How much does a cruise cost?

What is the average price of a cruise?

While cruise prices can fluctuate between £200 and £20,000, the average price for an all-inclusive 7-night cruise is around £900 per person. Note: when we use the phrase “all-inclusive” when it comes to a cruise, this usually means that all food, entertainment, and use of on-site facilities are included in the price – not to mention that you get to see lots of different places on the same holiday. Some drinks may be included in the price of your cruise per person, but it will depend on your chosen package deal. 

What factors influence the overall cost of a cruise?

So, what factors will typically influence the cost of your cruise holiday? Here are some of the most influential factors when it comes to the cost of a cruise in 2022:

Cruise line

There are lots of different cruise lines to pick from when browsing cruise holidays, and each will differ when it comes to price, inclusive benefits, luxury, and overall experience. Some cruise liners are designed to offer a top-of-the-range luxe experience; for example, Regency, Silversea and SAGA offer premium cruise experiences that can include everything from English butler service to premium suites with balconies. 

On the lower end of the price range, cruise lines such as MSC offer affordable deals and all-inclusive packages; the benefits and onboard facilities might be less fancy than a Regency or Seaboard cruise, but you’re still getting to enjoy the cruise experience and see different places at the same time. 

For a happy medium, we tend to recommend mid-range cruise lines such as Celebrity cruises – that offer all-inclusive package deals with VIP facilities available for those willing to pay extra. 

Interior or exterior cabin

The price per person will also depend on what kind of cruise cabin you opt for. You can save money on the overall cost of your cruise by opting for an interior cabin (aka, a cabin with no windows, situated closer to the centre of the cruise ship). However, this will mean missing out on some spectacular views when on the cruise, so it’s important to do a cost benefit analysis. Oceanview cabins can be a good option as they have a window to admire the scenery, however they generally are slightly more expensive than an interior but cheaper than a balcony. Balcony cabins are ideal in my opinion but it’s important to weigh up the cost difference between the different rooms as some people may prefer to spend more time around the ship and less time in their cabin. The price of the cabins can vary based on how many rooms of the same grade have been already booked, for instance if most of the interior cabins have been sold then the price of the balconies are likely to reduce.

Length of cruise

Naturally, the longer the cruise, the more expensive it’s going to be. The cruises that you can find within the £200-£300 budget range will tend to be just one-night or two-night cruises that sail from Southampton and visit places such as Holland and Denmark. At the higher end of the budget range, long cruises (or world cruises) that set sail for months at a time can cost up to £20,000-£30,000. 

On average, most voyagers opt for a cruise that lasts between 7 and 14 days. The average cost for a 7 day cruise is £900, with extra costs incurred if you opt for VIP facilities or upgrade your room. 

Class of Stateroom

The type of cabin, suite or room you opt for is also going to influence the cost of your trip. For example, if you book your cruise with Celebrity Cruises, you’ll have the option of booking a villa suite. These suites come with a range of exclusive perks, including premium drinks, onboard credit, butler and concierge services, and priority check-in. However, renting out a villa suite is going to cost you thousands per day. A standard suite or cabin will be a far cheaper option. 

Seasons

The time of year you travel is also going to play a role in the overall cost of your cruise. During high seasons – such as the summer months in various countries – you’re effectively going to be paying a summer premium, with increased prices across the board due to high demand. If you set sail in quieter months – such as April, or September – you’ll likely get a better deal.

Some locations are so popular during the summer months – and so quiet during winter periods – that you might even be able to find deals around 40-50% less expensive. However, many shops and businesses in hot climates (such as the Mediterranean) will close for the winter months, leaving you with limited options for excursions. Again, it’s good to run a cost benefit analysis before booking your cruise. 

Caribbean cruises can be considerably cheaper when sailing in rainy season, which tends to fall between June and November. Generally rainy season consists of short heavy downpours rather than constantly raining throughout the day and therefore could be a great way to bag a bargain cruise. Peak time for cruising to the Caribbean tends to be from November-April and the prices can be slightly higher. 

Location

The location of your cruise is also going to factor into your cruise price. For example, cruises to the Caribbean tend to be more expensive overall if you’re UK-based, as you will likely need to book flights to your cruise. (For some, this may defeat the purpose of a cruise, and many cruise liners depart from Southampton.)

If you’re visiting a highly popular destination, this can also play a role in the price – especially if you’re setting sail in high season. Destinations such as Greece, Italy, and the Mediterranean tend to be pricier due to their high demand. 

How much does a cruise cost in the caribbean?

On average, a 7-night cruise in the Caribbean can cost you around £1200-£1800 per person including flights. The type of cruise you opt for, your room, package deal, and any extras will all be reflected in the final price. 

How much does a cruise cost in the Mediterranean?

A Mediterranean cruise from the UK can cost anywhere from £400 to £10,000; the average price of a 7-night Mediterranean cruise is around £600-£1600. 

Your package deal

When making your booking, your cruise line will propose various package deals that can bring all your onboard expenses into one prepaid sum. Most cruise lines will offer standard package deals (these packages will usually include all food, basic non-alcoholic drinks and entertainment) while also offering more exclusive packages. These packages can include tips, alcoholic drinks, WiFi, room service, and excursions. 

