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.
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.
Choices galore for the active set
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.
Bring your smartphone
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.
Hit a trail & see new sights
Dine with fam & friends whenever you want
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.
Get spoiled with a spa or spa treatment
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.
Drinking permitted for 21+
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.
A chance to go old school
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.
Enjoy the pleasures of one-stop unpacking
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 movies under the stars
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.
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
- 10 tips to make your first cruise go super smooth
- What to expect from your first cruise
- 10 cruise tips every beginner should know
- How to find a cruise ship size that's right for you
- 5 tips on how to make the most of your time on a cruise
- What kind of people go on a cruise?
- What you can do in port during a cruise
