Cruise ship 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 on a large mainstream ship costs between $700 and $2,000 per person if you book months in advance during shoulder season (spring or fall). The same cruise during peak summer or winter holidays can run $1,500 to $3,500 per person. Smaller luxury ships charge $3,000 to $10,000 per person weekly, while budget lines and repositioning cruises (when ships move between regions) can dip below $500 per person for a full week.
These per-person prices assume double occupancy—two people sharing a cabin. A solo traveler pays more per head because cruise lines charge by cabin, not by person. A cabin that costs $1,400 for two people costs the full $1,400 for one person, effectively doubling your per-person rate.
The price you see advertised is almost never what you pay. Taxes, port fees, and fuel surcharges add 10 to 20 percent on top of the base fare. Gratuities (tips for crew) run about $15 to $16 per person per day on mainstream lines and higher on luxury ships. Onboard spending—drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions, casino, spa—is separate and entirely optional, but the average passenger spends $500 to $1,500 extra per week.
Key Takeaways
- Mainstream cruise lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney) charge $50 to $150 per person per day for the cabin; luxury lines charge $200 to $500 per person per day.
- Booking four to six months ahead typically saves 30 to 50 percent compared to last-minute fares, though prices can drop again in the final two weeks if the ship is not full.
- Taxes, port fees, and fuel surcharges are not included in advertised prices and add roughly $200 to $600 to a week-long cruise.
- Gratuities, drinks, specialty restaurants, and shore excursions are paid separately and can easily add $500 to $2,000 to your total cost.
- Repositioning cruises, transatlantic crossings, and off-season sailings often cost 30 to 50 percent less than peak-season Caribbean or Alaska cruises.
How Ship Size and Cruise Line Affect Price
Large mainstream ships (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Norwegian) carry 3,000 to 6,000 passengers and charge the lowest per-person rates because costs are spread across thousands of people. A seven-day Caribbean cruise on one of these ships typically costs $700 to $1,500 per person in base fare during off-peak months.
Mid-size ships (2,000 to 3,000 passengers) from lines like Disney, Holland America, and Princess charge slightly more—usually $1,000 to $2,000 per person weekly—but offer more space per passenger and fewer crowds. Smaller luxury ships (500 to 2,000 passengers) from Regent, Seabourn, or Silversea charge $3,000 to $10,000 per person per week. These ships visit smaller ports, include more amenities (drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions), and carry fewer passengers, so costs cannot be spread as thin.
Budget lines like Carnival's budget-focused sailings and some Norwegian Cruise Line promotions can undercut mainstream pricing by 20 to 30 percent, but cabins are smaller and onboard costs are higher because fewer amenities are included.
Seasonal and Booking Timing Effects on Price
Peak season—summer (June to August) and winter holidays (December to early January)—drives prices up 50 to 100 percent compared to shoulder season. A Caribbean cruise that costs $800 per person in May might cost $1,600 in July. Alaska cruises peak in July and August; Mediterranean cruises peak in July, August, and September.
Shoulder season (April to May and September to November) offers the best value for most destinations. Prices are 30 to 50 percent lower than peak, weather is still good, and ships are less crowded. Winter is cheapest for Caribbean cruises (except Christmas week), but summer is cheapest for Alaska and Northern Europe because demand is lowest.
Booking timing matters significantly. Fares are usually lowest 4 to 6 months before departure, when cruise lines first release inventory. Prices rise as the departure date approaches, but they often drop again in the final 2 to 3 weeks if the ship is not selling well. Last-minute deals exist, but they are not may provide—if a ship is already 90 percent full, prices stay high.
What Is Included and What Costs Extra
The base cruise fare covers your cabin, meals in the main dining room, most onboard entertainment, and access to most pools and fitness facilities. Drinks are not included on mainstream lines; a soda costs $3 to $5, beer costs $6 to $8, and cocktails cost $8 to $12. Unlimited drink packages range from $50 to $100 per person per day depending on the line and what drinks are covered.
Specialty restaurants (steakhouse, Italian, Asian fusion) charge $15 to $40 per person per meal on top of the cruise fare. Spa services, casino play, and Wi-Fi are paid separately. Wi-Fi packages run $8 to $20 per day or $60 to $150 for a week. Shore excursions—guided tours at ports—typically cost $50 to $300 per person depending on the activity and destination.
