Interested in a more refined luxury cruise experience or a cruise line with one-of-a-kind excursions to ignite your spirit of adventure? Cruises are a great way to travel to multiple destinations while indulging in onboard activities and entertainment in between. 

There’s a cruise line for every traveler, but it’ll take a bit of research and decision-making to find the one that fits your budget and cruising needs. 

Below, we’ve curated a list of the best cruise lines for adults, whether you’re seeking a weeklong retreat from the kids or the best cruise lines for solo travelers. 

1. Viking Ocean + Exploration Cruises

Cruise at-a-glance:

• Best for: Unique vacation experiences 
• AAA member benefits: $100 per person shipboard credit for all cruises 8-11 days and $200 per person shipboard credit for all cruises 12 days or longer
• AAA Vacations® benefit: N/A 
• Unique features: Spa and wellness center, assist in fieldwork and experiential activities, submarine, onboard planetarium and smaller ship sizes
• Popular ports of call: Fort Lauderdale, New York City and Buenos Aires

Viking Ocean + Expedition Cruises is an adult-only cruise line that exudes Scandinavian elegance and luxury travel. They have larger ocean ships like the Viking Star, which can host 930 passengers, and a smaller, 378-guest expedition ship, the Polar Class Viking Octanis. 

Viking cruises are ideal for fearless adventurers, as they offer unique experiences, unlike most other cruise lines. From venturing under the sea in a six-person submarine to experiential activities on shoreside trips, activities are available for every type of passenger. Viking cruises can last as long as 180 days on a World Cruise or a quick eight-day trip. Either way, you’ll find that Viking offers some of the best adult cruises.

2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Cruise at-a-glance:

• Best for: Refined luxury 
• AAA member benefits: Up to $400 per suite, onboard spending credit on selected promotional voyages
• AAA Vacations® benefit: Choice of one of two Complimentary Regent Choice Shore Excursions (first two guests in stateroom) 
• Unique features: Award-winning dining experiences, luxurious suites, customizable butler service, fine-art galleries and a Broadway-style theater
• Popular ports of call: Miami, San Francisco, Barcelona and Venice

Founded in the early 1990s, the Regent Seven Seas boasts 25 years of experience providing top-notch sea experiences to its passengers. This cruise line is incredibly elegant, and passengers get exactly what they pay for, including stately suites, multi-award-winning dining options and unique excursion opportunities. 

Known as the “World’s Most Luxurious Fleet,” those with the financial means and who want to experience luxury at its highest will no doubt enjoy a trip aboard one of these intimate ships. Regent Seven Seas also offers plenty of shore tours and excursions, such as gliding over the Alaskan mountains via helicopter or exploring the monuments in Valencia, Spain.

3. Cunard

Cruise at-a-glance:

• Best for: A classic cruise experience
• AAA member benefits: N/A
• AAA Vacations® benefit: Additional $100 onboard credit per stateroom for all open voyages that are seven nights and longer on Queen Anne®, Queen Mary 2®, Queen Victoria® and Queen Elizabeth®
• Unique features: Transatlantic crossings, White Star service, Formal nights, afternoon tea
• Popular ports of call: Southampton, New York City, Rome, Barcelona 

Cunard is a luxury cruise line known for its elegant ships and impeccable service. With a rich maritime heritage dating back to 1840, Cunard offers a sophisticated and timeless cruise experience. Cunard is one of the best cruise lines for couples and mature adults seeking a refined and relaxing cruise experience.

Cunard's fleet of ships offers a wide range of amenities, including fine dining, world-class entertainment and luxurious accommodations. Indulge in gourmet cuisine at multiple restaurants, unwind in a serene spa or explore captivating art galleries. Enjoy onboard entertainment like live music, theater performances and engaging lectures. With its commitment to exceptional service and attention to detail, Cunard ensures that every moment of your cruise is unforgettable.

