Best Budget Cruise Lines 2026: Honest Ranking by Price & Value

TL;DR

Best Overall Budget: Carnival Cruise Line — lowest base fares, most departure ports, solid free amenities. A 5-night Caribbean starts at $280/person. But add gratuities, drinks, and excursions and you’ll likely spend $700–$1,100/person total.
Best Budget for Europeans: MSC Cruises — European-deployed fleet with competitive pricing and a “buffet + basics” model that keeps base fares low. Easy Package drinks at ~$51/day are the cheapest in the mainstream market.
Best Budget with Perks: Norwegian Cruise Line — “Free at Sea” promotions can bundle drinks, WiFi, and excursions into the fare, making the total cost surprisingly competitive if you play the promo right. Remember the mandatory gratuity on perks.
Best Premium Budget: Celebrity Cruises — not traditionally “budget,” but last-minute deals and “Always Included” pricing (drinks + WiFi in base fare) can make it competitive with mainstream lines on a per-day basis. Solstice-class fleet renovation underway in 2026.
Best Ultra-Budget: Resort World Cruises and Costa Crociere — rock-bottom fares for flexible travelers who don’t need the mainstream cruise experience.

The honest truth: No cruise line is truly “cheap.” A $299 advertised fare becomes $800+ per person after mandatory gratuities, drinks, WiFi, excursions, and port fees. The real game isn’t finding the lowest base fare—it’s finding the lowest total cost for the experience you actually want. This guide compares real total costs, not misleading sticker prices.

Why “Budget Cruising” Is Trickier Than It Looks

Let’s get something straight: cruise lines are experts at making the advertised price look impossibly low while the final bill tells a different story.

The sticker price trap: A 5-night Carnival cruise advertised at $279/person sounds amazing. But here’s what the ad doesn’t mention:

Cost Item	Amount
Base fare	$279
Port fees & taxes	$120–$180
Gratuities (auto-charged)	$80–$100
Drink package (if you want one)	$400–$580
WiFi	$70–$100
Shore excursion (1–2 ports)	$80–$200
Specialty dining (1–2 meals)	$40–$100
Photos, casino, souvenirs	$50–$150
Realistic total	$1,120–$1,690

That $279 fare is real—you CAN book it. But most travelers end up spending 4–5x the base fare once they’re onboard. The best budget cruise line is the one where the gap between advertised and actual cost is smallest, and where the included amenities match what you actually want.

Our methodology for this guide: We rank by real total cost for a typical 7-night Caribbean sailing (inside cabin, moderate drink consumption, 1–2 excursions, WiFi), not by base fare alone. We also factor in value—what you get for what you pay.

Understand real cruise costs

The Budget Cruise Lines Ranked

1. Carnival Cruise Line: The Undisputed Budget King

Typical 7-night Caribbean total cost: $700–$1,100/person (inside to balcony)

Carnival has been the budget cruise leader for decades, and for good reason: their base fares are consistently the lowest in the mainstream market, they sail from more U.S. ports than any competitor (meaning you might not need a flight), and their ships deliver genuine fun without requiring premium spending.

Why Carnival wins on budget:

Lowest base fares: 4-night Bahamas from $199, 7-night Caribbean from $350–$500. No other mainstream line regularly matches these numbers.
No-flight options: Departures from 14+ U.S. ports including Galveston, New Orleans, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Norfolk, Long Beach, Seattle, and San Francisco. If you can drive to the port, you’ve eliminated the single biggest variable cost—flights ($300–$600/person).
Solid free food: Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and the main dining room are all included and genuinely good. You can eat well without spending a dollar on specialty dining.
Complimentary entertainment: Comedy clubs (the best at sea), pool deck games, stage shows, and movies. More free entertainment than any other budget line.
Affordable drink packages: CHEERS! package runs ~$83/day pre-purchased ($88/day onboard) — not cheap, but covers cocktails, beer, wine, and sodas up to $20 per drink. Break even at about 5–6 drinks/day.

Where Carnival’s budget promise breaks down:

The nickel-and-diming is real: Room service delivery fees ($6), specialty restaurant upcharges ($40–$55/person), premium ice cream, arcade games, and the constant onboard upselling. Carnival’s business model depends on onboard spending.
Older ships = worse value: Excel class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee) are fantastic. Sunshine-class and older ships feel dated and deliver a noticeably worse experience for similar prices. Always check which ship you’re booking.
Crowds reduce the value: On peak sailings, the pools, buffets, and elevators are so crowded that you’re not really getting the “vacation” you paid for. Off-peak is essential for budget travelers.
Cabin size: Carnival’s standard cabins are among the smallest in the mainstream category. Less space for the same money.

