What Is the Cheapest Cruise Line to Book On in 2024

The cheapest cruise line to book on in 2024 is Carnival Cruise Line, offering budget-friendly fares starting as low as $50 per night without sacrificing fun or amenities. With frequent promotions, last-minute deals, and affordable onboard spending options, Carnival consistently outperforms competitors like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian for cost-conscious travelers.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival Cruise Line offers the lowest base fares for budget travelers.
• Book early or last-minute to secure the cheapest rates on any line.
• Royal Caribbean provides value with affordable short itineraries and deals.
• Norwegian Cruise Line often includes free perks to reduce overall costs.
• Choose off-peak seasons for significant savings across all cruise lines.
• Compare all-inclusive options to avoid hidden fees and extra charges.

What Is the Cheapest Cruise Line to Book On in 2024?

Dreaming of setting sail on crystal-clear waters, exploring tropical islands, or gliding through scenic fjords without breaking the bank? In 2024, the cruise industry is more competitive than ever, with several budget-friendly cruise lines offering incredible value for travelers seeking affordability without sacrificing core vacation experiences. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea traveler looking to stretch your dollar, finding the cheapest cruise line to book on can make all the difference in your travel budget. But “cheapest” doesn’t always mean “lowest price at checkout”—it’s about value, inclusions, and avoiding hidden fees that can inflate your final cost.

The good news is that several major cruise lines have adapted to post-pandemic demand and rising travel costs by offering more flexible pricing, early-bird deals, and no-frills base fares that allow travelers to customize their experience. From no-frills, no-surprise pricing models to all-inclusive packages that minimize add-ons, 2024 presents a unique opportunity to cruise affordably. This guide dives deep into the cheapest cruise lines to book on this year, analyzing pricing models, onboard amenities, itinerary options, and real-world value. We’ll explore not just who offers the lowest base fare, but which lines deliver the best bang for your buck—helping you avoid costly surprises and maximize your vacation experience.

Top Budget-Friendly Cruise Lines in 2024

Carnival Cruise Line: The “Fun Ship” for Less

Carnival Cruise Line consistently ranks as one of the cheapest cruise lines to book on in 2024, particularly for short-duration trips (3–5 nights) and Caribbean itineraries. Known for its “Fun Ship” branding, Carnival focuses on entertainment, casual dining, and family-friendly activities—all at a price point that appeals to budget-conscious travelers. A 4-night Bahamas cruise from Miami in the off-season (September–November) can start as low as $299 per person for an interior stateroom, including port fees and taxes.

What makes Carnival stand out is its transparent pricing. While add-ons like specialty dining, drinks, and excursions cost extra, the base fare includes access to pools, water slides, live entertainment, comedy clubs, and most onboard activities. Carnival also runs frequent sales, including “Early Saver” and “Last-Minute Deals,” where prices can drop by 20–30% if booked 3–6 months in advance or within 60 days of departure.

• Best for: Families, first-time cruisers, short getaways
• Typical base fare: $75–$125 per person per night
• Value tip: Book during “Carnival’s Summer Savings” events (April–June) for up to $200 in onboard credit

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Freestyle Cruising at a Discount

NCL’s “Freestyle Cruising” concept—no set dining times, open bars (with packages), and flexible scheduling—makes it a favorite among younger travelers and those seeking a more relaxed cruise experience. While NCL isn’t always the absolute cheapest, it often offers Free at Sea promotions that dramatically improve value. These promotions can include free open bar, free specialty dining, free shore excursions, or free Wi-Fi—effectively reducing the effective cost per day.

For example, a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami in October 2024 starts at $699 per person for an interior cabin. With a Free at Sea package adding free Wi-Fi and a $50 shore excursion credit, the value increases significantly. NCL also offers “Sail Away” pricing for last-minute bookings, where interior cabins can drop below $400 for a week-long cruise.

