Silence is Golden: Adult only areas on cruise ships

Here’s a question that I recently received:

“My husband and I would love a cruise vacation but aren’t they more family oriented, packed with kids? We like kids but we’re afraid that they’ll be swarming all over the place like Disney in the summer.”

Well Silence is Golden: Your question requires a multiple part answer.

First avoid the mass market cruises. The 3000-4000 guest mega ships are priced to attract families.

Generally because of their size, product and price the smaller vessels of the premium or niche lines tend to carry far fewer children.

Second sail when most families can’t during their children’s’ the school year. Sailing during the holidays and summer months usually means more kids.

And take heart as many of the cruise lines have heard your sentiment and are/have taken steps to ensure their guests get just that when they are so inclined. Areas onboard have been fashioned and cordoned off for use only by passengers 18 years of age and older. Cruise lines are not looking to alienate their clientele who travel with children—far from it. It's a matter of giving adult guests an option that frees them from some of the headaches—such as screaming children, loud music, gratuitous pool folly—that can take away from one's vacation.

For example Carnival Cruise Lines is installing new adults-only facilities on its eight "Fantasy" class ships. The new adult areas, which will be dubbed "Serenity," will be located near the rear of each ship and will include lounge chairs, oversized umbrellas and a pair of whirlpools. It will also have a bar, of course.

It is part of a $250 million overhaul Carnival is undertaking for the Fantasy-class ships, which also will include adding water parks with 4-story water slides plus new resort-style pools. The upgrades aren't expected to be finished until 2009.

Ask your travel or cruise agent to recommend a ship or company that does provide an “adults” only area. Even the mega family vacation marketer Disney offers this feature on their Disney Cruise Lines.

But when checking out "adults" options make sure it is not just the "topless" desk.