Popular Cruise Line Going ‘Adults Only’

(KMDL-FM) If you had to name your top five things that annoy you on vacation, how many of the items on your top five list would be "other people's children"? Yeah, "other people" just don't know how to control their kids, and when it happens on your vacation, you probably feel cheated. Well, one luxury cruise line has heard your requests, and as of January 7th, they are offering passage to only guests 18 and older.

There seems to be a shift toward more exclusive accommodations in the world of travel, if you ask me. That's because more and more of us are looking to relax when we travel, as opposed to those who seek to participate in every tour and tradition when they are on the go. And let's face it, travelers with families are usually not the ones sitting around quietly while they relax.

What If You've Already Booked a Trip With Your Kids Under 18?

Now, if you've already booked passage and you are a family with kids who are under the age of 18, you don't need to worry. Your booking will be honored, and your kids will not be sequestered into some dark cruise ship dungeon during your time at sea. However, in the future, you won't be able to travel with the kids until they reach the age of 18.

READ MORE: Louisiana-Based Cruises Stand Firm - Will Not Serve This Onboard

There are already a couple of cruise lines that have adopted an 18-and-over policy for guests. Virgin Voyages caters its itineraries and onboard activities exclusively for adults. The Viking Cruise Line also offers 18 and older sailings on both their ocean-going and river cruises.  And now, the latest to join the adults-only at sea bandwagon is the Oceania Line.

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Which Cruise Line Has Shifted to Adult-Only Passengers?

Oceania is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, they offer itineraries on smaller ships. They don't have the waterslides, go karts, and other splashy amenities that the larger vessels offer. What they do offer is a more luxurious cruise experience featuring five-star dining, exclusive excursions, and a less hectic pace.

The smaller ships also mean that Oceania Ships can sometimes sail into ports that aren't large enough for the "big boats". This usually means a less crowded onshore experience, too. Many ports are putting restrictions on the number of guests that can be in port at a given time.

I liken the Oceania Cruise vessels to boutique hotels. Sure, you're getting a lot of the same things you can get at other places, but there are fewer people in your way. The amenities are exclusive, and the feeling of luxury, well, that's pretty obvious.

There is a logistical issue for Louisiana travelers regarding Oceania Cruises; they don't offer sailings out of New Orleans or Galveston, so you'll have to travel to meet the ship. Oceania vessels currently sail out of Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Athens (Piraeus), Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, and Cape Town.

I have never sailed with Oceania. I am very familiar with NCL, their parent company, and I like those ships, so chances are, with the "luxury" turned up a notch or two, I would like those vessels and the experiences as well.