Best Solo Cruises For 18 Year Olds: What You Need To Know

Eligibility for 18-Year-Olds to Cruise Solo

So, you’re 18 and ready to hit the high seas on the first date of sailing. Before you pack your bags, there’s a bit of homework to do. Some cruise lines roll out the welcome mat for solo travelers as young as you, while others might ask you to wait a few years.

Don’t forget about gathering all that important paperwork—like IDs and maybe even a note from the ‘rents if needed. It’s not just about hopping on board; it’s making sure all those ducks are in a row first. But there’s more than just a passport needed here.

You’ll also need signed permissions or documents showing you’re allowed to travel alone if you’re under 21 on some ships. Yup! You’ll need to get a permission slip from your caretakers for a giant sea adventure.

Top Cruises for 18-Year-Old Alone Travelers

Stepping onto a cruise ship alone at 18 might sound like a big step. But, some cruise lines roll out the red carpet for young solo adventurers, offering them an unforgettable experience on the high seas.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages has revolutionized the cruise industry since its debut in 2021, offering an adults-only experience that’s perfect for 18-year-old solo travelers. With no children on board, every aspect of the cruise is designed with adult enjoyment in mind. The ship boasts over 20 diverse dining venues, ensuring culinary variety throughout your voyage.

Entertainment is a key focus, with Virgin Voyages offering a range of themed parties and events. For a more relaxed evening, there’s the popular Pajama Party, where guests can dance and mingle in their comfiest sleepwear.

Virgin Voyages sets itself apart with unique offerings like an onboard tattoo parlor, allowing guests to get inked at sea. The cruise line also emphasizes inclusivity, with events catering to solo travelers and the LGBTQIA+ community.

For 18-year-old solo travelers, Virgin Voyages offers a particularly appealing perk: the ability to drink alcohol once the ship is in international waters, unlike many other cruise lines that maintain a strict 21+ drinking policy. The cruise line also provides studio cabins designed for solo travelers and uses an app to help passengers connect with others onboard, making it easier for solo cruisers to meet new people.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruises. They are like floating cities packed with adventure and excitement, making them an excellent choice for 18-year-olds eager for a thrilling getaway. With a variety of activities, including rock climbing walls, zip lines, and surfing simulators, there’s never a dull moment on board. 

While Royal Caribbean typically requires guests to be 21 to sail unaccompanied on voyages departing from North America, 18-year-olds can cruise solo on itineraries starting from Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.  Royal Caribbean cruises offer a fantastic blend of cultural exploration and onboard fun.

One of the highlights of cruising with Royal Caribbean is their private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which features beaches, water parks, and various activities, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and adventure. Royal Caribbean International also hosts meetups for young adults, providing opportunities to connect with peers and make new friends.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is your ticket to a world where age is just a number, and adventure knows no bounds. Picture yourself boarding in Europe—since that’s the place 18-year-olds can start their solo journey. Let’s talk about saving money without skimping on fun: affordable drink packages mean you can enjoy your favorite beverages without breaking the bank.

Despite the fact that you are traveling alone, MSC Cruises creates a setting where you’ll feel like you are in the company of new friends. The ships are packed with activities to suit every preference, from thrilling water slides and pools to action-packed games and relaxing spa treatments. For those seeking relaxation, there are plenty of opportunities to unwind and soak in the vacation vibes.

A pro tip for young travelers is to keep an eye out for special events tailored to your minimum age requirements group. These events provide excellent opportunities to mingle with fellow young cruisers and create lasting memories. With its diverse range of activities, affordable options, and vibrant atmosphere, MSC Cruises offers 18-year-olds a chance to write their own adventure story on the high seas.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its freestyle cruising concept, offering a relaxed and flexible vacation experience. However, it’s important to note that Norwegian requires passengers under the age of 21 to be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old in the same stateroom. This means that 18-year-olds cannot travel completely alone on Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

Despite this, if you’re 18 and planning to travel with someone 21 or older, Norwegian offers a variety of activities that cater to young adults. From thrilling water slides and race tracks on some of their ships to vibrant entertainment options like Broadway-style shows and themed parties, there’s plenty to enjoy.

