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Summer of firsts: royal caribbean all in on 2023 seasonal caribbean cruises.

MIAMI, Dec. 16, 2021 – Royal Caribbean International today revealed the 2023 seasonal Caribbean cruises that will make waves with a summer of firsts. Wonder of the Seas , debuting in March 2022, headlines the lineup with its first U.S. summer from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. The new, innovative ship will be joined by the amplified Mariner of the Seas, while Harmony of the Seas calls Miami its summer home for the first time. The bold lineup is rounded out by the first Oasis Class summer in Galveston, Texas, with Allure of the Seas slated for a full season at the cruise line’s new, $125 million terminal. Summer 2023 Caribbean cruises are now open , with more Caribbean getaways to be revealed early next year.

Families and travelers of all ages can have their pick of short, 5-night cruises and 7- to 8-night sailings that feature idyllic destinations in Bermuda and the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean. The vibrant, tropical places they visit from April through October 2023 include Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao ( ABC islands ), Puerto Rico , Mexico, St. Kitts and Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas .

Whichever itinerary beckons travelers, a day of thrill and chill on Perfect Day at CocoCay will be among the highlights on most sailings from Florida. The cruise line’s top-rated destination in the Caribbean welcomes guests to create their perfect day with 13 heart-pumping waterslides at Thrill Waterpark, including the tallest waterslide in North America ; sights from the highest vantage point in The Bahamas on helium balloon Up, Up & Away ; the first floating cabanas, a dedicated restaurant and infinity pool at Coco Beach Club ; and more across dining, relaxation and adventure.

The matchup of award-winning ships and array of itineraries makes for exhilarating thrills from ship to shore. On Oasis Class ships Wonder , Allure and Harmony, adventures await in Royal Caribbean’s distinct signature neighborhoods. There are all-time favorites like the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, and more than 20 different restaurants, bars and lounges, plus all-new highlights on Wonder , such as the Suite Neighborhood and the area’s dedicated sun deck. The amplified Mariner brings to life a combination of experiences for guests to seamlessly transition from a day at the pool to a night out. The lineup on board features a Caribbean-inspired and resort-style pool deck, a trio of high-speed waterslides known as The Perfect Storm, The Bamboo Room, a tiki-chic lounge; and more.

Itinerary Highlights

• Allure of the Seas – Cruising from: Galveston Vacationers have the Lone Star State’s biggest summer ever on the horizon when Allure becomes the first Oasis Class ship to call Galveston home for the season. Just in time for summer family vacations, Royal Caribbean has extended Allure’s big Texas debut in winter 2022-2023 and opened a lineup of 7-night Western Caribbean cruises. Travelers can set their sights on more ways and time to get away to the tropics, including destinations like Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico ; and Roatan, Honduras. Allure will continue to set sail from Royal Caribbean’s new, $125 million terminal, which opens its doors in October 2022. The 161,334-square-foot and LEED-certified terminal, built in partnership with Galveston Wharves, will make way for Galveston to welcome the cruise line’s globally renowned Oasis Class – the world’s largest cruise ships – for the first time.
• Wonder of the Seas – Cruising from: Port Canaveral Following the world’s largest cruise ship’s debut in 2022, the cruise line keeps the good times rolling for vacationers. Wonder will sail its first summer in the U.S. from Port Canaveral, extending its newly announced 2022 winter season that starts in November. The adventure to be found in the new, innovative ship’s eight action-packed neighborhoods, including an Oasis Class first – the Suite Neighborhood – extends to the destinations in store on the 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises . Highlights include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas ; Cozumel ; and Perfect Day at CocoCay .
• Harmony of the Seas – Cruising from: Miami The cruise capital of the world will be Harmony’s summer homeport for the first time. An Oasis Class favorite, perfect for families and travelers of every age, Harmony will set sail on 7-night cruises to the sun-soaked shores of the Western and Eastern Caribbean . Natural sights and adventures will be at every destination, which include Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; Charlotte Amalie; Oranjestad, Aruba; Costa Maya; and Perfect Day at CocoCay .
• Mariner of the Seas – Cruising from: Port Canaveral Returning to Port Canaveral for the third consecutive summer, the amplified Mariner sets course to offer vacationers varying ways to get away to the Caribbean. With their choice of short and longer itineraries of 5, 7 and 8 nights to Bermuda , and the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean , travelers can visit stunning destinations across the board, such as the Dominican Republic , Aruba, Curacao and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands . And on all 8-night Bermuda and Perfect Day at CocoCay cruises, there are two nights in Bermuda

About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International  has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today's adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean's private island destination in The Bahamas,  Perfect Day at CocoCay ,   the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 18 consecutive years in the  Travel Weekly  Readers' Choice Awards. 

