Adult Only Cruises Are Becoming the New Resort Alternative

Author : Dannie Proctor | Published On : 12 Jun 2026

For years, couples looking for a romantic, kid free getaway often defaulted to all inclusive resorts. Lately, though, adult only cruises have started pulling ahead as the preferred option, and the reasons go beyond just novelty.

The Resort Comparison

All inclusive resorts have their appeal: one location, predictable amenities, and minimal planning. But they also come with limitations. You're stuck in one place for the entire trip, and "all inclusive" doesn't always mean what it sounds like once you read the fine print.

Adult only cruises offer something resorts can't: movement. Multiple destinations, changing scenery, and new ports to explore, all while returning each evening to the same comfortable cabin and consistent onboard amenities.

What "Included" Actually Means Here

This is where the comparison gets interesting. Under the Always Included Luxury model, fares cover WiFi, dining, soda and water, fitness classes, and entertainment. With more than 20 restaurants and zero buffets across the fleet, dining alone often rivals or exceeds what's offered at land based resorts, without the hidden upcharges that sometimes come with resort "specialty dining."

A Real Difference in Dining Quality

Menus across the fleet are curated by Michelin starred chefs, covering everything from upscale Italian to interactive Korean BBQ where guests cook at their own table. For couples who plan trips partly around food, this is a significant draw compared to standard resort buffet rotations.

Design That Feels Intentional

Part of what sets these ships apart is the superyacht inspired design throughout. It's not just marketing language, the fleet has been named Travel and Leisure's Best Mega Ship for three years running, and individual cabins have earned recognition for being among the best in the industry according to Cruise Critic's Cruisers' Choice Awards.

Many staterooms include private balcony hammocks and sophisticated mood lighting, details that elevate the cabin experience well beyond a standard hotel room.

Adults Only, Genuinely

Unlike resorts that sometimes market themselves as "adult oriented" while still allowing families in certain sections, this fleet maintains a strict 18+ policy across all four ships. Every space, from pools to restaurants to nightlife venues, maintains that consistent atmosphere.

Nightlife and Entertainment

The Manor, an onboard nightclub with live DJ performances, gives couples access to genuine nightlife without needing to leave the ship or arrange transportation, something that often complicates resort based vacations in unfamiliar destinations.

For quieter evenings, bars throughout the ship offer curated cocktails in more relaxed settings, giving couples flexibility depending on their mood each night.

A Realistic Couple's Itinerary

Consider a couple who typically books a week at an all inclusive resort. Instead, they choose an adult only cruise covering multiple destinations. Mornings include yoga and a fresh pressed juice, afternoons involve exploring a new port, and evenings rotate between specialty dinners and time at The Manor.

By the end of the week, they've experienced multiple locations, eaten at several distinct restaurants, and never had to coordinate transportation or worry about resort credit limits.

A Unique Experience Worth Mentioning

For couples looking for something memorable, the onboard tattoo parlor, Squid Ink, offers a one of a kind option, getting matching tattoos at sea isn't something most resorts can offer.

Comparing Your Options

If you're weighing resorts against this style of travel, it's worth looking into adult only cruises to compare itineraries, inclusions, and onboard experiences across different regions.

Final Thoughts

Adult only cruises offer couples something resorts often can't: variety, consistently high quality dining, intentional design, and a genuinely adult atmosphere throughout the entire trip. For couples reconsidering their usual vacation routine, this shift toward cruising over resort stays makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

Are adult only cruises more expensive than all inclusive resorts? It depends on the itinerary and inclusions, but with dining, WiFi, and entertainment included, value often compares favorably.

Do these cruises visit multiple destinations per trip? Yes, itineraries typically include several ports, unlike single location resort stays.

Is nightlife available every night onboard? Yes, with both high energy nightclub options and quieter bars available throughout the ship.