When it comes to bachelor party planning, the expectations can be high and the group chats chaotic. You need something that’s fun, low-stress and primed for great stories — but that ideally doesn’t end with anyone stranded in the desert or breaking the bank. That’s where a cruise comes in.
Whether you’re picturing a half-day booze cruise with a live DJ and bottomless drinks or a weekend escape on a ship loaded with bars, casinos and late-night pizza, bachelor (and bachelorette) party cruises hit the sweet spot between getaway and party central. Read on to see some of the best cruises for bachelor parties — and prepare to celebrate in style.
Ovation of the Seas: Ensenada Cruise
Price: From $283 per person Duration: Three nights
For a bachelor party that combines high-octane adventure with laid-back luxury, Royal Caribbean‘s Ovation of the Seas offers a three-night, round-trip cruise from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico. The ship itself is a floating playground, featuring a skydiving simulator, bumper cars, a surf simulator and the North Star observation capsule, which lifts you 300 feet above sea level for panoramic views. Evenings can be spent enjoying live entertainment at venues like Two70 and Music Hall, or trying your luck at Casino Royale. Plus, there’s a variety of dining and drink options, including Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, Wonderland and the Bionic Bar, where robotic bartenders serve up drinks.
Upon arrival in Ensenada, the options for daytime excursions are plentiful; touring wine country, kayaking, horseback riding, zip lining, deep sea fishing and foodie tours are all a great way to make memories. During the following day at sea, reserve a private cabana on the pool deck for daytime lounging, or organize a group dinner at one of the ship’s specialty restaurants. Everyone on board comes ready to party, so all you have to do is show up.
Utopia of the Seas: Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise
Price: From $593 per person Duration: Three nights
If your crew wants to go all-out on an unforgettable weekend — without blowing through everyone’s paid time off — Royal Caribbean’s new Utopia of the Seas is the ultimate bachelor party cruise ship. This three-night voyage departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, making it an easy rally point for East Coast and Midwest buddies. On board, this next-generation megaship billed as the “World’s Biggest Weekend” brings full-throttle fun: think multilevel nightclubs, a casino, five pools and three waterslides, and a dedicated karaoke bar for late-night antics. There’s even a two-story Ultimate Family Suite with a slide and hot tub on the balcony (if someone’s feeling baller enough to book it).
Perhaps the best bachelor-worthy moment comes when the ship docks at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. You can ride North America’s tallest waterslide, rent a floating cabana or head straight to Hideaway Beach, the island’s adults-only section with DJs and drinks. Add in some jet skiing or snorkeling, or just post up at the swim-up bar and let the day unfold, bachelor-style.
Back on board, Utopia of the Seas is stacked with group-friendly experiences. Grab steaks at Chops Grille, sip mezcal at the Pesky Parrot bar or take over a table at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade to relive college over chicken wings and beer. With nonstop energy, short-and-sweet timing and a private island stop built for party mode, Utopia of the Seas is tailor-made for one unforgettable last hurrah.
Valiant Lady or Scarlet Lady: Dominican Daze
Price: From $1,790 per cabin Duration: Five nights
Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady and Scarlet Lady ships offer a five-night Dominican Daze cruise departing from Miami that you and your bros won’t soon forget. This adults-only voyage is designed for those seeking a blend of relaxation and sophistication. The ships are havens of modern luxury, featuring over 20 dining venues curated by Michelin-starred chefs, a variety of bars and lounges, and immersive and edgy entertainment options that challenge traditional cruise norms. From drag performances to late-night dance parties (don’t forget to pack something red for Scarlet Night!), the onboard experience is anything but ordinary.
This itinerary includes a stop in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, where the group can explore the city’s vibrant culture, relax on golden beaches or embark on adventurous excursions like zip lining through lush forests or visiting Damajagua Cascades (aka “27 Waterfalls”). Another highlight is a day at The Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin Voyages‘ exclusive private retreat in the Bahamas. Here, the party continues with DJ-led pool parties, beachside lounging and a bonfire under the stars.
At first glance, this sailing might seem pricey, but Virgin includes a lot of things that other cruise lines charge extra for, including Wi-Fi access, crew gratuities, all dining, soda and fitness classes.
