Hello!

Join Login
Learn More

Article Cruise Line Company Bans Children As Cruisers Want Kid-Free Holidays

By

14 Comment

We’ve heard of adults-only resorts but it seems like child-free cruising is becoming more of a trend too.

Those families with young kids can no longer consider taking a holiday with Viking River Cruises, as the company has announced that under-18’s will no longer be allowed on board.

As reported in Orlando Weekly, the Switzerland-based cruise line has opted to go in the same direction as its Viking Ocean Cruises line, which adopted an adults-only policy since 2015.

Its new age restriction is “one of the strictest in the industry”, according to Orlando Weekly.

Bye-Bye Baby

Viking’s new terms and conditions says that for all trips booked on both lines after 1 August 2018, passengers have to be 18 years or older. However, bookings, which included minors, that were made previously, will still be honoured and kids will be welcomed on those cruises.

Viking River Cruises’ minimum passenger age was previously 12 years.

The Cruise Line Is Geared For The Over-50’s

Viking senior vice president of marketing Richard Marnell told the US publication that the rollout makes sense as the cruise line’s travel experience is geared towards those over 50.

“Viking has always offered experiences that are designed for travellers who are 50 and older, with interests in history, art, culture and exploration. It’s what we’re known for,” Mr Marnell said.

“Previously, we had allowed a degree of flexibility in the minimum age for travel, but increasingly our guests have told us how much they appreciate an environment where they can travel without children.

“In addition to marketing what Viking is, we believe our guests also appreciate knowing what Viking is not,” he said.

At least there are many cruise lines that welcome families with open arms. What do you think of Viking’s new rule?

Share this

Comments

  • Sounds fair enough to me.

    Reply

  • It’s only one cruise line, there’s plenty of others to choose from. Honestly though, the 18-25 age bracket is possibly more annoying then under 18s

    Reply

  • Pretty good idea, there are any number that are geared towards kids.

    Reply

  • No problem with this. Other cruises cater for children.

    Reply

  • It is a great idea. It would be great if there was a limited number of Seniors Cruises too. They could allow younger people who are carers. They don’t necessarily have to be overseas cruises.

    Some cruise lines have free Kids’ Clubs during the day. You can pay for additional childcare at night if you wish to,

    Reply

  • I think it’s a great idea. There are many cruises that include children. They cater for the youngsters and there is little chance of them becoming bored.

    Reply

  • I don’t see anything wrong with it. There are plenty of other cruises out there that are more kid friendly

    Reply

  • I totally get and appreciate that there are adults who want to holiday without gets. I get it! There’s no reason why they can’t offer adult-only cruises, as some hotels offer adult-only sections or holidays, but seemingly they’ve gone the whole way with no more kids ever. They can though!

    Reply

  • There are resorts, accomodation and cruises that cater for the needs of all people so people can vote with their money and feet and go elsewhere.

    Reply

  • I’ve never taken a cruise, so doesn’t bother me.
    When there are plenty of cruises on offer for families with kids, it might be good to have offers for those without kids. For some people kids are a hindering factor, better separate these people, then let them disturb those with kids.

    • There are so many themed cruises and they seem to have cruises for all types. I have a friend that goes on rock ‘n’ roll music cruises with other friends.

    Reply

  • They say cruising is for the newly-wed, over-fed or nearly dead….having cruised 4 times now, I can’t say any of this is true. This ban is ridiculous!

    Reply

  • If the cruised line geared it towards over 50s then that makes sense
    Doesn’t bother me,

    Reply

  • I think it’s good to have different options I’d rather not have my kids on a cruise with people who really didn’t want to be around kids and now people who feel that way can go kid free options.

    Reply
Post a comment

To post a review/comment please join us or login so we can allocate your points.

Join Login

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join