Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Adults

Royal Caribbean is famous for its waterslides, zip lines, and kid-approved fun, but that is only half the story. If you are sailing without kids, you will still find plenty of ways to relax, dine, and party in grown-up style.

From chic piano bars and adults-only pool areas to intimate lounges and quieter mid-size ships, some Royal Caribbean vessels are especially well suited to adults, couples, and friend groups. Below are six standout ships that consistently hit the sweet spot for adults, whether you want nightlife, romance, or pure relaxation.

Class: Icon Class

Best for: Adults who want the newest, biggest, and most exciting ship at sea

Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest flagship and the largest cruise ship in the world. It gets a lot of attention for its family features, but it is also loaded with spaces designed with adults in mind.

Instead of a traditional Solarium, Icon introduces The Hideaway, an adults-only pool club set high at the back of the ship. Picture a Las Vegas–style beach club at sea: a suspended infinity pool, tiered sun decks, whirlpools, daybeds, and its own bar. It is a quiet retreat by day and a great place to soak in sweeping ocean views with a drink in hand.

At night, Icon really comes alive for adults. There is a brand-new dueling piano bar built for sing-along nights, along with Royal Caribbean favorites like Schooner Bar and a cozy English pub. You will also find cutting-edge shows in the AquaDome, a wide range of specialty restaurants, and lounges that feel more like city hotspots than cruise bars.

Another perk: every Icon itinerary includes a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, where adults can slip away to Hideaway Beach, a 21+ private area with a dedicated bar, DJ, and calm water for floating the day away.

If you want the “wow factor” and endless options without sacrificing adult time, Icon of the Seas delivers.

Class: Oasis Class

Best for: Adults who want a big-ship experience with a more laid-back vibe

Allure of the Seas offers the full Oasis-class package: neighborhoods, tons of restaurants, shows, and bars. The difference is that Allure did not receive all of the extra splash zones and waterslides that some of her sister ships now have. That means the atmosphere tends to feel a little calmer and less dominated by kid-centric features.

Adults can wander through Central Park, a leafy open-air space filled with real trees and plants, and settle in for a romantic dinner at venues such as 150 Central Park or Chops Grille. Afterward, there is top-tier entertainment: a full Broadway production of Mamma Mia!, live music at Dazzles, and a dedicated comedy club.

Allure still has the Oasis-class favorites that adults love:

• A large, adults-only Solarium with pools and hot tubs
• The Vitality Spa for massages and treatments
• Plenty of bars and lounges, from a wine bar to an English pub

Because the ship has fewer added water attractions than newer Oasis upgrades, you often get all the “mega-ship” perks with slightly fewer families chasing water slides. That makes Allure a great choice if you want big-ship variety without feeling overrun by kids.

Class: Quantum Class

Best for: Adults who like modern design, unique activities, and sophisticated nightlife

Anthem of the Seas offers a polished, grown-up feel with a layout that keeps a lot of the kid energy contained. Many family activities, like bumper cars and basketball, are tucked into the SeaPlex, leaving the rest of the ship feeling calmer and more refined.

The standout for adults is Anthem’s beautiful Solarium, a glass-enclosed, adults-only escape at the front of the ship with tiered pools, loungers, and whirlpools. It stays peaceful, even on sea days.

During the day, there are plenty of unique experiences adults can enjoy:

• North Star, a glass capsule that rises above the ship for panoramic views
• A RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator for thrill-seekers

In the evening, Anthem shines for grown-ups:

• A full Broadway/West End production of We Will Rock You
• Immersive, high-tech shows in Two70°, a lounge that transforms into a digital theater
• Live rock and tribute bands in Music Hall, a club-style venue built for adults

Anthem’s longer itineraries to Europe and beyond attract a large number of couples and adult friend groups, which helps keep the onboard vibe more grown-up and relaxed.

Class: Voyager Class

Best for: Adults who want a fun, mid-size ship with great bars and dining

Mariner of the Seas is a sweet spot for adults who like a mix of activity and downtime. It is big enough to pack in lots of choices, but not so large that it feels overwhelming. After a major refurbishment, Mariner feels fresh and updated, with several features that especially appeal to adults.

A highlight is The Bamboo Room, a retro-style tiki bar with a laid-back atmosphere and creative cocktails. It is a great place to start or end the evening. The ship also features upgraded specialty restaurants, including Izumi Hibachi and Jamie’s Italian, ideal for date nights or dinners with friends.

Days can be as active or as relaxed as you like. Adults can:

• Surf the FlowRider
• Climb the rock wall
• Play mini-golf
• Join in a friendly game of laser tag

In the evenings, there is plenty to do without feeling like you have to chase kids out of the way. Mariner offers:

• Ice shows in Studio B
• Comedy and production shows in the main theater
• Piano tunes at Schooner Bar
• Dancing and Latin music at Boleros

When you want a quiet moment, the adults-only Solarium and small reading spaces offer a comfortable retreat. Mariner is ideal if you want lively energy, good nightlife, and solid dining options on a ship that still feels manageable in size.

Class: Radiance Class

Best for: Adults who care more about scenery and serenity than big thrills

Radiance of the Seas is a favorite among adults who prefer classic cruising and spectacular views over nonstop action. Designed with glass everywhere, this ship brings the ocean and scenery right into the heart of the ship. Floor-to-ceiling windows in lounges and stairwells mean you are rarely far from a great view.

For adults, this ship is all about atmosphere. You can sip a drink in the Viking Crown Lounge or Champagne Bar while watching glaciers drift by in Alaska or sunsets over the Panama Canal. The adults-only Solarium is another highlight, with a glass roof, lush greenery, a pool, and hot tubs that feel like a peaceful retreat, even in cooler weather.

Radiance focuses more on traditional activities, such as:

• Enrichment lectures
• Movies and evening shows
• Classic deck games, mini-golf, and a sports court

There are also intimate specialty dining options like Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Table, perfect for relaxed, grown-up dinners. Because Radiance tends to sail longer or more destination-focused itineraries, you usually see fewer children on board, which keeps the atmosphere calm and mature.

If your ideal cruise is about beautiful views, quiet spaces, and time to unwind with your partner or friends, Radiance of the Seas is a strong choice.

Class: Vision Class

Best for: Adults who prefer small ships, low-key vibes, and classic cruising

Rhapsody of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s smaller, older ships, and that can be a big advantage for adults. With fewer flashy family features and no huge water slides or kid zones, the ship attracts fewer families with young children and feels much more relaxed.

The Solarium is again a standout: an adults-only, glass-covered pool area that stays peaceful in almost any weather. It is perfect for reading, napping, or simply floating the afternoon away. The Vitality Spa is popular on Rhapsody, and many guests treat themselves to massages or facials on sea days.

Evenings on Rhapsody are more intimate and low-key than on the mega-ships, but there is still plenty to enjoy:

• Live music in the Centrum
• Piano entertainment in Schooner Bar
• Dancing and late-night music in the Viking Crown Lounge

Dining is straightforward but satisfying, with a main dining room and several venues, including Chops Grille and an Italian specialty option. Because the ship is smaller, it is easier to meet people, remember the crew, and feel like part of a community onboard.

Rhapsody is also often more budget-friendly, which can free up money for shore excursions, drinks, or special dinners. For adults who want a quieter ship with a more classic “at sea” feel, Rhapsody of the Seas is a great pick.