Not only are the oceans getting a little more adult these days, so are the world's rivers with the launch of three new river cruise ships setting sail in 2020. TUI River Cruises will debut three ships, the Isla, Maya, and Skyla. Each can only be booked by passengers 18 and over and feature an all-inclusive approach to sailing. With itineraries ranging from the Danube to the Rhine, these vessels will offer a great new way to explore Europe. Now booking, so get out next year's calendar.

tui.co.uk

Photo rendering courtesy of TUI River Cruises

The next best thing to an adults-only hotel, is a kid-free escape within the larger property. My partner and I first experienced this in San Antonio at La Cantera Resort & Spa. There, adults can book rooms in an exclusive floor with a club lounge, access to the adults-only spa, and an adults-only pool. Well, the trend is catching on (hopefully!) as Marriott debuts Parklane, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Cypress.

Guests can book one of 16 lifestyle suites in an adults-only wing, plus gain access to the luxe adults-only pool (pictured) with views of the Mediterranean Sea. Gorgeous! But most of all, tranquil.

Photo by Marriott

The year has barely entered the second quarter, but it's never too soon to start thinking about end-of-year vacations. The December holiday season is a prime time to get away to a tropical destination, so why not check out the absolute newest adults-only property while you're at it? Opening in December 2019, the Barceló Maya Riviera will be a luxurious oasis 47 miles from Cancún. 

The 850 rooms are either suites or junior suites, many with ocean views and swim-up access from a sparkling pool. Each will feature a private hot tub on the balcony, too. Five restaurants and five bars welcome guests who enjoy all-inclusive access, including a daily restocked mini bar. Plus, guests of this new property will have access to all five nearby Barceló properties to change up the scenery by spending time at their pools, beaches, restaurants, and bars. Of course, these other resorts allow children, so you may not want to stay too long of you're seeking unlimited margaritas without the soundtrack of crying bambinos.

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Photo by Barceló Hotels & Resorts

The adults-only travel trend continues with a new ship, the Marella Explorer 2 (pictured), a 17-and-over vessel with itineraries that venture through the Mediterranean and Caribbean, sometimes in the some voyage. By today's cruising standards, the ship is small, but that can be a positive, too. Especially when you're not having to hide from screaming children.

But don't think it's too small, either. The 14-deck Marella Explorer 2 still boasts 907 staterooms, nine restaurants, 10 bars, one nice-sized pool, a spa, and four hot tubs for ultimate relaxation. The all-inclusive pricing makes it a bargain, even if you're having to fly from another country to get to the European departure ports.  Each cruise includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at five different restaurants, as well as  selected beer, cider, spirits, house wine, soft drinks by the glass and a range of cocktails all included. Not too bad for cruises that can be had for about $1,000 per person for an eight-night, kid-free adventure.

tui.co.uk

Photo credit: Marella Cruises