The 6 best cruise lines for young adults
Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 often get overlooked on cruises. These travelers are too old for the teen clubs, even if they are still in high school at 18, but might be too young to drink at the onboard bars. Many cruise lines forget that 20-somethings still want to meet their onboard peers in group settings arranged by the cruise line — especially if they’re traveling with older family members with different vacation interests.
The best cruise lines for young adults often have meetups that allow them to make friends quickly on the first night; have a cool, laid-back vibe in adults-only areas that they can finally access after graduating from the kids clubs; and have some sense of adventure built into the itinerary.
Young adult cruisers can find a party around every corner on Carnival Cruise Line or adventures off the ship with Royal Caribbean. Even solo cruisers will find cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line that are designed just for them, with communal spaces ideal for making friends.
Here, we list the six best cruise lines for young adults ages 18 to 25. Plus, we outline a few key things you should know when picking a cruise line, especially if you are younger than 21 (or traveling with someone who is).
3 things young adult cruisers need to know
Booking restrictions
Some cruise lines do have restrictions for travelers looking to book a sailing if they are younger than 21. For instance, Royal Caribbean sets the minimum age to sail unaccompanied by an adult on cruises from North America at 21. (You only need to be 18 years old to sail from Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.)
Before booking with any cruise line, you’ll want to check the minimum age guidelines to ensure that you or someone in your group meets the requirements.
Related: 10 mistakes to avoid when booking your cruise
Drinking age on cruises
On most sailings from the U.S., guests must be at least 21 years old to drink alcohol on the ship. (One exception is Virgin Voyages, which allows anyone over 18 to drink in international waters.) If you're celebrating your 21st birthday on board, you'll need to bring proof of your age to the guest services desk on or after your birthday in order for the ship to update its records and allow you to drink. You can't simply start ordering shots once the clock strikes midnight.
If you’re sailing from a country that allows legal drinking at 18, as many European countries do, check the drinking policy for those who are younger than 21 for that particular sailing or cruise line before booking. For example, Disney Cruise Line allows 18- to 20-year-olds to consume alcohol on closed-loop sailings departing from any European country. Parents or guardians just need to sign a consent form.
Be warned, though, that consuming or even buying alcohol for those younger than 21 is a serious offense that can lead to forced debarkation on sailings that say the age for drinking is 21 and older. Even fun-loving Margaritaville at Sea, which used to allow 18-year-olds to drink once the ship reached international waters, will now fine you $500 if you're caught violating the line's alcohol policy. (The legal drinking age on board both its ships is now 21.)
Cruise line alcohol policies
Cruise lines generally prohibit bringing alcohol on board. They often limit the number of bottles you can carry on and charge corkage fees for drinking your own wine in public venues. Check your specific cruise line’s policies, as they are all different.
For example, Disney Cruise Line allows those who are at least 21 to bring two bottles of wine or six beers onto the ship with them in a carry-on bag on embarkation day and again at each port of call. Carnival Cruise Line allows cruisers 21 and older to bring one bottle of unopened wine per person on board in their carry-on luggage on embarkation day only.
If you decide to try to sneak on more alcohol than allowed, security can confiscate and discard it. Most cruise lines will open bottles of water, mouthwash and other clear liquids to confirm it’s not contraband alcohol.
Related: Can I bring alcohol on a cruise ship? A line-by-line guide
OK, enough of the rules and regulations. Here are our favorite cruise lines for young adults.
Best cruise line for a party: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is known for its lively atmosphere and party vibes. Sailings on Carnival are among the most affordable, which can benefit young adults looking for a fun vacation on a budget.
Along with fun fast-casual dining spots from celebrities like Guy Fieri and Shaquille O’Neal, Carnival’s so-called “Fun Ships” have an abundance of shows, trivia challenges and outdoor activities that appeal to young adult cruisers. On Carnival ships, those 18 and older can gamble in the onboard casino but cannot order drinks at the many themed bars unless they’re at least 21 years old. You also must be 21 to use the adults-only Serenity sundeck.
Carnival doesn’t offer a program of events for cruisers ages 18 to 25, but ships will often schedule a meetup for guests ages 18 to 20 early in the cruise. The line's other meetups could also be of interest, including singles (18-plus) and LGBTQ+ mixers.
Travelers looking to meet similarly aged travelers can connect with shipmates in Facebook groups dedicated to their sailing and arrange an unofficial meetup with other young adults on board. Active shore excursions, the fitness center and the hot tub on the adults-only sundeck are great places to look for peers during a cruise.
Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
Best cruise line for young adult meetups: Disney Cruise Line
Even though Disney Cruise Line is known as the family cruise line, young adults are often on board because they have younger siblings or their family enjoys visiting Disney parks. Cruisers who have aged out of Vibe, the teen club for 14- to 17-year-olds, will find their own “secret” onboard club known as the 1820 Society.
