Viking Cruises reverting to offering adults-only sailings across its fleet of river ships.
A ban on passengers below the age of 18 has been introduced on bookings made from the beginning of August. The previous minimum age was 12.
Viking’s ocean cruises have been adults-only since the brand was established in 2015.
An update on the policy said: “As of 1 August 2018, for all new bookings, all Viking guests will need to be 18 years old to travel on either the river or ocean product.
“Guests booked on a Viking River Cruise prior to 1 August 2018 who are 12 years old or above will be allowed to sail on their currently booked voyage.
“We will continue to support this programme until 2020 when all the previously booked guests will have sailed.
“For all cruise tours booked after 1 August, 2018 (regardless of departure year), you must be 18 years old on or before the day you are scheduled to embark on the cruise tour.”
Viking will operate a fleet of 69 river vessels and six ocean-going ships by 2019. Four more Ocean ships are due to enter service by 2023.
The company’s website says: “Due to the nature of our cruises, we do not maintain specific facilities or services for children aboard cruise vessels.
“In the circumstances you and all members of your party must be aged 18 or over on or before the day you are scheduled to embark on the cruise vessel.”