Cruise prices start around $75 to $150 per person per day, but your final bill depends on the ship size, destination, season, and what you choose to add
A seven-day cruise for two people can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the cabin type and cruise line. The base price covers your cabin, most meals, and onboard entertainment. What it usually does not cover: drinks beyond water and coffee, shore excursions, gratuities, specialty dining, casino use, and spa services. Understanding what is bundled and what costs extra is the only way to predict your actual spending.
Cruise lines publish their lowest fares prominently, but those cabins are small inside rooms with no window. A cabin with a window or balcony, or one on a higher deck, costs significantly more. A balcony cabin on the same ship and sailing can run 50 to 100 percent higher than the lowest inside cabin. Suites with private areas and perks cost even more, sometimes triple the base price.
Key Takeaways
- Base cruise fares range from $75 to $150 per person per day and cover the cabin, most meals, and entertainment, but not drinks, excursions, or tips.
- Cabin type is the biggest cost variable: inside cabins are cheapest, ocean-view cabins cost more, and balcony cabins can double or triple the price.
- Peak season (summer, holidays, school breaks) costs 30 to 50 percent more than shoulder season, and last-minute bookings sometimes offer discounts if the ship is not full.
- Gratuities, drinks, excursions, and specialty restaurants are not included in the base fare and can easily add $500 to $1,500 per person to your total.
How cabin type affects your per-person cost
The cheapest cabins are inside rooms with no window. On a major cruise line like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian, an inside cabin on a seven-day sailing might start at $400 to $600 per person. That same sailing in an ocean-view cabin (a window, no balcony) typically costs $600 to $900 per person. A balcony cabin on the same ship and date often runs $900 to $1,400 per person.
Suites and premium cabins jump the price again. A junior suite or mini-suite with extra space and perks can cost $1,200 to $2,000 per person. Full suites with separate living areas, priority dining, and concierge service run $2,000 to $5,000 or more per person, depending on the ship and sailing.
These numbers are per person, so a couple booking a balcony cabin pays roughly double what one person would pay for an inside cabin. A family of four in two inside cabins costs more than a couple in one balcony cabin, even though the couple gets more space and a view.
Seasonal pricing and booking timing
Cruise prices fluctuate by season. Summer sailings, holiday weeks (Christmas, Thanksgiving, spring break), and school vacation periods are peak season and cost 30 to 50 percent more than shoulder season. A seven-day Caribbean cruise that costs $700 per person in May might cost $1,000 per person in July or December.
Booking far in advance (three to six months out) sometimes locks in lower fares, but last-minute deals can appear if a ship is not selling well. Cruise lines sometimes discount heavily in the final two to four weeks before departure to fill remaining cabins. The trade-off is less choice in cabin type and sailing date.
Repositioning cruises (when a ship moves from one region to another, usually in spring or fall) often cost less per day because the itinerary is longer and the per-day rate spreads the cost. A 10-day repositioning cruise might cost less per day than a 7-day Caribbean cruise, even though the total price is higher.
What is included and what costs extra
Your base fare includes the cabin, breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main dining room, most onboard entertainment (shows, live music, fitness classes, trivia), and access to pools and hot tubs. Soft drinks, water, and coffee are free. That is the standard across major cruise lines.
Drinks cost extra. Beer, wine, cocktails, and specialty coffee (beyond basic coffee) are not included. A drink package that covers most beverages costs $50 to $80 per person per day, depending on the cruise line and package tier. For a seven-day cruise, that is $350 to $560 per person just for drinks.
Shore excursions are not included. A guided tour in a port city typically costs $50 to $200 per person, depending on the activity and port. A family of four doing one excursion per port on a seven-day cruise with four ports could spend $800 to $3,200 on excursions alone.
Gratuities (tips) are not included in the base fare. Cruise lines automatically charge $12 to $15 per person per day for gratuities, which go to cabin staff, dining room servers, and bartenders. For a seven-day cruise, that is $84 to $105 per person. You can adjust this amount at the end of your cruise, but most people pay it.