Media can stay up to date by following  @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. 

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With Royal Caribbean Cruise deals you won't just see the world, you'll explore it. Take the family on a fun trip to the Caribbean or travel in style in the Royal Suite Class, it's up to you. Discover what cruising is all about on a Royal Caribbean cruise to exotic locations like the Arabian Gulf or European destinations like venice and all the worries and stresses of life will be behind you.

Royal Caribbean Cruises offers a wide variety of dining options that will keep the whole family happy as you travel to stunning locations. There are plenty of activities onboard for everyone to enjoy. At night, make your way into the exciting casinos on one of the outstanding ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Research and compare Royal Caribbean Cruise deals now and book the cruise of your dreams.

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Deal alert: Save big on Royal Caribbean cruise ship packages with this new sale

Get your credit cards ready, Royal Caribbean fans: It's time to pre-purchase packages for dining, beverages, Wi-Fi and more for your next cruise.

The world's largest cruise line has launched another one of its periodic sales on pre-purchased cruise packages, with savings of up to 50% for some items. You must act fast to take advantage of it, though. These short-term Royal Caribbean deals only will be available through Wednesday.

Offers include:

• 30% discount on pre-purchased soda packages.
• 40% discount on pre-purchased water packages.
• Up to 30% discount on pre-purchased Wi-Fi packages.
• Up to 50% discount on pre-purchased dining packages.

There also are discounts on pre-purchased beverage packages that include alcoholic drinks, but the amount of the discount varies by ship.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

You can also save up to 25% on pre-purchased shore excursions, with discounts varying by ship. There also are discounts available for pre-purchased photo packages, spa packages, ship tours and shipboard Casita rentals.

Secure these discounts when you buy a package for one of the above items now for sailings scheduled to take place Monday through the end of the year.

Related: 35 tips and tricks that will make your Royal Caribbean cruise better

Sailings for 2024 and 2025 are not part of the sale.

Royal Caribbean periodically offers sales on pre-purchased packages for drinks, Wi-Fi and other onboard spending items. These deals can offer significant savings over buying the same packages after boarding a ship. The sales typically don't last long, though. So, when they appear, it's good to jump on them.

To take advantage of this week's sale, log in to your account on Royal Caribbean's website and find the "Cruise Planner" section. You can pre-purchase cruise packages there.

Related: TPG's ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean ships and sailings

The sale on pre-purchased packages comes even as base fares for Royal Caribbean cruises are on the rise .

Cruise line executives say bookings have soared since the start of " wave season " — the period beginning in January when large numbers of cruisers book trips for the year. That means cruise brands will likely be able to raise prices in the coming months.

The strength in bookings means that the days of $26-a-night cruise deals is likely coming to an end. Still, that doesn't mean that cruisers can't find good offers for soon-to-depart sailings.

For example, Virgin Voyages recently launched one of the best offers we've seen this year .

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Royal Caribbean halts cruise for search and rescue mission after man jumps overboard

• Updated: May. 29, 2024, 9:05 p.m. |
• Published: May. 29, 2024, 2:35 p.m.

A cruise passenger on the Royal Caribbean "Icon of the Seas" cruise jumped overboard, prompting a search and rescue mission where the passenger ultimately was found dead. TNS

• Katherine Rodriguez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

A cruise passenger on the Royal Caribbean “Icon of the Seas” cruise jumped overboard, prompting a search and rescue mission where the passenger ultimately was found dead.

The passenger jumped from the 1,200-foot-long ship shortly after it left Miami, Florida, for Honduras Sunday morning, according to a statement from the Coast Guard obtained by The New York Post.

Once people noticed the emergency, the ship immediately halted its operations and the 2,350-person crew conducted a search-and-rescue mission. The ship stayed put for two hours, according to Cruise Hive.

The passenger was brought back onboard in critical condition. He eventually died of his injuries.

It is unclear what caused the man to jump, although his identity is being kept secret for the privacy of the deceased individual and his family.

The “Icon of the Seas,” which is the world’s largest cruise ship, took its maiden voyage in January 2024.

