Following are the best cruise lines for teens for a memorable vacation.
Planning for the best cruise for teens can be tricky. Teenagers typically require a lot of entertainment, relaxation, and socialization, which is not always easy to find on a cruise. Choose family-friendly cruises, which frequently have designated spaces and activities for children aged 13 to 17. The best cruise lines for teens mix adventure, freedom, and possibilities to make new friends, offering them plenty to do while their parents relax. Cruises provide a variety of engaging activities for teens, including hip clubs, water parks, and video games.
When arranging a family holiday, choosing the best cruise ship for teens is a great choice, especially if you have energetic teenagers. While parents retreat to an adults-only location aboard the ship for a private dinner for two, kids can interact with their peers in teens-only clubs and grab a pizza to watch a movie together under the stars. If your tweens and teens want more action-packed entertainment, some cruise ships serve as floating amusement parks, complete with zip lines, racetracks, roller coasters, ice skating rinks, laser tag, waterslides, and other attractions.
Royal Caribbean offers one of the best cruise experiences for teens with its newly updated spaces for 13 to 17-year-olds. Hidden behind a secret speakeasy entrance, the teen lounge is designed to be a cozy and fun hangout spot, complete with a gaming area and music. There's also an outdoor patio perfect for relaxing in the sun or under the stars. With activities like sports tournaments, a nightly teen disco, and themed parties, it's a place where teens can meet new friends while enjoying exciting events. It’s one of the best cruise lines for teens, offering a blend of entertainment and relaxation on board.
Social100, located on Wonder of the Seas, is another amazing space for teens aged 13 to 17. This area, situated next to the waterslides, features a hot tub, lawn games, and cozy seating, making it a perfect spot to unwind. There’s also a selfie area and a bar serving zero-proof cocktails and shakes. Inside, teens can enjoy gaming consoles, foosball tables, and comfortable places to socialize. It's one of the best cruise lines for teens, offering a great balance of fun activities and relaxed hangout spots. Whether indoors or outdoors, Social100 has everything teens need for a memorable vacation experience.
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the best cruise lines for teens, thanks to its fun and variety of activities. Teens aged 13 to 17 will find no shortage of exciting options, from water parks and ropes courses to mini golf and sports courts. The ships are large and bustling, offering something for everyone. Teens can also enjoy outdoor movies, video arcades, and IMAX or 4D movie theaters on most ships. With so many activities to choose from, Carnival provides the ultimate vacation for teens looking for both adventure and relaxation. It’s a top choice for the best cruise for teens.
One of the unique offerings from Carnival is ZSpa, a teen-only wellness program available on all ships. Designed for teens aged 13 and over, ZSpa provides a range of services like hair and nail treatments, along with specialized fitness classes. Teens can join in dance and yoga classes tailored to their age group, giving them a chance to unwind and stay active. Carnival’s focus on providing fun and relaxation makes it a great choice for the best cruise lines for teens. Whether they want adventure or some self-care, Carnival offers something for every teen to enjoy.
Norwegian Cruise Line stands out as one of the best cruise lines for teens, offering a casual vibe and high-energy entertainment. Teens can enjoy action-packed activities like ropes courses, laser tag, VR games, and thrilling water slides during the day. In the evening, they can be entertained by Broadway-style shows that keep everyone engaged. Norwegian is known for being one of the best cruises for active teens, with expansive sports areas that include basketball, soccer, and dodgeball. Whether it’s a day of excitement or a night of fun shows, Norwegian delivers an amazing experience for teens.
Norwegian’s teen club, Entourage, is the perfect hangout for teens to relax and meet new friends. This space has bean bags, gaming stations, and high-tech activities like moviemaking, dancing, and sports competitions. In the evening, Entourage transforms into a teens-only nightclub, giving teens a fun and safe place to enjoy their vacation. Since teens can roam unsupervised, the club also serves as a meeting point before they explore the ship or head out on adventures with friends. For teens looking for activities and new friendships, Entourage is the go-to spot on Norwegian ships, making it one of the best cruises for teens.
Disney Cruises offers an exciting variety of river and expedition cruises for the whole family, with many experiences tailored for tweens and teens. These cruises focus on culture, history, gastronomy, and adventure, giving teens the chance to explore new places in a fun way. Partnering with AmaWaterways for river cruises and Ponant or GoGalápagos for expedition cruises, Adventures by Disney ensures a unique and high-quality experience. It’s one of the best cruise lines for teens, with itineraries that allow teens to enjoy both fun activities and cultural exploration, making it an outstanding choice for family vacations.
On Adventures by Disney's cruises, teens get the chance to experience fun activities with other teens, like evening get-togethers and themed dinners. They don’t have to dine with their parents or younger siblings every night, giving them more freedom to enjoy their time. Adventure Guides also organize special activities like game shows and pool parties just for teens. These cruises offer teens the opportunity to bond with peers while exploring exciting destinations. Whether it’s an adventure in the Galápagos Islands or a cultural tour in Europe, it’s one of the best cruises for teens, offering experiences that cater to their interests and energy.
MSC Cruises offers a wide range of activities for teens, making it one of the best cruise lines for teens. Onboard, teens can enjoy sports tournaments, water slides, and even a family disco. Select ships also feature exciting experiences like the MSC Formula One racer simulator, an interactive XD cinema, zip lines, bumper cars, and an arcade room. The Young Club provides daily activities for 12- to 14-year-olds, while teens aged 15 to 17 can join in sports, dance competitions, and video game tournaments. MSC Cruises ensures that every teen finds something fun to do, from karaoke and flash mobs to themed events and a teens-only disco.
MSC Seascape offers teens three concept spaces to keep them entertained. “Future” is a technology zone featuring the latest-generation consoles, virtual reality, and video screens for endless fun. “Chill Out” is a relaxed hangout spot with foosball and ping pong, perfect for hanging out with friends. For those who love to dance, the “Music” space is a dance club with cool lighting and music. MSC Seascape also has Robotron, a unique amusement park-style ride that combines a roller coaster with personalized music and lights. These activities, along with many others, make MSC Cruises one of the best cruise lines for teens, providing the ultimate fun onboard.
Finding the best cruise for teens means choosing a ship packed with excitement, entertainment, and activities designed for older kids. The best cruise lines for teens offer everything from high-energy thrills like go-kart racing and waterslides to chill hangouts, gaming lounges, and even educational experiences. Whether your teen loves adrenaline-pumping adventures, Broadway-style shows, or exploring new destinations, there’s a perfect cruise out here.
Choosing the best cruise for teens can make all the difference in a family vacation. With so many options available, it's important to find a ship that offers the perfect balance of adventure, entertainment, and social opportunities. The best cruise lines for teens provide dedicated spaces, thrilling activities, and exciting onboard experiences to keep older kids engaged throughout the trip. From action-packed ships with water parks, sports courts, and gaming lounges to those with teen-only hangouts and immersive learning opportunities, there’s something for every interest.
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