MIAMI — All new reservations for future voyages with Oceania Cruises will be exclusively for passengers 18+.
The new policy takes effect today, Jan. 7, 2026.
The cruise line says the move is designed to elevate the onboard ambiance and comes in response to guest preferences. Oceania conducted extensive research which provided feedback from loyal repeat guests and experienced travel partners, as well as new-to-brand guests.
All existing reservations made prior to Jan. 7, 2026, that include travellers under the age of 18, will be fully honoured.
“Our guests have consistently shared that the tranquil environment aboard our ships is one of the primary reasons they return time and time again,” said Oceania’s Chief Luxury Officer, Jason Montague.
He added: “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.”
“SMART DECISION”
Judith Coates with Wired for Travel is all-in with Oceania’s decision.
She told Travelweek that plenty of travellers are under the impression that luxury lines are adult-only – “and they are surprised when they get on board and find families in the pool and in the dining room!”
Coates’ own recent experience on a well-known high-end cruise line drove the point home. A couple let their three young kids have the run of the luxury ship, with plenty of horseplay even in the quiet area pool. “It caused quite a stir,” said Coates. “He was throwing his kids into the pool. Other guests were complaining at the spa registration desk, and all they could say was that children are allowed as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.”
What happened next? A fellow passenger went and got one of the ship’s First Officers. “He came and had a talk with him and said he was disturbing the other guests,” shared Coates. “All that to say that luxury doesn’t mean ‘child free’!”
Coates told Travelweek she’s in favour of Oceania’s new policy. “I believe the move by Oceania to go to adults-only (AO) is a smart one. The cruise lines who advertise that they’re AO (Viking & Virgin) aren’t in the Premium / Luxury space, so for cruise clients looking for an elevated experience with no kids on board, this is a perfect choice.”
“OCEANIA’S MARKETING & ADVERTISING HAS ALWAYS BEEN GEARED TO ADULTS”
RedDoorTravel’s Sandra McLeod points out that Oceania “has always been technically only adults. Although all ages were able to sail, their marketing and advertising have always been only adults.”
She notes there have never been any child facilities onboard Oceania’s ships either: “No play areas, no high chairs, cribs, baby food, etc., and no babysitting or other facilities.”
McLeod tells Travelweek: “My clients that have sailed Oceania have never travelled with children, so for them it won’t make any difference. The only difference will be they won’t have to contend with any children that might have been onboard.”
She notes that most small ship cruise lines don’t have children’s facilities or programs onboard. “Even though they allow them and the staff are usually very accommodating, there is nothing for them. Having sailed on many small ship cruise lines, I am always surprised to see parents bring young children. It is not a vacation for the parents [especially] if the children are at the age where they need to be entertained, it is hard for them. I usually see very bored children, unless they are playing their video games on their phones or tablets.”
She adds that while for the most part children onboard ships geared to adults have been well-behaved, “there have been some instances where they were not,” prompting complaints.
Lead image caption: Sailing away on Oceania Allura, part of the Oceania Cruises fleet