4. Seabourn Cruises 

Cruise at-a-glance:

• Best for: Intimate experience 
• AAA member benefits: $300 per suite (double occupancy) onboard spending credit on select departures; singles receive $150 per suite
• AAA Vacations® benefit: $200 per suite onboard spending credit on selected sailings.
• Unique features: All-inclusive services, fine dining restaurants, personal butler service, smaller ship sizes and premium wine programs
• Popular ports of call: Seattle, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale

Seabourn Cruises was founded in 1986, and since then has accumulated years of experience providing intimate and luxurious cruising experiences to passengers. As one of the best small cruise lines, the ships carry no more than 600 passengers and are some of the smallest in the cruising industry. Their destination-focused itineraries can take you to the most beautiful destinations across the world, including the Caribbean, Antarctica, the Mediterranean region and Southeast Asia. 

Seabourn is a fully all-inclusive adult-only cruise line and offers top-notch amenities and services. From fine-dining dining options to personalized services, you won't need to worry about additional charges the second you come aboard. Wine lovers can also enjoy attending the ship’s premium wine programs and joining exclusive World Heritage site excursions through Seabourn’s partnership with UNESCO. If you’re looking for the best no-kids cruise or the best cruises for singles, be sure to consider this one. 

5. Oceania Cruises

Cruise at-a-glance:

• Best for: Romantic luxury 
• AAA member benefits: $100 per person onboard spending credit on select voyages
• AAA Vacations® benefit: Free Pre-Paid Gratuities (for first two guests in stateroom), complimentary group wine tasting with sommelier (for first two guests in stateroom)
• Unique features: World-class chefs and specialty restaurants, in-depth destination exploration, sophisticated atmosphere
• Popular ports of call: Rome, Athens, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Barbados

Oceania sets itself apart by offering a luxurious and intimate cruise experience. Unlike mega-ships, Ocean’s fleet boasts smaller vessels that can navigate charming harbors and secluded coves, bringing you closer to the heart of your destinations. This creates a more relaxed and personalized atmosphere, putting it among the best cruises for adults and ideal for those who prefer less crowds. 

Beyond its size, Oceania is known for its exceptional culinary experiences. Their focus on gourmet dining features world-class chefs and a selection of specialty restaurants. Whether you prefer French or Tuscan cuisine, Oceania’s culinary program offers a journey for the palate. 

6. Celebrity Cruises

Cruise at-a-glance:

• Best for: Range of accommodations
• AAA member benefits: Onboard credit per stateroom based on category booked, valid for all departures three nights or longer, with the exception of Galapagos
  • $25 (outside)
  • $50 (balcony)
  • $75 (Concierge Class and above)
• AAA Vacations® benefit: Onboard spending credit per stateroom based on category booked:
  • $25 (outside)
  • $75 (balcony)
  • $100 (Concierge Class and above)
• Unique features: All-inclusive drink package, spas, Wi-Fi packages and world-class dining 
• Popular ports of call: Vancouver, Amsterdam and Miami 

While Celebrity Cruises is well-known for being one of the best cruise lines for kids and families, it’s also a great choice for adult-only groups that come aboard. With open-air dining and beautiful deck views, Celebrity Cruises will provide you with an unmatched travel experience. Celebrity offers a range of accommodations, including suites, cabins and staterooms perfect for any party size. 

With Celebrity Cruises, you can expect top-notch entertainment options, world-class cuisine and a variety of activities for every person in your group, making it one of the best cruise lines for adults. During your stay, you can also enjoy high-end spas, all-inclusive drink packages and Wi-Fi packages. Celebrity Cruises has over 300 ports across the world. 

7. Holland America Cruise Line

Cruise at-a-glance:

• Best for: Slow-paced experience 
• AAA member benefits: $50 onboard spending credit per person for the first two guests in the stateroom
• AAA Vacations® benefit: $50 onboard spending credit per person for first two guests in stateroom, $50 Denali Dollars per person for first two guests on Alaska Cruise tours Verandah staterooms and above (not applicable for 1-night Pacific Coast cruises, World Cruise and Grand Voyages)
• Unique features: Staff-to-guest ratio, shops, spa and salon, enrichment activities, digital workshops and many dining options
• Popular ports of call: Fort Lauderdale, Seattle and Singapore

With more than 140 years of sailing unforgettable journeys with its passengers, Holland America Cruise Line offers the highest quality of service and some of the best cruises for adults aboard its 11-ship fleet. Holland America Line offers a luxury traveling experience unlike any other cruise line, thanks to their ideal staff-to-guest ratio and exclusive amenities. 

Cruisers can enjoy plenty of onboard entertainment and choose from 200 dishes at the ship’s specialty restaurants. Plus, if you forget to bring makeup items or are looking to purchase souvenirs, you can stop by The Shops of Holland America and shop your heart away. 

8. Royal Caribbean International

Cruise at-a-glance:

• Best for: Rewarding loyalty program 
• AAA member benefits: One complimentary 8x10 onboard print or digital photograph per stateroom on any seven-night or longer sailing when booking a balcony and suite stateroom category 
• AAA Vacations® benefit: 
  • Sparkling wine placed in stateroom upon arrival
  • Welcome plate of chocolate-covered strawberries placed in stateroom upon arrival
  • $25 per stateroom onboard spending credit (6 nights or less balcony and above)
  • $50 per stateroom onboard spending (7 – 10 nights balcony and above)
  • $100 per stateroom onboard spending (11+ nights balcony and above)
• Unique features: Full-service spas, surf simulators, rock climbing, ice skating, live music and entertainment 
• Popular ports of call: Orlando, Boston and London 

Royal Caribbean is well-known in the cruising industry, as there is something for everyone onboard their cruise ships. Since its start in 1969, Royal Caribbean has grown its cruise line to 24 ships that travel to more than 800 destinations. Royal Caribbean has pioneered cruising innovation, including surf simulators, rock climbing walls and ice rinks on the deck. 

Onshore, the cruise line offers plenty of excursions and adventures, from jet skiing to gliding down the tallest waterslides in North America at Perfect Day at CocoCay—their award-winning private island in the Bahamas. Royal Caribbean also offers a loyalty program crafted for frequent travelers, providing exclusive offers and discounted rates.

9. Princess Cruises

Cruise at-a-glance:

• Best for: On-board activities 
• AAA member benefits: Reduced deposit (as low as $50 per person), with a complimentary Princess Medallion clip (first two guests in the stateroom) during quarterly cruise sales 
• Unique features: Five-star dining options, deck-side movie screenings, spa treatments, culinary tasting tours and enrichment seminars
• Popular ports of call: Los Angeles, Seattle and Tokyo 

With almost six decades of experience, Princess Cruises is among the best luxury cruise lines for older adults. It caters to them with world-class entertainment and activities, including deck-side movie screenings, deluxe spa treatments and stateroom service. Princess Cruises offers a variety of amenities to its passengers that help make it one of the best cruise lines for adults. 

Princess Cruises offers enrichment seminars and culinary tasting tours to get to know the destinations you’re visiting even better. MedallionClass technology allows you to personalize your cruising experience so you can relax and enjoy the ride. With over 20 departure ports globally, there are plenty of options to travel with Princess Cruises. Did we mention it’s also a top choice for Alaskan cruises? 

10. Silversea Cruises

Cruise at-a-glance:

• Best for: Premium hospitality 
• AAA member benefits: Up to $300 per person onboard credit on selected sailings
• AAA Vacations® benefit: N/A
• Unique features: All-inclusive package, smaller ship sizes, premium accommodations and premium dining
• Popular ports of call: Auckland, Cape Town and Copenhagen

Founded in 1994, Silversea is an all-inclusive cruise line that stands as a premier choice for those looking for an intimate cruising experience. The cruise line runs with smaller ships accommodating around 100 to 600 passengers. Silversea offers a unique crew-to-guest ratio that allows passengers to feel cared for throughout their journey on the sea. 

