What are the best party cruises? Here are 4 must-sail ships

Party Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean

Virgin Voyages

Top picks

What are the best party cruises? Here are 4 must-sail ships preview image

Today's best party cruise ships pulse with sun-soaked deck parties, rooftop lounges that transform into Instagram-worthy nightclubs, and perfect poolside mornings after dancing until dawn. The most buzzed-about ships have mastered the art of creating those perfect social moments, whether it's a sunset champagne toast with your newest friends or moving to the beats of today's hottest DJs under a blanket of stars.

The best party cruises are a dream for revelers looking to maximize fun without maxing out PTO. For less than the cost of a big city weekend, you can dive into a world where the music never stops, the drinks are flowing, and every corner holds the potential for your next great story. From sophisticated cocktail lounges to high-energy dance clubs, the best cruise for partying knows exactly how to create those perfect "had to be there" moments that light up your social feed and give your group chat something to talk about for months.

No matter which ship you choose, shorter cruises—especially 3-night weekend itineraries—attract a rowdier, high-energy crowd ready to party from day to night, making them perfect for a nonstop party cruise experience.

1. Carnival Liberty: Overall best party Carnival cruise ship

The best Carnival cruise for partying, Carnival Liberty stands above the rest by delivering an exciting nightlife scene, packed with bars, clubs, and entertainment across its 13 decks. As a cruise line known for its fun-loving atmosphere and high-energy parties, Carnival has built its brand around delivering a great time at sea—so no matter which ship you choose, you can expect non-stop entertainment. For those searching for the best party cruises for young adults, Carnival Liberty is a top choice, offering lively venues and a social, energetic vibe. At the heart of the action is the RedFrog Rum Bar, where guests can enjoy Caribbean-inspired cocktails like the Rum Jumper and the signature ThirstyFrog Red beer, a house-brewed favorite among cruisers.

Musician performing live at a piano bar, singing into a microphone while playing the piano, with a crowd of people enjoying the lively nighttime atmosphere.

For a more interactive experience, the Piano Bar invites guests to belt out classics during nightly sing-alongs, creating an energetic and lively atmosphere. Those in search of craft cocktails can head to the Alchemy Bar, where expert mixologists shake up unique concoctions like the Cucumber Sunrise and the French Kiss, blending fresh ingredients with a theatrical touch.

Tequila lovers won’t want to miss the BlueIguana Tequila Bar, known for its refreshing Blue’s Patron Margarita and a variety of tequila-based drinks perfect for poolside relaxation.

Caribbean club with vibrant dance floor on Carnival cruise ship.

For those looking to dance into the early hours, the best party cruise features the Hot & Cool Nightclub features a two-story space with a dazzling LED light show and a state-of-the-art sound system, playing everything from current hits to throwback anthems. Meanwhile, comedy fans can head to the Punchliner Comedy Club, where top comedians perform hilarious late-night, adults-only sets.

With so many options, from laid-back cocktail lounges to high-energy dance floors, Carnival Liberty easily answers the question, “Which Carnival cruise ship is the best for partying?”, by ensuring that the party never stops at sea.

Browse Carnival Liberty party cruises:

2. Enchantment of the Seas: Best party cruise ship for young adults

Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas offers one of the best party cruises for young adults, and fun older adults, with plenty of ways to keep the party going after dark. The Viking Crown Lounge boasts stunning panoramic ocean views by day and transforms into a pulse-pounding dance club at night, featuring live music and themed events like 80s Night, where the lounge comes alive with retro hits, neon decor, and a high-energy dance floor.

Elegant Boleros lounge on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, ready for evening entertainment.

For those who love Latin rhythms, Boleros Lounge delivers vibrant live music with salsa and merengue bands, creating the perfect atmosphere for dancing the night away. Guests can sip on hand-shaken caipirinhas, passion fruit mojitos, and Cuba Libres while enjoying the infectious beats of live percussion and brass.

The pool deck stays active with entertainment like live steel drum performances, island-themed dance parties, and the popular Reggae Sundown Celebration. Meanwhile, the adults-only Solarium offers a more intimate retreat, where guests can unwind with signature cocktails like the Pineapple Rum Punch while lounging under the glass canopy.

Bartender crafting cocktails at R Bar on Royal Caribbean, with guests enjoying the sophisticated atmosphere.

Competing for the title of the best cruise ship for partying, but with a more laid-back vibe—no wild parties like Carnival—Enchantment of the Seas offers a balance of fun and relaxation. Guests can wind down at the Solarium, an adults-only retreat perfect for unwinding, or enjoy expertly crafted cocktails at the R Bar, where each drink is designed to match every mood. The R Bar specializes in classic cocktails with a modern twist, such as handcrafted Manhattans and elderflower-infused gin martinis, making it the perfect spot to wind down in a chic setting.

