If you’ve ever browsed short cruise itineraries and seen prices that seem too good to be true, chances are you’ve stumbled across a booze cruise. Typically marketed as a fun, quick getaway packed with drinks, dancing, and sea views — booze cruises have built quite a reputation. But are they the ultimate party at sea or just a recipe for regret?
Let’s take a look at what they actually involve, which cruise lines run them, and whether they’re worth your money.
Who Offers Booze Cruises?
A few cruise lines are unofficially known for these short party-focused sailings:
- P&O Cruises – Especially out of Southampton, you’ll find 2–3 night “mini cruises” to destinations like Zeebrugge (for Bruges) or Le Havre. These are incredibly popular with Brits looking for an affordable weekend away.
- MSC Cruises – Their short sailings out of European ports can sometimes take on a party vibe, especially during summer or bank holiday weekends.
- Royal Caribbean & Carnival – In the US, 3–4 night itineraries from Miami, Port Canaveral, or Los Angeles can feel like a floating nightclub, particularly on older ships offered at budget prices.
- Costa Cruises – In Europe, you can regularly find mini breaks out of various ports in Italy and Spain.
- Virgin Voyages – Virgin are probably the exception here, as they’ll actually advertise it as a party/celebration cruise. And more often than not, there’s exclusive guests onboard… As in, THE Richard Branson.
These cruises are often priced low, but you’ll want to check if drinks are included — some require you to add on a drink package, which can hike up the total cost.
Who Comes On Board?
You’ll get a real mix of people on booze cruises, but some common groups include:
- Groups of friends celebrating a birthday or reunion
- Hen and stag parties
- Couples looking for a cheap weekend away
- Young first-time cruisers testing the waters
- People who just want to drink, dance, and not worry about getting on a plane
The atmosphere can be… lively. Expect queues at the bars, loud music until late, and sometimes a party vibe that spills over into the corridors.
The Positives
- Cheap and cheerful: These cruises can be an affordable way to escape for a weekend.
- No flying required: For UK residents, sailings from Southampton make it super easy to hop on board.
- Taster cruise: It’s a fun intro to cruising if you’ve never done it before.
- If you’re with friends – it’s a real good time.
The Negatives
- It’s not as relaxing: If you’re looking for a peaceful escape, this is not the cruise for you.
- Cabins can be loud: Thin walls + party people = bring earplugs.
- Limited ports: Most weekend cruises don’t go far – it’s more about the ship than the destination.
- Drink-fuelled drama: Over-indulgence can lead to disruptive passengers and occasional poor behaviour.
Alternatives to the Traditional Booze Cruise
If you love the idea of drinks, fun, and music at sea – but want something a little more elevated – here are some great alternatives:
- Virgin Voyages: Adults-only cruises with a youthful vibe, stylish bars, and DJs, but without the rowdiness. Think Ibiza energy, not Magaluf chaos.
- Themed Cruises: Look out for music festivals at sea or genre-specific events (e.g., 80s cruises, LGBTQ+ cruises). These often have a party atmosphere but attract a more niche, like-minded crowd.
- Longer Cruises with Drinks Included: Lines like Celebrity, Norwegian, or Princess sometimes offer longer sailings where drinks are included in the fare, but the vibe is more relaxed.
Is It Worth It?
Booze cruises are what you make of them. If you’re going in with a group, ready to dance all night and laugh your way across the Channel – they can be a brilliant (and cheap) weekend.
But if you’re hoping to get a real taste of cruising – the service, the food, the destinations – a booze cruise may leave you underwhelmed or even put you off.
My advice? Go in with the right expectations. For some, it’s a wild weekend to remember. For others, it’s a hangover at sea.
