The Best Caribbean Cruises 2023 With Stops at Rugged Volcanic Islands, Tropical Forests, and Serene Beaches

Table Of Content

• Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Cruises
• Caribbean Cruises
• Adult-Focused, Small-Ship Cruises with Few Children
• Construction on Second Chinese-Built Cruise Ship Well Underway
• Mariner of the Seas itineraries
• Virgin Voyages

With that in mind, we've rounded up the best all-inclusive adults-only cruises -- plus, some additional lines and itineraries to consider. You can even choose a cruise line based on some of the exclusive deals available. These cruise line deals 2024 are often sponsored by individual cruise lines or even the portal through which you are booking them.

Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Cruises

You can visit the Caribbean without a passport on a closed-loop sailing (one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port). Examples include cruises that depart and return to Galveston, Tampa, Baltimore or Orlando. Some Caribbean ports, including Martinique and Guadeloupe, will not allow cruisers to get off the ship and enter the country without a passport, so check your itinerary and cruise line instructions.

Caribbean Cruises

These cruises do not have any age restriction, allowing travelers from various age groups and demographics. However, before planning an all-inclusive cruise trip, keep in mind that these cruises usually have high fares and longer itineraries. Another all-luxury adult-only cruise that you can explore for a comfortable vacation with your loved ones is the Regent Seven Seas Cruise.

Adult-Focused, Small-Ship Cruises with Few Children

Princess has a wide range of sailings covering the whole of the Caribbean, from short three-night breaks that can be added to a land-stay holiday to 20-night itineraries taking in 12 islands and Princess Cays. Between its fleet of seven small ships — none carrying more than 600 passengers — luxury line Seabourn cruises all seven continents. Most staterooms have private verandas, and all dining venues are included — as are premium spirits, fine wines, and caviar. The elegant, all-suite accommodations are a highlight, as is the ocean-inspired wellness center.

Or maybe you are just a younger couple that wants to have a tropical vacation? If so, then your wants in a cruise line are likely very different than some other couples. "The entertainment is unique and feels like something you would see or experience in a major city like NYC, Miami, or London." The 7-Day Cruise on the Norwegian Epic costs $599 per person and embarks from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The cruise line promises a spectacular week-long cruise along the Southern Caribbean coast.

Viking Expedition ships carry 378 adult passengers, and its river ships across the globe all carry fewer than 200 passengers. The entertainment hub of the Norwegian Cruise Line includes various lounges, clubs, gaming centers, and more where people can practice their favorite games. These amenities ensure that travelers from every age group can have unlimited fun during their time spent on this cruise ship. Budget-friendliness of this cruise line is one of the biggest USPs that makes it one of the popular options among younger adults. There are a myriad of food and entertainment options that ensure you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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The programming is adult focused, with a number of Broadway shows brought to life on the cruise ship. Cruise the entire length and breadth of the region with family-friendly Carnival, which sails year-round to the southern, eastern and western Caribbean. The line also has a wide range of departure points including the islands of Puerto Rico and Barbados and mainland ports in Florida, which are ideal for linking to a land-based stay in the Sunshine State. The bright and colourful Carnival Celebration, Carnival’s newest ship — which features the BOLT rollercoaster — sails out of Miami to all parts of the Caribbean.

While other lines might take the lead in specific categories, Norwegian is a fantastic all-around option for adults. If you are traveling with kids, it’s likely you’ll want a different line. But if you are a distinguished couple wanting to enjoy the finer things in life, Celebrity should be exactly what you’re looking for. Adults looking for a romantic getaway can do worse than setting sail with Princess Cruises. In fact, the line has an entire section of its website dedicated to travelers looking for romance. Experience a sun-drenched, adrenaline-rushed day in Puerto Plata, soaring across the amber shores and azure waves of the Atlantic Ocean on zip lines.

