Which Cruise Line Is the Cheapest?

By Anna Duncan

Are you looking for an affordable way to take a vacation? A cruise may be the perfect option for you.

However, with so many cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to find the cheapest one. In this article, we will explore which cruise line is the most budget-friendly.

Carnival Cruise Line

When it comes to affordability, Carnival Cruise Line is often considered the go-to option. With prices starting as low as $169 per person, it’s easy to see why. Additionally, Carnival offers a wide variety of destinations and departure ports that make it easy to find a trip that fits your budget.

What’s Included

One of the great things about Carnival is that many amenities are included in your fare. This includes meals (with some specialty dining options available for an additional fee), non-alcoholic beverages like juice and soda, and access to onboard activities like pools and waterslides.

What’s Not Included

While many amenities are included in your fare, there are some things that come with an additional cost. Alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, and shore excursions are just a few examples. It’s important to factor these additional expenses into your budget when considering a Carnival Cruise.

Royal Caribbean

Another popular option for budget-conscious travelers is Royal Caribbean. With starting prices around $200 per person, Royal Caribbean offers great value for those looking for an affordable vacation.

Royal Caribbean offers similar inclusions as Carnival such as meals at select venues and access to onboard activities like rock climbing walls and mini-golf. Additionally, they offer more premium dining options than Carnival with options like Izumi Hibachi & Sushi and Chops Grille Steakhouse (for an additional fee).

As with Carnival, there are some things that come with an additional cost. Alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, and shore excursions are all additional expenses to consider when budgeting for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is another great option for those on a tight budget. With prices starting around $250 per person, Norwegian offers a variety of destinations and departure ports to choose from.

Norwegian offers similar inclusions as Royal Caribbean such as meals (with select dining options available for an additional fee) and access to onboard activities like waterslides and mini-golf. Additionally, Norwegian offers more flexibility with their “Free at Sea” promotion which allows guests to choose perks like free open bar or free specialty dining when booking certain stateroom categories.

As with the other cruise lines mentioned, there are some things that come with an additional cost. Alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, and shore excursions are all additional expenses to consider when budgeting for a Norwegian Cruise.

Conclusion

While there are many factors to consider when choosing the cheapest cruise line for your vacation, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line are all great options to explore. Be sure to factor in any additional expenses when creating your budget and compare prices across multiple cruise lines before making your final decision. Bon voyage!