Adult Cruise Lines: The Top 5

To save you the trouble of going it alone in trying to find out what cruise lines cater to adults, rather than go on by mistake a family oriented cruise line or one that's filled to the rim with teens and college kids on spring break, luxury cruise lines are the best way to go. Yes, they are considerably more expensive than the mainstream cruise lines you see advertised on TV for the Disney Cruises or Carnival Cruises where every one in the television commercial onboard is so happy, harmonious, and having such a blast on an idyllic ship. The reality is you want peace and quiet out at sea with like-minded people, not constant noise, activities, and partying.

These particular upscale cruise lines are tailored and better suited for adults based on the activities, entertainment, and dining options available. Also, they offer exceptional service and spacious cabins making it easier and more comfortable for the adult passenger. Some of these adult cruise lines follow the traditional structured format and some are more independent-minded. We'll now find out the top five cruises for adults and what exactly is it they have to offer.

1.) Silversea Cruises

Seven continents, 80 countries, and 400+ destinations are your options to select from. They offer all suites with ocean views on all their ships, even a butler will be provided. On some of the ships, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, they have golfing practices and coaching. Later you can take an excursion to a world-class golf course at your next port of call.

There are customized shore excursions that are available for the independent traveler who doesn't want to follow an entire group. At night there is The Casino, The Bar, The Show Lounge with full scale production shows, Moonlight Movies, and The Panorama Lounge for dancing. There are many wonderful dining options available for the weight conscious to the most discriminate gourmet foodie. Life could not get any better than this.

2.) Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Their upcoming cruise in March 2010 starts at Ft, Lauderdale and ends at Ft. Lauderdale with ports of call in many stops in the Caribbean such as Turks & Caicos Islands, Antigua, St, Barts, Bahamas, and back to the U.S. The ship features all suites with 90% of them with private balconies. Butler service is provided in the higher category suites. Here is something different for an onboard activity, lectures with guest speakers as well as classes and workshops you can participate in. Naturally there are swimming pools, whirlpools, fitness center, and driving cages to practice your golf swing.

By night there is the casino, lounges and cigar bar, and the Seven Seas Lounge where you can see "live" entertainment like cabaret revues, featured productions, and dance shows. For dining there is the Compass Rose, which is the ship's main restaurant, the La Veranda for breakfast and buffet lunches, and Prime 7 for the intimate onboard restaurant. Of course for those who don't want to dine out there is always 24-hour room service. If you want to avoid the massive tourist meccas other cruise line follows, then this is the luxury line for you.

3.) Crystal Cruises

In 2010 there are many destination cruises to choose from such as Hawaii and the South Pacific, New England and Canada, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexican Rivera, just to name a few. You'll receive an exquisite view of the ever-changing horizon with either a verandah stateroom or suite that is the lap of luxury. During the day's activities they include an enrichment course in wine tasting or cooking classes, state-of-the-art fitness center; Tai Chi or Pilates or Yoga, as well as the Seahorse swimming pool.

If you want to adventure out on an excursion there is golfing, shopping, and sight-seeing galore. When the sun settles down it is time for night time recreation in the form of the casino, late night dance clubs, Broadway/London/Hollywood/Vegas style "live" entertainment, and an intimate lounge to hear the piano bar. For your dining pleasure there is authentic international cuisine by the top gourmet chefs in the Crystal Dining Room, exquisite cocktails from the Cove bar, and a pub at the Avenue Saloon. This is certainly the ultimate in mid-ship to small ship luxury cruise lines.

4.) The Yachts of Seabourn

Here is the ultimate luxury cruise experience aboard a yacht. In their intimate setting you will receive top notch personalized service and be one of the privileged few. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary then the Yachts of Seabourn will accomplish that and more. You'll be able to go to ports where the other bigger cruise ships cannot go to. Wherever you want to go to Seabourn will take you there. They offer Grand Voyages for 18 days or more taking you to exotic locales in the Americas, Europe, and the Orient.

The yacht holds up to 208 travelers with all-suite accommodations. These suites offer views of the sea at all times. Their daytime activities are so enjoyable, because there is no crowds, no lines, and no restricted schedules to keep up with. Seabourn offers a state-of-the-art spa, a gym with all the latest fitness equipment, or partake in the numerous port of call activities and sightseeing adventures. For your nighttime activities you can dine in one of their fine gourmet restaurants, listen to "live" music in the lounge, play blackjack at the casino, or maybe even marvel at the Milky Way when the captain turns off all the ship's lights. Other travelers who have experienced Seabourn say no other vacations will ever compare.

5.) Cunard Cruise Line

Without question when you think of luxury cruise lines more than likely the Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary and Queen Victoria ocean liners come to mind. They've been immortalized in literature, films, and television such as "The Love Boat", a TV series from the 70's and 80's that made going on a cruise more popular than ever. The Queen Mary 2 is considered "the best luxury cruise ship" by Travel Weekly. They are offering the Transatlantic Crossings that were the mode of transport in the golden age of ocean liner travel in 2010 aboard the Queen Mary 2 ship as well as from Capetown, South Africa to New York. This ship knows how to bring luxurious accommodations onboard. There are the suites, the Britannia Club, and the Britannia Staterooms to choose from.

Enrichment programs such as their "academy at sea" lectures given by experts in their field as well as acting lessons for the stage are available. There is onboard a spa, fitness center, pools, shopping at their fine boutiques, and afternoon tea. Get ready for the ultimate experience of nightly entertainment with various gala balls where travelers need to adhere to a strict formal dress code. There is also the abundance of "live music", casino, stage productions, and more. For your dining pleasure that is why most people go on cruises in the first place, it's because of the phenomenal feasts presented. There are numerous restaurants to choose from. The Queen Mary 2 is literally like a city inside an ocean liner. You cannot go on a grander luxury cruise line than Cunard.

Those are the top five cruise lines for adults that may be rather steep for most people's pockets; however, that is why they are for adults only. You could go on the mainstream cruise lines that tend to be more affordable with their adult sections, but it isn't the same as what's offered by the luxury cruise lines. Nevertheless, it is nice to have a goal to save up for a once in a lifetime luxury cruise. It never hurts to dream.

SOURCES:

http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/best-cruise-line-for.html?id=2357442

http://www.hillmanwonders.com/cruise/index.htm