Cruisers ages 18 to 20 who want to participate in the planned activities can see all the available happenings on the Disney Cruise Line app once they’re on the ship. Young adults should attend the first meetup, which is where introductions and icebreaker games happen. Throughout the cruise and even on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, meetups and activities are scheduled for the age group. These might include coffee or ice cream socials, karaoke, sports and games, and bike rides on Castaway Cay.
Another plus for young adults is that Disney only requires guests to be 18 years old to sail unaccompanied. That means you and your friends don’t need a parent chaperone for a weekend cruise filled with late-night dance parties in the District, sunbathing at the Quiet Cove pool and brunch at the adults-only Palo restaurant.
Related: Is a Disney cruise for adults? Here are 5 reasons why I say yes
Best cruise line for young foodies: Celebrity Cruises
Young adult cruisers who get excited about international cuisine and craft cocktails will enjoy Celebrity Cruises, especially its newest Edge Class ships. The line is a good choice for multigenerational trips, especially as its fares might be beyond a 20-something’s budget.
Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond and Ascent are filled with hip venues, such as Craft Social with its dozens of boutique beers and Eden with its innovative, nature-themed cocktails. If you want to feel the ocean breeze on your face while sipping a martini, head to the Rooftop Garden, where greenery, plush loungers and ocean views will keep you coming back throughout your cruise.
Dining at the many onboard restaurants is also a treat, with venues specializing in sushi, backyard barbecue, French bistro classics and handmade Italian pasta. If your budget doesn’t allow for specialty dining, you won’t get menu fatigue with four main dining rooms included in the fare. Each restaurant is themed around a different country’s cuisine, including Greek, French, Italian and new American.
Related: 7 reasons you should treat yourself to a cruise ship specialty restaurant
Best cruise line for quick sailings: Royal Caribbean
Young adults might struggle to take time off from work or school to do a weeklong cruise. With Royal Caribbean, travelers in their late teens and 20s can take part in two- to five-night sailings from the U.S. or Europe that have affordable rates. Even better, some of the line’s largest and most attraction-laden ships sail these shorter itineraries, so you won’t have a chance to be bored.
Cruises from Florida often go to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which adds even more value to the cruise by adding a hassle-free beach day into the destination mix. On the island, lunch is free, and you can use your shipboard beverage package to cover your drinks. Plus, the inviting pool and many beaches are great places to hang out and enjoy the water. You must pay extra to ride CocoCay’s many waterslides, zip line or escape to an adults-only beach club.
On board the ships, young adults can meet others at the sports court for a pickup game of basketball or pickleball. The nightclubs and lounges are fun spots to dance and sing with new friends. The minimum age to sail without an older adult in the cabin for cruises departing from North America is 21.
Best cruise line for an adults-only atmosphere: Virgin Voyages
Young adults looking for a kid-free vacation should check out Virgin Voyages, an adults-only cruise line. The minimum age to book is 18. Gratuities, Wi-Fi and sassy group workouts are included in the fare. Each of the three (soon to be four) ships has many restaurants, such as Pink Agave for Mexican and Gunbae for Korean barbecue, all of which are fee-free.
At sea, guests ages 18 and older can enjoy an alcoholic beverage, but while docked in any U.S. port, the minimum drinking age on board is 21.
One of the most exciting moments of every Virgin Voyages sailing is Scarlet Night, when the entire ship is decked out in red thanks to added red lights and red crew outfits. Guests are encouraged to don their crimson best and attend a late-night dance party on the pool deck.
Adventurous passengers can get matching ink with their besties at the onboard tattoo shop or attend a risque show at night. This is definitely a cruise to take with your partner or peers, not your parents.
Related: An expert cruiser’s first impressions of Scarlet Lady
Best cruise line for young adults traveling solo: Norwegian Cruise Line
Solo travelers are often overlooked and, frankly, outpriced on many cruises. With single supplement charges, solo cruisers pay the same total price for a room as two people sharing a cabin.
Norwegian Cruise Line changed the game with its Studio cabins. These 100-square-foot inside rooms are designed for one, so solo travelers won’t be paying extra. Studio guests also get access to the Studio Lounge, a communal gathering space with big-screen TVs, drinks and snacks. Not all NCL ships offer solo cabins; studios are available on multiple ships, including Norwegian Escape, Epic, Encore, Prima and Viva.
On board, cruisers will find plenty of fast-casual and table-service dining options, including one of our favorite food halls at sea, Indulge Food Hall, on Norwegian Prima and Viva. Active young adults will enjoy the go-kart tracks, virtual reality game rooms, waterslides and lively dance clubs found on many of Norwegian’s newest ships. If you prefer to relax with a book and enjoy the ocean breeze, you can do that, too.
Bottom line
Whether on a family trip with younger siblings or older parents, a party cruise with friends or a relaxing escape with your significant other, young adults can find ships that speak their language. We recommend these six lines for 18- to 25-year-olds, but even on other ships, a good attitude and an adventurous spirit will go a long way toward making a trip you didn’t choose extra fun. Young adults can find plenty that appeals to them on most cruises — with or without mom and dad.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
- The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
- The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
- The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- Top ways cruisers waste money
- The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.