Are cruises only for older people? Statistics from the Cruise Lines International Association disagree. Cruise passengers are getting younger, with a global average age of 47. In fact, cruising is a growing trend among millennials, who prefer experiences over material items. True enough, modern cruise ships have ditched their conventional image (i.e., black-tie events, midnight buffets, ballroom dancing, overplayed cabaret acts) in favor of a more Instagrammable vibe. Think pool parties, avant-garde restaurants, rope courses, F1 simulators, Cirque du Soleil performances, sky diving, and multi-story waterparks. A singles cruise for 30s is often a mix of adrenaline-fueled adventures, vibrant (but not too rowdy) nightlife, and enriching experiences.
So, whether you’re seeking a relaxing holiday or an action-packed trip, there is always a tour for you. You only have to find the right cruise line and itinerary. That said, check out nine of the best cruises for 30 somethings selected based on reviews.
1. Carnival Cruise Line
Review: Best for social animals
The name alone tells you nothing in this cruise is boring. The ships have terrific amenities for all types of travelers. Skyride, a pedal-powered go-mobile above the top deck, is perfect for thrill-seekers. Then, there’s the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat for those who want to relax, finish a book, or lounge all day. The best thing about Carnival, though, is it attracts young people, especially during weekend trips when solo travelers and groups of single friends get on board to have a great time. Apart from exuberant parties that last well into the night, the cruise line also hosts single mixers and LGBTQ+ meet-ups for those who want to connect with like-minded people.
2. Celebrity Cruises
Review: Best for splurging
From stylish decors to spacious staterooms to sophisticated treats such as welcome champagne, Celebrity Cruises is an upscale line most suited for a singles cruise for 30s and up. But it doesn’t mean people in their 20s can’t have fun here, too. Its newer ships feature modern luxuries for a younger audience. These include the Solarium, an adults-only sundeck and pool area, and Eden, a three-story experiential bar and dining venue. The Celebrity Edge has the Magic Carpet, a one-of-a-kind 90-ton platform that hangs and slides up and down one side of the vessel, serving as an alfresco restaurant and lounge. For entertainment, you have the DJ-helmed Silent Disco and Caravan at the Club, a circus variety show with a twist.
3. Royal Caribbean
Review: Best for thrill-seekers
Are you looking for a bit of adrenaline rush? Royal Caribbean’s ships feature rip-roaring activities for the daredevil. Brave the 13-meter-high rock wall, test your skills on the 40-foot-long FlowRider® surf simulator, glide down a zip line ten decks up, or defy gravity on the RipCord® by iFLY® sky diving simulator. If you dare, plummet 10-stories down the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea. There are also loads of bar-hopping and late-night clubbing options. Be sure to visit the Bionic Bar and order drinks from the robotic bartenders.
4. Virgin Voyages
Review: Best for adults-only getaways
Though relatively a newcomer, Virgin Voyages is already making waves by reinventing traditional cruises. Arguably, it provides the best singles cruise for 30s passengers seeking an exclusively adult, all-inclusive trip. You can enjoy interactive albeit risqué late-night entertainment, over 20 eateries serving anything from gourmet dishes to plant-based options, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and holistic fitness classes. To top it all, Virgin Voyages can take you to its private beach club in the Bahamas, where you can have bonfire parties and dance all night. Among its most popular ships are the Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady.
5. MSC Cruises
Review: Best for nightlife
With numerous clubs and bars, MSC Cruises line is ideal for night owls who love to party. Choose your kind of fun – Flower Party, where you groove to 70s music, or the White Party, where you wear your best white outfit and dance under an enormous LED dome. MSC’s Fantasia-class ships have an adults-only deck on the 18th deck called Top 18, where you can enjoy spa treatments. For those who’d rather watch a show than party, MSC Meraviglia features Cirque de Soleil performances in the state-of-art Carousel Lounge.
6. Hurtigruten
Review: Best for intrepid explorers
Hurtigruten takes adventurous passengers to remote areas and exotic destinations. One of its most popular cruises explores the Norwegian coast. But it also sails to Antarctica, Alaska, Iceland, North America, West Africa, the Galapagos, and more. Hurtigruten expedition ships aren’t luxury vessels, but they are modern and comfortable, offering facilities such as bars, swimming pools, fitness rooms, sauna, and lounges where you can enjoy the views. Cruising on this no-frills expedition line is an exciting way to meet fellow adventurers or even a travel buddy. On occasion, the liner offers no single supplement deals on a selection of trips.
7. Norwegian Cruise Line
Review: Best for the budget-conscious
From theme parties to virtual reality gaming, trendy ice bars to heart-stopping waterparks, the Norwegian Cruise Line appeals to those seeking an active and fun holiday at sea. But what makes it an excellent singles cruise for 30s are its studio cabins, specifically designed for solo travelers. No need to worry about sharing space with strangers or forking out a single supplement fee, which is often charged to solo guests staying in a double-occupancy room. Plus, studio-level passengers have exclusive access to a lounge area, where they can meet and mingle with other solo travelers. Studio cabins are available on the Bliss, Breakaway, Escape, and Getaway.
8. Holland America Line
Review: Best for first-time solo cruisers
You’ll find plenty of activities that don’t need partners on board the Holland America Line. Enjoy the glamorous and sensational solo events designed for a singles cruise for 30s. Apart from the delightfully relaxing and solitary retreats, there are Singles Partner Programs, where the cruise pairs solo travelers with each other. You can join organized meet-ups, post-dinner drinks, and dancing lessons. The liner’s ships Koningsdam, Prinsendam, and Nieuw Statendam feature solo cabins with the same creature comforts as a double-occupancy room, including balconies and spacious beds.
9. Viking Ocean Cruises
Review: Best for luxury-seekers
As an adult-only line, Viking typically caters to passengers in the 55-and-older age demographics. However, it also provides fun-filled but relaxing cruises for 30 somethings seeking a luxurious holiday at sea. Each ocean vessel offers an authentic Nordic spa with free use of the sauna, plunge pool, and hot saltwater bath. After sweating in the steam sauna, step into the Snow Grotto (available in the ships Sea, Sky and Star), a small room filled with fluttering artificial snow. World cruises carry no more than 930 passengers, so it is easier for singles to mingle and make friends.