Oceania Cruises goes adults-only: what the new 18+ policy means for future sailings

Oceania Cruises has confirmed a big policy change for future bookings: it’s moving to an adults-only model, meaning guests must be 18 or over for new reservations.

We’ve pulled together what’s changing, what happens if you’ve already booked, and what it means for anyone who normally cruises with family.

What’s changing

New reservations will be 18+ only

From 7 January 2026, Oceania will only accept new bookings where everyone in the cabin is 18 or older. This is a cruise-line-wide policy rather than a ship-by-ship rule.

Existing bookings with under-18s will still be honoured

If you booked before 7 January 2026 and your reservation includes someone under 18, Oceania says those bookings will be fully honoured.

Why Oceania is doing it

It’s based on guest feedback and brand positioning

Oceania’s messaging is that research and guest feedback point towards travellers wanting a calmer, grown-up onboard environment. The line is leaning into that and making it official.

Many people assumed it was adults-only already

Oceania is known for food, service, and destination-led itineraries rather than family facilities, and coverage suggests plenty of guests already viewed it as a more adult-focused experience.

Who this affects

Families and multi-generational travellers

If you normally cruise with teens, children, or grandkids, the key point is simple: you won’t be able to make a new Oceania booking that includes anyone under 18 once the policy applies.

If you’ve already booked (before the policy date), Oceania says that booking will still stand.

Adults who prefer a quieter vibe

If you already pick Oceania because it feels calm and refined, this change is really Oceania putting a clearer label on the experience it wants to deliver.

How this compares to other lines

Oceania joins a small group of 18+ cruise lines

Oceania becomes one of only a small number of cruise lines operating a fully 18+ model, alongside Viking and Virgin Voyages.

Regent will still allow under-18s

Oceania is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, but Regent Seven Seas Cruises will still accept under-18s, which keeps a clear difference between the two luxury brands.

What to do next

If you’re already booked

If your booking was made before 7 January 2026, and it includes someone under 18, Oceania says it will be honoured. If you’re planning changes, it’s worth checking with Oceania or your travel agent how they treat amendments versus a new reservation.

If you were planning to book with under-18s

You’ll need to switch to a different cruise line for those future sailings. If you still love Oceania’s itineraries and style, you could always keep Oceania for an adults-only trip and do a separate family holiday another time.

Final thoughts

This is Oceania making its “grown-up, destination and dining focused” identity even clearer. For many past guests, the onboard feel probably won’t change dramatically, but it does change future planning for anyone who cruises as a family. The headline takeaway is easy: existing bookings are safe, but future new bookings will be 18+ only.

FAQ

When does Oceania’s adults-only policy start?

It applies to all new reservations from 7 January 2026, with all guests required to be 18+.

Is it 18+ or 21+?

It’s 18+, based on Oceania’s announcement and industry coverage.

What if I already booked and someone in my party is under 18?

If the reservation was made before 7 January 2026, Oceania says it will be fully honoured.

Does this apply to every Oceania ship?

Yes, it’s reported as a cruise-line-wide policy for future voyages booked from the policy date, not limited to a specific ship.

Which other cruise lines are adults-only?

Viking and Virgin Voyages are other lines operating an 18+ approach.