Boarding a cruise ship is an experience unlike any other. In mere moments, you go from standing in a check-in line to exploring a small city floating on the sea. Spending time sailing the open ocean and exploring new ports adds to the incredibly memorable experience of cruising.
With something for everyone, cruises are one of the perfect vacations for families with teens. Cruise ships today are designed with premium luxuries, countless activities and amenities that will have your teenager begging to book your next trip before you pull back into your home port.
Below, we’ll cover the best cruises for teens, what makes these picks perfect for families with young adults and how to choose the right cruise line for you. Find our favorite cruises for young people below.
1. Royal Caribbean
Cruise at-a-glance:
- Best for: Onboard activities
- AAA member benefits: Complimentary 8x10 onboard print or digital photograph per stateroom on any seven-night or longer sailing when booking a balcony and suite stateroom category
- AAA Vacations® benefit:
- Sparkling wine placed in stateroom upon arrival
- Welcome plate of chocolate-covered strawberries placed in stateroom upon arrival
- $25 per stateroom onboard spending credit (6 nights or less balcony and above)
- $50 per stateroom onboard spending (7 – 10 nights balcony and above)
- $100 per stateroom onboard spending (11+ nights balcony and above)
- Unique features for teens
When it comes to cruise lines that know how to deliver fun and action, no list would be complete without Royal Caribbean. With the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean has designed floating cities jam-packed with ocean-side adventure. Their oasis-class ships are jaw-dropping, with more room to explore than you can possibly envision at sea. All Royal Caribbean cruises feature teen-specific clubs, the perfect place for young adults to mingle and make new friends.
Best for Gamer Teens: Independence of the Seas
Perhaps the best Royal Caribbean ship for teens, dual racer water slides will provide your teen and their buddy with a thrilling plunge through three stories of twists and turns. Virtual reality games meet soaring heights on the Sky Pad—a trampoline and VR headset combination unlike any other. Grab the whole family and join your teen in tackling an escape room. Also, your teen will love chowing down at the dozens of restaurants on board, including casual picks like Fish and Ships poolside.
2. Carnival
Cruise at-a-glance:
- Best for: Teen clubs
- AAA member benefits: Up to $200 per stateroom onboard spending credit with Interior Oceanview Balcony/Suite based on length of stay:
- 3 - 5 Day cruises: $50 - $100
- 6 + Day cruises: $100 - $200
- AAA Vacations® benefit: (not available on sailings less than 3 nights)
- $25 per stateroom onboard spending credit (3-5 days, ocean view)
- $50 per stateroom onboard spending credit (3-5 days, balcony and suites)
- $50 per stateroom onboard spending credit (6 + days, ocean view)
- $75 per stateroom onboard spending credit (6+ days, balcony and suites)
With company slogans like “Choose Fun,” “The Fun Ships,” and “Fun for All. All for Fun,” it is easy to see why Carnival is a top pick for teens. Carnival ships are designed with a huge focus on those under 18.
One of the top benefits of Carnival cruises is the teen-focused clubs Circle C and Club O2. Both clubs feature fun daytime activities and older teens can even participate in an onboard prom. That’s not to mention all the incredible youth-focused activities Carnival delivers on ships both large and small.
Best for Thrill-Seeking Teens: Carnival Mardis Gras
On one of Carnival’s newest ships, teens will love the vast number of activities to choose from, including multiple waterslides, a sports square, mini golf and an arcade. Carnival Mardis Gras is also home to the first-ever roller coaster at sea. After a long day adventuring on the ship, teens will have ample food options, including Street Eats, which features new foods from around the globe daily.
3. Disney Cruise Line
Cruise at-a-glance:
- Best for: Families with kids in various age groups
- AAA member benefits: N/A
- AAA Vacations® benefit: N/A
- Unique features for teens: Teen lounge areas, pool areas, video game stations, dance club, water coaster, interactive games, private outdoor deck and karaoke
Debating between taking your family to Disneyland or Disneyworld for Spring Break? Another option to consider might be a Disney cruise. The Disney Cruise Line is fit for all ages, but teenagers will especially enjoy what it has to offer. Most Disney cruise ships have water activities to cool off with, such as pools and water slides. The newer ships cater to being one of the best cruises for teens, so you’ll find clubs for both teens and tweens to lounge and interact with other kids their age.
If your kids aren’t fans of Disney or its offshoots, like Marvel or Star Wars, they may enjoy one of the other amazing cruise lines on this list. However, those who still have the heart of a child will thoroughly love cruising with Disney.
Best for Disney Fanatics: Disney Wish
Disney Wish is the newest ship to the Disney Cruise Line and offers a variety of upgraded accommodations and experiences. Inspired by classic Disney tales, Disney Wish stands out among the other four amazing ships on the cruise line. Teens can check out Disney’s first attraction at sea, kids clubs inspired by Star Wars and Marvel, game-style competitions in the “Hero Zone” and even an Imagineering Lab.