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Celebrity Ascent Takes Our 2023-2024 Caribbean Season To New Heights

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Our new 2023-2024 Caribbean season is our most exciting yet, because our next Edge® Series ship, Celebrity Ascent, is debuting in the islands. There’s no better place for a ship designed to connect you more closely than ever to the sea and all the sun-soaked places on the horizon. But that’s just the start, because with Celebrity Ascent, we’ll have eight stunning ships covering the Caribbean—including three revolutionary Edge Series ships—from the colorful reefs of Belize to the white sands of St. Lucia. Choose from a wide variety of sailings ranging from 4 to 11 nights for just the right amount of island time, departing from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa. Plus, we’ve added the new port of Scarborough, Tobago to our already impressive lineup of tropical destinations, and we’ve brought back a popular double-overnight stay in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. There are so many amazing Caribbean sailings this season, you might want to book more than one.

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Scarborough is steeped in history going back to the 1600s, and the British, Dutch, and French all left their mark here. That history comes to life at Fort King George, built in 1781, with its well-preserved prison, canons, and other intriguing relics. Nature lover? The Nylon Pool is your ideal escape. It’s a naturally formed swimming area in the middle of the sea created by an offshore sandbar. Nearby Buccoo Reef is a great place to snorkel. Not to be outdone, Pigeon Point Beach and the Main Ridge Forest Reserve offer even more natural beauty to enjoy.

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Cruises from Southampton

Southamptom, england port information.

A cruise out of Southampton unlocks all kinds of incredible destinations, from French and Spanish wine country to Norway’s majestic fjords. But this charming port is also a great destination in and of itself. Spend some time getting to know it before your holiday – you won’t be disappointed. If you have a soft spot for mediaeval history, you’ll find plenty of interesting sites here. Like Bargate, a gatehouse that dates back over a thousand years to Norman times. Or visit St Michael's church on Castle Way – built in the 11th century, it’s home to ancient Norman artefacts and relics. Then, fast forward a few centuries at the Tudor house in St Michael’s Square, which served as the home of a wealthy merchant family in the 15th century. Today it’s a museum that showcases exhibits featuring nearly a thousand years of local history.

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Get ready to max out on memories from Southampton. Chase adventure on a 7-night ocean getaway cruising on Anthem of the Seas in summer 2024. Looking for some shorter cruises? In summer 2025, Independence of the Seas will feature short cruises as well as our traditional 7-night itineraries.

ANTHEM OF THE SEAS

Independence OF THE SEAS

Destinations, the majestic norwegian fjords.

Embark on a breathtaking fjord cruise through Norway, discovering its towering ice-capped cliffs, crystal-clear waters and cascading waterfalls. Wander awe-inspiring channels and inlets, explore picturesque villages and hike to memory-maxing vistas in the Land of the Midnight Sun.

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THE BEST OF THE CANARY ISLANDS

Cast away to the Canary Islands, Spanish gems beloved for their year-round sunshine, striking landscapes and rich multi-cultural influences. With each island offering its own form of natural beauty – from the moonscapes of Lanzarote and the ancient laurel forests of La Gomera to Gran Canaria’s spectacular beaches – there is something stunning for every outdoor enthusiast.

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Mediaeval to Modern Northern Europe

From the Art Deco taverns of Brussels and the mediaeval streets of Bruge to the iconic buildings of Rotterdam, witness architectural wonder on your cruise from the UK.

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What royal caribbean ships sail from Southampton?

In 2024 Anthem of the Seas will be sailing from Southampton, England in the summer season. In 2025, Independence of the Seas will be sailing from Southampton sailing to new destinations as well as additional short cruises.

What is included in a royal caribbean cruise from Southampton?

Delicious dining options for every meal, and snack, of the day with plenty of variety for everyone. Entertainment like nothing you've ever seen on stage, ice, water and in the air. Our award-winning Adventure Ocean℠ kids' program and Teen Programs. Plus record-breaking and heart-racing slides, rides and activities you'll only find on Royal Caribbean.

When is the best time to book a cruise from Southampton?

When it comes to when to book, you may be wondering: does the early bird really get the worm, or are there perks to procrastinating? Planning ahead is a great way to nab big savings, as Royal Caribbean® often runs early saver deals to guests booking well in advance. Also, the closer you get to your preferred sail date, availability goes down, usually driving prices up. The net-net: booking ahead is a surefire way to lock in a great cruise deal, while waiting entails some risk. That said, booking a cruise at the last minute can also yield unexpected savings — but only if the itinerary you’re interested in isn’t sold out yet!

