How much does a 7 day cruise cost total?

How cheap is it to go on a cruise?

Royal Caribbean’s “$500” cruises? That’s misleading. The base price is a deceptive lure. It rarely includes flights from Ohio, port taxes, gratuities – easily adding hundreds, sometimes over a thousand dollars to the total. Think carefully.

Cruises appear cheap because lines aggressively price the initial cabin cost. They recoup this through onboard spending. Drinks, shore excursions, specialty dining – these are profit centers. A $500 cruise? Prepare for an additional $1000 or more easily, especially travelling from Ohio. My last cruise from Miami was much more.

To get a cheap cruise, consider:

• Shoulder seasons: Sailing in spring or fall usually offers lower prices than peak summer months. Avoid school holidays and major events.
• Inside cabins: These are the smallest, with no windows. They’re significantly cheaper. But, are they worth it?
• Booking early: Early bird discounts exist, but last-minute deals are also available sometimes, especially if a cruise is underbooked.
• Port location: Cruises departing from less popular ports, perhaps away from large, busy cities, tend to be cheaper than those leaving from major hubs like Miami or New York. That’s a fact.

The “$500” figure is mostly marketing. That’s how these things work. The real costs are often hidden. Factor in travel to the port, which adds a considerable sum for Ohio residents. A budget of at least $1500 per person is more realistic, perhaps $2000+ for a family, even with deals, depending on length. It’s important to be realistic about costs. I’m telling you, it’s a money trap if you’re not careful. Don’t get caught!

What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?

Cheapest cruise month, huh? January after New Year’s! Feels like everyone’s suddenly broke—even dolphins are scrimping.

February? Beware Valentine’s Day; prices skyrocket! Think roses cost less? Nah, cruise tickets, too. Late Feb? Ah, bargain time again.

Basically, January and late February are your cheap cruise sweet spots. Unless a rogue pirate convention books everything. Seriously, happens every year!

Cruises: The Lowdown

• January Jolts: Post-holiday blues, plus maxed-out credit cards, equals empty ships. Yay for YOU!
• Feb Follies: V-Day voyages? More like V-Expensive voyages. Avoid! Unless you LOVE paying extra.
• Pirate Invasion: Okay, jokes, a whole lotta people decide these months are the best for them too, so book early!
• Booking Smarts: Book way ahead of time or right at the last minute. You know, play cruise roulette.
• Destination Matters: Alaskan cruises in January? BRRR! Stick to warmer waters. Unless you’re into polar bear plunges. My uncle tried that once; now he only eats fish. No joke, I saw him!

So, there you have it. Cruise cheap, avoid pirates, and maybe keep an eye on your uncle.

What is the low season for cruises?

Ugh, January. Hate that post-New Year’s lull. So dead. Cruises? Definitely cheap then. Early Feb too, I guess.

September to December is another total bust, except, Thanksgiving week. Book that far in advance, obviously. People are crazy during holidays.

Why is it so cheap? Weather, mostly. School’s in. No one wants to be stuck on a boat in a hurricane, right? Unless you’re into that sort of thing. Crazy.

Lower fares are the big draw. Gotta love a deal. Especially on a luxury cruise. This year I’m looking at the Caribbean, maybe.

• January (post-New Year’s)
• Early February
• September – December (excluding Thanksgiving)

Deals everywhere. I saw a killer deal on a Royal Caribbean cruise last week. Should have snagged it. Damn. Next year, for sure. Gotta remember this. Planning a 2024 trip already! Maybe Alaska?

School’s out in the summer. Duh. Summer cruises? Packed. And expensive. No thanks. Give me cheap cruises any day.

What time of year is least busy to cruise?

Least busy cruise times are generally from July to early November. This is the off-season. Peak season slams you with crowds, December to April. Think packed ships, higher prices. Yikes! It’s a classic supply and demand thing, I guess. One must consider that.

Shoulder seasons offer a compelling alternative: May, June, late November (pre-Thanksgiving), and early December. Fewer people, potentially lower prices. It’s a sweet spot, a Goldilocks zone if you will. A nice balance. Makes you think, huh?

Here’s a breakdown to illustrate:

• Peak Season: December – April. Expect high prices and throngs of fellow travelers. This is when everyone wants to be on the water. Makes sense.
• Shoulder Seasons: May-June, Late November – Early December. A happy medium; fewer crowds, but still nice weather.
• Off-Season: July – Early November. Expect the lowest prices and fewest crowds. However, weather may be a factor, depending on the itinerary.

Cruises to Alaska or the Mediterranean will differ slightly; weather plays a significant role. These variations highlight the importance of meticulous planning. My friend, Sarah, had a terrible time in the Caribbean in August because of a hurricane. You have to check.

Remember to factor in specific cruise lines and destinations; their popularity fluctuates. Consider a less popular route for a truly relaxing cruise experience. It’s all about finding the right fit for your travel style and budget. I personally prefer September cruises. They’re usually fantastic.

What are the most expensive months to go on a cruise?

June, July, and August absolutely mark the high season for cruises. Think about it: kids are out of school, and families are eager to escape. This naturally inflates prices.

• School’s out! Summer break drives demand.
• Family vacations: Everyone’s got free time.
• Higher prices? Yep, supply and demand, baby.

It’s a simple equation, really. More people wanting to cruise equals higher cruise fares. The cruise lines are savvy. They know when to capitalize on the demand. So, summer’s expensive. That’s just how it goes. Unless… you’re into shoulder season?

Shoulder seasons, like April-May or September-October, can offer better deals. The weather might be a tad less predictable, but the savings can be significant. Do you prefer paying top dollar for guaranteed sunshine, or taking a slight risk for a potential bargain? I know my preference. Plus, fewer crowds. Score!

• April-May, September-October: Golden opportunities.
• Slight weather risk, huge savings potential.
• Fewer crowds? Sold!

Cruise prices also increase during holiday periods. Think Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Everyone wants to spend the holidays at sea. It’s understandable! But expect to pay a premium. It is a luxurious option to flee family responsibilities.

• Holidays at sea: A tempting escape.
• Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s: Price spikes.
• Luxury doesn’t come cheap.

Now, about that “guaranteed sunshine”… Is anything truly guaranteed? Nature is capricious. You might get rain in July, and sunshine in October. It’s all part of the adventure. I think my neighbor Janice got caught in a typhoon off the coast of Alaska. During summer. Go figure.

How expensive is it to go on a cruise?

Cruises: A voyage or a financial abyss? Depends.

Odds are, you’ll splash $1,500-$2,000. Per person. Gulp.

Fancy hydrating with free water, shunning pricey shore excursions like a monk avoids temptation, and sticking to the buffet like glue? Knock off some bucks, sure. Maybe.

But honestly, who cruises just to nibble iceberg lettuce? That’s like buying a Ferrari to drive five miles per hour. And BTW, cruises are just floating buffets with occasional sea views. Just saying. I prefer boats, the older, the better.

• Base Fare: The price of the cabin, obviously. Inside cabin? Think closet. Balcony? Ah, now we’re talking. Price is high, even higher.

• Booze: The real killer. Cocktails by the pool? Prepare your wallet for a serious workout. Unless you smuggle it like my Aunt Mildred used to.

• Excursions: Those tempting tours? Often overpriced. DIY is a cheaper adventure. I’d buy that any day.

• Gratuities: Mandatory tips? Consider them a pre-set ransom for decent service.

• Hidden Fees: Wi-Fi (shockingly bad), “specialty” restaurants (are buffets not special?), and the ever-present temptation to gamble your savings away.