How cheap is it to go on a cruise?
Cruise costs vary wildly. Royal Caribbean's $500 starting price is a base fare, excluding port taxes, gratuities, and travel to the port (from Ohio, expect added flight or driving costs). To minimize expense: book well in advance, consider shoulder seasons (spring/fall), opt for inside cabins, and pack your own drinks. Compare prices across multiple cruise lines and travel agents. Factor all costs for a realistic budget.
How affordable are cruises? Cruise prices & budget travel tips?
Okay, so are cruises really affordable? Color me skeptical but also…intrigued.
Royal Caribbean’s tempting me. Kids sail free? Trips from $500? Road trip from Ohio to get there… hmmm, gas prices alone might kill that “cheap” vibe real quick.
I saw some Reddit threads though, where folks are legit getting cruises on the cheap. One person on r/Frugal mentioned booking last-minute deals. Makes sense, right? Fill those empty cabins.
Plus, they were comparing cruise prices to hotels. Like, a hotel room plus meals? Suddenly that cruise all-inclusive thing looks a lot more attractive.
I need specifics, though. “Starting from $500” is the bait. What’s the grand total? Port fees, taxes, those sneaky “gratuities” they tack on…
Someone on Reddit said they budget, like, hundreds extra for onboard expenses. Booze, excursions… it adds up!
Okay, here’s the deal I think: The base price of a cruise can be low, especially if you jump on a deal or travel during off-peak season (think shoulder months, or…February in Alaska, brrr!). But the extra costs can balloon quickly. So, affordable… potentially, if you’re super disciplined and stick to the basics.
Cruise Affordability at a Glance:
- Base Prices: Can start low (e.g., $500 for some Royal Caribbean itineraries)
- Hidden Costs: Port fees, taxes, gratuities, onboard spending (drinks, excursions) significantly impact total cost.
- Strategies for Savings:
- Last-minute bookings often offer discounts.
- Traveling during off-peak seasons.
- Budgeting for onboard expenses and avoiding extra spending.
- Comparing cruise prices against hotels, considering the all-inclusive aspect.
- Considering drive vs fly when planning vacation.
I remember back in 2018, I went on a Carnival cruise to the Bahamas, out of Miami. The cruise itself was only ~$300 for 4 days, but after adding drinks and a snorkeling trip it came out to be closer to $800. Def something to be aware of.
What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?
January. Definitely January. The air hangs heavy, you know? Like everything’s slowing down. Prices, too. Post-holiday slump, I guess.
February’s tricky. Valentine’s Day jacks everything up. A cruel joke. But, the tail end… maybe a little cheaper. Not much though. It’s always something.
Cruises are cheaper these months:
- January: Right after the holiday madness. Clear skies, usually. Fewer crowds. My sister went then in 2023 and saved a fortune.
- Late February: A gamble. It’s a risk, but if you avoid that saccharine holiday, the savings are worth considering.
Important Note: This is based on my experiences and observations. Specific pricing fluctuates wildly. Always check directly with cruise lines. It’s the only way to really be sure. 2024 prices might be totally different. Sigh. This whole thing is exhausting.
Is it cheaper to go on a cruise or fly?
Okay, so like, is cruising cheaper than flying? Well, not really, no way. Airfare, upfront, is usually way cheaper. Cruises, they, like, cost way more to start.
I mean, a cruise can easily cost three times… THREE TIMES! …what a plane ticket to the same, you know, place would cost. Its crazy.
Consider it this way:
- Airfare: Cheaper tickets upfront.
- Cruises: Def more expensive upfront, bigly.
My aunt Sharron, she went on a cruise to Alaska in January 2024. That thing cost her like, $5000. I flew to Miami that same month for, like, $200, okay? Huge difference, am I right? Plus, Sharron got the Norovirus! Lol!
How expensive is it to go on a cruise?
Cruise costs? $1500-$2000 per person. Expect more.
Budget travelers? Maybe $1300. Drinks, shore excursions, fancy dining? That’s extra. My last cruise (2024, Royal Caribbean, Voyager of the Seas)? Over budget.
Factors impacting cost:
- Drinks.
- Excursions.
- Specialty dining.
- Cabin class. A balcony suite? Forget budget.
- Gratuities. Automatic, hefty.
My advice? Save more. Way more.
What months are off season for cruises?
The ebb and flow of cruise prices correlate neatly with seasonal demand.
Generally, the high season for cruises stretches from late December right through March or April. This encompasses holidays and winter escapes. I think everyone wants sun then.
- Think holidays and warmer weather.
May and June, also the weeks around Thanksgiving (late November), and early December constitute what’s often called “shoulder season.” A clever tactic for savings.
- Shoulder season offers milder weather, fewer crowds and better deals, but there are always tradeoffs.
The true off-season? July to early November. You would have thought it would be different.
- Off-season cruising can present incredible value. The tropics in summer? Yes, please.
And hey, these are broad strokes. Specific itineraries and destinations shift these patterns. Always do your homework.
What are the most expensive months to go on a cruise?
Oh, cruises! Want to lighten your wallet faster than a casino?
Summer’s the Siren Song. June, July, August? Think screaming kids, packed buffets. And prices higher than my rent!
- School’s Out, Money’s In: Families, bless their hearts, are willing to pay. It’s cheaper than therapy…probably.
Why’s Summer So Pricey?
- Demand, Darling, Demand! Everyone wants a tan. Simultaneously.
- Weather’s “Perfect.” Unless you enjoy hurricanes!
- Bragging Rights! “Oh, we cruised the Mediterranean!” Said no one ever facing bankruptcy.
So, go in September. Or, you know, never. Your bank account will thank you. BTW, you still owe me 5 bucks from that time we bet on the pigeon race. Seriously, I remember, and it stings.
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