Cruise organiser guide
Desire Cruises
Desire Cruises are luxury, adults-only, couples-only lifestyle charters created by Original Group. They combine smaller Oceania cruise ships, destination-led itineraries, clothing-optional pool and sun-deck areas, sensual theme nights, workshops, and a private playroom.
- Age
- Adults only and couples only
- Region
- Mediterranean, Asia, Caribbean, and Atlantic itineraries
- Ship
- Oceania cruise ships
Guest policy
Cabins are sold to couples; single travellers are not generally accepted
At a glance
Desire Cruises Facts
- Brand background
- Part of Original Group's Desire resort and cruise collection
- Age policy
- Adults only and couples only
- Guest policy
- Cabins are sold to couples; single travellers are not generally accepted
- Clothing policy
- Designated pool and sun-deck areas are clothing-optional, subject to local laws and the crew's instructions near ports
- Dinner dress
- Normal cruise clothing is required in restaurants and ordinary public areas
- Current ships
- Oceania cruise ships
- Current regions
- Mediterranean, Asia, Caribbean, and Atlantic itineraries
- Last updated
- August 2026
The experience
What Are Desire Cruises Like?
Desire is more intimate, couples-focused, and lifestyle-led than a broad adults-only party cruise. The smaller ships, higher pricing, longer-haul itineraries, and couples-only policy generally attract a more experienced, affluent, and mature crowd, although curious first-time couples are also welcome.
Who Desire Cruises May Suit
- Established lifestyle couples
- Couples wanting a more intimate and discreet atmosphere
- Guests who value luxury dining and smaller ships
- More experienced lifestyle travellers
- Couples interested in destination-led itineraries
- Desire Resort guests wanting a similar couples-only experience at sea
Who May Prefer Something Else
- Single travellers
- Guests wanting a large, mainstream party ship
- Couples seeking the lowest possible cruise price
- Travellers uncomfortable with clothing-optional areas
- Guests wanting a conventional family or adults-only cruise
- Couples who prefer a broad party atmosphere over an intimate lifestyle focus
Core features
What Desire Cruises Include
- Adults-only and couples-only
- Smaller luxury Oceania ships
- Clothing-optional pool and sun-deck areas
- Private couples' playroom
- Sensual theme nights
- Pool parties
- Workshops and seminars
- Beverage package, depending on the sailing and booking terms
- Internet or Wi-Fi access, depending on the sailing and booking terms
Couples-only atmosphere
Desire is designed specifically for couples rather than a mixed crowd of couples and singles. That creates a more consistent, intimate social environment.
Smaller luxury ships
Desire commonly uses smaller Oceania ships with a more upscale, destination-focused feel than the large vessels used for many party charters.
More lifestyle-focused
The clothing-optional areas, couples-only playroom, workshops, and sensual programme are central to the experience rather than optional additions to a general party cruise.
Longer-haul itineraries
Current and announced sailings include the Mediterranean, Thailand, San Juan and the Southern Caribbean, Lisbon and Morocco, and Asia, giving Desire a broader destination range than Caribbean-only organisers.
Current concept
Commonly Included Features
- Cruise accommodation
- World-class dining restaurants, casual venues, and cafés
- Beverage package, depending on the sailing and booking terms
- Room service, depending on the sailing and booking terms
- Internet or Wi-Fi access, depending on the sailing and booking terms
- Theme nights and pool parties
- Workshops and seminars
- Playroom access
Before sailing
Important Rules to Check
- The cruise is exclusively for couples
- Clothing-optional access applies only in designated areas
- Clothing may be required near ports because of local laws
- Normal clothing is required in restaurants and ordinary ship spaces
- Photography in sensitive areas is restricted and official photographs require consent
- Clear consent, privacy, and respectful behaviour are required throughout the cruise
- Policies can change between sailings and should be checked before booking
Current sailings
Upcoming Desire Cruises
Plan with confidence
Useful Planning Guides
Common questions
Desire Cruises FAQ
Are Desire Cruises only for couples?
Yes. Desire markets its cruises as adults-only and couples-only. Single travellers are not generally accepted as cabin guests.
Is the whole ship clothing-optional?
No. Clothing-optional access applies to designated areas such as selected pool and sun decks. Clothing is required in restaurants, ordinary public spaces, and whenever local laws or the crew require it near ports.
What is included in a Desire cruise fare?
Published Desire fare inclusions vary by sailing, fare or cabin category, and booking terms. Depending on the sailing, they may include accommodation, dining, a beverage package, room service, internet or Wi-Fi access, and the Desire onboard programme. Check the final quote for the selected sailing, including whether port fees, taxes, and gratuities are included.
Are Desire Cruises suitable for first-timers?
They can be, particularly for couples who already understand their boundaries and want a more intimate couples-only environment. The atmosphere is generally more lifestyle-focused than a broad party cruise.
How does Desire differ from Temptation Cruises?
Desire is couples-only, more intimate, more lifestyle-focused, and generally uses smaller luxury ships with more exotic itineraries. Temptation welcomes couples and singles and is typically broader, younger, louder, and more party-led.
Are drinks included?
Some published sailings list a beverage package. Check the specific package, beverage list, exclusions, and final booking terms for your sailing.
Which Desire cruises are currently announced?
Five Desire cruises are currently published through January 2028. A Rome–Trieste sailing for September 9–16, 2028 has also been announced, with further details expected shortly.
Do Desire Cruises use large ships?
Desire generally uses smaller Oceania cruise ships, creating a more intimate environment than the large mainstream vessels used by many full-ship party charters.