Going on a cruise is like being on a floating paradise, with new adventures every day. But before you can enjoy the luxury of cruising, you may wonder: How Much Does a Cruise Cost? The answer is not simple.
The cost of a cruise can vary a lot, depending on the type of ship, the destination, and how long you want to sail. This guide will help you understand cruise costs and plan your trip.
How Much Does a Cruise Cost?
The price of a cruise varies greatly depending on the cruise line, ranging from as low as $50 per person per day with budget options such as Costa Cruises to over $1,000 per person per day with luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
On average, a cruise costs around $179 per person per day, totaling $1,254 for a 7-night trip. The average cost of a cruise is about $214.25 per person each day. This includes $152.12 for the ticket and $62.13 for spending on the ship.
Cruise ticket prices vary a lot depending on the ship, destination, and demand. Asking about cruise costs may not give a clear answer because prices can be very different between ships.
How much does a Cruise Ship Cost for one week?
Cruise prices vary widely, starting at $171 for a 4-night Bahamas trip and going up to $94,999 for a 154-night global journey.
The price of a cruise depends on things like route, duration, cabin category, onboard features, and cruise company. Below are some examples of the price range for basic cruises on major cruise lines in different regions:
- The price for a 7 nights Caribbean cruise in November ranges from around $424 to $1,158 per individual.
- The prices range from $244 to $1,632 per person for a 7 nights cruise in Alaska in May.
- In June, a 7 nights trip in the Western Mediterranean costs between $439 and $3,218 per person.
- In January, a 7 nights cruise to Mexico costs between $529 and $695 per person.
- In October, a 7 nights cruise to Canada and New England costs between $470 and $954 per person.
Costs of Different Types of Cruises
Each cruise company has a unique style that appeals to different types of travelers. When considering How Much Does a Cruise Costs, the cruise line you choose will have a significant impact on your overall expenses.
Different cruise lines offer varying levels of luxury, amenities, and inclusions, which can significantly affect the upfront cost of your booking. If you opt for a budget-friendly cruise line, you may find lower prices, but fewer perks and upgrades compared to premium or luxury cruise options.
There are several methods to categorize cruise lines, but for the sake of simplicity, we have divided them into three distinct groups:
- Mainstream: $50 to $500 (per person per day for a basic cabin)
- Premium: $280 to $700 (per person per day for a basic cabin)
- Luxury: $600 to $1,000 (per person per day for a basic cabin)
Mainstream
If you want a relaxed trip to the Caribbean or Mexico, you might be thinking about going on a Carnival Cruise or Royal Caribbean. These cruise lines are well-known for their affordable packages that come with everything you need, as well as extra options to make your trip even better.
Mainstream Cruise Lines are famous for their extravagant amenities like rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and water slides. They also offer 24-hour buffets, grand shows, kids clubs, and nightclubs for non-stop fun.
Some ships in their fleet look old, but their prices match. Passengers can expect good entertainment, food, and service. On big ships, there are many other travelers, so personal attention may be limited.
Premium
Premium cruise Lines focus on travelers who want a comfortable way to travel the world. While they may offer some of the same activities as popular cruise lines, they prioritize high-end service and facilities. Examples include Cunard Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line.
Fine dining options are great, and wine lovers will enjoy the local wine choices at dinner and a special wine menu on the deck. Premium cruises can be family-friendly but may not have as many amenities as Mainstream Cruise.
These ships are not crowded, with around 500 to 1,500 guests. This means bigger cabins, areas for socializing, and elegant decor on the ship.
Luxury
Choosing a luxury cruise may seem expensive at first, but it can end up costing the same as premium options. High-end cruise lines like Silversea include everything in their packages, such as flights, accommodations, transfers, excursions, and butler service.
Luxury cruises have different types of ships, from small yachts for around 100 guests to medium-sized ships. These cruises have a high ratio of crew to passengers, so you get personalized service. You’ll feel welcomed when crew members greet you by name as you explore the ship.
Expect VIP treatment as a valued guest on your trip, with luxurious amenities and top-notch service like a five-star hotel. Enjoy spacious accommodations, gourmet meals by famous chefs, free premium drinks, and easy access to any requests at no extra cost.
Cruise Cabins
One major factor to keep in mind while budgeting for a cruise is the type of cabin you opt for. Cabins vary from basic inside rooms to fancy suites with separate bedrooms, balconies, and luxurious bathrooms.
What matters most is that there are no poor cabins; it all depends on your budget and the amount of space you require when not in shared spaces or exploring the next destination. It’s like choosing your seat on a plane. Economy seats get you to your destination, but Business Class or First Class offers luxury and comfort.
The type of cabin you choose on some ships can give you access to special areas and services. For example, picking a Carnival Havana Stateroom lets you use a private pool and bar. Choosing a Cloud 9 Stateroom gets you more perks like priority spa reservations and free fitness classes.
How Much Does a Luxury Cruise Cost for Two?
