For the young and the young at heart, cruise lines are taking a renewed focus on nightclubs as prominent places of entertainment rather than just pokey back corners and hidden broom closets where cruisers of yesteryear would perform the “YMCA” and the “Nutbush”.

Nowadays for their late-night revelling, guests can expect anything and everything from energetic Miami-style outdoor clubs to DJs that float around the room. We have done the hard yards and danced the “Macarena” across the seas to find the best nightclubs afloat.

Music Hall (Royal Caribbean)

A live band kicks off each night in this ocean going hot spot, available on Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and the new Ovation of the Seas. All the favourite hits are on rotation in this mammoth two storey space, with a DJ graduating to more modern dance music as the crowd dictates. We love that the crowd is a real mix of ages and tastes and as such the music tends to have a greater variety than your typical cruise ship club.

Skywalkers (Princess Cruises)

For some, the approach to this venue on Golden Princess and Emerald Princess may trump the venue itself. Located at the end of a long travelator ride enveloped by a star covered ceiling, guests are embraced by a facility which would look right at home on the Starship Enterprise.

While multi-coloured space themed carpets and purple green hues consume the space, what makes Skywalkers truly remarkable is its location – 19 decks up and perched over the rear of the ship. Floor to ceiling windows provide unobstructed 360 degree views of the ship and ocean around you – even if you can’t see it – adding to the thrill of the night!

Spice H20 (Norwegian Cruise Line)

This fun outdoor club – available on Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway – provides guests with the chance to dance away the night under the Caribbean or European stars. Featuring a large Times Square style LED screen which projects psychedelic visions and a choreographed fountain show, guests can enjoy one of the only fireworks shows at sea, with the event occurring during two deck parties on Norwegian Breakaway.