We are all for saving money on a cruise. So, to help those looking for a deal, we compare the three cheapest cruise lines. See how they rank in our latest video.
We Compare the 3 Cheapest Cruise Lines 0:00 Introduction 0:55 What is a Good Price for a Cruise 2:40 How to Book the Cheapest Cruise 3:50 When to Book a Cheap Cruise 5:08 Carnival Cruise Line 7:45 Pros and Cons of Carnival Cruise Line 8:52 MSC Cruises 12:10 Pros and Cons of Sailing With MSC Cruises 13:27 Margaritaville at Sea
WE COMPARE THE CHEAPEST CRUISE LINES Often, cruisers ask us what a good deal is for a cruise. Typically, a good rule of thumb is that a cheap cruise will cost between $50 and $100 per person per day, including taxes and fees.
The good news is that finding a cheap cruise can be easy. You only need to browse the cruise line's website or other cruise booking engines. We always recommend using a travel advisor. These professionals might have access to lower fares than what is advertised by the cruise lines.
THE 3 CHEAPEST CRUISE LINES You can indeed find a good cruise deal on any cruise line. However, 3 cruise lines routinely have the lowest cruise fares. These family-friendly cruise lines include Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Margaritaville at Sea.
Carnival Cruise Line is known for its relatively low cruise fares. The cheapest cruises will be 3 and 4-night cruises on the lines of older ships. Still, you can often get cruises on these vessels for around $80 to $100 per person per day. If you have more vacation time, longer Caribbean cruises tend to have a lower per-person cost, closer to $70. So, while the overall cost is more than the short cruise, those longer voyages are a better value.
Carnival Cruise Line sails from several ports in the U.S. and offers various itineraries. The cruise line shines with programming for younger kids under 10. The Carnival Cruise Line ships have some of the best casual food at sea. Options range from Guy's Burger Joint to the Blue Iguana, late-night pizza and Deli, and a well-designed buffet.
There is also nightly entertainment, and the ships have various onboard activities.
MSC Cruises is a relative newcomer in the discount cruise game in the U.S.. This Italian cruise line has a few ships sailing from Florida and offers low-priced cruises. In fact, you can often find cruises on MSC Cruises mega-ships for $60 to $70 per person. On its older ships, the cruise line offers 3- and 4-day cruises to the Bahamas.
However, where MSC Cruises shines is its longer itineraries. Cruises on these impressive mega-ships offer some of the lowest fares for a weeklong Caribbean cruise. These newer ships boast the most outdoor space for a contemporary cruise line. It has water parks, adult-only areas, and several complimentary and specialty restaurants.
These ships also host nightly entertainment and deck parties and are home to interactive digital experiences. MSC Cruises offers a traditional dining experience, and these low fares include a set dining time that is difficult to change. The dining on MSC Cruises is not up to the standards of other cruise lines.
Lastly, there is Margaritaville at Sea. Offering two-day, roundtrip Bahamas cruises, these are the shortest and cheapest cruises you can take from the U.S.
The cruise line offers a few dining options and recently updated staterooms. We find the entertainment fun and lighthearted, and there are plenty of places to get a drink.
The cruise line often touts deals with fares as low as $45 per person for the two-day getaway. But, once taxes and fees are added, those fares cost around $70 per person daily. Still, that is quite a cheap cruise for anyone looking to get away and enjoy some sun and boat drinks in a laid-back atmosphere.
