Cruise prices range from about $50 to $500 per person per day, depending on the ship size, destination, season, and how far ahead you book
A week-long cruise for two people might cost anywhere from $1,400 to $7,000 or more. The per-day rate is what matters most: a budget cruise line on an older ship in the Caribbean during shoulder season (May or September) runs cheaper than a luxury line in Alaska during peak summer. The advertised price you see online is almost never what you actually pay—it excludes gratuities, drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions, and port fees that the cruise line adds at checkout.
The single biggest variable is when you travel. Peak season (December, July, August) costs 40 to 60 percent more than the same cruise in May or September. A Caribbean cruise that costs $600 per person in early September might be $1,000 per person in mid-December. Booking 2 to 3 months ahead usually lands you the best rate, though last-minute deals (14 days or fewer) sometimes undercut that if the ship isn't full.
Key Takeaways
- The base cruise fare is only part of the cost—gratuities, drinks, and port fees typically add 20 to 40 percent to your final bill.
- Traveling in shoulder season (May, September, early November) saves 30 to 50 percent compared to peak summer or winter holidays.
- Older ships and budget lines (Carnival, Disney value cabins) cost half as much as newer ships or luxury lines (Regent, Seabourn).
- Inside cabins (no window) cost $200 to $400 less per week than balcony cabins on the same ship.
- Booking 60 to 90 days ahead usually offers better rates than last-minute deals, though both can beat peak-season pricing.
What the advertised price actually includes
The per-person-per-day rate you see advertised covers your cabin, meals in the main dining room and buffet, basic entertainment, and access to most onboard facilities. It does not cover alcohol, specialty restaurants, spa services, casino, or the crew gratuity (typically $13 to $16 per person per day, automatically added to your account).
Port fees and taxes are added separately at checkout and vary by itinerary. A 7-day Caribbean cruise might have $150 to $300 in port fees per person; an Alaska cruise often runs $200 to $400. These are not optional—they cover the cost of docking and local taxes. The cruise line itemizes these on your final bill, so you'll see exactly what you're paying for before you complete your booking.
How cabin type affects the total cost
An inside cabin (no window or porthole) is the cheapest option and saves $200 to $500 per week compared to an outside cabin on the same ship. An outside cabin with a window costs more but lets in natural light. A balcony cabin adds another $300 to $800 per week and is the most popular choice for first-time cruisers.
Suites and premium cabins jump the price significantly—a junior suite might cost $1,500 to $2,500 more per week than a standard inside cabin. Location matters too: cabins midship (middle of the ship) are cheaper than those forward or aft, and lower decks cost less than higher ones, even within the same cabin type. When you're comparing prices between two ships, always check the square footage—a larger cabin at a lower per-day rate can actually be a better value than a smaller one at a higher rate.
Drinks, dining, and onboard spending
Soft drinks, coffee, and water are free. Alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee, and bottled water cost extra. A beer runs $6 to $10; a cocktail $12 to $18. Most cruise lines sell drink packages for $60 to $80 per person per day, which makes sense if you plan to drink daily but wastes money if you don't.
Main dining room and buffet meals are included. Specialty restaurants (steakhouse, Italian, sushi) charge $15 to $40 per person per meal. Shore excursions—guided tours at ports—range from $50 for a straightforward beach visit to $300 or more for activities like snorkeling or zip-lining. Budget an extra $500 to $1,500 per person for the week if you plan to do excursions and eat at specialty restaurants. Many cruisers find that setting aside a daily onboard spending budget (separate from the cruise fare) helps prevent surprise charges at the end of the trip.
Comparing budget, mid-range, and luxury lines
| Cruise Line Type | Per-Day Base Rate | Ship Age | Typical Cabin Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (Carnival, Disney value) | $50–$120 | 15–30 years old | 150–180 sq ft |
| Mid-range (Royal Caribbean, Disney standard) | $120–$250 | 5–15 years old | 170–220 sq ft |
| Premium (Celebrity, Holland America) | $250–$400 | Newer ships | 190–250 sq ft |
| Luxury (Regent, Seabourn, Silversea) | $400–$500+ | Newer, smaller ships | 300+ sq ft |
Budget lines pack more people onto older ships, which keeps costs down but means smaller cabins and more crowded common areas. Mid-range lines offer newer ships with better amenities at a moderate price. Premium and luxury lines have newer vessels, higher staff-to-guest ratios, and more inclusive perks (some include drinks and excursions), but you pay significantly more.
The choice depends on what matters to you. If you want to minimize cost and don't mind older ships, budget lines work. If you want newer ships and more space without paying luxury prices, mid-range is the sweet spot. Premium and luxury lines appeal to travelers who prioritize comfort and service over price.
Seasonal pricing and when to book
Peak season (mid-December through early January, July through August) is when families travel and prices are highest. Shoulder season (May, early September, early November) offers the best value—weather is still good, but prices drop 30 to 50 percent. Wave season (January through March) is when cruise lines release new itineraries and offer early-booking discounts, usually 10 to 25 percent off.
Booking 60 to 90 days ahead typically beats both early-bird discounts and last-minute deals. If you see a price drop after you book, many cruise lines let you rebook at the lower rate within a certain window (usually 48 to 72 hours). Check your cruise line's policy before booking. Some travel agents monitor prices for their customers and will notify them of drops, which can save you the hassle of checking yourself.
Hidden costs that add up
Gratuities are the biggest surprise. Most cruise lines automatically add $13 to $16 per person per day to your onboard account—that's $91 to $112 per person for a week. You can adjust it at the guest services desk, but it's expected and built into the industry standard. This money goes to housekeeping, dining staff, and other crew members who serve you directly.
Travel insurance (recommended but not required) costs $100 to $300 per person depending on the cruise length and your age. Parking at the port or airport transfers add another $50 to $200. If you fly to the port, airfare can easily exceed the cruise cost itself, especially from the West Coast to Alaska or Hawaii. When you're budgeting for a cruise, factor in transportation to and from the port as a separate line item—it's often overlooked but can be substantial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to book a cruise directly with the cruise line or through a travel agent?
Prices are the same either way—cruise lines set the rate. Travel agents sometimes offer onboard credits or perks (cabin upgrades, beverage packages) that the cruise line doesn't advertise, so it's worth asking. You pay nothing extra for using an agent.
What's the difference between a repositioning cruise and a regular cruise?
Repositioning cruises move ships between seasonal destinations (like from the Caribbean to Alaska in spring). They're longer and cheaper per day because the ship is traveling rather than doing turnaround ports. If you have flexible dates and don't mind fewer port stops, they're a good value.
Can you negotiate the price after you book?
No, but most cruise lines let you rebook if the price drops within 48 to 72 hours of your original booking. Some travel agents monitor prices and will alert you to drops. You can't haggle directly with the cruise line.
Are there cruises under $50 per person per day?
Rarely, and usually only for last-minute bookings on older ships during low season. Most budget lines bottom out around $50 to $70 per person per day. Prices below that usually mean the ship is very old, the itinerary is unpopular, or it's a repositioning cruise with few port days.
Do kids' fares cost less than adult fares?
Usually the second child in a cabin gets a discount (often 50 percent off), and sometimes the third. The first child typically pays full or near-full price. Infants usually pay a flat fee ($100 to $200) rather than per-day rates. Check the cruise line's website for their specific policy.