Best cruises for teens: 5 lines that keep them entertained
Planning a family trip with teenagers can feel like navigating uncharted waters. You're constantly balancing their desire for independence with your need for supervision, their craving for excitement with everyone's need for downtime, and yes—their attachment to screens with meaningful experiences in the real world. It's a delicate equation that few vacations can solve.
That’s why cruise ships for teens have become such a solid option, they're built with this age group in mind.
The best cruise ships for teens have reimagined the family vacation, creating the perfect blend of freedom and structure that teenagers crave. With dedicated teen lounges, adventure activities, and social spaces designed specifically for young adults, these floating destinations offer the independence teens want while keeping them within the secure environment parents need. The result is a vacation where teenagers can thrive, families can reconnect, and nobody feels like they're compromising.
If you’re planning a family vacation and searching for the best cruises for teens in 2025, this guide breaks down what to look for, which cruise lines are doing it best, and why the ship matters as much as the destination.
Related: Best cruise lines for families
On this page:
- Why cruises work so well for teens (and their parents)
- Royal Caribbean: Best cruises for teens overall
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Best cruise ships for teens who never stop moving
- Carnival Cruise Line: Best cruises for teens who want to try it all
- Celebrity Cruises: Best cruises for creative teens
- Disney Cruise Line: Best cruises for teens who still love a little magic
- What teens love most about cruising
- Cruisebound tips for cruising with teens
- FAQ: Cruises for teens
Find your perfect cruise for sailing with teenagers:
Why cruises work so well for teens (and their parents)
Ask any parent, and they’ll tell you: teens are at their best when they have some freedom—but not too much. That’s why teenage friendly cruises work so well for families with older kids. You’re all on the same ship. There’s structure, but it’s not confining. And there’s space to breathe, especially if the ship was designed with teens in mind.
So, what activities are recommended for teens on the cruise? That depends on the teen. Some are content to curl up with music and a hoodie in a corner of the deck. Others are looking for competitions, clubs, and somewhere to meet people their age. Cruises with teen clubs usually include dedicated lounges with comfortable seating, music, and gaming stations that feel like their own space, not just an afterthought.
Organized activities like karaoke battles, trivia nights, and movie screenings give them structured options without making it feel like school. Many cruise lines also include drop-in zones that are supervised by youth staff, while still designed to give teens a bit of independence in a safe environment.
For older teens, there are often late-night events like silent discos or Marvel movie marathons that run well into the evening. During the day, they can head to spots like the FlowRider surf simulator on Royal Caribbean, the SkyCourse ropes course on Carnival Cruise Lines, or the Prima Speedway racetrack on Norwegian Cruise Line, places where they won’t be tripping over toddlers.
Parents want their teens to have a great time without feeling like they’re just along for the ride. What makes a difference is knowing these activities are curated specifically for teens, giving them the freedom to be themselves, connect with others their age, and enjoy experiences that don’t feel like they’re stuck at the kids’ table.
Royal Caribbean: Best cruises for teens overall
Having some of the top cruises for teenagers, Royal Caribbean has figured out that teens don’t want to feel like they're stuck in kid mode, and parents don’t want to hover. Their ships strike a middle ground that works. Each ship has a teen program, but it’s the Oasis-class ships: Wonder of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas that stand out. These are some of the largest cruise ships in the world, and that size translates into a wide range of specific attractions for teens.
On Wonder of the Seas, teens can head to Social100, a dedicated teen hangout that includes a private outdoor patio with a whirlpool, hammocks, and loungers, plus an indoor lounge with video game consoles, music, and lounge seating. Many Oasis-class ships feature similar spaces and activities designed with teens in mind, though amenities can vary by ship.
For active teens, Wonder includes two FlowRider surf simulators, a full-size basketball court, and the Zip Line, which stretches nine decks above the Boardwalk. You’ll also find Laser Tag: Clash for the Crystal City in Studio B, where teens can compete in glow-in-the-dark battles. The Ultimate Abyss, a dry slide that spans 10 decks, gives teens a fast way to drop from the sports zone to the Boardwalk. While these attractions are common across the class, it's always a good idea to check the specific ship details before booking.
