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Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals Guide

When it comes to planning the ultimate getaway, there are so many reasons why cruise vacations rank among the most popular travel options. First of all, they’re completely stress-free. On a cruise vacation, all the planning is taken care of by the cruise line — from the destinations you sail to and the shore excursions available at each port, to a full range of entertainment and activities happening onboard every day. If you’re not a planner, or if the only things you’re looking to focus on during your getaway is savoring great food, relaxing, and soaking up the sights, cruise vacations are the way to go. A cruise vacation is also a great option if you’re traveling with the whole family, especially when you opt for a Royal Caribbean cruise. All of the ships in this cruise line’s fleet offer family-friendly experiences for guests of all ages. Even little ones will find plenty of ways to play with spaces and activities designed for tots to tweens. One of the top reasons savvy travelers love cruising, though, is because of the incredible value it offers. With Royal Caribbean, your cruise fare includes access to most of the ship’s attractions, select dining venues and all of the entertainment onboard. If you want to make your experience even more all-inclusive, you can opt for beverage and specialty dining packages that cover drinks and dinner at some of the most exclusive restaurants in the fleet. On top of all that, the cruise line presents frequent limited-time offers and seasonal sales, making it easy to score big savings when booking your vacation.

I’m ready to start planning my cruise — how can I score the best deals?

Whether you’re looking to book a short getaway or a longer adventure to far-flung destinations, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to save big on everything from your cruise fare to special experiences onboard and onshore. The first step to making sure you get the best deals is to join the cruise line’s email list. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive regular updates on all the latest offers, like deals by destination , kids sail free promotions and flash sales. The savings don’t end when you book your cruise, though. Once you’ve made a reservation, you’ll also receive notifications about special offers for onboard experiences — like discounts on beverage and specialty dining packages, shore excursions, spa services, and more via My Royal Cruise .

Does it pay to plan ahead, or should I wait until the last minute?  

It’s an age-old question — does the early bird really get the worm, or are there perks to taking a “wait-and-see” approach? If you’re booking a cruise vacation, you’ll find there are benefits to both strategies. Planning ahead is a great way to score big savings , as Royal Caribbean often runs early saver deals to guests booking well in advance. It’s also pretty safe to assume prices usually go up as availability goes down the closer you get to your sail date, so booking ahead is a surefire way to lock in a great rate. That said, booking a cruise at the last minute can also yield some unexpected savings — but only if the itinerary you’re interested in hasn’t sold out yet.

If you can be flexible when it comes to your travel dates, you’ll have your pick of unbeatable savings. Popular vacation dates — like the holidays , spring break , summer vacation and week long cruises — sometimes see the highest prices (though you might get lucky with a seasonal sale). If you have the flexibility to travel during the shoulder season or off season, you’ll likely enjoy big savings on popular stateroom categories , like Balconies and even Suites. The deals don’t only apply to your cruise fare, though. Once you’ve booked your vacation, you could easily unlock discounts and specials on add-ons, including beverage and dining packages , Voom® high speed internet, shore excursions, and amazing experiences not included in your cruise fare — like a day of pampering at Vitality SM Spa, a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship’s galley followed by brunch, VIP seating at shows, and much more.

How can I maximize the value of my cruise vacation?

There are plenty of ways to get more bang for your buck when you sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Every ship in the fleet offers a range of delicious complimentary dining options , but you can dig into even more crave-worthy flavor by purchasing a Specialty Dining Package for less ahead of your cruise. Add a Specialty Beverage Package — which includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, soda, and more — and your experience is as close to all-inclusive as it gets. And with so many complimentary shows and attractions onboard, you can easily fill every sea day without spending a single dollar extra.

Royal Caribbean also offers deals based on departure ports  and destinations, so if you’re a flexible traveler looking for great savings, you can plan your next vacation around which itineraries are on sale. Just check your email or visit RoyalCaribbean.com/cruise-deals to stay up to date on promotions, sales and special offers. You can even browse sailings and deals by homeport, destination and season, so you can rest assured you’re getting the best possible deal no matter when or where in the world you choose to set sai.

Ready to start planning your next getaway? Start exploring cruise deals now.

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NEW South America voyages: Get up to $2,300 in onboard & excursion credit^§!

Our best cruise deals and offers, the vacation of your dreams begins here with a cruise you will love at an unbeatable price with these deals. discover our current featured deals, last-minute savings, and learn how you can benefit from our comprehensive packages. set sail with princess to stunning locations such as alaska, the caribbean, or europe for an unforgettable experience aboard the world's most loved cruise ships., featured cruise deals.

For a limited time only, get up to 35% off cruise fares plus 3rd & 4th guests sail free, and a $99 deposit † !

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Upgrade to our Princess Plus® and Princess Premier® packages — you'll love the value. Wi-Fi, tips, drinks — and more — bundled at more than 50% off. It's one of the best deals around. See why it Pays to Plus®!

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These Princess Plus fares include great perks like Wi-Fi, drinks, crew appreciation, and more. Overall savings of over 50% when you add on this package for only $60 per day. Fares listed include the Plus package.

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2026 South America & Antarctica Cruises Offer

For a limited time, enjoy up to $2,300*  in total onboard spending money & shore excursion credit when you book a 2026 South America & Antarctica cruises.

Captains Circle Members Exclusive Offer:   Log in to book your adventure today and you'll get up to   $100* in savings per guest  just by being a valued past guest. 

* Subject to full  terms, restrictions, and conditions

2026 World Cruise Offer

Travel to 52 destinations in 28 countries across 6 continents and only unpack once. With a limited time unbeatable offer.

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Looking to save big on your next vacation with Princess, but not finding the perfect deal yet? Join the many members who benefit from our deals by signing up for our email newsletter and rest assured that you won’t miss that perfect opportunity. Be the first to know about upcoming featured cruise deals, last-minute savings, coupons, seasonal offers, and more that you will be sure to love.

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Past guest loyalty offers.

Our loyalty program, the Captain’s Circle, offers great perks for those who have previously traveled with us.

Military Cruise Benefits

Princess offers up to $250 free onboard spending money as a way to thank the brave men and women of the American and Canadian militaries for their service.

The Princess® Rewards Visa® Card Earn 20,000 Bonus Points

Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $500 in the first 90 days. That’s enough for a $200 statement credit on your next Princess purchase. Plus, enjoy 2X points per $1 spent on all Princess purchases including onboard purchases. Terms apply.

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The Best Ways to Book a Cruise

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Not all cruise sites are created equal. While you may find comparable prices on different sites, each site has its own benefits, offers and cancellation policies. 

Before you book, though, have a look at these credit cards that come with cruise benefits to sweeten the pot even more.

What is the best way to book a cruise?

The best place to book a cruise will vary depending on what you're looking for out of the experience. We've broken out cruise booking sites based on common booking goals.

From our findings, here are the top cruise booking sites for your next vacation, plus the pros and cons they offer travelers.

For sailings across the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America: CheapCaribbean

CheapCaribbean.com is the best cruise website for the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America. It offers a best-price guarantee plus limited-time offers and discounts.

If you find a better deal within 24 hours of booking, CheapCaribbean will price match and beat it by $25. The company's customer service is available seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

Best-price guarantee.

Customer service is available seven days a week.

Charges a $24.99 processing fee on reservations.

Must provide an email address to receive the best deals and promos.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

For consulting reviews from other cruisers: Cruise Critic

Cruise Critic is an independent website that encourages community members to post reviews and share tips.

Its message boards offer ways for website visitors to ask questions and share feedback with others based on their personal experiences and opinions. The site also acts as a metasearch for cruise deals, pulling in prices from multiple cruise websites.

Read cruise reviews from travelers who've been on that itinerary before.

"Deal Score" ranks deals to find the best value.

Price tracker shows 90-day trends for cruise prices.

Must click through the deal to book your cruise on other websites.

Prices are not guaranteed and can change before booking due to fees and restrictions on the sites where the cruises are being sold.

To review several cruise prices at once: CruiseDirect

CruiseDirect is the best cruise website when all you want are cruise prices. It doesn't offer hotels, flights, rental cars or other reservations you may want for your next vacation. CruiseDirect does, however, offer bonuses for travelers booking through its site.

Travelers can filter search results by destination, cruise line or departure port on various ships. This site offers cruises for every type of traveler, from budget to luxury, and every type of ship, from riverboats to mega-ships.

Bonus offers on every reservation provide extra value.

Best-price guarantee and free reservation holds.

Buy now, pay later financing options.

Promos offered by cruise lines aren't exclusive to CruiseDirect.

Customer service can be unfriendly.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

For budget-friendly options: Priceline

Priceline was originally known for its "Name Your Own Price" promotions, but has grown into a full-service online travel agency offering flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises, saving consumers more than $1 billion dollars per year.

Travelers who book a cruise with Priceline receive up to $2,000 to spend at sea, plus waived deposits on their reservations.

Up to $2,000 to spend on board.

Waived deposits of up to $500 when booking your cruise.

110% best-price guarantee within 48 hours of booking.

Ability to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more from the same site.

Must call Priceline to get exclusive offers and unpublished fares.

Restrictions make the best-price guarantee harder to benefit from.

» Learn more: Tips for getting the best cruise deals

For booking travel experiences beyond the cruise: TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is an online reviewer community where travelers share their experiences, pictures and ratings of hotels, suggested activities and more. This honest feedback and travel inspiration also make it one of the best websites to book a cruise.

Search over 70,000 cruise deals from more than 60 sites at once.

Dedicated ship pages share details, reviews, photos and itineraries.

Too many search results make it harder to narrow down your choices.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

To match with a vacation planner: Avoya Travel

Avoya Travel is a family-owned website that matches travelers with a vacation planner based on their preferences. It's the best way to book a cruise using a travel planner because it offers a low-price guarantee without charging extra fees for the planner.

The downside is that online pricing is not "live." Therefore, you must speak with a travel planner to get the latest prices and book your cruise.

Match with cruise planners according to your needs.

Does not charge Avoya fees for booking, changes or cancellations.

Get a low-price guarantee and the expertise of a vacation planner without extra fees.

Must become a member to unlock the best deals.

Pricing on the website is not "live" pricing, so actual cost may vary.

Cannot book a cruise online. You must speak with an independent vacation planner.

» Learn more: The best cruise insurance right now

To book a vacation package with an airline or hotel

American airlines cruises.

American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn airline miles when booking cruises at BookAACruises.com . All members earn one mile for every dollar they spend on cruise reservations, up to 10,000 miles. Some cruise specials offer up to 100,000 miles based on your selected cruise.

If you have an American Airlines credit card, you'll earn 2x miles, up to 20,000 miles. These miles and Loyalty Points count toward airline elite status. Additionally, trips booked through this site are eligible for promotions offered by the cruise lines.

Earn miles and Loyalty Points toward travel and elite status.

Cardholders earn 2x miles, up to 20,000 miles on cruises.

Cruise experts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cruise reservations are offered by a third party, so customer service issues can be a challenge.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Delta SkyMiles Cruises

Delta Air Lines is another airline that allows members to earn airline miles when booking cruises through its portal. Booking through SkyMilesCruises.com helps you earn Delta SkyMiles on your purchase.

Members get up to 10,000 miles on most cruises and up to 100,000 miles on luxury cruises. Plus, the site waives deposits on eligible cruise reservations.

Can earn up to 100,000 miles when booking a cruise.

Waives deposits when booking eligible cruises.

110% price guarantee within 48 hours of booking.

Most cruise awards are capped at 10,000 miles.

