Oceania transitions to adults-only cruise line

Oceania Cruises, part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, has become an adults-only cruise line, introducing a new age policy that limits voyages to passengers aged 18 and over from 7 January 2026.

 

The luxury line said the policy change follows “extensive research” and “feedback” from loyal repeat guests, travel agents and new-to-brand passengers. Feedback indicated that guests choose Oceania for its “serene atmosphere, sophisticated service and unhurried pace”, qualities that resonate strongly with mature, affluent travellers seeking a relaxed cruising experience.

 

All reservations made before 7 January that include passengers under the age of 18 will be fully honoured, the line said in a statement.

 

Chief Luxury Officer Jason Montague said: “Our guests have consistently shared that the tranquil environment aboard our ships is one of the primary reasons they return time and time again. 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.”

 

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Introducing the 2025 Cruise Insight Report

 

With a fleet of eight small luxury ships, Oceania offers an intimate cruise experience with destination-rich itineraries and expertly curated journeys that span the globe, calling at more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in over 100 countries across seven continents.

 

The line will sail a 129-day voyage departing from Sydney in 2027, that features a route with multiple calls in the Middle East before concluding in London on 5 July. Visiting more than 80 ports in 34 countries across four continents, the sailing aboard Oceania Vista will first showcase Australia’s coastline, then spend more than two months exploring Asia before continuing through the Arabian Gulf with visits to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Doha in Qatar and ports in Egypt.

 

Sister brand NCL has also revealed details of its winter 2027-28 deployment, confirming the return of its popular ‘Free at Sea Plus’ offer across sailings. Covering 370 cruises from September 2027 to April 2028, the new season features itineraries from two to 22 days, visiting 144 destinations across 47 countries.

 

For more information, visit www.oceaniacruises.com. To partner with NCL, email Rebecca Ransom, Business Development Manager Middle East, rransom@ncl.com, call/WhatsApp: +44 7961 300 729; for more information, visit www.ncl.com

 

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Supporting the growth of the cruise industry, Connections Cruise Arabia will return to Dubai in the UAE in 2026, following the success of the inaugural edition in 2025. The two-day event, taking place from 28 to 29 September, will welcome more than 500 travel trade professionals from across the global cruise ecosystem. To register your interest in attending, contact Connections.