Carnival Breeze: 4-Day Western Caribbean from Galveston, Texas
Price: From $474 per person Duration: Four nights
This four-night cruise from Galveston, Texas, to Cozumel, Mexico, aboard Carnival Breeze delivers maximum fun without breaking the bank. The ship boasts a variety of amenities designed for group enjoyment, including the RedFrog Rum Bar, the BlueIguana Tequila Bar and the lively Piano Bar. For daytime activities, your group can challenge themselves on the ropes course at SportSquare or unwind at the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat.
The itinerary includes a full day in Cozumel, where your groom squad can go snorkeling at the Palancar Reef, take an ATV jungle tour, explore the nearby Mayan ruins of Tulum or enjoy a beach day. The fun continues back on the ship with a variety of dining and entertainment options. Try Guy’s Burger Joint or Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse for casual eats, or savor a steak dinner at Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse or an Italian feast at Cucina del Capitano. Spend your evenings laughing at The Punchliner Comedy Club or imbibing at Liquid Nightclub.
Koningsdam: 4-Day California Retreat
Price: From $574 per person Duration: Four nights
For a classier, low-key trip, take in the coastal charm of California on Holland America Line‘s four-night California Retreat cruise. Departing from San Diego, this voyage on Koningsdam provides a seamless blend of scenic beauty and onboard sophistication. The ship features a variety of amenities designed for group fun, including the Rolling Stone Lounge for live music, the World Stage with entertaining shows, and a selection of bars and lounges perfect for toasting the groom-to-be.
The itinerary includes stops in Santa Barbara and Catalina Island, California, as well as Ensenada, Mexico, providing the perfect mix of wine tastings, whale and dolphin watching, ATV adventures, and taco lunches paired with margaritas. Back on board, dine at the upscale Pinnacle Grill or the casual Lido Market, and spend evenings enjoying live music and shows or trying your luck at the casino.
Boston Harbor Champagne Sunset Sail from Rowes Wharf: Boston
Price: From $82 per person Duration: 2 hours
If you are short on time or want a sailing to be just one part of a larger bachelor party weekend, consider a day or evening cruise. The Boston Harbor Champagne Sunset Sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack III or Adirondack IV offers a two-hour journey through the heart of Boston Harbor. Departing from Rowes Wharf, this 80-foot classic pilot schooner provides seating for up to 41 guests. As the sun sets, the city’s skyline transforms, offering breathtaking views of landmarks like Castle Island, the Moakley Federal Courthouse and the New England Aquarium.
The onboard bar offers a selection of beverages available to purchase by credit card, including Champagne, beer and wine. You’re welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy during the sail, so have some fun curating your own dinner.
3-Hours All Inclusive Party Boat Cruise: Miami
Price: From $130 per person Duration: 3 hours
For an all-you-can-drink bachelor party experience, this all-inclusive Miami booze cruise provides an open bar stocked with vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, tequila, juices and sodas, ensuring the drinks keep flowing throughout the voyage. Guests of the Miami boat tour can also enjoy complimentary snacks, including hot dogs, chicken wings and chips, to keep the energy up as the party unfolds.
The onboard atmosphere delivers club vibes, featuring a live DJ spinning a mix of hip-hop, Latin, trap and Top 40 hits. Don’t be surprised if twerking contests and Champagne showers ensue. The cruise offers panoramic views of the Miami skyline, providing a picturesque backdrop for the celebration.
Why Trust U.S. News Travel
Jill Schildhouse has been an avid cruiser since the mid-’90s and has been on 14 cruises in just the last 15 months — from the newest megaships (including Utopia of the Seas) to older vessels (like Ovation of the Seas). To write this article, she paired extensive research with her decades of experience as a cruiser. Schildhouse covers the travel industry for myriad top-tier outlets, including U.S. News & World Report, AARP, Fodor’s, Reader’s Digest and Insider.
You might also be interested in:
— How Much Does a Cruise Cost?
— Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
— The Best Cruise Packing List
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The 7 Best Bachelor Party Cruises originally appeared on usnews.com