Miles earned are based on the length of the cruise, not the amount spent.

United Airlines Cruises

United Airlines MileagePlus members can earn up to 25,000 miles when booking a cruise through United at Cruises.United.com .

When you have a United Airlines credit card, you'll earn up to 45,000 miles. By offering up to 4x miles per dollar spent (or 7x as a cardholder), this site is the best way to book a cruise and earn airline miles on your purchase. If you have Premier status, you receive additional perks on select cruise lines, like wine and onboard credits.

Earn up to 7x miles on cruises.

United MileagePlus Premier members receive additional perks.

Can redeem miles to pay for some or all of your trip.

Not all cruises can be booked online.

Prices do not include a nonrefundable $24.99 processing fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Cruises

If you want to earn hotel points on your cruise, Marriott Cruise with Points is the best cruise website for you. You'll earn up to 6x points on your cruise purchase, or you can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points to pay for your trip.

Plus, Marriott cardholders can earn an extra 2x points when they use that card for their purchase. While most cruises max out at 25,000 Bonvoy points earned, some luxury cruise lines offer up to 250,000 Marriott points.

Earn up to 6x points on your cruise, up to 250,000 Marriott points.

Marriott cardholders receive an extra 2x points when paying with their cards.

Can use Bonvoy points to pay for your cruise.

Redemption value of Bonvoy points is only 0.4 cent.

Must call to book cruises using points.

Processing fee of $24.99 per reservation.

» Learn more: Airline credit cards vs. hotel credit cards

For cruise package deals: Costco Travel

Costco is a retailer that offers exclusive products and pricing to its members. Through its Costco Travel website , members receive exclusive prices and benefits when booking hotels, rental cars, cruises and travel packages.

Executive Members earn 2% back on Costco Travel purchases and receive additional benefits on select packages. Plus, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cardholders earn 3% cash back rewards on Costco Travel purchases.

Earn 2% rewards and extra perks with Executive Membership.

Some cruises offer Costco gift cards or onboard credit.

Must be a member to book reservations with Costco Travel.

Directly with the Cruise Line

In some cases, booking directly with the cruise line can be best because it eliminates a third party. If there's a problem with your reservation or you need to make a change, you don't have to worry about the booking site and the cruise line pointing fingers at each other.

This may be the best approach if you know which cruise line you want to book and which cities you want to visit. However, you may miss out on promotions offered by third-party sites.

Simple search functions.

No hassles with third parties for problems, changes or cancellations.

Less likely to get scammed by fraudulent sites.

Miss out on deals offered by third-party sites.

Harder to compare prices, benefits and routes from multiple cruise lines.

Comparing cruise prices across websites

Without being able to compare prices, it can be a challenge to determine the best site for booking a cruise. To make it easier to compare, we priced out a 7-night Caribbean cruise for two adults. 

We selected the lowest-priced balcony room on Royal Caribbean departing from Miami in August 2023. Here are the results:

Mitigate cancellation policy risks with travel insurance

If you're worried your trip plans being disrupted by bad weather or a change of plans, travel insurance might help. This optional standalone insurance can be purchased separately from your cruise bookings.

But you might not even need to pay out-of-pocket for trip insurance because many credit cards offer travel insurance as a built-in benefit to customers who pay for travel expenses on that card.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for cruises

Travel cards with cruise benefits

You can get even more perks by booking your cruise with the right card.

on Chase's website

on Bank of America's website

on American Express' website

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Get 25% more value out of your points when you book cruises through Chase.

Book with your card to get automatic travel protections for your cruise.

Redeem miles as a statement credit to cover spending on cruises.

Book with your card to get automatic travel insurance coverage for your cruise.

Earn 2x points on travel spending, including cruises and some ship excursions.

Book with your card to get trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation coverage and other travel assistance services.

Get American Express Cruise Privileges Program benefits when you book at least five nights with eligible cruise lines. Terms apply.

Cruise program benefits include $300 credit redeemable toward dining and spa services plus amenities like wine, chocolates and champagne. Terms apply.

Booking a cruise recapped

When looking for the best way to book a cruise, the price is virtually the same on every website. The difference lies in how each seller sweetens the deal.

Several cruise booking sites set themselves apart from the competition by offering additional benefits to encourage booking through them. Additionally, being able to book other parts of your trip — like flight and excursions — on the same site, or offering access to a travel agent, distinguishes some of the best cruise websites. 

When prices are the same, we recommend cruise bookers compare the perks being offered, then book on the site with the most appealing bonuses, like onboard credits, airline miles, hotel points or cash back.

If you're searching for cruises on a third-party website, you may question the legitimacy of that site. This is especially true if the site doesn't look professional or some of the information is outdated.

For this reason, you should stick with one of the best cruise booking sites on this list because they've been vetted for legitimacy and have a good track record with travelers.

Yes, last-minute deals can be the best way to book a cruise. If your travel plans are flexible, these deals can save you a lot of money. Keep in mind that you may not be able to book your preferred destination or routing if it is sold out.

Unfortunately, most cruise lines do not offer free cancellations or changes to take advantage of price drops after you book. Passengers can always negotiate with a booking site or cruise line, but they aren't obligated to refund the difference. Instead, they may offer you onboard credit, complimentary excursions or credit toward another cruise booking.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Find discount cruise deals.

For expert cruise advice, call 1-866-403-9848.

Find your voyage

Simple staycations

Rediscover your own city with a local escape—a great way to get away while staying close to home.

Disney Cruise Line Deals

Cruise Tips & Cruise Packing Guide

Popular cruise destinations.

Departure Ports with Great Cruises Leaving from

San Francisco

Most popular cruise lines.

• Royal Caribbean International

Disney Cruise Line

• Carnival Cruise Lines

• MSC Cruises

• Norwegian Cruise Line

• Princess Cruises

Find the best cruise vacation for you

How can i find a cheap cruise.

Cheap cruise deals are fairly easy to find in most cases, and you can begin by considering what kind of features and itinerary you want. The more simplistic the experience is, the cheaper it is in general. On Expedia.com, you can filter for specific features and sort your results by price. By mixing and matching certain features, unforgettable experiences may be available with discount cruises. For example, booking a cruise with stunning restaurants and live performances while opting for an inside cabin without an ocean view window or balcony could be ideal for a traveler who doesn't plan on spending much time in their cabin anyways

What is the cheapest month to take a cruise?

The cheapest month to take a cruise varies based on your destination and the cruise line company that runs the ship. A Caribbean cruise , for example, is generally cheapest in the late summer and early fall since it's the local hurricane season.

Can I cancel my cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel, but there may be fees for canceling depending on how far in advance you cancel and what kind of booking you have. You can check the specific cruise lines’ cancellation policies in your itinerary on Expedia.com.

Are river cruises worth the money?

River cruises are quite relaxing, with much more varied scenery than you'd experience on an ocean cruise. These ships often also feature several stops along the river, so passengers can enjoy a greater variety of destinations to explore. Viking river cruises are especially adept at providing this unforgettable experience.

What cruises are best for families?

The best family cruises in 2024 / 2025 tend to be Disney cruises with plenty of offerings for kids and adults alike, though MSC cruises are known for their iconic Children Cruise Free promotion. Disney cruises, specifically, are essentially a Disney theme park on a boat with live shows, rides, and attractions with your kids' favorite characters.

How much does a cruise ship cost?

Cruise prices can vary quite a bit, with cheap cruises and especially luxurious all-inclusive cruises available. Budget lines can offer cruise tickets as low as $50 per night in some cases, while the more high-end experiences can reach up to $1,000 per night and more.

What are some of the best cruise lines?

Several different cruise lines have a lot to offer, such as Viking cruises , which are known for traversing oceans and rivers with a style that blends outdoor and indoor splendor. Celebrity cruise line is more upscale with luxurious features like WiFi, included beverages, champagne, and suites with panoramic views. Other top cruise lines include Royal Caribbean International , Carnival Cruise , Disney Cruise , and Norwegian Cruise .

How far in advance do you need to book a cruise?

It's generally best to book a cruise about 6 to 12 months before your cruise departure. That's the safest way to balance availability and affordability. Technically, you can book earlier or later than that, with some last-minute cruise deals occasionally available up to a weekbefore cruise departure.

Are cruise trips affordable?

They can be, and it's especially simple to search for more affordable cruises with Expedia.com. Not only can you filter by cruise length, cruise line, and cabin experience, but you may also sort your results by price to put the more affordable options first on your search results page.

What is it like to go on a cruise?

A cruise is generally designed to offer the most relaxing experience possible. Despite the size of the ship, it's possible to feel the wave. Many passengers report that the movements help them sleep. Additionally, many fun cruises offer live stage performances, several restaurants, and shopping opportunities. When the ship is in international waters, you may even be able to enjoy a bit of tax-free shopping.

Are cruises a good way to travel?

Cruise travel is great if you're looking for some varied fun. Compared to a plane or a train, cruises have their own attractions and can be considered an integral part of cruise vacations. Plus, a cruise can hit several different destinations as well, with plenty of time to enjoy the cruise and scenic locales. It's certainly worth it for a unique experience no other method of travel can match.

Which cruise line is the cheapest?

The actual cheapest cruise available depends on a variety of different factors. Still, Carnival Cruise tends to be very affordable overall, most of the time with great options like the Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Horizon . Royal Caribbean is also another fantastic cruise line offering great deals if you are watching your budget.

How can I get the best cruise deals in 2024 / 2025?

If you're looking for some of the best cruise deals, booking through Expedia.com makes it easy since you can sort your cruise search results by price and have access to special deals. One Key members can earn  OneKeyCash  on all eligible bookings and get instant discounts with Member Prices. Sign up today!

What do I need to know when I book a cruise?

To book a cruise, you'll need to know where you'll be setting off from and where you'll be going, in addition to how many people will be with you and the features of the specific cruise you book. Keep in mind that you'll want to factor in spending money in your budget for the cruise's restaurants and shops in most cases.

Where should I go on a cruise in 2024 / 2025?

Plenty of incredible cruise destinations are accessible such as cruises to the Bahamas and cruises to Mexico . You may also be interested in cruises to Alaska or cruises to Europe for something outside of the Caribbean.

What countries are best to visit by cruise ship?

A lot of countries are accessible via a cruise, but the best include a cruise to Australia . However, a cruise to Australia is quite a long trip at sea and really allows you to take in everything the cruise ship has to offer.

Can I get last-minute cruise deals?

Yes, last-minute cruise deals are often available, and you can find them on Expedia.com by inputting your travel dates in your search and sorting your results by price. The deals will automatically be applied to the price estimates so that the cheapest estimates will show up first on your search results page.

Are cruises all-inclusive?

Cruises aren't always all-inclusive, but they can be. If you're interested in all-inclusive cruises, you can activate a search filter for it to ensure your search results only show cruises that meet your all-inclusive standard.

Is food free on a cruise?

Food is sometimes free on a cruise, but there are often specialty restaurants that aren't included with the general booking that you'll have to pay for separately. Check the details of each cruise before you book in the "What's included" section after clicking the cruise on your search results page.

What cruise lines are adults only?

Several lines offer adults-only cruise experiences, including Viking cruises , Carnival cruises , and Princess cruises . With an adults-only cruise, you can relax in a tranquil and laid-back setting without kids running around and enjoy all the cocktails you want.

What cruise lines are considered to be the most luxurious?