Budget pro tips for Carnival:

Book the “guarantee” cabin (assigned later) for 10–20% less than picking your room
Skip the drink package — bring 1 bottle of wine per person (allowed), buy drink-of-the-day specials ($6–$8), and use the free juice/coffee/tea. At $83+/day, the CHEERS! package needs 6+ drinks daily to break even
Eat at the free venues exclusively — Guy’s Burgers + BlueIguana + MDR + buffet = more food than you need
Sail off-peak — September, October, and early December have the lowest fares and fewest crowds
Drive, don’t fly — the savings from avoiding airfare often exceed the cabin savings

Explore Carnival sailings

2. MSC Cruises: The European Budget Contender

Typical 7-night Caribbean total cost: $650–$1,050/person (inside to balcony) Typical 7-night Mediterranean total cost: $600–$950/person (inside to balcony)

MSC is the fastest-growing cruise line in the world, and their pricing strategy is aggressively competitive—especially in Europe, where they operate more ships than any other line.

Why MSC wins on budget:

Aggressive pricing: MSC frequently undercuts Carnival and Royal Caribbean on comparable itineraries, especially Mediterranean sailings. 7-night Mediterranean inside cabins from $400–$500/person are common.
Affordable drink packages: The Easy Package (house wine, beer, classic cocktails, soft drinks — up to 15 drinks/day) runs ~~€47/day (~~$51/day) for 5–10 day cruises in 2026. If you’re not a premium spirits person, this is solid value. A new Premium Extra Package (~€75–79/day) covers premium brands and works on MSC’s private islands too. Note: MSC is introducing updated beverage packages for Summer 2026 sailings.
Kids Sail Free (often): MSC regularly runs “Kids Sail Free” promotions on European and select Caribbean itineraries, where children under 18 cruise free when sharing a cabin with two paying adults. This can save $400–$800+ per child.
European deployment: More Mediterranean and Northern Europe options than any other budget line. If you want a European cruise without the premium pricing, MSC is your best bet.
Newer fleet: MSC’s ships are, on average, newer than Carnival’s and Royal Caribbean’s. The World class (World Europa) and Meraviglia class are genuinely impressive modern vessels.

Where MSC’s budget promise breaks down:

The “experience” fee model: MSC charges extra for things other lines include — the Cirque du Soleil shows ($15–$35), the waterpark on some ships ($8–$15), and certain pool areas on World-class ships. The Easy Package is also not valid on MSC’s private islands (Ocean Cay, Sir Bani Yas) — you’d need the Premium Extra Package for that.
Service inconsistencies: MSC’s service standards are more variable than Carnival’s or Royal Caribbean’s. Crew training has improved but hasn’t reached consistency. If service quality matters to you, MSC might frustrate.
Food quality: The buffet is adequate but uninspired. Main dining room quality is below Carnival’s and well below Royal Caribbean’s. Free food options are more limited than on American-focused lines.
Language/cultural adjustment: MSC caters to a genuinely international passenger mix. Announcements in 5+ languages, European dining customs (later seatings, different portion expectations), and a more cosmopolitan onboard culture. This is a feature for some, a friction point for others.
Shore excursion pricing: MSC’s excursion prices tend to be higher than competitors’, and the cruise line strongly pushes its own tours over independent exploration.

Budget pro tips for MSC:

Book the Bella experience (their lowest fare tier) — you get less flexibility on dining time but the same ship and food
Use the Easy Package instead of the Premium Extra — covers wine, beer, classic cocktails, and soft drinks at ~$51/day vs ~$86/day for Premium Extra
Skip MSC excursions — research independent operators or self-guided port exploration; you’ll save 40–60%
European homeports — flying to Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), or Venice costs less than Caribbean cruises for European travelers

Explore MSC sailings

3. Norwegian Cruise Line: Budget with Perks (If You Play It Right)

Typical 7-night Caribbean total cost: $750–$1,300/person (inside to balcony with Free at Sea)

NCL isn’t the cheapest on paper, but their “Free at Sea” promotion can bundle so many extras into the base fare that the total cost becomes surprisingly competitive. The trick is understanding the promo and not getting upsold.

