Cruising solo in your 20s can be brilliant, but choosing the wrong cruise could leave you seriously outnumbered by couples, families and retirees.
The good news is that some cruise lines are much better suited to younger solo travellers than others. Think late-night bars, lively parties, social activities and plenty of opportunities to meet people your own age.
And you don’t necessarily need to book a special singles cruise either. Pick the right ship and sailing, and you could find exactly the kind of crowd you’re hoping for.
So, which cruises are actually best for singles under 30? And which might not be quite as good as they first appear?
Cruises for singles under 30: what are your options?
If you’re single and under 30, there are a couple of ways to approach cruising. You can join an organised singles cruise, or simply choose a regular sailing that’s likely to attract plenty of younger travellers.
Organised singles cruises usually aren’t entire ships reserved for single people. Instead, a group travels together on a normal cruise, with meet-ups, activities, parties and sometimes shore excursions arranged especially for them. This can make it much easier to meet people, particularly if you’re nervous about cruising alone.
But you don’t need to join an organised group. Choosing the right cruise line, ship and itinerary can make a huge difference to the crowd you’ll find onboard. Shorter cruises and sailings with lively nightlife tend to be particularly appealing if your priority is meeting people and having fun.
And if you’re hoping for more than friendship, there are cruises with an even stronger party atmosphere. Music cruises, adults-only sailings and short weekend cruises can all be good options for singles hoping to meet someone.
Whichever type you choose, cruises naturally give you plenty of opportunities to socialise. Bars, restaurants, group activities, excursions and evening entertainment all make it relatively easy to strike up a conversation without it feeling forced.
The trick is choosing the right cruise line. Some are much better suited to younger solo travellers than others, so let’s look at the 7 best cruise lines for singles under 30.
The 7 Best Cruise Lines for Singles Under 30
1. Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line is a great choice for younger singles who want a lively, sociable cruise rather than a quiet escape. Its ships attract plenty of families, but there’s also lots aimed at adults, with busy bars, comedy shows, nightclubs and parties that can continue late into the evening.
Shorter Carnival cruises are particularly worth considering if you’re looking for a fun atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to meet people. Depending on the sailing, you may also find singles meet-ups and LGBTQ+ gatherings listed in the daily programme, which can make it even easier to connect with other travellers.
If you’re planning to make the most of the bars, Carnival’s CHEERS! drinks package covers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. You must be at least 21 to buy it.
There’s one important restriction for younger solo travellers. Carnival generally requires guests aged 20 and under to travel with a relative or guardian who’s at least 25, although some exceptions apply. So if you’re 18 to 20 and hoping to cruise completely independently, Carnival may not be the best option.
There are also organised singles groups that sail on Carnival ships, which can be an easy way to meet other solo travellers. Check out my guide to Carnival singles cruises for more information.
2. Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is one of the best cruise lines for singles under 30 because every sailing is adults-only, with a minimum age of 18. The whole experience feels more grown-up and sociable than a typical family cruise, with lively bars, late-night entertainment and plenty of opportunities to meet other people.
There are also lots of activities that naturally bring people together, including group fitness classes, interactive entertainment and more than 20 places to eat. Restaurants are included in the cruise fare, so you don’t have to pay extra to try different venues or join other sailors for dinner.
Virgin also includes WiFi, group fitness classes, entertainment, gratuities and basic drinks such as still and sparkling water, soda, drip coffee and tea in the fare. That makes it easier to know what you’ll spend before you sail.
Alcohol isn’t included, and Virgin Voyages doesn’t sell a traditional unlimited drinks package. Instead, you can pre-purchase a Bar Tab, which is credit that can be used for alcoholic drinks, speciality coffees, fresh juices and other premium drinks.
You don’t necessarily need to book a dedicated singles cruise either. The adults-only setting, communal activities and lively nightlife make Virgin Voyages one of the easiest cruise lines on this list for younger solo travellers to socialise naturally.
3. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean may be one of the most family-friendly cruise lines around, but that doesn’t mean it’s just for families. Travel outside the school holidays and you’ll generally find fewer children onboard, while still getting all the activities, entertainment and nightlife that make the ships so much fun.
There’s loads to do on Royal Caribbean’s larger ships, particularly those in the Oasis Class, Quantum Class and newer Icon Class. Depending on the ship, you could try the FlowRider surf simulator, tackle an escape room, go ice skating or race your new friends on the bumper cars.
There are plenty of opportunities to socialise in the evenings too. Royal Caribbean’s bigger ships have a huge choice of bars, live music and late-night entertainment, while some ships have the robotic Bionic Bar and activities such as sushi-making classes.
Icon Class is worth considering too. Although these ships are heavily geared towards families, they also have some of the best nightlife in the fleet. Icon of the Seas, for example, has more than 15 bars and music venues, including live music, comedy, karaoke and places to dance late into the night.
If you’re at the younger end of the under-30 age group, check the age rules before booking. You can generally sail without an older companion from age 18 on cruises departing Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealand, but the minimum age to sail unaccompanied from North America is 21.
4. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the best choices for solo travellers who want plenty of freedom. Its Freestyle Cruising approach means no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating, along with a generally relaxed atmosphere where you can plan your days however you like.
