best college spring break cruises

Best spring break cruises for college students and families

Step aside, Disney World and Daytona Beach, Florida. Spring break cruises are attracting both families and college students for memorable vacations in March and April because they offer easy planning, an array of price points and compelling attractions both on board and off.

College students can follow the party to ships laden with bars and late-night entertainment. On short, affordable Bahamas cruises, beachy private islands welcome stress-shedding coeds with waterside bars, shoreside DJs, sandy sports and even amusement parks.

Cruising is so popular that travel agencies run hosted group trips during the biggest spring break weeks to make it easier for college students to book sailings and meet fellow partiers.

Families can spend their week off from school enjoying waterslides, ropes courses, roller coasters, miniature golf and go-karts — all found on cruise ship top decks. Instead of a week at Disney, a short spring break sailing on Disney Cruise Line combined with a park adventure lets families combine beach days with amusement rides.

However, there are some key policies the under-21 crowd needs to know before planning spring break at sea. Below, we outline what you need to know about these March and April sailings and highlight the best spring break cruises for college students and families.

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Spring break cruises: What to expect

Spring break cruises take place during the typically slower shoulder-season travel months of March and April. However, spring break travel has become so popular that Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico cruises during peak school holiday weeks are often more expensive and more crowded than surrounding weeks.

Families should know that the shorter cruises take on more of a party atmosphere, so stick to the longer sailings, which will be filled with school-age children.

Older or childless couples will probably want to avoid all the weeklong or shorter warm-weather sailings out of U.S. home ports if they're seeking a quiet getaway.

Cruise lines also have policies that might surprise the 18- to 20-year-old crowd hoping to let loose on their college vacation. Here are some key things to know.

Age restrictions on bookings

Many popular cruise lines do not let travelers under the age of 21 book a cruise without a "chaperone" who is 21 or older. On Carnival Cruise Line , the responsible adult needs to be at least 25. This can present problems for a group of 20-year-olds who want to sail together. You'll need to bring along — gulp — a parent or at least an older friend.

Drinking age

Regardless of the drinking age in the islands, the minimum age to drink on many cruise ships sailing from the U.S. is 21. That's even true on MSC Cruises , a European company, on its sailings from U.S. ports. The only line we found among the popular spring break cruise lines with a drinking age of 18 or older is Margaritaville at Sea .

You also are not allowed to bring your own booze on board, whether you're of age or not.

Related: Can I bring alcohol on a cruise ship? A line-by-line guide

Beverage packages

For the 21 and over college crowd, beverage packages can be an affordable option if you plan on drinking a lot on board. Be aware, however, that some lines limit the number of drinks you can order at one time or on one day. In most cases, everyone sharing a cabin must purchase a drink package if one person does; you cannot share a package among friends or buy drinks for friends if you have a beverage package and they do not.

Smoking, drugs and bad behavior

Cruise lines have strict policies when it comes to smoking on board , and they include vaping and cigars in their policies. You can only smoke in designated areas of each ship, never in your cabin or private balcony. Breaking these rules can lead to $500 fines or even getting kicked off the ship.

You could also get into serious trouble if you try to smuggle drugs or marijuana on board . If you're caught, you could be prevented from embarking the ship or forcefully disembarked mid-cruise . You'd then be on your own to get home, and the cruise line will not refund the costs of your missed cruise.

And, yes, cruise ships do have jails , called brigs, on board. Your ship's security officers do not tolerate fighting and other bad behavior and will detain anyone who is out of line on board.

Parents looking at a week's vacation at sea with the kids will be thrilled to know that the onboard kids clubs are complimentary from morning until about 10 or 11 p.m. at night.

However, with so many kids on board during these holiday weeks, you might find that lines are long to check kids in and out, or that activities might have to move to other areas of the ship if the dedicated youth spaces get too packed.

Related: Best kid-friendly cruises: The 7 best cruise ships for kids

Spring break party cruises

For spring breakers who want to travel and party with hundreds of other college-age kids, look for travel agencies that run hosted spring break cruises during the most popular spring vacation weeks.

For example, College Party Cruise hand-picks the most fun cruise ships for the college crowd, books cabins to sell to as many as 1,000-plus 20-somethings and offers special events and discounts at bars in port to group members. You can have fun with your college besties, but you can also meet like-minded young adults from around the country and make new friends on your cruise.

Travel agencies like CPC make the planning easier because they bundle taxes and gratuities into your upfront cost and take the work out of picking the right ship and destination. Most cruises are short trips out of Florida. (Note: Even with these charter sailings, you must have one person in your cabin who is 21 or older.)

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

Best college spring break cruises

Royal caribbean.

CPC often charters Royal Caribbean ships for its college spring break cruises because they're huge, filled with thrilling attractions like rock climbing walls and surf simulators, and offer plenty of bars, nightlife venues and onboard entertainment for young adults.

Spring breakers should consider three- or four-night cruises to the Bahamas from Florida ports on the line's megaships, such as Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. You'll definitely want a stop at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , with its water park, zip line and adults-only beach.

West Coasters might prefer three- to four-night cruises from California to Ensenada, Mexico, on Navigator of the Seas. Or, try a four- or five-night cruise from Galveston, Texas, on Mariner of the Seas to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. We hear the margaritas are great.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival's "Fun Ships" are known for their themed bars, abundant and included casual dining (Guy Fieri's burgers and Shaq's fried chicken sandwiches, anyone?) and pool deck fun and games. College students will feel right at home in this casual atmosphere, especially when trip costs won't threaten to add to their student debt.

Three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas or four- and five-night Western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans, Galveston and various ports in Florida are ideal for college spring breakers, as they often include visits to cruise line private islands, various Bahamian ports, Mexico or Key West, Florida.

If you're out west for school, Carnival's three- and four-night Baja Mexico cruises to Ensenada and Catalina Island, California, will provide the same amount of fun in the sun.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries

The only potential downfall? Carnival requires guests under the age of 21 to travel with someone aged 25 or older.

Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea offers quick and cheap two-night cruises between Palm Beach, Florida, and Freeport, Bahamas. Even better for spring breakers is that the drinking age is 18-plus while at sea and in the Bahamas, and guests need only be 18 to book a cruise (though you must be 21 or older if you wish to lengthen your trip with a cruise-and-stay package featuring a hotel stay in the Bahamas).

In 2025, the cruise line will add three- to five-night cruises to its roster, with a second ship based out of Tampa.

The Jimmy Buffett-themed ship knows that it's always "5 o'clock somewhere," perhaps at its 5 o'Clock Somewhere bar. Between beach breaks on Grand Bahama Island and beer breaks on board, don't miss the "Tales from Margaritaville" show, based on Buffett's book and featuring his greatest-hit songs.

Virgin Voyages

This relatively new cruise line will surely be a hit with spring breakers for one important reason: No kids are allowed. Virgin Voyages ' ships require guests to be 18 or older to sail, and programming has decidedly adult themes. You can get a tattoo on board , attend a drag show and get a little naughty at late-night pool parties.

Cruise fares aren't always the cheapest, but they include meals in all restaurants (which serve everything from Korean barbecue to Mexican tacos), plus Wi-Fi (an often pricey perk on other lines), nonalcoholic drinks (coffee, soda, juice), gratuities for the crew and fun and fabulous group fitness classes . You only have to worry about your bar bill.

To keep costs down, book a Social Insider cabin that sleeps four. Space is tight, but you're only in your cabin to shower and sleep.

Look for four- and five-night cruises on Virgin's Scarlet Lady to destinations like the line's private beach club on the Bahamian island of Bimini, Key West, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Always a rebel, Virgin only recommends that one person in your group be 21 or older; anyone can book a cruise as long as they're 18 when the ship sets sail. The drinking age on board reflects that of the destination (it's 18-plus in international waters), so choose your itinerary carefully.

MSC Cruises

Skip the expensive spring break trip to Europe and instead take a quick Bahamas cruise with an international flair on MSC Cruises' MSC Divina, MSC Magnifica or MSC Seashore. The ships offer three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Ocean Cay, MSC's private island , and attract a multinational, multilingual crowd. Also, MSC's fares are consistently affordable relative to other cruise lines.

There is not much to do on Ocean Cay other than soak up some sun on your choice of beaches, enjoy refreshing drinks at beachside bars and snack on burgers and french fries at beach shacks and barbecues around the island — the perfect way to decompress after a stressful semester. In Nassau, you could get your snorkel on or simply park yourself at Señor Frog's for the day. We recommend ordering some local conch fritters to help soak up all the alcohol you consume.

Back on board, MSC has some of the best pizza at sea, plus sushi and tacos if you feel like a splurge. Do an onboard bar crawl to find your favorite, or try out all the arcade and virtual reality experiences, including a Formula One race car simulator. If your epic spring break moves you to sing, know that MSC offers karaoke in myriad languages.

Best spring break cruises for families

Disney cruise line.

Whether you're going for a weeklong Caribbean cruise on Disney Magic or Disney Fantasy or a short Bahamas cruise on the new Disney Wish followed by half a week at Disney World, families know Disney will deliver an amazing spring break vacation.

And the options aren't just convenient to East Coasters. The line sails ships from Galveston, New Orleans and San Diego for family vacations to Mexico.

Disney Cruise Line's ships go above and beyond, with cabins designed for families to share, restaurants that double as entertainment venues so no one is ever antsy at dinner and, of course, plenty of opportunities to interact with your favorite Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters.

Families can splash in the pools together and zip down the water rides by day and then watch first-run Disney movies and the brand's famous musical shows together at night. While kids pilot the Millennium Falcon or attend Marvel Super Hero Academy in the ships' expansive kids club, parents can enjoy a night of fine dining at multiple adults-only restaurants or grab a drink at a "Star Wars"-themed bar.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

Disney's Castaway Cay private island is a can't-miss port stop, with lots of beach day fun and an on-site barbecue buffet. And no matter where you sail in the Caribbean, Bahamas or Mexico, you know Disney will have shore excursions vetted specifically with families in mind.

While the college spring breakers gravitate toward Royal Caribbean's shorter cruises, families will want to book weeklong Caribbean and Bahamas trips on the line's largest ships at sea: Harmony of the Seas, Icon of the Seas , Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas . Most of the ships sail from Florida ports, but Harmony of the Seas cruises from Galveston.

These megaships feature enormous kids clubs and teen hangouts where kids can make friends while parents get a much-needed break. They also have plenty of fun spots for families to play together, including waterslides, escape rooms, mini-golf, rock climbing walls and carousel rides. The whole family can enjoy shows that include Broadway musicals, ice skating performances, high-diving acrobatic events and parades down the central indoor promenade of each ship.

Plus, Royal Caribbean's two private destinations — Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas and Labadee in Haiti — offer a mix of gorgeous beaches and attractions, ranging from mountain coasters to water parks, perfect for families. The other ports give families the opportunity to teach the kids to snorkel or kayak, enjoy boat rides and aquariums, or spend even more time playing together on the beach.

Related: Labadee vs. CocoCay: Which Royal Caribbean beach is right for you?

Families on spring break should check out Carnival's newest Vista and Excel Class ships because they cater to families more than any other ships in the fleet. All have Family Harbor cabins that come in a variety of sizes and prices. These rooms are designed for families and come with access to an exclusive lounge with games, snacks and concierge assistance.

On your sea days, the entire family will have a blast racing down waterslides, splashing in watery playgrounds, trying thrill rides like an onboard roller coaster and a suspended cycling ride, testing their fear of heights on a ropes course and playing rounds of basketball, foosball and pingpong. Fuel up with nonstop pizza and soft-serve ice cream.

When kids head off to the kids, tween and teen lounges for video games, socializing and organized activities, parents can slip off to the spa or the adults-only Serenity sun deck.

For a week's vacation, families have lots of choices. Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista, Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras explore all over the Caribbean from Florida; Carnival Jubilee sails to the Western Caribbean from Galveston. Carnival Panorama offers West Coasters a cruise to Mexico from Long Beach, California. No matter where you go, you'll find plenty of beach time and water sports, plus active and cultural adventures ashore.

Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL offers its share of Caribbean and Bahamas sailings, but families looking for something different should consider the line for its weeklong Hawaii cruises aboard Pride of America.

Sailing weekly from Honolulu, the sailings hit all the top spots: the Big Island with access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, an overnight visit to Maui where guests can catch a sunset or sunrise from atop Haleakala or go on whale watching excursions, and an overnight stop at Kauai to tour the stunning Waimea Canyon or cruise along the Napali Coast. That means you can see it all without packing and unpacking, changing hotels or figuring out transportation.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship

On board, the casual vibe means families don't have to worry about packing formalwear. Multiple dining venues offer the choice of when and where to eat; you won't find assigned tables or dining times here. Pride of America may not have the go-kart tracks and laser tag found on other Norwegian cruise ships, but you're really only using it as a floating home base for your Hawaiian exploration.

Bottom line

No matter which kind of spring break experience you're looking for, you'll find the perfect getaway at sea. College students can let loose with other young adults on easy and affordable trips, while parents can treat their kids to a memorable week of vacation.

Know the rules and prepare for crowds, and you'll be all set for a spring break that will make all your friends jealous.

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Home » Cruise Tips » Our Complete Guide to the Best Spring Break Cruises for 2024

Our Complete Guide to the Best Spring Break Cruises for 2024

This guide to the best Spring Break Cruises for 2024 covers all the basics and gives our picks for both college students and families.

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It may seem far too early, but spring break 2024 is coming up faster than most of us would like to admit. So, it may be time to start thinking about what you’ll do during your (or your kids’) week off from school. If you’re considering taking a cruise but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve got the basics on spring break cruising here, from how the cruise fare works and what’s included to age requirements and details on passports . Stick around for the end, because we’ve also got recommendations for the best spring break cruises in 2024 for both college students as well as families with kids.

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Our Complete Guide to Spring Break Cruises

What’s included on a spring break cruise.

When it comes to mainstream large-ship cruise lines, what’s included in your cruise fare looks pretty much the same across the board. You’ll get stateroom accommodations, meals plus snacks, basic nonalcoholic beverages (such as lemonade and coffee), a variety of entertainment options, and access to a number of amenities and activities — including the kids’ clubs.

On many ships, you’ll also have the option to pay extra fees for additional activities and amenities (such as access to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Vibe Beach Club sundeck or Carnival’s BOLT roller coaster) as well as specialty dining, which is usually upscale restaurants focused on a particular cuisine — such as an American steakhouse or an Italian fine-dining experience.

Other items that are not wrapped into the cruise fare on most mainstream cruise lines include soda, specialty coffee, and alcoholic beverages . Likewise, casino gameplay, access to wifi, and the daily gratuities (sometimes called the daily service charge) are not included.

You’ll automatically incur a per-person daily gratuity charge on your folio — it’ll be around $14 to $18 per day. Most cruise lines allow you to remove it or adjust the amount, but we don’t recommend doing so. You’ll likely have the option to pre-pay your gratuities prior to the cruise, which we do recommend.

If you’re a college student, one cruise line to consider is Virgin Voyages . This cruise brand rolls wifi and gratuities into the base cost of the cruise fare. Further, it is almost always running a promotion that provides hundreds of dollars of onboard credit to use for alcoholic beverages.

This adults-only cruise line is great for those who want a premium, relaxing experience and aren’t necessarily looking for the thrills that other mainstream cruise lines provide.

Age Requirements

To take a cruise, passengers must be at least six months old on most cruise lines. There are also rules when it comes to how old you must be to cruise without an older adult. Just because you’re legally an adult at 18 doesn’t necessarily mean you have free reign when it comes to taking a cruise.

Most cruise companies require that there is someone at least 21 years old within the group. Carnival takes it a step further. Unmarried passengers who are 18-20 years old must have someone on the same reservation that’s at least 25, but they can be in any other stateroom on the ship. Norwegian Cruise Line requires that the 21+ adult stays in an adjacent stateroom.

This means that if you’re a group of younger college friends wanting to sail together, most cruise lines will require that you bring along a friend that’s at least 21 years old. If you’ve got more money than the average college student, there is a way to get around this. Though, it may not be the cruise line of choice for a college spring break.

Disney Cruise Line is one of the only cruise lines that allows guests who are at least 18 to sail together without an older adult. However, keep in mind that Disney’s pricing is more expensive than mainstream lines and it doesn’t offer drink packages.

Age Requirements to Consume Alcohol

Speaking of drinking, let’s address the legal drinking age aboard the ship. Even though your vessel will likely sail to destinations where the drinking age is 18 (instead of 21 like in the U.S.), the ship abides by the laws of the country it originates from. If it sails from a U.S. homeport, the drinking age will be 21 on board. Off the ship, you abide by local rules — so go ahead and have some beers during your port day in Cozumel.

