The 5 best cruises for teens
Traveling with teens who might feel they’ve outgrown family vacations can make any trip a challenge.
High schoolers often want their own space and the ability to explore freely and enjoy time away from their parents or siblings. A cruise can be one of the best ways to allow teens their freedom without completely sacrificing together time with the family.
A cruise ship provides teens space to hang out with their peers in cool venues designed just for them. As teens roam the ship, they can munch on snacks as they please or buy sodas or smoothies with their room key without the need for parental approval.
Whether your teen is outgoing or more reserved, they’ll likely make new friends while on board. Also, thanks to modern technology, friends can actually keep up with one another after the cruise ends.
On larger ships, teens can feel like they aren’t constantly watched by their parents, and adults can enjoy peace of mind that their kids are never too far away.
Also, parents will likely appreciate the ease of vacation planning with a set cost for accommodations, food and entertainment, as well as a preplanned itinerary of exciting ports of call perfect for keeping boredom at bay.
Plenty of cruise lines offer great programming and activities for teenagers, but a few lines go above and beyond. Here, we call out the five best cruises for teens.
Royal Caribbean
With a fleet of more than two dozen cruise ships and more on the way, Royal Caribbean lures travelers with its huge ships, including the largest ships in the world, and an overabundance of onboard attractions and entertainment, many of which will appeal to teens.
The fun starts at the teen lounges, which are tricked out with video games, table games and plenty of seating to chat with new friends.
Teen club counselors run supervised activities, such as themed parties and sports tournaments. These events are great icebreakers for shy teens looking to meet others, with the youth staff on hand to encourage introductions. Some of these events take place in the teen lounge, while others get teens out and about around the ship.
With the teen club’s easy come-and-go policy, teens can stay in the lounge all day or make it a meet-up point for their new friends, then leave to hit the pool deck, sports court and waterslides on their own.
The best Royal Caribbean ships for teens are any in the Oasis Class, which are among the world’s largest. This includes Allure, Harmony, Oasis, Symphony, Utopia and Wonder of the Seas. And, of course, Icon of the Seas and its soon-to-debut sister Star of the Seas, the absolute largest cruise ships in the world, were designed for teens to love.
On these megaships, teens can enjoy onboard activities like miniature golf, waterslides, a 10-story dry slide called The Ultimate Abyss, a FlowRider surf simulator, a zip line, an arcade, ice skating, rock climbing and laser tag.
Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families
Families will appreciate these ships’ fun-in-the-sun destinations, as well as onboard attractions. Many of Royal Caribbean's biggest and newest ships sail weeklong Caribbean sailings. These itineraries include teen-friendly Eastern Caribbean ports of call like St. Maarten and St. Thomas, where sandy beaches and snorkeling are popular, and Western Caribbean ports such as Roatan, Honduras, offering adventures like off-road Jeep rides and zip lining. (Utopia of the Seas sails shorter cruises for families looking for a quick getaway.)
Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, will likely keep teens happy with its huge water park, choice of beaches, water sports and multiple free-food lunch venues serving burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, mozzarella sticks and all the soft serve ice cream you can eat.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is another great cruise option for teens, due to its clublike hangouts and active onboard attractions.
Most ships in the fleet have a dedicated teen-only space, Entourage. Here, teens have their own space to hang out, play games and participate in counselor-planned activities. (The exception is Norwegian Spirit, which does not offer any kids programming. NCL built Norwegian Prima without a teen club but added the space back last year. Its new ship Norwegian Aqua will have Entourage from the outset.)
Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus Class ships are among some of the line’s most teen-friendly vessels. Norwegian Encore, for example, allows teens to zip around a top-deck go-kart track, which juts out 13 feet over the side of the ship. At the Galaxy Pavilion, they can challenge each other through virtual reality games, or try to break out of the onboard escape room.
The line's new Norwegian Aqua also promises to be a teen dream, with a waterslide-roller coaster hybrid called the Aqua Slidecoaster, the truly lit Glow Court with an LED sports floor, a 10-story dry slide and a gaming/arcade area with everything from miniature golf to VR games, bowling and darts.
Related: Best kid-friendly cruises: The 6 best cruise ships for kids
One downside to any of the Norwegian ships is that many of the activities teens will want to do (like the Galaxy Pavilion and go-kart track) cost extra and aren’t cheap. If that’s an issue for your budget, save a little extra or encourage your teens to pitch in on the cost.
Norwegian Encore offers mainly weeklong cruises and spends its summers in Alaska and its winters sailing from Miami to the Caribbean. Norwegian Aqua will alternate seasons sailing from Port Canaveral (near Orlando), Florida, to the Caribbean and from New York to Bermuda. While island cruises have plenty to offer teens with beach time and water sports, cruising north to Alaska can be especially appealing, as wildlife spotting, kayaking and glacier trekking are part of the fun.
Carnival Cruise Line
For budget-conscious cruisers with teens, Carnival Cruise Line is ideal.
With plenty of included dining options, free activities and hangout spaces outside of the teen clubs, teens will find much to love — and parents don’t have to worry about breaking the bank to keep everyone happy.
