With the weather warming up and restrictions lifting, many people are looking to book cruises for their upcoming vacation. For those who want to keep their teens entertained or indulge in a weekend of partying, we highlight the best party cruises.
In This Article…
Best Party Cruises for Teens
MSC Cruises
This Mediterranean cruise line has recently gained popularity in the American market due to its family-friendly appeal. It also has several vessels specially equipped with activities to keep teens entertained.
The MSC Meraviglia is the newest ship in the fleet. It contains activities like a bowling alley, waterpark with a body slide, a sportsplex, 4D cinema, a Cirque du Soleil show, and two Formula 1 VR race cars.
In addition to activities, the Meraviglia has two teen clubs, one for 12–14-year olds and another for 15-17-year-olds. The clubs have board games, air hockey, table tennis, and foosball.
Teens can sip on non-alcoholic cocktails, mix beats from the DJ music center, learn how to dance, stay up late at the disco, and challenge others at video games.
Royal Caribbean International
Cruise ships like Wonder of the Seas contain a Hideout Hangout designed especially for teens aged 13-17 years old. There is a dedicated area where they can chill by playing video games, jam out to music or movies, and relax on an outdoor patio.
Other cruise lines in the fleet have The Living Room and Fuel Teen Club geared towards this age group. They allow teens to freely come and go which makes this perfect for both age groups.
In addition, there is mini-golf, Spotlight Karaoke, the Ultimate Abyss waterslide, Aquawater shows (inTENse), zip line, Flowrider, rock climbing, ice skating, sports court, and an arcade.
Princess Cruises
The Emerald Princess may not be a large-scale party cruise, but it does have a great program for teens. The teen club aboard the Emerald Princess is known as “The Beach House” and contains a relaxing and modern vibe. It has movies, gaming competitions, classes, and sports contests.
Emerald Princess hosts “Voice of the Ocean”, designed after a popular talent show. With its partnership with Discovery, teens can earn from educational speakers about different destinations, and they can even go stargazing.
There is also a sports court with a basketball hoop, sports tournaments, dance classes, parties, a nine-hole mini-golf course, and movies under the stars.
This cruise has been designated the best for activities and one of the best for teens. With five waterslides (the fastest at sea), four hot tubs, and two swimming pools, it is easy for teens to find activities that will keep them entertained.
Norwegian Cruise Line
The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway class has a huge sports complex containing a rope course, basketball court, and rock-climbing wall. Teens also have their own club called “Entourage.” During the day, it is a place for themed events, theater/fashion workshops, pool parties, and other events. During the night, it transforms into a teen dance club.
These cruise ships contain incredible live entertainment like stand-up comedy, productions, and their own rendition of the popular game show, “Deal or No Deal.” Plus, with freestyle dining, families can enjoy the flexibility of when and where to dine while they sail.
Disney Cruise Line
Most Disney ships are known for their programming for a much younger crowd. However, many of them are known for their dedication to teens as well. Furthermore, Disney is not just for little kids but can be enjoyed by the entire family.
For entertainment, teens can enjoy the AquaDuck water coaster, virtual porthole windows, and Midship Detective Agency interactive scavenger hunts. Parents and teens can download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for the full range of available activities.
Many cruise ships like the Disney Fantasy also have clubs for teens and tweens. Edge is for ages 11-14, and Vibe is for ages 14-17. Both clubs contain video/gaming systems, high-tech music, scavenger hunts, dance floors, karaoke, themed nights, and various events.
Disney has also launched a new ship called “Disney Wish”, with the teen clubs mentioned above, cinematic dining experiences with Marvel characters, and the Hero Zone with physical challenges and game shows.
Best Party Cruises for Young Adults
Carnival Cruise Lines
Many Carnival cruise ships contain places like The Brass Magnolia, which incorporates the New Orleans motto of flavor, fun, and a great time. Fortune Teller is where suspense and mystery await around every corner. Talented bartenders serve up a plethora of spirits just waiting for your enjoyment in a party-like atmosphere.
If you want to party all night under the stars, there is the Red Frog Tiki Bar, the Havana Bar and Pool, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, and Playlist Productions for endless entertainment.
Carnival Cruise Line is the most popular among young adults due to its “fun factor”. This cruise line feels like having a non-stop festival while at sea offering pool parties, international DJs, dance classes, and more activities. Some contain a craft brewery containing their own craft beers.
Worth Reading: Top 12 Best Cruise Lines for Adults
Another reason for the popularity among young adults is Carnival’s low fees. They also aren’t known for charging for extras like other cruise lines. The only downside is that Carnival is also popular for families, so young adults may be sharing the cruise line with younger kids. However, if this isn’t a concern, this can be a great option for your cruise vacation.
Virgin Voyages
This is a unique cruise line created specifically for young adults. It focuses on a lively nightlife, a laid-back atmosphere, and offers an incredible dining experience.
Young adults can leave any formalities behind on this voyage. There are no established dining times as everything is very casual, and the nightlife provides an ongoing party atmosphere which is perfect for the best party cruises.
Virgin Voyages has made food their top priority. They have removed main dining rooms and buffets. Instead, they offer 20 restaurants that are onboard. Each one has a distinctive dining experience with exceptional menus generated by Michelin-starred chefs.
Entertainment is also a priority. Shows range from Cirque du Soleil to comedy and everything else you can imagine. Shows run less than one hour, so you can enjoy other activities while on the cruise ship.
At night, there are late-night parties, a tattoo and piercing parlor, rooftop pajama parties, and live DJs.
Royal Caribbean International
This cruise line is known for active young adults and caters to a younger crowd. It contains climbing walls, martini-mixing robots, surfing simulators, entertainment venues, and nightclubs.
Many cruise ships offer superb global dining experiences accompanied by luxurious resort-style pool decks providing a chill island vibe. Many also contain nine different bars on the ship.
Some cruise ships contain “Next Level Game Time” with glow-in-the-dark laser tag, bumper car showdowns, and Sky Pad. Passengers can enjoy dance classes, Flowrider, Seaplex, billiards, game shows, a music hall, live bands, a romantic movie night under the stars, and an incredible nightlife with locations throughout the ship.
Final Thoughts on Best Party Cruises
The challenge with many cruises is that they are geared toward families rather than singles. However, there are many cruises geared towards college spring breakers as well as many adults-only fleets.
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There is certainly no shortage of quality entertainment onboard party cruise lines for young adults and teens. Whether you want to dance the night away, party like there is no tomorrow, or unwind with a drink, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
