Best adults-only cruises

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VIKING OCEAN AND RIVER CRUISES

Viking cruises quietly changed their policy recently, making all itineraries, on both ocean and river cruises, adults-only. The Basel-based line debuted its adults-only policy on ocean cruises back in 2015, after previously welcoming guests over the age of 12. The company said the new rule made sense, as the line is geared towards those older than 50, with interests in history, art, culture and exploration. Viking Ocean Cruises' itineraries include voyages through Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, Asia, Australia and the Americas. Viking River Cruises operate in Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Asia and Egypt.

U BY UNIWORLD

For younger travellers looking to party without kids getting in the way, U by Uniworld is the way to go. Aimed at the millennial market, the new river cruise brand initially had an age limit of 21 to 45, before changing to allow all adult passengers before its launch this April. Cruisers will find plenty of entertainment in U's two ships, simply named A and B — with silent discos, an Ibiza-inspired roof terrace and mixology classes. The line cruises the rivers of France, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, The Netherlands and Hungary, with adventurous port excursions and opportunities to socialise with other passengers.

VIRGIN VOYAGES

Richard Branson is taking on the cruise industry, with his maiden ship Scarlet Lady set to sail the Caribbean in 2020. The luxury cruise ship will have a strict adults-only policy, welcoming guests over the age of 18. The ship will feature a 360-degree secluded sun deck for yoga and sunbathing, an upscale Mexican restaurant and a signature nightclub called The Manor — inspired by Sir Richard's experience in the music industry and his Virgin music studio of the same name. Guests can also relax in an exclusive thermal spa, inspired by an underwater cave.

P&O

British cruise line P&O offers two adults-only (18+) cruise ships: the 2094-passenger Arcadia and 1800-passenger Oriana, great for those who want a child-free experience on a larger cruise ship. Arcadia offers a relaxed pace with a luxurious salon and spa and 10 places to socialise and enjoy a drink. It visits Australasia, the Mediterranean, Baltic and Fjords, Iberia and the Caribbean. Oriana will be retired in 2019, following a farewell voyage to Norway and the North Cape, so you'll need to be quick to experience it. After April 2019, P&O's Aurora will also cater exclusively to adults, visiting the Mediterranean, Baltic and Fjords, Canary Islands and the US and Canada.