Where is the port of Southampton?

Pier Terminal

101 Berth, City Cruise Terminal

Southampton S015 1HJ

On selected 2024 sailings only: 26 May, 28 June, 12 July, 19 July, 2 August, 11 August, 2 October, 14 October

Horizon Cruise Terminal

Berth 102, W Bay Road

Southampton, SO15 1AW.

Royal Caribbean Directions to Southampton, England Cruise Terminal:

From London Heathrow Airport

Take A3113 from the airport to M25 (M25 is the London Orbital Freeway).

Follow signs for M3 at junction 12 - join M3.

Head south following signs for Southampton and Southampton Docks.

On leaving the M3, take the M27 following signs Southampton Docks.

At junction 3 – join M271 and continue to follow signs for Southampton Docks.

The ship name and terminal will be displayed on road signs along the perimeter road.

From London Gatwick Airport:

Take A23 from airport to junction 9a.

Join the M23 driving to junction 7.

Join the M25 following signs for M3.

Join at junction 12.

Join M3 and head south following signs for Southampton and Southampton Docks.

On leaving the M3 take the M27 following signs for Southampton Docks.

At junction 3 – join M271 and continue to follow signs for Southampton Docks. Dock Gate 10 is the entrance to the terminal area.

Rail Transportation

From London Waterloo Station:

Direct Train Service is available on Southwestern Railway from London Waterloo to Southampton Central Station.

Approximate journey time is 1 hour 20 minutes.

Timetable information can be obtained online www.rail.co.uk .

Round trip fare from London Waterloo station is approximately £35.

The terminal is approximately 15 minutes by taxi from the Southampton train station.

Approximate cost for taxi journey is £8.

Parking Information

Parking at the Port of Southampton can be arranged in advance only by calling locally at +44 870-085-6030. There is very limited space available for cars not holding an advance reservation. For directions to the “Long Stay” parking facility, follow the above directions, however enter the Southampton Docks through Dock Gate 8.

* All rates and prices are subject to change.

** Royal Caribbean is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles.

What destinations do you visit in a cruise from Southampton?

There are many different destinations you can sail to from the port of Southampton. Our top destinations include: the Norwegian Fjords filled with its towering ice-capped cliffs, crystal-clear waters amd cascading waterfalls; the Canary Islands , Spanish gems beloved for their year-round sunshine, stricking landscapes and rich multi-cultural influences; and Northern Europe where you can witness architectural wonders.

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Passengers flock to cruise ships as pandemic fears abate

By Khristopher J. Brooks

Edited By Anne Marie Lee , Alain Sherter

May 30, 2023 / 3:41 PM EDT / MoneyWatch

Americans are booking trips on cruise ships at rates not seen since before the pandemic, a sign travelers are more comfortable boarding vessels that were once vectors for coronavirus.

Florida-based Royal Caribbean  said earlier this month that the load factor, or percentage of seats filled, of its cruise ships rose to an average of 102% in the first quarter of 2023. By comparison, the occupancy rate was 57% a year ago and 107% in 2019 just before pandemic lockdowns. 

Norwegian Cruise Line reported an average 101% occupancy rate during the first quarter, compared to 48% last year and 105% in 2019. The jump in cruise goers is helping revive the industry, which lost billions of dollars during the pandemic.

"COVID has dissipated as a concern for a lot of travelers" Wall Street Journal reporter Jacob Passy told CBS News. "People are raring to get out there, and cruises are a great way to see multiple locations (and) multiple countries."

Cruise lines are reporting more than 100% capacity because passengers are piling more than the suggested two people per cabin, Passy said. Cruise tickets this year are running between $130 and $260 a day depending on the ship, cabin type and destination, according to online price tracker Cruzely.  

Overbooked ship cabins serve as visual proof of the industry's rebound. Cabin occupancy rates will stay in the triple digits between now and into 2026,  fueled mostly by millennial travelers , the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)  estimated . 

"Cruising is back and is one of the fastest growing segments of tourism, outpacing the recovery of international tourism arrivals," CLIA spokesperson Sally Andrews said. "Consumer intent to cruise is also higher than it was in December of 2019( pre-pandemic) among both experienced cruisers and those who have never cruised before."

In 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised travelers to stay away from cruise ships  after a number of ships reports COVID-19 outbreaks. Bookings plunged, forcing companies such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian to furlough workers. Cruise companies globally saw their income sink from $24 billion in 2019 to $8 billion in 2021, according to the most recent CLIA  data . 

