Demand for child-free cruising is expected to get stronger as the adult-only travel sector is forecast to grow from USD9.2 billion in 2024 to USD18.1 billion by 2033.
Virgin Voyages closed 2025 with its strongest year-over-year performance since its launch, and its ceo Nirmal Saverimuttu largely attributes this to the cruise line becoming ‘the go-to brand’ for anyone travelling without kids.
“We’ve helped turn adult-only travel from a niche idea into something people actively seek out, simply by doing it The Virgin Way,” he says. “That’s why we’re growing faster than the industry, and why our repeat rates are at record levels.”
Last year Virgin Voyages bookings were up almost 20% year-over year, while gross ticket revenue increased almost 30% and ships sailed at full commercial load factors. This momentum continues into 2026, with mid-wave booking data showing revenue increasing close to 20% year-over-year with Jan 2026 its highest booking month in company history, it adds.
. . . Child-free Data
Industry analysts say that adult only travel is growing at a 7.8% compound annual growth rate, as travellers seek environments that feel relaxed, social and uninterrupted.
Also playing a role in this growth is more focus on work-life balance, women […] having children later and thereby allowing more time to travel, as well as the influence of social media platforms.
As such, Saverimuttu says the cruise line will not be slowing down. “Kid-free travel is not a niche category,” he says. “It’s a movement.” For more on Virgin Voyages, see details HERE.