Before selecting a package, it’s a good idea to reflect first on how you plan to spend your time on the cruise. For example, a drinks-inclusive package isn’t going to be useful if you don’t drink alcohol. The fancier your package deal, the higher the overall cost of your cruise. That being said, some packages (for example those that include tips and alcoholic drinks) can actually help you save money. 

Specialty restaurants 

While all cruises provide food onboard (and this will almost always be included in any standard package deal) some cruises also offer specialty restaurants. If you have a VIP or exclusive package deal, you might have access to gourmet dining in the onboard specialty restaurants. Adding this perk to your booking will incur additional costs, but can enhance your trip and make your holiday more special. 

Cruise excursions

While there are a whole host of activities on the cruise ship for you to enjoy, you can also explore various destinations via official cruise excursions. When the cruise ship docks in each port, you’ll usually have the opportunity to attend and participate in an excursion offered by the cruise line; this can include visiting historic sites, touring the city with an official tour guide, or visiting local museums and historic art galleries. 

While this can be a fun way to explore these new destinations, cruise excursions are pretty pricey, averaging at £90 per person. If you go on a cruise as a family of four, and want to attend 2 of the 6 excursions offered by the cruise line, that would add a hefty £720 to your overall cruise bill. If you want to cut back on costs, it’s better to visit the port destinations yourselves and explore the area as you wish, just make sure you arrive back to the ship before it departs!

Premium drinks 

Most cruise lines offer packages that include premium drinks. Unless you’re a cocktail aficionado, sticking to the classic drinks package is usually good enough. 

Hotel stays

Before embarking on a cruise, many voyagers prefer to stay in a hotel close to the port for a night or two before setting sail. This helps to avoid any delays or unexpected problems that could end up with you missing your cruise! (Delayed flights, delayed trains, car breaking down, etc.) While some cruise lines include a hotel stay as part of the package, others won’t, so this expense will add to your overall cruise costs. 

Don’t forget that while some cruise lines include a hotel stay as part of their package deal, this won’t cover food and drink, so make sure to budget for this when calculating costs. 

How to find the best cost cruise

So, what can you do to find the best cruise at a low price? Here are a few ways you can locate the best all-inclusive package deal:

Surf the net for deals

There are always deals on offer if you scout sites like Cruisenation regularly. You’ll be able to find custom deals based on your travelling needs; there are options based on location, year, type of cruise (i.e., luxury) and even options for couples. 

Include perks in your package deal

If you want to keep the costs to a minimum when you’re onboard, it’s a good idea to opt for a package where drinks tips and wifi are included. The cost of your drinks and tips can quickly add up, so it can save you money in the long run to pay for all these expenses upfront with a package deal. 

Search for last minute offers

Many cruises will run last-minute offers to fill up seats and cabins on their cruises, so sometimes it can pay off to leave things to the last minute. However, make sure that you take into account important logistics before booking on a whim. You’ll need to consider potential flight prices (which tend to be more expensive at the last minute, rather than cheaper) as well as potential hotel bookings for the night before and after. Research all of this important information before making a last-minute booking. 

Book via a package deal

With discounts, all-inclusive deals, and other perks on offer, it can often be cheaper to book your cruise via a package deal, rather than booking with the cruise line directly. Always compare your options and shop around for the best deal.

Things to remember 

You get what you pay for

It’s normal to want to cut costs when booking any holiday, but it’s important to remember that with cruises, you tend to get what you pay for. Cruise lines that run cheap deals tend to be on the lookout for high volume; this leads to an overcrowded ship and lower quality service. If you’re looking for a luxury experience, it’s best to pay that little bit extra. 

Cruises that come with a higher price tag tend to be of higher quality; you’ll get better service, enhanced perks, and as the cruise line doesn’t rely on having a high volume of passengers, the ship won’t be overcrowded and noisy.

Are cruises worth the cost?

When you consider how much you get for the price paid, cruises are absolutely worth the cost. If you’re looking for value for money, a cruise really is your best option. Why? Here’s all the perks included in most standard cruise package deals: 

• Accommodation
• Drinks included
• All food included, including snacks 
• Evening entertainment, with cruise shows, live music, and onboard activities. 
• Travel between stops, allowing you to see various destinations within the one trip.
• Luxury for less

How much does a cruise cost for 2?

On average, a cruise for two will cost around £150 per day, per person. This means that a 7-night cruise for 2 will cost around £2100, or £1050 per person. These prices will usually fluctuate depending on the season, and the location of the cruise.

For example, if you wanted to opt for a couple’s Mediterranean cruise, the cost for two people would be slightly elevated over the average, costing around £1200 per person, especially if the cruise sets sail in high season.

For a Caribbean cruise for 2, you could expect to pay around £1200 to £1800 per person for a 7-night standard package. If the price of flights and hotel stays aren’t included in the deal, you’d also need to think about these costs when considering your overall budget. 