Why NCL can work on a budget:

“Free at Sea” is genuinely valuable: When active, this promo lets you pick 2–5 “free” perks: unlimited open bar, specialty dining, WiFi, shore excursion credits, and friends/family sail free. On a 7-night cruise, the open bar perk alone is worth $400–$500/person.
Freestyle dining = no upcharge for flexibility: NCL pioneered flexible dining — eat when you want, where you want, with no assigned seating. Other lines charge for this flexibility; NCL includes it.
Decent free dining: The main dining rooms and buffet are solid. O’Sheehan’s (pub food), the Garden Café, and the complimentary restaurants provide enough variety for a week without specialty dining.
Competitive last-minute deals: NCL regularly offers last-minute pricing 30–60% off, especially for inside and oceanview cabins. If you’re flexible on dates, the deals can be remarkable.

Where NCL’s budget promise breaks down:

“Free at Sea” isn’t free: There’s always a promotional fare or a “3rd/4th guest rate” attached. And the open bar perk comes with a mandatory gratuity charge — either 20% of the package value or a flat $28.50/person/day (whichever applies), adding $100–$200 extra over a 7-night cruise. Read the fine print.
Specialty dining push: NCL pushes specialty restaurants harder than any other line. The free restaurants are adequate but deliberately positioned as “good, not great” to drive upsell.
Cabin size: NCL’s standard cabins are among the smallest in the mainstream category — some interior rooms are only 128 sq ft. At these prices, you’re paying for the experience, not the room.
Onboard spending pressure: Art auctions, spa specials, photo packages, and casino promotions are constant. If you’re susceptible to upselling, NCL will extract more money than Carnival.

Budget pro tips for NCL:

Always book with “Free at Sea” — without it, NCL is overpriced for budget travelers
Take the open bar + WiFi perks — these have the highest dollar value vs. the dining or excursion credits
Pay the gratuity on the “free” bar upfront — it’s mandatory (20% of package value or ~$28.50/person/day) and cheaper to include in booking than pay onboard
Skip the specialty dining package — eat at the free venues; the food is fine
Book inside cabin + spend the savings on experiences — you’re barely in the room anyway

Explore NCL sailings

4. Royal Caribbean: Not Cheap, But Smart Value

Typical 7-night Caribbean total cost: $850–$1,400/person (inside to balcony)

Royal Caribbean isn’t a budget cruise line. But it deserves a spot on this list because, for what you get, it delivers the best value-per-dollar in the mainstream category. The total cost is higher than Carnival’s, but the experience gap is even larger.

Why Royal Caribbean can work on a budget:

More ship for the money: Royal Caribbean’s ships offer more activities, more venues, and more entertainment per dollar than any competitor. A $900 Royal Caribbean cruise delivers noticeably more than a $900 Carnival cruise.
Perfect Day at CocoCay: This private island is included in most Bahamas/Caribbean itineraries and provides a full beach/waterpark day at no extra charge (the free areas). Other lines’ private islands offer less or charge more.
Kids’ club quality: Best in the mainstream category. If you’re a family, the free kids’ programming saves you from paying for babysitting or activities.
Older ship deals: Freedom, Voyager, and Radiance class ships offer significantly lower fares than Oasis and Icon class while still delivering a solid cruise experience. A 7-night on Freedom of the Seas can cost 40–50% less than the same itinerary on Wonder of the Seas.

Where Royal Caribbean’s value proposition breaks down:

Base fares are higher: There’s no way around it — Royal Caribbean charges more than Carnival and MSC for comparable itineraries. The gap is 20–40% on base fare.
Everything costs extra: Drink packages ($72–$120/day for Deluxe Beverage Package, often discounted to $56–$72/day pre-cruise), specialty dining, WiFi, and shore excursions are all priced at a premium. The “more for your money” applies to what’s included, not to add-ons.
Mega-ship premium: Oasis and Icon class sailings command premium pricing. If you want the newest, biggest ships, you’ll pay for them.

