Cruising Without Kids Things to Do on a Cruise for Adults

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What is there to do on a cruise for adults? Now we have time to spend cruising without kids how will we spend our time onboard? There is so much to offer on today’s luxury cruise ships and you do not have to look at adults-only cruise ships either to enjoy your vacation. No matter which ship you sail on or which cruise line you sail with from Princess Cruises to Royal Caribbean ships you will find plenty of adult entertainment that is not just for kids.

So whether you like to relax with a spot of acupuncture or a facial or even visit the casino and play roulette there will always be something to do.

25 Ways to Cruise Without Kids

Starboard side of Anthem of The Seas
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

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You have spent your holiday with your children and now it is time to cruise as a couple. What is there to do on a cruise for adults? With many cruise lines now having an adults-only policy such as Virgin Voyages you may think there is nothing to do on a regular cruise. Let’s explore some cruise activities for a luxury cruise that are not adult-only and find out what it is like to be cruising without kids.

1. Relax

Symphony of the Seas.Aerial view of deck. What Is The Capacity Of Symphony Of The Seas? Royal Caribbean's Largest Ships
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance, Cruising with Kids.

There are plenty of places to Relax on a cruise ship. Now that you are child-free take the opportunity to absolutely nothing or read on further to find out more ways of relaxing on your cruise holiday. Let’s face it’s going to be easier without the kids.

2. Enjoy Cocktails

Cocktail onboard the Queen Mary “Punch Romaine À la Carpathia” which was believed to be the last cocktail served on the Titanic.
Cocktail onboard the Queen Mary “Punch Romaine À la Carpathia” which was believed to be the last cocktail served on the Titanic. Photo Credit: Donna Vallance, Cruising for All

One of the best things about cruising is the Drinks! With so many drinks on the menu, you will be spoilt for choice! Relaxing with a cocktail while watching the waves is perfect.

3. Go to the Spa

Canyon Ranch Spa Club Private Terrace area beds
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

Cruising without children can be a bit of an advantage! Now is the time for some well-needed couple time. Go to the spa onboard and try a his and hers massage or have a relaxing hot stone massage all by yourself.

4. Visit a City

How to get to Rome from the port of Civitavecchia a photo of the Trevi Fountain
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

Kids don’t always like city breaks unless they are doing something exciting. Now is the time to explore historic cities such as Rome or Budapest! Take in the sights visits stunning architecture or try some local food. Book shore excursions or hop off the ship for a glass of wine and explore yourself.

5. Late Night Disco

Celebrity Infinity Constellation lounge silent disco. Photo Credit: Donna Vallance
Celebrity Infinity Constellation lounge silent disco. Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

Cruising without kids means you can stay up late and dance the night away in one of the many disco’s onboard. Many Cruise ships have silent disco too.

6. Hire a Cabana

Cabanas on Symphony of the Seas Royal Suite deck
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

Many Cruise lines now own their own private islands reserved especially for their guests. Hire a cabana at a private island such as Royal Caribbean’s Cococay in the Bahamas, Disney’s Castaway Cay or MSC’s Ocean Cay.

7. Relive Your Childhood on a Disney Ship

Which are the biggest Disney Cruise Ships
Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line

Disney is not just for the kids! Let your imagination run wild on a Disney Cruise and have real fun. Hop onboard one of the best ships such as the Disney Magic and explore your inner childhood.

8. Have a Romantic Meal in a Speciality Restaurant

Oceania Marina Ship chocolate dessert in dining room
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

You do not just have to use the main dining room try a specialty restaurant on a cruise ship for that little something extra. With the likes of Tapas in Hola where the food was designed by Spanish chef Ramón Freixa, who has two Michelin Stars will be sure to enjoy some culinary moments. So make a reservation at the restaurant of your choice such as an Italian cuisine to Mexican and it is so relaxing to dine kid free!

9. See a Show

Kinky Boots the show - on NCL Bliss
Kinky Boots the show – on NCL Bliss Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Lines

Show on ships are not what they seem with cruise lines drafting in the best Broadway shows with fantastic casts now is the time to sit back an relax in the theatre. The entertainment onboard a cruise ship is fast becoming the best with shows such as Kinky Boots on the Norwegian cruise lines.

10. See an Adult Comedian or a Tribute Band

Beatles tribute on Anthem of the Seas
Beatles tribute on Anthem of the Seas. Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

Cruise ships like Royal Caribbean offer a variety of evening entertainment, with comedians being the latest buzz. Enjoy a good laugh where the kids can’t hear. Magicians and hypnotists are now frequently featured in cruise entertainment itineraries. Tribute bands also regularly perform on ships, covering all types of genres.

11. Take a Class

Napkin Folding in a glass
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

Try your hand at a Cocktail making class or take a cooking class which is one of the many things on offer. With the regular classes such as line dancing and napkin folding there is always something to do.