The CDC ended its warning about cruise ships last year and is no longer requiring companies to only host passengers who have been vaccinated against the virus.

One of the biggest problems cruise operators faced during the pandemic was passengers booking trips, then backing out weeks before the departure due to health safety concerns, Passy said. These days, cruise lines are more likely to overbook travelers because they're still expecting some to change their minds last minute.

"The issue right now is fewer people are canceling because of COVID, so they're having to readjust that algorithm a bit to account for the fact that more people are just going no matter what," Passy said. 

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Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. He previously worked as a reporter for the Omaha World-Herald, Newsday and the Florida Times-Union. His reporting primarily focuses on the U.S. housing market, the business of sports and bankruptcy.

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Interior View: Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas

CFI discovers what passengers can look forward to on the latest Oasis-class ship when it launches this summer 

Royal Caribbean International

By Laura Hyde | 29 May 2024

Debuting in July 2024 from Port Canaveral in Florida, Utopia of the Seas is the latest ship to join the Royal Caribbean International fleet. The newest Oasis-class ship, which is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, will offer three-and four-night cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas. 

Utopia of the Seas will offer passengers more than 20 types of accommodation, including staterooms and suites designed to suit families or groups of up to three, four, five and more. Highlights include the Royal Loft Suite, Ultimate Family Suite and the new Solarium Suites, a new category of accommodation. The Solarium Suites have been placed high up at the front of the ship to provide panoramic views for guests. They also offer a living and dining area, the VIP Royal Suite Class experience and other exclusive amenities. 

The new Solarium Suites will be located high up at the front of the ship to provide panoramic views

The more than 20 dining options onboard Utopia of the Seas will give guests the chance to sample cuisine from around the world during their cruise. A new immersive dining experience, the Royal Railway, has been designed to resemble the interior of a train and will ‘transport’ travellers to different places and eras, taking them on a multi-course culinary journey that combines adventure, food and technology. Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar has been reimagined to span two storeys and include a new outside terrace, Gio’s Terrazza, which will overlook the Boardwalk. 

While on the pool deck, guests can dine on Mexican street food at El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca or enjoy quick, casual bites from the ship’s new poolside food truck concept. Longtime guest favourite Sprinkles ice cream parlour will feature a new bar with different sprinkle toppings and a choice of three ice cream flavours. 

The ship also features more than 20 bars and entertainment venues, two casinos with more than 370 slot machines and almost 30 table games, and five live music venues, including Spotlight Karaoke, Music Hall, the classic piano Schooner Bar, and Latin hotspot Boleros. The Pesky Parrot is a new Caribbean tiki bar on the Royal Promenade which will serve fruit-based cocktails, frozen drinks and more. 

The AquaTheater will feature all-star divers performing high diving, slacklining and acrobatics into the deepest pool at sea. World-class figure skaters will entertain at Studio B, and Broadway-style theatrical productions will be performed at the Royal Theater. 

Northern Ireland-based MJM Marine has outfitted multiple public spaces onboard the ship. “We’ll be transforming multiple key public spaces onboard, delivering a vibrant Playscape area, a mouthwatering Food Truck concept, a lively Pesky Parrot bar, a Starbucks haven, and an out-of-this-world immersive dining experience, designed to transport travellers on a multi-course, locomotive culinary journey,” says Fiona Nevin, head of global business development at MJM Marine. 

Three of the five pools on Utopia of the Seas will be located at the centre of the pool deck, alongside three Lime & Coconut bars, with live music and tropical cocktails. The Perfect Storm has high-speed waterslides, while Splashaway Bay has been designed for younger children. Tucked away in the exclusive Suite neighbourhood, the Suite Sun Deck will also feature a pool with a bird’s eye view of the ocean. 

The Ultimate Abyss slide will be 43 feet longer than on previous ships, take 19 seconds from start to finish, and feature new zoom booster rollers and transparent racing windows. The ship will also have a FlowRider surf simulator, a Utopia Playscape for young children and mini golf at AquaDunes. 

“Vacationers are looking to make every moment count by celebrating and recharging with their friends and family, and Utopia of the Seas makes all that possible in more ways than one,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “With the variety of dining, bars, pools, entertainment and thrills that make Oasis-class ships revolutionary and the experiences to match on our private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, we’ve combined the best of the best to create the world’s biggest weekend for everyone.” 

