For a growing number of people, long weekends are a great excuse to leave their troubles behind at the shore and enjoy the ultimate party weekend onboard a cruise ship.
Not only do short cruises leaving from U.S. ports tend to be budget-friendly but they also generally appeal to millennials and anyone looking for an easy way to escape the grind and let loose, while still getting back to work Monday (or maybe Tuesday).
We researched three- and four-night cruises leaving from U.S. ports in Florida, Texas and California to come up with this list of the best party cruise ships that are so good, you'll probably come up with a few creative excuses for playing hooky from work by the time you've finished reading this article.
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1. Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady
The quintessential cool party cruise, adults-only sailings on Virgin's Scarlet Lady promise legendary musical entertainment. Artists, like Mark Ronson and Diplo, are expected to join some of the voyages starting in 2020, which include stops at Virgin's private island resort, Bimini. There's an onboard tattoo studio, drag queen brunch and "Scarlet Night," which is billed as the "party to end all parties" (bring your red attire).Signature drinks: Try the Yasss Queen, a Champagne cocktail with citrus bitters, hibiscus and ginger; or the Rizzle Dizzle CBD cocktail with gin, elderflower and black pepper.2. Norwegian Breakaway
3. Bahamas Paradise's Grand Celebration
Grand Celebration, along with sister Grand Classica, offers two-night Bahamas itineraries throughout the week, year-round -- the perfect weekend getaway. These cruises tend to appeal to younger travelers -- 20- and 30-somethings -- plus Florida locals. Take a long weekend and extend your stay with an all-inclusive package at a resort (including unlimited food, drink and resort activities) for a mid-cruise land-based stay.Both ships offer a half-dozen bars that stay open until the wee hours, slinging tropical drinks like specialty mojitos, plus nightclubs that start the party early, from 6 p.m. with dance-friendly tunes. The line is also known for booking big musical acts throughout the year such as the Marshall Tucker Band, KT Tunstall and Tito Puente Jr. -- check the entertainment schedule in advance.Signature drinks: The Encore, a vodka-based cocktail with lime juice, basil, ginger and cucumber; acai caipirinhas; and lychee martinis.4. Carnival Imagination
5. Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas
Though Galveston-based cruises don't have the hard-partying reputation of those on the coasts, if a party is what you're looking for, you'll find it on a short-but-sweet jaunt on Enchantment of the Seas. Eight bars and lounges, plus nine pools and hot tubs (including an adults-only Solarium), are among some of the amenities to help you unwind. If you're feeling a bit more active, take your partner for a spin salsa dancing at Boleros, bounce on the bungee trampolines or get soaked on the Splash Deck. Late-night dance parties often take place on the pool deck under the stars.Signature drink: Lava Flow, Royal Caribbean's signature pina colada streaked with strawberry and rum.6. Carnival Fantasy
Updated January 08, 2020
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