THE first ever international cruise for cougars - older women who are interested in younger men - has set sail from San Diego, US.

The sold-out International Cougar Cruise took place aboard Carnival’s Fun Ship Elation bound for Ensenada, Mexico.

Guests participated in three nights of dancing and partying, featuring special guest Miss Cougar America.

It was promoted as a cruise for the cougar who “knows exactly what she wants … (and) what she doesn’t want is children, cohabitation or commitment”.

Industry experts have welcomed the cruise, saying that older women should not be discriminated against because of a relationship with a younger man.

"Age discrimination is perhaps the most pervasive prejudice in American Society," Rich Gosse, Chairman of The Society of Single Professionals in the US, a sponsor of the cruise, said.

"Older women, in particular, are victimized by our youth-oriented society. They are regarded as 'non-sexy'... The truth is that there are millions of American men who find older women attractive, and we will prove it on the Cougar Cruise."

"2009 is the year of the Cougar," says Ann Thomas, Executive Director of The Singles Travel Company, said.

"We were surprised to discover that there has never been an International Cougar Cruise. Obviously this cruise is long overdue.”

Tickets cost from $US125 ($138) per person, for double occupancy. The ship set sail on December 4.

Originally published as Wild Cougar cruise sets sail