How do cruise prices vary and what are the budget options?
What factors set the price of a cruise, which costs add to the base fare and how to save without giving up a good experience.
Two seven-night cruises can cost very different amounts, and not always for the reason you imagine. Price depends on the cruise line, ship, itinerary, season, cabin type and what the fare includes. Understanding each factor lets you compare sensibly and spot genuinely good deals.
This guide explains what the price is made of, when travel is usually cheaper, which extra costs you should budget for and which strategies help you save. The figures we give are approximate: prices change every day and between cruise lines, so use them as a comparison method, not as a quote.
What a cruise price depends on
The price per person is the result of several factors combined. These are the main ones:
- The cruise line and its category: mainstream companies are usually cheaper than premium and luxury lines, which offer more service and often more included.
- The ship: new and larger ships with many facilities can cost more than older ones.
- The itinerary: long routes and remote or high-demand destinations, such as Alaska or northern Europe, tend to be more expensive.
- The time of year: school holidays and high season push fares up.
- The cabin type: inside, ocean view, balcony or suite.
- The booking moment and the demand at that time.
Price by cabin type
The cabin is one of the factors that most influences price, and within each category it also changes with size and location. This table gives an overview:
| Category | Price position | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Inside | The cheapest | Those who spend little time in the cabin |
| Ocean view (window) | One step above inside | Those who want natural light without paying for a balcony |
| Balcony | Noticeably more expensive | Those who value a private terrace and views |
| Suite | The most expensive | Those who want space, services and extra comfort |
When travel is cheapest
Season is one of the big price factors. As a general rule:
- Low season (lowest-demand months): lower fares, although with risks such as weather or fewer services in some ports.
- Shoulder season (the in-between months): a balance of good weather and moderate prices.
- High season (summer, Christmas, Easter and school holidays): higher fares and more demand.
Weekdays versus weekends
Weekend departures are usually a bit more expensive than midweek ones, and shorter trips have a higher price per night than longer ones.
Repositioning cruises
When a ship changes region, for example from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, it makes a repositioning crossing. These are usually long, with many days at sea, and offer lower prices per night.
What the fare includes and what is paid separately
The base fare usually covers the cabin, meals in the main restaurants, entertainment and use of the facilities. But some costs are added on top and you should budget for them:
- Gratuities and service charges, charged per person per day.
- Alcoholic drinks, premium sodas and specialty coffee, unless you buy a package.
- Specialty restaurants.
- Shore excursions.
- Wi-Fi, spa, casino and shopping on board.
- Port taxes and fees, which sometimes are not shown in the advertised price.
- Flights and hotels before and after the cruise.
- Travel insurance.
How to compare prices sensibly
Always compare the total price per person, including taxes, gratuities and the extras you know you will use. A low fare that includes nothing can end up more expensive than a higher one that includes drinks or gratuities.
A sample budget
To understand the impact of extras, here is an illustrative example with hypothetical figures, only to show the calculation method:
| Item | Calculation | Approximate amount |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare | 2 × 800 | 1,600 |
| Taxes and fees | 2 × 150 | 300 |
| Gratuities | 2 × 7 × 16 | 224 |
| Drink package | 2 × 7 × 50 | 700 |
| One excursion per person | 2 × 90 | 180 |
| Estimated total | Sum of the above | 3,004 |
Strategies to save without giving up what matters
- Be flexible with dates: traveling in low or shoulder season can cut the price a lot.
- Book early or take advantage of promotion season deals in the first months of the year.
- Consider an inside or ocean view cabin if you will spend most of your time outside.
- Work out whether a drink package pays off by estimating how much you would really drink.
- Compare prices across several cruise lines and agencies, and ask about conditions and included extras.
- Look for repositioning and last-minute deals if your calendar allows.
- Buy travel insurance on your own and compare it with the one the cruise line offers.
Budget-friendly options
If your budget is tight, these options are usually the most affordable:
Excursions are usually the big budget extra: see how to choose between the cruise line and going independently in our shore excursions guide.
- Mainstream cruise lines sailing from ports near your home, to save on flights.
- Short cruises of three to five nights, ideal for trying the experience.
- Mediterranean or Caribbean itineraries outside high season.
- Inside cabins, which let you put the budget into other parts of the trip.
Mistakes that make the trip more expensive
- Looking only at the base price without adding taxes, gratuities and extras.
- Booking expensive excursions without comparing independent options.
- Buying packages you will not use.
- Leaving the booking to the last minute in high season.
- Not reading the cancellation and price-change conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest cabin type?
The inside cabin, which has no window. It is the cheapest option and useful if you spend little time in the cabin.
When is it cheapest to cruise?
Normally in low season and outside school holidays. Repositioning cruises and last-minute deals can also be cheaper.
Which costs does the base fare not include?
Usually gratuities, drinks, specialty restaurants, excursions, Wi-Fi, spa and, sometimes, taxes and port fees.
Is a drink package worth it?
It depends on how much you drink. Estimate your expected spending and compare it with the package price before deciding.
Do prices change after I book?
They can change, but your fare is usually locked in when you book. Some cruise lines let you adjust the price if it drops before final payment.
Written by
Kate Anderson
Itinerary planning and family cruise specialist
Kate plans sea itineraries for families, couples and groups. She writes about choosing a cabin, organizing a budget and cruising with children without the stress.
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