The cruise line is also one of the best for solo cruises, with accommodation specifically designed and priced for people travelling alone. As well as its well-known Studio cabins, NCL now offers Solo Inside, Oceanview and Balcony staterooms, giving single travellers much more choice without having to book a cabin intended for two.
Solo Stateroom guests also get access to the Studio Lounge, a private social space where solo travellers can meet each other over coffee and snacks. Availability varies by ship, but it’s a big advantage if you’re travelling alone and want to make friends onboard.
There’s plenty to do outside the solo spaces too. Depending on the ship, you’ll find lively bars, entertainment, activities and adults-only areas such as Vibe Beach Club, making NCL a good choice if you want to socialise without having every part of your cruise organised for you.
One important thing to know if you’re under 21 is that NCL generally requires guests aged 18 to 20 to share a stateroom, or connecting or adjoining stateroom, with someone who’s at least 21. There are limited exceptions, including for married couples.
5. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is a great option for younger singles who want something a little more sophisticated without sacrificing a lively social scene. Its newer Edge Series ships have a particularly modern feel, with stylish bars, restaurants and entertainment spaces.
Popular social spots include the Martini Bar, while Edge Series ships also have the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that moves between decks, and Eden, a striking multi-level venue with food, drinks and entertainment. There are plenty of places to grab a cocktail and start chatting to other guests.
Celebrity is a good choice if your idea of a great cruise involves good food, cocktails and stylish surroundings rather than waterslides and non-stop pool parties. If you want to splash out, The Retreat suites come with extra perks including access to an exclusive lounge and sundeck, as well as a personal butler.
When booking, you can choose a Cruise-Only fare or opt for All Included, which bundles a Classic Drinks Package and Basic Wi-Fi into the price. Read my guide to Celebrity’s drinks packages to see exactly what’s covered.
Again, one thing younger solo travellers should check is the minimum age. On Celebrity cruises departing from Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealand, you can generally sail independently from age 18. For cruises departing from the US or Canada, you generally need to be at least 21 to have your own stateroom.
6. Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX)
If you’d rather spend your holiday exploring remote destinations than partying until 2am, HX Expeditions offers something completely different. Its expedition cruises visit destinations including Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Alaska and the Galápagos, with the focus firmly on adventure, wildlife and getting out into the destination.
HX currently has 5 expedition ships, and the nature of expedition cruising makes it surprisingly easy to get to know other passengers. You’ll spend your days joining activities, attending talks with the Expedition Team and sharing stories about everything you’ve seen.
Depending on the itinerary, activities can include guided nature landings, hikes, small-boat cruising, wildlife watching and onboard science programmes. Some more adventurous experiences are available on selected sailings too.
HX won’t be the obvious choice if your priority is nightclubs and late-night parties. But for adventurous singles who want to see somewhere extraordinary and meet like-minded people along the way, it could be one of the most rewarding options on this list.
7. MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is a great option for younger singles who want lively nightlife without spending a fortune. Its ships have plenty of bars, lounges, discos, live entertainment and parties, so there are lots of opportunities to meet other people once the sun goes down.
The newer ships are particularly good for nightlife. MSC World America, for example, has a huge choice of bars and lounges, including a mixology bar, pub, sports bar, comedy and live music venue and Champagne bar. MSC’s World Class ships also have the impressive outdoor World Promenade, while several of its other newer ships feature indoor promenades with huge LED ceilings.
There’s plenty happening during the day too, with pools, waterparks, sports activities, games and entertainment varying by ship. MSC also actively targets younger travellers with its Young & Young offer, which currently gives guests aged 18 to 29 sharing the same cabin up to 10% off eligible cruises.
MSC Cruises can also be one of the more affordable cruise lines, so it’s well worth considering if you’re under 30 and travelling on a tighter budget.
If you’re at the younger end of this age group, check the rules for your itinerary before booking. You can generally travel independently from age 18 on MSC cruises outside the US, while you must be at least 21 to travel alone on cruises embarking from or travelling to the US.
Choosing the Best Cruise Line for Singles Under 30
The best cruise line for singles under 30 really depends on the kind of trip you’re looking for. Some are brilliant for partying and meeting people, while others are better for adventure, activities or a more sophisticated experience.
For nightlife and a lively atmosphere, Virgin Voyages, Carnival and MSC Cruises are strong choices. If your perfect holiday involves late nights and plenty of parties, take a look at my guide to the best party cruises next.
Royal Caribbean is a great all-rounder if you want loads of activities and entertainment, while Norwegian Cruise Line stands out for its dedicated solo cabins and spaces designed to help people travelling alone meet each other. If you prefer stylish bars, great food and a more grown-up atmosphere, Celebrity Cruises could be a better fit.
And if you’d rather bond with people over wildlife sightings and incredible destinations than cocktails and nightclubs, HX Expeditions offers a completely different kind of solo adventure.
Whichever cruise line you choose, travelling alone doesn’t mean you have to spend the cruise by yourself. Join activities, head to meet-ups, chat to people on excursions and don’t be afraid to sit at the bar rather than hiding away in your cabin.
Just remember to use the same common sense you would when travelling alone on land. My guide to staying safe on a cruise has more advice for solo travellers.
And if you’re still unsure, a short cruise can be a great way to find out whether solo cruising is for you without committing to a week or two at sea.
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