Teens who enjoy skating can visit the Studio B Ice Rink, where open skating sessions are offered throughout the cruise. And if they’re looking for group activities, events like silent discos, karaoke nights, and open-mic nights are often scheduled in the teen lounge or other youth-friendly venues onboard.
But what really earns Royal Caribbean a spot among the best cruise lines for teens is its private island: CocoCay. If your itinerary includes a stop there, your teen can try a helium balloon ride, zip line over the beach, or spend the day at a massive waterpark. It feels like a bonus day built just for them.
Discover the best cruises for teens with Royal Caribbean:
Norwegian Cruise Line: Best cruise ships for teens who never stop moving
Some teens are constantly on the move, they want things to do, places to go, and zero downtime. That’s where Norwegian stands out. Its ships are built with high-energy cruisers in mind, offering nonstop activities and a casual atmosphere that gives teens plenty of room to explore, connect, and stay active from morning to night.
Teens on ships like Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima have access to adrenaline-pumping attractions like the Prima Speedway three-level go-kart racetrack, the side-by-side racing slides called The Rush, and the free-fall experience of The Drop slide.
There's also The Stadium, an outdoor zone with pickleball, giant foosball, and other games that don’t require adults or a schedule. The Entourage teen lounge, featured on ships like the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Encore, is a flexible, come-and-go space with music, foosball, dance-offs, group scavenger hunts, movie nights, and gaming stations that teens can access on their own schedule. At night, it turns into a no-adults-allowed space where teens can hang out in their own world.
Explore the best Norwegian cruises for active teens:
Carnival Cruise Line: Best cruises for teens who want to try it all
Carnival knows how to keep things moving. That works well for teens who shift from “I’m bored” to “This is cool” with little warning. It’s also a great choice for families on a budget, with plenty of included activities, casual dining options, and shorter cruise itineraries that help keep costs down.
Teens on Carnival Mardi Gras, for example, can start their day at the WaterWorks water park, then head to the SkyCourse ropes challenge or meet up with a new friend for a round of mini golf at SportSquare. There’s a rollercoaster on the top deck and a neighborhood called The Ultimate Playground, which is as busy as it sounds. Club O2, Carnival’s teen space for ages 15–17, has a lounge feel with music, video games, and the occasional themed dance party. For younger teens, Circle C covers the 12–14 range, with interactive games and activities. Both clubs are supervised but never stiff.
There’s even a spa menu for teens, ZSpa, which includes hair styling and facials. And while that may sound minor, for some teens, it’s the most appealing part of the cruise. Especially if they’re on the introverted side but still want something social to do.
Unlock endless fun for teens with Carnival:
Celebrity Cruises: Best cruises for creative teens
Celebrity Cruises is usually seen as more refined, and that actually works well for certain teens who prefer reading, photography, or hanging out with a small group of friends. The XClub on ships like Celebrity Equinox isn’t the busiest club on the water, but it has the right balance for teens who want structured time without the noise. Events like the Silent Disco Party, DIY Mocktail Mixology, and Teen Top Chef Challenge give them things to do without forcing interaction. Outdoors, there’s The Lawn Club, a real-grass area with lawn games and open space for relaxing or quiet hangouts. This is a good fit for families who want a more upscale cruise and older teens just want to do their own thing.
Plus, Celebrity includes spa treatments for teens and a few low-key group experiences, like Hot Glass Class at Sea, where they can watch or participate in glassblowing demonstrations guided by expert artists.
Find the ultimate creative escape with Celebrity Cruises:
Disney Cruise Line: Best cruises for teens who still love a little magic
For teens who still appreciate a touch of Disney, but don’t want to feel like they’re stuck on a cruise meant only for little kids, Disney strikes a smart balance. It blends the brand’s signature creativity with age-appropriate spaces that give older kids some breathing room.