When it comes to booking a luxury cruise for couple on an adults-only ship, the cost can vary significantly depending on factors such as the destination, duration of the cruise, and level of luxury desired.
In June, a 7-night Baltic cruise with Regent Seven Seas offers all-inclusive suite accommodations for $12,540 total ($6,270 per person). Depending on the booking source, additional benefits such as cash-back incentives, a two-category room upgrade, and onboard credit may be available.
In June, Silversea has a trip with the same plan. The cost is $13,860 for two people ($6,930 per person), which includes extra benefits. This price is for staying in a suite.
When looking at the price tag of a luxury cruise for two, it may initially give you sticker shock. It’s important to consider the total cost compared to a base fare on a larger cruise ship. The extras included in a luxury cruise often add up to significant savings in the long run.
Cruise Special Offers & Discounts
“Kids Sail Free” Promotions
Families with children can take advantage of special promotions like kids sail free offered by various cruise lines such as Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Princess at different times throughout the year. Discounted fares for kids are available on certain sailings as well.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers $999 fares for children under 17 on certain trips that usually cost $6,000 or more. The fare includes unlimited shore excursions and all the perks of sailing on a luxury cruise line.
Cruise Loyalty Programs
Members of cruise loyalty programs like Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society and Carnival’s VIFP Club get discounts and onboard credits. These programs reward regular cruisers with perks. Joining a loyalty program gives travelers access to special events, priority boarding, and personalized services. As members move up in the program, they get more privileges and bonuses.
Factors Affecting Cruise Cost
Early Booking
Booking your cruise early is important because you can get the best prices and choose from more cabin options. By booking 2 to 3 months before your cruise, you can take advantage of good deals from the cruise lines. Booking early also gives you time to plan your cruise the way you want.
Last Minute Booking
Last-minute cruise deals are a great way for smart travelers to enjoy luxury without spending too much. Some people may hesitate to book a cruise on short notice, but the benefits are too good to ignore. But remember, last-minute deals can have restrictions, like fewer cabin options and less desirable locations on the ship.
Cruising Season
When planning a cruise, remember that the time of year can affect how much you pay. Sometimes of the year have lower prices because fewer people are traveling, while other times have higher costs because more people are on vacation.
If you’re going to the Bahamas, you might find cheaper prices during hurricane season, which is from June to November. Prices are usually higher during popular vacation times like summer and Christmas, when more people are taking trips.
Additional Cruise Expenses to Consider
It’s true that most cruise fares include accommodation, meals, and onboard entertainment, there are additional expenses to consider making the most of your cruising experience.
Some additional cruise expenses to consider include gratuities, specialty dining, shore excursions, and onboard activities. It’s important to budget for these additional costs to fully enjoy your cruise experience without any unexpected financial surprises.
Shore Excursions
The allure of a cruise vacation often lies in the all-inclusive feel, it’s important for travelers to be aware of the extra costs that can quickly add up. One major expense that many overlook is shore excursions, which aren’t typically included in the basic cruise fare.
If you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or sampling local cuisine, you should be ready to pay for these expenses themselves at the end of the trip.
You can explore a destination in different ways: join a group tour, hire a private guide, or go on your own. In some ports, it’s easier to go on your own and explore cities or coastlines directly from the ship.
You have many options to choose from. You can walk around Barcelona for as little as $30 or for luxurious experience take a private helicopter to Ducasse’s house in the south of France for a fancy meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Monaco for $1,999.
Onboard Activities
Most activities on the cruise are included in the fare, but some exciting ones may require an extra fee. Mainstream cruise lines are notorious for tempting guests with exciting options that come at an additional fee. These can range from specialty dining venues to exclusive shore excursions, giving passengers the opportunity to enhance their journey with unique adventures.
Gyms, in particular offer free fitness classes and paid options for special classes like Pilates, spinning, and TRX suspension training. Prices range from $10 to $30 for these unique classes.
Kid’s clubs offer free daytime services, but there may be a fee for evening group babysitting, starting at around $5 per hour per child.
See the list below for prices of popular activities and services on board.
- Behind the scenes tour: $55 to $95
- Laser tag: from $10
- Escape rooms: $9-$20
- IMAX movies: $5.50-$14
- Flow Rider private session: from $69
- Spa and Salon Treatments: from $120
Drinks and Drink Packages
The allure of cruising lies not only in the exotic destinations but also in the luxurious amenities provided on board. You can get water, coffee, tea, and other non-alcoholic drinks on the cruise for free. Juices, specialty coffees, soda, and alcohol usually cost extra unless you choose an all-inclusive package or buy a drinks package.
Some cruise lines, such as Azamara, offer non-alcoholic drinks, select spirits, beers, and wines by the glass in their ticket prices. Other cruise lines may only include drinks during lunch or dinner. Passengers can choose to pay for each drink separately or save money by purchasing a drinks package for their trip.