Specialty dining, spa, and casino costs
The main dining room is free, but specialty restaurants on the ship charge extra. A steakhouse or Italian restaurant dinner might cost $25 to $45 per person. A tasting menu or chef's table experience can run $75 to $150 per person. If you eat specialty dining once or twice during a week-long cruise, budget an extra $100 to $300 per person.
Spa services (massage, facials, body treatments) range from $100 to $300 per service. A couples massage can easily cost $400 to $600. Fitness classes beyond the free ones sometimes charge $10 to $20 per class.
Casino gambling, arcade games, and other paid activities are entirely optional and depend on your spending habits. A casino can be a money sink or a minor expense; it is up to you.
Comparing cruise lines and ship sizes
Budget cruise lines like Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line generally offer lower base fares than premium lines like Disney Cruise Line or Celebrity Cruises. A Carnival seven-day Caribbean cruise might start at $500 to $700 per person, while the same itinerary on Disney costs $1,200 to $1,800 per person. Disney includes more onboard activities and entertainment for families, which justifies the higher price to some travelers.
Smaller ships (under 2,000 passengers) cost more per person than mega-ships (over 5,000 passengers) because the per-person operating cost is higher. A luxury cruise line with 700-passenger ships charges significantly more than a mass-market line with 5,000-passenger ships, even for similar itineraries.
River cruises (on rivers rather than oceans) typically cost more per day than ocean cruises because the ships are smaller and the itineraries are more specialized. A seven-day river cruise in Europe might cost $2,000 to $4,000 per person, compared to $700 to $1,400 for an ocean cruise of the same length.
Calculating your total cruise cost
Start with the base fare per person, multiply by the number of people and the number of days, then add the extras you know you will use. Here is a realistic example for a couple on a seven-day Caribbean cruise:
| Item | Cost per person | Cost for two people |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare (balcony cabin) | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Gratuities (7 days × $14) | $98 | $196 |
| Drink package (7 days × $65) | $455 | $910 |
| Shore excursions (2 ports × $100) | $200 | $400 |
| Specialty dining (2 dinners × $35) | $70 | $140 |
| Total | $1,823 | $3,646 |
This example assumes moderate spending. A couple that skips the drink package, does one excursion, and eats only in the main dining room would spend closer to $2,400 total. A couple that adds a spa day, books premium excursions, and eats specialty dining multiple times could spend $4,500 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cruise prices include food and drinks?
Food is included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main dining room, plus snacks and casual dining venues. Drinks are mostly not included. Water, coffee, and tea are free, but beer, wine, cocktails, and specialty coffee cost extra. A drink package covers most beverages for a daily fee.
What is the cheapest time to book a cruise?
Last-minute bookings (two to four weeks before departure) sometimes offer the lowest per-day rates because cruise lines discount unsold cabins. Shoulder season (May, September, early October) is cheaper than peak season (summer, holidays). Repositioning cruises often have lower per-day costs because they are longer sailings.
Are gratuities included in the cruise fare?
No. Cruise lines automatically add gratuities (tips) to your onboard account at $12 to $15 per person per day. You can adjust this amount at the end of your cruise, but most people pay the standard amount. This covers cabin staff, servers, and bartenders.
How much do shore excursions cost?
Shore excursions typically range from $50 to $200 per person, depending on the activity and port. A guided city tour might cost $75, while an adventure activity like snorkeling or zip-lining could cost $150 to $250. You can book through the cruise line or independently at the port.
Can I bring my own drinks on a cruise?
Most cruise lines prohibit bringing alcohol onboard. Some allow you to bring a limited amount (usually one bottle of wine or champagne per person) that you can consume in your cabin. Beer and liquor are typically not allowed. Non-alcoholic drinks are usually permitted. Check your cruise line's policy before packing.