Viking cruises are considered exceptionally luxurious, with smaller ships and larger cabins that make them feel more exclusive, but Celebrity cruises offer luxury cruise lines too. Booking a luxury cruise means you can expect high-end amenities including gourmet restaurants, sizable suites, top-tier performances, massive pools, and much more.

What are the best cruises for couples?

Viking Cruises have much to offer for a more romantic experience. Holland America Line cruises can be quite refined and romantic as well, with an adult-oriented experience that's sophisticated rather than rowdy. Romantic cruises offer exceptional service as well as cozy suites for you and your partner to enjoy that's complemented by delicious food often themed around the cruise destination.

Why should I go on a cruise for my honeymoon?

Going on a cruise is a great way for you and your new spouse to be pampered with luxury while also being able to explore a new destination. Whether you're taking a cruise to Hawaii or a cruise to Bermuda , a particularly romantic experience is almost guaranteed thanks to the sheer number of things to do.

Are there any Christmas cruises?

Yes, quite a few cruise lines operate around Christmas, and you can find them easily by entering travel dates around Christmas into your 2024 cruise search. Some of the most popular Christmas cruises are available with Carnival and Disney.

Do I need a passport to go on a cruise?

Whether or not you need a passport depends on where you're going and the kind of cruise it is. Any US territory like Bermuda and Puerto Rico won't require a passport, of course, but you also don't need one if you're on a closed-loop cruise. This is a cruise that begins and ends at a US cruise terminal, even if there are stops in other countries on the way.

Why should I book a cruise with Expedia.com?

Booking a cruise with Expedia.com makes it easy to find a cruise type that works best for you. You can use the cruise finder and sort by cruise line, type, destination, length, and itinerary. One Key members also earn OneKeyCash on all eligible bookings that can be used to save on future eligible trips.

What happens if a cruise is canceled?

Every cruise has a different cancellation policy, but generally, passengers are entitled to either a full refund or a credit for a future cruise at a later date. Remember that they may automatically change your booking to their rescheduled date, so you may have to contact them if that date doesn't work for your schedule.

*OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia,  Hotels.com  and Vrbo.

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Cruise Deals

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Bahamas , from .css-nd89np{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);cursor:pointer;}.css-nd89np:hover,.css-nd89np[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-nd89np:focus-visible,.css-nd89np[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);} miami, sep 2, 2024, allure of the seas, deal details.

$2,399 pp — 7-Nt Alaska Oceanview Cabin w/ 61% Off Fares, 2-for-1 Cruise Fares, $400 Shore Excursion Credit, Free Specialty Dining, a Free Beverage Package, Unlimited WiFi, & More

Alaska , from vancouver, sep 7, 2024.

$1,054 pp — 7-Nt. Canada & Northeast – Up to $1,300 to Spend + Free Gratuities

Canada & new england , from boston, jun 8, 2024.

$529 pp — 5-Nt. Caribbean w/ Exclusive $50 bonus, up to $100 to spend, 60% off 2nd guest, kids sail free & more

Caribbean - western , from miami, sep 21, 2024, independence of the seas.

$1,999 pp — 7nt European River: exclusive $300 OBC & $400 off + free air, drinks, excursions

Europe - river cruise , from passau, nov 18, 2025, viking ingvi.

$708 pp — 4-Nt. Key West & Perfect Day w/Exclusive $50 bonus, 75% off 2nd guest, free drinks & more

Bahamas , from fort lauderdale (port everglades), aug 19, 2024, celebrity reflection.

$8,899 pp — 10-Nt. Europe Suite – Up to $200 to Spend & Transportation Credit

Europe , from trieste, oct 5, 2024, seven seas voyager.

$1,419 pp — 7-Nt. Canada & NE w/ Exclusive $25-$1,500 bonus, free gratuities included, free drinks, free wi-fi & more

Canada & new england , from new york (manhattan), oct 13, 2024, norwegian breakaway.

$1,399 pp — 7nt Last Minute Boston-Bermuda Balcony: exclusive free tips, $75 OBC, 35% off, free drinks, more

Bermuda , from boston, may 31, 2024, norwegian gem.

$444 pp — 7nt Alaska Northbound in August: exclusive $25 to spend onboard & reduced rates

Aug 4, 2024.

$4,599 pp — 10-Nt Mediterranean Balcony Cabin w/ 62% Off Fares, 2-for-1 Cruise Fares, $600 Shore Excursion Credit + Free Specialty Dining, Beverages, & WiFi

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$639 pp — 5nt Caribbean Balcony: exclusive no deposit, $50 OBC & extra $75 back

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$1,418 pp — 12-Nt. Costa Rica & Panama Canal – Up to 35% Off + Free Drinks

Costa rica , from fort lauderdale (port everglades), nov 12, 2024, emerald princess.

$4,299 pp — 10-Nt Mediterranean Balcony Cabin w/ 64% Off Fares, 2-for-1 Cruise Fares, Exclusive Free Gratuities, $600 Shore Excursion Credit + Free Specialty Dining, Beverages, WiFi, & More!

Mediterranean , from athens (piraeus), aug 14, 2024.

$1,799 pp — 7nt Alaska Balcony: exclusive $150 bonus, free tips, no deposit + drinks, excursions, more

Alaska , from seward, sep 23, 2024, norwegian jewel, explore more deals.

.css-1oh8jer{line-height:1.45;}@media screen and (min-width: 576px){.css-1oh8jer{line-height:1.45;}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.css-1oh8jer{line-height:1.3;}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.css-1oh8jer{line-height:1.45;}} .css-19okzv9{display:block;font-weight:700;}@media screen and (min-width: 576px){.css-19okzv9{display:block;}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.css-19okzv9{display:inline-block;}} $606 pp .css-tcgipa{display:none;}@media screen and (min-width: 576px){.css-tcgipa{display:none;}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.css-tcgipa{display:inline-block;}} — .css-dq6lip{display:-webkit-box;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:var(--chakra-line-clamp);--chakra-line-clamp:2;}@media screen and (min-width: 576px){.css-dq6lip{display:block;--chakra-line-clamp:2;}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.css-dq6lip{display:inline;--chakra-line-clamp:4;}} 3nt Bahamas Balcony on Utopia of the Seas: exclusive $100 bonus, kids free & 60% off 2nd guest

$449 pp — 10nt Last Minute East Coast in June: exclusive $25 OBC, free 3rd & 4th, reduced rates

$934 pp — 7-Nt. Caribbean w/Exclusive $50 bonus, up to $75 to spend & free upgrades

$1,249 pp — 7-Nt Caribbean Oceanview Cabin w/ Buy One Get One 60% Off Cruise Fares + 30% Extra Guest Savings & $50 Free Onboard Credit

$2,749 pp — 7-Nt Mediterranean Oceanview Cabin w/ 68% Off Fares, 2-for-1 Cruise Fares + Free Specialty Dining, Beverages, WiFi, & More!

$909 pp — 7-Nt. Caribbean Balcony – Free Upgrades & Reduced Rates + Free Drinks

$1,399 pp — 11-Nt. Caribbean w/Exclusive $25-$1,500 bonus, free drinks, free wi-fi & more

$999 pp — 7-Nt Alaska w/ 70% Off Second Guest's Fare, $25 Onboard Credit, $300 Excursion Credit, Free Specialty Dining, a Beverage Package, Free WiFi, & More

$560 pp — 7-Nt. Alaska w/Exclusive $25-$1,500 bonus, no deposit, 60% off 2nd guest & more

$1,399 pp — 11nt Caribbean Balcony from Miami: exclusive $150 back + free drinks & Wifi

About cruise critic's cruise deals.

Cruise deals are your key to scoring a perfect vacation at sea without breaking your budget. Whether you're looking for a last-minute deal , discounts on a luxury cruise or family-friendly cruise deal , or extra onboard credit, finding real deals on cruises can take a lot of work. Cruise lines and travel agents offer a huge variety of confusing extras -- some that are an amazing value and others that aren't.

So how do you know whether or not a cruise deal is worth your hard-earned cash? Cruise Critic's Deal Score is a data-based tool that measures inclusions and extras with itinerary length and nightly fare discounts to help you understand how much of a deal you're actually getting.

Use Cruise Critic's Deal Score to see if those Carnival cruise deals really are amazing. At the same time, you can check out deals with Royal Caribbean , MSC , or Celebrity Cruises (or even a proper all-inclusive cruise deal like you'll find on Viking Ocean Cruises ). If you have a specific destination in mind, you can search cruise deals to places like the Caribbean and Alaska too. Trust us: The cruise of your dreams is out there, and it's more affordable than you think.

Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners who list cruise pricing on Cruise Critic are required to provide prices for cruise only , per person, double occupancy, and are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates, and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings. Taxes, fees and port expenses not included. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. Fuel supplement may apply. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. In addition, average cruise prices are updated nightly.

Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions.

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Best Cruise Lines for the Money

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, a vacation at sea is often a better value than a

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, a vacation at sea is often a better value than a land-based getaway – if you choose wisely. To help you make the most of your travel budget, U.S. News ranked the following cruise lines based on a methodology that factors in itinerary affordability, amenities included in the base fare, health ratings and reputation among experts and travelers. Read on to learn more about this year's best cruise lines for the money, and be sure to check our latest cruise deals for an even more affordable vacation experience. 

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Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages may not seem like the most affordable offering at a glance, but it presents cruisers with supreme value. Base fares include all onboard dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi access, group fitness classes and more. Add those benefits to Virgin's ongoing sales, and you're looking at a top-notch experience for less. 

• 4.39 Overall Rating
• 3 Ships in Fleet

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises' vessels offer the endless amenities and buffets of its competitors' megaships but maintain the service standard of smaller lines. Rates on Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries run less than $200 per person, and all-inclusive add-on packages are available.

• 4.36 Overall Rating
• 13 Ships in Fleet

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises targets more adult travelers (especially on longer voyages) than family-oriented lines like Royal Caribbean International, but at similar prices. Along with lodging and select dining, fares cover activities like cooking demonstrations and educational lectures.

• 4.02 Overall Rating
• 15 Ships in Fleet

Royal Caribbean International

With more than 25 cruise ships, Royal Caribbean is one of the largest lines sailing the ocean today. Having the ability to accommodate thousands of guests per ship allows the company to keep rates low. In fact, travelers may find itineraries in popular destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Pacific Coast for around $250 per person.

• 4.17 Overall Rating
• 25 Ships in Fleet

Holland America Line

Cruisers will find this premium cruise line to be a pretty good bargain, with four-day Caribbean sailings often starting at less than $300 per person, and short voyages along the Pacific Coast coming in around $100 per person. But cutting costs doesn't mean skimping on service; Holland America ships offer individualized attention, free room service and all-inclusive package options.

• 4.14 Overall Rating
• 11 Ships in Fleet

MSC Cruises

MSC offers sailings from North American ports like Miami, New York City and Orlando, Florida, though the majority of its voyages depart from international locales. But even if you have to fly to a foreign port, you'll save money over a typical land vacation abroad. Mediterranean sailings can start at around $100 per person, and the line offers several deals and money-saving packages.

• 3.79 Overall Rating
• 22 Ships in Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival specializes in budget-friendly fun, offering frequent, significant discounts on already low prices. In fact, itineraries for around $200 per person are the norm. Access to most of the ships' activities won't cost a penny, but keep in mind that some extras (like specialty restaurants, beverages and certain attractions) aren't covered in fares.

• 3.90 Overall Rating

Norwegian Cruise Line

With its popular, frequently running Free at Sea program, Norwegian offers travelers discounts on Wi-Fi, excursions, alcohol, airfare and more on top of its already low prices. And, similar to luxury lines, Norwegian ditches steadfast rules like assigned dining times, but costs a fraction of the price.

