The cheapest cruise lines share a business model — big ships, popular routes, revenue from onboard spending — but each one feels different on board. Here is who they are and how they differ, without rankings that would be out of date by next week.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival is the best-known budget line in America and sails from more U.S. homeports than anyone else: in Florida alone it uses Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa and Jacksonville, and it sails from Galveston, Mobile, Baltimore, Long Beach and others. Its style is casual and fun, with a big menu of short three- to five-night sailings that keep the entry price low. Daily gratuities are added to the onboard account, and drinks are extra unless you buy a package.
MSC Cruises
MSC is the Geneva-based family line that has grown fast in the U.S. market, sailing from ports including Miami and Port Canaveral. It is often among the lowest fares for families because of its kids-sail-free promotions. Its ships are large and modern with a European flavor; expect a more international mix of guests and a fare structure with optional drink and dining packages.
Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Margaritaville at Sea
Royal Caribbean
Not a budget line at the top of its fleet, but its older, smaller ships on short Bahamas and Caribbean routes often price close to the budget lines, with Royal Caribbean’s signature features on board.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Known for freestyle dining with no fixed times. Base fares can be low, and the line markets bundled extras under its “More at Sea” packages; compare the bundle against a plain fare.
Margaritaville at Sea
A small, casual fleet: Paradise sails short Bahamas trips from Palm Beach, Islander sails four- to seven-night cruises from Tampa, and Beachcomber, the former Costa Fortuna, is due to start from Miami in January 2027.
Which of these is “cheapest” depends on the sailing date, the cabin and the extras you want. A three-night Bahamas cruise on any of them can cost less than a weekend in a resort hotel; a seven-night peak-week sailing with a balcony and a drink package can not.
Prefer an upgrade to a bargain? Cruise Upgrades explains how cabin upgrades actually work on these lines.
Cheapest Line Questions
Which is the cheapest cruise line?
It changes with the sailing. Carnival and MSC most often show the lowest fares on comparable Caribbean itineraries, but a Royal Caribbean or Norwegian sale, or a short Margaritaville at Sea sailing, can undercut them on a given date. Compare the same dates and the total price.
Is MSC cheaper than Carnival?
Sometimes, sometimes not. MSC often prices aggressively, especially for families thanks to its kids-sail-free offers, while Carnival has the most U.S. homeports and short sailings. Compare both for your dates.
Whichever line you choose, the same habits keep a cut-rate fare cheap: compare the total for your party, set an extras budget, and ask whether gratuities, Wi-Fi or drinks can be bundled at a better rate before you sail rather than on board.
Compare the Cheapest Lines for Your Dates
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will price Carnival, MSC, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Margaritaville side by side.
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