The Best Party Cruise: Virgin vs. Carnival

Cruises use to be viewed as luxurious vacation opportunities for upscale and higher-class passengers of the older generation. Nowadays, times have changed for the cruising industry, making them easy and more affordable for people of all classes and ages. Party cruises have made a name for themselves as being an affordable and entertaining option for a few days away from the rise-and-grind and an exciting few days onboard a floating bar and nightclub. 

Party cruises offer the perfect getaway when you need to escape everyday life, let your hair down, or drink away memories. Over the past 20 years, the industry of cruising has grown, offering dozens of different options for party and adrenaline-filled cruises. Depending on your travel style and preference, there’s bound to be a cruise sits suits your wants and needs.

If you are new to the cruising world, don’t worry. This guide will give you a general overview of what a party cruise is, what the experience is like, and even outline 2 of the most popular cruise lines’ party ships for comparison. 

A party cruise is a little bit different than a normal cruise. They are fun-themed adventures onboard ships for fun-addicted individuals who are looking to make the most of their cruise vacation. Party cruises tend to emphasize drinking, dancing, and festive activities geared towards celebratory activity. 

Party cruises are often aimed toward the younger generation. They tend to promote spring break, bachelor parties, and holiday or themed cruise packages, so the onboard crowd is generally a similar demographic of passengers. There will be various chances onboard to drink alcohol, attend parties, gamble, and take part in adrenaline-fueled activities, such as rock climbing. 

Most cruise lines now have some type of party or special cruise package available. But, how do you choose the best party cruise out of all the options that are out there? After a lot of research, we have narrowed down 2 of the ideal options for the best party cruise experience: Carnival and Virgin Cruise Line. 

Carnival has a wide variety of options for a party cruise out on the seven seas. They tend to come at a lower cost, making them more attractive to the younger generation. Some of the best Carnival Cruise Line party cruise ships include Carnival Imagination, Carnival Fantasy, Mardi Gras, and Sail-Away. 

Party cruises on the Carnival Cruise line often come at a valued price with shorter sailing times and longer-lasting onboard activities. While their cruises aren’t technically adults-only, they are aimed toward a younger generation with a tighter budget. Drink packages are available on Carnival Cruise ships, with signature drinks for each cruise ship. This allows passengers to enjoy a few days away from the city, partying at sea at a reasonable price and using fewer vacation days. 

Amenities and features onboard are often lively and adrenaline filled. Brunches, alcohol tastings, nightclubs, dance parties, comedy clubs, and adult-only areas. Carnival Cruise Line is known for having a free and fun-loving atmosphere on board making it easy to make the most out of your cruise holiday. 

Virgin Cruise Line is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world and lives up to its reputation. Recently, they are re-vamping their cruise experiences and introducing new styles of experiences and destinations. One of their most popular cruise ships for partying, fun, and excitement, is none other than “The Scarlet Lady.”

The Scarlet Lady is the only adult-only cruise through Virgin Cruise Line. There are ship-wide parties every night of sailing, including Scarlet Night, Pajama Party, beach clubs, and various dance parties. Additionally, alcohol tastings, fitness and art centers, a tattoo parlor, recreational areas, and access to private beach clubs are a specific location, like the Bahamas. While onboard The Scarlet Lady, there is a neverending list of adrenaline or party-themed activities. 

The atmosphere onboard The Scarlet Lady has been re-vamped to a more classy and modern vibe. Shopping is limited to essentials such as clothes, jewelry, cosmetics, glasses, and duty0free options. Rather than having the main dining room, there are specialty restaurants that are able to be booked in advance, in addition to the banning of single-use plastic. 

There are no drink packages onboard The Scarlet Lady, but drinks come at a very reasonable price with the option to pre-purchase a bar tab. On average beer is $5-$8, wine is $8-$12, and cocktails are $8-$12. Shows onboard tend to be more riskay, such as burlesque and sex-themed entertainment, in addition to lively bands that allow you to dance the night away. While The Scarlet Lady does come at a higher cost than a lot of other party cruise options, the luxury and amenities onboard are well worth every penny. 

Whether you are looking to escape reality for a few days, relax onboard in an adult-only atmosphere, dance and party your socks off, or taste test every possible cocktail known to man, a party cruise will let you experience it all, without breaking the bank. Party cruises are a superb opportunity to have a vacation full of excitement, celebration, and a whole lot of fun.