Looking for the best cruises for teens? Whether your teen wants to zip line over the ocean, chill in a private lounge, or challenge friends to laser tag at sea, the right cruise can make all the difference.
Cruising is a vacation my family got addicted to when I was a teen. In fact, I loved it so much that I ended up working on cruise ships. It’s the perfect family getaway—offering a taste of independence for teens while still giving families time to connect. It’s like summer camp at sea, where teens can make new friends, try new experiences, and explore new places, all within a safe environment.
The Best Cruise Lines for Teens
Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to keeping teens entertained. These cruise lines offer the best mix of adventure, independence, and social spaces to make it a vacation they’ll love.
Royal Caribbean: Best for Nonstop Action and Variety
Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships feel like floating amusement parks, with every activity you can imagine: FlowRider surf simulators, zip lines, skydiving simulators, ice skating rinks, and glow-in-the-dark laser tag. Their Fuel Teen Club (ages 12-17) offers a cool space to socialize, play video games, and dance the night away.
Top Royal Caribbean Ships That Teens Will Love
- Wonder of the Seas – The largest cruise ship in the world, featuring a 10-deck-high dry slide (Ultimate Abyss) and mini-golf under the stars.
- Odyssey of the Seas – Sky Pad virtual reality bungee trampolines and a bumper car arena.
- Symphony of the Seas – Includes the AquaTheater, where teens can watch daring dive performances between their onboard adventures.
What’s on Royal Caribbean’s Menu? Teen-Approved Eats
Royal Caribbean ships feature complimentary buffets, pizza spots, and poolside grills with burgers and fries. For an extra treat, teens can hit Johnny Rockets for diner-style eats or grab a milkshake from the Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.
Insider Tip: Oasis and Quantum-class ships have the most activities, but their size means longer wait times for attractions. Smaller ships, like Independence of the Seas and Visions of the Seas, still have lots to do but feel a little more personal.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Best for Laid-Back Fun and Freestyle Dining
Norwegian offers a go-with-the-flow vibe, perfect for teens who like having no set schedules and plenty of choices. Their Entourage Teen Club (ages 13-17) offers gaming stations, chill lounges, and themed events, but it’s the outdoor attractions that set these ships apart—go-kart racing, outdoor laser tag, and high-ropes courses over the ocean.
Top Norwegian Ships That Teens Will Love
- Norwegian Encore – Largest go-kart track at sea, plus a virtual reality escape room.
- Norwegian Bliss – Features an outdoor laser tag course designed like an abandoned space station.
- Norwegian Joy – Includes a two-level race track and an interactive Galaxy Pavilion with virtual reality rides.
What’s on Norwegian’s Menu? Teen-Approved Eats
Norwegian’s freestyle dining is a huge win for teens, with buffets, grab-and-go snack stations, and no set dinner times. Teens who love hibachi can check out Teppanyaki, and there’s even a Starbucks on board for their daily caffeine fix.
Insider Tip: Norwegian ships tend to have fewer scheduled activities than Royal Caribbean, making them a great fit for teens who prefer flexibility over structure.
Carnival Cruise Line: Best for Social, Fun-Loving Teens
Carnival is all about fun and socializing, making it the perfect pick for outgoing teens. Their teen clubs, Circle C (ages 12-14) and Club O2 (ages 15-17), are some of the most interactive at sea, with karaoke, dance parties, and late-night movie marathons.
Top Carnival Ships That Teens Will Love
- Mardi Gras – First ship with BOLT, a roller coaster at sea, plus the largest water park in the fleet.
- Carnival Celebration – Includes a full basketball court and an aerial ropes course.
- Carnival Panorama – Features SkyRide, a suspended bike track offering ocean views.
What’s on Carnival’s Menu? Teen-Approved Eats
Carnival is known for its casual and fun dining options, including Guy’s Burger Joint (by Guy Fieri) and BlueIguana Cantina for tacos and burritos. The pizza is also available 24/7, making it a teen favorite for late-night snacks.
Insider Tip: Carnival has a super social atmosphere, which is great for extroverted teens. If your teen is more introverted, they might prefer the more structured activities on Royal Caribbean.
Tips for Choosing the Right Cruise for Your Teen
1. Pick the Right Ship Size
Bigger ships = more activities but less bonding time as everyone spreads out. Smaller ships offer a more intimate experience, but fewer entertainment options.
2. Look for Dedicated Teen Spaces
A teen-only club ensures your teen has a spot to hang out without younger kids or parents around.
3. Consider Your Teen’s Interests
- For a mix of thrills and variety? Royal Caribbean.
- For a laid-back, flexible experience? Norwegian.
- For social teens who love making new friends? Carnival.
4. Check the Wi-Fi Plan
Most cruise lines charge extra for Wi-Fi, and some packages don’t include social media apps. If your teen wants to stay connected, look into the social media Wi-Fi package instead of full internet access.
5. Choose the Right Itinerary
- Caribbean cruises = adventure excursions like zip-lining, snorkeling, and ATV tours.
- Mediterranean cruises = best for history-loving teens.
- Alaska cruises = ideal for nature-loving teens who want to see glaciers and wildlife.
Ready to Set Sail? Your Teen Will Love It
Cruising is the ultimate way to travel with teens—offering just the right mix of freedom, adventure, and time together. Beyond the onboard thrills, it’s a chance for them to experience new cultures—through ports of call and the diverse crew they meet along the way. Whether your teen is all about high-energy fun, laid-back lounging, or making new friends, there’s a cruise that fits your family. If you’re wondering if a cruise is the right choice, trust me: book the trip.