• 3.97 Overall Rating
• 19 Ships in Fleet

Cunard Line

While you may not expect to find a more opulent line like Cunard on this list, the cruise provider has a surprising number of relatively reasonable fares for upcoming sailings. Travelers can fully enjoy the line's old-world elegance knowing that room service, onboard activities and most dining options are included in the base price.

• 4.07 Overall Rating

Costa Cruises

A member of the Carnival family, Costa Cruises is primarily based in Europe. The fleet offers lower rates than its competitors, particularly for its Mediterranean itineraries (think: fares starting at less than $100 per person). Although it offers family-friendly amenities, Costa's ships are also well-suited to adults, with various entertainment options like theater shows and casinos.

• 3.50 Overall Rating
• 8 Ships in Fleet

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Cruises offer a great value and are an excellent way to see your favorite destinations around the globe. Cruise.com offers cruises on all cruise lines, including Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and a host of others. When booking a cruise on Cruise.com you can select your preferred cruise line, destination and many other search options to find the best cruise for your next vacation. Our agents are experts in cruising and are available 24/7 in case you prefer to book over the phone. As one of the largest cruise sellers Cruise.com is able to offer our clients exclusive discounts, onboard credits, upgrades and many other valuable amenities. Call now to get the best cruise deal on your next vacation.

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60% OFF 2nd Guest

+ 30% OFF 3rd/4th Guests + Kids Sail FREE --> + Specialty Dining for 2

• FREE Gratuities or Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit
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GREAT SAVINGS:

Up to 75% OFF 2nd Guest --> + Instant Savings + FREE AMENITIES: FREE Beverage Package + Basic Wi-Fi

• Galapagos: Save 20% + FREE Airfare
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LIMITED TIME OFFER:

Up to 35% OFF + 3rd & 4th Guest FREE

• Exclusive: Up to $1,785 Onboard Credit
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• Call in Sale: Save up to $500 per stateroom
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EARLY SAVER SALE

Up to $50 Onboard Credit + 50% Reduced Deposit + FREE Upgrades

+ AUSTRALIA SALE: Great Guaranteed Rates + Reduced Deposit SPRING SAVINGS: Great Reduced Rates

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Up to 50% OFF

+ Up to $300 Onboard Credit + 50% Reduced Deposit + 3rd & 4th Guests FREE

Exceptional Offer: Up to $1,000 Onboard Spending

• Distinctive Voyages: Cocktail Reception + Exclusive Shore Event

35% OFF Cruise Fares + Take All FREE: FREE Open Bar + FREE Specialty Dining + FREE Wi-Fi + Shore Excursion Credit + 3/4 Guest Sail FREE + BOGO Airfare

• 50% Reduced Deposits
• Solo Reduced Rates
• Past Guests Offer

FOUR QUEENS BONUS:

Up to $600 Onboard Credit + 50% Reduced Deposit UPGRADES ON US: Up to $1,000 Credit + Stateroom Upgrade + Grill Suites: Drinks, Hotel & Dining service charges included Up to $250 in FREE Onboard Spending-->

• Solo Traveler Discount: Up to 25% OFF
• Sailing Soon Savings: Fares from $1099
• Military: Up to $250 in FREE Onboard Spending

DISCOVERY AWAITS EVENT

Up to $2,000 Onboard Credit + Reduced Deposit + Past Guests: Up to $1,200 Discount + Grill Suite Guests: FREE Gratuities & Drinks

• Up to $400 Onboard Credit
• AMEX Cardholder Benefits

EXTENDED FLASH SALE: Cruise from $199 + FREE Balcony Upgrades

ALL-IN: FREE Drinks + Wi-Fi

• Kids Sail FREE
• Exclusive Rates - Must Call to Book
• Military, Civil & Interline Rates

EARLY SAVER SALE: Up to $50 Onboard Credit + 50% Reduced Deposit + FREE Upgrades

AUSTRALIA SAVER SALE: Up to $50 AUD Onboard Credit + 50% Reduced Deposit

• Exclusive: Up to $1,600 Cash Back

UP TO 4 CATEGORY UPGRADE

SIMPLY MORE PERKS: 2 for 1 Cruise Fares + Roundtrip Air + FREE Shore Excursions + Specialty Dining + FREE Champagne, Wine & more + FREE Unlimited Wi-Fi + Airport Transfers

• Complimentary 1 Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay
• Premium Economy Air Upgrade from $499
• Past Guest Savings: 10% Exclusive Savings
• Solo Travelers: 50% Single Supplement Waived

SAVINGS OF UP TO $4,500 PER SUITE

Kids Sail FREE or REDUCED

• Up to $1,000 Shipboard Credit
• Reduced Single Supplements
• Kids Sail from $999
• Air Specials Available
• Extended Voyages: Up to 25% Savings per suite
• 2 For 1 Fares + FREE GRATUITIES + FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions + FREE Beverages

SPRING SALE: FREE International Airfare + $25 Deposit

Exclusive Offer: $200 Shipboard Credit

• FREE Shore Excursions
• FREE Beer & Wine with lunch and dinner

LIMITED TIME OFFER: Up to $1,000 per person Air Credit

A SAIL TO REMEMBER: Savings of up to 15%

• The Finale Sale: Up to 30% Savings on select sailings
• Seabourn Club Savings: 5% Discount
• FREE Specialty Dining
• FREE High Speed Internet
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• Private Cocktail Reception + Exclusive Shore Event

GREAT SAVINGS: + $1000 Onboard Credit or $1000 Airfare Discount

EARLY BOOKING BONUS: 20% OFF + Premium Beverage Package, $300 Onboard Credit & Unlimited Wi-Fi

• Back-to-Back Savings

SAIL, SAVE & SPLURGE: Reduced rates starting from $449p + up to $200 Onboard Credit

FREE DRINK PACKAGE: My Drinks Packages Included

• SOLO TRAVELERS: Save up to 80%
• Exclusive Rates: Book Now and Save
• CostaClub Benefits Available — Call for details

CRUISE.COM EXCLUSIVE: Up to $2,800 OFF

REDUCED DEPOSIT: 50% OFF Required Deposit

• Limited Time - Save up to 25%
• Limited Time - Special Military Rates
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PICK YOUR PERK: FREE Hotel Night (pre- or post-cruise) OR Up to $1,000 Shipboard Credit OR FREE Upgrade to All-Inclusive Fares for Premium Suites Guests

• Upgrade to All-Inclusive Fares: Unlimited Beer, Wine & cocktails, Wi-Fi & Gratuities from $79pp per day
• Reduced Rates on ALL Destinations
• Distinctive Voyages: Up to $300 Shipboard Credit + Private Welcome Reception + Host
• Complimentary watersports (port/weather dependent)
• Welcome Cocktails + 24 hour in room dining

YACHT SAILINGS: 2 for 1 Fares + Up to $11,000 FlexCredit

RIVER SAILINGS: : 2 for 1 Fares + Up to $3,000 FlexCredit

• EXCLUSIVE RATES: Book Now and Save
• Complimentary Gratuities
• Unlimited Drinks
• FREE Wi-Fi & Excursions
• Complimentary Transfers
• Personal Butler

UP TO 80% OFF 2ND GUEST

• Unlimited Wi-Fi
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• Group Fitness Classes
• Water, Drip Coffee, Teas, Non-Pressed Juices & Soda

EARLY BOOKING SAVINGS: Save 5% when you book early & pay in full

FAMILY VACATION SAVINGS: Save up to 50% OFF for kids & additional guests

• Unlimited Fine Beverages
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Culinary Experiences
• In-suite Welcome Bottle of Champagne upon arrival

DOOR-TO-DOOR ALL INCLUSIVE FARES: Up to $4,000 Savings

VENETIAN SOCIETY SAVINGS: Additional 5% Savings

• Refer a Friend: Save up to $500
• 25% Single Supplements Fares
• Complimentary Beverages
• Welcome Bottle of Champagne

LIMITED TIME: Save up to 40% on select cruises

GALAPAGOS BOGO: Buy One Cruise Fare, Get Second Cruise Fare FREE on select Galápagos sailings - Must Call to Book!

• Hurtigruten Expeditions: Save up to 45%
• Single Travelers: Reduced or Waived Single Supplements
• Northern Lights Promise

UPGRADE OFFER: Wi-Fi, Specialty Dining & Premium Drink Package

Premium Drinks Package from US$19 per day

• Unlimited Drink Package
• Select Shore Excursions
• Onboard Entertainment

SPRING SERENITY SALE: Up to $1,000 Savings per stateroom

• Open Bar with select wines & premium spirits
• 24 hour room service
• Daily selection of Wines for lunch & dinner

BOOK NOW SAVINGS

Save up to $5,400 per Suite

• Expedition Cruises: Save up to $10,000 per Suite
• Open bars throughout the ship

Exclusive Adult Only Departures

• Two Adventure Guides
• Outstanding Accommodations
• Most meals during trip
• Gratuities Included

Save up to $150 per person

Travel With Friends:Save 5% on 5 - 9 People

• Solo Traveler Savings Save $50 per person
• Group Discounts on 10+ people
• Military Discounts
• Special Student Discounts
• Small Group Departure

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Up to $1600 Tour Credit

Small-Group Discovery

• Worldwide Destinations
• Guided Sightseeing Tours
• Gratuities included

Up to $1,700 Tour Credit

• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
• Hotel Accommodations

Independent City Stay

Choice Touring by Globus

• Small Group Discovery Tour

Exclusive Experiences

• TAUCK BRIDGES: Family Discovery Tours
• Ken Burns American Journeys
• Airport Transfers

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Up to $1,600 Tour Credit

• All Hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• Airport Transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
• An expert Travel Director and separate driver
• VIP entry to many sights

SUMMER TRIPLE SAVINGS: Up to $4000 Savings + Complimentary Upgrade + Up to $100 Onboard Credit

BONUS SAVINGS: Additional 5% Savings

• Mekong River: 2-For-1 Land
• Christmas Markets: Save up to $2,000
• Solo Traveler Specials
• FREE Wi-Fi + Unlimited Beverages

SAIL AWAY & SAVE: Up to $3,500 Savings + $100 Shore Excursion & $100 Onboard Credit

EXCLUSIVE: Up tp $1,700 Onboard Credit

• Complimentary Shore Excursions
• FREE Wi-Fi, Beverages

LIMITED TIME OFFER: Complimentary AirFare + Up to $1,500 Savings

• Complimentary cocktail hour each evening
• Breakfast room service
• Afternoon tea service in the Sky Lounge

AIR & CRUISE SAVINGS: FREE Airfare + Save $500 per couple

• Mekong River: Save up to $2,000 per couple
• Galapagos: Save up to $1,500 per couple
• Single Supplement Waived
• Complimentary Excursions

EXCLUSIVE ONBOARD CREDIT

• Save up to $4,000 per Suite
• FREE Wine & Wi-Fi
• Call for Rates TOO LOW to Advertise

YACHT & RIVER VOYAGES: 2 for 1 Fares + Up to $3,000 FlexCredit

• Exclusive Rates: Book Now & Save
• FREE Drinks at Lunch & Dinner

BOOK NOW & SAVE

• FREE use of bicycles during port visits
• FREE water, coffee and tea

CRUISE SAVINGS EVENT: Save up to $3,000 per person

RIVER HERITAGE CLUB SAVINGS: Save up to $500 per person

• Solo Traveler Savings: Waived Single Supplement
• 205 Early Booking: Save 10%
• Unlimited Beverages
• Complimentary Internet & Wi-F
• Complimentary Culinary Experiences

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: $200 Shipboard Credit

• FREE Unlimited Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks
• Exclusive Rates

All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking. Not all offers are combinable with other offers.