Tags: Royal Caribbean International     interiors     report     CFI-24

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Reader's Digest

7 Most Affordable Cruise Lines That’ll Make Your Cruising Dreams Come True

Posted: October 2, 2023 | Last updated: October 2, 2023

The cheapest cruise lines

Cruising is often described as the ultimate relaxing vacation. You only unpack once, yet you wake up in a new country or island every morning. You also never have to worry about where to eat, there are nonstop activities onboard that keep everyone entertained—and most everything is included in the price. So you don't have to worry much about overspending once you're on board if you book on one of the most affordable cruise lines.

Of course, everything is more expensive these days, leaving some travelers to wonder if there are still affordable cruises available to meet their vacation budgets. Thankfully, that answer is yes, and there are several brands that still provide exceptional value aboard their floating cities. Many are among the best cruise lines , and some are even frequent cruisers' favorite cruises . In fact, you might be surprised to learn that living on a cruise ship can be cheaper than a mortgage , in case you decide you never want to return from your vacation.

So follow these cruise tips for how to save money on a cruise by booking the most affordable cruise lines. You may even be able to sneak in an extra vacation this year with all your savings. Here's what to pack for a cruise .

How much does a cheap cruise cost?

Cheap cruises usually range in price from $40 to $100 per night per person. To put that deal in perspective, imagine having your accommodations, food and entertainment covered for roughly $50 a day on a traditional land-based trip—you'd be hard-pressed to stay within that budget just for your meals. It's truly impressive that these all-inclusive cruises can charge so little.

But before you get too excited over these low prices, don't forget to factor in the cost of the extras when calculating your total expenses—that's one of the secrets cruise lines won't tell you . Things like drinks, shore excursions, gratuities, spa treatments, specialty dining, airfare, photos, taxes and port fees aren't included and can add up quickly.

Finally, keep in mind that the best deals will always be for an inside cabin, which means you won't have a porthole (let alone a balcony) for natural light. The good news? You'll sleep like a baby in total darkness, especially during an afternoon nap.

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When is the cheapest time to book a cruise?

It's important to pay attention to the cheapest times to book a cruise if you want to save even more. Wave season, which is from January to March, is a promotional time of year when cruise lines run their most competitive sales. These sales are designed to encourage bookings for later in the year. You can also keep an eye on sites like MSC's Cruise Deals to find great prices.

There are great deals at other times of the year too. Generally speaking, the further in advance you book, the better prices you'll find. But the opposite is also true, because cruise lines will happily sell unused inventory at a significantly reduced rate in the form of last-minute deals. You'll need a flexible schedule to pull this off, and you may find airfare is too costly at that point.

Beyond wave season, planning far in advance or nabbing last-minute cruise deals, it's also wise to consider booking your cruises for the off-season. For instance, for the Caribbean and Mexico, that would mean summer sailings or during shoulder season (the month before and after high season—for example, in the case of Alaska, this would be in May or September). Just know that you are taking a bit of a risk with the weather during these off-peak times.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers sailings out of the U.S. (New York, Miami and Orlando) to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, New England and Canada. It also offers sailings to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Egypt, Dubai, South Africa and more.

Cost: Cruises on MSC start as low as $129 per person.

Specials to watch for: MSC offers such limited-time specials as free drinks and Wi-Fi plus up to $200 onboard credit (which can be used to book extras like shore excursions or spa treatments).

Other savings to consider: You won't find an adults-only cruise here, however this cruise line does offer a Kids Sail Free program, which means that all children under 18 traveling in the same cabin as their parents travel free all year-round. Port taxes, registration costs, insurance, flights and transfers (where required) are excluded from the offer, but it still goes a long way toward making this one of the most affordable cruise lines.

Affordable cruises: We've seen a 6-night southern Caribbean cruise for as low as $219 total per person.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line —known as one of the most affordable cruise lines—was founded in 1972 and now carries millions of guests every year aboard its 24 ships. It sails to Alaska, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Greenland, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.

Cost: Cruises on Carnival start as low as $169 per person.

Specials to watch for: Carnival celebrates dates like National Tourism Day with up to 40% off cruise rates, plus $50 onboard credits and reduced deposit rates from $50 per person. Other limited-time promotions include free cabin upgrades and "Early Saver" rates with price protection that provide peace of mind for early bookings.