If you’re taking a cruise that begins and ends somewhere other than the U.S — like a Mediterranean sailing — you abide by the drinking age of that country. In most cases, this means that on a European cruise, you will be able to drink on the ship if you’re 18.

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If you’re not very familiar with cruising or international travel, you may wonder whether you need a passport to take a cruise . If you’re taking a voyage that begins and ends in the same U.S. homeport, you likely won’t need a passport. You have the choice between taking your passport or taking your birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

If you’re taking a voyage to or from a foreign homeport or two different U.S. ports, you do need a passport. In either case, we recommend having a passport anyway.

Beverage Packages

Spring break cruises tend to have a stereotype as being one big party from beginning to end. While this is not always the case, there’s a reason the stereotype exists. If that’s your plan for your spring break cruise, you’re going to want to know what the alcohol situation is on cruise ships.

Since you’re probably not looking to sail a pricey luxury cruise line (where alcohol might be part of the fare), you’re going to need to buy your cocktails and beers on board. The good news is, most cruise lines offer a beverage package to help you offset the cost. You will also know how much you’re going to be spending ahead of time.

Drink packages cost a per-day price for nearly unlimited beverages. They usually include spirits, beers, wine by the glass, cocktails, and other things like specialty coffee, smoothies, and bottled water. Every cruise line has different inclusions and a different price tag. Though, expect to pay somewhere between $60 and $90 per person, per day for a package that includes alcoholic beverages.

Note that these are only available to those who are at least the legal drinking age on board. Further, you cannot share beverages acquired through your drink package with anyone else. If one person is purchasing a beverage package, everyone else in the same cabin that’s also of age must purchase one as well.

Cigarettes, vapes, and cigars are allowed on cruises — but only in designated smoking areas on the ship. Yes, that applies to vapes too, so don’t even bother trying to sneak them in your stateroom or a quiet corner of your favorite non-smoking sundeck.

Most ships will allow smoking in the casino as well as a dedicated outdoor spot on one of the upper sundecks. If a vessel has a cigar lounge, cigar smoking is allowed there as well — though you won’t be able to smoke cigarettes or vapes there.

Other than these designated spots, the entire ship is one big no-smoking zone. No smoking in your cabin, your balcony, or any other public area. If you get caught, you can incur hefty fines and potentially other disciplinary action.

In addition, marijuana is not permitted on cruise ships. Even if weed is legal in the state the ship is sailing from, federal law prohibits it. Some cruise lines have drug-sniffing dogs in the terminal prior to embarkation . If you do manage to sneak it on but get caught, you could be kicked off the ship mid-cruise. Save yourself any legal trouble and don’t bring it — or any other drugs — to your vacation.

How Pricing Works

The cost of your cruise will vary depending on a number of factors such as the cruise line, specific ship, and the cabin category you choose to book. Interior staterooms (those without windows or a very small porthole) are the cheapest option, with oceanview (larger window) and balcony cabins coming next, then the most expensive accommodations on a ship — the suites.

Further, instead of like a hotel where pricing is usually per room, it’s per-person on a cruise. However, the cruise fare is generally lower for the third person in a cabin and beyond. For example, if you’re taking a four-night cruise with a base fare of $500 per person, it’ll be $500 per person for the first two guests in the cabin, but may only be $200 per person for the third and fourth guests in that same stateroom.

This means that if you’re dividing out the cost of a cruise equally between your group, you’ll all pay less if there are four of you in the same cabin vs. splitting up in two cabins with two people in each one. It might be tough to squeeze everyone (and their luggage) into one stateroom, but it’s a great option if you’ve got an especially tight budget.

Other Add-Ons

Additionally, some cruise lines offer the option of a higher up-front cruise fare that includes extras like wifi, alcoholic beverages, and daily gratuities. Holland America’s “Have It All,” Celebrity Cruises’ “All Included,” and Princess Cruises’ “Premier Plus” are all examples of this. They can be worth considering if you were planning to purchase the extras anyway.

In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line has its “Free at Sea” program, which includes free wifi, limited free specialty dining and excursions, a free drinks package, and other perks such as a discount on the second guest in a cabin. Though this promotion is pretty much a permanent part of NCL’s pricing structure these days, it may not apply to every single sailing. So check that it does before making a final decision.

Our Picks For Best Spring Break Cruises For College Students in 2024

March is the most popular time for college spring break in the U.S. With that being said, there’s no single “spring break week;” it varies depending on your specific school. Because of that, we’re gathering together some itineraries that have multiple date options in and around March 2024.

Six-Night Western Caribbean on Royal Caribbean

This six-night voyage out of Fort Lauderdale is an ideal option for college students not only because of its length, but also the ship. It’s aboard one of the largest cruise vessels in the world, Symphony of the Seas.

The itinerary includes two sea days for relaxing or enjoying the huge amount of activities and amenities the ship has to offer, plus three port calls in Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Haiti, Labadee. The six-night length means you’ll get back with a couple days to unpack and catch up on sleep before classes begin again.

Four-Night Baja Mexico on Carnival

If you go to college on the west coast, consider hopping on this quick four-night voyage out of LA to Catalina Island and Ensenada. Taking place aboard Carnival’s recently renovated ship Carnival Radiance, the itinerary includes a sea day for hanging out on the ship with your friends.

If you’re looking for an even shorter getaway, the same ship also operates three-night sailings with a stop in Ensenada.

Seven-Night Eastern Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line

College students who seek a tropical cruise getaway that takes full advantage of their week-long spring break might consider this seven-night eastern Caribbean itinerary aboard Norwegian Epic.

The itinerary includes two sea days, perfect for enjoying the ship’s water park complete with a bowl slide. As for ports, the ship will stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; and NCL’s private Bahamian island Great Stirrup Cay. The itinerary has a perfect mix of culture-rich destinations as well as spots perfect for a beach or pool day.

Five-Night Dominican Daze on Virgin Voyages

If you’re looking to splurge for a more premium (and adults-only!) cruise experience for spring break, this five-night itinerary aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady might fit the bill.

Two sea days provide ample time to hang out in one of the many modern and upscale spots across the ship, as well as hit The Manor nightclub and be able to sleep in the next morning. Port calls include Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic as well as Bimini, Bahamas — where Virgin has its own beach club that’s free for passengers.

Seven-Night Eastern Caribbean on Carnival

Set sail aboard one of Carnival’s newest and largest ships with this week-long itinerary out of Miami. Packed with amenities including a top-deck roller coaster, a water park, and plenty of bars and included dining options, Carnival Celebration is the perfect vessel for a spring break getaway with friends.

This itinerary includes three sea days for enjoying the amenities and relaxing by the pool, as well as three port calls: San Juan, St. Maarten, and Amber Cove.

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Our Picks For the Best Spring Break Cruises For Families With Kids in 2024

Though this article largely focuses on college spring break, we know that parents of grade-school kiddos might be looking for some great options for a family cruise, too. Here are some of our top picks for family spring break cruises in 2024.

Five-Night Bahamas and Cozumel on Royal Caribbean

Mariner of the Seas’ water park, ice skating rink, and rock climbing wall make it the perfect ship for families. This five-night itinerary means you can spend part of your spring break on vacation, and part of it recovering before heading back to school.

Two days are fully for enjoying the ship at sea, and two port days provide time for enjoying Cozumel, Mexico and Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay .

Seven-Night Eastern Caribbean on Disney

In a list of best sailings for families with kids, we’d be remiss if we didn’t include a voyage on Disney Cruise Line . Though pricey, Disney knows how to make family vacations magical, and it offers some of the best experiences for families at sea.

This seven-night sailing on Disney Fantasy includes a call to Disney’s private Bahamian island Castaway Cay , which is the perfect beach day for families with activities, amenities, and lunch included. Other calls include Tortola and St. Thomas, with the itinerary also featuring three days at sea for exploring the ship and its many activities geared towards kids and families.

Five-Night Mexican Riviera on Carnival

A great option for families based on or near the west coast, this five-night voyage aboard Carnival Miracle provides a great mix of down-time at sea and time in port to explore.

Two sea days are complemented by visits to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada where guests can enjoy a beach day or head out on a shore excursion to see the beauty that the Mexican Riviera has to offer.

Seven-Night Western Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line

Families looking to take full advantage of their free time during spring break might consider this seven-night sailing aboard Norwegian Jade. The itinerary is action-packed with four port calls and just two days at sea.

The ship visits Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, as well as Roatán, Honduras and NCL’s private destination in Belize, Harvest Caye. This itinerary is perfect for families who want high-energy outdoor adventures with activities including things like tubing, snorkeling, ATV-riding, zip-lining, and jungle hiking.

Seven-Night Bahamas and Florida on MSC Cruises

Along with Carnival, MSC currently has some of the cheapest cruise fares out there. If you aren’t looking to break the bank on a family vacation, MSC Meraviglia is a great option. This seven-night sailing starts as low as $299 per person in March 2024 and departs from Brooklyn, New York. The itinerary visits Nassau, Bahamas; Port Canaveral, Florida; and the cruise line’s private island Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.

MSC Meraviglia offers a host of family activities to enjoy on the three sea days as well, including a ropes course, aqua park, an indoor gaming facility and sports court, and more.

Do you have any other ships or itineraries to add to our list of best spring break cruises for 2024? Have you taken a spring break cruise as either a college student or family? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences.

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Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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The Best Spring Break Cruises for College Students

Cruises for college students: Disney World and Daytona Beach, move aside. Spring break cruises, with their easy planning, wide range of pricing ranges, and captivating onboard and offboard entertainment, are drawing in both families and college students for unforgettable vacations in March and April.

College students can join the celebration and travel to ships that are full of bars and activities for the late hours. Seaside bars, shoreside DJs, sandy sports, and even amusement parks greet stress-relieving couples on short, reasonably priced Bahamas cruises.

Travel businesses organize organized group cruises during the busiest spring break weeks because it’s such a popular way for college students to arrange sailings and connect with other partygoers.

On the upper decks of cruise ships, families can enjoy go-karts, mini-golf, roller coasters, ropes courses, and waterslides during their week off from school. Families may mix beach days with theme park attractions by combining a short spring break cruise on Disney Cruise Line with a park trip, rather than spending a full week at Disney.

Before organizing a spring break cruise, young people under the age of twenty-one should be aware of a few important policies. The top spring break cruises for families and college students are highlighted here, along with information on what you need to know about these March and April sailings.

Cruises for spring break: What to anticipate

Cruises during spring break usually take place in March and April, which are slower travel months in the shoulder season. But spring break travel has become so popular that cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mexico during the busiest school vacation weeks are frequently more expensive and packed than cruises during other weeks.

Families should choose the longer sailings, which will be crowded with school-age children, while the shorter trips tend to have a more party vibe.

If older or childless couples are looking for a more sedate getaway, they should certainly steer clear of all the weeklong or shorter warm-weather sailings out of U.S. homeports.

Additionally, some cruise lines have restrictions that might surprise the group of 18 to 20-year-olds who want to have a wild time on their college break. Key information to be aware of is as follows:

Age limitations for reservations

It is a common practice for several well-known cruise lines to prohibit passengers under 21 from booking a cruise without a “chaperone” who is at least 21. The responsible adult aboard a Carnival Cruise Line must be at least 25 years old. This can pose an issue for a group of twentysomethings who wish to sail together. You will need to bring an older buddy or, gasp, a parent with you.

Drinking age

Many cruise ships departing from the United States have a 21-year-old minimum drinking age, regardless of the legal drinking age in the islands. That even applies to European cruise line MSC Cruises’ sailings from American ports. Margaritaville at Sea is the only well-known spring break cruise company where guests must be at least eighteen years old to partake in alcohol.

Regardless of your age, you are not permitted to bring your own alcohol on board.

Related: Is it permissible to carry alcohol on a cruise ship? A comprehensive guide

If you intend to drink a lot while on board, beverage packages may be a cost-effective choice for college students who are 21 years of age or older. But be advised that certain lines have a maximum quantity of drinks you can get in a single day or at a time.

Also take aware that during spring break, several lines change their policy about drink packages. For instance, from March 1 through April 15, Norwegian Cruise Line only offers its beverage packages to passengers on the day of embarkation. After the first day of the trip, the package is not available for purchase.

Using drugs, smoking, and acting badly

When it comes to smoking aboard cruise ships, cruise lines have tight rules that even apply to vaping and cigars. Smoking is only permitted in specified areas on board; it is never permitted in your stateroom or on your own balcony. Violations of these regulations may result in fines of $500 or maybe expulsion from the ship.

Additionally, attempting to sneak marijuana or substances on board might land you in serious trouble. If you are discovered, you might not be allowed to board the ship or you might be forcibly removed in the middle of the voyage. After that, it would be up to you to travel home, and the cruise company would not reimburse you for the price of the canceled trip.

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Indeed, there are jails, or brigs, onboard cruise ships. The security personnel on board your cruise will hold anyone who is acting inappropriately and will not put up with fights or other rude behavior.

Children’s clubs

Parents considering a weeklong seaside holiday with their children will be ecstatic to learn that the onboard kids clubs are free of charge from dawn until ten or eleven at night. in the evening.

Because there are so many children on board during these holiday weeks, you may find that there are long lines to check children in and out or that, if the designated youth spaces become too crowded, activities may need to relocate to other parts of the ship.

Royal Caribbean

There are plenty of laid-back dining options available aboard Royal Caribbean, like the Lime and Coconut on the Oasis of the Seas. Royal Caribbean/TIM AYLEN For its student spring break cruises, CPC frequently charters Royal Caribbean ships because of their size, abundance of exhilarating features like rock-climbing walls and surf simulators, and availability of bars, nightclubs, and adult onboard entertainment.

Spring breakers should think about taking one of the line’s megaships, Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, or Liberty of the Seas, for a three- or four-night cruise to the Bahamas from Florida ports. Perfect Day at CocoCay, the line’s private island with a zip line, water park, and adults-only beach, is a must-visit.

West Coasters might enjoy the three- to five-night Navigator of the Seas excursions that depart from California and arrive in Mexico. We’ve heard that Cabo and Ensenada have excellent margaritas.

Best Royal Caribbean Ships for College Students:

• Wonder of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas

Virgin Cruises

One key feature of this relatively new cruise line will make it a success with spring breakers: children are not permitted. Virgin Voyages’ ships provide programming with distinctly mature themes, and visitors must be 18 years of age or older to sail. You can go to drag shows, get intoxicated at late-night pool parties, and get inked while on board.

Cruise rates aren’t necessarily the cheapest, but they do include free Wi-Fi (which can be expensive on other lines), nonalcoholic drinks (coffee, soda, and juice), gratuities for the crew, and exciting group exercise sessions in addition to meals in every restaurant from Korean barbecue to Mexican tacos. Your bar bill is the only thing on your mind. Make reservations for a four-person Social Insider cabin to save money. Although your cabin is small, you solely use it for sleeping and taking showers.

On Virgin’s Scarlet Lady, look for four- and five-night cruises to places like Key West, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the line’s exclusive beach club on Bahamian Bimini Island. Virgin, ever the rebel, simply advises one member of your group to be 21 years old or older; anyone can reserve a trip as long as they are 18 on the day the ship sails. Make cautious selections about your itinerary because the drinking age on board corresponds with the location (it is 18+ in international waters).

Best Virgin Voyages Ships for College Students

• Virgin Scarlet Lady
• Virgin Valiant Lady
• Virgin Resilient Lady (coming soon)

Disney Cruise Line

Families know that Disney will provide an incredible spring break vacation, whether they want to spend a weeklong Caribbean cruise on Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy, or a shorter Bahamas cruise on the brand-new Disney Wish, followed by a half-week stay at Disney World.

With family-friendly accommodations, restaurants that serve as entertainment spaces to keep everyone entertained during dinner, and lots of opportunities to engage with your favorite Disney, Pixar, and Marvel characters, Disney Cruise Line’s ships really go above and beyond.

During the day, families may enjoy water rides and splash pools together. At night, they can see Disney films and the brand’s well-known musical productions together. While children tinker with the Millennium Falcon or learn at Marvel Super Hero Academy, parents may relish an elegant evening at several restaurants reserved for adults or unwind with a drink at a bar with a Star Wars motif.

Best Dresses for Cruise Formal Night

A must-see port stop is Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, which offers plenty of beach activities and an on-site BBQ buffet. Disney guarantees that its shore excursions, whether in the Eastern or Western Caribbean, are specially designed with families in mind.

Carnival Cruise Line

Many cruise ships have mini-golf available on their top decks, providing guests with an enjoyable way to pick up clubs without harming the environment.

Carnival’s newest Vista- and Excel-class ships are the most family-friendly in the fleet, so families spending spring break should check them out. Every one of them has Family Harbor cabins, which range in size and cost but are all intended for families and include access to a private lounge with games, refreshments, and concierge services.