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Anyone who has cruised knows that it's the perfect combination of pampered relaxation and fun, fun, fun! Looking for a quiet, relaxing day at the beach? Or, maybe your thirst for adventure has you snorkeling in crystal-clean Caribbean waters or soaring through the sky on a parasail. How about biking or horseback riding along a pristine sandy shore? Or, perhaps golfing is your passion. See historic European cities, explore the unspoiled natural wonders of Alaska and Hawaii or "shop till you drop" at any of the duty free ports that you visit. The world is yours! And, no matter how many ports you visit on your cruise, you only have to pack once. It may sound like a dream come true, but that's exactly what cruising is like.

How much does it all cost? You may find it hard to believe, but you can choose from a wide variety of cruises from under $100 per person per night! The price you pay for your cruise includes the following:

• Full size staterooms with complimentary room service (catering to your every need).
• Fine Dining including breakfast, lunch & dinner plus much more!
• Fully-supervised children's programs and a special menu for kids at every meal.
• Exciting on-board entertainment and activities, including lavish stage shows and Broadway productions, night club acts, live bands, dancing, cocktail parties, cultural events, movies, sports, games and more.
• Free use of on-board facilities, including swimming pools, hot tubs, health club, library, lounges, plus a complete casino, featuring slots, black jack, craps, roulette and much more.

For more information and facts on cruising, make sure to visit our Cruise Facts page.

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Where Magic Meets the Sea

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Grant Your Family’s Summer Vacation Wishes Today

This summer, go big and embark on a journey of a lifetime with Disney Cruise Line. Discover the rich history, vibrant cultures and natural beauty of Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean or The Bahamas.

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Announcing the Disney Treasure

Adventure meets the daring tales of classic Disney films and Disney park attractions on the newest ship to join our fleet—sailing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries beginning December 2024.

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Why Cruise with Disney?

Discover fun and relaxation for everyone in the family on a Disney Cruise.

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  cruise ships, ro/pax ferries, passenger vessels, accommodation vessels  superyachts, sale & charter.

We also specialize in providing vessels for:

TV & Motion Picture Filming

Events & Corporate Meetings

Disaster Housing

Construction Housing

MANY OTHER SHIPS AVAILABLE - PLEASE INQUIRE WITH YOUR REQUIREMENTS

Featured cruise ships for sale & charter/rent  , click on image, or description bar for additional information.

Estimated Price POA-Length: 258.5m Passenger Beds: 2,004/2,450 - Passenger Cabins: 1002

Estimated Charter Price: US$: POA Length: 220m Passenger Beds: 1,308/1,680 - Passenger Cabins: 648

Estimated Price: US$ 40 million - Length: 180.7m Passenger Beds: 832/927 - Passenger Cabins: 416

Estimated Price: US$17 million - Length: 183.4m Passenger Beds: 680/720 - Passenger Cabins: 258 SOLD - NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Estimated Price: US$3.5 million - Length: 78.30m Passenger Beds: 138 - Passenger Cabins: 68

Estimated Price: US$14 million - Length: 162m Passenger Beds: 952/1,452 - Passenger Cabins: 476

Estimated Price: Euros: 6.5 million - Length: 139.30m Passenger Beds: 412 - Passenger Cabins: 206

Estimated Price: US$: 100 million - Length: 279m Passenger Beds: 1,998/2,417 - Passenger Cabins: 999

Modern Cruise Ship Built 2005 2,375 Pax 93,502 GT  

Estimated Price: US$ 30 million - Length: 174m Passenger Beds: 650 - Passenger Cabins: 324

Estimated Price: US$ 100 million - Length: 279m Passenger Beds: 2,393 - Passenger Cabins: 997

Estimated Price: US$ 150 million - Length: 294m Passenger Beds: 2,170/2,556 - Passenger Cabins: 942

Estimated Price: US$ 125 million - Length: 294m Passenger Beds: 2170/2556 - Passenger Cabins: 1016

Estimated Price: US$ 30 million - Length: 175m Passenger Beds: 520/638 - Passenger Cabins: 288

Estimated Price: GBP 14.5 million - Length: 195.82m Passenger Beds: 520/638 - Passenger Cabins: 288 SOLD - NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Estimated Price: US$ 29 million - Length: 135.1m Passenger Beds: 300 - Passenger Cabins: 190

Estimated Price: US$6.5 million - Length: 88.3m Passenger Beds: 100/120 - Passenger Cabins: 50

This ship is no longer available, please contact us for other suggestions. Estimated Price: US$35 million - Length: 219m Passenger Beds: 1,350/1,715 - Passenger Cabins: 675 -

Estimated Charter Price: POA - Length: 180.7m Passenger Beds: 832/927 - Passenger Cabins: 416

Estimated Price: POA - Length: 294m Passenger Beds: 2,340/2,808 - Passenger Cabins: 1170

Estimated Price: US$ 4.75 million - Length: 73.70m Passenger Beds: 130 - Passenger Cabins: 63

Estimated Price: US$ 28 million - Length: 90.6m Passenger Beds: 44 - Passenger Cabins: 22 Mega Yacht / Cruise Ship

Estimated Price: US$ 95 million - Length: 262.2m Passenger Beds: 2,016/2,272 - Passenger Cabins: 1008

This vessel is no longer available. Contact us for an alternative ship. Estimated Price: US$ 35 million - Length: 268.30m Passenger Beds: 2,354/2,744 - Passenger Cabins: 1177

Estimated Price: US$ 40 million - Length: 181.4m Passenger Beds: 836/1,275 - Passenger Cabins: 418

Length: 294.13m Passenger Beds: 2,348/2,813 - Passenger Cabins: 1174

Modern Cruise Ship Built 2002 Approx. 1500 Pax

SOLD - No Longer Available - Length: 91.44m Passenger Beds: 205 - Passenger Cabins: 101 MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION

Estimated Price: GBP4,400,000 - Length: 45.0m Passenger Beds: 40 - Passenger Cabins: 20

Modern Cruise Ship Built 2001 Approx. 2400 Pax

Featured expedition & passenger ships fo r sale & charter/rent cli ck on i mage, or description for a ddit ional information.

Estimated Price: US$11.55 million - Length: 139.55m Passenger Beds: 240 - Passenger Cabins: 128

Estimated Price: US$4.5 million - Length: 86.5m Passenger Beds: 105 - Passenger Cabins: 47

Estimated Price: US$15 million - Length: 90.6m Passenger Beds: 114 - Passenger Cabins: 54

Estimated Price: US$15.75 - Length: 124.22m Passenger Beds: 252 - Passenger Cabins: 113

Estimated Price: POA - Length: 137.10m Passenger Beds: 325/577 - Passenger Cabins: 164

Featured RO/PAX, Tour/Dinner Yachts, Passenger Ferries for Sale & Charter/Rent Click on Image, or Description for additional informati on

Estimated Price: US$45 million - Length: 174m Passenger Beds: 1,190 - Passenger Cabins: 320 - Lane Meters: 1,950

Estimated Price: US$45 million - Length: 166.7m Passenger Beds: 1,212 - Passenger Cabins: 325 - Lane Meters: 915

Estimated Price: US$6 million - Length: 47.5m Passenger Seating: 413 - Passenger Cabins: 0 - Lane Meters: 0

Estimated Price: US$35 million - Length: 166.7m Passenger Beds: 1,700 - Passenger Cabins: 647

Estimated Price: POA - Length: 211.5m Passenger Beds: 2,148 - Passenger Cabins: 567

Estimated Price: US$ 1 million - Length: 42.28m Tour / Dinner / Passenger Yacht

Estimated Price: Euros 10 million - Length: 149.19m Passenger Beds: 1,250 - Passenger Cabins:

Estimated Price: Euros 23 million - Length: 169m Passenger Beds: 1786- Passenger Cabins: 522 Lane Meters: 750

Estimated Price: US$20 million - Length: 175.40m Passenger Beds: 1,606 - Passenger Cabins: 550 - Lane Meters: 1,700

Estimated Price: POA million - Length: 211.50m Passenger Beds: 2,148 - Passenger Cabins: 567 - Lane Meters: 2,800

Estimated Price: US$75 million - Length: 175m Passenger Beds: - Passenger Cabins: 320 - Lane Meters: 1,950

The following table lists our current inventory of CRUISE SHIPS   and PASSENGER SHIPS, it can be sorted by any of the headings below, just click on the up or down arrow.  There are also additional categories of data, use the slide at the bottom of the table.  If the Stock Number is highlighted in BLUE , you can obtain additional information and a bro chure of each ship, click on the Stock No., ie S2044 for example.

Ship Chartering

We offer all types of ship chartering,including full and part charters of passenger vessels and various types of commercial vessels.Our dedicated teams of charter brokers are available 24/7 to assist you in finding just the right vessel to suite your needs: Cruise Ships, RO/RO Passenger Ferries, Container Vessels and Bulk Carriers.

Ship Building

Our Project Management team can manage virtually all shipbuilding projects; from major maintenance/refit programs to the building of new vessels anywhere in the world.Based on our close relationships with the industries leading; marine architects and engineers, designers and shipyards, no job is too big, or too small, or too difficult.

Refurbishment

We manage refurbishment projects of all sizes, from minor alterations to refurbishment of the entire ship.Our team of seasoned professionals have established relationships with industry experts that are able to deliver outfitting of the highest quality in a specified time and at a predetermined cost.

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Cruise Ships For Sale

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10 Rules to Getting the Best Deal on a Cruise

Tell us if this process sounds familiar.

You want to book a cruise, so you start searching around. A web search takes you from one site to another. Before you know it, you’ve looked at a dozen different sites to try and find the best deal.

What’s more, you’ve tried searching multiple dates, itineraries, cruise lines, and room types, searching for that best combination of price, time and route.

It’s enough to make your head spin… and that’s before you actually purchase your fare .

After that, you end up checking the same cruise obsessively, making sure you’ve gotten the best price possible.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way . We’ve spent years studying the cruise industry and have come up with our best rules to follow to make sure you’re getting the absolute best rate with as little headache as possible.

It’s no guarantee that you’ll get the lowest rate offered for your cruise, but these rules will help you be smarter about buying your vacation.

In This Article...

Want a cheap cruise? Study this chart

Before we get into the rules, we want to walk you through some of research. First, we want to show you the most important resource when it comes to what you will pay for a cruise.

The chart below shows the historic per-person cruise fare for both an interior cabin and balcony room for a 3-day Carnival cruise over a period of two years between 2021-2023 . This particular cruise sailed from Miami, with a stop in Nassau, Bahamas.

We selected this cruise because it runs weekly, giving us a chance to compare the price of the trip over multiple years and see the trends in the fare.

First, you can see from the blue line (price for an interior room) that prices to travel last minute are consistent with the same time a year later. In other words, you don’t see that much of a discount — if any — by waiting until the last minute .

Second, notice the trends in the rise and fall of the prices. Cruise fares see large spikes during holidays and the summer. The basic rule of thumb is that if school is out, then cruise fares are high . Cruising off season can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Of course, there is so much more to learn about finding the best rate on your next cruise. We go into full detail of all the rules you should follow to find the lowest rate possible…

Rule #1: DO be flexible with your days to cruise the cheapest

As you can see in the chart , the fares for the same cruise can vary dramatically, depending on when you sail.

