If there is a ship built for Millennials this is it. From robot bartenders (industrial robots programmed to make drinks) to bumper cars, to indoor skydiving, to the fastest Internet at sea (and at reasonable, unlimited use prices), this is a ship for the new generation. The "main" dining room has been eliminated in favor of more than a dozen restaurants and you can make reservations via an app on your smartphone or by taping your radio frequency ship wristband at locations around the ship. Entertainment includes performers interacting with digital screens controlled by robot arms. The future is now, on sailings from Bayonne, New Jersey to the Caribbean.
Allure of the Seas/Oasis of the Seas:
Despite fleet-mate Quantum's unmatched awesomeness, these ships are the largest in the world and cruise the Caribbean with more cool activities onboard than you can possibly do in a week – though you should definitely try soaring down a zipline above the Boardwalk, one of seven shipboard "neighborhoods." Test your surfing skills on the FlowRider, hit the rock-climbing wall, go ice-skating, munch burgers at Johnny Rockets and order lattes from Starbucks when you're not eating ice cream from Ben & Jerry's or shopping at Coach. Bonus: You can pose for photos with Shrek (with DreamWorks characters part of the fun).
Norwegian Getaway/Norwegian Breakaway:
"Freestyle Cruising" means a flexible schedule when it comes to dining – there are some 27 eateries on these ships, including sushi and Asian options. As you cruise the Caribbean you can try your hand at one of the largest ropes course at sea – where The Plank helps you to pretend you're in "Pirates of the Caribbean" and walk a few feet off the ship. Kids will enjoy interacting with Nickelodeon characters and racing each other down the slides in the waterpark. Bar and lounge choices abound, including a real Svedka Ice Bar (you put on a parka to imbibe) and the outdoor dance club Spice H20, where during a weekly 80s night you and your side ponytail can dance under the stars to Madonna and Devo.
Disney Fantasy/Disney Dream:
Whether you've already got kids or you just like the idea of reliving your childhood, Disney ships bring back the memories. Celebrate your nostalgia by interacting with plenty of costumed characters, watching first-run Disney movies and attending shows featuring popular movie tunes. If you're looking for thrills, check out the 765-foot AquaDuck watercoaster, the only such ride at sea. Kids ages 3 months to 17 will be immersed in age-appropriate activities, leaving you free to hang out at an adults-only pool with cool coffee shop/bar. At night you'll find a surprisingly adult party scene – including a lively dance club and several bars. On Disney's picture-perfect private island, Castaway Cay, you can play with water cannons when you're not lounging on the beach.
Cunard's Queen Mary 2:
A decade old, the cruise world's fastest ship is one of the most traditional at sea. That makes it perfect for Millennials looking for a nostalgic, classic experience. Go ballroom dancing in a real ballroom, sip Veuve Clicquot Champagne from Waterford Crystal flutes at the champagne bar, visit the only planetarium at sea, have a pint in the British-style pub, and party all night at the two-level G32 disco, all while crossing the Atlantic between New York and Southampton.
Carnival Cruise Lines:
The updated "Fun Ships" have a lot Millennials will enjoy, not the least of which is a lively atmosphere and budget prices. You can do a quick, three-, four- or five-day cruise this fall from a variety of ports at fantastic budget-friendly fares. Carnival Corp. (parent company of nine brands) is debuting a new hybrid WiFi@Sea setup that promises faster and cheaper connections. The Carnival Live! concert series brings well-known artists onboard to perform at select ports – including Daughtry and REO Speedwagon in December. The shipboard scene includes waterslides, ropes courses, Guy Fieri burgers, themed bars, adults-only sunning areas, Dr. Seuss characters, top-rate comedians and experienced DJs.
Un-Cruise Adventures:
Up for an adventure? Some of the small ships (as few as 22 passengers) of this Seattle-based line take you into the wilderness for days spent hiking, kayaking, snorkeling and standup paddle-boarding in places including Alaska's Glacier Bay, the Hawaiian Islands and Mexico's Sea of Cortez. There's a focus on group exploration, though there's also plenty of opportunities to explore on your own. Captains have flexibility to change itineraries if, for instance, a pod of whales is spotted. But warning: This experience is nearly always unplugged (Wi-Fi only offered on Galapagos sailings).
Happy Cruising!
Excerpts From USA Today
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