The whole family will love spending their sea days racing down waterslides, splashing around in wet playgrounds, experiencing exhilarating attractions like a suspended bike ride and an onboard roller coaster, pushing their fear of heights on a ropes course, and engaging in games of basketball, foosball, and ping pong. Fill up on endless soft-serve ice cream and pizza.

Parents can go to the spa or the adults-only Serenity sun deck while their children are in the designated kids, tween, and teen lounges for video games, socializing, and structured activities.

Families have many options when it comes to vacation spots for a week. Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista, Carnival Celebration, and Mardi Gras depart from Florida and travel throughout the Caribbean, while Carnival Jubilee sails from Galveston to the Western Caribbean. West Coasters can take a Carnival Panorama trip from Los Angeles to Mexico. There’s always plenty of beach time and water sports to enjoy, along with exciting and diverse activities ashore.

Best Carnival ships for college students:

• Carnival horizon
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival sunshine
• Carnival vista
• Carnival dream
• Carnival celebration

Norwegian Cruise Line

While NCL does have certain Caribbean and Bahamas sailings, families seeking something new might want to check out the line’s week-long Hawaii cruises on Pride of America.

Weekly sailings from Honolulu visit all the major destinations, including the Big Island with its access to Volcanoes National Park, an overnight stay in Maui where visitors can take in the sunset or sunrise from the summit of Haleakala or go whale watching, and an additional overnight stay in Kauai where they can explore the breathtaking Waimea Canyon or take a cruise along the Napali Coast. That implies you won’t have to move hotels, pack and unpack, or figure out how to get around.

Fortunately, families don’t need to worry about bringing formal attire because of the laid-back atmosphere. You have the freedom to choose where and when to dine; there are no set eating hours or tables here. Instead, there are several dining venues. Although Pride of America lacks go-kart courses and laser tag features compared to other Norwegian cruise ships, its main purpose is to serve as a floating center of operations for seeing Hawaii.

Gratuities on Royal Caribbean Cruise: Everything You Need to Know!

Best Norwegian ships for college students:

• Norwegian Viva
• Norwegian Joy
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Sky (for shorter cruises)

Princess Cruises

This picture can be found on Pinterest: Regal Princess cruise ship Even though Princess Cruises often draws older guests, college students can still have a great time on one of these ships. There are several of clubs, hot tubs, and pools on Princess that draw younger people.

Compared to other cruise lines, Princess offers superior food and service. If you’re searching for a more luxury cruise experience, Princess is ideal.

Princess is an excellent cruise line if you’re a college student traveling with your girlfriend or boyfriend. You’ll enjoy a pleasant and restful vacation, but there won’t be any outrageous parties.

Princess is the ideal choice for unwinding while on vacation if you’re a college student.

I adore Princess ships, and every time I’ve been on one, I’ve made new friends and had a great time. While Princess may not offer as many amenities as some other well-known cruise companies, it nevertheless has many excellent qualities.

The Ocean Medallion is among the Princess’s greatest possessions. This technology is very remarkable. Using your phone to place direct food and drink orders delivered to your location is one of the nicest features!

MedallionNet is a fast wifi service offered by Princess Cruises as well. This is excellent if you want to stay up to date on social media or have online schoolwork to complete.

Best Princess Ships for College Students:

• Sky Princess
• Discovery Princess
• Regal Princess
• Enchanted Princess

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrated Yachts Celebrated Edge Save this picture to Pinterest Celebrity is the ideal cruise line for college students seeking a luxurious, stress-free getaway. Celebrity Cruises do draw a more sophisticated clientele, so don’t anticipate an exuberant party scene. The activities and entertainment are still really decent, though.

Celebrity cruises are known for their excellent service, delicious cuisine, and laid-back atmosphere. Unlimited drinks, free wifi, and included cruise gratuities are all included in the cost of a Celebrity cruise. Thus, Celebrity excels at capturing that “all-inclusive” vibe.

One of my favorite cruise lines is Celebrity Cruises. I’ve traveled on quite a few other cruise lines, but nothing compares to Celebrity for relaxation.

I’ve had cruises in the past when I partied nonstop. After that, I feel as though I never had time to unwind. It is truly a unique experience to be a guest on a Celebrity ship; you will feel at ease and stress-free there.

Best Celebrity Ships for College Students:

• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Beyond

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Spring Break Cruises: The Best Destinations and Deals for 2024

Planning a cruise vacation for spring break 2024? In this article, we're breaking down tips and tricks to help you find the best destinations and deals for your next sailing trip no matter what your budget is. Let's dive in!

Choosing the Right Cruise

When it comes to choosing the right cruise, there are a few key factors to consider. We've broken down the most important considerations into three categories: destinations , cruise lines, and cruise durations.

Destinations

Consider what activities and experiences you're looking for when choosing your destination. Some popular tropical climate options include the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Each offers its own unique experiences, from beautiful beaches to cultural landmarks.

Cruise Lines

Consider the type of cruise that best suits your needs. Some cruises are geared towards families, while others are designed for college students. Each cruise line has its own personality and target demographic.

For example, Carnival is known for its party atmosphere, while Royal Caribbean offers a more family-friendly experience. Research different cruise lines and their amenities to find the best fit for you.

Cruise Durations

It's also important to know how long you are planning for your stay. There are different lengths of cruises available, from weekend getaways to week-long adventures. Think about what type of experience you're looking for and choose accordingly.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right fit for your sailing vacation. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a fun-filled party atmosphere, there's a cruise out there that's perfect for you.

Planning Your Cruise

When planning your spring break cruise, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable vacation. Here are some tips to help you plan accordingly:

Best Time to Book

Booking your cruise early can save you money and ensure you get the best cabin and itinerary options. We recommend booking at least 3-6 months in advance. If you're flexible with your travel dates, consider booking during the shoulder season (late February to early April) when prices are typically lower, and crowds are thinner.

What to Pack

Depending on your destination, packing can be varied. However, the rule of thumb is to pack in layers. For example, bring plenty of lightweight clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses, as well as a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Don't forget to pack comfortable shoes for shore excursions and formal attire for any special events or dinners on board.

Travel Insurance

While travel insurance is not required for most cruise lines, it's always a good idea to purchase it in case of unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. Look for a policy that covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, and emergency medical expenses. We recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are fully covered from the start.

By following these tips, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable cruise vacation ahead.

Onboard Experience

As much as the destinations are important, the onboard experience is also a crucial aspect of a great cruise. Here are some of the things you can expect from the onboard experience.

Dining Options

Cruise lines are known for their variety of dining experiences from casual to formal options. There is something for everyone. Some offer specialty restaurants package that requires an additional fee, while others offer all-inclusive dining services.

You can expect a wide variety of international cuisines, including Italian, Asian, and American, etc. Most cruise lines also cater to dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, gluten-free, and kosher diets.

Entertainment and Activities

Cruise lines are designed to provide non-stop entertainment and activities for guests of all ages. Especially during spring break time, you can expect even more activities geared towards college students. From pool parties to dance clubs, there is always something to do.

Some offer Broadway-style shows, comedy clubs, and live music performances. For those who prefer a more low-key experience, there are also quiet areas such as libraries and adult-only lounges.

Room Accommodations

All cruise lines offer a variety of accommodation types to fit any budget. From interior cabins to luxurious suites, there is something for everyone. Some even offer rooms with balconies or ocean views.

Most cabins come equipped with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and private bathrooms. Some also offer family-friendly accommodation options such as connecting rooms and family suites.

Overall, the onboard experience is designed to provide guests with a fun and memorable vacation.

Ports of Call and Shore Excursions

When it comes to planning a cruise vacation, one of the most exciting as pects is exploring new ports of call and participating in shore excursions. We have compiled a list of some of the top ports of call and shore excursions that are sure to make your experience unforgettable.

Ports of Ca l l

One of the most popular ports of call for spring break cruises is Cozumel, Mexico . This beautiful island offers a variety of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach parties.

Another popular one is Nassau, Bahamas . Here, you can explore the vibrant culture of the Bahamas, relax on the beautiful beaches, or swim with dolphins.

Other ports of call that are worth mentioning include St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands , where you can enjoy duty-free shopping, and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands , where you can swim with stingrays.

Shore Excursions

One of the best ways to experience a port of call is by participating in a shore excursion. These excursions are offered by the cruise line and allow you to explore the local area with a knowledgeable guide.

Some of the most popular excursions include snorkeling and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, exploring ancient ruins and historical sites, and indulging in local cuisine and culture.

For example, in Cozumel, you can take a snorkeling trip to the famous Palancar Reef or explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum . In Nassau, you can swim with dolphins or take a tour of the island's vibrant street art scene.

No matter which port of call you visit, there are sure to be a variety of exciting excursions to choose from. Just be sure to book yours in advance to ensure availability with the best offer possible.

What are the top cruise lines offering all-inclusive packages?

Many cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages. Some of the top options include Royal Caribbean , Carnival , Norwegian , and MSC Cruises . These packages typically include cabin accommodations, meals, drinks, and some onboard activities and entertainment.

How can I find the best deals on cruises for college students?

To find the best deals on cruises for college students, it's important to book early and be flexible with your travel dates. You can also check with travel agents and online travel sites like College Party Cruise for special promotions and discounts. Additionally, many cruise lines offer group rates for large groups of college students.

Which destinations are most popular for cruises in March and April?

The most popular destinations for cruises in March and April include the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas. These destinations offer warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a variety of activities and excursions.

What are the recommended cruise options for families?

For families, some of the top cruise options include Disney Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean , and Carnival . These cruise lines offer a variety of activities and entertainment options for children and adults, as well as family-friendly accommodations and dining options.

Are there any specific Southern Caribbean cruises recommended for spring travel?

Yes, several Southern Caribbean cruises are recommended for spring travel. Some of the top options include cruises to Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, and St. Maarten. These destinations offer a mix of beautiful beaches, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities.

What should I look for when choosing a cruise from Florida?

When choosing a cruise from Florida, it's important to consider the departure port, itinerary, and cruise line. You should also consider the size of the ship and the onboard amenities and activities. Additionally, check for a ny special promotions or discounts that may be available for your trav el dates.

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Best spring break cruises for college students and families

Step aside, Daytona Beach and Disney World. Spring break cruises are attracting both families and college students for memorable vacations in March and April because they offer easy planning, an array of price points and compelling attractions both on board and off.

College students can follow the party to ships laden with bars and late-night entertainment. On short, affordable Bahamas cruises, beachy private islands welcome stress-shedding coeds with waterside bars, shoreside DJs, sandy sports and even amusement parks.

Cruising is so popular that travel agencies run hosted group trips during the biggest spring break weeks to make it easier for college students to book sailings and meet fellow partiers.

Families can spend their week off from school enjoying waterslides, ropes courses, roller coasters, mini-golf, and go-karts – all found on cruise ship top decks. Instead of a week at Disney, a short spring break sailing on Disney Cruise Line combined with a park adventure lets families combine beach days with amusement rides.

However, there are some key policies the under-21 crowd needs to know before planning spring break at sea. Below we outline what you need to know about these March and April sailings and highlight the best spring break cruises for college students and families.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Spring break cruises: What to expect

Spring break cruises take place during the typically slower shoulder-season travel months of March and April. However, spring break travel has become so popular that Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico cruises during peak school holiday weeks are often priced higher than surrounding weeks and more crowded.

Families should know that the shorter cruises take on more of a party atmosphere, so stick to the longer sailings, which will be filled with school-age children.

Older or childless couples will probably want to avoid all the weeklong or shorter warm-weather sailings out of U.S. homeports if they’re seeking a more quiet getaway.

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Cruise lines also have policies that may surprise the 18- to 20-year-old crowd hoping to let loose on their college vacation. Here are some key things to know:

Age restrictions on bookings

Many popular cruise lines do not let travelers under the age of 21 book a cruise without a “chaperone” who is 21 or older. On Carnival Cruise Line , the responsible adult needs to be at least 25. This can present problems for a group of 20-year-olds who want to sail together. You’ll need to bring along – gulp – a parent or at least an older friend.

Drinking age

Regardless of the drinking age in the islands, the minimum age to drink on many cruise ships sailing from the U.S. is 21. That’s even true on MSC Cruises , a European company, on its sailings from U.S. ports. The only line we found among the popular spring break cruise lines with a drinking age of 18 or older is Margaritaville at Sea .

You also are not allowed to bring your own booze on board, whether you’re of age or not.

Related: Can I bring alcohol on a cruise ship? A line-by-line guide

Beverage packages

For the 21 and over college crowd, beverage packages can be an affordable option if you plan on drinking a lot on board. Be aware, however, that some lines limit the number of drinks you can order at one time or on one day.

Also, note that some lines adjust their drinks package policies during spring break. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line only sells its beverage packages to guests on embarkation day from March 1 through April 15. You cannot purchase the package after the first day of the cruise.

Smoking, drugs and bad behavior

Cruise lines have strict policies when it comes to smoking on board , and they include vaping and cigars. You can only smoke in designated areas of each ship, never in your cabin or private balcony. Breaking these rules can lead to $500 fines or even getting kicked off the ship.

You could also get into serious trouble if you try to smuggle drugs or marijuana on board . If you’re caught, you could be prevented from embarking the ship or forcefully disembarked mid-cruise . You’d then be on your own to get home, and the cruise line will not refund the costs of your missed cruise.

And, yes, cruise ships do have jails , called brigs, on board. Your ship’s security officers do not tolerate fighting and other bad behavior and will detain anyone who is out of line on board.

Parents looking at a week’s vacation at sea with the kids will be thrilled to know that the onboard kids clubs are complimentary from morning until about 10 or 11 p.m. at night.

However, with so many kids on board during these holiday weeks, you might find that lines are long to check kids in and out, or that activities might have to move to other areas of the ship if the dedicated youth spaces get too packed.

Related: The best cruise ships for kids

Spring break party cruises

For spring breakers who want to travel and party with hundreds of other college-age kids, look for travel agencies that run hosted spring break cruises during the most popular spring vacation weeks.

For example, College Party Cruise hand-picks the most fun cruise ships for the college crowd, books cabins to sell to as many as 1,000+ 20-somethings and offers special events and discounts at bars in port to group members. You can have fun with your college besties, but you can also meet like-minded young adults from around the country and make new friends on your cruise.

Travel agencies like CPC make the planning easier because they bundle taxes and gratuities into your upfront cost and take the work out of picking the right ship and destination. Most cruises are short trips out of Florida, but they have West Coast options, as well. (Note: Even with these charter sailings, you must have one person in your cabin who is 21 or older.)

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

Best college spring break cruises

Royal caribbean.

CPC often charters Royal Caribbean ships for its college spring break cruises because they’re huge, filled with thrilling attractions like rock-climbing walls and surf simulators, and offer plenty of bars, nightlife venues and onboard entertainment for young adults.

Spring breakers should consider three- or four-night cruises to the Bahamas from Florida ports on the line’s megaships, such as Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, or Liberty of the Seas. You’ll definitely want a stop in the line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , with its water park, zip line and an adults-only beach.

West Coasters may prefer three- to five-night cruises from California to Mexico on Navigator of the Seas. We hear the margaritas are great in Ensenada and Cabo.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnivals’ “Fun Ships” are known for their themed bars, abundant and included casual dining (Guy Fieri’s burgers and Shaq’s fried chicken sandwiches, anyone?), and pool deck fun and games. College students will feel right at home in this casual atmosphere, especially when trip costs won’t threaten to add to their student debt.

Three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas, or four-night Western Caribbean cruises, from Florida are ideal for college spring breakers with visits to cruise line private islands, various Bahamian ports, Mexico or Key West. If you’re out west for school, Carnival’s three- and four-night Baja Mexico cruises to Catalina Island and Ensenada will provide the same amount of fun in the sun.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line

The only potential downfall? Carnival requires guests under the age of 21 to travel with someone aged 25 or older.

Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea offers quick and cheap two-night cruises between Palm Beach, Florida, and Freeport, Bahamas. Even better for spring breakers is that the drinking age is 18+ while at sea and in the Bahamas, and guests need only be 18 to book a cruise (though 21 or older if you wish to lengthen your trip with a cruise-and-stay package featuring a hotel stay in the Bahamas).

The Jimmy Buffett-themed ship knows that it’s always “5 o’clock somewhere,” perhaps at its 5 o’Clock Somewhere bar. Between beach breaks on Grand Bahama Island and beer breaks on board, don’t miss the “Tales from Margaritaville” show, based on Buffett’s book and featuring his greatest-hit songs.

Virgin Voyages

This relatively new cruise line will surely be a hit with spring breakers for one important reason: No kids allowed. Virgin Voyages ’ ships require guests to be 18 or older to sail, and programming has decidedly adult themes. You can get a tattoo on board , attend a drag show and get a little naughty at late-night pool parties.