Holidays like Christmas and New Year’s fetch the highest prices by far. These rates can often be double what you would pay in the lower season. The highest rates found around the holidays are closely followed by peak summer rates when families with kids like to cruise:

The best times to sail with the lowest rates? The fall months when people are back at school and work, meaning that rates hit their lowest. You can also find lower rates in the time between New Year’s and Spring Break.

Rule #2: DON’T think there is a magic website with cheaper cruise fares

The cruise line’s website, Expedia, Cruises.com, Travelocity… the list of sites where you can search for trips is endless. The odd thing? They usually all have the exact same rates.

We researched the most popular sites for a Carnival cruise (although this rule applies to all cruise lines), comparing prices with the cruise line’s official website. This trip is a 7-day cruise from Miami in June 2025 aboard Carnival Magic. We’ve tabulated the prices we found below:

So which site should you use?

We generally suggest booking through the cruise line’s website. We like this because it takes out the middleman in booking your sailing. Should there be an issue, you can call the cruise line directly and everything is dealt with through their site.

However, many third-party sites can have special deals such as onboard credit that’s not available if booking through the cruise line. We’ve seen up to $750 in onboard credit just for booking through these types of sites, depending on their offers.

[Read: The Best Websites to Book a Cruise ]

As well, third-party sites take your search across multiple cruise lines. So instead of just searching for Carnival cruises or Royal Caribbean, you can search every cruise line — potentially finding a cheaper cruise with another line. Meanwhile, you typically won’t pay any more than booking directly from the cruise line.

If you know the cruise line you’d like to sail, we suggest booking directly through them. If you are open to which line you sail, then third-party websites give you the ability to search more cruise lines and itineraries to find a better price.

Rule #3: DON’T think you’ll save a ton by booking last minute

It would make sense that you would find the cheapest fares right before the ship sails. After all, if a room sails empty, the cruise line earns nothing from that cabin. They should want to get you on the ship and at least earn some cruise fare, then hope to earn more on excursions, drinks, and shopping onboard.

If that were how things actually worked, however, the cruise lines would go insane trying to plan. If rates were lowest right before the trip sailed, then every passenger would wait until the last minute. The cruise lines wouldn’t be able to plan their needs for the trip ahead of time or predict revenue, costs, or profits.

That’s why cruise lines have largely eliminated last-minute discounts.

In fact, if you look at our chart of prices for the cruise below, you can see that the price you pay for a cruise about to depart is inline with the same time a year later.

Where you can really get burned by waiting until the last minute is in your room selection.

When you book late, many of the prime rooms have been taken already. So if you had your eye on a certain type of room or location on the ship, it might not be available if booking late.

For more on buying last-minute cruises, read 9 Smart Last-Minute Cruise Buying Tips .

Rule #4: DON’T get distracted by cruise line sales

The cruise lines are like department stores — they constantly run sales and special offers. Sometimes it is 50% off the second fare. Sometimes it’s lower deposits. Sometimes it’s onboard credit.

We’ve found that there is a constant flow of deals, and they usually are all about the same. In other words, we don’t really think you should let it influence whether or not you buy… or let it affect the timing of your purchase.

Yes, it is possible that one deal might be better than another. However, they typically end up around the same price. If a cruise line really needs to fill rooms, they will simply lower the price of the specific cruise instead of offering a fleetwide discount via a sale.

Rule #5: DO sail on older ships for cheaper deals

It’s not written in stone, but you will usually pay much less to sail on an older ship compared to a newer one. Older ships are still kept up and comfy, but simply can’t offer the space or amenities as the larger, newer ships.

Over the past two decades, ships have seemingly transformed from simply seagoing vessels to floating amusement parks. From huge waterslides to promenades, robot bars, roller coasters, ice rinks, and more, it’s hard to believe what they can put on a new ship these days.

If you don’t need these sorts of things on your cruise, then look for an older ship to get a much cheaper cruise.

What can you expect to save? It’s difficult to compare apples to apples as different ships sail to different ports at different times, but we found two similar cruises to compare.

The first was a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas from Port Canaveral, departing April 2025. Wonder of the Seas is one of the cruise line’s newest ships, and it’s priced accordingly.

The cheapest price (interior cabin) we found for an April sailing on this new ship was $1,106 per person .

Compare this rate with a 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard an older Royal Caribbean ship — Adventure of the Seas. We found this cruise departing Port Canaveral during the same month (April 2024). Despite being one night longer, the trip was priced at just $955 per person for an interior cabin . That’s about $150 per person less for an additional night.

In other words, sailing the older ship in this example costs considerably less than the new ship — despite the cruise being a day longer.

(Note: There is also a 6-night cruise aboard Adventure of the Seas during that same month starting at just $666 per person — an even larger discount.)

Rule #6: DO choose your room location carefully

While not every cruise line does it, many will charge you different amounts for the same class of room in different locations of the ship. For example, a room on a higher deck will cost more than one on a lower deck. Through years and years of bookings, the cruise lines know which rooms are most desirable and charge accordingly.

Most times the premium you pay for room location won’t seem like a big deal. The cruise lines sometimes frame it by adding something like $3-5 per person, per day.

Let’s do the math, however.

A room with two people being charged an extra $5 per person, per day would rack up $10 per day — or $70 in room location charges over the course of a week-long cruise. That may not sound like much to some of you, but that comes about to about 4-6 drinks from the bar if you were to want to spend your money on alcohol instead.

The rule of thumb is that the higher up your room is on the ship, the more you will pay.

For the absolute best rate for your particular room class, let the cruise line place you automatically at their lowest rate.

Rule #7: DON’T buy the “wave season” hype

You might have heard of “wave season.” This time of year — running from January through March — is supposed to be when the cruise lines offer the best deals. That’s due to the cold weather in most of the country making people think of warmer places combined with the passing of the Christmas holiday. It is definitely true that more booking activity goes on during this period. But it may not mean better prices. 

Our take? Wave season is hyped up, similar to “Black Friday.” Sure there may be good offers — but not enough to keep us from booking a good deal when we see one a different time of year.

If everyone waited until the wave season because the deals were better, then the cruise lines wouldn’t have anyone book the other nine months of the year. You’ll find that the deals offered aren’t that much different than those found the rest of the year.

Rule #8: DON’T think booking far ahead will save much

If last-minute booking doesn’t offer much of a discount, then surely you’ll be rewarded by booking well in advance, right?

Not so much.

Rates vary the most by time of year… not by how far in advance the departure is. For example, you’ll see similar fares for a cruise in September, whether that’s three months from now or a year and three months from now.

Now, that’s not to say that the fare for a cruise well in the future won’t drop at some point. If the cruise line has trouble filling rooms, they will certainly drop the rate. But many times, there is no huge advantage to booking a year or more in advance (although you will have more cabin options).

Rule #9: DO book your cruise when you find a rate you like

We know that trying to find the best rate can be nerve-wracking. Don’t let it get to you. We think the key is to do some research first on the cruises offered and what they are selling for. Once you have a ballpark idea of what they cost, you can have a better idea if you are getting a good deal.

Once you find a rate that you think is fair (including any sales/promotions), go ahead and book it. There’s no sense in waiting and watching to see if the price will fall more, especially since it could also rise. ( Read more on the best time to book a cruise. )

And while you want to book your cruise once you’ve found a rate you’re happy with, we recommend NOT paying in full. In fact, put down the smallest deposit allowed.

This will give you some leverage for Rule #10. (Keep in mind that if you book last-minute, you often have to pay for the trip in full at the time of booking.)

Rule #10: DO monitor price drops…and call the cruise line

So what if after all this you book your cruise and then the price drops?

First, you should be monitoring the price of your cruise after you book if you want to save money. We’re not saying to check it every day, but once or twice a month is sufficient.

If you run across a price drop, then you should contact the cruise line immediately. This is where having put down only a deposit — and not paying in full — buys you some leverage.

Many times the cruise lines will work with you to compensate for the lower fare, even though they often aren’t obligated to do so. They can refund the difference or offer onboard credit to make you happy.

Some lines have price protection policies in place. Carnival, for example, has it’s Early Saver Program :

1. When you book a 3-5 day cruise three months in advance, or 6 day or longer cruise five months in advance, you are assured the lowest rate. 2. In the unlikely event that you do find a lower Carnival-advertised rate after booking your cruise, we will honor it and adjust your cruise rate accordingly. Simply fill out the Price Protection Claim form and we’ll take care of the rest.

If you only have a deposit down, and they won’t work with you on the price difference, determine the refund policy to see if it is worth it to cancel your original trip and re-book the cruise at the lower rate.

If you’ve already paid in full, it’s still worth calling the cruise line if you see a lower fare. The lines want happy customers and will sometimes work with you to compensate for the new lower price.

Bottom Line: Unfortunately, there is no crystal ball that will tell you the absolute best time of year or day of week to book your cruise. That said, the tips above can help you carve out the best deal possible — without driving yourself crazy.

More on Cruise Buying:

• The Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• The Best Time to Book a Cruise (Save Money, Better Cabins)

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Informative but I am really confused what I am missing. I looked at several Azamara cruises on both their website and VTG. There was a huge prices difference. Even if I subtract things like port fees and gratuities, it did not come close to accounting for the price difference. Can anyone explain why?

I agree that the fall months as well as early in the year are best for cheaper rates but I live on the East coast and I monitor hurricanes every year. It seems to be a very big risk booking during hurricane season. I’ve been researching cruises to Bermuda. Last time I booked was first week in June. That was my first cruise so I was a total newbie. Great cruise, however. Your article was very informative. I’ve never cruised on Carnival before, always cruised on NCL.

Hello, this is more about the cruise incentive, rather than cruise price. I booked August 31 to sail December 1 with Expedia for HAL. Expedia is now offering the drink package at a reduction of $400 each plus more onboard credit.I would be saving $625, initially I did receive free gratuities.

They are not willing to help as of my phone call, any tips on what to do? Thanks in advance. Your site is great, I have been enjoying the tips.

So you’ve called and they won’t give the better offer? What sort of cancellation fee are you looking at? It might be worth cancelling and then re-booking the better deal if you wouldn’t be out too much money.

I agree with most everything you said in this article except letting the cruise line choose your room. Yes you may save a few dollars that way but you will also most likely get an undesirable room. Undesirable rooms are those under the Lido deck, above and below the nightclubs, next to the galley, and next to the elevators. Also if you are booking an inside room (which is the cheapest), be sure you are not booking a room with an upper and lower berths if that is not what you want. If you are booking an outside room and you really want the view, be sure you are not booking one with a restricted view (life boats, structure, etc). If you elect the cruise line choosing your room be sure you are selecting the right category. This is where a travel agent can help.

Thanks for the comment. We always let the cruise line choose the room for us to save money. Never had an issue with location.

Probably the truest article I’ve read! So many other sites seem to be in some kind of alliance with the cruiselines so they halfway tell you something then backtrack. Also, I find it interesting that you mentioned the fact that the sales are constant and basically offer the same. I witnessed it first hand over the last few weeks. I kicked myself for not booking when the rates went down, however, when they increased $25 per person (2 in cabin, so $50 more), the onboard credit increased $50 with the offer. So it was essentially the same deal. I think all in all, in 2 different cruises after searching, waiting and continually checking even after booking, I’ve only missed out on a total of an extra $25 onboard credit for the entire cabin.

