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Kitesurfing is a popular pastime along the coastline of Bonaire.

Courtesy of Tourism Corporation Bonaire

Kitesurfing is a popular pastime along the coastline of Bonaire.

10 reasons why young people should take a cruise

Here's why cruising may be a good match for Gen Z and millennials

If you’re young and wondering whether a cruise is right for you, the answer is yes! Sure, cruises have a reputation as being for older folks. But that isn't always the case.

 
  NEW TO CRUISING
 
Tips & tricks on cruise basics
 
 

Many cruise lines are now offering shorter voyages and more activities geared to the youth market such as kitesurfing (shown above), ziplining, wakeboarding, scuba, snuba, snorkeling, paddleboarding, hoverboarding and even flyboarding.

Here are 10 reasons why young people should consider taking a cruise on their next vacation.
 
Freedom of the Seas' sports deck hosts rock wall climbing, outdoor courts, miniature golf and plenty of other activities.
 Courtesy of Royal Caribbean InternationalFreedom of the Seas' sports deck hosts rock wall climbing, outdoor courts, miniature golf and plenty of other activities.

Choices galore for the active set

1

There are lots and lots of options for activities on board the ship, ranging from skating rinks to motorcar races, fitness centers, rock climbing, exercise classes, entertainment, ice cream parlors, discos and pizza parties. Norwegian Bliss, debuting next month, even has a two-deck course where passengers race each other in electric go-carts.


 

Guests can grab a beverage and snack, read a magazine, watch TV or hop on the Internet at Cove Café, an adults-only lounge on deck 9 at midship of Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.
Courtesy of Disney Cruise LineGrab a beverage and snack, read a magazine, watch TV or hop on the Internet at Cove Café on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

Bring your smartphone

2

Yes, you can stay connected. There are Internet connections on ships that let you use all your mobile devices, both in your cabin or in an Internet cafe. The service is often slow, but it works. (Royal Caribbean has the best Internet at sea with speeds up to seven times faster than many others.) And you'll be able easily to find WiFi at almost any port during the day.


 

Bikers outside Gander in central Newfoundland.
Barrett & MacKay / Courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Bikers outside Gander in central Newfoundland.

Hit a trail & see new sights

3
You'll want to book a shore excursion or two for a trip highlight — or just tool around on your own. You can explore a glacier, go hiking, mountain biking, hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling, ride a Segway, take a catamaran tours and more.
Waterside dining in Caye Caulker Village, Belize.
Courtesy of the Belize Tourist BoardWaterside dining in Caye Caulker Village, Belize.

Dine with fam & friends whenever you want

4

You'll find a ton of food choices, whether you're a teen or early 20something, both on the ship and on land. Nearly all cruise lines now feature anytime dining, letting you dine with family and friends instead of strangers. 


 

Take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool that has a high-pressure jet bath in the middle of the pool and is just slightly warmer than body temperature. It's at the Green Spa aboard Nieuw Amsterdam.
Michel Verdure / Courtesy of Holland America Cruise LineTake a dip in the hydrotherapy pool that has a high-pressure jet bath in the middle of the pool and is just slightly warmer than body temperature. It's at the Green Spa aboard Nieuw Amsterdam.

Get spoiled with a spa or spa treatment

5

Not a lot of young people take advantage of all that cruise ships have to offer. One little add-on to consider (at an extra cost): really amazing spas on board for facials, massages, body scrubs, hydrotherapy and all that jazz.


 

A boat party during a shore excursion in Antigua.
JD Lasica / Special to CruiseableA boat party during a shore excursion in Antigua.

Drinking permitted for 21+

6

If you're over 21, you can drink alcohol. It'll cost extra on most cruise lines but is included in your all-inclusive fare on luxury lines such as Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas. And you don’t have to worry about driving and drinking. At certain places you can drink on land, too. Just don't overdo it.


 

Grab a good book and hit the beach on a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing.
Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise LineGrab a good book and hit the beach on a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing.

A chance to go old school

7

A cruise offers a chance to break free from the world for a few days — you can even disconnect from constantly texting, posting and checking emails. Hard to do, but you can try and discover the wonders of the analog world. 


 

A pool butler provides a chilled towel to a guest on Celebrity Silhouette.
Tim Bieber / Courtesy of Celebrity CruisesA pool butler provides a chilled towel to a guest on Celebrity Silhouette.

Enjoy the pleasures of one-stop unpacking

8

Visiting new areas of the world without having to pack and unpack at every destination? Priceless. Cruising cuts down on the hassles. Unpack once, put on your most casual threads and hit the pool deck.


 

Watch Starlit Movies on deck under the stars on your SeaDream sailing.
Courtesy of SeaDream Yacht ClubWatch Starlit Movies on deck under the stars on your SeaDream sailing.

Watch movies under the stars

9

Stay up late and watch movies in your cabin -- or under the stars. You can't do that at home! Many cruise lines offer a wide choice of recent Hollywood releases. 


 

Visit the Friends Cafe on your trip to Nuku'alofa, Tonga.
Courtesy of Jones Travel and Tours, TongaWhy not make a new friend at the Friends Cafe in Nuku'alofa, Tonga?

Make new friends 

10Make new friends from all over the world and exchange email addresses or phone numbers to stay in touch. Remember, What's App is free.

There are lots of other activities on ships, including swimming pools, paddle tennis courts, golf cages, contests, deck barbecues, late-run movies in a theater, shows and musical performances.

And one of the advantages you have over older passengers is youth and energy to be able to do all of the above and more.

In our New to Cruising series

Patti Pietschmann
I'm the LA Travel Diva and spend time cruising with first mate Richard, traveling the world, reviewing fine restaurants, going to plays, movies and events. It's the good life.

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