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Best cruises for young adults looking for adventure in 2023

These cruise lines were made for 20-30-year-old millennials.

Top cruise deals


Cruising has come a long way since the days when empty nesters and retirees filled the decks on long journeys across the ocean. These days you can find everything from themed cruises to off-the-beaten-track expeditions.

Cruises for 20-somethings are no exception. On top of featuring your standard cruise deck chairs, these also include activities such as clubbing, concerts and risque performances onboard, as well as hiking, kayaking and pub crawling onshore.

Want to cruise a party boat without the families and oldies? These are some of the best cruise lines for 20-30-year-olds that are geared more toward the younger crowd.

(Just looking for a bargain with one of the best cruises for young people? Skip right down to the deals)

Our favourite cruise lines for young adults

Couple near the port

Contiki's sailing trips

Specialising in unforgettable journeys in Europe, Asia, Latin America, the USA and more for 18-35 year olds, Contiki's small-boat trips are not to be overlooked.

  • Young adult activities: Snorkelling, sailing, hiking and kayaking.
  • Adults-only sundeck? No. However, independent travellers must be at least 18 years.
Go to Contiki's sailing trips website

two people snorkelling

G Adventures' sailing trips

With tours for the budget conscious, G Adventures calls to like-minded and aged travellers from around the world with its marine adventures.

Naturally, the destinations this company cruises to are just as adventurous as the folk who embark on its ships. G Adventures' marine tours include sailings in the Galapagos Islands, Greek Isles, Cuban Coast, Antarctica and the Arctic.

  • Young adult activities: Snorkelling, sailing, hiking and kayaking.
  • Adults-only sundeck? No. However, independent travellers must be at least 18 years old. On non-family tours, children over 12 are permitted with an accompanying adult.
Go to G Adventures' sailing trips website


A person with backpack sitting down and looking at a view

Topdeck's sailing trips

Catering to the 18-30s crowd, Topdeck knows how difficult it can be to budget for a life-changing adventure.

  • Young adult activities: Snorkelling, sailing, hiking and kayaking.
  • Adults-only sundeck? No. However, independent travellers must be at least 18 years.
Go to Topdeck's sailing trips website

Piggy back ride

MSC Cruises

Cash in on your youth with MSC Cruises. It offers discounts for 18-29 year olds. No joke.

If you thought that your youth discounts stopped when you turned 18, think again. MSC Cruises encourages young passengers by offering them discounts per cabin for couples and groups. Better get the gang together.

  • Young adult activities: Bars, spa, fitness centre, shopping, live music and theatre shows.
  • Adults-only sundeck? Called the Top 18, this is located on the 18th deck of the Fantasia-class ships and features spa services, bar and relaxation pods.
Go to MSC Cruises' website

Sunset with a ship

Travel Talk

Tailored for the 18-39 crew, small groups tours give you the experience of a lifetime without breaking the bank.

Experience the high seas on a modern pirate ship in Croatia or traditional Turkish gulet as you explore everything the region has to offer.

  • Young adult activities: Rafting, ziplining, hot-air ballooning, bars and onboard parties.
  • Adults-only sundeck? Most ships have at least two decks and a sundeck with sunbeds and chairs.
Go to Travel Talk's website

Couple in a cruise veranda

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival has developed a reputation for itself for being a "fun" cruise line with a lively feel at a good price.

Sure, there will be kids onboard as Carnival has one of the best activity playgrounds on the ocean, but if you don't want to join them on the rope walks and water slides, there are adults-only sunning areas to hide in.

  • Young adult activities: Clubs, bars, casinos and nightclubbing.
  • Adults-only sundeck? The adults-only sundeck Serenity can be found fleet-wide apart from on Carnival Conquest and Carnival Triumph. You need to be 18 years or older to access it on sailings from Australia. It features loungers, hammocks and umbrellas.

People having drinks

Celebrity Cruises

This premium cruise line has a premium lineup of activities to keep you relaxed and entertained throughout your sailing.

If you're the kind who'd rather unwind in the lap of luxury rather than stay up all night dancing under the stars, Celebrity Cruises will primp and prime you. Its Solstice Class is a more sophisticated ship that draws a good 20-30-something crowd.

  • Young adult activities: Spa, health and beauty seminars, fitness classes, martini bar, casino, partner dance classes, nightclub and mixology classes.
  • Adults-only sundeck? The Solarium is where to go to get away from the youngsters. It's the onboard adults-only pool area.

Norwegian cruise line

Norwegian Cruise Line

When it comes to ideal entertainment for young adults, Norwegian Cruise Line is on point.

From music-themed cruises that feature chart-toppers to casinos on the ocean, your journey will fly by with all the activities this line has prepared for millennials. Those travelling on their own can even book a single room.