Budget pro tips for Royal Caribbean:

Book older ship classes — Freedom, Voyager, and Radiance deliver 80% of the experience at 50–60% of the price
Skip the drink package — use the free drink stations (water, lemonade, iced tea) and buy individual drinks
Eat at the Windjammer + main dining room — free, varied, and sufficient
Use Royal Caribbean’s price drop guarantee — if the fare drops after you book, request the difference

Explore Royal Caribbean sailings

5. Celebrity Cruises: Premium at Budget Prices (Sometimes)

Typical 7-night Caribbean total cost: $900–$1,400/person (inside to balcony with Always Included)

Celebrity is a premium cruise line that sometimes prices like a mainstream one. If you catch the right deal, you can get a premium experience for mainstream money.

Why Celebrity can work on a budget:

“Always Included” pricing: Celebrity includes drinks (Classic Package) and basic WiFi in the base fare. When you factor in what you’d pay separately on Carnival ($83/day for CHEERS!) or Royal Caribbean ($72+/day) for these items, Celebrity’s total cost can be competitive. The Classic Package covers cocktails, wine, and beer up to $10/drink — sufficient for most moderate drinkers.
Higher-quality included food: Celebrity’s main dining room and buffet are measurably better than Carnival’s, NCL’s, and MSC’s. You’re less tempted to pay for specialty dining because the free food is actually good.
Last-minute deals: Celebrity’s unsold cabins often get slashed 40–60% in the final 60 days. If you can book late, the value is extraordinary.
Older ship deals: The Millennium and Solstice class ships offer significantly lower fares than the newer Edge class (now 5 ships: Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent, and Xcel), with only modest compromises on the experience. Note: Celebrity is investing $250M+ to renovate the entire Solstice-class fleet starting March 2026 — expect refreshed ships with new dining and lounge concepts.

Where Celebrity’s budget promise breaks down:

Base fares are higher on average: Even with “Always Included,” Celebrity’s starting prices are 30–50% above Carnival’s. The included perks close the gap but don’t eliminate it.
Upcharge for “better” versions: The Premium Drink Package upgrade, specialty dining, and shore excursions are priced at premium levels. The upsell pressure exists even with “included” amenities.
Not a party ship: If you want Carnival-level energy and activities, Celebrity will bore you. This is a different experience entirely.

Budget pro tips for Celebrity:

Book inside cabins on older ships — Millennium/Solstice class interiors with Always Included can rival Carnival’s total cost
Don’t upgrade the drink package — the Classic Package (included) covers enough for most moderate drinkers
Use Celebrity’s “Pick 2” sales — when they offer 2 free perks, choose the ones with the highest cash value
Book 60–90 days out — the best deals appear when unsold inventory needs to move

Explore Celebrity sailings

The Real Total Cost Comparison

Here’s what you’ll actually spend per person on a 7-night Caribbean cruise (2026 pricing), assuming moderate drinking, WiFi, and 1–2 shore excursions:

Cruise Line	Inside Cabin Total	Balcony Cabin Total	What’s NOT Included
Carnival	$700–$900	$900–$1,100	Drinks, WiFi, excursions, specialty dining, gratuities
MSC	$650–$850	$850–$1,050	Drinks (cheaper packages), WiFi, most entertainment, excursions
NCL (with Free at Sea)	$750–$1,000	$1,000–$1,300	Gratuities on “free” perks, specialty dining, excursions
Royal Caribbean	$850–$1,100	$1,000–$1,400	Drinks, WiFi, excursions, specialty dining, gratuities
Celebrity (Always Included)	$900–$1,100	$1,100–$1,400	Excursions, specialty dining, premium drinks upgrade

Key takeaway: The gap between “cheapest” and “most expensive” budget option is only $200–$400/person on a 7-night cruise. If you’re already spending $700+, spending $900–$1,000 for a noticeably better experience (Royal Caribbean or Celebrity with included perks) can be worth it. Also note: Royal Caribbean’s discounted drink package ($56–$72/day) is actually cheaper than Carnival’s CHEERS! ($83/day) — a surprising reversal of the “Carnival is always cheaper” assumption.

