I'm thinking of taking a cruise this winter and am looking for a boat/line that doesn't have lots of kids. I'm 22 and my boyfriend is 25, so we don't want to be on a ship that caters to retirees either. My biggest demand would be at least one adults-only pool and dining time and preferable some other adults-only areas on the ship and that the rule is strictly enforced. Anyone know of something that might fit the bill?

Celebrity has advertised that they will have some child-free sailings; you might want to check their website for details to see if one of them will fit your time requirements. Also, Cunard had a ship that as of this month caters only to those passengers age 18 and over. Sorry, can't remember which ship it is, but Cunard's website should have complete details. I, too, miss the Renaissance ships that were kid-free and smoke-free!

<BR>Other than the half dozen dates that are offered by Celebrity this year I know of no other ship that is completely kid free. Try Holland America (other than Maasdam). If you wish to spend quite a bit of money there are many cruise lines that cater mostly to adults.<BR><BR>Paul

I am not very tolerant of children. However, those on cruises have never bothered me. First, there are usually activities to keep them busy. We have late seating for the dining room and don't remember any children. We don't cruise during the summer or spring break when children are more likely to be on board. Children congregate is around the pool. So choose a sship with 2 pools, one for adults and one for children. <BR><BR>As for retirees, you are probably going to have to put up with them since they (we) have the time and money to cruise. RCCL seems to have a wide range of ages on board. Ask your cruise agent to request a dining table with people you own age. We always do and have been seated with people with similar interests. <BR><BR>Then of course there are the "party" cruise lines.

I have never seen any children on the Crystal ships. For one thing, there are no quad cabins. Also, there are hardly any children on Windstar or Star Clippers. Both of these cruise lines have a lot of honeymooners, so you will not be surrounded by retirees exclusively. Another way to avoid sailing with children is to go when school is in session, and NOT during Christmas, Spring Break or summertime. Good luck!