• Best for: Solo travelers, couples, groups of friends
• Typical base fare: $100–$150 per person per night
• Value tip: Combine Free at Sea with NCL’s “Early Saver” rate for maximum savings (book 6+ months in advance)

Royal Caribbean: Big Ships, Bigger Deals

Royal Caribbean operates some of the largest and most technologically advanced ships in the world, including the Icon of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas. While these mega-ships may seem expensive, Royal Caribbean frequently offers deep discounts on older vessels and off-peak sailings. A 5-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Navigator of the Seas from Galveston in January 2024 starts at $349 per person, including taxes.

Royal Caribbean’s “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” promotions are legendary. When combined with early booking discounts, this can bring the per-person cost below $80 per night. Additionally, Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, Crown & Anchor Society, offers members exclusive rates, onboard credits, and priority boarding—further enhancing value.

• Best for: Families, thrill-seekers (rock climbing, surf simulators), multigenerational groups
• Typical base fare: $85–$140 per person per night
• Value tip: Book during “Royal Caribbean’s Cyber Week” (November) for up to $1,000 in savings on select sailings

MSC Cruises: European Value with Global Reach

MSC Cruises, a European-based line with a growing presence in North America, is emerging as one of the cheapest cruise lines to book on in 2024, especially for Mediterranean and transatlantic itineraries. A 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona in the shoulder season (April or October) can start at $499 per person, including port fees. MSC also offers frequent “Kids Sail Free” promotions, making it ideal for families.

What sets MSC apart is its European-style pricing model: lower base fares with optional add-ons. While drinks and specialty dining are extra, the base fare includes access to pools, fitness centers, kids’ clubs, and live entertainment. MSC also partners with airlines for discounted airfare bundles, further reducing total vacation costs.

• Best for: Families, European itineraries, transatlantic repositioning cruises
• Typical base fare: $70–$110 per person per night
• Value tip: Use MSC’s “Easy Rate” for all-inclusive packages (meals, drinks, Wi-Fi) at a fixed price—often cheaper than buying à la carte

Holland America Line: Premium Cruising at Discount Prices

While Holland America is traditionally positioned as a premium line, it frequently offers significant discounts on repositioning cruises (e.g., Alaska to Seattle, Caribbean to Europe) and shoulder-season sailings. A 14-night Panama Canal cruise in November 2024 starts at $999 per person, or about $71 per person per night—an exceptional value for a premium line with elegant dining, spacious staterooms, and cultural enrichment programs.

Holland America’s “Have It All” package (included in many promotions) bundles Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and a $50 shore excursion credit. The line also offers senior and military discounts, and its loyalty program, Mariner Society, provides early access to sales and free upgrades.

• Best for: Mature travelers, destination-focused cruisers, longer itineraries
• Typical base fare: $90–$160 per person per night
• Value tip: Book repositioning cruises—these often have the lowest per-night rates due to lower demand

How Cruise Pricing Works: Understanding Base Fares vs. Total Cost

The Illusion of “All-Inclusive” Pricing

One of the biggest misconceptions in cruise travel is that the advertised “from $299” fare is the final price. In reality, cruise pricing is highly segmented. The base fare—what you see on the homepage—typically includes your stateroom, main dining, and basic entertainment. But additional costs like gratuities, port fees, taxes, drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and excursions can add 30–50% or more to your total bill.

For example, a Carnival cruise advertised at $299 per person may have $150 in port fees and taxes, $80 in gratuities, and $100+ in drink packages. That brings the true cost to over $600 per person. To avoid sticker shock, always calculate the total estimated cost before booking.

Gratuities, Port Fees, and Hidden Costs

Cruise lines automatically add daily gratuities (also called “service charges”) to your account. In 2024, these range from $14.50 to $20.50 per person per day, depending on the line and stateroom category. Port fees and government taxes vary by itinerary but typically add $100–$300 per person for a week-long cruise.

Other hidden costs include:

• Specialty dining: $20–$50 per person per meal
• Wi-Fi: $15–$30 per day
• Drink packages: $50–$90 per day (alcohol), $10–$15 per day (soda)
• Excursions: $50–$150 per person per port

To minimize these, look for lines that offer inclusive packages (e.g., MSC’s Easy Rate, NCL’s Free at Sea) or book during promotions that bundle these items.