Cruise fares aren’t always the cheapest, but they include meals in all restaurants from Korean barbecue to Mexican tacos, Wi-Fi (which is pricy on other lines), nonalcoholic drinks (coffee, soda, juice), gratuities for the crew and fun and fabulous group fitness classes . You only have to worry about your bar bill. To keep costs down, book a Social Insider cabin that sleeps four. Space is tight, but you’re only in your cabin to shower and sleep.

Look for four- and five-night cruises on Virgin’s Scarlet Lady to destinations like the line’s private beach club on the Bahamian Bimini Island, Key West, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Always a rebel, Virgin only recommends that one person in your group be 21 or older; anyone can book a cruise as long as they’re 18 when the ship sets sail. The drinking age on board reflects that of the destination (it’s 18+ in international waters), so choose your itinerary carefully.

MSC Cruises

Skip the expensive spring break trip to Europe and instead take a quick Bahamas cruise with an international flair on MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina or MSC Meraviglia. Both ships offer three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island , and both attract a multinational, multilingual crowd. Also, MSC’s fares are consistently affordable relative to other cruise lines.

There is not much to do on Ocean Cay other than soak up the sun on your choice of beaches, enjoy refreshing drinks at beachside bars and snack on burgers and French fries at beach shacks and barbecues around the island — the perfect way to decompress after a stressful semester. In Nassau, you could get your snorkel on or simply park yourself at Senor Frog’s for the day. We recommend ordering some local conch fritters to help soak up all the alcohol you consume.

Back on board, MSC has some of the best pizza at sea, plus sushi and tacos if you feel like a splurge. Do an onboard bar crawl to find your favorite, or try out all the arcade and virtual-reality experiences, including a Formula One race care simulator. If your epic spring break moves you to song, know that MSC offers karaoke in myriad languages.

Best spring break cruises for families

Disney cruise line.

Whether you’re going for a weeklong Caribbean cruise on Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy or a short Bahamas cruise on the new Disney Wish followed by half a week at Disney World, families know Disney will deliver an amazing spring break vacation.

Disney Cruise Line ’s ships go above and beyond, with cabins designed for families to share, restaurants that double as entertainment venues so no one is ever antsy at dinner and, of course, plenty of opportunities to interact with your favorite Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters.

Families can splash in the pools together and zip down the water rides by day and then watch first-run Disney movies and the brand’s famous musical shows together at night. While kids pilot the Millennium Falcon or attend Marvel Super Hero Academy in the ships’ expansive kids club, parents can enjoy a night of fine dining at multiple adults-only restaurants or grab a drink at a Star Wars-themed bar.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

Disney’s Castaway Cay private island is a can’t-miss port stop, with lots of beach-day fun and an on-site barbecue buffet. And no matter where you sail in the Eastern or Western Caribbean, you know Disney will have shore excursions vetted specifically with families in mind.

While the college spring breakers gravitate toward Royal Caribbean’s shorter cruises, families will want to book weeklong Caribbean and Bahamas trips on the line’s largest ships at sea: Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas . Most of the ships sail from Florida ports, but Harmony of the Seas cruises from Galveston, Texas.

These megaships feature enormous kids clubs and teen hangouts where kids can make friends while parents get a much-needed break. They also have plenty of fun spots for families to play together, including water slides, escape rooms, mini-golf, rock-climbing walls and carousel rides. The whole family can enjoy shows that include Broadway musicals, ice skating shows, high-diving acrobatic events and parades down the central indoor promenade of each ship.

Plus, Royal Caribbean’s two private destinations — Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas and Labadee in Haiti — offer a mix of gorgeous beaches and attractions, ranging from mountain coasters to water parks, perfect for families. The other ports give families the opportunity to teach the kids to snorkel or kayak, enjoy boat rides and aquariums, or spend even more time playing together on the beach.

Related: Labadee vs. CocoCay: Which Royal Caribbean beach is right for you?

Families on spring break should check out Carnival’s newest Vista- and Excel-class ships because they cater to families more than any other ships in the fleet. All have Family Harbor cabins that come in a variety of sizes and prices but are all designed for families and come with access to an exclusive lounge with games, snacks and concierge assistance.

On your sea days, the entire family will have a blast racing down waterslides, splashing in watery playgrounds, trying thrill rides like an onboard roller coaster and suspended cycling ride, testing their fear of heights on a ropes course and playing rounds of basketball, foosball and ping pong. Fuel up with nonstop pizza and soft-serve ice cream.

When kids head off to the kids, tween and teen lounges for video games, socializing and organized activities, parents can slip off to the spa or the Serenity adults-only sun deck.

For a week’s vacation, families have lots of choices. Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista, Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras explore all over the Caribbean from Florida; Carnival Jubilee sails to the Western Caribbean from Galveston. Carnival Panorama offers West Coasters a cruise to Mexico from Los Angeles. No matter where you go, you’ll find plenty of beach time and water sports, plus active and cultural adventures ashore.

Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL offers its share of Caribbean and Bahamas sailings, but families looking for something different should consider the line for its weeklong Hawaii cruises aboard Pride of America.

Sailing weekly from Honolulu, the sailings hit all the top spots: the Big Island with access to Volcanoes National Park, an overnight in Maui where guests can view sunset or sunrise from atop Haleakala or go on whale-watching excursions, and another overnight in Kauai to tour the stunning Waimea Canyon or cruise along the Napali Coast. That means you can see it all without packing and unpacking, changing hotels or figuring out transportation.

Related: 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship

On board, the casual vibe means families don’t have to worry about packing formalwear. Multiple dining venues offer the choice of when and where to eat; you won’t find assigned tables or dining times here. Pride of America may not have the go-kart tracks and laser tag found on other Norwegian cruise ships, but you’re really only using it as a floating home base for your Hawaiian exploration.

Bottom line

No matter which kind of spring break experience you’re looking for, you’ll find the perfect getaway at sea. College students can let loose with other young adults on easy and affordable trips, while parents can treat their kids to a memorable week of vacation.

Know the rules and prepare for crowds, and you’ll be all set for a spring break that will make all your friends jealous.

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Spring is the best time to let go of all your worries and plan a vacation. It is the time to enjoy what nature has to offer. Cruising in spring is an excellent opportunity for students and families to spend weeks away on a ship with other people. Cruise ships entice people with mesmerizing views, free entertainment and buzzing nightlife. The best part is all of this can be affordable. Cruising can also allow you to visit several locations at once. This is a great opportunity, as students often do not have much time to travel. So, this is why if you have not had the chance to get on a cruise before, this is your sign to make it happen. That said, given plenty of options, you may be confused about which one to choose. To help you out in this situation, we have listed some of the best spring break cruises for college students as well as families. 

Royal Caribbean is one of the popular cruise ships people like to relax on during spring breaks . It has all the facilities one can look for on a cruise or even more. Filled with endless activities like rock climbing and surf simulators, the Royal Caribbean offers fabulous nightlife and onboard entertainment to its customers. You can book the cruise for three or four nights for a perfect getaway. Whether you want to go to the Bahamas or a private island, this cruise will not disappoint the traveler in you. 

If you are a student, while it is important to travel and take a break from your stressful academic life, your academics should not be forgotten while you travel. You must submit your essays on time to avoid getting low grades. However, it can be a difficult task to write essays, especially when you do not know the right way to go about it. This is why you can purchase essays for sale online. It will reduce your academic stress, while professionally written essays will ensure you get good grades. 

• Carnival Cruise Line

Next on our list is the Carnival Cruise Line. It is known for its indoor dining and themed bars. You can find here the best-fried chicken sandwiches and burgers ever. The onboard entertainment will keep you hooked during the entire trip. Moreover, the charges are cheaper, and college students can pay for them without exceeding their budget. However, one thing you should keep in mind is that you will be required to travel with someone aged 25 or above if you are under 21. 

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Spring breakers are in for a ride, quite literally, at MSC Cruises. If you want to ditch an expensive trip abroad and experience a memorable journey by sea instead, then this cruise can be the right fit for you. It attracts a multilingual crowd, and you can find your tribe instantly after onboarding. So, even if you are traveling solo, do not worry, as you can find people you like and make your journey unforgettable. 

Traveling with multilinguals may make you consider expanding your business to other countries. However, this is not an easy task to handle. This requires immense planning and assistance. Therefore, you can consider taking the help of software localization services to assist in this process. Doing so can make the transition of your business operations to international markets smooth. 

Can we even talk about cruise ships and not mention Disney Cruise Line? It is amongst the most popular spring break cruises for families. The cruise has customized cabins for families. More importantly, a lot is in store for children, as they can play unlimited games and even meet their favorite Disney characters. 

Wrapping up

Cruising can be the best way to spend your spring break this year. You can book a cruise ship and go on a weeklong trip with your friends and family. We have some amazing recommendations for you in this regard. Above, you can find the best spring break cruises for college students and families and make your spring break memorable.

• #cruise #spingbreak

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6 Best Cruise Lines For College Students – By a Recent Graduate

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As a recent college graduate who spent my winter and spring breaks partying on cruise ships, I know first hand how fun cruising can be. It’s a common misconception that cruising is for old people. I’ll be the first to tell you that that’s not the case.

In the recent years, cruise lines have really stepped it up to attract a more fun and younger crowd. Now, cruises are a great way for college students to have fun, travel and meet new people.

With that being said, here are the 6 best cruise lines for college students, what you should look for in a cruise line as a college student, and why cruising is so fun .

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6 Best Cruise Lines For College Students

If it’s your first cruise, the cruise line you choose is super important. The reality is, that there are some cruise lines that are catered towards an older crowd.

Unless you’re looking for a vacation filled with reading, going to bed early and watching the waves all day, you’re going to want to follow my recommendations.

All things considered, here are the 6 best cruise lines for college students:

1. Carnival Cruise Lines

If you’re a college student looking for best value vacation, Carnival Cruise Line has you covered. Carnival has some of the lowest prices in the cruise industry, so it’s the perfect cruise line if you’re a college student on a tight budget.

Carnival cruise ships are known as fun ships that tend to attract a younger crowd. If you want to sail with other young people, look for a short cruise that’s 3-5 days long. Cruises that are 7 day days are a good option as well. However, you may want to avoid Christmas cruises , as tend to attract young families.

Onboard a Carnival cruise, there will be tons of activities and things to do both day and night. You’ll find water slides, pools, hot tubs, and one of the newest cruise ships, Carnival Mardi Gras, even has a roller coaster!

There are fun shows and a karaoke bar. Plus, if gambling is your thing, you can go to the casino and gamble at 18 years old.

Carnival cruises may have a reputation as booze cruises, but keep in mind that you have to be 21 years old to get drinks at the bar.

Carnival isn’t exactly a luxury cruise line, so the food won’t be gourmet. However, you’ll still find a lot of great food to eat in the main dining room, buffet and casual restaurants. The appeal of Carnival ships, is the fun, party vibe that most college students want when they’re on vacation.

• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Vista
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Celebration (coming soon)

Related:   What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

2. Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Lines is one of the best cruise lines for college students and young adults. The fun atmosphere on Norwegian ships is unmatched. There is always something going on, no matter what time it is!

Cruising with Norwegian isn’t the cheapest, but there is a reason for this. Norwegian has great entertainment, fun activities and has options for popular free perks, including a beverage package and dining package.

Some of the cruise ship activities you’ll see onboard Norwegian is a Go-Kart track, waterslides and laser tag.

There are tons of dining options available onboard, although some restaurants have an additional charge. Norwegian caters to a younger clientele so be prepared to meet plenty of other young adults and college students.

One thing that is different on Norwegian, compared to other cruise lines, is their drinking policy. On Norwegian, adults between the age of 18-20 are allowed to drink beer and wine with the consent of their parents . If you’re doing a family cruise, you may like this.

Norwegian Cruise Line also has studio cabins. These single occupancy cabins are great if you’re a solo cruiser, or if you you are travelling with buddies and you want your own cheaper cabin .

If you’re looking for an exciting spring break cruise or summer vacation, you will love Norwegian’s fun party vibe.

Best Norwegian ships for college students:

• Norwegian Viva
• Norwegian Joy
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Sky (for shorter cruises)

Related:   Norwegian Cruise Line Dress Code: What to Wear on a Freestyle Cruise

3. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is known for having the largest and most innovative cruise ships in the world. When it comes to amazing things to on a cruise ship , nobody does it better than Royal Caribbean!

On Oasis class ships, you’ll find waterslides, zip lines, laser tag, a skating rink, giant hot tubs and the list goes on! These ships are massive with endless activities and entertainment. There’s even an Aqua show and an ice skating show!

If you’ve never been on a Royal Caribbean ship, you will be blown away! 

When it comes to the food on Royal Caribbean, you will find plenty of different options. There’s a dining room, all you can eat buffet, pizza shop and some cruises even have a Starbucks (at an additional charge).

While Oasis class ships are amazing, the Freedom class and Voyager class are great cruise ships for young people as well. If you’re on a tight schedule, Royal Caribbean has 3,4 and 5 day sailings on some pretty amazing ships.

A Royal Caribbean cruise tends to attract younger passengers, which is an important factor when planning a college party cruise. When cruising with Royal Caribbean, be prepared for a vacation full of fun activities, meeting new friends and eating good food.

Best Royal Caribbean Ships for College Students:

• Wonder of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas

Related:  27 Awesome Things to Do on a Cruise on Sea Days

4. Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is a fresh new cruise line, different from anything that has been seen before. The adult only line caters towards a younger crowd, with a new less traditional way of cruising.

Virgin Voyages sailed its maiden voyage in October 2020 and has been making waves in the cruise industry (see what I did there) ever since. Since entering the cruise industry, Virgin has redefined cruising and has found creative ways to attract young adults and college students.

Everything from the modern decor, unique entertainment, a tattoo parlour and all day breakfast is meant to attract a younger, more youthful demographic. The Virgin Scarlet Lady has a massive night club and the most impressive gym I’ve ever seen on a cruise ship!

This makes Virgin Voyages some of the best cruises for college students and young people .

Best Virgin Voyages Ships for College Students

• Virgin Scarlet Lady
• Virgin Valiant Lady
• Virgin Resilient Lady (coming soon)

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5. Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises tends to attract older passengers, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun as a college student on a Princess Cruise. On Princess, there are plenty of pools, hot tubs and clubs that attract a younger crowd.

The food and service on Princess are a notch up from other the cruise lines. Princess is perfect if you’re looking for a more upscale experience when you’re on a cruise.

If you’re a college student travelling with your girlfriend or boyfriend, Princess is a great cruise line. There won’t be crazy over the top parties, but you will have a fun and relaxing vacation.

As a college student, it’s nice to relax when you’re on vacation and Princess is the best option for that.

Personally, I love Princess ships, and I’ve always met people and had fun when I was onboard. It may not have all the bells and whistles like some other popular cruise lines, but Princess is great in other ways.

One of the best things that Princess has is the Ocean Medallion . This technology is pretty amazing. One of the best parts is that you can order food and drinks to your location directly from your phone!

Princess Cruises also has MedallionNet , which is fast wifi. This is great for if you have school work to do online or if you want to keep up with social media.

Related:   Princess Plus: What’s Included and Is it Worth it?

Best Princess Ships for College Students:

• Sky Princess
• Discovery Princess
• Regal Princess
• Enchanted Princess

Related:  What to Pack for a Princess Cruise

6. Celebrity Cruises

If you’re a college student looking for a relaxing, luxury type vacation, Celebrity is the cruise line for you. Celebrity Cruises does attract a more mature crowd, so don’t expect a wild party atmosphere. However, the entertainment and activities are still pretty good.

When cruising with Celebrity, expect top notch service, the best food and a relaxing vibe. When you cruise with Celebrity, you’ll get unlimited drinks, wifi and cruise gratuities are included in the price. So, when it comes to that “all-inclusive” feeling, Celebrity does it best .

Personally, Celebrity Cruises is one of my favorite cruise lines. I’ve tried quite a few different cruise lines and nothing is more relaxing than Celebrity.

In the past, I’ve gone on cruises where I’ve partied the whole time. Then I get off and it feels like I didn’t get a moment to relax. On Celebrity, you will feel relaxed and stress free, being a guest onboard a Celebrity ship really is a special feeling. 

Best Celebrity Ships for College Students:

• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Beyond

Related:  Celebrity Cruises “Always Included” Explained

Why Cruising is Fun for College Students

Cruising is fun for college students because it’s an affordable, stress free vacation. On most cruise lines there are endless activities, night clubs and shows. Going on a cruise vacation is a nice break from school and a great way to meet other young adults from around the world.

What to Look For in a Cruise as a College Student

If you’re a college student looking to go on a cruise there are a few things that you should consider. Each cruise line has it’s pros and cons. Therefore, the cruise line that suits you best is the one that meets your needs and preferences.

