Best Budget Cruises, Low-Cost Affordable Cruises

Table Of Content

• Cabin Type
• $400 pp — 4nt Bahamas/Key West Balcony: exclusive $25 OBC, no deposit & 75% off 2nd guest
• Take Advantage of Package Deals
• Carnival Ship Rescues 27 People Adrift at Sea in the Caribbean
• Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)
• $3,899 pp — 12-Nt. Alaska – Free Shore Excursions, Gourmet Dining & Wi-Fi

To try your luck, you'll want to ask about an upgrade at guest services. Since the crew there will spend embarkation day fielding many questions and complaints from grumpy, travel-weary cruisers, your best bet may be to head to your assigned cabin. Then, wait until the second day of your cruise to ask for an upgrade. Travel agents, especially those who do a lot of business with a particular cruise line, have a certain amount of pull.

Cabin Type

Repositioning cruise deals, whether transatlantic or something less dramatic like ships moving into and out of Alaska, are some of the lowest cost per night/per person deals available. 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.

$400 pp — 4nt Bahamas/Key West Balcony: exclusive $25 OBC, no deposit & 75% off 2nd guest

Airbnb is available all over the city, with private rooms starting at BGN per night. Entire homes and apartments start around 55 BGN though prices average double that. There are over half a dozen different places you can go that offer equipment rentals, paintballs, and both indoor and outdoor gaming areas. Put on a big smile, be super friendly and ask if there is any chance a better cabin is available. If they don't offer you an upgrade for free, you might suggest you are willing to pay a small fee. Additionally, inside cabins can provide a quieter environment as they are insulated from outside noise.

Take Advantage of Package Deals

The four-day cruise departs Miami aboard the Carnival Conquest for a quick trip over to the Princess Cays and Nassau. It’s also on Carnival Conquest, which is one of the older ships in the fleet, launching in 2002. Week long sailings to the Caribbean are some of the most popular choices for cruises, and there are several great deals on these itineraries as well.

And for giving up that privilege, many lines discount guaranteed cabin bookings about $50 to $100 per person off the advertised fares. Though not as exciting as sailing for free when you book a large group cruise, small group perks are out there too. Let us share some of our favorite tips on how to get cheap 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. Norwegian Cruise Line is another cruise line that offers many complimentary amenities to its guests, including fitness centers, waterparks, and an arcade.

However, there are plenty of free amenities on every Carnival ship, such as shows and entertainment, a fitness center, pools, slides, youth programs, buffet dining, pizza, and ice cream. The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Factoring in these additional costs can help you compare the overall value of each cruise line. With a guarantee cabin, you will not have control over the specific cabin assignment, but you will typically receive a lower price. This option allows the cruise line to fill up their unsold cabins while offering you a discounted rate. By booking early, you can take advantage of lower prices, as well as have a wider selection of cabins and itineraries to choose from.

I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Carnival Conquest. It was small and windowless, but for $200 a night, it was a great ... - Cruise Blog

I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Carnival Conquest. It was small and windowless, but for $200 a night, it was a great ....

Posted: Thu, 25 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Exploring package deals and monitoring online travel websites can reveal exclusive discounts and bundled offers. When searching for the cheapest cruise deals, it’s important to compare offerings from different cruise lines. Each cruise line has its own pricing structure, amenities, and promotions, so taking the time to research and compare can help you find the best deal. Additionally, booking in advance gives you ample time to research and compare different cruise lines, ships, and itineraries to find the best match for your preferences and budget. You can also benefit from early bird promotions and bonus add-ons, such as onboard credits or complimentary upgrades.

If you have a very specific cruise itinerary and ship in mind, we recommend booking early. The choicest digs on popular new ships will sell quickly, pushing fares higher the longer you wait. 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.

Then it’s a day in the private Princess Cays destination, and another day in Nassau before returning back to Miami. It’s definitely a short vacation, but if you just need to get away, it’s perfect and won’t break the bank. As one may expect, Disney Cruise Line is not in the running for the cheapest cruise line with its current premium pricing strategy. They do quote cruises somewhat differently than other cruise lines, totaling the price for 2 people with taxes included.

Utilizing the expertise of a travel agent can be a smart move when seeking the cheapest cruise deals. They can provide personalized recommendations, access exclusive promotions, and handle the logistics, ensuring you have a smooth and cost-effective cruise vacation. In addition to general travel websites, there are also websites that specifically focus on cruise deals. These specialized platforms aggregate offers from multiple cruise lines, making it easier to compare prices and select the best deal for your desired itinerary. If you are spontaneous and flexible with your travel plans, looking for last-minute deals can be a great way to snag the cheapest cruise deals. Cruise lines often offer significant discounts on unsold cabins as the sailing date approaches.

You’ll also have many choices for dining, from a steakhouse to buffets and bars. So without further ado, let’s jump into the cheapest cruise lines for an unforgettable vacation. Cruising on a budget is entirely doable and can be just as memorable as a luxury cruise. Winter (December-March) is the quietest time of year to visit, as temperatures drop below freezing. If you like winter sports, this is the best time to visit for skiing Mount Vitosha or nearby Bansko. If you’re not coming for winter activities, though, I’d skip a visit during the winter.

Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from experienced cruisers can also provide valuable insights. Look for feedback on the quality of service, food, and overall experience with different cruise lines. This will help you gauge the overall value and satisfaction level of each cruise line. Do you prioritize luxurious accommodations, entertainment options, or destination variety? Understanding your preferences will help you narrow down the options and find a cruise line that aligns with your budget and desired experience. A budget vacation on Royal Caribbean's new wildly popular Icon of the Seas is possible.

Double-check the prices and read customer reviews or ratings to ensure the credibility and reliability of the website. Additionally, keep an eye out for special promotions that may offer additional perks or discounts. These promotions can include onboard credits, complimentary drink packages, or discounted shore excursions, enhancing the value of the package deal. Choosing an inside cabin can save you a significant amount of money compared to cabins with ocean views or balconies.

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. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines.

Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are. There are three floors, each featuring detailed exhibits on warfare in Bulgaria from antiquity and the Middle Ages to World War II. You’ll see rebel flags, military uniforms, and artifacts, including the personal effects of actual soldiers. There’s also a collection of vehicles, including tanks and fighter planes. This is a high-end pedestrian street filled with fashionable boutiques and designer shops, but it’s worth the stroll for the view of snow-capped Vitosha Mountain.