Cruises are a favorite among vacationers who yearn for an eclectic mix of relaxation, adventure, education and history. The allure of cruising is undeniable—imagine waking up each morning in a new port, exploring diverse cultures and landscapes, all while enjoying the comforts of a floating hotel, no packing and unpacking.
One of the first questions budget-conscious travelers have is how much their cruise is going to cost. The answer isn’t straightforward, as prices fluctuate based on a number of variables. Cost is irrelevant until you know what it all includes. Many of the large ships offer low entry prices but include almost nothing and many of our small ship prices are higher but include almost everything.
Average Cost of a Small Ship Cruise
Generally, the cost of a smaller ship or River cruise ranges from a few thousand dollars up to $10,000 per person. This broad range reflects the diversity in cruise offerings, from modest interior cabins on short trips to luxurious suites on extended voyages. For instance, a standard 7 night 8 day River cruise in Europe typically starts around $1999 per person. River cruises in the USA are a bit more around $3499 per person. This is just a starting point. Your actual cost could be higher or lower based on the choices you make.
Breaking Down the Costs
Understanding the full cost of a cruise involves considering various components:
Cruise Fare on Large Ships: This base price includes your room, standard meals, and most entertainment. For a 5-night cruise, fares per person will likely start around $2500.This does not include :
Taxes, Fees, and Port Charges: These mandatory additional costs can total several hundred dollars per person, covering government taxes, port fees, and security expenses.
Shore Excursions: Optional but popular, these activities are priced separately and can include anything from beach outings to cultural tours, generally costing $50 to $200 each.
Onboard Expenses: Extra charges on board include alcoholic beverages, special dining, and internet service, which can significantly increase your total spending.
Gratuities: These typically range from $14 to $20 per person, per day, depending on the cruise line and cabin category. Gratuities for suite passengers can be higher.
Cruise Fare on River or Small Ships: Base fare for 5 night cruise is $2599 per person, but the price includes all meals, snacks, usually drinks (wine and beer included) all entertainment, some if not all shore excursions, all on board activities such as wine tasting or art classes, an historian on board giving daily lectures, live entertainment, many include port charges and gratuities and some even include a pre night hotel, breakfast, city tour and transfers.
What Influences Your Cruise Cost?
Several factors can impact how much your cruise will ultimately cost:
Seasonality: Sailing during peak times such as Spring or summer in Europe or most of the USA or winter holidays (Christmas Markets in Europe or on the Mississippi River) typically costs more than cruising during fall but it truly depends on the destination.
Destination: Traveling to any destination in the off season or when weather isn’t as desirable prices will be less expensive then. Destinations with lots of cruise ships tend to be less expensive because of competition. Destinations with fewer ships tend to be more expensive.
Cabin Selection: The type of cabin you opt for affects pricing; basic interior cabins are the most cost-effective, whereas suites with ocean views or balconies are pricier, but be careful on this choice because some higher cabins offer more amenities, so you want to check with your cruise agent on this.
Smart Saving Tips
To get the most out of your budget, consider these strategies:
Book Early with a Good Cruise Consultant: Early reservations often secure better rates and choice accommodations and good consultants can get you better discounts and amenities. For small ships and River Cruises it is a must to book early as they sell out quickly.
Travel Off-Peak: Consider sailing during less popular times to snag lower prices.
Call a Reputable Cruise Agency: They will have special offers and amenities that booking direct won’t have, plus they can answer all your cruise questions and steer you to the right cruise for you!
The cost of a cruise is influenced by a number of factors, from your choice of cabin to the timing of your trip. By understanding these elements and planning strategically, you can enjoy a memorable cruise vacation that doesn’t break the bank. Always stay alert for special promotions and consider less conventional cruising times or destinations to maximize your value.
