Oceania Cruises has joined an exclusive cruising club, announcing that it’s joining the ranks of cruise lines banning kids. You may be surprised which – and how few - cruise lines are truly adults only.
If you’ve done any luxury, especially small-ship cruising, you’re likely used to NOT seeing many children. That’s certainly about to be true on Oceania Cruises.
Oceania Cruises has announced that, effective January 7, 2026, new bookings will “welcome guests aged 18 and older.” Bookings made before that date that include young people will be honored.
The cruise line says the move follows “extensive research” and feedback from guests, and is about “elevating the onboard ambiance and responding to the preferences of its guests.”
According to Oceania, “Feedback consistently showed that guests choose Oceania Cruises for its serene atmosphere, sophisticated service and unhurried pace, traits that are highly sought after and valued by mature, affluent travelers.”
"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, (tellingly titled Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises). "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."
Is the adults-only announcement part of a transition to full-on luxury for Oceania Cruises?
Recently, the cruise line has increasingly indicated that it now considers itself in the ‘luxury’ category. It’s part of the family of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which includes family-friendly, mega-ship Norwegian Cruise Lines, Oceania, previously considered to be more in the ‘premium’ category, with sister cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises positioned as the ‘luxury’ brand in the family.
Aren't Kids Banned from All Luxury Cruises?
Oceania’s announcement may come as a surprise to you – there is an impression that all of the more luxurious, and especially smaller-ship lines are already adults-only.
Not so.
In fact, many luxury and small-ship cruise lines – ocean and river, including Seabourn and Scenic – do welcome younger family members, just without the theme park environment.
However, you really only see the children of officers (always impeccably behaved), or families on those luxury and small-ship cruises during the school holiday periods and particularly in family-friendly cruise destinations. Alaska during the summer holidays, for example. Christmas market river cruises.
Other than Oceania, only two ocean cruise lines explicitly ban kids – and for completely opposite reasons! Which 2 cruise lines already banned kids – and why??
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT IN THIS VIDEO
Is this a Sign of Luxury Cruising to Come?
Since Oceania’s announcement, there’s been a resounding social media chorus of Oceania and other cruise lovers praising the move. But at least one cruise line is absolutely bucking this trend.
Relative newcomer, ultra-luxury, small-ship cruise line Explora Journeys embraces younger cruise travelers with open arms. Not only are babies, children, and teens accepted, but Explora Journeys is designed for families and their kids, with:
- Savings: Infants (6-23 months) sail free, and children (2-17) get up to 50% off.
- Nautilus Club: A dedicated kids' club for ages 6 to 17 (even 3-5-year-olds, if accompanied by an adult) with age-appropriate activities and hosts.
- Family Amenities: Connecting suites, child and baby amenities like smaller bathrobes, slippers and hangers, cribs, with blankets, linens and pillows. For infants aged six months to two years, toys are also available in the suite.
- Age-Specific Fun: Activities include sports (football, pickleball), games, and themed evenings.
- Dining: The culinary team accommodates younger guests, and kids can even dine with their hosts in the club.
So whether your vision of luxury cruising involves family and multi-generational vacations or an adults-only haven, you still have many excellent options.
START YOUR TRIP!
Story and video by: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise /travel journalist and expert
Top Image: Oceania Cruises' Gérard Bertrand Food and Wine Pairing lunch
Bottom Image: Explora Journeys' Nautilus Club
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