It’s great that you elaborated on which dates are best for finding better deals on cruises. I remember when my husband and I discussed going on a cruise sometime, we weren’t sure what dates we would want to plan ahead for. What you said about going in the falls months when people are back to work and school means lower rates, in general, was very interesting to me.

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7 Best Cruise Stocks to Buy Now

It's been smooth sailing for cruise stocks so far this year, thanks to tailwinds from strong travel demand.

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Cruise stock investors stand to benefit immensely if shares return to their pre-pandemic levels.

Many cruise stocks have rewarded investors year to date thanks to booming travel demand. After gloomy performances during the pandemic, cruise stocks look poised to deliver gains for investors.

Battered comps from slow travel make it easier for cruise stocks to achieve triple-digit year-over-year revenue growth. And some cruise companies have already reported that type of growth.

Do Cruise Stocks Present an Opportunity?

Many cruise stocks still have not reached their pre-pandemic prices. Carnival Corp. & PLC (ticker: CCL ), one of the best cruise stocks to buy now, is well removed from its pre-pandemic per-share range of high $40s to low $50s.

John Engle, president of Almington Capital, indicates that cruise stocks can continue to ride the momentum from current trends. "In the short term, cruise stocks may enjoy some tailwinds thanks to upbeat expectations about the summer vacation season," Engle says. "After years of struggles in the face of a global pandemic and macroeconomic uncertainty, cruise operators have been bouncing back."

Cruise stock investors stand to benefit immensely if shares return to their pre-pandemic levels. Some of these cruise stocks distributed quarterly dividend payments leading up to 2020, hiking the dividend each year.

Meanwhile, the airline industry has experienced a strong recovery as well. Delta Air Lines Inc. ( DAL ) raised its full-year outlook and reinstated its dividend. American Airlines Group Inc. ( AAL ) has also flipped back to profitability and is experiencing strong top-line growth.

The success of airlines and cruises demonstrates that more people want to travel with restrictions lifted.

Cruise Stock Risks to Keep in Mind

Although cruise stocks have delivered strong year-to-date returns and have made significant progress, the travel sector carries some risk. Some stocks are riskier than others, but Engle says some risks specifically apply to cruise stocks.

"The biggest risk for cruise stocks is sustainable profitability," says Engle. "Many cruise operators are carrying an awful lot of debt, and it is not clear whether they will be able to service it over the long run. Thin profit margins and high debt should always be a cause for concern for investors looking at cyclical industries . Even a mild recession could be enough to devastate cruise operators' bottom lines."

Cruise stocks can continue their run as long as travel demand stays strong. However, any slowdowns can hurt cruise companies that carry significant debt. Cruise stock investors should carefully monitor travel demand to gauge the risk of their investments.

Investors seeking exposure to heightened travel demand may want to consider these seven top cruise stocks:

Carnival Corp. & PLC ( CCL )

Carnival shares have more than doubled year to date as more travelers return to cruises. The company reported $4.9 billion in revenue in the second quarter, more than doubling its growth year over year. It is also the highest quarterly revenue number the corporation has ever reported. Total customer deposits also reached an all-time high of $7.2 billion, eclipsing the previous record of $6 billion in May 2019.

Carnival also reported a better-than-expected net loss of $407 million. Previous guidance suggested a second-quarter net loss between $425 million and $525 million. In a press release, Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein expressed confidence in the company's ability to continue its progress.

"With bookings and customer deposits hitting all-time highs, we are clearly gaining momentum on an upward trajectory."

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. ( RCL )

Royal Caribbean shares have also doubled year to date, and the company is almost back to profitability. The company reported $2.9 billion in revenue and a $47.9 million net loss (19 cents per share) in the first quarter. Full-year guidance calls for adjusted earnings per share in the range of $4.40 to $4.80 per share.

A return to profitability can mean a dividend isn't too far away. While management said there is no plan to declare or pay dividends in the near future, a return to payouts in 2024 or 2025 would be a welcome development for investors.

Prior to the pandemic, Royal Caribbean had been a reliable dividend growth stock since 2011. During that time span, the annual dividend jumped from $0.40 per share to $3.12 per share.

Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty remains optimistic that the rising trend of cruises will hold its ground.

"Leisure travel continues to strengthen as consumer spend further shifts toward experiences," Liberty said in a May 4 press release. "Demand for our brands is outpacing broader travel due to a strong rebound and an attractive value proposition."

Raised guidance also indicates the confidence leadership has in the underlying business.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. ( NCLH )

NCLH stock hasn't doubled like the other cruise stocks, but it has still outperformed the market with a nearly 70% year-to-date gain. The company reported $1.8 billion in revenue for the quarter ended March 31, which represents 249% year-over-year growth. Its annual revenue as of March 31 was $6.1 billion, a 426.5% increase year over year. Norwegian had a quarterly net loss of $159.3 million, or 38 cents per share.

Norwegian met or exceeded guidance on all key metrics in the first quarter. The company believes it can achieve a full-year adjusted EPS of 75 cents, an increase from its prior estimate of 70 cents. The company is going through a CEO transition, with Frank Del Rio passing the helm to Harry Sommer at the end of June. In his last press release as CEO, Del Rio informed shareholders that the company is "solidly positioned for 2023 and beyond" and has completed its post-pandemic operational recovery.

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc. ( LIND )

Lindblad Expeditions is a smaller cruise stock, with a $558 million market cap that has rewarded shareholders with a 35.6% year-to-date return as of July 17. The company reported $143.4 million in revenue in the first quarter, representing a 167% revenue increase from Q1 2019 and a 111% revenue increase from Q1 2022.

The company has growing occupancy rates and reported a quarterly net income of $621,000. That is a significant improvement from last year's net loss of $41.7 million in Q1 2022.

Leadership remains confident in the booming demand for cruise travel, setting full-year tour revenue guidance at $550 million to $575 million and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA , at $70 million to $80 million. The company has also planned a $35 million stock repurchase program.

Agilysys Inc. ( AGYS )

Agilysys provides software for the hospitality industry, giving it some exposure to cruise lines. The company also serves other sectors, such as hotels, resorts, stadiums and higher education.

Agilysys reported 21.8% year-over-year revenue growth to a record $198 million in fiscal year 2023, which ended on March 31. The company also reported $14.6 million in net income, more than doubling its growth from FY 2022. A healthy 60% of the company's total revenue is recurring, which makes it more feasible for the company to maintain profit margins.

Agilysys hasn't soared like pure-play cruise stocks. In fact, the stock is down roughly 14.3% year to date as of July 17. However, AGYS shares are up more than 300% over the past five years.

OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd. ( OSW )

OneSpaWorld Holdings provides spas, wellness and treatments on cruises and on land. Shares have jumped 28% year to date as the rising demand for cruise travel means more demand for OneSpaWorld's services.

The company reported $182.5 million in total revenues in Q1 2023. That's more than double the amount of revenue that the company generated in Q1 2022. Leonard Fluxman, OneSpaWorld's CEO, indicated back in May that second-quarter results were already looking promising.

"Our second quarter 2023 performance is off to a positive start, and we expect our favorable momentum to continue to build throughout the year," Fluxman said.

World Kinect Corp. ( WKC )

World Kinect Corp., formerly known as World Fuel Services Corp., is an energy, commodities and services company. The corporation sells more than 50 fuel products and has delivered over 18 billion gallons of fuel.

Cruise ships that need fuel to cover vast distances turn to companies like World Kinect. The return of travel helped the company generate about $59 billion in revenue in 2022.

Revenue growth decelerated in 2023, and the company also reported a 13% year-over-year decline in net income in the first quarter. Aviation and marine segments both experienced double-digit year-over-year gains in gross income, though.

Ira Birns, chief financial officer of World Kinect, emphasized the company's solid numbers in a Q1 press release: "Our balance sheet remains strong, providing significant liquidity to drive growth and continued investment in products and services that will further support our strategic priorities."

Should You Get On Board with Cruise Stocks?

Many cruise stocks have outpaced the stock market and rewarded investors in 2023. Significant travel growth has helped cruise lines hit revenue records and get closer to profitability. Many of these same stocks also offered dividends and reliably paid them for several years before the pandemic.

However, cruise stocks have their risks. The gains may become muted in future years as year-over-year comps become more challenging. Investors should also monitor how cruise lines cover their long-term debt and track whether the demand for travel remains this elevated.

5 of the Best Travel Stocks to Buy

Wayne Duggan June 14, 2023

Tags: Norwegian Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean Cruises , Cruises , investing , money , Carnival Corp. , Travel , Airlines , Delta Airlines , American Airlines

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Best Budget Cruise Lines, Ranked

E ven if you make a point of earmarking money in your budget for vacations, the sticker shock can be hard to stomach. Between eating out, fun activities and all the little incidentals along the way, costs sure add up quickly.

If you’re looking for an exciting trip that won’t break the bank, why not go on a cruise? Everyone can do their own thing, coming together at mealtimes or for a dip in the pool. All-inclusive rates for accommodations, entertainment and food are often lower than what you'll find on land.

Luckily, U.S. News & World Report has done all the legwork for you when it comes to choosing the best cruise line for your wallet. It sifted through traveler ratings, expert reviews and health ratings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (a must after the past few years) to come up with a list of the top nine budget-friendly cruise lines for the money.

9. Costa Cruises

Year founded:  1854

Headquarters:  Genoa, Italy

Number of destinations:  59

Note: Rankings come from the U.S. News & World Report's 2023 "Best Cruise Lines for the Money" report.

Bottom Line: Costa Cruises

Costa is one of the oldest cruise lines in the world and boasts particularly affordable Mediterranean itineraries. 

If you’re looking for a chance to meet people from outside the U.S. during your vacation, this is the cruise line to book. Since it's based in Italy, there’s an eclectic mix of passengers from the U.S. and countries in Europe as well as a diverse age range among travelers.

You can sail from three to 128 nights with Costa on a vessel that matches your style — some are smaller and more intimate, while others are larger and have a lively vibe. Either way, Costa has roughly one crew member for every three cruisers, so you’re guaranteed to receive quality service on your trip.

What Travelers Say About Costa Cruises

"Did the cruise meet expectations? Yes, on the whole, we enjoyed it. Some things were better than we expected and somethings as described in other reviews. Folks need to remember that you're often paying 50 percent less than in other lines to be on a Costa cruise. Would we book again, yes, I think we would. Will we book 'better' cruises as well? Yes we will [and have]." — ani4ani

Note: Reviews may be edited for punctuation, spelling and other grammatical errors.

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Costa Cruises Trip

If you have the time for an extended trip, consider one of Costa’s transoceanic cruises . Sample itineraries include a 17-day cruise that starts in Savona, Italy and ends in the French Caribbean territory of Guadeloupe. 

Alternatively, you could sail from La Romana in the Dominican Republic to Marseilles in France.

8. Norwegian Cruise Line

Year founded:  1966

Headquarters:  Miami, Florida

Number of destinations:  490

Bottom Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian gets high marks for being a fun, laid-back cruise line that won’t break the bank. It’s a top choice for both families and budget-friendly travelers. Why? Norwegian doesn’t have a lot of rules — there’s no dress code, no fixed dining assignments and a general “anything goes” atmosphere. 

Norwegian has 28 vessels in its fleet, accommodating from 1,936 to 4,266 passengers. Despite the large crowds, Norwegian says it has one crew member for every two to three travelers, so you’ll still get top-notch service.

Plus, you can pick from an array of journeys in destinations like Alaska, Cuba, Hawaii and many others. As a bonus, Norwegian has special cabins designed for solo travelers.

