Best Cruise line for a 20 and 24 year old in March???

[beachbabie393]

My boyfriend and I are planning on taking a cruise during my spring break in March 2009. He is 24 and I am 20. I know that because of my age, we can only go on a limited number of cruise lines: Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Celebrity. I can't go on Carnival and Holland America. I haven't researched many other cruise lines. My parents have no problem getting a notorized letter of consent allowing me to go. I have been on 6 cruises: Disney, 2 Royal Caribbean, 2 Carnival, and Holland America and my boyfriend has been on 1. However, I'm really having a hard time choosing which cruise line to take.

 

I do know what we want out of a cruise:

A casino which under 21 year olds can come in

The more sporting activities the better

Pools (maybe one with an adults only area? Crowded main pools tend to frustrate)

Snorkeling, shopping, possibly going on a zip line, beaches, or discover scuba for shore excursions

I do like having a set dinner time with formal nights (my favorite), but I'm not totally opposed to NCL's freestyle policy.

We aren't necessarily into a big party crowd, but night clubs would be a definite plus.

 

Price isn't necessarily a big deterrent for us. But I would like a line with a history of having a friendly, welcoming staff and atmosphere. I've heard mixed reviews of some lines. If someone could help me out, I would GREATLY appreciate it. :o Thanks!!

[cb at sea]

Almost all cruiselines will allow 18 yo to gamble (in foreign waters--not Alaskan cruises, tho!)--they just can't drink until they're 21.

Almost every ship has an "adults only" pool.

Almost all have "night clubs"

 

The excursions available will depend on your ports!

 

I'm not sure you'll be allowed to go on RCI--I thought 21 was the age for sailing alone!

[barbarah33]

If you can go on it at your age I would go with Royal Caribbean and I would pick a ship from the Freedom class; Freedom, Liberty or Independence so you get the rock wall, skating rink, flow-rider, etc. Lots and lots of activities. They also have great disco/night clubs.

[beachbabie393]

Are there any cruise lines I should avoid and why?

[wrp96]

I would recommend Royal Caribbean as the best option for you.

 

You can gamble at age 18 on RCCL. You can enter the nightclubs at age 18. Basically the only thing you won't be able to do on the ship at age 20 is drink.

 

They have adults only pool areas on most of their ships (the exception is the Sovereign class).

 

There are lots of sports activities on most Royal Caribbean ships especially the Voyager class and the Freedom class. The Freedom class for example has the Flowrider (Surf Simulator) in addition to the Ice Skating rink that you find on the Voyager class.

 

RCCL offers traditional dining, but on many of their ships they do offer an anytime program called My Time Dining if you want that.

[Mego0427]

The Freedom is awesome I did a 2 night cruise to nowhere for agents. There is lots of stuff to do. But I would assume most newer royal carribean ships have lots of stuff to do. The older the ship generally the less stuff. Are you sure you cant get on NCL my cousin and friends went and one of them was only 20 the rest were 21 and they had to sponsor her or something but she was allowed to cruise.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

If you can go on it at your age I would go with Royal Caribbean and I would pick a ship from the Freedom class; Freedom, Liberty or Independence so you get the rock wall, skating rink, flow-rider, etc. Lots and lots of activities. They also have great disco/night clubs.

 

I second the motion. I absolutely would recommend Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class ships, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.

[beachbabie393]

I know I can find this elsewhere, but which ships are in the Voyager class? I do know the Navigator is in that class. I have been on it and I believe I loved it. I was only like 12 or so when I went on it, so my memory of it all is a little foggy.