Budget Cruise Lines, Honestly Compared
Cut-rate fares, full-size vacations. Here is how to choose.
Get Free Budget Cruise QuotesBudget Cruise Lines: Who They Are and What You Get
Budget cruise lines are the reason a cruise is often the least expensive real vacation an American family can take. A cut-rate fare on a big mainstream ship still buys a cabin, three meals a day and more, a pool deck, a theater and a new port most mornings. The question is not whether budget lines are good — millions sail them happily every year — but which one suits you and what it will charge for once you are on board.
This site is about the lines themselves. We profile the cheapest cruise lines and how each keeps its fares low, explain what a cheap cruise really includes, list cheap cruises from Florida port by port and from the rest of the U.S., and look at cheap cruises for families. We never publish fares here: they change daily, and a stale price is worse than none.
The cheapest cruise lines
Carnival, MSC, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Margaritaville at Sea, line by line.
What cheap cruises include
The fare, the extras and the honest trade-offs against premium lines.
Cheap cruises from Florida
Miami, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville and Palm Beach.
Other U.S. ports
Texas, the Gulf, the Northeast and California.
Cheap cruises for families
Kids’ fares, cabins for four and what is free for children on board.
Budget cruise FAQ
Quick answers on gratuities, drinks, inside cabins and more.
How Cut-Rate Lines Keep Fares Low
Budget lines are not cheap by accident. They fill very large ships, which spreads fixed costs over thousands of guests. They sail short, high-demand routes from drive-to ports, so many guests skip airfare. They price the base fare to sell every cabin and earn more from what you buy on board: drinks, specialty restaurants, spa visits, photos, casino play and excursions.
That model is good news for a disciplined traveler. If you enjoy the included dining and entertainment and set a budget for extras, a budget line can deliver a lot of vacation for the money. If you want every drink, dinner and tip included, a premium or all-inclusive line may cost less in the end.
| Usually included | Usually extra |
|---|---|
| Cabin, main dining room and buffet | Alcohol, soda and specialty coffee |
| Pools, waterslides on many ships, fitness center | Specialty restaurants |
| Theater shows, live music, kids’ clubs | Wi-Fi and spa treatments |
| Port calls and the ship’s itinerary | Shore excursions and daily gratuities |
Get the Lowest Real Price
The lowest headline fare is not always the lowest trip. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise compare budget lines on the total — fare, taxes and port fees, gratuities and the extras you actually want — and look for added value such as onboard credit. Browse every line in the Official Cruise Directory, and if you are new to cruising, First Time Cruise explains how a first cruise works.
Cut Rate Cruises is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
Ask for a quote and our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will find the lowest real price across the budget lines — and book it for you, not a call center. Meet Mister Cruise →
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Budget Cruise Lines: Quick Answers
What are the budget cruise lines?
In the North American market, the lines whose fares most often sit at the low end are Carnival and MSC, with Royal Caribbean’s older ships, Norwegian on some sailings and the small Margaritaville at Sea fleet also competing on price. Fares change daily, so no line is always cheapest.
Are budget cruise lines worth it?
For many travelers, yes. Cabins, main meals, entertainment and the pools are included in the fare on every one of them. You trade some extras, space and service polish for the lower fare, and you pay separately for drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining and gratuities.
Is a cut-rate cruise a sign something is wrong?
Usually not. Low fares come from big ships, short sailings, off-peak weeks and lines built around onboard spending. Be wary only of sellers you cannot verify; book through the line or an advisor you know.
How do I find the cheapest sailing on a budget line?
Be flexible on dates and cabin, compare the total after taxes, fees and gratuities, and ask an advisor to watch the fare. Live offers are on our sister sites Cruising for Less and Wave Season.
Find a Cut-Rate Cruise That Is Still a Great Cruise
Tell us your port, month and budget. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare the budget lines on total price. Free.
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