For social butterflies, Norwegian provides teen club and events specifically designed for meeting times with other travelers your age. This means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make new friends and create lasting memories. The cruise line’s casual, laid-back atmosphere ensures you’ll never feel out of place or left out, even when traveling solo.

When it comes to entertainment, Norwegian Cruise Line pulls out all the stops. From themed nights to spectacular shows, there’s always something happening to keep you engaged and entertained. The variety of activities means you can tailor your cruise experience to your preferences, whether you’re in the mood for high-energy fun or a more relaxed vibe.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is renowned for its magical and family-friendly atmosphere. For solo travelers, Disney requires guests to be at least 18 years old to travel unaccompanied on European itineraries. For most other sailings, the minimum age to travel alone is 21. Therefore, if you’re 18 and looking to embark on a Disney cruise solo, you would need to choose a European itinerary.

Onboard, Disney offers the “1820 Society,” a program specifically designed for guests aged 18 to 20. This group hosts events and meet-ups, providing opportunities for young adults to socialize and make new friends. Activities might include trivia contests, games, and themed parties.

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is a prominent British cruise line that offers a diverse range of itineraries and experiences, making it an excellent choice for young solo travelers. With a mix of family-friendly and adults-only ships, p&o cruises cater to various preferences, allowing 18-year-olds to choose from vibrant family ships like Iona and Arvia or more intimate adult-only options. 

Onboard activities cater to various interests, from high-energy sports like rock climbing and mini-golf to more relaxed pursuits such as art classes and spa treatments. The cruise line is known for its excellent entertainment, featuring West End-style shows, live music, and comedy acts. For those looking to socialize, P&O organizes meet-ups and themed events specifically for solo travelers, providing opportunities to connect with like-minded passengers.

P&O Cruises offers a variety of itineraries, with a focus on European destinations, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. Many of their cruises depart from Southampton, UK, making them easily accessible for British travelers. The cruise line also provides excellent value with their drink packages and no-tipping policy, which can help young travelers manage their budget more effectively.

Marella Cruises

Marella Cruises, formerly known as Thomson Cruises, is a British cruise line that offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for 18-year-old solo travelers. The cruise line allows passengers aged 18 and over to sail independently, providing a perfect opportunity for young adults to explore the world on their own terms.

Marella’s ships are designed to create a social and welcoming environment, ideal for meeting new people and making friends. The cruise line offers a range of activities and entertainment options that appeal to younger travelers, including pool parties, silent discos, and themed nights. Many ships in the Marella fleet feature adults-only areas, providing peaceful spaces for relaxation away from families with children.

Marella Cruises offers a wide array of itineraries, focusing on popular destinations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern Europe. They also provide unique “stay and cruise” packages, allowing passengers to combine their sea voyage with a land-based holiday.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers a more upscale and sophisticated cruising experience, which can appeal to 18-year-old travelers seeking a refined atmosphere. While Celebrity does not permit passengers under the age of 21 to sail entirely alone (they require passengers under the age of 21 to travel with an adult 21 or older), it can be a great option for young adults traveling with slightly older friends or family members.

Celebrity’s ships are known for their modern design and innovative features. Many of their newer vessels feature the “Magic Carpet,” a cantilevered platform that moves up and down the side of the ship, serving as a bar, restaurant, or tender platform. The cruise line also boasts the “Lawn Club,” a real grass lawn on the top deck where minor guests can relax, play games, or enjoy picnics.

Entertainment on Celebrity ships includes Broadway-style shows, live music performances, and enrichment programs like cooking demonstrations and art classes. The cruise line also offers a range of spa and fitness facilities, including thermal suites and state-of-the-art gyms.

Activities and Amenities Suitable for Solo Travelers

Cruise ships offer an exciting array of activities and amenities perfect for young solo travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and social opportunities. Many carnival ships feature heart-pumping attractions like rock climbing walls, surf simulators, zip lines, and even go-kart tracks at sea. These provide excellent opportunities to challenge yourself and meet other adventure-seekers.

