What Are the Best Cruise Lines for Adults?
If you have ever sailed the high seas in the company of your fiancé or friends, then you understand how exciting, fun, and memorable a cruise can be. It offers you an opportunity to enjoy a serene atmosphere, intimate dinners, spectacular sunsets, and close contact with people of different cultures.
But what are the best cruise lines for adults that you can consider to make your next vacation exciting and memorable? This article offers you a comprehensive list of the 7 best cruise lines for adults.
7 Best Cruise Lines for Adults
If it’s your first time going on a cruise, you might be left wondering what exactly a cruise line is. A cruise line is a company that owns cruise ships that operate on seas, oceans, lakes, and rivers. This company promotes cruises to the general population for leisure and vacation.
Cruise lines are different from passenger lines because the latter is mainly focused on transporting passengers from point A to B. Cruise lines, on the other hand, offer cruise packages, which comprise travel, entertainment, meals, and accommodation. Some cruise packages also include excursions on the shores of the ocean, alcohol, nature walks, and other tourist activities.
Some cruise lines are directly owned by passenger lines, while others specifically offer cruises. Currently, there are hundreds if not thousands of cruise lines in the world. However, not all of them are suitable for your cruising needs. This is why you need to do thorough research before you book your cruise with any cruise line.
When we talk about a cruise line, perhaps the first thing that comes to your mind is a company that operates the gigantic floating megaresorts that you see on TV – the type of ships that haul thousands of travelers and feature all manner of gee-wiz fun fair on their upper decks. While these ships are available for cruises, the cruising industry also offers smaller, more intimate ships that carry just a few tens or hundreds of passengers.
You can either choose a cruise line with gigantic vessels or one with smaller ships. Your choice depends on the kind of cruising experience you want. If you want a more intimate experience, then go for the smaller vessels because they are like small boutique hotels floating on the ocean.
The larger cruise ships have a completely different vibe because they are spacious and accommodate more people. So, you might not get to know or interact with everyone on board.
Additionally, some cruise lines specialize in adventure-focused expeditions that involve traveling to off-beaten-path regions like Antarctica on small, more intimate cruise ships that are specially built for exploring.
Other cruise lines specialize in small cruise vessels that sail across rivers. These ships are specially designed to withstand the harsh conditions experienced when traveling on rivers with high waterfalls and huge rocks. So, make sure you understand the kind of cruising packages and vessels offered by your preferred cruise line before you book your cruise. Here are the 7 best cruise lines for adults.
1. Viking Ocean Cruises
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Formerly known as Viking Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises is a popular cruise line that offers a wide range of cruises, including ocean cruises, river cruises, and expedition cruises. Its main office is located in Basel, Switzerland, with marketing headquarters in Los Angeles, California. By the year 2020, this cruise line was operating a fleet of 76 river ships and 6 ocean ships.
These Viking vessels operate along North and South American rivers and oceans, including the Caribbean, Russia, Egypt, Europe, Southeast Asia, and China. Furthermore, this cruise line has several adult-only ships where you can have an intimate cruise with your significant other.
2. Seabourn Cruise Line
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Headquartered in Seattle, Washington D.C., United States, Seabourn Cruise Line is a cruising company established in 1986 by Norwegian investors, Atle Brynestad and Warren S.
Previously, this cruise line was referred to as Signet Cruise Lines. It adopted the name Seabourn Cruise Line not so long after its official launch following a legal tussle with Signet Oil over the trademark.
In 1991, Seabourn sold 25 percent of its stake to Carnival Corporation. Five years later, Carnival Corporation increased its stake to 50 percent, giving Seabourn, which was struggling financially, the much-needed financial boost to remain afloat. A huge chunk of the revenue raised was used to purchase a cruise ship known as Queen Odyssey and later renamed Seabourn Legend.
Most Seabourn Cruise Line vessels can carry over 600 travelers, allowing you to have an intimate cruise with friends, family, and strangers. These vessels also offer couples’ massage and savor elegant meals. You can even ask your suite host for a customized suite with rose petals strewn on the bed and floor. It’s a perfect cruise line for your honeymoon cruises.
3. Azamara
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Based in Miami, Florida, United States, Azamara is a popular cruise line that operates four large cruise ships. These vessels are available for global itineraries. The company was established in 2007 by Royal Caribbean Group. It was started with two R-Class vessels from Pullmantur Cruises that were initially meant for Celebrity Cruises.
The two ships were named Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey. They cruise to exotic places around the world. Azamara gained more popularity in 2009 when it underwent a rebranding, acquiring a new name, Azamara Club Cruises. Each of the four ships can accommodate over 600 passengers, allowing you to have an intimate cruise.
They also have onboard steakhouses, where you can enjoy an intimate dinner with your partner. After dinner, you can have a wonderful night at the Cabaret Lounge. Azamara offers a unique cultural immersion program that enables you to explore less-known shores.
4. Virgin Voyages
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Located in Plantation, Florida, United States, Virgin Voyages is a popular cruise line and a joint venture between Bain Capital and the Virgin Group. By the end of the year 2022, Virgin Voyages had two cruise ships, with two more on the way. Each of these ships has a capacity of 2,700 passengers.
It’s a perfect choice for couples who want to have a fun and romantic cruise. The company also has adults-only cruises where couples enjoy sultry-themed nights and risqué cabarets. If you love yoga, you’ll have an opportunity to relax and connect with sunrise yoga classes, as well as mudroom treatment.
5. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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Previously known as Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the most popular luxury cruise lines headquartered in Miami, Florida, United States. Founded in 1992, this cruise line is a fully owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the owners of Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises. Currently, Regent Seven Seas Cruises owns a fleet of five cruise ships, with a sixth one on the way.
The smallest cruise ship owned by this cruise line is Seven Seas Navigator with a gross tonnage of 28,550 GT. This company also has two large vessels: Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer, each with a gross tonnage of 55,254 GT. The sixth vessel, which is currently being constructed, is expected to have a capacity of 55,000 GT.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers extreme romance, thanks to its elegant casual dress code, serene spa, and wellness facilities. It offers all-suite accommodation with sufficient rooms for couples. For romantic dinners, Regent has specialty restaurants, which are part of the cruise packages.
6. Celebrity Cruises
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Based in Miami, Florida, Celebrity Cruises is a popular cruise line and a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group. It was founded in 1988 by the Chandris Group based in Greece. In 1997, this company was merged with Royal Caribbean Cruise.
Its fleet is divided into four main categories, including Millennium Class (M Class), Solstice Class (S Class), Edge Class (E Class), and Expedition Vessels. The M Class fleet has four vessels while the S Class has five ships. The E Class and Expedition Vessels fleets have three vessels each.
Celebrity Cruises is known for its endless opportunities for romance. It also has a Martini Bar and Crush where you can relax and enjoy the night while sipping your favorite cocktails. This cruise line also has specialty restaurants like Murano.
7. Oceania Cruises
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Oceania Cruises is another popular cruise line with its headquarters in Miami, Florida. This cruise line has six cruise vessels that operate global itineraries. Its cruises normally last between 10 and 14 days, but it also offers long cruises that last for close to 200 days.
This cruise line is a fully owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings – the owner of Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Couples love this cruise line because of its upscale accommodation and an (almost) children-free atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice for your honeymoon and romantic vacations with your better half.
