P&O No Longer Offer Exclusive Adults-Only Ships! What Are My Options Now?
- tomanddomtravel
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 8
P&O No Longer Offer Exclusive Adults-Only Ships! What Are My Options Now?
⚠️ P&O’s Big Change to Adults-Only Cruising
P&O Cruises have confirmed a major change to their much-loved adults-only ships. From December 2026, both Arcadia and Aurora, long celebrated for being exclusively for adults will begin welcoming guests of all ages on selected sailings.
P&O say this follows feedback from guests. While many itineraries will remain adults-only, this marks the end of P&O’s exclusively adult-only fleet.
If you prefer the peace and quiet of a child-free cruise, don’t worry, there are still plenty of options. Here’s our guide to the best adults-only cruise lines and ships you can sail with right now.
🚢 Fully Adults-Only Cruise Lines
Virgin Voyages (18+)
Virgin Voyages is redefining adults-only cruising. Every sailing is 18+ only, with no kids allowed. Expect incredible food (no buffets or formal nights), wellness zones, sleek cabins and world-class entertainment.
Ships: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, Brilliant Lady.
📺 Watch our Virgin Voyages vlogs for cabin tours, dining tips and what really makes these ships stand out.
Marella Cruises – Marella Explorer 2 (16+)
Marella Explorer 2 is Marella’s only adults-only ship, offering a friendly, all-inclusive experience. Ideal for couples or groups of friends wanting relaxed, sociable cruising without families onboard.
See Marella deals here
Saga Cruises (50+)
Saga’s ocean cruises are exclusively for guests aged 50 and over (companions can be 40+). Expect traditional British service, all-inclusive fares and a serene onboard atmosphere.
Ships: Spirit of Discovery, Spirit of Adventure.
⚓ Cruise Lines with Adult-Only Ships or Sailings
P&O Cruises
Although Arcadia and Aurora will welcome families on some sailings from 2026, they’ll still run many adult-only cruises. If you love P&O’s British style, just check the itinerary details before booking to make sure it’s one of the adult-only departures.
Viking Cruises (18+)
All Viking Ocean and Viking River cruises are adults-only (18+). Known for elegant Scandinavian design and immersive destination-led itineraries, Viking is ideal for travellers who prefer enrichment over entertainment.
Ambassador Cruise Line (18+)
Ambassador Cruise Line is the UK’s newest player and already adult-focused, becoming fully adults-only from the 2027/28 season. Expect a relaxed, traditional British experience at great value.
Ships: Ambience, Ambition.
Take a look here
🌊 Adult-Only River Cruise Lines
If you prefer scenic, slow travel, river cruising offers a more intimate way to explore — and most are adults-only.
Viking River Cruises (18+)
Officially adults-only, Viking River offers calm European itineraries with wine at meals, guided excursions, and a tranquil onboard vibe.
Riviera Travel River Cruises (18+)
Riviera Travel operates all-adult sailings (except a few family cruises in school holidays). A British favourite offering great value, stylish ships, and friendly service.
📖 Read our Riviera Travel review for our first-hand experience onboard Jane Austen and Geoffrey Chaucer.
See river cruises here
Saga River Cruises (50+)
Saga’s river fleet mirrors their ocean product — boutique ships, excellent service, and exclusively for over-50s.
Other river lines like Scenic, Emerald, Uniworld, and Amadeus also attract mostly adults, even if not officially 18+.
🌟 The Future of Adults-Only Cruising
While P&O’s decision marks the end of an era for their exclusively adults-only ships, there’s no shortage of alternatives. Whether you love the modern energy of Virgin Voyages, the classic elegance of Saga, the British comfort of Ambassador, or the scenic tranquillity of Viking and Riviera Travel, the options for adult-only sailing have never been better.
🧭 Plan Your Next Adults-Only Cruise
We’ve experienced several of these lines ourselves — from Resilient Lady with Virgin Voyages to Jane Austen on the Rhine with Riviera Travel — and can confidently say the grown-up atmosphere makes a world of difference.
Stay tuned to our blog and YouTube channel for upcoming reviews, ship tours, and honest insights into what life onboard is really like when it’s adults only.
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