A major cruise ship set to visit the UK this year has announced it will ban children from boarding. The Oceania Marina will be arriving at Portland Port on June 11. 

However, the American cruise line has made a major change to its rules, in hopes of providing those on board with a “relaxed atmosphere of genuine hospitality and meaningful connection” — no children are allowed, and the rule has been put into effect immediately.

The line has, however, reassured that any booking made before January 7 will be honoured.

Oceania explained that it does not see the new rule as a major change, with “many of its customers already believing the liner was only for adults” due to the lack of children aboard many of its ships, reports Dorset Echo.

Nathan Hickman, the line’s chief commercial officer, says that the brand is “not trying to be all things to all people”. Though Oceania’s luxury sister line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, will still welcome travellers under the age of 18.

Oceania Cruises currently operate eight luxury ships that travel across Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean and Australia. The brand also has a ninth ship planned for 2027.

The cruise that is arriving in Dorset on June 11 is part of a 12-night British Isles Immersion ‘London’ to ‘London’ voyage.

It will kick off with its departure from Southampton, the Hampshire port being classed as the London Area by the Miami-based cruise line.

The ship will then call into Portland, sail its way to Edinburgh, Scrabster, Ullapool, Greencastle, Dublin, Holyhead, Fishguard, Waterford, and Cork, before returning to Southampton to end the voyage.

Another ship from Oceania’s fleet, Oceania Vista, will be at Portland Port on Monday, August 3, as part of a 10 Night British & Celtic Charms London to Belfast voyage.

Oceania Marina is a smaller-sized ship with a maximum capacity of 1,250 passengers. The 787ft long ship was built in 2010 and features 15 decks. She sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands.