On cruises, younger passengers, namely those between the ages of 18 and 25, are frequently ignored. Even if they are still in high school at the age of 18, they are too old to participate in the activities offered by the teen clubs. Yet, they may still be too young to drink alcohol at the onboard bars. Many cruise lines seem to forget that passengers in their twenties still want to meet their onboard peers in group settings that are arranged by the cruise line. This is especially true if the passengers are travelling with older family members who have different vacation interests than the younger passengers.
Most of the time, the best cruise lines for young adults will have meetups that enable them to make friends quickly on the first night of the cruise; have a cool, laid-back vibe in adults-only areas that they can finally access after graduating from the kid's clubs; and have some sense of adventure built into the itinerary.
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Young adults looking for a cruise vacation will find that Carnival Cruise Line has a party around every turn, while Royal Caribbean International offers more opportunities for off-ship experiences. Even travellers who like to travel by themselves can discover accommodations on the Norwegian Cruise Line that are tailored to their needs. These cabins feature communal areas that are perfect for striking up conversations and making new acquaintances.
The following is a ranking of the top six cruise lines for young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. In addition, we provide an overview of a few essential details that you need to be aware of when selecting a cruise company, particularly if you are younger than 21 years old (or travelling with someone who is).
There are three things that young adults who cruise need to know.
There are restrictions on bookings.
Several cruise lines do not allow passengers younger than 21 years old to book passage on their ships if they are trying to do so. For instance, Royal Caribbean requires passengers to be at least 21 years old to embark on a cruise departing from North America unaccompanied by an adult. (If you are sailing from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, or New Zealand, the legal age requirement is merely 18 years old.)
Checking the minimum age requirement of the cruise company is something you should do before making a reservation with any cruise line. This will ensure that you or someone in your party will be able to meet the requirements.
Related: how to avoid making these 10 blunders when booking your cruise
Legal drinking age on cruise ships
While departing from the United States, passengers who wish to consume alcoholic beverages on board the ship must be at least 21 years old. The cruise line Margaritaville at Sea is an exception to this law because it permits passengers who have reached the age of 18 and the ship to be in international waters or on Grand Bahama Island before they are required to provide ID.
Check the drinking policy for individuals who are younger than 21 on that particular sailing or cruise line before booking, especially if you are sailing from a nation that lowers the drinking age to 18. Many countries in Europe have lowered the drinking age to 18. On its closed-loop sailings departing from any location in Europe, for instance, Disney Cruise Line enables passengers aged 18 to 20 years old to consume alcohol on certain sailings. It's as simple as getting a signature from a parent or guardian on a consent form.
Be warned, however, that consuming or even buying alcohol for those younger than 21 is a serious offence that can lead to forced debarkation on sailings that say the age for drinking is 21 and older. If the age for drinking is 21 and older, passengers must be at least 21 years old to consume alcohol.
Cruise line alcohol policies
In general, cruise lines frown upon passengers bringing their alcohol on board, and many of them restrict the number of bottles allowed and charge corkage costs. You must research the policies of your chosen cruise line because each one is unique.
For instance, Disney Cruise Line enables passengers who are at least 21 years old to bring two bottles of wine or six beers onto the ship with them in a carry-on bag on the day of embarkation as well as at each port of call during the cruise. On the day of embarkation only, passengers sailing with Carnival Cruise Line are permitted to bring one bottle of unopened wine per person on board in their carry-on luggage. This policy applies only to passengers over the age of 21.
If you try to smuggle in more alcohol than is permitted, security can seize it and throw it away. Bottles of water, mouthwash, and other clear liquids will typically be opened for inspection by cruise lines to verify that they do not contain illegal alcohol.
Related: Is it possible to bring my alcoholic beverages onto a cruise ship? A handbook that goes line by line.
Okay, enough with the restrictions and requirements already. The following are some of our top picks for cruise lines catering to young adults.
Best cruise line for a party: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is well-known for its raucous environments and party-oriented atmospheres. Because Carnival cruises are some of the least expensive, they are a good option for young adults who are searching for a holiday that is both enjoyable and inexpensive.
In addition to exciting quick-service food options helmed by celebrities such as Guy Fieri and Shaquille O'Neal, Carnival's so-called "Fun Ships" feature an abundance of performances, quiz competitions, and outdoor activities designed to pique the interest of younger passengers. On Carnival ships, passengers who are at least 18 years old can bet at the onboard casino, however, guests who are under the age of 21 are not permitted to order alcohol at any of the themed bars onboard.
Cruisers between the ages of 18 and 25 are often not offered any planned activities by Carnival. Those who are interested in meeting other passengers of a similar age can connect with shipmates through Facebook groups that are dedicated to their cruise, and they can even arrange an unofficial meetup with other young people who are already on board. During a cruise, some of the best venues to meet people your age includes the interactive shore excursions, the fitness centre, and the hot tub on the sun deck reserved exclusively for adults.
Related: How to Choose the Right Cruise Line for Your First Vacation
Disney Cruise Line is the best cruise line for young adults to get together on.
Although Disney Cruise Line is renowned as the family cruise line, young adults may be on board for a variety of reasons, including the fact that they have younger siblings or because their family enjoys visiting Disney parks. Guests who are no longer eligible to participate in Vibe, the teen club onboard for passengers aged 14 to 17, will be able to find their own "hidden" society called the 1820 Society.
Upon aboard the ship, passengers in the age range of 18 to 20 who are interested in taking part in the prearranged events can access a list of everything that is happening via the Disney Cruise Line mobile app. Young adults are encouraged to participate in the initial encounter, which will consist of icebreaker games and introductions to the group. Throughout the trip and even on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay meets and activities are organised for the age group.