• Pool Deck Fun
• Fitness and Wellness
• Entertainment
• Dining Experiences
• Social Events
• Adult-Only Areas
• Educational Programs

These diverse offerings ensure that young solo travelers can create a cruise experience tailored to their interests, whether they’re seeking thrills, relaxation, cultural experiences, or social connections.

Drinking and Gambling Policies for 18-Year-Olds on Cruises

If you’re 18 or have minimum drinking age, sailing alone morphs the scenario of savoring a cold drink or giving a shot at the casino. Each cruise line has its own set of regulations – some might allow you a glass of bubbly, yet others restrict their bars until you reach 21.

Alcohol consumption policies by cruise line

Navigating the alcohol policies on cruise ships can be a bit complex, especially for 18-year-old travelers. Each cruise line has its own rules regarding the legal drinking age onboard, which can also be influenced by the ship’s itinerary and the laws of the countries visited.

• Virgin Voyages: Allows guests aged 18 and over to consume alcohol onboard, aligning with their adults-only policy.

• Norwegian Cruise Line: Guests aged 18 to 20 may purchase and consume beer and wine onboard with parental consent, but only on itineraries that are not departing from or arriving in U.S. ports. This means that on cruises sailing exclusively in international waters or from ports outside the U.S., 18-year-olds may be allowed to drink beer and wine.

• Disney Cruise Line: Maintains a strict policy where guests must be 21 years or older to purchase or consume alcohol, regardless of the itinerary.

• Royal Caribbean: Similar to Norwegian, Royal Caribbean allows guests aged 18 to 20 to consume alcohol (beer and wine only) on cruises departing from ports in Europe, South America, and Australia/New Zealand, where the legal drinking age is lower than 21. Parental consent may also be required.

• MSC Cruises: Permits guests aged 18 and over to consume alcohol on European itineraries, in accordance with local laws.

It’s crucial to check the specific alcohol policies of the cruise line and the itinerary before booking. Some cruise lines may require a parent or guardian to sign a waiver allowing the underage guest to consume alcohol.

Gambling age restrictions

All prepared to venture out into the open ocean solo, and maybe test your fortune at the onboard casino. Get the lowdown on gambling age restrictions to know before you start betting.

• The legal age for gambling on most cruise lines is set at 18.
• On a good number of vessels, if they traverse U.S. waters, you’ll need to be 21 to engage in casino games.
• If your cruise makes stops at ports with distinct gambling age norms, those local regulations take precedence. So, even if you can gamble on the ship, you may not be allowed to do so on land.
• Don’t forget to bring an ID that authenticates your guest’s age. Without it, you won’t be allowed to place a bet—I mean this in the most literal sense!
• For young voyagers, the stakes are high—some fun ships have teen clubs or other places where the younger crowd can relax away from adult activities such as casinos.
• Prior to finalizing your trip, review the gambling policies of your selected right cruise line; unexpected findings work wonders for birthday gifts, but not quite for casino nights.

Safety Tips for Young Solo Travelers on Cruises

Staying secure is crucial when you’re alone in the vast ocean. They’re your primary resource for assistance and advice on maintaining safety, both on the ship and ashore. When docked, make sure to hang out in well-known areas and consistently monitor your drink at deck parties.

Safety measures on board

Cruises are big on keeping everyone safe, so they’ve got a bunch of rules and gear just for that. Think life jackets, fire drills, and crew members who know exactly what to do if things go sideways.

They also have cameras everywhere – not in your room, don’t worry – but in public spaces to keep an eye out for any trouble. Plus, with doctors and medical centers right on board, help is always close by if you need it.

Tips for staying safe at ports

Stick with the crowd or find a buddy from the ship when exploring ports. There’s safety in numbers, and it’s more fun to share adventures. Before setting foot on land, do some homework about each stop. Know which places are no-go zones for travelers and understand local customs to avoid accidental disrespect. 

Always carry a map or have your phone charged up with directions back to the port—you don’t want to miss the boat! And speaking of phones, ensure yours works in every country you visit; staying connected could be a lifesaver if plans go sideways. Don’t forget your travel insurance.