On the lower end of the budget scale, a mini cruise for 2 would cost on average around £150-£300 per person for 3 nights. 

6 month cruise around the world cost

If you want to set sail for an around-the-world cruise for 6 months, you’re looking at an overall cost of around £50,000. The total costs will depend on your accommodation – i.e. whether you opt for a standard cabin or a suite – as well as your inclusive package. 

Cruise wedding cost

If you want to say your I dos on a cruise, wedding packages begin at around £1,500, and can cost up to £3000, depending on the cruise line. Princess Cruises, P&O cruises, Celebrity cruises and Royal Caribbean International are just some examples of cruise lines that are licensed to perform legal wedding ceremonies on their ships. 

Caribbean cruise cost

If you want to head to the sunny Caribbean on a cruise, costs will vary largely depending on your chosen cruise line, the time of year you set sail, the duration, and the grade of your cabin. If you want to save on costs, it can be cheaper to set sail in off-peak seasons, such as September. For example, MSC’s Seashore is running a 7-night all-inclusive cruise to the Caribbean from the 7th of September 2022 for just £1039 per person. This package includes 3 nights in a hotel and flights from Heathrow airport to the cruise destination. This same package would be much more expensive during high season; you might expect to pay around £1500 for the same experience. 

What to wear on formal nights?

Before embarking on your cruise adventure, don’t forget that the cruise will usually have formal nights, where you’ll be expected to wear formal clothing when you’re in public areas of the ship. Some cruise liners will allow you to opt out of formal nights, but if you’re going on a cruise ship where the passengers must follow the dress code, here are some tips to take along with you:

• Check the recommended dress code before travelling; this will allow you to pack the necessary clothes you might need if you wish to participate. 

• Tuxedos may be required – you might need to hire one for the length of your trip if you don’t want to splash out on buying one.
• Formal dresses/trousers for women may be required. Don’t forget that most ships will have an onboard shopping area, so even if you forget your evening gown, you should still be able to participate in formal nights.

Antarctica Cruise Cost 

The cost of an Antarctic cruise will largely depend on the duration of the cruise and the cruise line. For example, Celebrity Infinity offers a reasonable package deal for 2, costing £1584pp (for the cruise alone). On the higher price scale, cruise line Hurtigruten offers 12 nights at £5682, including flights, a hotel, and no single person supplement.) 

Around the world cruise cost 

A cruise around the world can cost anywhere from £12,500 to £100,000. This price fluctuation is due to the fact that “around the world” doesn’t necessarily mean a lengthy cruise; some cruise lines offer “around the world” cruises that visit various destinations in lots of different parts of the world, but only lasts around 4 weeks. On the other hand, some cruise liners set sail for 6 months at a time; these cruises can cost upwards of £50,000 for a standard package. 

Cruise Food 

Cruise food is some of the best food at sea; not only will you enjoy all-inclusive food in the ship’s main dining area, but some cruise ships also have specialist gourmet dining restaurants onboard. In order to dine in one of the cruise ship’s specialist restaurants, you’ll usually need to opt for a cruise package that includes specialist dining.

Most Expensive Cruise Suites 

If you want to upgrade your cruise experience, an expensive cruise suite can transform a great cruise holiday into a VIP experience with exclusive perks. One of the most famously expensive cruise suites is the Penthouse Suite by Crystal Cruises; the suite comes with a personal butler, two TVs, and 270 sq foot veranda.

Other expensive cruise suites include the Grand Wintergarden Suite by Seabourn Cruise Lines, the Ultimate Family Suite by Royal Caribbean, and the Balsorano Suite with Silversea. 

2 Bedroom Suites on cruise ships 

If you’re travelling in a group and want to enjoy a luxury experience, several cruise liners offer 2 bedroom suites. Usually, there are only a few 2-bedroom suites per ship, and they can cost thousands of pounds per night. 

While they might be expensive, 2 bedroom suites are perfect if you’re travelling as a large group or large family. They;re also great for special occasions, like a hen holiday or stag holiday.

Currently, cruise lines Princess, Royal Caribbean & Celebrity offer two bedroom suites. 

Largest Suite on Cruise Ship

If you’re looking for the VIP treatment, why not book a cruise and enjoy the experience from the largest cruise ship suite in the world? One of the most famous expensive cruise suites is the Regent Suite, offered by the Regency Seven Seas cruise line at almost £10,000 per night. The 4000+ sq ft. suite comes equipped with a private dining space and on-call spa treatments, making it the most expensive – and largest – luxe cruise suite in the world. 

Cruise Ship Suites 

If you’re thinking about paying that little bit extra and opting for a suite over a standard cabin or room, what can you expect to get, and is it worth it? Most cruise liners have standard suites onboard, which will be larger in square feet and often come with private perks, such as a private pool, balcony, jacuzzi, and butler service. 

Suites usually begin at ‘Junior’ level, although you can also bid for more ‘executive’ style suites, which will typically come with the aforementioned perks such as pools and stunning balconies. RE ‘bidding’ – many cruise ships only have a small number of luxury suites onboard, and the suite is often assigned via an auction-style bidding system.