The Complete Lifestyle Cruises Travel Agent Checklist: How to Choose Between Temptation, Desire, and Adults Only Sailings

Here's the truth about booking Lifestyle Cruises: your clients won't always tell you exactly what they're looking for. They'll ask about "adults only" options or "something a little different," and it's your job as an Omaha Travel Agent to read between the lines and match them to the right experience.

Because here's what most people don't realize , there's a massive difference between a Virgin Voyages sailing (upscale adults-only with zero lifestyle elements) and a Desire cruise (full lifestyle experience with themed nights and playrooms). Send someone to the wrong one, and you've got an uncomfortable situation on your hands.

Let's break down exactly how to navigate Lifestyle Resorts booking conversations and match your clients to Temptation, Desire, or true adults-only options without the awkward guesswork.

Understanding the Lifestyle Cruises Travel Agent Landscape

First, let's get clear on what we're actually talking about when we say "lifestyle." This isn't about wellness retreats or bucket-list travel. The lifestyle cruise and resort niche caters specifically to open-minded couples exploring consensual non-monogamy, swinging, and adult-themed experiences.

As an Adults Only travel agent, you need to understand the spectrum:

Virgin Voyages sits at the "adults only but not lifestyle" end , no kids, modern vibe, some cheeky elements, but zero lifestyle programming or designated spaces.

Temptation Cruises offers the party atmosphere with topless-optional areas, sexy entertainment, and a flirty crowd, but stops short of full lifestyle activities.

Desire Cruises delivers the complete lifestyle experience with clothing-optional areas, themed playrooms, and an environment where nearly everyone is there specifically for lifestyle exploration.

If you're new to booking these experiences, the Couples Cruise Match Quiz helps clients self-identify their comfort level in under 2 minutes and matches them to Bliss, Temptation, or Desire based on their answers.

The Lifestyle Resorts Booking Discovery Questions

Here's how to have the conversation without making anyone uncomfortable. Skip the direct "Are you in the lifestyle?" question and instead ask:

"What kind of vibe are you hoping for on this trip , more of an upscale party atmosphere, or are you looking for something with a more open, adventurous crowd?"

"Have you been on an adults-only cruise before? What did you love or wish was different?"

"Are you celebrating anything special, or just looking to connect with other couples in a judgment-free zone?"

These questions let clients reveal as much or as little as they're comfortable sharing, while giving you the intel you need to recommend the right experience.

When clients mention Hedonism II, Temptation Resorts in Cancun, or ask about "lifestyle-friendly" options, that's your green light. They're already familiar with the niche and you can speak more directly about what each cruise offers.

Temptation vs Desire vs Adults Only: The Real Differences

Let's get specific about what separates these three paths:

Temptation Cruises

Think of Temptation as "lifestyle-lite." You'll find:

• Topless-optional pool decks and hot tubs

• Sexy themed parties and entertainment (foam parties, lingerie nights)

• A younger, party-forward crowd (30s-50s primarily)

• Flirty atmosphere but no designated playrooms or overtly sexual spaces

• Great for first-timers or couples who want the option to watch and decide their comfort level

Temptation works beautifully for clients who want more than a standard adults-only cruise but aren't ready to commit to a full lifestyle experience. The energy is high, the entertainment is cheeky, and there's room to participate as much or as little as they want.

Desire Cruises

Desire is the deep end of the lifestyle pool. Expect:

• Fully clothing-optional throughout designated areas

• Themed playrooms and private spaces for couples and groups

• Experienced lifestyle couples as the primary demographic

• Events and entertainment designed specifically around lifestyle exploration

• A culture where participation and connection are the norm, not the exception

Your clients need to understand that on a Desire cruise, they'll be surrounded by couples actively engaging in the lifestyle. This isn't a "watch from the sidelines" environment , it's immersive, and everyone there expects that level of openness.

True Adults-Only Sailings (Non-Lifestyle)

Options like Virgin Voyages, certain Celebrity sailings, and cruise lines with 18+ policies offer sophisticated child-free travel without any lifestyle elements:

• Elegant dining and entertainment

• No kids, but also no overt sexuality or lifestyle programming

• Ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, or couples who simply prefer peace without children around

• Often include late-night entertainment and adult humor, but nothing beyond PG-13

These work for clients who mention wanting "no kids" but don't show any signals of lifestyle interest. Don't assume everyone asking about adults-only travel wants a lifestyle cruise , many just want quiet pool time and cocktails without toddlers splashing nearby.