Revolutionizing the river cruise industry, they have stylish ships appealing to older generations. Viking Ocean Cruise’s dedication to catering to this niche has allowed them to be the leading cruise line for adults. Its lines are described as sexy, hip, and cool, and its goal is to draw in those who have never previously considered taking a cruise.

You can also spend quality time at the cafes, hang out with friends and fellow travelers at the bar, or have a scrumptious dinner at the restaurants. It’s an adult-only pool area covered by a glass dome, ideal for reading, napping, or lounging with a cocktail, or in the hot tub. The adult-only SEA Thermal Suite boasts eight therapeutic experiences as a place to connect with other wellness gurus before or after treatments at The Spa. You’ll love the rainfall water therapy room, float room, and heated tile loungers. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines.

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Adults-only cruises feature many adult-centric activities such as live entertainment, comedy acts, casinos, dance clubs, and more. While there are a handful of adult-only cruise lines, companies are increasingly offering adult-only spaces; be it adult-only pools, decks, quiet areas, and lounges. Each of these solo cruiser zones includes dozens of Studio cabins for solo travelers, all clustered around each other and designed to maximize storage space. There is also a private lounge with a bar and television where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings. However, one big caveat with Norwegian’s solo cabins is that they’re all rooms without an ocean view. Highlights include Kingstown, St. Vincent, with its rainforests, caves, waterfalls, and swimming holes.

In Bequia, you might splurge on a bespoke excursion about sea salt that includes a six-course lunch at Grenadine Wild Sea Salt (a company that produces artisanal sea salt from the waters off Bequia). If you’re looking for a hideout from the bells and whistles of kid-centric cruise ships, Windstar cruises offers yachts and sailing vessels designed to take you into quiet coves and tucked-away destinations. A minimum age requirement of 8 years old eliminates the chances of a crying baby onboard. Parents who are looking for an adult-focused cruise will enjoy the small-ship romance of Windstar and its exotic itineraries. Seek out the idyllic waters of Tahiti from Papeete or uncover the ancient Holy Lands, with sailings like a 16-night voyage from Istanbul to Haifa. Catering for every type of cruiser, including families, couples and solo travellers, Princess has its own private island.

Even the design of family-focused neighborhoods, like the Surfside Neighborhood, have adults in mind. Surfside will be home to a brand new bar concept, The Lemon Post, which features both an adult and kids cocktail and mocktail menu. The seven-night Classic Caribbean itinerary begins and ends in St. Maarten. It features sun-kissed beaches, secret coves and gin-clear waters in idyllic ports of call like St. Barts, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guadeloupe, Dominica and St. Lucia.

Excursions, transfers, premium alcohol, internet and specialty dining generally cost extra on Azamara. While ultra-premium lines Oceania and Azamara are a slight step down from the previously mentioned luxury lines, the focus is almost entirely on the adults. Neither cruise line has planned activities for children, which works as a deterrent. Marella Cruises launched its first adults-only ship, Marella Explorer 2, in 2019. Fares on the 1,814-passenger vessel include both tips and a selection of drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic). Four of its nine eateries are specialty restaurants that come with additional charges.

Many Caribbean itineraries skew toward tried-and-true standards, but a number of cruise lines will have a handful of unique sailings put together for particular tastes or the seasoned cruiser who has already tried them all. In 2015 the island, 65 miles off Miami, was an abandoned sand mine strewn with scrap metal. Well known for a family-friendly welcome, MSC Seascape has one of the biggest kids’ clubs in the fleet and the swashbuckling Pirate’s Cove waterpark. Sure, Norwegian Cruise Line has won a ton of accolades for its family-friendly cruising.

