Culinary-focused luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises has become the latest brand to shun children onboard, revealing today it will no longer accept bookings involving anybody under the age of 18.
Effective immediately, all new reservations must exclusively be for travellers aged over 18, which the line says will elevate the onboard ambience and act on preferences communicated by its guests.
While Oceania is not the first ocean cruise line to only cater to those over 18, it is the first to change its stance, with both Virgin Voyages and Viking both launching their operations with the policy right from the beginning.
The new policy is forward-looking, with bookings made prior to today with children included still to be honoured in full.
Oceania Cruises sails currently with a global fleet of eight ships – Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Sirena, Marina, Riviera, Vista and Allura – with the first two set to leave the fleet next year. Four newbuild ships will then join in their place gradually over the next decade.
Oceania Cruises Chief Luxury Officer, Jason Montague, said the new era of tranquility reflects the line’s commitment to providing a relaxed atmosphere and meaningful connection onboard.
“Our guests have consistently shared that the tranquil environment aboard our ships is one of the primary reasons they return time and time again,” said Montague.
“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.”
In making its decision, Oceania Cruses said it conducted extensive research from repeat guests, experienced travellers and even those new to the brand. Feedback gathered pointed to why guests chose the brand, that being for its “serene atmosphere, sophisticated service and unhurried pace”, which it said were traits highly sought by its mature, affluent travellers.
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