The Lifestyle Cruises Travel Agent Client-Matching Framework

Here's your quick decision tree for matching clients to the right experience:

Send them to Virgin Voyages or standard adults-only if:

• They emphasize relaxation, fine dining, or cultural experiences

• They mention celebrating a milestone anniversary in a sophisticated setting

• No mention of "adventure," "open-minded," or lifestyle language

• They ask about dress codes and formal nights

Send them to Temptation Cruises if:

• They describe themselves as "fun," "adventurous," or "open-minded"

• They've been to adults-only resorts like Temptation Cancun or Secrets

• They're excited by the idea of theme nights and party vibes

• They want "some sexy fun" but aren't specific about full lifestyle participation

Send them to Desire Cruises if:

• They directly mention the lifestyle, swinging, or Hedonism

• They've sailed with Desire or stayed at Desire resorts before

• They ask about playrooms, themes, or couple-friendly activities

• They're experienced in the lifestyle and looking for like-minded travelers

When in doubt, send the Couples Cruise Match Quiz and let clients self-identify their comfort level. Results come back in less than 2 minutes and remove all the guesswork.

What Your Clients Need to Know Before Booking Lifestyle Cruises

Beyond matching them to the right sailing, you need to set proper expectations. Here's what separates a great Adults Only travel agent from an amateur who just books the cabin:

Cabin Location Matters On Desire cruises especially, certain cabin areas are quieter while others are near the party decks. Ask clients whether they want to be close to the action or prefer a retreat space to recharge between events.

Theme Night Participation Most lifestyle sailings have nightly themes (white night, leather and lace, glow party, etc.). Let clients know that while participation isn't mandatory, they'll feel more connected to the experience if they pack accordingly.

Onboard Etiquette Briefing Lifestyle cruises operate on consent culture and clear boundaries. Couples should understand basic etiquette: no means no, ask before approaching, and respect personal space unless invited. Sharing these basics upfront prevents awkward moments later.

Age and Energy Levels Temptation tends younger and higher energy. Desire skews slightly older (40s-60s) with a more experienced lifestyle demographic. Match clients to the crowd they'll vibe with.

As your Omaha-based travel agent with nationwide Lifestyle Resorts booking expertise, I handle these conversations daily and can walk your clients through every detail before they commit.

Handling the Pricing and Value Conversation

Let's talk dollars. Lifestyle cruises aren't cheap, and clients need to understand what they're paying for beyond the standard cruise fare:

Desire cruises typically run $2,500–$5,000+ per person depending on cabin category and itinerary. That's significantly higher than mainstream cruise lines, but you're paying for:

• Smaller ship capacity (meaning more intimate, curated crowds)

• All-inclusive alcohol, dining, and entertainment

• Specialized programming and themed events designed around lifestyle exploration

• Guaranteed like-minded passengers (no random family reunion groups)

Temptation falls slightly below Desire pricing but still commands a premium over standard adults-only sailings.

When clients balk at pricing, remind them this isn't a commodity vacation. They're not just buying a cabin : they're buying access to a specific community and curated experience they can't replicate on Royal Caribbean or Carnival.

Frame it as: "Would you rather save $1,000 and spend a week on a ship wondering if anyone else is open-minded, or invest in the right experience where you know you'll connect with couples on the same page?"

Beyond Cruises: Expanding into Lifestyle Resorts Booking

Don't limit yourself to sailings. The Lifestyle Resorts niche extends to land-based properties, and once you've established trust with lifestyle clients, they'll come back for resort bookings, group takeovers, and destination events.

Desire Resorts (Riviera Maya and Pearl), Temptation Cancun, and Hedonism II in Jamaica are the cornerstone properties. But you'll also find lifestyle-friendly boutique resorts throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, and even Europe that cater to this demographic without the large-scale branding.

The best part? Lifestyle travelers are loyal, repeat clients with strong referral networks. Get this niche right, and you'll build a sustainable book of business that books year after year with minimal acquisition cost.

Your Next Step as an Adults Only Travel Agent

Here's the reality: most travel agents avoid the lifestyle niche because they're uncomfortable with the conversation or assume it's too small a market. But the couples who seek out lifestyle travel are some of the highest-value, lowest-maintenance clients you'll ever work with.

They know what they want, they're willing to invest in the right experience, and they refer friends in their lifestyle community who are equally ready to book.

If you're ready to add Lifestyle Cruises and adults-only resort packages to your offerings, request a quote and we'll walk you through the booking process, commission structures, and how to position these experiences with confidence.

Whether your clients choose Temptation, Desire, or a sophisticated adults-only sailing, you'll know exactly how to match them to the right vibe : and that's what makes you more than just a booking engine. That's what makes you a trusted Adults Only travel agent who actually understands this niche.