Adults-only areas on cruise ships are getting bigger and better

If you’re looking for family-friendly holiday options while secretly craving adult me-time, then big cruise ships have the solution for you.

Big cruise ships court the family market, and their websites were once full of images of kids splashing in pools, whizzing down water slides, and enjoying noisy entertainment. But these days, you’re just as likely to see photos of couples leaning on ship’s railings or lounging in a tranquil solarium.

The adults-only Solarium on board Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas.Credit:

Good news for those who want to keep their children happy while on holiday, but crave some me-time, romantic time or just quiet time too. Many big ships have special zones designated adults-only (usually 16-plus or 18-plus) where you can escape from loud deck parties and go-karting, and just chill out.

Adults-only spaces have been around for a while but, as the average age of cruisers falls and the demand for self-indulgence and reward-me travel rises, adults-only areas on cruise ships are getting bigger and better, and more upmarket than the rest of the ship.

You can expect such areas to have a swimming pool with loungers, a bar that serves signature drinks and food, and spa services such as massages. Expect crew to be attentive, and to be offered treats such as Evian spritzes, cool towels and chocolate-coated strawberries.

Often guests are charged additional fees either for the use of the adults-only zone, or for some of their amenities. Loungers or cabanas are limited in number and can fill up, so you’d be advised to book in advance.

Research your ships carefully, since cruise lines may not feature adults-only zones on older ships, and often have better versions on their most up-to-date vessels. Only some of MSC’s Top Deck Solariums are child-free, for example: the others are “adults preferred”.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Serenity varies from ship to ship; on Carnival Splendor there is no pool, while on Carnival Sunshine it extends over three decks and has everything including a waterfall.

Other adults-only zones are The Sanctuary on Princess ships that offer massage cabanas; The Solarium on Royal Caribbean, which has its own bistro; The Retreat on Holland American Line, and The Solarium on Celebrity Cruises, which has a cafe and juice bar.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships have either Posh Beach Club or Vibe Beach Club, where the music gets pumped up in the evenings, so daytime is your sweet spot for relaxation.

Even the most child-oriented company of all, Disney Cruise Line, lets adults escape to The Quiet Cove, which has a pool and bar. Some ships also feature a child-free pool area on the Satellite Sun Deck, where a cascading curtain of water encourages tranquillity.

You may find other adults-only spaces on occasion, such as Disney’s Remy’s Restaurant or Carnival’s Cloud 9 Thermal Spa.

If you really want to flee the kids, or don’t have any, then you needn’t worry much on luxury, river and expedition ships, where you’ll encounter very few children. Saga Cruises, Viking Cruises and Virgin Voyages are the only lines that don’t allow children at all.