With that being said, here are some things that every college student should look for in a cruise:

When trying to book a vacation, everyone has a different budget. Generally, college students tend to go on more affordable cruise lines as they are on a tighter budget.

If you pay close attention to pricing, you should be able to get a great deal on a cruise.

Cheaper cruises will attract young adults, college students and a rowdier crowd. If you go on a more expensive cruise, you may find more families and older people onboard.

One of the best parts about cruising is that you get to see a bunch of beautiful places, all in one trip. The itinerary will have a lot to do with the type of people that will be onboard.

A cruise that is going to the Bahamas or the Caribbean will attract more of a fun, party crowd. You’ll often have day at the cruise line private island, which is always a good time.

If you’re a college student cruising for the first time, I recommend going on a Caribbean cruise. There are some stunning islands to visit and the prices tend to be affordable as well.

Time of the Year

As a college student, the time of the year that you travel has a big impact on the fellow passengers that will be onboard. If you’re cruising over the winter break, spring break or summer break, there’s a good chance there will be a lot of other students on board.

If you happen to cruise outside of school breaks, the atmosphere will be quieter and the demographic will be older.

In my experience, New Years Cruises , spring break cruises and early summer cruises have loads of younger people and the craziest parties!

As a said above, the time of year will have a big impact on the clientele, but so will the cruise line. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian and Carnival generally attract younger cruisers.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing ambience, cruise lines like Celebrity and Princess are perfect. I know first hand, that there are times where I just want to be able to relax and enjoy my vacation instead of partying all the time.

Newer Ships

It’s no secret that the newer the ship, the more bells and whistles that it will have. It seems like each ship is outdoing the last and cruise ships are becoming more and more extravagant.

On newer cruise ships, you’ll have a lot of variety. Let’s face it, how many college kids wouldn’t want to go on a cruise with a waterpark, go-kart track and laser tag arena!

How Can I Go on a Cruise at 18

Passengers who are 20 or under must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21, to cruise out of the United States. Cruise lines are very strict about this policy and don’t make exceptions.

When it comes to cabins, guests under 18 years of age, often must be in a connecting or shared cabin with an adult. In some cases, they can be across the hall or closeby, depending on the cruise line.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Cruise Lines for College Students

There it is, the best cruise lines for college students! I’ve been lucky have been able to go on cruises throughout my teens and early twenties, and I absolutely love them.

Cruising is a great way for college students to see the world, meet new friends and most of all, have fun!

Have you ever been on a cruise? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy cruising!

Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer writes about fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com . As a frequent cruiser, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like for teens and young adults.

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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I disagree that Princess would be good for young crowds. I was 57 and my friend was 60 when we went on Princess and it was so boring(in our opinion). Older people activities, no comedy shows, or Karaoke. Will never go back. I think they would be extremely bored. Carnival and Norwegian would be great. Never been on the others you mentioned. By the way, I love all your videos, sites, and things. You do a great job helping others.

Thanks Carolyn for sharing your experience. I think this definitely depends on the length of sailing, ship, and date. We’ve had Princess sailings that have been pretty fun (even for my son and friends), but I agree that Carnival and Norwegian are much more high energy.

I appreciate your comment and thanks fo much for being part of the LWC community!

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The Best Cruises for College Students and Young Adults

If you’ve never been on a cruise, you might picture a bunch of retirees playing shuffleboard, eating dinner at 4:30, and complaining about the heat.

These days, nothing could be further from the truth.

As cruising becomes more and more popular, the old impressions of cruises being for the “newlywed and the nearly dead” are long gone. Now people of all ages — including college students — enjoy cruises. And why not? They’re affordable, fun, and easy.

Where else can you head to the Caribbean for only a few hundred dollars and visit multiple spots while unpacking only one time?

That said, there are some cruises that are definitely better for some crowds than others. While people of all ages cruise, different cruise lines, trip dates and other factors definitely have an impact on the type of crowd that you’ll sail with.

We know there is nothing worse than getting onto a cruise expecting a party and being the youngest person on the boat. On the flipside, if you’re older and want a relaxing trip, then you don’t want to be sailing with a young party crowd.

The good news is that there are different cruises that cater to different groups. To make sure you get booked on the sort of trip you want to go on, we’ve got some pointers on the best cruises for younger passengers such as young professionals and college students.

If you’re looking for the cruises with the youngest (under 30) crowd you can find, then be sure you take these items into account…

Cruise Dates (Spring Break/Summer = Younger)

By far the most important factor in who you will cruise with is when you are setting sail. The rule of thumb is that if you cruise when schools are out, your fellow passengers will be younger. If you’re looking for a younger crowd, it’s best to look at cruises in March (Spring Break) and early summer (summer break + graduation trips).

If you want to sail with younger passengers, avoid times when school is in session — especially right after school started and no one wants to take time off yet. So cruises during, say, September or January will often have older crowds.

Trip Length (Shorter = Younger)

The rule of thumb is the longer the trip, the older the crowd. Younger cruise passengers tend to take short cruises — 3-5 days. These cruises have more options for departure and are also cheaper, making them perfect for cash-strapped college students or younger adults. 

Older passengers with more time for sailing like the week-long cruises, which are also typically more expensive.

The good news is that cruise lines have made a big push into shorter cruises in recent years. Short trips to the Bahamas or Mexico are widely available from multiple ports, often at prices that come to less than $100 per day.

Cruise Lines (Cheaper = Younger)

Want to cruise with a younger crowd? Stick to the less expensive cruise lines. Budgets are a big driver for many younger cruise passengers. That’s why the more affordable lines — namely, Carnival — are more likely to have younger crowds like students and young singles. (Don’t think, however, that everyone or even the majority will be young.)

If you’re not sure if a cruise line is likely to have a younger crowd, simply go to their website. How do they market themselves? Do they show young people having fun, bright colors, and lots of beach shots? Then they are trying to appeal to younger crowds. The cruise lines catering to older crowds tend to have a more formal and luxurious feel to their marketing materials, attracting more wealthy and older passengers.

Carnival is the best for younger crowds. Royal Caribbean is an “in-between” cruise line that draws some college students. Cruise lines like Cunard, Celebrity, and Princess are for older cruisers. And of course, Disney cruises are for families.

But if there is a single line that’s made especially for those under 30, it would be Virgin Voyages. The cruise line is adults-only and markets heavily to the Millennial and Generation Z. While the price is a bit more than some lines, the crowd is much more defined than what you see on other cruises.

Destinations (Warmer = Younger)

Don’t sail to Alaska or New England if you want to party with a younger crowd.

In general, the farther south a ship’s route takes you, the more of a party atmosphere it will have. Younger passengers don’t want to put on parkas and drink hot chocolate to go look at whales and mountains. They want to put on bikinis or swim trunks, drink rum runners and hit the beach.

Alaskan or New England cruises will appeal to an older crowd. That doesn’t mean every Caribbean trip will have a ship full of college students, but your chances are much, much higher than if you were sailing north.

One spot that sees younger crowds are trips to the west coast and Mexico. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) — an industry trade group — the average age of trips to this area have the youngest crowds  among any destination for North American cruisers. 

Newer and Larger Ships (More to Do)

Some people go on cruises just to relax. There is nothing they want more than to sit on a balcony, eat good food, and get some sunshine.

Younger passengers will often want a little more to do on the ship. In that case, it’s a good idea to sail on newer and larger ships. 

Cruise lines do everything they can to put as much as possible on ships, but size is always a factor. Since newer ships tend to be larger, they can also pack on more to do. As well, new ships have the latest and greatest that a cruise line can offer, such as go-kart tracks on Norwegian Cruise Line and a roller coaster on Carnival. 

No cruise will be boring, but having more to do is always nice for younger passengers.

Special Events & Chartered Cruises

You may not realize it, but some companies make a business out of chartering an entire cruise ship, putting on a special event and then selling tickets to sail.

For example, there are poker cruises, clothing optional cruises, and even a New Kids on the Block cruise. Now, not every theme will resonate with everyone. However, if you find a special chartered cruise with a theme you like, then it’s likely you’re going to be sailing with like-minded cruisers.

In addition, many cruise lines offer sailings with special cruises for one specific trip. Carnival, for instance, has Carnival Live, which features sailings with people like Jim Gaffigan, Tim McGraw and others.

These trips are going to attract different crowds, depending on who the guest is. Look for sailings that have someone that is likely to attract a younger crowd.

The Best Crowds for Young Adults (Bring Friends!)

All this said, the best way to ensure that you are on a cruise with a younger crowd? Bring your own.

Bachelorette parties are popular on shorter cruises. Other times it’s just friends getting together to let loose for a few days. No matter, if you’re wanting to make sure there are other people on the ship that you’ll want to hang out with, then it’s the safest best to just bring your own friends.

Looking for an inexpensive cruise to somewhere warm (perfect for college students and young adults), check out our list of Spring Break cruise deals .

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The Ultimate Guide to College Cruises

Posted on Last updated: February 21, 2021

Yea, yea, I already know what you are thinking. “Cruising is for older people”, “I don’t want to be stuck in a boat”, or “Cruising is too expensive”. Well, let me tell you, cruising is HIGHLY underrated when it comes to younger passengers. College cruises are becoming increasingly popular as an affordable spring break option.

After cruising with your college besties, whether for Spring Break or a weekend getaway, you will quickly understand exactly what I mean when I hype up college cruises. As a college senior , I cannot emphasize enough how many times I have asked my friends or other students if they have been on a cruise, only to be answered with “no”.

It honestly makes me so sad, because the potential to make crazy memories while saving loads of money is so high when going on a college cruise. With a one-time upfront cost, access to food 24/7, and numerous breathtaking ports, why wouldn’t you want to at least try one of the best college cruises?

Well, in this article, I am going to explain why and how college students should consider and book a cruise. Follow along as I guide you through all the dos and don’ts in the cruising realm.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here .

Why take a college cruise?

Let’s start off with the very basic question of “why should you choose cruising for your vacation?”.

Yea, I get it, most college students will find their way onto a beach in the southern United States. Whether in South Padre Island or Miami, these are fantastic options for your Spring Break or other college travel. However, if you don’t already know, these destinations can be VERY expensive and costly.

While at first, you may just have to pay for your flight and maybe hotel/resort, it can be hard to estimate how much you will truly spend on food, drinks, and entertainment while you are away. And, that is the top reason to choose to enjoy one of the best college cruises.

A college cruise may seem expensive at first glance, but it is definitely one of the cheapest forms of travel. Some of the best college cruises are found at random times of the year, so keep your eye out when planning!

Related : Common Questions about Cruising

Affordability of College Cruises

While you will most likely have to pay for your flight to the departure city (bonus points if you drive!), college cruises that I have discovered are typically half the cost a regular Spring Break vacation would be. A cruise fare usually covers your stateroom, unlimited food, onboard amenities (pools, library, lounges, nightclubs), and entertainment.

You will totally want to look into a Spring Break cruise package that includes a beverage package for you and your friends to enjoy at sea. These packages normally include unlimited alcoholic (and nonalcoholic) drinks for your entire cruise! That means you will not have to worry about raking up an obscene bill at the bar as you are having the time of your life at sea.

A few other packages to watch for are the shore excursion and spa packages. The one time I invested in a spa package was surreal. I will totally be booking one in the future on one of the countless college cruises as you can spend all your time at sea relaxing and rejuvenating in the ship’s thermal suites with your friends.

The shore excursion package is a no-brainer if you want to discover what each port in your itinerary has to offer. If you are looking to just sunbathe at the local beaches or walk through the downtown markets, this package probably isn’t a big deal, but if you are like me, you want to get to know each special spot you stop on your college vacation!

Multiple Destinations

And that brings me into my next reason you should totally consider college cruises for Spring Break or whenever– you will discover corners of the world that you never imagined existed!

Whether cruising through the Caribbean or exploring the coast of the Mediterranean with your besties, you are bound to discover and explore secret spots that offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences. When I was cruising around South America in my breathtaking adventure in December 2019, I was offered opportunities to explore areas I have only dreamed of seeing. I always noticed Instagram pictures posted every once in a while of people sandboarding or paragliding in some exotic destination. Well, let me tell you, you definitely do not need to be made of money to also experience these special moments!

The picture taken above was during my sandboarding experience in Ica, Peru where I cruised to in 2019. Who would have thought a $700 cruise for 14 nights would bring me to spots from the fruitful rainforests in Costa Rica, to the narrow Panama Canal, to the deserts in Peru? Definitely not freshman me! That is why I highly suggest you do some deep investigating into different itineraries at varying times of the year for you to explore while you are in college.

Cruise Ship Parties and Nightclubs

Who says you have to get off the ship to have a good time?

I whole-heartedly believe some of my favorite vacation memories have come from the fantastic college cruise parties in the ship’s lounges and nightclubs while at sea! One notable memory was a toga party where everyone on the ship celebrated crossing the equator. Cruise lines (especially Norwegian Cruise Line ) truly know how to cater to every age on cruise ships. That means that even college students will have a fabulous time on their Spring Break cruise or other college cruises!

Most cruise lines have a nightclub open to the wee hours of the morning for those youthful and energetic enough to dance the night away. Plus, if there are a lot of kids on your cruise (especially during Spring Break weeks), the DJ and employees will make an effort to kick out anyone under the age of 18 at a certain time. These small gestures, in addition to allowing song requests and an on-site bar make cruising both an exhilarating and safe way to have a great time with your friends.

Plus, since you are contained in a boat, there is minimal risk of hurting yourself while intoxicated! While partying on land holds many risks like drunk-driving or ending up somewhere you didn’t mean to, cruising allows you to safely enjoy a special night with your besties, only steps away from your stateroom. It does not get much safer than that! Also, if you are like me and get the late-night munchies, most cruise ships have at least one 24-hour restaurant that you and your crew can find your way to after your legs are exhausted from the dance floor.

Unlimited Food

My final, potentially most important reason that you should book a cruise is the unlimited supply of food onboard!

If you are or know any college student, you totally understand their never-ending hunger. It is absolutely insane. College students can truly shovel down 3,000 calories a day without gaining any weight! That is why, naturally, college cruises through a Spring Break cruise is the absolute best!

Once you pay that flat rate when booking your college cruise, you are granted access to the numerous delicious buffets and restaurants onboard. Cruise lines make this ridiculous deal with passengers because they believe they are going to profit as the majority of their guests are older and eat a predictable amount of food a day.

Well thankfully, as college students we can easily take advantage and devour all the delicious food onboard! From sushi bars to Italian eateries to juicy steakhouses, you will be able to find food that fulfills whatever your stomach (and heart) desires. If you are looking to splurge a little for food onboard (completely unnecessary), I highly advise looking up your cruise line’s specialty dining packages that they offer upcoming passengers. This is a super simple way to save up to 20% at these delicious restaurants onboard.

Lastly, I want to touch on room service. Now typically, if you are staying at a resort or hotel on vacation, you would have to pay for anything you ordered via room service at an obscenely high price. Well, let me tell you something that even shocked me at first, room service at sea is normally completely free and included in all of your college cruise fare! 

While it is customary to leave a tip with the steward who brings your food, there is normally no added cost to order some fries or chicken wings to satisfy your late-night munchies. Since this may vary by cruise line, I highly recommend researching your specific cruise companies policies on room service before calling the number through your stateroom’s phone.

Insta-worth pics

If you are obsessed with taking photos of yourself and your friends like me (no shame), you are gonna fall in love with college cruises like a Spring Break cruise.

As an avid social media consumer, I am always gawking at other’s pristine, seemingly perfect images online. Well, with countless hours of ideal sunlight and golden-hour at sea, you will be that college student eyes from all over social media will be jealous of. You will potentially be spending days at sea where you can grow your tan and pose for stunning pictures that you will cherish forever. In fact, let me help you out.  Here are our favorite, go-to Insta-worthy poses to try on one of your college cruises.

Make sure to look up your cruise’s formal night before you leave. While it is not usually mandatory to dress up, this is a great way to get some professional portraits taken while all-dolled up before the show or dinner. Make sure to head over to the atrium with your besties to line the elegant spiraling staircase and ask a kind employee or fellow passenger to take some fabulous pictures of your group!

Most importantly, make your way to the upper deck to take some scenic outdoor pictures in your best outfits to remember your college adventure. If you are looking for a more unique photo-opt, grab a champagne bottle and head out to your balcony to pop it open while making sure to record the exhilarating moment!

How should college students book a cruise?

Well now that I have finally convinced you to consider cruising, it is probably important to know where to start! From best cruise lines to finding the best deals to packing help, I will guide you through the cruising lifestyle that you can take advantage of on your next Spring Break cruise or college travel.

Best Cruise Lines for College Students

Royal caribbean.

Royal Caribbean caters to college students flawlessly.

The main factor that will attract college students to this cruise line is the amplitude of Caribbean cruise opportunities, which typically come with a low cost. These include 3-nights to 7-nights which, coincidentally fit perfectly into spring break.