River cruise line Uniworld is a favorite amongst mature couples and groups for its wide variety of itineraries throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Think of each ship in the Uniworld fleet as a floating boutique hotel that’s distinctively designed to reflect the destinations that they sail. This — combined with the high staff-to-guest ratio and all-inclusive luxury offerings — only adds to the appeal. Once on board, guests enjoy suite accommodations complete with butler service, as well as meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from specific ports of call. No sailing is complete without at least one visit to the state-of-the-art Aurōra spa, which offers everything from Dysport injections and IV treatments to acupuncture and salt scrubs. Ultimately, when it comes to selecting your adults-only cruise, options abound.

I've been on 15 Royal Caribbean cruises, and here are the best 6 cruise ships for adults

Table Of Content

• Other Options for Almost Adults-Only Cruises
• Caribbean Cruises We Love
• Most Popular Adult-Only Cruise Lines
• Princess Cruises

The molecular gastronomy menu features delightful bites of pork belly, tuna sashimi and buffalo chicken presented in a playful way that guests might not expect (and most kids may not appreciate). Adults can seek out age-appropriate fun at the onboard escape room, watch an outdoor movie under the stars or embrace their inner child by shooting hoops or driving bumper cars at the SeaPlex. By day, enjoy a drink or snack and take in the 270-degree views in the Two70 lounge. Return at night when the space transforms into an immersive theater using high-tech elements to put on musical performances. What might appeal heavily to adults is that the cruise line — especially with its newest ships — is focused heavily on style and design. Instead of a cruise ship, new ships look more like a high-end contemporary hotel.

Other Options for Almost Adults-Only Cruises

The ice skating rink, Studio B, hosts a production show that features twists, turns, and flips on the ice, whereas the theater hosts game shows, comedians, and dancing productions. Of course, relaxing by the pool and indulging in a restorative spa treatment are also options. All-inclusive rates start from $2,622 and include Wi-Fi, gratuities and unlimited beer, wine and cocktails. Cruise-only rates start from $1,999 (and exclude taxes, fees and port expenses).

Caribbean Cruises We Love

This trend resulted from the increasing popularity of adult-only areas scattered aboard ships. Many cruise lines took note of this and began offering cruises geared toward adult entertainment and activities. The best Royal Caribbean ships for adults may still have kids on board.

Most Popular Adult-Only Cruise Lines

There is also special programming for solo travelers and sober cruisers. Alternatively, travelers can opt to bypass all of the above to soak up the sun by one of several sparkling swimming pools or peruse some of the uber-luxe onboard shops, including the world’s first Rolex boutique at sea. Currently celebrating its 150th anniversary, Holland America Line offers week-long sailings along with shorter taster cruises and longer voyages departing from Fort Lauderdale. There are cruises the length and breadth of the Caribbean, including sailings on the line’s new flagship, the 2,668-passenger Rotterdam. All itineraries include a day at Half Moon Cay, the line’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas. From here, passengers can enjoy all manner of four-legged and two-legged activities, from riding in the surf to cycling and hiking around the island.

Passengers under 21 need to be accompanied by an adult who is a minimum of 25 years or older. All of the pasta is made fresh, including the signature truffle tagliatelle, where thick noodles are tossed in truffle cream with fresh truffles and a hint of nutmeg. The fan-favorite "meat plank" is easy to share and laden with salami, prosciutto, mozzarella and focaccia.

P&O has a total of seven ships, five of which are family-friendly and two —  Aurora and Arcadia — that are only for adults. The ship’s small size and age mean there are fewer activities for families. You certainly won’t find features like waterslides, laser tag, and skydiving onboard, although there is a rock climbing wall and Adventure Ocean kids programming. Rhapsody of the Seas is the second oldest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, and it’s a far cry from the cruise line’s newest and biggest vessels.

Keep in mind that it’s hard to go wrong with any cruise, but these lines represent our top picks for each situation. That said, the type of trip you take, the time of year, and the cruise line you sail can have a big influence on who you cruise with. Of course, that means adult couples looking for the perfect cruise need to take a hard look at a number of things to determine which line is best for them.