Ships like the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy feature Vibe, a dedicated teen club for ages 14 to 17. The space feels more like a trendy loft than a playroom, with plenty of seating, big screens, a smoothie bar, and even its own sundeck. Group activities like karaoke, game competitions, and movie nights are always a fun option. The club is supervised, but just enough to keep things on track without feeling intrusive.
Outside the teen space, Disney keeps older kids engaged with lively entertainment that goes beyond the usual. Themed deck events like Pirate Night invite teens to dress up, dance, and catch fireworks at sea, while the Sail-A-Wave Party kicks things off with music and high-energy crowd interaction. On Disney Wish, the Mickey’s Color Spin Dance Party adds a more interactive, team-based element to the deck experience. In the theater, Disney’s Broadway-style productions are a hit with all ages. Shows like Beauty and the Beast on Disney Dream, Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular on Disney Fantasy, and The Little Mermaid on Disney Wish bring familiar stories to life with impressive staging, live singing, and special effects that continue to capture the attention of teens who may have grown up with these characters.
And while Disney does cater to families with younger children, the ship’s layout and programming give teens the freedom to carve out their own experience. It’s a solid choice for families looking for something everyone can genuinely enjoy, without asking their teen to give up the magic entirely.
Related: Disney Treasure cruise ship is adventure beyond imagination
Experience the magic of Disney for teens at sea:
What teens love most about cruising
We asked teens (and their parents) what stood out most—here’s what came up again and again:
Having their own space
“No one bothered me. I just chilled at the teen lounge.”
Meeting new people
“I made friends on the first night and we hung out every day after.”
Endless activities
“I did the FlowRider seven times in a row. It was the best.”
Freedom without too much supervision
They loved choosing their own adventures—while parents loved knowing they were still nearby and safe.
The best cruise ship for teenagers satisfies all of these requirements and gives them the freedom to choose how they spend their time—whether that's making new friends, diving into nonstop activities, or just having a quiet place to hang out on their own terms.
When the ship supports both freedom and boundaries, teens thrive—and parents get to relax, too.
Cruisebound tips for cruising with teens
Planning your first cruise with teenager guests can feel like stepping into a new phase of family travel. These tips can help set the tone for a smoother, more enjoyable experience—for both you and your teen.
🛟 Let your teen help choose the ship. They'll care more if it’s something they had a say in the decision.
🛟 Book cabins close by or get a connecting room if privacy is important. Cruisebound makes it simple to find and book multiple cabins on the same ship—so you can stay close without stepping on each other’s toes.
🛟 Register them early for clubs like Club O2 or Entourage spots can fill up.
🛟 Give them a bit of independence, even if it’s just a set time to check in each day.
🛟Pack for comfort (and inevitable forgetfulness): hoodies, headphones, and backup chargers are a must—and maybe a few things you know they’ll lose by day two.
FAQ: Cruises for teens
What cruise has the best teen club?
Royal Caribbean has the best teen club overall, with dedicated teen lounges across its fleet and standout options on Oasis-class ships. Carnival’s Club O2 also ranks high for its spacious layout and flexible programming.
Are cruises fun for teens?
Yes, cruises can be very fun for teens when the ship offers structured teen programs, large activity areas, and social spaces designed for older kids. Bigger ships tend to offer more teen-friendly features and freedom.
What activities do cruises offer for teenagers?
Cruise activities for teens include teen dance and social clubs, water parks, laser tag, music events, teen spas, trivia nights, sports tournaments and more.
Can teens go on excursions alone?
Typically, most cruise lines do not allow teenagers to go on shore excursions alone. Teens must be accompanied by an adult unless they’re 18 years or older.
Which cruise is best for a 13-year-old? A 17-year-old?
The best cruise for a 13-year-old is one with both tween and teen programs, like those offered by Carnival and Disney. For 17-year-olds, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are better suited, offering more independence and high-energy activities.
Ready to book the best cruises for teens in 2025?
Cruising with teens doesn’t have to feel like a battle. The best cruise line for families with teens gives your teen space, structure, and new experiences while giving you a break from the eye rolls. Start with the ships and cruise lines that match your teen’s personality, and the rest gets easier.
Explore 2025 sailings with Cruisebound to find your best fit.
