Carnival cruise fares start around $100 to $200 per person per day, but the final cost depends on the ship, cabin type, travel dates, and how far in advance you book
A seven-day Carnival cruise for two people in an inside cabin might cost $1,400 to $2,800 total, while the same cruise in a balcony cabin could run $2,800 to $5,600. These are base fares only — they do not include gratuities, drinks, specialty dining, excursions, or onboard purchases. A three-day cruise costs less upfront but breaks down to a similar per-day rate. Prices fluctuate constantly based on demand, so the same sailing costs different amounts depending on when you book and how many cabins remain unsold.
Carnival publishes fares on their website and through travel agents, but the price you see is rarely the final amount you pay. Understanding what drives the base fare and what costs come after helps you budget realistically for your trip.
Key Takeaways
- Base fares for Carnival cruises range from roughly $100 to $300 per person per day, with inside cabins cheaper than oceanview or balcony cabins on the same sailing.
- The same cruise costs different amounts depending on how far in advance you book and how full the ship is at that moment.
- Gratuities (tips), alcoholic beverages, specialty restaurants, and shore excursions are not included in the base fare and add significantly to your total cost.
- Booking during wave season (January through March) or during flash sales often yields lower fares than booking during peak travel months.
How Base Fares Break Down by Cabin Type
Carnival offers four main cabin categories, and each has its own price tier. Inside cabins (no window or balcony) are the cheapest option and typically start at the lower end of the per-day range. Oceanview cabins have a window and cost more, usually $50 to $100 extra per person for the same sailing. Balcony cabins add a private outdoor space and run $150 to $250 more per person than an inside cabin. Suite cabins are the most expensive and include perks like priority boarding, complimentary drinks, and exclusive lounge access.
A seven-day cruise in an inside cabin might be priced at $700 per person, while the identical sailing in a balcony cabin costs $1,050 per person. The ship itself also affects price — newer ships with more amenities (like the Mardi Gras or Celebration) command higher fares than older vessels on the same route. Caribbean itineraries are generally cheaper than Alaska or Europe sailings.
When You Book Affects What You Pay
Carnival uses dynamic pricing, meaning fares rise and fall based on how many cabins are left and how close the sailing date is. Booking three to four months in advance often yields the best rates, especially for sailings during shoulder seasons (April to May or September to October). Booking very far ahead (six to nine months) can also be competitive, but prices typically climb as the departure date approaches and fewer cabins remain.
Last-minute bookings — within two to three weeks of departure — sometimes offer steep discounts if the ship is not full, but they are unpredictable. Wave season (January through March) is when Carnival releases heavily discounted fares for sailings six to twelve months out, making it a popular time to book. Flash sales announced via email or Carnival's website can drop prices suddenly, but they last only a few days.
Costs Not Included in the Base Fare
The advertised price covers your cabin, meals in the main dining room, most onboard entertainment, and access to most pools and fitness facilities. Everything else costs extra. Gratuities (automatic tips) are charged at roughly $15 to $16 per person per day and are added to your final bill unless you adjust them onboard. Alcoholic beverages are not included — a beer or cocktail costs $6 to $10 each, though beverage packages that cover unlimited drinks run $60 to $80 per person per day.
Specialty dining restaurants (steakhouse, Italian, seafood) charge $15 to $30 per person per meal on top of your cruise fare. Shore excursions (guided tours, water sports, activities at ports) range from $50 to $300 per person depending on the activity and port. Onboard purchases like photos, spa services, casino chips, and gift shop items are billed separately. Internet packages start at $8 per day for a single device.
Comparing Carnival to Other Cruise Lines
Carnival is generally the most budget-friendly of the major cruise lines, with lower base fares than Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, or Norwegian Cruise Line. However, Carnival charges for more amenities separately — beverages, specialty dining, and some onboard activities cost extra, whereas some competitors include more in the base fare. A Royal Caribbean cruise may have a higher starting price but include more drinks and dining options, so the final per-person cost can be similar.
If you are comparing quotes from different lines, add up the base fare, gratuities, beverages, and any specialty dining you plan to use. That total is more meaningful than the advertised starting price alone.
How to Find and Track Carnival Fares
Carnival publishes fares directly on their website (carnival.com) and through travel agents. You can search by departure port, destination, and travel dates to see current pricing. Setting up price alerts through travel websites like CruCon or Cruise Compete notifies you when fares drop for sailings you are interested in. Signing up for Carnival's email list puts you on the list for flash sales and wave season announcements.
Comparing the same sailing across multiple booking channels sometimes reveals different prices — Carnival's website, travel agents, and third-party booking sites occasionally offer different rates or promotions. Booking directly through Carnival can may have access to you for onboard credits or other perks that third-party sites do not offer, so factor that into your decision.
Sample Pricing for Common Carnival Sailings
| Cruise Length | Cabin Type | Typical Price Range (per person) | Typical Price Range (total for two people) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | Inside | $200–$400 | $400–$800 |
| 3 days | Balcony | $350–$600 | $700–$1,200 |
| 7 days | Inside | $700–$1,200 | $1,400–$2,400 |
| 7 days | Balcony | $1,200–$2,000 | $2,400–$4,000 |
These ranges reflect typical fares during standard booking windows and shoulder seasons. Peak season sailings (summer, winter holidays, spring break) cost 20 to 40 percent more. Prices vary by specific ship, itinerary, and departure port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children pay the same price as adults on Carnival cruises?
Children typically pay the same base fare as adults, though some sailings offer reduced rates for children in the third and fourth berths of a cabin. Infants under age one usually pay a reduced rate or sail free. Check the specific sailing when you search — pricing varies by ship and itinerary.
What is included in the Carnival cruise fare?
The base fare includes your cabin, meals in the main dining room and buffet, most entertainment shows and activities, access to pools and fitness facilities, and some onboard classes. Alcoholic drinks, specialty restaurants, gratuities, excursions, photos, and spa services are extra.
Can you negotiate Carnival cruise prices?
Carnival does not negotiate prices directly with customers, but prices drop automatically based on demand and booking timing. Booking during wave season or flash sales, or waiting until closer to departure if the ship is not full, are the main ways to lower your fare. Travel agents sometimes have access to group rates or promotional codes.
Is it cheaper to book a Carnival cruise on the ship's website or through a travel agent?
Prices are usually the same across channels, but travel agents sometimes offer onboard credits, cabin upgrades, or other perks that the ship's website does not advertise. Booking directly through Carnival may may have access to you for different promotions. Compare what each option offers before deciding.
What happens if the price drops after I book?
Carnival allows you to rebook the same sailing at a lower price if fares drop, though you must do so before final payment (usually 75 days before departure). You cannot automatically get a refund for the difference, but you can cancel and rebook at the new rate if you act quickly.