Cruise ship prices depend on the ship size, destination, season, and how far ahead you book

A cruise for two people on a mainstream ship typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000 for a week-long voyage, though prices vary widely. A small cabin on a budget cruise line during off-season might run $400 to $600 per person for seven days. A larger cabin on a premium line during peak season can easily exceed $2,000 per person for the same length. The price you see advertised is almost never the final price—it covers only the cabin and onboard meals, not taxes, port fees, gratuities, or anything you buy on the ship.

What you actually pay depends on five main factors: which cruise line you choose, the size and location of your cabin, when you travel, how long the voyage lasts, and how far in advance you book. A Caribbean cruise in January costs far more than the same cruise in September. A balcony cabin on a newer ship costs roughly double what an inside cabin costs. Booking six months early often saves 20 to 40 percent compared to booking a month before departure.

Key Takeaways

  • Base cruise fares for a week typically range from $400 to $2,000 per person depending on the ship, cabin type, and season, but taxes and port fees add another 10 to 15 percent on top.
  • Inside cabins (no window) cost significantly less than oceanview or balcony cabins on the same ship, sometimes half the price.
  • Traveling during shoulder seasons (April to May, September to October) usually costs less than peak winter and summer months.
  • Booking three to six months in advance typically offers better prices than last-minute bookings, though some lines discount heavily within weeks of departure.
  • Gratuities, specialty dining, shore excursions, and onboard purchases are not included in the base fare and can easily add $500 to $1,500 per person to your total cost.

How cabin type and location affect what you pay

The cabin you choose is the biggest variable in your cruise cost. An inside cabin (a room with no window or porthole) is the cheapest option on any ship. These typically cost $400 to $800 per person for a week on a mainstream line. An oceanview cabin (with a window) costs roughly 30 to 50 percent more. A balcony cabin (with a private outdoor space) costs another 50 to 100 percent more than an oceanview.

Location within the ship also matters. A cabin on a lower deck costs less than an identical cabin higher up. A cabin near the engine room or in the middle of the ship may be cheaper than one near the bow or stern. Some cruise lines charge extra for cabins on higher decks or with better views, even if the square footage is identical.

Suite cabins—larger spaces with separate living areas, priority dining, and exclusive lounge access—start around $2,000 per person for a week and can exceed $5,000 or more on luxury lines. Most people booking their first cruise choose an inside or oceanview cabin to keep costs down.

Seasonal pricing and when to book for lower fares

Cruise prices swing dramatically by season. Peak season (December through early January, July through August, and spring break weeks) is when prices are highest. A Caribbean cruise in December might cost $1,500 per person, while the same cruise in September costs $600 per person.

Shoulder season (April to May and September to October) offers a middle ground—lower prices than peak season but better weather and fewer crowds than true off-season. Off-season (February, early September, and November) has the lowest fares, though some destinations have rougher seas or less favorable weather during these months.

Booking timing also affects price. Most cruise lines release fares 12 to 18 months in advance at a higher price. As the departure date approaches, prices typically drop if the ship is not selling well. However, booking too close to departure (within two to four weeks) can backfire—if the ship is nearly full, prices may rise again. The sweet spot for most cruises is 3 to 6 months before departure, when early-bird discounts have been applied but the ship is not yet full.

What is and is not included in the base fare

The advertised cruise price covers your cabin, all meals in the main dining room and buffet, most onboard entertainment, and access to most onboard facilities like the pool and gym. It does not cover taxes, port fees, or government charges, which typically add 10 to 15 percent to your base fare.

Gratuities (tips for housekeeping, dining staff, and bartenders) are not included and are automatically added to your onboard account at roughly $15 per person per day on mainstream lines. You can adjust this amount before or after your cruise. Specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages (except at a few all-inclusive lines), spa services, casino use, and shore excursions all cost extra. A single shore excursion can run $100 to $300 per person.

Some cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages that bundle gratuities, beverages, and specialty dining into one upfront price. These packages cost more initially but can save money if you plan to use those services. Budget lines like Norwegian Cruise Line charge less upfront but charge separately for many things mainstream lines include.

