Let's connect over email!
Oceania Cruises is a cruise line I find not a lot of people talk about! ICYDK: It’s the five-star big sister to NCL, and little sister to six-star Regent Seven Seas. But they’ve quietly announced that they’ve officially moved to an adults only model for all new bookings.
What Changed?
From January 7, 2026, Oceania Cruises won’t accept anyone under the age of 18 on new reservations. That’s right. Future trips on Oceania ships are now officially 18-plus only for anyone booking after that date.
If you already booked a cruise before this announcement and your trip includes someone under 18, don’t worry. That booking will still be honoured – kids and teens included – so long as the reservation was made before the change.
So… Why the Change?
Oceania has always been a cruise brand that leans into calm, sophisticated travel. Its ships don’t have kids’ clubs, splash zones, or teen lounges. They’re built around destination immersion, food that feels like an experience, and an easygoing vibe that attracts couples, solo travellers, and grown-ups who love slow mornings, stellar shore excursions, and dinners that stretch into conversation.
This change just makes the expectation crystal clear: Oceania is now formally positioned as a grown-ups’ cruise line. It joins a small club of lines with similar policies – like Virgin Voyages and Viking – that are all about that 18+ cruise experience.
Why Oceania Cruises Did It:
Oceania says this is what their guests have actually told them they want. Their research with repeat travellers, travel advisors, and new customers showed that calm and sophistication were the top reasons people choose Oceania. So the line decided to lean all the way in and remove ambiguity about who they’re aiming to serve.
My opinion? I reckon families weren’t actually booking onboard Oceania Cruises, so moving to an adults-only demographic gives them an edge over competitors like Azamara
Side topic: If you’re interested in trying Oceania Cruises, have a look at Cruise Club UK who currently have an exclusivec charter.