On board, teens can enjoy a plethora of programming at Circle C, the tween club for 12- to 14-year-olds, and Club O2, for 15- to 17-year-olds. Counselors in these spaces plan themed dance parties and sports and video game tournaments, as well as movie nights for young cruisers.
Teens looking for a thrill will enjoy the Excel Class of ships, which includes Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee.
On the two current Excel Class ships, teens can hop on the Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster and zoom around the ship’s topmost deck at speeds up to 40 mph.
At WaterWorks water park, thrill seekers can choose from three waterslides, including a tame twister and a heart-pounding drop slide. Teens can prove their fearlessness on the ropes course as they walk a plank hovering high above the sea.
Both WaterWorks and the ropes course are included in the overall cruise fare, though Bolt is currently priced at $15 per person, per ride.
Related: The wildest attractions you’ll find on a cruise ship
Teens can also chill at Summer Landing, located at the back of the ship. Here, they can gather on oversized couches to watch sports on multiple TVs. Table games like foosball and shuffleboard are also here, as are complimentary self-serve ice cream machines.
When ravenous teens get hungry, they can head to one of the many included eateries like BlueIguana Cantina, Big Chicken (created by basketball star Shaquille O’Neal) and Guy’s Burger Joint (by celebrity chef Guy Fieri).
Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras sail to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Miami and Port Canaveral, respectively. Cruises on both ships are typically seven nights, though shorter and longer sailings are available. Carnival Jubilee sails six- and seven-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Bahamas cruises out of Galveston, Texas.
In the Eastern Caribbean, teens can explore old forts or sample local cuisine, while in the Western Caribbean port of Cozumel, Mexico, they might enjoy taking a cooking class or visiting ancient Mayan cities.
Disney Cruise Line
Even though Disney Cruise Line is known as the cruise line for families with younger kids, don’t rule it out as a vacation option for families with teens. The ships offer spaces specifically designed for older kids, where they never have to see a dressed-up character (or their parents).
Disney ships feature two dedicated spaces for tweens and teens: Edge, for cruisers ages 11 to 14, and Vibe, for cruisers ages 14 to 17.
Teens will especially love Vibe on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream, where they can play games or hang out with new friends for hours at the adjacent teen-only sundeck, complete with splash pools and stylish seating areas.
Inside, teens have dedicated spaces for watching movies and playing games.
Edge on Disney Dream and Fantasy looks like a city loft and wows teens and tweens with video game stations, a lighted dance floor and a cool photo booth. Fun fact: On these two ships, Edge is located inside one of the funnels. (Don’t worry — it’s not an operational funnel!)
Related: Ways to save money on a Disney cruise
Teens who don’t want to hang out in the teen clubs will still find plenty to do on board. On both Disney Dream and Fantasy, kids can ride around the ship on the AquaDuck, a water coaster that goes out over the side of the ship and through the funnel.
They can also gather their new friends and play Midship Detective Agency. This interactive game takes cruisers around the ship to find clues in the “enchanted” artwork and help solve a mystery. After family dinners, teens can head to the onboard movie theater where first-run flicks from Disney’s portfolio of studios, like Marvel and "Star Wars," are shown.
Disney Fantasy sails short three- to five-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas in the winter and three- to 12-night Europe cruises from Barcelona, Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Southampton, U.K., in the summer. Disney Dream sails three- to five-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades to the Bahamas and Mexico.
Most Bahamas sailings on these two ships will stop at one of Disney’s private islands, Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. On Castaway, teens can enjoy time on their own at the Teen Hideout, where counselors have an entire day of activities planned.
It’s not a bad deal for parents, either. Both islands offer Serenity Bay, an adults-only beach where parents can get some rest and relaxation.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Expedition cruises are great for teens who are interested in nature, science and photography. If that sounds like your teen, one of the best options is National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, which offers family-friendly adventure cruises with programming for kids and teens called National Geographic Global Explorers.
On every expedition to Alaska, Baja, the Galapagos, Iceland and Antarctica, teens can participate in such activities as getting their “driver’s license” for a Zodiac, snorkeling with sea turtles, teen-only hiking and kayaking alongside penguins.
National Geographic field educators plan and lead the activities and can answer just about any question teens might have in a way that’s relatable and understandable to them. The field educators are also there to encourage teens to go outside their comfort zone to experience the world around them.
On board, teens can learn how to shoot documentary-level photos and videos from a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and look at plankton under a video microscope. Plus, they can kick back with pizza dinners and game nights.
Families should note that expedition cruises deviate from the typical cruise experience. These expedition ships are small and typically carry fewer than 200 passengers, so teens might not find many other kids their age.
On these cruises, the destination is the main attraction, with little entertainment on board. Because these ships sail in more remote areas, the ship’s Wi-Fi signal might not be strong enough for teens who want access to their social media accounts.
Bottom line
The best cruises for teens offer both staffed teen clubs and plenty of shipwide activities that teens can experience on their own, with their families or with the new friends they meet on board.
But no matter which cruise line you choose, cruising with teens is a great vacation that the whole family can enjoy. Parents can let their teens roam freely around the ship, and teens can feel some independence hanging out with peers.
Plus, after a day spent apart, your family might find a new way to connect by coming together at dinner and sharing the day’s adventures.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
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- The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin
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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
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- 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.
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- 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. |
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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.