Other savings to consider: One of the things that makes Carnival Cruise Lines even more affordable is that it has 14 home ports in the United States (Baltimore, Charleston, Galveston, Jacksonville, Long Beach, Miami, Mobile, New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle and Tampa), making it easier for Americans to drive to their ship and avoid booking pricey flights .

Affordable cruises: We've seen a 5-day Mexican Riviera cruise for as low as $234 per person.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean's private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The innovative brand is known for many firsts at sea, including an ice-skating rink, bumper cars, zip-line, rock climbing wall, robotic bartenders and the Flowrider surf simulator. Its latest ship, the Icon of the Seas , which is set to begin sailing in January 2024, will be the world's largest cruise ship.

Cost: Cruises on Royal Caribbean start as low as $172 per person.

Specials to watch for: Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions like "30% Off Every Guest" (provides 30% savings off the cruise fare for all guests in the stateroom), flash deals like "Up to $550 Off" (provides instant savings of up to $550 USD per stateroom) and "Kids Sail Free" promos, during which the third and fourth guests who are 12 years or younger are eligible for free cruise fare.

Other savings to consider: Royal Caribbean offers exclusive access to pre-cruise savings and discounts that won't be available once you're onboard for things like shore excursions, beverage packages, food packages and Wi-Fi packages.

Affordable cruises: We've seen a 6-night Pacific Coast cruise for $250 per person.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is a premium cruise line with award-winning itineraries around the globe, sailing to Alaska, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, South America, Japan, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii, the South Pacific and the California Coast. It's an excellent choice for a couples cruise (they host a lot of weddings and vow renewals), but it's also family-friendly.

Cost: Hundreds of sailings on Princess are priced under $100 per day; 60 sailings under $60 per day.

Specials to watch for: Princess regularly offers promotions, such as a 40% savings and low $100 deposit specials.

Other savings to consider: Upgrade to the Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages, which roll in the price of extras like Wi-Fi, drinks, gratuities and more for a savings of up to 66% vs. purchasing them separately.

Affordable cruises: Everyone dreams of booking the best Alaska cruise , and we've seen 7-night Alaska cruises for as low as $349 per person.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line 's fleet of 18 ships sails to 400 of the world's most desirable destinations—such as Asia, Africa, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, Mexico, the Baltic, South America and more.

Cost: Cruises on Norwegian start as low as $249 per person.

Specials to watch for: NCL offers various deals throughout the year. One recent special was 70% off, plus free airfare for the second guest, plus the third and fourth guests sailed for free.

Other savings to consider: Part of what makes Norwegian one of the best and most affordable cruise lines is that all cruise offerings may be combined with the company's ongoing "Free at Sea" promotion, which includes unlimited open bar, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and excursions. (Want to find out more about hidden features on cruise ships  that you never knew existed?)

Affordable cruises: We've seen 7-day Alaska cruises for as low as $279 per person.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line has been cruising both popular and less-traveled ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Europe, South America, the Panama Canal, Australia, New Zealand and Asia for 150 years. It has a fleet of 11 classic ships and does more than 500 sailings a year, visiting all seven continents.

Cost: Cruises on Holland start as low as $89 per person.

Specials to watch for: Having recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, Holland America has been offering 45% off cruise fares, up to $300 in onboard credit and reduced deposits of only $150. The brand typically offers other specials throughout the year.

Other savings to consider: For family cruise travelers , Holland America Line provides a Kids Cruise Free offer, allowing guests ages 18 and under to travel free to Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean when booked as a third or fourth guest on select cruises. And when booked directly on Holland America Line's site, travelers can take advantage of the Have It All Cruise Package, which includes shore excursion credits, drink package, specialty dining and Wi-Fi.

Affordable cruises: We've seen 7-day Alaska cruises as low as $329 per person.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity has 15 award-winning ships that take guests to more than 300 destinations in 79 countries on all seven continents, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific, Galapagos and Canada.

Cost: Cruises on Celebrity start as low as $288 per person.

Specials to watch for: Celebrity offers various specials, like a spring sale that takes 75% off a second guest's fare and saves up to $800 per stateroom with up to $800 to spend on board. Also look for promotions like Alaska weekend flash sales (second guest sails for free plus $250 onboard credit) and 20% off Galapagos vacations (round-trip airfare included).

Other savings to consider: Choose the all-inclusive options of prepackaged drinks, Wi-Fi and tips to save up to 45% on these individual items.

Affordable cruises: We've seen 7-night Alaska cruises for as low as $299 per person.

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