Price differences between cruise lines

Budget lines like Carnival and Disney Cruise Line tend to have lower base fares but charge more for extras. Mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and Princess offer mid-range pricing with more included. Premium lines like Holland America and Celebrity charge more upfront but include more amenities. Luxury lines like Regent and Seabourn charge $3,000 to $5,000 or more per person per day and include nearly everything.

A seven-day Caribbean cruise on Carnival might advertise at $599 per person but cost $900 after taxes and fees, with gratuities and drinks adding another $200 to $300. The same cruise on Royal Caribbean might advertise at $899 per person and cost $1,300 after taxes and fees. A luxury line's version of the same itinerary could easily exceed $4,000 per person all-inclusive.

Newer ships generally cost more than older ones on the same line. A cruise on a ship launched in the last five years typically costs 20 to 40 percent more than a cruise on a ship from 10 years ago, even if the itinerary is identical.

How to estimate your total out-of-pocket cost

To calculate what you will actually spend, start with the advertised base fare and add these items: taxes and port fees (usually 10 to 15 percent of the base fare), gratuities ($15 per person per day on mainstream lines, sometimes included on premium lines), beverages if not included (roughly $10 to $15 per person per day for non-alcoholic drinks, more for alcohol), specialty dining if you plan to use it ($15 to $50 per restaurant per person), and shore excursions (typically $100 to $300 per person per port).

A realistic example: a seven-day cruise advertised at $799 per person. Add $120 in taxes and fees, $105 in gratuities, $70 in beverages, and $200 in shore excursions. Your actual cost is roughly $1,294 per person, or about 62 percent more than the advertised price. If you add a specialty dinner or two, that number climbs closer to $1,400.

Many cruise lines offer onboard credit promotions—discounts applied as money to spend on the ship rather than reducing the upfront price. These can offset some of the extra costs if you plan to use them on beverages, specialty dining, or excursions.

How ship size and itinerary length affect pricing

Larger, newer ships with more amenities cost more to operate and typically charge higher fares than smaller, older ships. A mega-ship carrying 5,000 passengers might charge $899 per person for a week, while a smaller ship with 2,000 passengers charges $1,299 for the same itinerary—the smaller ship offers more personalized service and visits smaller ports, which justifies the higher price.

Longer cruises usually cost less per day than shorter ones. A three-day cruise might cost $300 per person per day, while a seven-day cruise on the same ship costs $200 per person per day. Transatlantic crossings and repositioning cruises (when a ship moves between regions) often offer the best per-day value because they spend more time at sea and fewer days in expensive ports.

Itineraries that visit expensive ports (like Alaska or the Mediterranean) cost more than those visiting cheaper ports (like the Caribbean or Mexico). A week in Alaska typically costs 30 to 50 percent more than a week in the Caribbean on the same ship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you find significantly cheaper cruises by booking last-minute?

Sometimes, but not reliably. If a ship is not selling well, prices drop sharply in the final weeks. If a ship is nearly full, prices may stay high or even increase. Last-minute deals exist but require flexibility on dates and destinations. Booking 3 to 6 months ahead is more predictable for finding good prices.

Do kids pay full price on cruises?

Children typically pay the same per-person rate as adults in the same cabin category, though some lines offer discounts for third and fourth passengers in a cabin. Infants sometimes sail free. Check your specific cruise line's policy, as it varies.

What is the cheapest cruise you can actually take?

A three-day cruise on a budget line during off-season might cost $250 to $400 per person all-in with taxes and fees. A seven-day budget cruise in September might cost $600 to $800 per person. Prices below these ranges are rare and usually involve older ships or less desirable cabins.

Are there hidden fees I should know about?

The main ones are gratuities (automatically added unless you adjust), specialty dining, beverages, internet, spa services, and casino use. Onboard photos, laundry, and babysitting also cost extra. Read the cruise line's website for a full fee schedule before booking.

Do prices ever go down after you book?

Yes. If the price drops after you book, most cruise lines allow you to rebook at the lower price within a certain window (often 48 to 72 hours of booking). Some lines offer price-match guarantees. Check your cruise line's policy and monitor prices after booking if you want to take advantage of drops.