What IS a "Cheap" cruise?

[Van1982]

The answer to your question varies greatly by region. Because a lot of the cruises out of my region are one way, requiring airfare for me, I always aim for round trip cruises to keep costs lower. I can usually get an inside cabin for $100pp a night including taxes and port fees. If it's more than that, I check alternate dates or don't go.

[TravelinGert]

Affordability of cruises is one of those topics where personal choices have a lot to do with it. Do you want a suite, or is an inside fine? Will you be indulging in a lot of additional price items like specialty dining, shopping, casino, drinks (most lines), etc?

 

I don't think a cruise is the worst value in family vacations myself, nor all that bad of a value, though. You can get your transportation, food, some entertainment, place to stay, and child care all in one price. Child care for an evening in a foreign city is going to be awfully expensive and can you trust that maid they've stuck with the job? The entertainment value varies by line and even by ship, but many have a lot to keep the kids occupied. I guess it depends a bit what ports you'll be visiting, but still not a bad value.

[Slonik]

I have only cruised on transatlantic trips in inside cabins which came out to $40-$45 per person per night (including taxes and fees but not including tips). They were all Royal Caribbean and that seems "cheap" for me because when you compare it to flying between Europe and the U.S. one way, it is only slightly more expensive but you get 2 weeks worth of 3 meals a day, a show a day, plus all of the other stuff you get on a cruise. So whenever I see $40-$45 per day per person prices, that means cheap cruise for me!

[YubaSutter]

I've taken many 4 night Mexico cruises from Long Beach for $119/pp. comes out to less than $30/night.

[Slonik]

I've taken many 4 night Mexico cruises from Long Beach for $119/pp. comes out to less than $30/night.

 

 

Does that include port fees and taxes? Which cruise line?

[YubaSutter]

Does that include port fees and taxes? Which cruise line?

 

With port fees it's about $150/pp. carnival.

[clackey]

None are "cheap" IMO....some are less than others, but it's still a costly vacation. In this day and age, a land vacation might give you more for your $$.

 

When I think of a cheap cruise I think less than $50 a night for the cabin. Had some for as low as $35 per night. We usually book a 7 night and go cheap seats. Even with port taxes, tips and tours I can usually get by for less than $1500 for both of us. If we drive to port we are looking at $200 for gas. So a 7 nighter can run from $1500 to $2000 for two and do whatever we want.

 

I have not found a AI resort stay with the entertainment, transportation and dining that comes close to that. Even statewide. Such a trip may be out there, but I haven't found it .

 

Now when you talk about balconies, suites, and Havens, that is a different matter.