Isn cruising expensive?
No, it’s not. On average, here’s what you might expect to pay on the major cruise lines. We’ve organized them into four, generalized groups based primarily on a cruise fare “per diem” cost analysis (i.e. cost per person per day averaged throughout each cruise line’s ships). • Mainstream: Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean. Average per diems range from $80 to $160. • Premium: Disney, Cunard (standard accommodations). Average per diems range from $200 to $250. • Luxury: Crystal, Cunard (Suites & Penthouses), Oceania, Windstar. Average per diems range between $275 and $350. • Ultra-Luxury: Silversea, Seabourn and Radisson. Average per diems hover between $550 and $650. Again, the above ranges are fleetwide accommodation averages and can vary considerably within a cruise line, within a ship, and even by sailing season. For example, the “Ultra-Luxury” Celebrity Xpedition is an exception within the otherwise excellent, “Mainstream” Celebrity Cru
There are cruise vacations to suit every budget, from the cost-conscious to the most luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers the best travel value for your money. Your fare includes all meals, your stateroom, onboard daytime activities, nighttime parties and entertainment. So for once, you’ll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go.