Each cruise line offers different drink packages to suit various preferences and budgets. Some include both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, while others have separate options. Cruisers should think about their drinking habits and preferences before choosing a package, as it can affect the total trip cost.
Drinks packages range from $12 for soft drinks to $130 for premium drinks.
Generally, the more luxurious the cruise, the higher the drinks price.
Here are the prices for drinks on cruise ships.
- Beer: $3.50 (£3) to $10 (£8)
- Glass of wine: $3.50 (£3) to $16 (£13)
- Cocktail: $6 (£5) to $20 (£16)
Specialty Restaurants
Most cruise ships offer complimentary meals in the main dining room, some passengers prefer to indulge in the extra-fee dining options available onboard.
From laid-back dining choices to elaborate multi-course tasting menus, guests can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences onboard, including the chance to savor dishes crafted by renowned chefs or engage in conversations with the ship’s captain over a meal.
These specialty restaurants provide a unique culinary experience that can elevate guest’s overall vacation. From upscale steakhouses to intimate Italian trattorias, these dining venues cater to those seeking a more exclusive and gourmet meal.
Dining at a different restaurant can cost $15-$50 per person. A wine-paired meal or chef’s table experience can be over $100. Room service may have an additional charge of $5-$10 per order.
Internet
Cruising provides a perfect escape from the hustle of daily life, staying connected has become a necessity for many travelers. It’s important to remember that the internet is rarely included in your cruise fare.
Certain Cruise Lines offer internet packages in bulk, while others charge based on the amount of data you use. For example, Carnival Cruise Line has a social media plan for $12 to $15 per day, whereas Disney Cruise Line offers a 1,000–megabyte plan for $89.
Gratuities
As you plan your next cruise vacation, it’s important to consider the additional expenses that may arise, such as gratuities. Many mainstream cruise lines automatically add a set tip amount to your bill. The daily charges are $13 to $20 and will be shared among the main service staff, gratuity of 15% to 20% is expected to be included in bar tabs.
Some Premium and Luxury cruise lines include tips in the cruise fare, a practice also observed on ships departing from Australian and British ports.
How Much Do Cruises Cost for Solo Travelers?
Traveling solo on a cruise can be freeing, letting you relax and learn about yourself. But most cruise cabins are for two people, so solo travelers may have to pay extra fee which is called single supplement fee. Solo travelers should expect to pay between 125% and 200% of the advertised fare for a cabin.
What’s Included in a Cruise?
When it comes to booking a cruise, cruisers often wonder what is included in their ticket. Cruise tickets offer many amenities like cozy rooms, gourmet meals, and free entertainment options. You can enjoy live shows and onboard activities while exploring new destinations on a luxurious ship.
You must pay extra for fancy meals, alcohol, tips, spa services, gambling, WiFi, flights, transportation to the ship, and excursions.
The inclusions of your cruise differ depending on the cruise line you choose. Certain cruise lines add gratuities into the ticket price, while others may offer a complimentary drink package. Cruises provide guests with onboard credit that can be used for purchases on the ship.
You can avoid spending extra money on your cruise if you plan carefully.
FAQs – How Much Does a Cruise Ship Cost
How Much Does the Average Cruise Cost?
The average cruise ticket costs $1,522 per person. Guests also spend around $680 on extras like drinks, spa services, shore excursions, and casino. This doesn’t include the cost of flights or transportation to the port.
Should I include Laundry Costs in My Cruise Budget?
Some ships have laundry rooms where you can do your own laundry for free or pay $2 per load. If you want someone else to do your laundry, it will cost $3.49 to wash and press a shirt or blouse.
How Much Does it Cost to go on a World Cruise?
Prices for world cruises vary significantly, ranging from $13,724 to $224,959 per person depending on the cruise length and accommodation type. On average, a world cruise costs around $32,000 per person.
How Much is a Carnival Cruise?
Prices for Carnival cruises range from $129 for a 2-night Bahamas cruise in an Inside Stateroom to $4,019 for a 15-night cruise in a Suite. On average, a Carnival cruise costs around $963.
How Much is a Cruise to Alaska?
Alaska cruise prices vary significantly, ranging from as low as $500 per person for a 4-night voyage in an interior cabin with Princess Cruises to a whopping $75,000 per person for a 15-night expedition suite experience with Crystal Cruises. On average, an Alaska cruise typically costs around $1500 per person.
How Much is a Disney Cruise?
A Disney cruise can cost between $1,332 and $47,521 per person. The average cost is $2,950 per person.
How Much is a Cruise to the Bahamas?
A 3-night Bahamas cruise on MSC Armonia starts at $99 per person for an inside cabin, while a 7-night cruise on Symphony of the Seas in a Royal Loft Suite can reach up to $52,000. On average, a Bahamas cruise costs around $1300 per person.
What is the Best Time to Book a Cruise?
The best time to book a cruise is usually from mid-November to mid-March.
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