  • Young adult activities: Live music, casinos, clubs, bars, spa, White Hot Party and ice bars on some ships.
  • Adults-only sundeck? Norwegian Epic, Breakaway, Getaway and Escape all have adults-only sanctuaries that have hot tubs, loungers and a water feature. In the evenings on Epic, Breakaway and Getaway the area becomes an open-air nightclub.

Dancing at RCL

Royal Caribbean

Famed for owning the world's largest cruise ships, the party scene is hot on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Day or night you'll feel the buzz of excitement on your Royal Caribbean ship. The fleet features some of the most innovative activities on the ocean including a skydive simulator on the Quantum-class ships, the ice rinks on the Voyager-class.

  • Young adult activities: Rock climbing, casino, live music, skydive and surfing simulators, bars and clubbing.
  • Adults-only sundeck? The Solarium is Royal Caribbean's adults-only retreat and pool area. In the evenings it transforms into a fine dining destination. At certain hours, it may be used by under-16 year olds with parental supervision.

River

U River Cruises

A reimagined river cruise that is part boutique hotel, part private yacht and part local hotspot.

From international DJs to silent discos, mixology classes to farm-to-table cuisine and rooftop yoga on the sun deck, this is the one cruise line that is specifically tailored for millennial cruisers.

  • Young adult activities: Biking, canal cruises, hiking, rock climbing, wine tasting, street art walks, kayaking, bars and clubbing.
  • Adults-only sundeck? The Rooftop Lounge is an open-air hangout perfect to relax and take in the views during the day and the Ice Bar is where you'll head when it gets dark for all the night time action.

Couple dancing

P&O Cruises

P&O breaks up its cruises into six categories – Sea Australia, Sea Asia, Main Events, Islands, Sea Breaks and Explorer – to help you find that perfect sailing.

The secret to picking the young adult-skewed cruise is in the itinerary. You'll generally find young adult workers on shorter and more adventurous trips, so hit up the Main Events, Sea Breaks or Explorer cruises for sailors of similar ages.

  • Young adult activities: Adults-only comedy club, bars and nightclubs, casino and adults-only ocean bar.
  • Adults-only sundeck? Called The Oasis, this 18+ sundeck is a child-free area with a pool, hanging chairs and cushioned cabanas. It's available on the Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.

Body of water

Intrepid's Sailing Trips

Set sail in Europe, the Caribbean or Asia where you can help navigate or sit back and relax.

Intrepid's unique small group tours means that you can make new friends as you explore the world by sea.

  • Young adult activities: Hiking, rowing, swimming and snorkelling.
  • Adults-only sundeck? No. However, independent travellers must be at least 18 and the minimum age is 15.

What to look for in a cruise for young adults

  • Unique bars and clubs on board that will keep you entertained throughout the cruise.
  • Activities to keep you moving during the day like rock climbing walls and surfing simulators.
  • Night-time fun like comedy shows, theatre performances, live music and themed events.
  • Adults-only spaces like casinos, sun-decks and relaxations areas.
  • Well-planned shore excursions to make the most of your days off the ship
  • Solo-friendly cabins so you can avoid the dreaded single supplement fee if you’re travelling on your own.

Top cruise deals from these lines

Deal

Win 1 of 20 Intrepid trips globally for two

Signup to get the latest offers, travel deals & more, and grab the chance win 1 of 20 Intrepid trips globally for two, plus return flights valued at $2,000 per person. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 80% off Carnival Cruises from Brisbane

Valid on select 3- to 7-night Carnival Cruises departing Brisbane from 29 October 2023 to 28 March 2024. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 45% off Australia and New Zealand cruises

Available on select dates in 2023 with Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and more. Sample rate is for a 3-night cruise with Carnival Cruises.
Deal

Royal Caribbean Cruises: Up to 30% off plus kids sail FREE

Available for travel on select dates until 31 December 2023. Destination includes the Bahamas, Alaska, South Pacific, and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Norwegian Cruise Line: Up to 35% off sailings + unlimited drinks and FREE specialty dining

Get up to to 50% off sailings aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line and enjoy unlimited drinks, FREE specialty dining, and FREE Wi-Fi at sea. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Get 3 free amenities with Celebrity Cruises

Available on Alaska cruise in 2023. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 71% off international holiday cruises

Available on select cruise dates. Destinations include Alaska, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Australia and more aboard popular cruise liners such as Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and more.
Deal

3+ nights last-minute cruises from US$89

Available on select travel dates with Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and more. Sample rate is for a 3-night Bahamas cruise with Carnival Cruises. Destinations include Australia, Japan, Vietnam, Italy and Alaska. T&Cs apply.

Feature image: P&O Cruises

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