12. Watch Your Favourite Sports Match.

Playmakers Bar and arcade on Independence of the seas.
Playmakers sports bar and arcade on Independence of the Seas. Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

Hop over to the sports bar to watch the latest game. Whatever takes your fancy football, rugby or golf bars such as the Playmaker bar on Royal Caribbean or the pub on a ship host all the latest games 

13. Go to the Gym

Photo Credit: Donna Vallance Gym on a river cruise

Get fit and go to the gym. Cruise ship gyms are state-of-the-art and well-kitted out. Have a jog around the track. These running tracks on cruise ships go all the way around the deck! 

14. Sunbathe and Watch the Sea

Perfect seating area to watch the sea on Celebrity Edge
Perfect seating area to watch the sea on Celebrity Edge. Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

Take a relaxing break on a sun lounger by the pool deck or find a quiet spot on a deck to watch the waves rolling and the sun go down.

15. Go to a Deck Party

Balloon drop on Anthem of the Seas
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

Deck parties are great fun! Dance the night away around the pool deck or try one of the sail away parties! Deck parties are often themed such as black and white night, Hawaiian night or even 70 s nights.

16. Watch a Movie Under the Stars

Pool bar seating area on the Independence of the Seas with view of the movie screen
Pool bar seating area on the Independence of the Seas with view of the movie screen. Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

There is nothing better than watching a movie under the stars. Grab a blanket and hit the pool deck to watch some top movies at sea.

17. Have a Photo Session.

Image by Markus Spiske from Pixabay

Have a photography session with one of the many ship photographers. Many photography studios on the ship are well set up to capture your next holiday shot professionally.

18. Listen to Music in a Bar.

Piano man in a lift onboard the Independence of the seas!
Piano man in a lift onboard the Independence of the seas! Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

Don’t you just love a piano bar? With so many bars on the ship, there is something for everyone. From jazz in the foyer to a singer in the pub you won’t be hard-pressed to listen to your favourite music. We have even seen a piano in a lift!

19. Have a Pint in the Pub!

The Ale and Anchor pub on Royal Caribbean how to go cruising without kids
The Ale and Anchor pub on Royal Caribbean how to go cruising without kids. Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

Have a pint in the pub! With beers from around the world cruise ship pubs are the place to be. Relax with friends or simply people-watch with a beer or cocktail in hand.

20. Use the Solariums

Artwork in the Solarium Pool
Photo Credit Sarah Christie, Cruising with Kids

The  Solariums are a quieter place to relax and often are more sheltered from the sun. Some Solariums on ships are adults only and often with stunning features!

21.  Try the Casino

Casino onboard a cruise ship
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

If you fancy a flutter on games that play real money, such as roulette or simply people watch most cruise ships have late-night Casinos. Casinos on a cruise are often some of the most glittery. There are lots of different tables in most of the ship casinos from Blackjack to Roulette and it’s not somewhere to take your kids so take advantage of it while you can.

22. Shop

Tiffany and co shop on Oasis of the seas
Tiffany and co shop on Oasis of the seas. Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

Shopping has never been better on cruises than now. Many brands from all over the world compete on some of the biggest promenades at sea. From Tiffany and Co to Kate Spade your designer end is covered. Smaller gift shops and clothes offer essentials for your cruise. There are even chocolate shops and sweet shops to tempt you.

23. Read a Book

Beach Book, by a pool with flip-flops
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

Read a book on your next cruise while you have a bit of time to sit down and chill.

There are so many places to sit on a ship and many even have libraries. You could also sit on your balcony in your own peace and quiet.

24. Have a Bottle of Champagne on the Balcony

Have bottle of champagne on the balcony of your cruise ship with views over the Norwegian fjords
Have bottle of champagne on the balcony of your cruise ship with views over the Norwegian Fjords. Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

Did you know that on some cruise liners, you can take a bottle of champagne onboard for you to drink in your cabin? Check your cruise terms and conditions and you may be able to sit and sip in luxury on your own private balcony.

25. Try a River Cruise

The deck sitting areas on the Ama Magna
The deck sitting areas on the Ama Magna. Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

River cruising is a peaceful way to travel with some luxury river cruises available now. Although there is plenty of river cruises that accommodate children and are multi-generational there are few out there that are adult-only.  With shorter stops visiting some stunning cities and towns river cruising is fast becoming what everyone wants to try next. 

There are many things to do if you are cruising without kids on a regular cruise.

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44 thoughts on “Cruising Without Kids Things to Do on a Cruise for Adults”

  1. My favourite activity on a cruise ship is definetly eating,especially all the terribly unhealthy puddings-I usually gain 10 lbs!

    Reply
  2. Ilove the buffet, went on one before, when i supported 2 adults with LD, and they did these kiwi meringues, they were amazing!

    Reply
  3. I’ve never been on a cruise but have always wanted to go on one

    Reply
  4. Swimming in the pool and reading a book looking out onto the ocean, with nothing but water and the horizon – so inspiring!

    Reply
  5. I have never been on a cruise but I suspect I’d like the fine dining.

    Reply
  6. I love the views and the fresh air so getting out on deck to enjoy it is my favourite thing!

    Reply
  7. I’ve never been on a cruise but I think I would love floating in the swimming pool on deck while watching the scenery!

    Reply
  8. We haven’t been on a cruise. We are looking into one for next year. I would like visiting several countries in one holiday. And also lots of cocktails.

    Reply

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