Related: Best Time To Book A Cruise

Book your Enchantment of the Seas party cruise:

3. Carnival Miracle: Best party cruise ship for celebrating ‘I-do’

Refurbished in 2022, the Carnival Miracle delivers a high-energy nightlife scene, making it the best cruise for bachelor party fun, or even one of the best cruises for bachelorette parties. Known for its budget-friendly, shorter cruises, this ship attracts a crowd that is ready to celebrate proposals, engagements, and weddings with friends and family. At the heart of the action is Dr. Frankenstein’s Lab Dance Club, a two-story, Gothic-inspired venue where the resident DJ spins a mix of hip-hop, EDM, and pop hits, keeping the dance floor packed late into the night.

Elegant Alchemy Bar on a Carnival Spirit-class cruise ship with chic decor and a sophisticated cocktail experience.

For a more ‘chill’ experience, the Alchemy Bar delights with handcrafted, prescription-themed cocktails like "Forty is the New Twenty" and the "Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini." To top things off, you can challenge the expert mixologists to create custom drinks based on whatever you're craving, giving an extra shot of life to an already festive celebration.

For those who love a good sing-along, Sam’s Piano Bar delivers high-energy performances where guests can belt out classics alongside a lively crowd. By day, the adults-only Serenity Deck offers a tranquil escape with plush loungers, swaying hammocks, and panoramic ocean views—perfect for unwinding with a book or a cocktail in hand.

If laughter is what you're after, the Punchliner Comedy Club features top-tier comedians, with late-night, adults-only sets guaranteed to keep the crowd roaring. Whether you're hitting the dance floor, indulging in expertly crafted cocktails, or laughing the night away, Carnival packs the energy of the best party cruise line into one amazing cruise.

Related: Top bucket list cruises

Explore Carnival Miracle party sailings today:

4. Virgin’s Scarlet Lady: Best party cruise ship for adults

What is the best party cruise line? It’s almost no contest when Virgin's Scarlet Lady shatters cruise conventions with a rock star-worthy party atmosphere that's pure Richard Branson, enabling the ‘adults only’ Virgin line to keep its crown as the best party cruise ships for adults. The ship's crown jewel, The Manor nightclub, channels the spirit of Virgin's first recording studio with its glitter-drenched, two-story space where world-class DJs command the decks. The club's signature "Electric Lady" cocktail - a smoking blend of premium vodka, electric daisy flower, and champagne - creates its own light show in the glass.

Easily making this an adult party cruise to remember, the ship erupts during Scarlet Night, a dazzling, red-themed extravaganza where the entire vessel transforms into a surreal wonderland. Throughout the night, pop-up performances surprise guests in unexpected corners, while aerialists take to the skies in breathtaking displays. The ship pulsates with electrifying music as DJs keep the party going late into the night. The grand finale unfolds at the epic pool deck party, where dancers in elaborate red costumes lead guests in an unforgettable celebration—many even joining the revelry in the pool for a moment of pure, uninhibited joy.

Guests walking through the striking red and white striped corridor of Razzle Dazzle on the Scarlet Lady, a feast for the eyes.

By day, one of the liveliest party cruises for adults encourages the Drag Brunch at Razzle Dazzle to turn up the volume with lively performances by talented queens, while mixologists serve up the signature "Yasss Queen"—a theatrical champagne cocktail infused with hibiscus and ginger. For something truly unique, guests can visit Squid Ink, Virgin Voyages’ onboard tattoo studio, where skilled artists create permanent memories between sets at The Beach Club at Bimini.

For cocktail enthusiasts, this adults only party cruises front-runner, boasts an array of innovative drinks across its many bars, with expert mixologists crafting boundary-pushing flavors. Late at night, the ship transforms into one of the best party cruises for singles, a playground for night owls, featuring retro games, immersive entertainment, and vibrant nightlife experiences designed to make new friends and keep the party going until the early hours.

Find your Scarlet Lady party cruise:

Epic party vibes: Your next move

Ready to experience the world's most legendary floating parties? From Carnival Liberty's RedFrog ragers to Virgin's glitter-soaked Scarlet Night, the best party cruises have evolved into full-blown entertainment powerhouses. Dance to high-octane beats on Scarlet Lady's starlit deck, mix it up at Norwegian Breakaway's Ice Bar, or join the infamous White Hot Party aboard the Enchantment of the Seas.

The cruise party scene has reached new heights - we're talking aerial performers dangling above pool deck dance floors, drag queens hosting bottomless brunches, and mixologists crafting smoking cocktails in Gothic-themed nightclubs. These aren't just vacations - they're the kind of stories you'll be telling for years. When you're ready to join the party, book with Cruisebound to lock in the best deals and start planning your own party on the high-seas. Trust us, Monday has never been so far away.

Ready to set sail?

Find cruises

Keep reading