Another benefit for young adults is that Disney allows visitors as young as 18 years old to cruise without a parent or guardian accompanying them. This means that you and your buddies do not require an adult to accompany you on a weekend cruise that will include late-night dance events in the district as well as brunch at the adults-only Palo restaurant.
Related: 5 reasons why kids don't have to be the only ones on a Disney cruise
Celebrity Cruises is the best cruise line for young people who are interested in eating.
Celebrity Cruises is a good choice for young adults who are interested in cruising and who appreciate trying different foods and drinks from across the world, particularly on one of the line's Edge-class ships. Given that its tickets may be outside of the price range of someone in their 20s, the line is an excellent option for journeys that involve multiple generations.
Several trendy establishments can be found at Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, and the soon-to-be-opened Ascent. These establishments include Craft Social, which offers hundreds of artisanal beers, and Eden, which serves inventive cocktails with a focus on the natural world. You should go to the Rooftop Garden if you want to drink a martini while feeling the ocean wind on your face. The Rooftop Garden features lush foliage, soft loungers, and views of the ocean, all of which will keep you coming back throughout your voyage.
Sushi, backyard BBQ, French bistro classics, and handmade Italian pasta are just some of the specialities offered at the ship's many eateries, which are another highlight of the cruise experience. Even if you are unable to afford a speciality dining experience, you will not have menu weariness thanks to the fact that the food includes four main dining rooms. The food of a particular nation serves as the inspiration for each of the restaurants, which range from Greek to French to Italian to contemporary American.
Related: why you should splurge on a cruise ship speciality restaurant and the five reasons why
Best cruise line for rapid sailings: Royal Caribbean
It could be difficult for young individuals to get time off from jobs or school to go on a cruise for a whole week. Royal Caribbean makes it possible for young people in their late teens and early 20s to embark on two- to five-night sailings from the United States or Europe at rates that are within their budget. Even better, some of the line's largest ships which are packed to the gills with attractions sail these shorter trips, so there is no way that you will become bored.
It is common for cruises departing from Florida to visit Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. This adds even more value to the voyage by including a stress-free beach day as one of the destinations in the itinerary mix. On the island, lunch is provided at no cost, and you can use the onboard beverage package to pay for any drinks you order. In addition, there is a refreshing pool, as well as several beaches, which are wonderful locations to hang out and enjoy the water. You will need to pay an additional fee to ride any of CocoCay's waterslides, zip lines, or tethered hot air balloons.
Young adults can meet up with other passengers at the sports court on board the ships to participate in pick-up games of basketball or pickleball. Nightclubs and lounges are lively places where people can meet new people and sing and dance together. For cruises that leave from North America, the minimum age to sail without an older adult present in the cabin is 21 years old.
Virgin Voyages is the best cruise line if you're looking for an atmosphere that's exclusive to adults.
It is recommended that young adults who are seeking a holiday without children check out Virgin Voyages, a cruise line that caters exclusively to adults and has a booking minimum age of 18. The price of the ticket includes gratuities, access to Wi-Fi, and cheeky group workouts. Free-of-charge dining is available at a wide variety of restaurants on each of the three (and soon to be four) ships, including Mexican at Pink Agave and Korean barbeque at Gunbae, to name just two examples.
Guests must be at least 18 years old to consume an alcoholic beverage while the ship is at sea, but they must be at least 21 years old to drink while the ship is docked in any U.S. port.
Scarlet Night is a staple of every voyage with Virgin Voyages and for good reason. During this time, the ship is illuminated with red lights, and the crew members wear red uniforms. It's one of the most thrilling times of the trip. Visitors are encouraged to attend a late-night dance party that will be held on the pool deck and to dress in their best red attire.
Those who are feeling daring have the option of going to a provocative show at night or getting matching tattoos with their closest friends at the onboard tattoo parlour. The best people to take this vacation with are your significant other or your friends; your parents are not recommended.
Related: An experienced sailor's initial thoughts on the cruise ship Scarlet Lady
Norwegian Cruise Line is the best option for young adults who are travelling by themselves.
On many cruises, lone travellers are not only underserved but also charged more than they should be. Single passengers on cruises pay the same total amount for a room as two persons who share a cabin because single supplements are added to the bill.
Studio staterooms on Norwegian Cruise Line were a game-changer for the cruise industry. These interior rooms are 100 square feet in size and are designed to accommodate a single passenger, therefore there will be no additional charges incurred. Guests staying in a Studio also have access to the Studio Lounge, which is a community gathering place equipped with flat-screen televisions, a bar, and a selection of refreshments. Several NCL ships do not have single rooms, but there are multiple ships, such as the Norwegian Escape, Epic, Encore, the brand-new Norwegian Prima, and the future Norwegian Viva, that have studios accessible.
Indulge Food Hall, located aboard Norwegian Prima and Viva, is one of our favourite food halls at sea and is one of the many eating options available to cruisers on board. Other dining options include a wide variety of quick-service and table-service restaurants. Go-kart tracks, virtual reality game rooms, waterslides, and lively dance clubs can be found on several of Norwegian's newest ships. These features will appeal to young adults who are active and like to stay busy. You are free to lounge on the beach with a book while taking in the salty air if that is how you would rather spend your time.
Bottom line
You can locate ships that speak your language, whether you're taking your family on vacation with your younger siblings or your older parents, going on a party cruise with your pals, or taking a relaxing break with your significant other. We highly recommend the following six cruise lines for passengers between the ages of 18 and 25; but, even on other ships, having a positive attitude and a spirit of adventure can go a long way towards making a vacation that you didn't choose more enjoyable. Whether they travel with their parents or not, young people can enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment on most cruises.
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