How Much Does a Cruise Cost? Pricing Guide for 2025 Cruises!

Cruises are a fun and exciting way to travel, but how much does a cruise cost? The price of a cruise depends on the cruise line, destination, length of the trip, and type of cabin. Some cruises start as low as $200 per person, while luxury options can cost thousands. How much are cruises and what factors affect their prices?

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly getaway or a high-end experience, understanding cruise costs can help you plan better. Keep reading to find out how much is a cruise and everything you need to know before booking your trip!

How Much Does a Cruise Cost? 

Cruise prices can vary from $200 to over $1,000 per person per day, depending on factors like the cruise line, destination, and cabin type. Budget-friendly cruises are cheaper, while luxury options come with premium services at a higher cost.

Most cruise packages cover meals, entertainment, and some onboard activities, but extras such as shore excursions, drinks, and WiFi may require additional payment. Popular destinations including the Caribbean and Mediterranean have lower prices during off-peak seasons.

Booking in advance or taking advantage of last-minute deals can help reduce costs. Some cruises offer special discounts for families, while solo travelers may have to pay extra for single-occupancy cabins.

What is Included in a Cruise?

When booking a cruise, many travelers wonder what is included in their ticket. Most cruise fares cover a comfortable cabin, delicious meals, and a variety of free entertainment options. Guests can enjoy live music, theater shows, swimming pools, and fun activities for all ages. Some cruises even have kids’ clubs and fitness centers, making it an exciting experience for families.

While many things are included, some services and activities cost extra. Fancy restaurants, alcoholic drinks, spa treatments, and gambling usually require additional payment. WiFi, shore excursions, and gratuities may also not be part of the basic fare.

Flights and transportation to the cruise port are also not included, so travelers need to plan their budget carefully. Many cruises offer onboard credit, which can be used for shopping, dining, or special activities.

To save money, it’s best to compare different cruise lines, look for deals, and book early. A well-planned cruise ensures a fun and stress-free vacation without unexpected expenses. 

How Much Does a 1 Week Cruise Cost?

Cruise prices vary widely, starting at $200 for a 4-night Bahamas trip and going up to $96,000 for a 150-night World cruise.

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: 

• In January, a 7 nights cruise to Mexico costs between $450 and $695 per person. 
• The prices range from $250 to $1,652 per person for a 7 nights cruise in Alaska in May. 
• The price for a 7 nights Caribbean cruise in November ranges from $250 to $2,500 per person. 
• In June, a 7 nights trip in the Western Mediterranean cost between $620 and $2,250 per person. 
• In October, a 7 nights cruise to Canada and New England costs between $450 and $1,050 per person. 

How Much Does a Cruise Cost for a Solo Traveler?

Traveling solo on a cruise gives you the freedom to relax and discover more about yourself. A 7-day cruise ranges from $500 to $5,000 with luxury options often exceeding this range. But most cruise cabins are for two. This means that solo travelers may have to pay extra, called a “single supplement” fee, which can sometimes be as high as double the normal fare.

To help solo travelers save money, some cruise lines now offer special options. Norwegian Cruise Line has studio cabins made just for solo travelers, so they don’t have to pay extra.

Royal Caribbean also has some newer ships with cabins for one person at no extra cost. These cabins are on Brilliance of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas .

Luxury cruise lines like Silversea sometimes lower the single supplement fee to around 25% on certain trips. River cruise companies like AmaWaterways also remove extra fees for solo travelers on select cruises.

By looking for these deals, solo travelers can enjoy a cruise without spending too much. Booking early or checking for special promotions can also help save money.

Costs of Different Types of Cruises

Each cruise company has a unique style that appeals to different types of cruisers. 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 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: $100 to $500 (per person per day for a basic cabin) 
• Premium: $300 to $700 (per person per day for a basic cabin) 
• Luxury: $600 to $1,000 (per person per day for a basic cabin) 

Mainstream Cruises

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 luxury 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 Cruises  

Premium cruise Lines focus on travelers who want a comfortable way to travel the world. They may offer some of the same activities as popular cruise lines, but they prioritize high-end service and facilities. Examples include Cunard Line, Virgin Voyages, and Viking Ocean Cruises. 

Fine dining options are great and wine lovers can 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 Cruises.  

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 Cruises

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. 

Factors Affecting Cruise Cost

Here are the factors that affect cruise costs:

Early Booking  

Booking your cruise early is important because you can get the best prices and choose from more cabin options. By booking 3 to 4 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 higher during popular vacation times like summer and Christmas, when more people are taking trips. 

Cabin Type 

The type of cabin you choose can greatly affect the cost of a cruise. Interior cabins are the cheapest because they have no windows, while ocean-view cabins cost more since they offer a view of the sea. Balcony cabins are even pricier, giving travelers private outdoor space to enjoy the scenery. Suites are the most expensive, offering luxury features like extra space, special services, and VIP perks.

Choosing a cabin on a higher deck or in a central location may also increase the price. Booking early or during discounts can help you get a better deal on your preferred cabin type.

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 

When planning your cruise, don’t forget to include the extra cost for shore excursions. These are fun trips that you can take when your ship stops at a port. For example, you might enjoy a dog sledding adventure in Alaska which can cost around $650 per person, or a snorkeling tour in the Caribbean for about $100 per person.

You may even join a guided tour to see ancient ruins in Greece for roughly $150 per person. Booking these excursions early can help you save money and make your vacation even more exciting.

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 to $20 
• IMAX movies: $5.50 to $14 
• FlowRider private session: $69 or more
• Spa and Salon Treatments: $120 or more

Drinks and Drink Packages 

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. 

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 $10 for soft drinks to $130 for premium drinks. 

Some cruise lines 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. 

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, but many travelers choose to enjoy specialty dining experiences for an extra cost. These exclusive restaurants provide high-quality dishes, elegant settings, and unique menus crafted by expert chefs.

The cost of dining at a specialty restaurant on a cruise varies. Prices range from $20 to $60 per person, depending on the restaurant and menu. Premium experiences, such as wine-paired meals or a chef’s table dinner, can exceed $100 per person.

Several cruise lines are well-known for their exceptional specialty dining. Royal Caribbean offers Wonderland, a creative molecular gastronomy experience. Norwegian Cruise Line has Cagney’s Steakhouse, perfect for fine cuts of meat. Celebrity Cruises features Le Petit Chef, an interactive dining experience combining food and entertainment.

For food lovers looking for a memorable culinary journey, these specialty restaurants elevate the cruise experience. Whether craving gourmet seafood, premium steak, or authentic Italian pasta, there’s an option for every taste.

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.

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 $15 to $20 per day, whereas Disney Cruise Line offers a 1 GB plan for $89. 

Cruise Special Offers & Discounts

Check out the following special offers and discounts available:

“Kids Sail Free” Promotions

Families with children can take advantage of special promotions like kids sail free cruises 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 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.  

FAQs – How Much Does a Cruise Ship Cost?