Beyond the Mainstream: Ultra-Budget Options

If mainstream cruise lines are still too expensive, or you want the absolute lowest possible fare, these options exist:

Costa Crociere

Typical 7-night Mediterranean total: $450–$700/person

Italian cruise line (Carnival Corporation subsidiary) focused on the European market
Rock-bottom fares, especially on Mediterranean and Emirates itineraries
Trade-offs: Very Italian experience (food, service, announcements in Italian first), older ships, inconsistent quality, limited appeal for North American travelers
Best for: European travelers who want the cheapest possible cruise and don’t mind cultural differences

Resort World Cruises

Typical 2–5 night Asia total: $150–$400/person

Asia-based cruise line operating out of Singapore, Hong Kong, and other Asian ports
Incredibly low fares for short sailings
Trade-offs: Small ships, limited amenities, very basic dining, primarily Asian passenger demographic
Best for: Travelers already in Asia wanting a cheap short cruise

Margaritaville at Sea

Typical 2–4 night Bahamas/Key West total: $150–$400/person

Budget cruise line operating short Bahamas and Key West runs from Port of Palm Beach
Two ships: Margaritaville at Sea Paradise (newer, 2–4 night sailings to Nassau and Key West) and Islander (older, shorter sailings through Dec 2025)
Trade-offs: Small ships, limited dining and entertainment, older vessel (Islander), frequent “America’s Worst Cruise” labels from reviewers
Best for: First-time cruisers wanting to test the waters for minimal investment; 2026 sailings feature 4 new destinations

Viking’s “Cruise Only” Fares (Occasional)

Typical 8-night river cruise total: $1,800–$2,500/person

Viking occasionally offers “cruise only” fares (no flights, no excursions) on river cruises that are significantly cheaper than their all-inclusive packages
Trade-offs: You lose the included flights, excursions, and some meals. But the base experience (ship, cabin, service) remains premium.
Best for: Travelers who can book their own flights cheaper and prefer independent shore exploration

10 Ways to Cut Cruise Costs Regardless of Line

These strategies work across every cruise line and can save you 20–40% on your total trip cost:

1. Sail Off-Peak

Save: 30–50% on base fare

The cheapest times to cruise:

Caribbean: September–early November (hurricane season — buy insurance), early December, late April–May
Alaska: May and September (shoulder season)
Mediterranean: November–March (cold but sailings are cheap)
Bahamas: September–October

Avoid: Christmas/New Year, Spring Break (March–April), July–August.

2. Drive to the Port

Save: $300–$700/person

Flights are the single biggest variable cost. If you can drive to a port (or take a cheap bus/train), you’ve just cut your total trip cost by 25–35%. Ports with the most cruise options: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Galveston, New Orleans, Baltimore, Bayonne (NJ), Long Beach.

3. Book Inside Cabins

Save: 30–50% vs. balcony

You’re in the cabin to sleep and shower. Everything worth doing is outside the cabin. For a 7-night cruise, you’re in your room maybe 8 hours/day (mostly sleeping). The $400–$800 savings on a balcony isn’t worth it for budget travelers.

Exception: Alaska and scenic cruises where the view IS the experience.

4. Skip the Drink Package

Save: $400–$600/person on a 7-night cruise

Most people don’t drink enough to justify the package. At $72–$88/day, you need to drink 5–8 alcoholic drinks daily to break even. Instead:

Bring your allowed wine/champagne (most lines allow 1–2 bottles per cabin)
Buy drink-of-the-day specials ($6–$8)
Use free juice, coffee, tea, and lemonade
Order by the drink — you’ll almost certainly spend less than the package

Exception: If you’re a heavy drinker or want the peace of mind of a prepaid package, it can be worth it.

5. Eat Free (It’s Actually Good)

Save: $80–$200/person

Every mainstream line offers enough free food to keep you full for a week. The specialty restaurants are nice but unnecessary. On Carnival, Guy’s Burgers and BlueIguana are genuinely excellent. On Royal Caribbean, the main dining room and Windjammer are more than adequate. On NCL, the free restaurants cover all the basics.

6. Book Shore Excursions Independently

Save: 40–60% vs. cruise line excursions

Cruise line excursions are convenient but overpriced. A $99 snorkeling excursion through the ship can often be booked directly with a local operator for $40–$60. Use sites like Viator, ShoreExcursionsGroup, or just Google “[port name] + activity” for independent operators.

Important: If you book independently, allow extra time to return to the ship. The ship won’t wait for you if you’re late on an independent excursion.

7. Use a Travel Agent for Group Rates

Save: 5–15% + onboard credits

Many travel agents have access to group rates, military discounts, resident rates, and loyalty program benefits that aren’t available on the cruise line’s website. They also sometimes throw in onboard credits ($50–$200) as a booking incentive.

