How Much Does a Cruise Really Cost?
Work out cost per person per day, with the extras you will really use.
Get an All-In Cruise QuoteHow Much Does a Cruise Really Cost? Work It Out Per Day
The honest answer to “how much does a cruise really cost?” is: more than the fare, and less than some people fear. The way to find out for your own trip is to work out the cost per person per day, including everything you will actually use.
The Cost-Per-Day Method
- 1. Start with the quote: fare plus taxes, fees and port expenses, for everyone in the cabin.
- 2. Add gratuities if they are not included: the daily rate times nights times guests.
- 3. Add your drinks: either a package price or your realistic daily spend.
- 4. Add Wi-Fi, specialty dining and excursions you plan to buy.
- 5. Add getting there: flights, the hotel night, transfers or parking.
- 6. Divide the total by the number of nights, then by the number of travelers.
Comparing Two Cruises Fairly
Run the method for each cruise, using the same habits. On an inclusive line, steps 2 to 4 may be mostly zero; on an a la carte line they may be large. The cruise with the lower fare is not always the cruise with the lower cost per day.
Be honest about habits. If you do not drink alcohol, a drinks package is not value, however generous. If you will book an excursion in every port anyway, a fare with included tours may be.
Factors That Move the Answer
- The number of guests in the cabin: third and fourth guests can lower the per-person cost.
- Solo travel: a single supplement raises it.
- The season and the itinerary.
- How many sea days there are: more sea days often means more onboard spending.
- The homeport: driving instead of flying can change the total a lot.
For low fares and sale periods, see Cruising for Less. To understand the selling side of cruises, Be a Travel Agent explains how advisors work.
A Worked Example Without the Numbers
Imagine two seven-night cruises for a couple. Cruise A has the lower fare but adds gratuities daily, and the couple would buy wine with dinner, a few cocktails, Wi-Fi for one phone and two excursions. Cruise B has a higher fare that includes drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities, and the couple would still buy the two excursions. Add each line of the method for both, divide by fourteen guest-nights, and the comparison is clear — whichever way it falls. The point is that the answer comes from your own list, not from the brochure.
Cost Per Day Questions
How much does a cruise really cost compared with a land vacation?
Compare cost per person per day for the same standard of room, meals and entertainment. Cruises often compare well because meals and travel between destinations are included, but the answer depends on the trip.
What is the biggest cost people underestimate?
Usually the combination of gratuities and drinks on a la carte lines, followed by flights to the port.
Let Us Run the Numbers
Tell us how you cruise and our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare cost per day across two or three options. Free.
Compare Cost Per Day