The Best Party Cruises And Nightlife At Sea

What Makes A Cruise Ship Party So Good?

One of the biggest perks of a cruise ship party is the sheer convenience. Think about it: Who has time to organize an unforgettable bachelorette party when you're knee-deep in wedding planning? How do you rally up the crew for post-grad celebrations when you're all spending 27 hours a day studying?

Cruises bundle the food, fun and festivities together in one simple booking. Find a date, pick a destination and start packing. This convenience makes the planning aspect much lighter and eliminates last-minute budget surprises.

Here's why party-goers increasingly turn to party cruises for their celebrations:

Entertainment

The best party cruises are jam-packed with more than enough to usher your crew through a three- or five-day bash. Between the themed parties, casino nights, comedy clubs, karaoke and theater shows, you might find some time to sleep.

Activities

Beyond dedicated entertainment, there's no shortage of activities to reenergise on a party cruise. Want to catch a few breaths between gigs? Head to Vitality^SM spa for a deep tissue massage. Feel like a quick catnap before the evening's events? Grab a chair on the sundeck. If you want to refresh with a splash, choose from a selection of waterslides and hot tubs.

Destination

After all the late-night parties, wake up to a tropical island ready to welcome you for another day of adventures. The Royal Caribbean exclusive private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, features the tallest waterslide and largest wave pool in the Caribbean. 

If you need some recovery time, take a dip in Oasis Lagoon® or head to an overwater cabana away from the crowds. Alternatively, keep the party going at Coco Beach Club®, where your hardest decision is reduced to: Poolside or beachside? 

Easy Planning

A party cruise is one of the few experiences where most entertainment and shows — as well as in-between activities — are included in the same booking as your meals, accommodation and travel. This means you can finalize your planning and booking in a single step.

Beyond the preparation phase, everything you need is at hand as soon as you step on board. Pools, parties and a built-in community are yours for the taking. Wellness and fitness centers can usher you through the post-party haze. Plus, you barely have to move to get from dinner to the deck parties. 

With that said, there are a few things to know about planning a cruise party experience: 

1. Book early: The best party cruises tend to fill up fast, so it's a good idea to secure your spot early.

2. Stateroom vs. suite: If you're staying a little longer or planning for an extra special event, booking a suite adds another layer of luxury (and space) for the festivities.

3. Shore excursions: Remember to save time on port days for shore excursions. They're an excellent way to relax, explore and discover your new destination.

4. Pick a vibe: Planning to hit the dance floor until the wee hours of the morning or let loose with waterslides, comedy shows and pool parties? Deciding on your party rhythm early will help you pick a party cruise ship that delivers.

Roundup Of The Best Party Cruise Ships

When it comes to blowing off some steam with your pals at sea, Royal Caribbean has your floating fiesta handled. If you’re planning for a special occasion or just a young‑at‑heart escape, here are two ships that deliver next-level party-ready amenities to keep the energy rolling from one sunset to the next.

Icon Of The Seas®

One of the newest additions to the Royal Caribbean fleet, Icon of the Seas® cranks the entertainment dial to eleven, making it among the best party cruises for young adults. The smorgasbord of activities available is not for the faint-hearted. Climb to ethereal heights on its rock-climbing wall, conquer friends at laser tag or check out the stunts at Absolute Zero^SM — an icy theater arena. 

Let's not forget about the cruise nightlife. When it’s time to refuel, hit one of the dozens of bars for craft cocktails, live blues jams, adults-only comedy or late‑night karaoke in neon‑lit lounges. In terms of party cruises, Icon of the Seas® is more like a 24/7 playground for adults, which means it's also one of the best cruises for bachelor parties — if your team can handle it. 

Here are some of its distinctions that make the party cruise experience so unique: 

Thrill Island

Need something to wake you up during the day? Get your adrenaline pumping at Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, featuring six waterslides to push the limits even further. If you're into free-fall slides, dual mat racing or the tallest waterslide at sea, you'll find it all here.

AquaDome^SM

The AquaDome^SM is a theatre and relaxation space perched at the top of Icon of the Seas®. By day, it's an oasis with wraparound ocean views and numerous lounge areas, pods and tropical plants to relax among. By night, it features a 55-foot waterfall cascade, aerial artists, divers and high-tech special effects for an unforgettable aquatic show.

Crown's Edge^SM

Take your courage for a spin at Crown's Edge^SM, a skywalk-meets-ropes course with a splash of thrill and, of course, breathtaking views. Strap in and step out, high above the waves — but watch out: At any moment, the floor could collapse beneath you.

Solarium

Catch a breath for yourself at the sun-drenched Solarium, a relaxing adults-only indoor retreat. Framed by a crystal canopy, unwind in cascading pools or a classy lounge area with a horizon-to-horizon seascape.

Youtopia

See jaw-dropping displays of world-class figure-skaters' twists, lifts and stunts. Exclusive to Utopia of the Seas®, this icy demonstration of grace and strength is one you won't want to miss (and might leave you Googling adult skating lessons).

Sea You On The Dance Floor

When you're at sea, the party's around the clock. With onboard DJs spinning live sets in the open air, pool‑deck dance parties that dissolve into sunrise and themed events ranging from black-and-white nights to toga parties, you’ll find every kind of groove — no matter what floats your boat. 

Set sail on an unforgettable vacation of fun and adventure, with Icon of the Seas® and Utopia of the Seas® ready to respond to your wildest party dreams.