Silversea’s biggest highlight is its all-inclusive model. Upon purchasing the cruise fare, passengers can access all dining and entertainment options aboard the ship. Silversea travels to over 900 destinations across all seven continents, so you’re guaranteed to find and book the cruise trip of your dreams. Plus, Silversea offers unique expeditions to remote locations such as the Arctic and Antarctica, making it one of the most fun cruise ships for adults.

11. Azamara Cruises

Cruise at-a-glance:

• Best for: World exploration 
• AAA member benefits: $150 per stateroom onboard spending credit on select sailings in a Club Ocean View stateroom or above
• AAA Vacations® benefit: $200 per stateroom onboard spending credit 
• Unique features: Concierge services, specialty dining, smaller ship sizes, inclusive packages and on-board Wi-Fi
• Popular ports of call: Barcelona, Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro

While Azamara is a smaller cruise line, it's not one you should forget. The cruise line travels to over 150 destinations, with trips varying in the number of days and ports. Uniquely, Azamara also offers World Voyages for passengers looking to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and the best around-the-world cruises. These 155-day-long trips will visit at least 35 countries, including New Zealand, Thailand, Greece and the United Kingdom. 

Although Azamara isn't exclusively an adult-only cruise line, its on- and off-board experiences are more tailored to adult passengers. With a smaller ship size, Azamara offers a more intimate cruise experience. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in amenities, including spa treatments, specialty dining and concierge services. 

12. Carnival Cruises

Cruise at-a-glance:

• Best for: Affordable cruise experience 
• AAA member benefits: Up to $200 per stateroom onboard spending credit with Interior Oceanview Balcony/ Suite based on length of stay: 
  • 3 - 5 Day cruises: $50 - $100
  • 6 + Day cruises: $100 - $200
• AAA Vacations® benefit: 
  • $25 per stateroom onboard spending credit (3-5 days, ocean view)
  • $50 per stateroom onboard spending credit (3-5 days, balcony and suites)
  • $50 per stateroom onboard spending credit (6 + days, ocean view)
  • $75 per stateroom onboard spending credit (6+ days, balcony and suites)
  • Two-category upgrade
  • 50 percent Reduced deposit
• Unique features: Variety of ports, on-ship roller coaster, diverse entertainment options and onboard activities, excursions and offshore watersports
• Popular ports of call: Galveston, Barcelona and Sydney

Carnival Cruises offers budget-friendly fares and package deals throughout the seasons, ideal for those looking to save on their stateroom expenses. Known for its lively voyages and extensive entertainment options, Carnival is a great choice for friends and outgoing couples looking to book a cruise. 

Carnival is popular for its various departure ports; you can embark from Galveston, Texas, to set sail to the Caribbean or enjoy the Mediterranean seas from Barcelona, Spain. The cruise line’s onboard amenities are also hard to beat, with fine dining options, live performances, pools and even the first roller coaster at sea.   

How to Choose a Cruise Line for Your Adult Trip

Knowing how to choose the right cruise line is essential to a memorable and enjoyable vacation. To find the top cruises for adults, consider your preferences and priorities. Are you seeking a sophisticated, luxury-filled experience or something more fun and casual? 

If you’re traveling as a couple or a group of friends, an adults-only cruise line could be the perfect choice. These offer a more serene and intimate atmosphere, focusing on relaxation and adult-oriented activities. Consider factors such as the cruise line's reputation for luxury, the quality of its dining options, the diversity of onboard activities and the destinations it visits. 

Book Your Next Cruise with AAA

If you want to book an adults-only cruise with friends or a romantic getaway, plan your cruise trip with AAA. With an AAA membership, you gain access to exclusive perks when reserving the ideal cruise for your type of travel, including onboard spending credits and select discounts.