Gratuities are expected and usually charged automatically to your onboard account at $15 to $16 per person per day on mainstream lines, $18 to $20 on premium lines, and $25 to $35 on luxury lines. You can adjust this amount at the end of the cruise, but most passengers pay the suggested amount.
Comparing Costs Across Different Cruise Types
| Cruise Type | Ship Size | Base Fare Per Person Per Day | Typical Weekly Total (Base + Taxes + Gratuities) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainstream Caribbean | 3,000–6,000 passengers | $75–$150 | $800–$1,800 |
| Premium (Holland America, Princess) | 2,000–3,000 passengers | $120–$200 | $1,200–$2,200 |
| Luxury (Regent, Seabourn) | 500–2,000 passengers | $250–$500 | $2,500–$6,000 |
| River cruises | 100–400 passengers | $200–$400 | $2,000–$4,500 |
| Repositioning cruises | Varies | $40–$100 | $500–$1,200 |
Hidden Costs That Add Up Quickly
Onboard spending is the biggest surprise for first-time cruisers. The average passenger spends $500 to $1,500 extra per week beyond the base fare, taxes, and gratuities. This includes drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, casino losses, and miscellaneous purchases like photos, laundry, and merchandise.
Beverage packages are worth calculating before you buy. If you drink one cocktail per day at $10 each, a seven-day cruise costs $70 in drinks. An unlimited package at $75 per day costs $525 for the week—only worth it if you plan to drink multiple premium beverages daily. Many passengers skip the package and budget $100 to $200 for the week instead.
Shore excursions booked through the cruise line cost 20 to 40 percent more than booking independently at the port. A snorkeling tour that costs $120 through the ship might cost $80 if you book it yourself on the beach. However, cruise-line excursions may provide you return to the ship on time; independent tours carry the risk of missing the ship's departure.
Cabin upgrades, specialty seating at dinner, and priority boarding are sold separately and can add $100 to $500 to your total cost. Travel insurance, which is optional but recommended, costs $100 to $300 per person for a week-long cruise.
How to Find Lower Prices
Book 4 to 6 months ahead for the best selection and lowest fares. Set up price alerts on cruise line websites and travel sites like CruCon or Cruise Compete to track when fares drop. If you booked early and the price drops, most cruise lines allow you to rebook at the lower price within a certain window (usually 60 days before departure).
Repositioning cruises—when ships move between seasonal regions—offer the deepest discounts. A ship sailing from the Caribbean to Alaska in May or from Alaska to the Caribbean in September might cost 40 to 50 percent less than a standard week-long cruise. These sailings are longer (10 to 14 days) but the per-day cost is much lower.
Transatlantic and transpacific crossings, which take 7 to 14 days, often cost less per day than Caribbean cruises because they appeal to fewer people. Cruises during hurricane season (June to November in the Atlantic) are cheaper because demand is lower, though the actual risk of encountering a hurricane is small.
Booking through a travel agent sometimes yields discounts or onboard credits that you would not get booking directly. Agents often have access to group rates or promotional codes. Cruise lines also offer discounts for military, seniors, and repeat cruisers—ask when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids pay full price on cruises?
Children usually pay the same base fare as adults, but some cruise lines offer discounts for kids under 12 or third and fourth passengers in a cabin. Gratuities are also charged per person, so a family of four pays four times the daily gratuity amount. Check the specific cruise line's pricing when you book.
What is the cheapest month to cruise?
September and early October are cheapest for Caribbean cruises because hurricane season is at its peak (though actual hurricane encounters are rare). May and early June are cheapest for Mediterranean cruises. January and February are cheapest for Alaska cruises. Prices vary by destination, so check multiple months to compare.
Can you negotiate cruise prices after booking?
Most cruise lines allow you to rebook at a lower price if fares drop within 60 days of departure. Some lines offer automatic price adjustments. You cannot negotiate directly with the cruise line, but you can contact them to request a price match if you find a lower fare elsewhere.
Are there cruises under $500 per person for a week?
Yes, repositioning cruises, transatlantic crossings, and off-season sailings sometimes cost $400 to $600 per person for the base fare. However, these are longer sailings (10 to 14 days), so the weekly cost may be higher overall. Budget lines during shoulder season can also approach $500 per person per week when booked far in advance.
What happens if you book a cruise and the price drops?
Most cruise lines let you rebook at the lower price if you contact them within 60 days of departure. Some lines automatically adjust your fare. Check your cruise line's policy when you book. If you booked through a travel agent, ask them to monitor the price and rebook if it drops.