Another major attraction of the Royal Caribbean is their drink packages and nightlife. Most of their ships, especially the new ones have numerous bars. There are even ships with bionic bars that will serve you!

In addition, these ships have amazing nightclubs and other forms of entertainment to include comedy shows and broadway-style shows.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its popularity with younger travelers.

Their popularity stems from their “freestyle” cruising guarantee which allows guests to choose whatever they want to do, whenever they want. From going to any show (without reservations) on the ship to eating at any restaurant (again, without reservations), wearing whatever you would like, being sat right away, Norwegian Cruise Line truly caters to students on college cruises.

In addition, Norwegian has frequent promotions for free drink packages, free or discounted flights, excursion credits, and free wifi packages that entice all cruisers alike.

Norwegian also has amazing, as they call them, “lounges”, that transform into night clubs at night for the younger crowd. Most of the night clubs will be open until 2-4 am and have a bar within them. Also, it’s a great way to drink as you will not have to worry about finding a ride home.

Carnival Cruises

Last, but definitely not least, is Carnival .

Carnival is 100% the cheapest cruise line at sea, which perfectly accommodates the young, college cruises for Spring Break cruises. You can frequently find cruises on their website for as low as 60$ a night, which would include accommodations, food, and entertainment.

While their ships may not be the nicest at sea, you will find their ships filled with college students around spring break. This creates an atmosphere that most students are looking for when traveling— pool parties, 24-hour eating, packed night clubs, and more.

Figuring out your budget for your college cruise

You may have set a general budget while choosing a specific cruise line, the best way to narrow down where you should cruise is by setting an initial budget.

This price point will narrow down both the duration you will be able to cruise and where you will be cruising to. This budget should incorporate the following items:

• Flights — Unless you luckily live in a cruise port or have flights included in your cruise fare, this cost is unavoidable. The cheapest cruise itineraries will be in the Caribbean for the majority of cruise lines, so picking a roundtrip flight going from your hometown to any of the cruise towns in Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, etc.) is a great place to start. I have also noticed that cruises leaving out of San Juan, Puerto Rico are fairly cheap for both cruise fare and flights and hit a variety of destinations. If you were considering a different destination, make sure to choose a cruise port with a fairly cheap airport nearby.
• Cruise Itinerary — This will be easier to determine once you have a starting location to go from, but this item embodies the duration of the cruise, what is included in the cruise fare, and the total cost. Again, the cheapest cruise itineraries will be in the Caribbean, with the shortest duration being the most cost-effective. It is important to make sure these cruise itineraries include the ports you want, as many cheap cruises will tend to have numerous days at sea. In addition, many cruise itineraries only run during certain months of the year. For example, Alaskan cruises only run in the summer while South American cruises run in the winter months.
• Shore Excursions — Unless your cruise line directly tells you that shore excursions are included in the cruise fare, most likely, they are not. This cost can add up fast especially if you are traveling with a big family, so make sure to incorporate this into your travel budget. You can either choose shore excursions through the cruise line you are traveling with or through independent outlets through each cruise port. Typically, it is more expensive to book port excursions through the cruise lines, however, there is security with it. If the port is canceled for some reason or you want to change what you are doing for that specific day, cruise lines will typically refund you for that excursion while independent travel excursion agencies tend not to.
• Gratuities and Tips — You will be tipping a multitude of people when going on your cruise journey. When booking a cruise, you can choose to pay for your gratuities during the booking process or after the cruise. These gratuities will include tips for your stateroom stewards and other employees who serve you throughout the ship. Cruise lines will usually automatically charge you a standard percentage fee for gratuity right after you get back from the cruise, however, you normally can contact them to change the amount if you need to. You will also need to think about how much you will be tipping port excursion tour guides and taxi/Uber drivers when in your cruise ports.

Choosing your ideal itinerary

Now that you have set your travel budget for you Spring Break cruise or other college cruises, we can start the fun part of planning, exploring the best itineraries for college cruises!

Like I said earlier, the cheapest cruises you will find are going to be leaving out of the Florida ports exploring the Caribbean. This does not mean they are not going to fun, actually, it is quite the opposite. The fun, adventurous, and laid-back atmosphere of the Caribbean islands is perfect for a college cruise.

If you are looking for a week-long cruise for spring break, I highly suggest looking into Western or Eastern Caribbean sailings. Most of these will leave out of southern Florida, however, you may notice some cheaper sailings leaving from New Orleans, Austin, California, or even New York! So make sure to include all departure ports in your searches to ensure the cheapest itineraries rise. Other than ports ideal for an affordable cruise, it will definitely save you money to sail on a shorter journey. 3- or 4-day cruises are always cheaper than their 6- or 7-day counterparts.

Now for specific ports, you should look for, it really depends on the experience you are looking for. While some ports are better for a girls trip cruise , others are more geared towards exploration and history. Therefore, you really need to look into what you and your friends want to get out of your adventure while cruising. Some prefer more sea days for partying and others prefer sandy beaches ideal for tanning, so make sure to ask everyone who you’re traveling with what they would like!

How to score the best deals for a college cruise

Now that we have determined what the best cruise lines are for college cruises, you are probably wondering how to find the best deals for booking your cruise.

Well, I have discovered the perfect website that allows you to compare all cruise lines for the itinerary you are looking for during a specific time frame. Vacations to Go has been around since 1984 and truly knows the ins and outs of dealing with the cruise line industry. They will show what the typical going rate for your cruise is and then display the deal price and what is included. Next, head over to Cruise Direct to capture that amazing college cruise deal !

If you would prefer to book directly through one of the cruise lines, it is very important to do some research into the best time of the year to book and what package deals to look out for. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line currently has a deal going on offering 30% all cruises with 5 free packages that you can enjoy onboard.

Now, historically, Norwegian has offered a couple of packages at their standard price for a stateroom. An interior stateroom would get one package, an ocean view would get two, and so forth. So this deal offered now is actually going to save you a lot of money in the future if you plan on purchasing a drink package or shore excursion credits.

How should students prepare for college cruises?

Now that we got all the logistics figured out, now we can start planning your cute outfits and shore excursions on your fantastic Spring Break cruise or college cruise!

I highly suggest either investing in a travel planner or downloading our free travel planner to make sure you get organized (and stay organized) to avoid future headaches. From travel budget planning to packing lists, you are gonna want to fully plan and prepare for your epic cruising adventure!

Acquire all necessary paperwork and documents

Your number one priority when preparing for your college cruise should be having all your necessary paperwork in line. I recommend purchasing a cheap folder (or use one you already have) and placing every and all things regarding your reservation within it.

This means your flight and cruise confirmation information, any cruise line documents necessary to board, and any visas required for your sailing. While most Caribbean islands do not typically require travel visas to visit their countries, other areas of the world might.

Also, make sure to get a passport if you need one. I would make sure to check your cruise line’s specific policy, however, I know a lot of them do not require a passport if you are leaving and returning from a port in the United States. Note that if you opt not to bring your passport, you may be required to show proof of citizenship and an official government-issued photo ID .

You will also want to print out any shore excursion confirmations that you book because you may not have access to any internet when you are away. Any other pieces of information that you can think of that you would otherwise need internet to access should also be included in your document folder for your cruise.

Take out some extra cash

If you are traveling to any Caribbean island, you will be delighted to know that many merchants and restaurants in port typically accept the US dollar for currency. However, since many local sellers are just individuals, you will not be able to use your VISA or Mastercard to purchase any goods.

Therefore, I highly suggest heading over to your back to get out any cash that you might need. It is way better to overestimate this amount than underestimate. You will have to account for any cab rides, restaurants and bars, extra excursions, and potentially souvenirs you purchase.

You will also want to note that if you end up tipping anyone on board your college cruise for something like room service, you will have to use cash. While you will probably only use a couple of dollars at a time, these costs will also add up pretty quickly, so it is best to overestimate to be on the safe side.

What should college students pack for a cruise?

While our free packing list will perfectly outline what you need on your vacation, there are some cruise specific items you will definitely want to invest in and not forget on your cruise.

Towel Clips

I can not emphasize this enough– if you plan on spending time on the decks tanning or swimming, you NEED towel clips. I do not know how many times I have had to purchase these while on vacation because I forgot them.

Towel clips take up a fairly small area of space and perfectly fit into a day backpack or suitcase carryon. Capable of preventing your towel from blowing away, towel clips will make it easy to spot your towels and chairs. I would advise investing in a set that comes with a bunch of clips in case you lose some. Also, try to find some on Amazon that are not the most popular as many people on the cruise ship will then be boasting the same ones, making it difficult to determine where your chairs were.

The clips in the image above are complete in a set of 16. Offered at $9.96 on amazon, these clips boast 4.5 stars with not a crazy amount of reviews. Offered in cute pastel colors, these are personally my favorite chair clips. If you would like to check them out for yourself, feel free to click  here .

I do not know about you, but I have always relied on local shops to buy sunscreen when on vacation. However, on a cruise, you will be sad to notice how cruise lines jack up the price of even the cheapest of sunscreen.

Therefore, make sure to bring your own, favorite sunscreen when packing for your cruise. If you are just bringing a carry-on, make sure the sunscreen is in a small enough container. Otherwise, I would recommend bringing a bunch as you will spend a lot of time in the sun!

Personally, I prefer to use a sunscreen with an SPF higher than 20. With CeraVe being the #1 recommended brand for sunscreen, it is a no-brainer to use their brand’s top-selling sunscreen. Coming in a 1.7-ounce container, the one showed above would perfectly fit into your carry-on. Offered at $15.99 on Amazon, you can check out this sunscreen  here .

Magnetic Hooks

Very few people know that the walls along the inside of your cruise stateroom are magnetic. Thankfully, now that you are reading this article, you will see how to utilize this unique feature.

On my previous cruise last December I purchased the exact hooks in the picture above. Honestly, this may have been the best pre-cruise purchase I have ever made. I cannot even tell you how many times I ran into my room throwing my jacket or key lanyard on a hook. I also utilized these hooks to hold a shoe organizer. Now, this shoe organizer was not used for shoes. While I did have a couple of pairs at the bottom, the main purpose of this shoe organizer was to hold miscellaneous items. This included my sunglasses, sunscreen, hair straightener, brush, etc. Another way I utilized these hooks was holding my  toiletry bag  by its hook.

If you are interested in getting the ones I purchased (and loved!) you will be happy to know they can hold up to 60 pounds! I found them on amazon  here  where they sell for $14.99 in a pack of 10.

Cruise Approved Power Strip

Cruise ship staterooms are notoriously known for having very few accessible charging stations. Thankfully, a handful of companies have created cruise ship safe power strips!

With the risk of fire being extra high on cruise ships, cruise lines regulate what is allowed onboard. One of the items typically prohibited is a power strip. However, after working with the cruise lines, a couple of companies have figured out a way to create a power strip that is safe onboard. I would suggest picking one up from Amazon before you leave for your vacation. Make sure to read the reviews to guarantee they are cruise ship safe.

The one that I bought a couple of years back has 3 USB ports and 3 power plugs. Selling for $15.99 on Amazon, you can check out this power strip  here .

Reusable Water Bottle

This item should definitely be higher up on this list. Having a reusable bottle to fill with water or any other beverage will be imperative to stay hydrated.

Instead of buying plastic water bottles everyday in port or for your stateroom, just bring a reusable one from home. This way, you will always have a container you can fill when you happen to pass by a water fountain. Also, if you bring a reusable water bottle, you won’t be using loads of unnecessary plastic produced from disposable ones.

If you are looking for a cheap water bottle from a reputable brand, I would look to Contigo. The one shown in the images above comes in 19 varieties and is only $16.95 on Amazon. Plus, it is slim enough to fit in the side pocket of your backpack! If you are interested, check it out on Amazon  here .

Lanyard and ID holder

When boarding a cruise ship, you will be handed a personal ID card that you will need to use wherever you go. Whether you are trying to get into your stateroom, checking into a restaurant for dinner, or boarding back on the ship after visiting a port, you will need to have your cruise ship access card on hand at all times.

While you could try and keep track of this ID in your pocket or wallet, it will be much easier to keep track of when it is around your neck. Typically these IDs do not include a hole to attach a lanyard, so I recommend purchasing an ID holder in addition to a lanyard.

The one I personally use is a variation of the one made by Vera Bradley. Vera Bradley, being a reputable brand, offers dozens of patterns for their lanyards and ID holders. With this specific set, you will also have a zippered pocket to keep cash for when you go in port. Offered as a set on Amazon for $20.99, you can find this lanyard and ID case here .

As a smaller item that most people keep in their car, you are not going to want to forget sunglasses. You are going to want to protect your eyes from the piercing sun rays when you relax on the pool deck on your next cruise.

Who wants to squint through the beautiful beach days and end up scrunchy-faced in all of your photos? I definitely do not! Plus, sunglasses provide much better health for your eyes. Make sure to look at what protection the sunglasses actually offer when searching for your perfect pair. You will want to have UV protection as you relax on the high seas.

The ones in the images above have a UV protective coating on the lenses and are offered in 7 varieties. Coming in at $13.99 on Amazon these sunglasses boast 4.6 stars with over 10,700 reviews. If you are interested in this pair, you can check them out here .

Along with sunglasses to protect you from the intense tropical sun, you will want to bring your favorite sun hat.

I suggest picking one up that has a full brim surrounding your head. Be sure to look out for sun UV protection technologies when searching for your sun hat. I personally have the one in the above images and it folds into a small ball that I tuck in my backpack when I am not using it. If you are on the pool deck and want to head in the pool for a while, pop the hat under your chair clips to ensure it does not fly away!

My sun hat surfaced on Amazon when I searched “women’s sun hat”. Offered in 6 colors, I ended up choosing the khaki color shown in the images above. You can find this hat  here  on Amazon for $19.99 if you are interested.

Laundry Bag

Even if you are not planning on doing laundry on your cruise, I highly suggest bringing a small, compact bag to store your dirty laundry. Dirty clothes infesting your clean clothes is the last thing you want on your relaxing holiday.

I, in the past, have just used one of my packing cubes to store my dirty laundry (or it has found its way to the stateroom floor). However, I will be purchasing a waterproof laundry bag in the future. I do not want dirty clothes infesting my clean clothes with their scents of sweat and filth. Make sure to find one that compresses into a small zipper case for easy transportation to the cruise ship.

The one pictured above specifically caught my attention because of the compact case it fits into. If you would like to check this specific bag out, click  here offered on Amazon for $10.99.

Well, now you are completely ready for your college cruise! Whether planning for a perfect Spring Break cruise or adding another one of your college cruises to your vacation with your besties, I hope this guide truly outlined the importance of the cruising realm and how to best prepare for your adventure.

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I never thought much about college students cruising so this post was very enlightening. It is a very thorough description that will certainly help college students get into cruising.

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Your Spring Break Cruise Experts

Spring Break is what started our agency. We know what it takes to make Spring Break epic and memorable. As undergraduates, we went on a new cruise every year for Spring Break, building favorable reputations with both cruise companies and local island bar owners alike. In the process, we gathered information on what cruises would provide us and our friends with the most entertainment, best food, most beautiful destinations, and above all else… the craziest parties. Once we graduated, we were still being asked by friends, and their friends, that were still in college, questions like: “What is the best cruise?” “Where do we go for Spring Break?”. We shortly started organizing our first cruise group and called it  College Party Cruise .  What started as a group of 80 college students on our first organized group cruise back in 2015, has grown to a fully hosted theme cruise for Spring Break, with over 1,000 college students on each cruise.

We are not just another travel agency that “books and dumps” college kids on whatever cruise an agent feels like will give them the most commission. Other agents and agencies are completely out of touch with what it means to be in college, and now there is no reason for anyone looking for a good Spring Break to have to contact any of these companies again. We will never recommend a cruise that we wouldn’t personally go on ourselves.

Why Cruise for Spring Break?

In college, we did a cruise every year for Spring Break until we graduated (as 5th years… #NeverGraduate). The fact is: You cannot beat a cruise for Spring Break. Cruises are AFFORDABLE and EASY TO PLAN… just what a college student needs.

• Cruises are very affordable:  Cruises are often cheaper than just a flight to the Caribbean.
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) are included:  We’re not just talking about hot dogs and pizza like some “All inclusive” Spring Break resorts. Cruises have various complimentary dining options, including the main dining rooms, a help-yourself buffet and a variety of casual cafés, grills and on-the-go choices. From fresh-baked breads, desserts and pastries to the chefs’ original dishes made with the freshest ingredients.
• All entertainment is included: No cover charges to worry about at the clubs. Comedy shows, deck parties, karaoke bars, and more… all cruises feature a Vegas style casino.
• Drink packages available: You can purchase unlimited drink packages for about $90 per night… and we’re not talking about drinking cheap liquor from plastic bottles. You will be drinking top shelf liquor like grey goose and patron all day and night on-board the ship and in the cruise-line’s private islands.
• Cruises are easy : Probably the best thing about the cruise is that you simply don’t have to plan anything. You don’t have to worry about transportation/cab rides, or making sure everyone came back from the club.
• Cruises are safe:  Following up on the point above. The bars, clubs, and after parties are all within feet of your cabin. No transportation, DDs, or sketchy people in the club or the street to worry about at night. Security is always close by if you need help.
• No passport required:  Visit various islands in the Caribbean and you don’t even need a passport (US Citizens can travel with just their birth certificate together with Photo ID).

