With images of sparkling blue waters and bustling port cities flooding Instagram and TikTok feeds around the world, travel hopefuls are more eager than ever to pack their bags headed for destinations best accessed by the sea. It’s no secret, cruising is having a moment, and there’s data to back it up with the Cruise Lines International Association’s May 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report finding that 71% of international travelers are considering taking their first cruise. Similarly, among those who have cruised, 82% are looking forward to cruising again.
If you find yourself among those toying with the idea of boarding their first cruise in the near future, you might have questions about just how expensive this type of travel really is, how it compares to the cost of a traditional land vacation and what’s actually included once you board the ship. If this sounds familiar, keep reading, as we tackle all this and more in the article below.
How Much Does the Average Cruise Cost?
According to data from Cruise Market Watch, the average seven-night cruise in 2024 cost $259.05 per passenger, per day. That’s ~$1,800 per guest for the week. Of course, this number isn’t set in stone, and a variety of factors such as your cruise line of choice, cabin type, cruise duration and even the destination can make a big difference when calculating one’s anticipated total. The reality is, the amount you can expect to pay varies greatly from brand to brand and itinerary to itinerary with extravagant 168-night world cruises costing over $100,000+ per person and some Caribbean sailings in interior cabins costing as little as $109 per person.
Understanding cruise pricing can be a challenge, which is why we recommend booking cruises through a trusted travel advisor who can help you crunch the numbers and consider all the important details.
Are Cruises All-Inclusive? What’s Included?
While some brands like Virgin Voyages and Norwegian Cruise Line are beginning to include traditional add-ons like dining at specialty restaurants, shore excursions, onboard activities and drink packages (including alcoholic beverages) into their base pricing, it’s not uncommon to have such things tacked onto your bill at the end of a sailing. Because of this, it’s important to understand exactly what’s included in your cruise fare and what’s not.
While we can’t list the specifics for every cruise line here, there are a few things you can expect to shell out extra for on most sailings including: shore excursions; dining at specialty restaurants; alcoholic and specialty beverages; spa and salon treatments; non-included onboard activities and entertainment; laundry and dry-cleaning; tipping ship staff and Wi-Fi.
Will a Cruise Line Pay for My Airfare?
If you’re wondering how you’ll get there, and if flights are included in your total price, the answer is “sometimes” as some brands do include airfare in their calculations. Alternatively, if flights aren’t included, but you still want to book airfare through your cruise line for an additional fee, you usually can. Like anything, there are pros and cons to booking flights through cruise brands with a few notable pros being special prices and flexible payment plans, whereas the inability to choose your own flights and added fees are notable cons.
Is Cruising More Expensive Than a Land Vacation?
And so the question looms, is cruising a good value? According to an article from All Things Cruise, there’s an argument to be made for cruising’s affordability with one writer stating that, compared to the traditional costs associated with land travel — think transportation, nightly accommodations in popular destinations, daily meals and drinks as well as entertainment and things to do — cruising is more budget-friendly when one considers everything that’s included in their cruise fare. That being said, as we mentioned above, not every cruise line is all-inclusive, making it extra important for travelers to understand what’s actually included and what they have to pay extra for once the ship hits the sea.
While prices are on the rise as cruising soars in popularity, it’s still possible to snag super sweet deals. Need help figuring out which cruise line and price is right for you? Call your trusted travel advisor today!
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