Oceania Cruises Is Becoming an Adults-only Line

Oceania Cruises will implement an adults-only policy starting January 7, 2026, in a significant change for the T+L reader favorite cruise line.

All new bookings will require guests to be aged 18 years or older, in a departure from Oceania’s previous policy, which accommodated passengers as young as six months on certain sailings.

“This is something that was initiated and driven by our guests,” says Nathan Hickman, the chief commercial officer of Oceania Cruises, in an interview with Travel + Leisure.

In the past, Hickman says, “we neither encouraged nor discouraged” families with children under 18 from booking. Now, the brand is staking out a clear position to better articulate the onboard atmosphere, which is oriented toward travelers who are aged 55 years and up.

The change won’t impact any families who have already booked a cruise on Oceania, and kids under 18 who are already scheduled to sail will be welcome on board, Hickman adds. “This is a transition, not a hard stop,” he notes.

Oceania is a consistent favorite of T+L readers, appearing on the World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame and ranking among the top midsize-ship ocean cruise lines in 2025. Voters consistently praise the line’s restaurants as well as its numerous distinctive itineraries. Its newest ship, Oceania Allura, launched in 2025 to rave reviews.

The company began contemplating the switch to adults-only service “years” ago, Hickman explains, based on guest feedback. “We have the luxury of not having to be all things to all people,” he says. “We think this is a differentiator.”

It certainly will be on the company’s forthcoming Oceania Sonata: the 1,390-passenger ship is slated to begin sailing in August 2027. Given that sales for Sonata don’t open until later this month, it will be child-free from the get go.