FAQ: What is the difference between “College Party Cruise” and “Ignite Spring Break” cruises?

Our agency has two options for Spring Break cruises:

1.  College Party Cruise :  These are “Hosted” cruises. By hosted we mean bringing our staff and booking our own entertainment in addition to the cruise-line entertainment (CPC spring break events) just for our CPC guests. Because there are a lot of costs associated with hosting a cruise, we can only do this during the peak Spring Break weeks. This is why College Party Cruise is only available during the 2 weeks that coincide when the majority of schools are on Spring Break.

2.  Ignite Spring Break Cruises: “Ignite Cruises” is our travel agency. These cruises are “Non-hosted” Spring Break Cruises.  We select one cruise for Spring Break and block group space to give you the best pricing and bonus amenities such as on-board credit. It would be a regular cruise, but with a larger number of college students compared to other similar cruises sailing during the same time period. We have been doing this for over 8 years and is actually how College Party Cruise started. Because of our experience, we know what the best itinerary, cruise length, cruise line, etc would be the most appropriate for college students and pick ONE for Spring Break in order to have the largest number of spring breakers possible.

Our Featured Spring Break Cruises:

Every year, we find the best itinerary and cruise for each Spring Break week. See them below:

Ignite Cruises Spring Break: Feb 26–Mar 1 (Non-CPC hosted)

Cruise : Royal Caribbean, Freedom of the Seas

Dates : February 26 – March 1, 2024

Prices : From $349 per person + government taxes

Itinerary : Miami | Cococay, Bahamas | Nassau, Bahamas | At Sea | Miami

BOOK FEB 26 CRUISE

College Party Cruise 2024: Week 1 (March 4-8)

Dates : March 4 – 8, 2024

Prices : From $399 per person + government taxes

BOOK CPC WEEK 1

College Party Cruise 2023: Week 2 (March 11-15)

Dates : March 11 – 15, 2024

Prices : From $409 per person + government taxes

BOOK CPC WEEK 2

Ignite Cruises Spring Break: Mar 18-22 (Non-CPC hosted)

Dates : March 18 – 22, 2024

Prices : From $499 per person + government taxes

BOOK MAR 18 CRUISE

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• Shore Excursions
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• What to Expect

Carnival Cruise Line’s Guide to Spring Break

By Carnival Cruise Line

5 Spring Break Cruise Destinations You Can’t Miss

Nothing says spring break like escaping the daily grind of school and work for new horizons. And a spring break cruise? Well, it’s the perfect time to get together with friends and family, or even set off on a much needed solo adventure! From vibrant Mexican towns to exclusive destinations you won’t find on any other cruise lines, a Carnival cruise vacation is just what the doctor ordered. Kick off your trip by choosing your favorite spring break cruise destination from our list below.

Our Top Spring Break Cruise Destinations

Let’s get down to business! When it comes to planning the perfect spring break cruise, the first thing on the list is picking out your destination. Many of the ideal destinations for this time of year mean taking a spring break cruise from Florida. Dream big, because Carnival not only has cruises out of Florida, but countless other ideal spring break spots to choose from:

If you’re looking for paradise on earth, look no further than the Caribbean. With its crisp air, bright blue water and warm sand, it’s almost like it was made especially for cruising. Whether you’re seeking out a spring break that’s tranquil and relaxing, or one that’s thrilling and adventurous, the Caribbean offers the perfect setting for both. Consider starting your vacation from renowned Spring Break hotspots like Miami, FL or New Orleans, LA for an extended experience before or after you set sail.

Hawaii stands as a tried and true spring break destination for a reason; offering the perfect balance of peaceful relaxation and thrilling adventure, where you can lounge on world famous beaches, behold volcanic mountains and get in touch with nature amidst lush surroundings. Whether you are departing from Los Angeles, Seattle, or San Francisco, the spirit of Aloha is more than ready to welcome you for an unforgettable spring break.

Did someone order the best of both worlds? Mexico offers a spring break straight out of the movies, filled with both relaxing days on the sand and adventures that you’ll never forget. From scuba diving along the Great Mesoamerican Reef in Cozumel to exploring one of the 7 wonders of the world in Progresso this is truly one of the best destinations for spring break college students, departing from San Francisco or Los Angeles, looking for a bit of fun, families looking for relaxation and everyone in between.  

With crystal-clear waters and an undeniably vibrant island vibe, the Bahamas is one of the coolest spring break spots for those interested in immersing themselves in the tranquility of nature. Departing from over 6 locations, including four locations in Florida alone, New York, and Jacksonville, you can ultimately choose what works best for you–ensuring the least amount of stress possible. Kick back, relax, and watch the dolphins go by as you soak in the beauty of this stunning destination.

If you’re on the search for a Bahamas spring break spot with a little extra charm, check out Carnival exclusive destinations like Half Moon Cay or Celebration Key ! Half Moon Cay is a gorgeous hidden gem, your island playground for relaxing on white sand beaches, paddling around sparkling blue waters, and treating yourself to total vacation bliss. Celebration Key— coming summer 2025— is a destination built by the Carnival team from the ground up, designed for maximum fun and relaxation. Explore five portals— Welcome, Adult-Friendly, Family-Friendly, Adults-Only Private Club, and Retail— and you’ll soon find that scenic views, next-level serenity, fun-filled activities, delicious food, and expansive shopping opportunities all come together for the best spring break ever!

If you’re looking for a more outdoorsy spring break destination, or live nearby a Seattle or San Francisco port, Alaska may be the cruise for you. Available each year between lateApril and September, an Alaska cruise will let you get close-up to some breathtaking views and unbelievable wildlife. Pro tip – if you take an Alaskan cruise in August or April, you will have a better chance of seeing the northern lights for yourself!

Get ready, because you’re going to be consumed by daydreams of sun-soaked beaches, fascinating strolls through local culture and delicious flavors you’ll never forget. Don’t let your spring break daydreams fade away— seas the moment and turn those dreams into a reality by booking your spring break cruise today.

It’s time to soak up springtime! Click here to book your trip.

Related articles

What to expect.

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Put Some Spring in Your Step

Spring cruises.

Looking for the perfect spring break cruise paradise? Grab your friends and head to these breathtaking Caribbean vacation destinations.

Gather your family or friends and embark on a spring break adventure. Cruise to the Bahamas, where you can charter a boat to private Pearl Island or lounge on Junkanoo Beach. Set your sights on Mexico and explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum, or dive into deep-blue cenote caves near Cancun. Or explore the pristine beaches, swim-up bars and unforgettable views of Bermuda on the pink sands of West Whale or Horsehoe Bay Beach. 

Adventure awaits on a spring cruise paradise

Spring Break is officially ON – plan your adventure. Pick from these spring break cruise for your boldest getaway yet.

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Seek the Best of Spring CruiseS

Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. 

Ready, Set, Beach

If your ideal spring break involves ample beach time, Grand Bahama Island is the place for you, with beautiful, crystalline beaches like Fortune Beach and Gold Rock Beach. In Phillipsburg on St. Maarten, don't miss a stroll and swim along the Great Bay Beach Promenade, with the sea's bright azure waters glimmering nearby. If you want to get pretty in pink, dip your toes in the pink-sand shores of Bermuda at Horseshoe Bay Beach.

TURF THEN SURF

When you're done shopping and feasting on local cuisine, head to the water to surf, snorkel or dive. If surfing is your style, head to Macao Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic . If you're looking to dive, jump into one of the Cayman Islands' 365 dive sites, including Eden Rock, which has several swim-throughs and small caverns. For some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean, cruise over to the reef at Cupecoy Beach in St. Maarten.

While you may never tire of the tropical beaches in the Caribbean, you can also partake in adventurous land activities on your spring break cruise. Check out the Thrill Waterpark at Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, where you'll find the tallest waterslide in North America. Or head over to Labadee in Haiti to visit Arawak Aqua Park and bounce with your friends or the kids on enormous water trampolines. If you're searching for something a little different, step into the past at historic San Juan in Puerto Rico.

Adventure's Heating Up

From the Southern ports of New Orleans, Galveston and Miami, you'll embark on the adventure of a lifetime in destinations like Mexico and St. Maarten. 

Grand Escape

There's no better place than the Bahamas to experience spring break. Grand Bahama Island will stun you with its beautiful beaches and reef-lined coves, and you'll have the Perfect Day at CocoCay* , where you'll find thrilling waterslides and breathtaking views of the ultra-blue waves. Or relax on Chill Island, home to the Bahamas' first over-water cabanas.

Take Some Time Travel

Embrace both the city and the sea in St. Kitts' Basseterre, where you'll find historic sites like St. George's Anglican Church nearby the bright-blue waters. Stop in Labadee, Haiti, where you can go on a tropical jungle trek through Arawak Aqua Park, home to the world's longest over-water zip line.

Am Mayan Heaven?

With its beachfront pedestrian path and beach club for shore excursions, Puerto Costa Maya was definitely built with cruise guests in mind. Lounge in one of the many seaside hammocks, or explore the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben for a glimpse of history. In Cozumel, visit San Gervasio, the area's largest ancient Mayan site, before snorkeling or swimming with dolphins at Chankanaab National Park.

Thrill or Chill

Whether you want adventure, romance or relaxation, there's a spring cruise just waiting for you.

Spring Into Adventure

For a spring break vacation filled with friends or family, and adventure, cruise to the west, you'll find ancient Mayan Ruins and fantastic snorkeling opportunities in the ports of Belize City and Cozumel . And to experience the awe of the world's second-largest barrier reef, head to Roatan . These expeditions and adventures are sure to give you the spring break thrills you're looking for.

Relax to the Max

Kick back and relax on a Caribbean cruise to St. Maarten , where plane spotting and beach hopping are the most popular pastimes. If lazing by the beach is the aim of your spring break game, a cruise to St. Thomas, Labadee and St. Kitts will suit you to a tee. Otherwise, shop up a storm in Bermuda's Somers Wharf Shopping Complex, where you can surely find the pair of Bermuda shorts you've been searching for.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO When it comes to having the best time ever, spring break is queen. But be sure to plan ahead to make the most of your adventure.

Looking for the best ways to get around the Caribbean? Many ports offer water taxis between towns and beaches, so be sure to explore in style. If you want to stay on land, a taxi is the easiest way to get around, as public transportation can be lacking in some areas.

To stay connected with friends and family back home, make sure you purchase VOOM, the fastest internet on a cruise , prior to your cruise.

To help you book the ultimate group vacation this spring break, Royal Caribbean Certified Vacation Planners are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And if your members of your group are looking to book with separate cruise consultants, they can visit the official Royal Caribbean website for secure booking. No matter how you book, be sure to pack your summer clothing, because your Caribbean adventure will be full of sun and fun.

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RELATED PORTS

If you head west to Mexico and Central America, you're sure to find thrills in ports of call like Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya, Roatan and Belize City. Expect ancient Mayan ruins and rainforest hikes, as well as many snorkeling and diving opportunities. Or head east, where the Caribbean Sea is your oyster. You'll find ancient history in cities like San Juan, breathtaking beaches in the Bahamas, and hidden gems in St. Thomas and St. Kitts.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John's, Antigua

Roatan, Honduras

Labadee, Haiti

Oranjestad, Aruba

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Belize City, Belize

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Nassau, Bahamas

San Juan, Puerto Rico

George Town, Grand Cayman

Castries, St. Lucia

Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

Roseau, Dominica

Bridgetown, Barbados

Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico

Kralendijk, Bonaire

Falmouth, Jamaica

Cozumel, Mexico

Fort De France, Martinique

Key West, Florida

Banana Coast (Trujillo), Honduras

Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

St. George's, Grenada

Willemstad, Curacao

Ponce, Puerto Rico

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Yucatan (Progreso), Mexico

Bimini, Bahamas

Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Cartagena, Colombia

Colón, Panama

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

La Romana, Dominican Republic

Scarborough, Tobago

Port of Spain, Trinidad

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Miami, Florida

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⚓CPC 2025 TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON🛳️

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Become An Ambassador for CPC 2025

Whether you are connected on campus and know a lot of people, or are in charge of organizing your group’s spring break, sign up to become an ambassador with us and travel free! For details, CLICK HERE

The 8th Annual College Party Cruise

Unlimited Food Included

All Meals and snacks on the ship and private island are included, from 5 course formal dinners to pizza  –  Dining Information.

All Entertainment Included

One Epic Ship

Sail on the most epic and featured pack ship available for Spring Break (surf simulator, ice skating, casino, and more) –   Ship Details.

CPC Wristband and Private Events

Access to exclusive events: Miami pre-cruise party, private CPC on-board events, and Nassau beach party Event & Activities Info.

Unlimited Drink Packages Available

For one low daily price enjoy top shelf liquor, beer, wine, and more on-board the ship and the private island –  Drink Package Details.

Be Safe This Spring Break

Nightlife and entertainment all within feet of your room. Health & Safety screening of guests and 24/7 security – Health & Safety

No Passport Required

US Citizens may travel with only a birth certificate together with a government issued photo ID –   Required Documentation.

Making a Difference

Proceeds from each CPC booking benefit the  Kids in Need Foundation . Help us support this great cause!  – Philanthropy Info.

CPC 2024: Miami

College Party Cruise will be sailing to the most popular cruise destinations in the world, the Bahamas – departing from Miami. The Bahamas offers it all…the tropics, history, culture, and great island vibes… The Bahamas is just 100 miles off the coast of Florida and offers the perfect climate, averaging just over 75 degrees, crystal clear turquoise waters and pearly white beaches… it’s the ultimate escape for sun and sand seekers! We will be docking in Nassau, the colorful Caribbean capital of the Bahamas, and Cococay, the cruise line’s private island, where you can grab a drink at the swim up bar and soak up the scene in the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas.

We are sailing on the following 2 weeks: Week 1: March 04 – March 08, 2024 Week 2 : March 11 – March 15, 2024

*Itinerary is subject to change at any time

All guests must be checked-in and on-board the ship by 3:00pm on the date of departure. Please see Before you Board .

If you are booking a flight to and from Miami we suggest that you consider arriving at least a day earlier so that you can take advantage of the local attractions in the Miami area and join us at our Miami pre-cruise party in South Beach the night before we set sail to meet and mingle with fellow shipmates. Arriving a day earlier also helps to avoid potential flight delays, baggage collection and transfer problems that could occur.

When booking flights,  we recommend that you arrive in Miami no later than 11:00am on Monday . Return flights should be arranged to leave Miami after 12:00pm (noon) on Friday , in the event there is a delay in debarkation. If you plan to fly into or out of Ft. Lauderdale, please add an additional 1-2 hours for travel in the event of traffic.

Day 1: Miami, Florida

Boarding Day. Ship departure time is 4:30 p.m. Make sure to be on the ship by 3:00 p.m.  Now that you are on the ship, Spring Break has officially started! The entire ship, including the slides, pools, buffet, and bars are open and waiting for you… we hope you are thirsty and hungry. Grab some lunch, a drink (or two), and then check in with CPC to pick up your wristbands and tank tops. Once you’re settled in, then its off to the sail away party on the pool deck as we wave goodbye to Miami and head out sea.

Once the sun retires for the day, d iscover a night filled with dancing, laughs, full-scale production shows, and live music at bars, clubs and lounges that never feature a cover charge. In addition to all the entertainment available throughout the ship, we will host late night private parties open to CPC spring breakers only! 

Day 2: PERFECT DAY Cococay, Bahamas

Today we dock at Royal Caribbean’s private island.  Cococay is an unspoiled private paradise where you can relax in white-sandy beaches or participate in optional thrills and excursions. Most of the experiences at Perfect Day at CocoCay are complimentary, these include: free beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels, beachside activities, Oasis Lagoon – the Caribbean’s largest fresh water pool and swim up bar, sports courts, and more  — not to mention five new complimentary dining venues located throughout the island. Other attractions, like Thrill Waterpark, the Zip Line, and Up, Up and Away helium balloon, are optional and available for a charge.