Dynamic Pricing and When to Book

Cruise pricing is dynamic—it changes based on demand, season, and booking time. Prices are typically lowest:

• 6–9 months in advance: Early bird deals and “Sail Away” rates
• 60–30 days before departure: Last-minute discounts to fill unsold cabins
• During sales events: Cyber Week, Black Friday, and line-specific promotions (e.g., Carnival’s Summer Savings)

Use price-tracking tools like Cruise Critic’s Price Watch or CruiseSheet to monitor fare changes and set alerts for your desired itinerary.

Best Itineraries for Budget Cruisers in 2024

Short Caribbean Getaways (3–5 Nights)

The cheapest cruise line options often shine on short Caribbean itineraries. These cruises typically depart from major U.S. ports (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Galveston) and visit destinations like Nassau, Freeport, and Key West. Carnival and Royal Caribbean dominate this market with frequent sailings and aggressive pricing.

Example: A 4-night Bahamas cruise on Carnival Horizon from Miami in September 2024:

• Base fare: $299
• Port fees/taxes: $120
• Gratuities: $60
• Total: $479 per person (~$120 per night)

With included entertainment, pools, and dining, this offers excellent value for a quick escape.

Alaska Shoulder Season Cruises (May or September)

Alaska cruises are expensive in peak summer (June–August), but prices drop significantly in May and September. A 7-night Inside Passage cruise on Holland America in September 2024 starts at $799 per person, or about $114 per night—much lower than the $250+ per night peak rates.

Shoulder-season cruises often include:

• Smaller crowds
• Better wildlife viewing (whales, bears)
• Lower prices on excursions and airfare

Repositioning Cruises: The Ultimate Bargain

Repositioning cruises—when ships move between regions (e.g., Caribbean to Europe, Alaska to California)—are among the cheapest cruise line options. These cruises last 10–14 days and often have lower base fares due to fewer ports and longer sea days. A 12-night transatlantic cruise on MSC Meraviglia from Miami to Barcelona in April 2024 starts at $899 per person, or $75 per night.

While repositioning cruises involve more sea days, they offer:

• Lower per-night rates
• Unique itineraries (e.g., crossing the Atlantic)
• Opportunities to explore less-visited ports

Mediterranean Cruises in Shoulder Seasons

European cruises are expensive in summer, but prices drop in April, May, September, and October. MSC Cruises offers 7-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona or Rome for as low as $499 per person in October. These cruises visit destinations like Marseille, Naples, and Palma de Mallorca.

Tip: Combine a Mediterranean cruise with a low-cost airline (e.g., Ryanair, easyJet) for a multi-country vacation at a fraction of the cost.

Tips to Book the Cheapest Cruise Line Fare

Book Early—or Wait Until the Last Minute

There are two optimal times to book for the cheapest cruise line fare:

• 6–9 months in advance: Lines offer “Early Saver” rates with price protection. If the fare drops, you’ll receive the difference as onboard credit.
• 60–30 days before departure: Unsold cabins are discounted heavily. Use price-tracking tools to monitor fare changes and book when the price hits your target.

For example, a Royal Caribbean 7-night cruise might drop from $800 to $500 per person 45 days before departure. If you’re flexible with dates and destinations, last-minute deals can save hundreds.

Choose the Right Cabin Category

Interior cabins are the cheapest cruise line option, but even within this category, prices vary. To save:

• Book a guarantee cabin (you pick the category, the line picks the room). This can save $50–$100 per person.
• Avoid obstructed view cabins unless the discount is significant (>$150). The view isn’t worth it.
• Consider obstructed balcony cabins—sometimes priced near interior rooms but with a private outdoor space.

Travel with a Group or Solo

Group bookings (8+ cabins) often qualify for discounts, onboard credits, and free upgrades. Solo travelers, however, can benefit from solo cabins (no single supplement) on lines like Norwegian, Virgin Voyages, and select Carnival ships. For example, NCL’s solo studios on the Norwegian Prima start at $1,199 for a 7-night cruise—no extra fee for single occupancy.