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Alternatively, take a leisurely round-trip sailing from Southampton with American and Caribbean itineraries of up to 65 nights. For a Pirates of the Caribbean experience, albeit without real buccaneers, Star Clippers recreates the golden age of sailing with its tall ships, propelled by wind power wherever possible. Set sail on the 227-passenger five-masted flagship Royal Clipper — the 42 creamy sails billowing in the breeze are a sight to behold. Traditional shining brass and wood interiors incorporate modern comforts and amenities including swimming pools.

In other words, unless you have no problem flying to a port and have a flexible schedule, adult-focused lines might be out of the question. Rent a private Ocean View Cabana for a luxurious beach day you'll never forget. This is a very upper-class cruise line, and the cabin crew is always well dressed with white gloves. The Cunard Cruise Line has a 27-nights cruise called the Grand Eastern Caribbean cruise and will cost you around $2,663 per person. The cruise costs $1189 per person for accommodation with a balcony (and it’s worth every penny – the views are spectacular). The ship embarks from Fort Lauderdale in Florida and slowly travels along the Caribbean Islands.

Passengers can swim with graceful stingrays in Gibbs Cay or tour historic Cockburn Town during a port call in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. In Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, you can take an exciting ATV tour through the lush backcountry. Additionally, many cabins on Disney's ships feature extra pull-down bunks and pull-out sofas that will allow four or even five people to stay in a single cabin. Most cabins have two bathrooms — one with a sink and a toilet, and one with a sink and a shower or tub. This is rare in the cruise world, and it's designed to make it easier for families sharing a room to get ready. When selecting the right cruise line, you can also check out the destinations to which the cruises take you.

It’s all in good fun, of course, with an onboard atmosphere that is intentionally a little naughty and not suitable for young families. It’s in this welcoming, anything-goes environment that solo cruisers will thrive, with ample opportunities to mingle—or not. Viking is the pioneer of comfortable, adult-only cruising for the modern traveler. The breadth of Viking’s destinations and cruise styles is nearly unmatched, but its decision to accommodate a kid-free atmosphere positively sets it apart.

Back on board, travelers can sip cocktails and unwind in one of the bars and lounges, retreat to their contemporary staterooms, unwind at the spa, and tuck into a meal at one of six eateries. There’s a handful of onboard entertainment offerings, including live shows and music, plus the line’s signature White Night, where guests can eat, drink, and let loose in their best white outfits. Also, while Viking cruises aren’t exactly budget-friendly, they offer plenty of added value. For those who wouldn't be caught dead on a vessel that doesn't have butler service and free-flowing caviar, the Caribbean can be a tough spot. Many of the world's most luxurious cruise ships spend a lot of time in Europe and Asia or gallivanting around the globe on exotic world cruises.

That said, if you're a Princess Cruises fan, you might feel right at home on a P&O Cruises ship. On the recently renovated SeaDream Yacht Club ships, passengers will truly feel the romance of traveling by sea. On the Explora I, there’s a dedicated kids club, ensuring that all members of the family have fun. Some of the best Caribbean sailings will take you off the beaten cruise path to unspoiled gems like Grenada. Generally, the beginning and end of the November-to-March season can be affordable—any time when North American schools are widely in session are also good times to cruise for lower fares.

I’ve experienced everything from the cruise line’s smallest ship to the biggest cruise ship in the world, and some ships are definitely better suited for adults than others. In addition to a main restaurant and casual buffet, Rotterdam features five separate specialty dining venues — everything from a pan-Asian eatery to an upscale steakhouse. Extensive onboard entertainment includes clubs featuring blues and classic rock as well as various musical performances in the main theater. Cultural programming, pickleball lessons, and food and wine tastings are among the complimentary activities available. The 3,963-passenger ship is chock-full of restaurants, bars, nightlife spots and fantastic entertainment, including Broadway shows. With Norwegian's laid-back dining plan, solo travelers aren't locked into set dining times and table mates, so they can invite newly made friends to dinner at a time convenient to everyone.