4. Princess Cruises
Cruise at-a-glance:
- Best for: Recreational tournaments
- AAA member benefits: N/A
- AAA Vacations® benefit:
- $25 OBC per stateroom (six days or less)
- $50 OBC per stateroom (7-10 days)
- $100 OBC per stateroom (11-16 days)
- $150 OBC per stateroom (17-44 days)
- $50 shore excursion credit per stateroom
- Unique features for teens: Sports area, skeeball, arcade games, board games, table tennis, air hockey and youth programs
Princess Cruises is a luxury cruise line primarily catering to an older crowd; however, teenagers can still find plenty of enjoyment while traveling. Teens can enjoy recreational tournaments, play arcade games and start a disco party on the dance floor. While most Princess cruise ships don’t have water slides or water-park features, you can still expect traditional swimming pools and hot tubs to dip in.
Best for Active Teens: Sun Princess
Sun Princess is the newest Princess Cruise Line ship and is ideal for teenagers who like to stay active and play in the sun. The ship is home to the first Princess family activity zone called Park19. In Park19, you’ll find the first Rollglider, an aerial roller coaster zip line. You can work through a climbing structure obstacle course, hang out in an open-air observation deck, brave through a bridge and net course and cool off in the “Splash Zone” water area.
5. Holland America Line
Cruise at-a-glance:
- Best for: Entertainment options
- AAA member benefits: $50 onboard spending credit per person for the first two guests in the stateroom
- AAA Vacations® benefit: (Not applicable to one-night Pacific Coast cruises, World Cruise and Grand Voyages)
- $50 onboard spending credit per person for the first two guests in the stateroom
- $50 Denali Dollars per person for first two guests on Alaska Cruise tours Verandah staterooms and above
- Unique features for teens: Kids club, game room, karaoke, air hockey, basketball, ping-pong and teen disco events
The Holland America Line is renowned for its exceptional cruise experience. As one of the more teen-friendly cruises, Holland America offers programs for multiple age ranges in its Kids Club, from 13 to 17. The Kids Club hosts specific events for its teenage passengers, including video game tournaments and poker nights. You’ll also find plenty of amazing dining options, where teens can enjoy sipping on mocktails during a special dinner or watching a live show.
Holland America also offers many excursions that are ideal for adventurous teenagers, such as helicopter rides and ziplining tours. If you’re searching for the perfect cruise with teens, this just might be it.
Best for Music Loving Teens: Koningsdam
The Koningsdam is a beautiful mid-sized cruise ship known for its music entertainment options, such as the Rolling Stones Rock Room and B.B. King’s Blues Club. The Koningsdam includes the Kids Club, so your teenagers will always have a space onboard to retreat when they want some time alone or to meet other teens.
6. Celebrity Cruises
Cruise at-a-glance:
- Best for: Family accommodations
- AAA member benefits: Onboard credit per stateroom based on category booked (Valid for all departures three nights or longer except Galapagos):
- $25 (outside)
- $50 (balcony)
- $75 (Concierge Class and above)
- AAA Vacations® benefit: Onboard spending credit per stateroom based on category booked (available on all sailings except Galapagos; combinable with groups and additional AAA Member Benefits.)
- $25 (outside)
- $75 (balcony)
- $100 (Concierge Class and above)
Celebrity Cruises shines as a luxury cruise line with many family-friendly onboard activities. With suites that provide room for the whole family, you can expect your teenagers to feel like they have enough space. They can also make their way to Celebrity’s Teen Club, a space just for young adults to enjoy. There, they can partake in video game tournaments or silent disco parties. Teens can enjoy playing on a miniature golf course outside the club or camp under the stars with Celebrity’s Camp at Sea. If you’re looking for endless things to do on a cruise, Celebrity Cruises doesn’t disappoint.
Best for Teens Who Enjoy Relaxation: Celebrity Edge
The Celebrity Edge is part of Celebrity’s Edge-series ships, including Beyond, Apex and the upcoming Ascent. Celebrity Edge is one of the first resort cruise ships to receive a Recommended Rating from Forbes Travel Guide. It's no surprise, with its spa and retreat, 29 lounges, bars and restaurants and award-winning productions.
7. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Cruise at-a-glance:
- Best for: Engaging shore excursions
- AAA member benefits: Up to $400 per suite, onboard spending credit on selected promotional voyages.
- AAA Vacations® benefit: Choice of one of two Complimentary Regent Choice Shore Excursions for first two guests in stateroom.
- Unique features for teens: Modern suites, live shows, variety of pools and jacuzzis, shore excursions like ziplining and snorkeling, Club Mariner Youth Program (ages 5-17)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a luxury cruise line, which means teens will have access to top-notch amenities like gourmet dining, spacious suites and various pools and Jacuzzis. The Club Mariner Youth Program offers a variety of activities for kids ages 5-17, including mini-putt tournaments, dance parties and movie nights.
Teens will also enjoy the many shore excursions offered by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which range from ziplining and snorkeling to historical tours and cultural experiences.
