Cruises often prove to be more budget-friendly than traditional land-based vacations, thanks to the all-inclusive nature of the experience. Your fare typically includes accommodation, meals, entertainment, kids’ clubs, access to pools, live shows, and transportation between destinations. When compared to the combined costs of hotels, dining out, and flights between cities, cruising can offer exceptional value.

Affordable cruising is an excellent option for families, couples, and travelers seeking to explore multiple destinations without the hassle of frequent packing or the extra expense of transportation.

How to Get the Best Cruise Deals

Book Early or Very Late

There are two prime booking windows for cheap cruises:

Early bookings (9–18 months out):

Cruise lines often release their best value fares when itineraries first go on sale. These can include bonus inclusions such as onboard credit, free upgrades, kids-sail-free offers, or reduced deposits.

Last-minute bookings (0–90 days before departure)

If ships aren’t full, cruise lines may drop prices to fill cabins. This is ideal if you’re flexible with dates, destinations, and cabin types.

Be Flexible With Dates and Destinations

Flexibility is one of the biggest money-savers. Shoulder seasons, repositioning cruises, and less-popular itineraries are often heavily discounted.

Cruises departing mid-week, outside school holidays, or during off-peak months are almost always cheaper.

Choose the Right Cabin

Inside cabins are the cheapest option and are perfect if you plan to spend most of your time enjoying the ship and ports. Oceanview and balcony cabins are lovely, but if you’re cruising on a budget, choosing an inside cabin can save hundreds or even thousands.

Look for Added Value, Not Just Price

A slightly higher fare can sometimes be better value if it includes:

• Onboard credit

• Free drink packages

• Wi-Fi

• Gratuities included

• Specialty dining credits

Always compare the total cost, not just the headline fare.

Best Budget Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival is one of the best-known budget-friendly cruise lines. It’s fun, casual, and great for families and first-time cruisers. You’ll find frequent sales, affordable fares, and plenty of included entertainment.

Best for: Families, groups, short cruises, fun atmosphere

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers excellent value, especially on older ships. While some extras cost more, the onboard activities, shows, and dining options included in the fare provide strong value for money.

Best for: Families, adventure seekers, first-time cruisers

MSC Cruises

MSC is known for competitive pricing, especially in Europe and the Mediterranean. It often includes perks like kids sailing free or discounted drink packages.

Best for: European itineraries, families, value-focused travelers

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian’s “Free at Sea” promotions can make cruising very affordable. These often include drinks, Wi-Fi, dining, or shore excursion credits.

Best for: Flexible dining, casual cruising, couples

Princess Cruises (Great Value on Longer Sailings)

Princess may not always be the cheapest upfront, but longer itineraries and frequent promotions offer excellent overall value, especially for mature travelers.

Best for: Longer cruises, relaxed atmosphere, value seekers

When Cruise Companies Have Sales

Cruise lines run sales year-round, but certain times offer consistently better deals.

Wave Season (January to March)

This is the biggest cruise sales period of the year. Expect:

• Reduced deposits

• Cabin upgrades

• Free perks like drinks or onboard credit

• Competitive pricing across most cruise lines

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Many cruise lines release limited-time deals with added bonuses rather than massive price drops.

End of Financial Year Sales (June–July)

Common in Australia and often paired with strong inclusions or reduced fares.

School Holiday Sales

While fares are higher during school holidays, cruise lines sometimes release kids-sail-free offers or family deals.

Last-Minute Sales

Within 90 days of sailing, prices may drop significantly if cabins remain unsold.

Ways to Keep Your Cruise Cheap

Stick to Included Dining

Main dining rooms, buffets, and casual eateries are included in your fare. Specialty restaurants are great but can add up quickly.

Be Smart With Drinks

Drink packages aren’t always worth it unless you drink regularly. Many ships allow you to bring a limited amount of wine onboard, and free water, tea, coffee, and juice are always available.

Limit Shore Excursions

Cruise-line excursions are convenient but often expensive. Exploring ports independently, walking, or using local transport can save a lot of money.

Avoid Unnecessary Extras

Spa treatments, photos, bingo, and shopping can quickly blow the budget. Decide ahead of time what’s worth splurging on.

Bring What You Need

Pack essentials like sunscreen, medications, and toiletries. Buying these onboard is far more expensive.

Cheapest Times of Year to Cruise

The most affordable cruising periods typically include:

• Late January to early March (after holidays)

• Late April to early June

• September to early December (excluding school holidays)

Hurricane or wet seasons often come with lower prices, but many travelers cruise during these times without issue by choosing shorter itineraries or flexible routes.

Are Budget Cruises Still Worth It?

Absolutely. Budget-friendly cruising still delivers excellent food, entertainment, and destinations. By choosing the right cruise line, booking at the right time, and managing onboard spending, you can enjoy an incredible holiday for a fraction of the cost of traditional travel.

Cruising proves that you don’t need luxury pricing to have a memorable experience at sea.

Final Tip