Use Loyalty Programs and Credit Card Perks

Joining a cruise line’s loyalty program (e.g., Carnival’s VIFP, Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor) gives you access to:

• Exclusive rates
• Onboard credits
• Priority boarding
• Free upgrades

Additionally, use a travel rewards credit card to earn points on cruise bookings. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Platinum offer 2–5x points on travel purchases and can be redeemed for future cruises or onboard spending.

Book Through a Travel Agent or OTA

While booking directly with a cruise line seems convenient, travel agents and online travel agencies (OTAs) often have access to unpublished rates and promotions. For example, Costco Travel offers cruise packages with free Wi-Fi, dining, and onboard credits. Similarly, CruiseSheet and VacationsToGo aggregate the cheapest cruise line fares from multiple sources.

Tip: Use a full-service travel agent for complex bookings (e.g., multi-ship vacations, international flights) to ensure you get the best deal and support.

Data Table: Cheapest Cruise Lines by Itinerary (2024)

Cruise Line	Best Itinerary	Avg. Base Fare (7-Night)	Avg. Total Cost (7-Night)	Key Value Feature
Carnival	4-Night Bahamas	$299	$479	Transparent pricing, frequent sales
Norwegian	7-Night Caribbean	$699	$950	Free at Sea promotions
Royal Caribbean	5-Night Western Caribbean	$349	$599	Buy One, Get One 50% Off
MSC Cruises	7-Night Mediterranean	$499	$720	Kids Sail Free, Easy Rate packages
Holland America	14-Night Panama Canal	$999	$1,350	Repositioning cruise value

Note: Total cost includes base fare, port fees, taxes, and gratuities. Drink packages, Wi-Fi, and excursions are not included and can add $300–$600 per person.

Conclusion: Finding the Cheapest Cruise Line That Fits Your Budget

So, what is the cheapest cruise line to book on in 2024? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Carnival Cruise Line offers the lowest base fares for short, fun-focused getaways, while Norwegian and Royal Caribbean deliver exceptional value through promotions and loyalty perks. MSC Cruises shines for European itineraries and family travel, and Holland America provides premium experiences at discount prices on repositioning cruises.

The key to finding the cheapest cruise line is understanding your priorities: Are you looking for the lowest upfront cost, the best value with inclusions, or the most flexible booking options? By analyzing base fares, hidden costs, itineraries, and timing, you can identify the line that offers the best balance of affordability and experience.

Remember, the cheapest cruise line isn’t always the one with the lowest advertised price—it’s the one that delivers the most value for your travel style and budget. Use the strategies in this guide: book during sales, choose the right cabin, leverage loyalty programs, and consider off-peak or repositioning itineraries. With careful planning, you can enjoy a memorable cruise vacation in 2024 without overspending. Set sail with confidence, knowing you’ve secured the best possible deal on your dream cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest cruise line to book on for budget travelers in 2024?

Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) consistently rank as the cheapest cruise lines, offering affordable base fares and frequent promotions. Look for last-minute deals or off-peak season sailings to save even more.

Which cruise lines offer the best deals for families on a tight budget?

Carnival and Royal Caribbean are top choices for families, with low-cost kids’ programs and bundled dining options. Their “kids sail free” promotions can significantly reduce the cheapest cruise line costs.

Are there any hidden fees I should watch for with the cheapest cruise lines?

Even the most affordable cruise lines may add fees for gratuities, specialty dining, or drinks. Always check the fine print to avoid surprises and consider budgeting 20-30% extra beyond the base fare.

What is the cheapest cruise line for last-minute bookings?

MSC Cruises and Carnival often slash prices for unsold cabins days before departure, making them ideal for spontaneous travelers. Apps like CruiseSheet can alert you to the cheapest cruise line deals instantly.

Do budget cruise lines compromise on quality or experience?

Not necessarily—cheaper lines like Norwegian and Carnival maintain solid amenities (pools, entertainment) while cutting costs via larger ships and efficient operations. Just avoid optional upsells to stick to your budget.

Which cheapest cruise line offers the best value for longer voyages?

Princess Cruises and Holland America provide competitive pricing on 7+ day itineraries with inclusive perks like free Wi-Fi or beverage packages. Their mid-tier pricing often beats budget lines on extended trips.