Adults Only: Cruise Line Doesn't Want Kids on Board

Ocean cruises where children are not welcome have been around for a while. A cruise line has now also removed young guests from the passenger list for river cruises. Is this becoming a trend?

Cruises across the oceans are an adventure, and many people enjoy the tranquility of the sea. Cruise lines like P&O Cruises and Cruise and Maritime Voyages therefore offer so-called 'Adults only' cruises - meaning for adults only.

What about river cruises? Are children and teenagers also unwelcome on these tours?

At Viking River Cruises, they are: The cruise line recently revised their terms and conditions and will now only allow adults on board their ships - previously, children aged twelve and up were permitted. This policy applies to all bookings made from August 1 of this year onwards.

Those who booked a cruise before this date can still bring their children until the end of 2019. According to the cruise line's website, there are no special facilities or services for children on the ships, hence only guests aged 18 and older are allowed. Additionally, the typical clientele consists of travelers who are 50 and older with an interest in history, art, culture, and exploration.

That river cruises are more geared towards an older demographic is confirmed by the cruise line Nicko Cruises. 'There is hardly any demand for travel arrangements with children,' says Sandra Huck from the company's press office. It may happen occasionally that a grandmother travels with her granddaughter, but young children are truly rare.

A similar picture emerges with Phoenix Reisen: 'It is rather rare for children to travel with us. If they do, it's usually teenagers with their parents,' explains Sabine Wagner from the sales department. However, there is a 30 percent discount for children aged two to eleven if they are accommodated in the same cabin with at least one adult.

A completely different picture is presented by the cruise line A-rosa: 'A-rosa is known for opening cruises to families with children,' says spokeswoman Nicole Lerrahn. Children up to 15 years old can even participate in river cruises for free.

For families with two children, it is also possible to get a second cabin for free - provided there is sufficient availability. 'Our attitude towards life is more important to us than age,' says Lerrahn.

'Adults only' cruises have not been a topic for any of the three German cruise lines so far.

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