Check out the Perfect Day at CocoCay Map  and What’s Included

Day 3: Nassau, Bahamas

We’ll dock in Nassau at 8:00am. Here we have all day to explore everything that the Bahamian capital, Nassau, has to offer. Nassau is the perfect Spring Break destination because it provides the best of both worlds: a party atmosphere and plenty of opportunity for adventure and relaxation. It’s no coincidence that Nassau has become the #1 destination for Spring Break. You’ll have all day to hang out and party with us at our CPC “Party in Paradise” Beach Party where we will have music, beach games, and activities exclusive for College Party Cruise! If you are feeling adventurous, you can hop on a catamaran to go on a snorkeling excursion at the reef, shop in the world famous Straw Market, or generally explore one of the Caribbean’s most famous destinations at your leisure.

Day 4: Cruising IN THE CARIBBEAN

Don’t call this a boat. The Freedom of the Seas is a destination in itself, and is known as the ship that revolutionized cruising. Fresh off a $116 million renovation in 2020, this massive and action packed ship offers it all. During our day at sea, you can experience all the thrills this amazing ship has to offer, from the Flowrider surf simulator to the Perfect Storm duo of high-speed waterslides… did you know you could even go ice-skating in the middle of the Caribbean? Or you can simply relax in the newly redesigned resort-style pool deck offering plenty of chairs, in-pool loungers, hammocks, day beds and casitas to keep you cool while sailing. Make sure not to miss the hilarious competitions by the sports pool, like the classic Belly-Flop Competition or the Worlds Sexiest Man Competition.

Day 5: Miami, Florida

Last day…

Wake up (if you even slept), eat your last breakfast on board, exchange info with all your new friends, and walk off the ship in Miami, Florida. Although you’re sad that the cruise is over, your head is held high because you have the best stories and the funniest pictures. These last 4 days were amazing and we can’t wait to see your memories on social media. Make sure to tag your posts on Instagram #collegepartycruise and check-in at  College Party Cruise to be featured on our social wall !

Only 364 days until our next Spring Break cruise!

Best spring break cruises for college students and families

Step aside, Disney World and Daytona Beach, Florida. Spring break cruises are attracting both families and college students for memorable vacations in March and April because they offer easy planning, an array of price points and compelling attractions both on board and off.

College students can follow the party to ships laden with bars and late-night entertainment. On short, affordable Bahamas cruises, beachy private islands welcome stress-shedding coeds with waterside bars, shoreside DJs, sandy sports and even amusement parks.

Cruising is so popular that travel agencies run hosted group trips during the biggest spring break weeks to make it easier for college students to book sailings and meet fellow partiers.

Families can spend their week off from school enjoying waterslides, ropes courses, roller coasters, miniature golf and go-karts — all found on cruise ship top decks. Instead of a week at Disney, a short spring break sailing on Disney Cruise Line combined with a park adventure lets families combine beach days with amusement rides.

However, there are some key policies the under-21 crowd needs to know before planning spring break at sea. Below, we outline what you need to know about these March and April sailings and highlight the best spring break cruises for college students and families.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Spring break cruises: What to expect

Spring break cruises take place during the typically slower shoulder-season travel months of March and April. However, spring break travel has become so popular that Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico cruises during peak school holiday weeks are often more expensive and more crowded than surrounding weeks.

Families should know that the shorter cruises take on more of a party atmosphere, so stick to the longer sailings, which will be filled with school-age children.

Older or childless couples will probably want to avoid all the weeklong or shorter warm-weather sailings out of U.S. home ports if they’re seeking a quiet getaway.

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Cruise lines also have policies that might surprise the 18- to 20-year-old crowd hoping to let loose on their college vacation. Here are some key things to know.

Age restrictions on bookings

Many popular cruise lines do not let travelers under the age of 21 book a cruise without a “chaperone” who is 21 or older. On Carnival Cruise Line , the responsible adult needs to be at least 25. This can present problems for a group of 20-year-olds who want to sail together. You’ll need to bring along — gulp — a parent or at least an older friend.

Drinking age

Regardless of the drinking age in the islands, the minimum age to drink on many cruise ships sailing from the U.S. is 21. That’s even true on MSC Cruises , a European company, on its sailings from U.S. ports. The only line we found among the popular spring break cruise lines with a drinking age of 18 or older is Margaritaville at Sea .

You also are not allowed to bring your own booze on board, whether you’re of age or not.

Related: Can I bring alcohol on a cruise ship? A line-by-line guide

Beverage packages

For the 21 and over college crowd, beverage packages can be an affordable option if you plan on drinking a lot on board. Be aware, however, that some lines limit the number of drinks you can order at one time or on one day. In most cases, everyone sharing a cabin must purchase a drink package if one person does; you cannot share a package among friends or buy drinks for friends if you have a beverage package and they do not.

Smoking, drugs and bad behavior

Cruise lines have strict policies when it comes to smoking on board , and they include vaping and cigars in their policies. You can only smoke in designated areas of each ship, never in your cabin or private balcony. Breaking these rules can lead to $500 fines or even getting kicked off the ship.

You could also get into serious trouble if you try to smuggle drugs or marijuana on board . If you’re caught, you could be prevented from embarking the ship or forcefully disembarked mid-cruise . You’d then be on your own to get home, and the cruise line will not refund the costs of your missed cruise.

And, yes, cruise ships do have jails , called brigs, on board. Your ship’s security officers do not tolerate fighting and other bad behavior and will detain anyone who is out of line on board.

Parents looking at a week’s vacation at sea with the kids will be thrilled to know that the onboard kids clubs are complimentary from morning until about 10 or 11 p.m. at night.

However, with so many kids on board during these holiday weeks, you might find that lines are long to check kids in and out, or that activities might have to move to other areas of the ship if the dedicated youth spaces get too packed.

Related: Best kid-friendly cruises: The 7 best cruise ships for kids

Spring break party cruises

For spring breakers who want to travel and party with hundreds of other college-age kids, look for travel agencies that run hosted spring break cruises during the most popular spring vacation weeks.

For example, College Party Cruise hand-picks the most fun cruise ships for the college crowd, books cabins to sell to as many as 1,000-plus 20-somethings and offers special events and discounts at bars in port to group members. You can have fun with your college besties, but you can also meet like-minded young adults from around the country and make new friends on your cruise.

Travel agencies like CPC make the planning easier because they bundle taxes and gratuities into your upfront cost and take the work out of picking the right ship and destination. Most cruises are short trips out of Florida. (Note: Even with these charter sailings, you must have one person in your cabin who is 21 or older.)

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

Best college spring break cruises

Royal caribbean.

CPC often charters Royal Caribbean ships for its college spring break cruises because they’re huge, filled with thrilling attractions like rock climbing walls and surf simulators, and offer plenty of bars, nightlife venues and onboard entertainment for young adults.

Spring breakers should consider three- or four-night cruises to the Bahamas from Florida ports on the line’s megaships, such as Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. You’ll definitely want a stop at the line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , with its water park, zip line and adults-only beach.

West Coasters might prefer three- to four-night cruises from California to Ensenada, Mexico, on Navigator of the Seas. Or, try a four- or five-night cruise from Galveston, Texas, on Mariner of the Seas to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. We hear the margaritas are great.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival’s “Fun Ships” are known for their themed bars, abundant and included casual dining (Guy Fieri’s burgers and Shaq’s fried chicken sandwiches, anyone?) and pool deck fun and games. College students will feel right at home in this casual atmosphere, especially when trip costs won’t threaten to add to their student debt.

Three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas or four- and five-night Western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans, Galveston and various ports in Florida are ideal for college spring breakers, as they often include visits to cruise line private islands, various Bahamian ports, Mexico or Key West, Florida.

If you’re out west for school, Carnival’s three- and four-night Baja Mexico cruises to Ensenada and Catalina Island, California, will provide the same amount of fun in the sun.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries

The only potential downfall? Carnival requires guests under the age of 21 to travel with someone aged 25 or older.

Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea offers quick and cheap two-night cruises between Palm Beach, Florida, and Freeport, Bahamas. Even better for spring breakers is that the drinking age is 18-plus while at sea and in the Bahamas, and guests need only be 18 to book a cruise (though you must be 21 or older if you wish to lengthen your trip with a cruise-and-stay package featuring a hotel stay in the Bahamas).

In 2025, the cruise line will add three- to five-night cruises to its roster, with a second ship based out of Tampa.

The Jimmy Buffett-themed ship knows that it’s always “5 o’clock somewhere,” perhaps at its 5 o’Clock Somewhere bar. Between beach breaks on Grand Bahama Island and beer breaks on board, don’t miss the “Tales from Margaritaville” show, based on Buffett’s book and featuring his greatest-hit songs.

Virgin Voyages

This relatively new cruise line will surely be a hit with spring breakers for one important reason: No kids are allowed. Virgin Voyages ‘ ships require guests to be 18 or older to sail, and programming has decidedly adult themes. You can get a tattoo on board , attend a drag show and get a little naughty at late-night pool parties.

Cruise fares aren’t always the cheapest, but they include meals in all restaurants (which serve everything from Korean barbecue to Mexican tacos), plus Wi-Fi (an often pricey perk on other lines), nonalcoholic drinks (coffee, soda, juice), gratuities for the crew and fun and fabulous group fitness classes . You only have to worry about your bar bill.

To keep costs down, book a Social Insider cabin that sleeps four. Space is tight, but you’re only in your cabin to shower and sleep.

Look for four- and five-night cruises on Virgin’s Scarlet Lady to destinations like the line’s private beach club on the Bahamian island of Bimini, Key West, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Always a rebel, Virgin only recommends that one person in your group be 21 or older; anyone can book a cruise as long as they’re 18 when the ship sets sail. The drinking age on board reflects that of the destination (it’s 18-plus in international waters), so choose your itinerary carefully.

MSC Cruises

Skip the expensive spring break trip to Europe and instead take a quick Bahamas cruise with an international flair on MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina, MSC Magnifica or MSC Seashore. The ships offer three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island , and attract a multinational, multilingual crowd. Also, MSC’s fares are consistently affordable relative to other cruise lines.

There is not much to do on Ocean Cay other than soak up some sun on your choice of beaches, enjoy refreshing drinks at beachside bars and snack on burgers and french fries at beach shacks and barbecues around the island — the perfect way to decompress after a stressful semester. In Nassau, you could get your snorkel on or simply park yourself at Señor Frog’s for the day. We recommend ordering some local conch fritters to help soak up all the alcohol you consume.

Back on board, MSC has some of the best pizza at sea, plus sushi and tacos if you feel like a splurge. Do an onboard bar crawl to find your favorite, or try out all the arcade and virtual reality experiences, including a Formula One race car simulator. If your epic spring break moves you to sing, know that MSC offers karaoke in myriad languages.

Best spring break cruises for families

Disney cruise line.

Whether you’re going for a weeklong Caribbean cruise on Disney Magic or Disney Fantasy or a short Bahamas cruise on the new Disney Wish followed by half a week at Disney World, families know Disney will deliver an amazing spring break vacation.

And the options aren’t just convenient to East Coasters. The line sails ships from Galveston, New Orleans and San Diego for family vacations to Mexico.

Disney Cruise Line’s ships go above and beyond, with cabins designed for families to share, restaurants that double as entertainment venues so no one is ever antsy at dinner and, of course, plenty of opportunities to interact with your favorite Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters.

Families can splash in the pools together and zip down the water rides by day and then watch first-run Disney movies and the brand’s famous musical shows together at night. While kids pilot the Millennium Falcon or attend Marvel Super Hero Academy in the ships’ expansive kids club, parents can enjoy a night of fine dining at multiple adults-only restaurants or grab a drink at a “Star Wars”-themed bar.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

Disney’s Castaway Cay private island is a can’t-miss port stop, with lots of beach day fun and an on-site barbecue buffet. And no matter where you sail in the Caribbean, Bahamas or Mexico, you know Disney will have shore excursions vetted specifically with families in mind.

While the college spring breakers gravitate toward Royal Caribbean’s shorter cruises, families will want to book weeklong Caribbean and Bahamas trips on the line’s largest ships at sea: Harmony of the Seas, Icon of the Seas , Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas . Most of the ships sail from Florida ports, but Harmony of the Seas cruises from Galveston.

These megaships feature enormous kids clubs and teen hangouts where kids can make friends while parents get a much-needed break. They also have plenty of fun spots for families to play together, including waterslides, escape rooms, mini-golf, rock climbing walls and carousel rides. The whole family can enjoy shows that include Broadway musicals, ice skating performances, high-diving acrobatic events and parades down the central indoor promenade of each ship.

Plus, Royal Caribbean’s two private destinations — Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas and Labadee in Haiti — offer a mix of gorgeous beaches and attractions, ranging from mountain coasters to water parks, perfect for families. The other ports give families the opportunity to teach the kids to snorkel or kayak, enjoy boat rides and aquariums, or spend even more time playing together on the beach.

Related: Labadee vs. CocoCay: Which Royal Caribbean beach is right for you?

Families on spring break should check out Carnival’s newest Vista and Excel Class ships because they cater to families more than any other ships in the fleet. All have Family Harbor cabins that come in a variety of sizes and prices. These rooms are designed for families and come with access to an exclusive lounge with games, snacks and concierge assistance.

On your sea days, the entire family will have a blast racing down waterslides, splashing in watery playgrounds, trying thrill rides like an onboard roller coaster and a suspended cycling ride, testing their fear of heights on a ropes course and playing rounds of basketball, foosball and pingpong. Fuel up with nonstop pizza and soft-serve ice cream.

When kids head off to the kids, tween and teen lounges for video games, socializing and organized activities, parents can slip off to the spa or the adults-only Serenity sun deck.

For a week’s vacation, families have lots of choices. Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista, Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras explore all over the Caribbean from Florida; Carnival Jubilee sails to the Western Caribbean from Galveston. Carnival Panorama offers West Coasters a cruise to Mexico from Long Beach, California. No matter where you go, you’ll find plenty of beach time and water sports, plus active and cultural adventures ashore.

Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL offers its share of Caribbean and Bahamas sailings, but families looking for something different should consider the line for its weeklong Hawaii cruises aboard Pride of America.

Sailing weekly from Honolulu, the sailings hit all the top spots: the Big Island with access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, an overnight visit to Maui where guests can catch a sunset or sunrise from atop Haleakala or go on whale watching excursions, and an overnight stop at Kauai to tour the stunning Waimea Canyon or cruise along the Napali Coast. That means you can see it all without packing and unpacking, changing hotels or figuring out transportation.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship

On board, the casual vibe means families don’t have to worry about packing formalwear. Multiple dining venues offer the choice of when and where to eat; you won’t find assigned tables or dining times here. Pride of America may not have the go-kart tracks and laser tag found on other Norwegian cruise ships, but you’re really only using it as a floating home base for your Hawaiian exploration.

Bottom line

No matter which kind of spring break experience you’re looking for, you’ll find the perfect getaway at sea. College students can let loose with other young adults on easy and affordable trips, while parents can treat their kids to a memorable week of vacation.

Know the rules and prepare for crowds, and you’ll be all set for a spring break that will make all your friends jealous.

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Kansas Jayhawks Football show off potential in Spring Showcase

The Kansas Jayhawks are bringing a lot of new pieces to a well-established offense, and many of the freshmen got to show what they could potentially bring to the team in the fall.

• Author: Andy Mitts

In this story:

The Kansas Jayhawks are wrapping up spring practices, but not before giving the fans a show on Friday night at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence. With many of last year's offensive stars limited, the freshman and backups stepped up in a big way to give the Jayhawks plenty to be happy about heading into the summer months.

But both sides of the ball had their time to shine. There were multiple stops by the defense during the scrimmage portion of the event, including interceptions on back-to-back drives to highlight the end of the first half.

Jalon Daniels was active during the skills portion, throwing the ball around and seemingly picking up with the spectacular throws as if he was never injured last season. But his best throw of the night was a strike to Quentin Skinner during the scrimmage that sparked flashbacks from the last two seasons.

Lance Leipold and his staff had their work cut out for them, trying to adjust to life without Andy Kotelnicki at the helm of the offense. But the switch to Jeff Grimes' system didn't look like a switch at all, as many of the same concepts and motion were on display all night long.

It was the first time that fans got to see freshman quarterback Isaiah Marshall, who had plenty of highlights. His arm strength was on full display, and the few times that he got out to run, his speed and cutting ability was reminiscent of a freshman Jalon Daniels.

The biggest questions coming into the night surrounded the defense, where the Jayhawks lost quite a few key contributors to graduation or the NFL Draft. Jalen Dye stepped up from the safety position, snagging one of the interceptions and getting multiple big stops. As the scrimmage went on, multiple players made an impact on the defensive line, including red-shirt freshman Grady Seyfert and the four-star defensive end Dakyus Brinkley.

Overall, there is still plenty to work on for this team. But given the rapid improvement that we have seen in Fall Camp in each of the previous seasons under Leipold, it's safe to say this team is on track for another successful season.

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