There’s no time like the present to take advantage of an economy that’s gone to shit. After you sell last quarter’s textbooks, you can hop on a Carnival Cruise ship for as little as $199.

Unlike most ocean liners, Carnival Cruises weren’t designed for those teetering between retirement and death. With a focus on clients 35 and under, Carnival is the only cruise line that allows 18-year-olds to drink onboard (in international waters, of course).

But if you don’t want to fork out $9 for on-board cocktails, Mexico is a good place to buy brand-name alcohol for half of what you’d pay stateside. As high-school as it sounds, bring extra water bottles to fill with your international purchase — while the cruise line doesn’t mind you paying through the nose for their drinks, they’re not too keen on co-eds getting wasted off the $12 Absolut they bought at a Mexican drugstore.

Drugs, sex and rock ‘n’ roll aside, the best part of the trip is an utter lack of responsibility or purpose. There’s nothing better than waking up in the morning and leaving the mess you can’t quite recall making to the ship’s cleaning staff while you devour a four-course breakfast.

Technically, you’re supposed to be at least 21 to cruise alone; however, if you can find someone who is 21 to register with you, you won’t have a problem getting aboard.

So leave the worry of finding a designated driver on the boarding platform — you definitely don’t want to miss the boat on this one.