8. Book Repositioning Cruises

Save: 40–60% per night

When ships move between regions (Caribbean to Europe in spring, Europe to Caribbean in fall), they offer “repositioning” cruises — 10–15 night sailings at deeply discounted per-night rates. A 14-night transatlantic repositioning cruise can cost less per night than a 7-night Caribbean sailing.

Trade-off: More sea days (3–7 days with no port stops), one-way itinerary requiring a flight home.

9. Skip WiFi or Buy Portside

Save: $100–$200

Ship WiFi is expensive ($15–$30/day) and slow. Options:

Go offline: It’s a vacation. Disconnect.
Use port WiFi: Most ports have free WiFi near the terminal or in town
Buy a cellular roaming plan: Sometimes cheaper than ship WiFi if you just need messaging
Share a package: Some lines allow multiple devices on one package

10. Pack Smart to Avoid Onboard Purchases

Save: $30–$100

Forgotten items cost a premium onboard: sunscreen ($20+), medications ($15+), formal wear accessories, phone chargers ($25+). Make a checklist and bring everything you need. Also: most ships have self-serve laundry — use it instead of paying for the valet service.

Budget Cruise Comparison: At a Glance

Factor	Carnival	MSC	NCL	Royal Caribbean	Celebrity
Base fare (7nt Caribbean)	$350–$500	$350–$500	$450–$650	$500–$800	$550–$850
Realistic total (inside)	$700–$900	$650–$850	$750–$1,000	$850–$1,100	$900–$1,100
Realistic total (balcony)	$900–$1,100	$850–$1,050	$1,000–$1,300	$1,000–$1,400	$1,100–$1,400
Drinks included?	❌	❌	⚠️ With promo	❌	✅ Classic pkg
Drink package cost	~$83/day	~$51/day (Easy)	Included w/promo	~$72/day (discounted)	Included
WiFi included?	❌	❌	⚠️ With promo	❌	✅ Basic
Best free food	Guy’s Burgers	Adequate	Adequate	MDR + Windjammer	Best included food
Kid-friendly?	✅	✅ (Kids under 18 sail free)	✅	✅ Best kids’ clubs	⚠️ Less so
Best region	Caribbean/Bahamas	Mediterranean	Caribbean/Alaska	Caribbean/Everywhere	Caribbean/Mediterranean
Biggest hidden cost	Nickel-and-diming	Entertainment fees	Upselling pressure	Drink package cost	Excursion prices
Best for	Absolute cheapest	Europe + families	Drinkers + flexibility	Best value overall	Premium at mainstream price

Final Verdict: Which Budget Cruise Line Should You Pick?

If money is the #1 factor: Carnival. No contest. The lowest base fares, the most departure ports (saving you flights), and enough free food and entertainment to keep your onboard spending near zero.

If you want the best total value: Royal Caribbean on an older ship. You’ll spend 15–20% more than Carnival but get a noticeably better overall experience. The free activities, kids’ clubs, and CocoCay make the premium worthwhile. The Deluxe Beverage Package ($56–$72/day discounted pre-cruise) is also more affordable than Carnival’s CHEERS! ($83/day).

If you’re cruising the Mediterranean: MSC. They deploy more ships in Europe, offer Kids Sail Free (under 18) promotions, and their Mediterranean pricing is the most competitive in the market.

If you drink alcohol: NCL with Free at Sea. The open bar perk can save you $400+ per person (vs. buying at $15+/drink), making the slightly higher base fare a net win. Just remember the mandatory gratuity of ~$28.50/person/day on the “free” bar.

If you want a premium feel without premium pricing: Celebrity with Always Included. The included drinks and WiFi close the total-cost gap with mainstream lines, and the food and service quality are noticeably better. With 5 Edge-class ships now (including Celebrity Xcel, debuting late 2025) and Solstice-class renovations in 2026, the fleet is better than ever.

The bottom line: There’s no such thing as a “cheap cruise” — only cruises where you control the total cost. Pick the line that includes what you’ll actually use, sail off-peak, skip the packages you don’t need, and you can have a great cruise for $700–1,100/person. Try to chase the lowest advertised fare without thinking about total cost, and you’ll end up spending more than you expected for a worse experience.

Affiliate Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend cruises we genuinely believe in.

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