Oceania switches to adults-only, posing the question: is it better to travel without kids?

• Oceania Cruises is becoming an adults-only cruise line.
• Oceania is a luxury line which specialises in food, meaning there aren’t many kids onboard.
• While most lines welcome kids, a growing number are not.

Oceania Cruises will from now on be an adults-only cruise line, meaning only passengers 18 years and older will be allowed onboard.

Reservations that have already been made that include younger travellers will be honoured, but from today forward, guests won’t be able to make reservations that include travellers under the age of 18.

Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises said this decision comes off the back of guest feedback.

“Our guests have consistently shared that the tranquil environment aboard our ships is one of the primary reasons they return time and time again.

“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.”

The reality is that on premium and luxury lines, kids aren’t a super common sight. Families are a lot more likely to travel on big ships like those of Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruises, where the ships are designed for families and have all sorts of activities for children.

However, very few cruise lines have a policy of completely not allowing children. Viking famously advertises: No kids and no casinos. And some cruise lines, such as Virgin Voyages have a specialised service that is for adults-only and others such as Ambassador Cruise Lines also have this adults-only policy, but even amongst luxury ships, the vast majority do allow children.

While in some senses this recent decision from Oceania is relatively insignificant, it will definitely affect premium and luxury travellers that do like to travel with children. Furthermore, while multi-generational travel is growing hugely, if more luxury cruise lines join Oceania in this policy, it wouldn’t be possible anymore.

The question is whether the inconvenience or disruptions felt that luxury guests feel when there are just a couple of children onboard outweighs the inconvenience for a small number of travellers who now won’t be allowed to bring their families at all.

Carnival has also recently flirted with adults only cruises, and found they attracted a new clientele.

Sister cruise line Regent Seven Seas, which is ultra luxury, won’t be changing its policy.

A spokesman told Cruise Passenger: “Regent Seven Seas Cruises welcomes guests from six months of age. All guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older and share the same suite.

“While the vast majority of luxury travellers aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet are couples aged 50 and above, certain destinations and seasons, such as peak summer and holiday periods, naturally attract multi-generational travel and therefore a younger demographic. During these times, if there is demand, our dedicated Club Mariner youth program led by our team of friendly, professional counsellors offers engaging activities for guests aged 5 to 17.

“These thoughtfully designed programs ensure the Unrivalled Regent Experience remains consistent year-round for all guests, while providing multi-generational families the opportunity to explore the world together in all-inclusive, unrivalled luxury.”

Editor in Chief Peter Lynch writes: I’ve recently returned for a few days on board Ovation of the Seas sailing out of Singapore with 4,900 families, mostly with young children.

There are two decks for teens, and a deck for parents and kids. And a large Sanctuary area which was adults only. Royal Caribbean managed the mix of generations superbly well.

Perhaps more importantly, in the context of this debate, there were many older cruisers with walkers presiding over large family gatherings.

I tried to imagine what I’d feel if the ship contained 4,900 passengers without those children. The vibe would definitely be much more downbeat.

Of course, Oceania is reading the room and no doubt its passengers prefer peace and quiet to enjoy their luxury cruises. There have been many reports out of America about badly behaved young people ruining holidays for scores of cruisers.

It’s ships are often works of art, with millions of dollars worth of paintings and statues. Ovation of the Seas, on the other hand, has been specifically designed to cater for hundreds of little people.

But the rise of multi-generational cruising is one of the delights of modern sailings, and most lines are very adept at catering for everyone.

What do you think? Should children be allowed on luxury ships?

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