An adults-only cruise can mean very different things.
There are some cruises that are exclusively for adults and healthy. Many charter cruises, for example, such as “The 80s Cruise” and other music-related trips, are for those over 18 years old.
Additionally, there are lifestyle cruises like the “Big Gay Cruise,” which are adults-only, but not overtly adult-oriented. Of course, there are swinger cruises, nude cruises, and other charter trips that some passengers would consider more adult than others.
Carnival Cruise Line has adults-only pool and sun deck areas on its ships. It also offers 18+ comedy shows, but is a family-friendly cruise line.
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Most areas of Carnival ships cater to all ages. And while there is a 1 a.m. curfew for passengers under 18, that's only for children who are not accompanied by an adult.
People of all ages are welcome on all Carnival ships, and that includes the bars. Carnival, like its rival Royal Caribbean, has embraced the idea of mocktails.
These are offered to cater to both people of drinking age who simply want less alcohol and people under 21 who want a bar-like experience.
Not all Carnival cruises are filled with children, but all cruises the company offers can accommodate children. This is not something that will make all cruise line passengers very happy.
Image Source: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival answers adults-only question
A Carnival passenger, Florence Thompson Hobson, asked Heald about the possibility of the cruise line offering an adults-only cruise.
“Dear John, could you arrange an adults-only cruise? Not some weird, alternative lifestyle like Virgin Voyages, but just a nice, relaxing, quiet trip for adults only,” he wrote.
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Heald politely ignored the bigotry implied in the post and responded to the central question.
“Thank you. I don't think that will ever happen, and I want to say that in all honesty. We are a very proud family cruise line, so I don't think this is possible at all. Thank you. There are obviously times when there are fewer children on board,” wrote the brand ambassador.
Longer cruises and cruises during the school year typically have more adults and fewer children.
Virgin Voyages is 18+, but does not cater to any specific 'alternative lifestyle'. The cruise line, like Carnival, welcomes all passengers, regardless of their lifestyle.
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Bob Kissinger had some advice for Hobson.
“It doesn't happen, as Carnival is proud of its family-friendly reputation. That said, if you sail on the longer Journeys cruises out of season, you will have a minimum of young passengers. The last Journeys cruise we were on had seven children on the entire cruise. boat,” he wrote.
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