiosks, there’s something for every adult taste. For panoramic ocean views while sipping cocktails, check out the observation lounges on the Prima and Breakaway Plus class ships. These decks offer over 2,000 square feet of 180° floor-to-ceiling windows, loungers, and a full-service bar.
Itineraries
Norwegian cruises sail throughout the Caribbean, making them among the best Caribbean cruises for adults. Norwegian sailings depart from several Florida ports as well as New Orleans. All Norwegian cruises sailing to the Bahamas make a stop at Norwegian’s private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay. The destination features a private beach, beach sports, snorkeling, kayaking, and a large beach buffet that’s included with your cruise fare. For an upgraded private island experience, rent a private villa at Silver Cove, where you can access a fully air-conditioned villa with a private restroom, gorgeous ocean views, a private beach, and access to the Silver Cove Spa.
Princess Cruises
Princess is the upscale, older sister of Carnival Cruise Line. Princess is a traditional line that’s been around since the mid-1960s. Since then, the line has maintained its reputation for sophistication, elegance, and timeless traditions at sea, making it a great option for adults who want a classic cruise experience. The fleet includes 17 ships, including a new Sphere class that offers more resort-style amenities.
Atmosphere
From the moment you step on board, you’ll experience a timeless, sophisticated atmosphere that takes you back to the height of luxury ocean liners. You’ll instantly notice that the atmosphere is calmer and quieter than mega-ship family brands and offers a more classic, traditional cruising experience. While there’s plenty to experience onboard, the destinations and excursions you experience when you dock are a major highlight. You won’t find any theme park-worthy attractions here—just refined experiences that are perfect for adult getaways.
Accommodations
There are a variety of room types available, from affordable interior staterooms to spacious suites. Sky Suites offer massive balconies with 270° ocean views. On the fleet’s newest ships, you can book a suite in the Sanctuary Collection and get access to The Sanctuary Club. This dedicated retreat includes signature beverages and spa services, as well as access to the club restaurant. Sleeping quarters were designed by sleep experts to help you get a restful and relaxing night’s sleep, the best you’ve had at sea. Access your room with the exclusive Medallion Class wearable technology, which instantly opens your stateroom door when you’re nearby. The wearable can also be used for a variety of touch-free experiences, like ordering food and drinks, expedited boarding, and locating family members.
Attractions and Amenities
There are a variety of adult-focused activities on board Princess Cruises, like culinary demonstrations, wine tastings, art auctions, art history classes, outdoor movies, and the award-winning shopping district. Princess Cruises also features more traditional, review-style shows and entertainment, such as Opera night (complete with a live orchestra and ballgown-adorned singers) and a Stephen Schwartz musical review. Many cruisers take advantage of the Lotus Spa and Enclave, the onboard spa and thermal suite, which includes a hydrotherapy pool and rain showers. There is also a driving range and a shuffleboard court.
Dining
Enjoy a wide range of dining options, from experiential experiences like the science-defying creations at Spellbound by Magic Castle to a seven-course immersive experience, 360: An Extraordinary Experience. The cruise line offers traditional, flex, and walk-in dining options, as well as several complimentary restaurants that don’t require reservations or formal dining times.
Itineraries
Princess is known for its Alaskan cruises, but also sails a wide range of Caribbean itineraries. Princess Cruises offers adult-friendly itineraries, such as 7-day, 10-day, and 20-day Caribbean cruises, that let you explore many destinations in a single trip. Destinations include Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Grand Turk; Roatán, Honduras; Belize, and many more. Some itineraries may stop at the Carnival-owned private islands, including the new Celebration Key, where you can relax in some of the island’s adult-only escapes.
Virgin Voyages
No list of the best cruise lines for adults would be complete without including Virgin Voyages. It’s the world’s first-ever adult-only cruise line, exclusively for guests 18+ and geared towards cruisers who are at least 21. Virgin Voyages is also one of the newest cruise lines to set sail, launching its first ship only five years ago. Since then, Virgin Voyages has expanded its fleet to four ships and won a ton of awards as one of the world’s most innovative cruise lines, sailing to luxurious, iconic, adult-friendly destinations in the Caribbean and around the world.
Atmosphere
The vibe on Virgin Voyages is fun, energetic, and youthful—anything but stuffy. You won’t find traditional formal nights on board, but you’ll be encouraged to dress your best to take tons of Instagram-worthy photos at various spots throughout the ship. Causal luxury can be seen in everything from the ship’s super-yacht design to the wide range of amenities included with your cruise fare, including fitness classes, WiFi, soft drinks, and original entertainment.
Attractions and Amenities
Whether you want to relax by the onboard pool with a craft cocktail or dance the night away at The Manor Nightclub, you’ll never run out of things to do onboard. The entertainment offerings on Virgin Voyages turn the traditional Broadway-style revue seen on many other cruise lines on its head. Onboard, you’ll find a wide variety of original productions that immerse you in the action, like the “Untitled Danceshowpartything,” a Disco Circus, boxing matches, salsa clubs, murder mysteries, and 90s karaoke. That’s in addition to more traditional live performances, such as stand-up comedians, magicians, and other variety acts. There are also several themed experiences like Scarlet Night (where everyone is encouraged to wear red for a deck party), PJ parties (for those who like comfier attire), and Y2K night, where you can party like it’s 1999. Virgin Voyages is also home to Squid Ink, the first-ever permanent tattoo parlor at sea.
Dining
You won’t find cattle-call buffet lines or large dining halls on board. Instead, the 20+ restaurant options available onboard are scattered as individual eateries throughout the ship. Dining is casual and happens when you want it—there aren’t set meal times either. While reservations are accepted at some of the onboard restaurants, you can also walk in, too. Menus are developed by Michelin-rated chefs and include everything from Korean BBQ to tacos.
Itineraries
Virgin Voyages sails to more than 100 destinations across the globe, including the Caribbean, Europe, and the South Pacific. As a smaller fleet (the ships have a capacity of around 2,700 sailors), Virgin Voyages can port at unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Caribbean, like Martinique, St. Croix, Playa Del Carmen, and St. Kitts & Nevis. A highlight of Caribbean voyages is visiting The Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin Voyages’ private island destination in the Bahamas. Enjoy a relaxing beach equipped with complimentary loungers, umbrellas, and daybeds, two pools, three bars, and nightly entertainment. You can also go on several island excursions, including cultural tours of the local town or adventures like dolphin safaris. Food at Bimini is also included with your cruise fare.
Book the Best Caribbean Cruise Lines for Adults with Wishing On A Star Travel®
Whether you want an adult escape or are planning a family reunion on a cruise, don’t stress over finding the perfect ship or itinerary. At Wishing On A Star Travel, we specialize in booking Caribbean cruises with most major cruise lines like Virgin Voyages, Norwegian, Princess, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival. We’ll get to know you and your family and discuss which cruise line and itinerary will serve your family the best, based on your vacation preferences and goals. Ready to set sail? Get a quote or call us today at 1-888-678-TRIP to book your trip!
