Cheapest cruise lines compared: real prices, deals, and what's actually included
Prices updated: August 2026
MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line are the cheapest major cruise lines, with interior rooms regularly starting under $200 per person — often less than a mid-range hotel, with food and entertainment included. But the cheapest ticket isn't always the cheapest cruise. What's included in the fare, what costs extra onboard, and when you book matter just as much as the standard price.
This guide ranks the major cruise lines by real average fares from Cheap Cruises booking data, shows you what's included versus what you'll pay extra for and covers the deals from kids sail free, drink packages, and last-minute rates. Compare today's cheapest cruise deals across every line in one place below.
MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line are the cheapest major cruise lines, with interior rooms regularly starting under $200 per person — often less than a mid-range hotel, with food and entertainment included. But the cheapest ticket isn't always the cheapest cruise. What's included in the fare, what costs extra onboard, and when you book matter just as much as the standard price.
This guide ranks the major cruise lines by real average fares from Cheap Cruises booking data, shows you what's included versus what you'll pay extra for and covers the deals from kids sail free, drink packages, and last-minute rates. Compare today's cheapest cruise deals across every line in one place below.
Cruise line price comparison chart
| Cruise line | Avg. Interior fare per person | Cheapest typical sailing | What's included free | Watch out for (extra costs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 MSC Cruises | From $173 | 3–7 night Caribbean from Miami/Port Canaveral | Main dining, buffet, most entertainment, kids clubs | Drinks, gratuities, Ocean Cay extras; lowest "Bella" fares assign your cabin for you |
 Carnival Cruises | From $189 | 3–5 night Bahamas/Mexico from FL & TX ports | Main dining + standouts like Guy's Burgers, waterworks, comedy clubs | Drinks, gratuities, specialty dining, Wi-Fi |
 Norwegian Cruises | From $159 | 7 night Caribbean from Miami/Orlando | Main dining, buffet, entertainment; frequent "Free at Sea" bundles | Bundles raise the base fare — do the math (see below) |
 Royal Caribbean Cruises | From $188 | 3–4 night Bahamas + CocoCay from FL | Most attractions (slides, shows, rock wall), main dining, CocoCay beaches | Drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, CocoCay waterpark upcharge |
 Princess Cruises | From $284 | 7-night Alaska (shoulder season) or Caribbean | Main dining, entertainment, enrichment | Drinks, gratuities, excursions; "Plus/Premier" bundles optional |
 Holland America Cruises | From $299 | 7-night Alaska/Caribbean, shoulder season | Main dining, live music venues | Drinks, gratuities, excursions |
 Celebrity Cruises | From $261 | 7-night Caribbean, non-holiday dates | Premium main dining, entertainment | Drinks, gratuities unless bundled; premium fares |
 Virgin Voyages | From $417 | 4–5 night Caribbean from Miami | Specialty dining, group fitness, Wi-Fi, tips — nearly everything | Alcohol, excursions |
 Viking | From $2,199 | 8+ night Mediterranean | Excursion in every port, Wi-Fi, wine/beer at meals, veranda cabin | Highest fares by far; luxury tier |
*Average starting fares per person, per night, interior stateroom based on Cheap Cruises August 2026 booking data. Fares vary by ship, date, and itinerary.