Oceania Cruises Goes Adults-Only: What Travelers Need to Know About the 2026 Policy Change

Luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises has announced a significant shift in its booking policy that will transform the guest experience across its entire fleet. Effective 7 January 2026, all new reservations require guests to be 18 years or older, positioning the brand firmly within the adults-only cruise market.

The change applies to Oceania’s eight-ship fleet and all itineraries, though existing reservations made before 7 January 2026 will be honoured regardless of passenger age. This means guests already booked with children will sail under the original terms of their purchase, allowing for a gradual rather than immediate transition.

Why the Shift to Adults-Only?

“Our guests have consistently shared that the tranquil environment aboard our ships is one of the primary reasons they return time and time again,” stated Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, in a press release announcing the change.

“By transitioning to an adults-only experience, we are enhancing the very essence of the Oceania Cruises journey – one defined by sophistication, serenity and discovery,” he added.

According to the cruise line, the decision follows extensive research and feedback from repeat guests, travel advisors, and passengers new to the brand. These groups consistently pointed to the onboard environment as a primary reason for choosing Oceania Cruises, particularly its quieter public spaces and slower daily pace compared with more family-oriented cruise options.

Many cruise guests find it difficult to truly relax and enjoy their time on a ship with children present, particularly during peak seasons such as summer and holidays. Being surrounded by even a handful of kids making noise, splashing in the pool, or running around the buffet counter can make the cruise experience feel less intimate and refined.

Part of a Growing Trend

While families with young children account for only a small share of Oceania passengers, this move comes as more cruisers are opting for adult-only sailings on other cruise lines, such as Viking and Virgin Voyages.

“The adult-only concept is quite popular, among adults without children, empty-nesters or even parents of children who are looking for a kid-free escape,” Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, told Forbes via email.

“Reviews of the already kid-free lines praise the adults-only experience. In fact, Viking and Virgin both consistently are winners among actual cruisers in our annual Best in Cruise Awards,” she added.

The shift to adults-only bookings places Oceania Cruises in a niche but growing segment in the cruise industry. There are currently very few fully adult-only cruise lines, with Virgin Voyages and Viking Cruises being notable examples tailored solely for adult passengers.

While most large cruise lines do not ban children, many are incorporating adult-focused sailings or adult-only areas. Cruise lines that welcome children, such as Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Celebrity, are creating or enhancing adults-only zones on their ships to provide onboard sanctuaries.

Carnival Cruise Line, for example, has expanded its schedule of adults-only voyages, requiring passengers 21+ on specific sailings. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, both extremely family-friendly with specific programming and dedicated space for children, each provide adults-only areas such as Solarium retreats and H2O spice decks, respectively, that allow adults to escape family crowds.

Fleet Expansion and Enhanced Offerings

While Oceania Cruises has never marketed itself as a family cruise line, it previously allowed children on board without offering dedicated youth programs or children’s facilities. The cruise line will not need to undergo ship renovations to reflect this policy change.

The adults-only transition comes alongside significant fleet growth for the brand. In summer 2025, the line took delivery of its newest vessel, Oceania Allura, which began service with Mediterranean sailings before repositioning to New York and later deploying to Miami for its current winter season in the Caribbean.

The cruise line also confirmed orders for four additional newbuilds that will expand capacity over the next decade, beginning with Oceania Sonata, debuting in 2027.

In addition to its fleet growth, Oceania Cruises recently introduced a revamped inclusive benefit structure called “Your World Included.” Under this program, guests can select either a shore excursion credit or a limited beer and wine package to provide added value and more simplified pricing to passengers.

Timeline for Implementation

As Oceania Cruises’ 2026 schedule and many 2027 itineraries had been announced before 7 January, expect fully adults-only voyages to begin in late 2027 to 2028. The gradual implementation allows the cruise line to honour existing family bookings while transitioning to its new demographic focus.

For travellers seeking a sophisticated, tranquil cruise experience without children, Oceania Cruises’ new policy represents a significant expansion of adults-only options in the luxury cruise market.