Best for Teens Who Love Luxury: Seven Seas Explorer
The Seven Seas Explorer is a great choice for teens who enjoy luxurious amenities and exciting shore excursions. This particular ship provides access to top-notch amenities onboard, including gourmet dining, spacious suites and a variety of pools and Jacuzzis to cool off in. The Explorer also features plenty of entertainment options, including live music, a casino for 18+ and movies to watch.
8. Cunard
Cruise at-a-glance:
- Best for: Older teens ages 17-19
- AAA member benefits: N/A
- AAA Vacations® benefit: Additional $100 onboard credit per stateroom for all open voyages that are 7 nights and longer on Queen Anne®, Queen Mary 2®, Queen Victoria® and Queen Elizabeth®
- Princess and Queens Grill Suites: $500 per stateroom on 7-17-night voyages, $900 per stateroom on 18 nights or longer voyages
- Britannia accommodations (Oceanview to Balcony): $200 per stateroom on 7-17-night voyages, $300 per stateroom on 18 nights or longer voyages
- Unique features for teens: Formal nights, afternoon tea
If you’re looking for the best cruise for 17 to 19-year-olds, Cunard Line offers a sophisticated cruise experience that can appeal to older teens. Teens can enjoy the elegant dining rooms, world-class entertainment and stunning ocean views.
Cunard also offers a supervised teen program called The Zone, which provides a variety of activities for ages 13-17. This program includes games, movies and social events, allowing teens to connect with others their age and have fun.
Best for Social Teens: Queen Mary 2
For a more mature teen looking for a luxurious and sophisticated cruise experience, look no further than the Queen Mary 2. This cruise ship offers a variety of activities and amenities that appeal to older teens, with a more formal atmosphere, elegant dining options and world-class entertainment. Queen Mary 2 also offers different shore excursions that older teens will enjoy, featuring historical tours and cultural experiences.
FAQ’s for Choosing the Best Cruise Lines for Teens
If you still have questions about how to choose the best cruise lines for teens, you can find some answers to commonly asked questions below.
What Makes a Ship Teen-Friendly?
Before booking a cruise, if you plan to bring along a teenager, it is important to compare your options by looking for a ship that will cater to your teen.
What makes a ship teen-friendly? For our top picks, we made sure that the cruises offered the following youth-focused features:
- Groups specifically for teens: This is the perfect way to let your teen socialize while on the open seas. Meeting new friends is one of the top benefits of picking a cruise with teen-specific programming.
- Plenty of onboard activities: Most cruises will spend at least a few days at sea. For this reason, we went with cruises that feature dozens of onboard entertainment options. From waterslides to arcades, these cruises won’t leave your teen complaining about being bored.
When you arrive at destinations, your teen can choose from various excursions and activities. Engage in communication with them to learn what they would enjoy at every port and reach a compromise on the best activities to book and learn what to know ahead of time about cruise itineraries.
How Can Teenagers Be Safe On Cruises?
The beauty of traveling on a cruise is that your teenagers can roam the boat freely, but they remain restricted to the ship. Teenagers have the freedom to explore around the cruise, whether it’s checking out the activities in the teen club or joining a sports tournament. Cruises also allow them to meet new people their age and grow their independence.
However, parents will be held responsible for their teen’s well-being while on board. Cruise staff isn’t responsible for your teenagers other than handling safety situations. Before departing, check out your cruise’s safety protocols regarding families via the cruise line’s website. We recommend also talking with your family about safety and rules to follow during the cruise. It’s also a good idea to learn ahead of time what to do if you’re seasick on a cruise.
How Do I Plan a Teen Friendly Cruise?
When traveling with children or teens and planning a teen-friendly cruise, you must consider a few key factors. First, choose a cruise line known for its youth programs and activities. Look for ships with dedicated teen centers offering various entertainment options like video games, movies and parties.
Next, consider the itinerary. Select a cruise with exciting ports of call that appeal to teens, such as vibrant cities, tropical islands or adventure destinations. Finally, ensure that the ship offers diverse dining options to cater to different tastes. Don’t forget to consider your budget and learn more about budget-friendly cruising.
What Does a Teenager Need for a Cruise?
What your teens should pack will depend on the type of cruise and the destinations. However, there are a few general items teenagers can pack to be set for the cruise:
- 2-3 footwear options, such as sandals and good walking shoes
- 2-3 swimwear options
- Undergarments and pajamas
- Toiletries
- Day wear shirts, shorts and pants
- 2-3 nightwear options
- A pair of sunglasses
- Books to read
- Card games
- Emergency contact information or tag on their bags
- A light jacket or sweatshirt
Don't forget to pack all the necessary travel documents, such as passports. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access when checking in onto the cruise ship.
Find the Right Cruise for Your Teens with AAA
With so many different options, finding the best cruise lines for teens for your next family vacation can be a breeze. Whether your teens are looking for adventure, luxury or relaxation, there’s a cruise line that can meet their needs.
An AAA Membership provides peace of mind when you travel—before, during and after your vacation! AAA Travel has teamed up with some of the industry's best cruise lines to provide you with added amenities, unbeatable discounts and rewards. Learn more about the advantages of booking a cruise with a travel agent.