What Travelers Say About Norwegian Cruise Line

"We upgraded to the Penthouse Suite in the Haven; it was our very first Haven experience and it was spectacular! We cannot say a single bad thing about this cruise other than it wasn't long enough! We enjoyed every single minute of it but we especially loved the Haven bar each night. Before we'd go to dinner, we'd first go to the Haven bar and enjoy several cocktails. We were treated so well; our names and drink preferences were remembered, the staff just went out of their way to make sure all the little details were put in place and well executed." — HonkyTonkAngel

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Norwegian Cruise Line Trip

You don’t need to have a lot of cash on hand to book a Norwegian trip — just $50 will reserve your spot in certain types of rooms (if you book early enough). Plus, the total price of your trip will be reasonable— a seven-day trip through the Hawaiian islands starts at just $2,051, for instance.

After departing from Honolulu, you’ll head to ports on Maui, Big Island and Kauai. Though you can certainly relax on the beach all you want, you can also take advantage of tons of other cool excursions, like a day spent touring a lavender farm and vodka distillery on Maui or a train trip through a plantation on Kauai.

Visiting Volcanoes National Park, hiking to waterfalls and participating in luaus are also highly recommended.

7. Holland America Line

Year founded:  1873

Headquarters:  Seattle, Washington

Number of destinations:  470

Bottom Line: Holland America

While not as cheap as some other lines on this list, Holland America is a bargain compared to its competitors in the upscale space, like Cunard and Silversea.

The line tends to attract older travelers who want a more traditional experience, but also offers family-friendly trips and has special offerings for kids. The Club HAL program, for instance, offers everything from sing-along storytimes for younger kiddos to ice-cream-eating contests for tweens.

You can cruise choose from a wide swath of worldwide destinations like Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Australia and Asia. It has a fleet of 11 vessels ranging in size from 1,432 to 2,668 cruisers while maintaining a high level of service and a low passenger-to-crew ratio. Exciting onboard activities include mixology workshops, photography classes and cooking demonstrations.

What Travelers Say About Holland America

"Beautiful & immaculate ship, outstanding crew. Entertainment tried but not great, movies were not very good but sitting by the pool was beautiful. Main dining room was very good. Felt sad for the waitstaff - young and inexperienced, but happily they got it together by the end of the cruise. What they lacked in experience they made up with their eagerness to get things right, smiling faces & cheerful attitudes." — HAL Oldie

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Holland America Line Trip

Up for a real adventure? Book one of Holland’s Grand Voyages , which offer a more immersive experience and tend to be longer than your average cruise. One must-book itinerary spans 24 days and visits ports in Japan, China, Vietnam and Singapore . Rates start at $4,899 per person — a very reasonable rate for such an extensive journey.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Great Wall of China, explore the city life in Shanghai and visit Japan’s Taal Volcano, the smallest volcano in the world. There are several days at sea built into the journey, so you can dance the night away at B.B. King’s Blues Club and attend live cooking demonstrations and wine tastings.

Have less money to burn? Consider a seven-night eastern Caribbean cruise starting at just $549 per person.

6. Royal Caribbean International

Year founded:  1968

Number of destinations:  300

Bottom Line: Royal Caribbean

Not only is Royal Caribbean one of the largest cruise lines out there, but it’s also one of the friendliest to your bank account. Travelers may find itineraries to popular destinations for less than $200 per person.

With Royal Caribbean, you can choose from 26 total vessels — “smaller” ships accommodate up to 2,400 guests, while larger vessels can hold 6,700 travelers.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Royal Caribbean offers a little something for everyone — there are adults-only pool areas, as well as entertainment options just for kids.

What Travelers Say About Royal Caribbean

"What we especially like about the Serenade was all the windows throughout the public areas wonderful for ocean watching — even from a set of elevators. There is also a true fully around the ship promenade deck on which you can actually get out to the helicopter pad and see the cruise from the bow of the ship. Great lounge chairs line both sides of this deck for quiet reading and relaxing.

The Centrum was beautiful and, during many of the days, single performers on piano or guitar entertained (we especially liked the pianist), instead of piped-in music. At night it was the main dance floor with a funk band...For the younger set, there was the DJ directed dance sets in the disco." — fan1965

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Royal Caribbean International Trip

You can find some great deals on Royal Caribbean cruises. For as little as $208, take a four-night cruise from Pacific coastal cruise . You go from Los Angeles to Astoria, Oregon and make your way to Victoria and Vancouver in Canada.

You'll get to see how different each of these cities are, despite being in the same area. Get some fresh salmon in Astoria, visit the Royal British Museum in Victoria and enjoy urban green spaces in Vancouver.

5. Princess Cruises

Year founded:  1965

Headquarters:  Santa Clarita, California

Number of destinations:  330

Bottom Line: Princess Cruises

If you’re traveling on a budget and want to get away from the little ones, consider a trip with Princess . The cruise line is owned by Carnival and boasts similarly wallet-friendly rates. But unlike its parent company, Princess often caters to travelers 18 and up.

With 15 ships in its fleet, Princess cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Alaska and beyond on itineraries ranging from two to 111 days. Princess also offers special “cruise tours” that let you extend your vacation and explore your departure or end port in more depth.

You’ll also get high-quality service aboard Princess, which says it has approximately one crew member for every two to three travelers.

And you won’t get bored at night or during days at sea, either. Princess trips promise poolside movie screenings, magic shows and other fabulous entretainement.

What Travelers Say About Princess Cruises

"First thing is that dining room food is great, but the buffet was minimal. Minimal crowd so that was nice. Cruise Director and staff are really something special. Gary and Steff and the lot-wonderful. I'd say being an older ship it was good but not great. But the entertainment is great. We're only [a] couple days in and the shows have been the highlight." — Dougie Fresh

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Princess Cruises Trip

You can rest assured that while Princess cruises are easy on your wallet, they aren’t lacking in adventure or diversity. A 10-day trip from San Francisco, California, to Alaska and back starts at $749 per person.

During your cruise, you’ll visit four ports, including one in Victoria, Canada. On the agenda for the day: a stroll through Butchart Gardens, a bucket-list-worthy spot that features 55 acres filled with colorful flowers, enchanting walkways and photo opportunities at every turn.

In Skagway, Alaska, you can meet (and cuddle with) a lovable team of sled dogs, pan for gold and take a ride on the historic White Pass Railway. Or, for something more active, go rock climbing, take a bicycle tour through the rainforest or hit up the ziplines.

If you have only a few days and couple hundred bucks to spare, book a three-night jaunt from Vancouver to Seattle . The starting rate is dirt cheap: $249 per person.

4. MSC Cruises

Year founded:  1989

Headquarters:  Geneva, Switzerland

Number of destinations:  250

Bottom Line: MSC Cruises

Caribbean itineraries on MSC Cruises can be particularly cheap. But low rates are a guarantee no matter where you're traveling.

One awesome perk offered by this high-quality line if you’re cruising on a budget? Kids under 11 always sail free, and kids 12 to 17 sail for free on certain trips and at certain times of the year. This offer is contingent on kids staying in the same cabin as their parents.

There are plenty of reasons mom and dad will want to sail with MSC Cruises, too. For starters, this Swiss cruise line has adults-only pools and theaters showing 4D movies.

Plus, MSC Cruises has great on-board actitivies on each of the 21 ships within its fleet. Ships range in size from 2,520 to 6,762 passengers, so you can pick what suits you best.

What Travelers Say About MSC Cruises

"Food in the YC or on their private island was very good to excellent. We eat all of our breakfast and dinner in the dining room. Lunches were done at the YC grill, which is a little buffet area in the YC. Several times we do lunch on the private island in YC area. Their lunch meal has lobster roll, burger, carne asada...

We did this cruise based on the recommendation of my travel agent...She was correct and that even loved this one more, we will be back on MSC." — jimk727  

Best Bang-for-the-Buck MSC Cruises Trip

For a truly unique and culturally enriching experience, consider an MSC cruise that takes you to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman . Rates start at $229 per person for a seven-night journey.

During a day docked at Muscat, Oman, you can explore one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. Wander around the city's old town, particularly Muttrah, once the most important commercial centers of the country.

When the ship sails to Abu Dhabi, fulfill your need for speed at the Ferrari World Theme Park or by going behind the scenes at the Yas F1 Track, which hosts Formula 1 races and other car-related events.

3. Celebrity Cruises

Year founded:  1988

Bottom Line: Celebrity Cruises

The third spot goes to Celebrity Cruises , popular among travelers for its tasty onboard food options, diverse itineraries and — of course — low rates. 

You won’t feel like you’re traveling on a budget cruise when you book with Celebrity, which has 15 elegantly designed ships in its fleet that can accommodate a wide range of travelers. 

Though the cruises are easy on your wallet, they aren’t lacking in customer service — Celebrity maintains an impressive 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio. Cruises take you to tons of ports in the Caribbean, Asia, Europe and elsewhere around the globe.

U.S. News & World Report made a point of mentioning Celebrity’s “variety of dining options," as well as its "full docket of onboard activities, including wine workshops and glassblowing classes."

What Travelers Say About Celebrity Cruises

"The ship is magnificent — no other way to put it. This was unlike anything other ship we've sailed on and we've been about 50 cruises over the last 30 years...The Edge stands alone with its' unique design and well-appointed interior. The best in the business architects and Interior Designers have combined to create the most modern, contemporary interiors you'll ever see on sea. The interiors also contain a floating modern art museum with unique pieces throughout the ship." — loge23

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Celebrity Cruises Trip

Mediterranean cruises aren't only for the wealthy. Celebrity Cruises offers a seven-night trip through Greece, Croatia and Italy that starts at $949.

You'll start the trip in Athens before sailing to Mykonos and making your way up the Ionian and Adriatic seas. The cruise stops along ports like Corfu in Greece, Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia and finishes in Venice. This region of the Mediterranean is famous for its gorgeous Medieval towns, which have kept the legacy of the Venetian Empire preserved in their architecture. 

There is also indescribable natural beauty, with water that ranges from clear cerulean to deep electric blue, white undulating cliffs that tower over pebbly beaches and arid mountains where you'll find goats lounging about.

2. Carnival Cruise Line

Year founded:  1972

Number of destinations:  425

Bottom Line: Carnival Cruise Line

The name says it all: Sailing with Carnival Cruise Line is like hanging out at a big, awesome party at sea. And don’t think the party is just for adults — Carnival is also one of the best cruise lines for families.

That festive atmosphere is paired with an eye on budgets; finding itineraries for less than $300 is normal on the line's 25 ships.

With Carnival, you get dedicated programming for kids of all ages (there’s Camp Ocean, Circle “C” and Club 02 for various age ranges), lots of onboard nightlife and entertainment options, and tons of sporty activities like ropes courses, mini-golf, ping-pong tables, soccer, volleyball and basketball. Cruises range from two to 16 days.

What Travelers Say About Carnival Cruise Line

"We decided to take our family (eight of us) on a multigenerational cruise. The 4 day, Bahamas length was a perfect introduction to cruising for our two daughter-in-laws and two grandchildren (under 10). Everyone had a great time. Carnival does a tremendous job of offering activities for every interest and age group." — PC Snow

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Carnival Cruise Line Trip

Carnival tends to attract families and young adults who care more about fun than luxury. That’s why you’ll see trips like a five-day cruise through the Mexican Riviera for $234.

The highlight of the trip will be breathtaking Cabo San Lucas. Famous for the dramatic stone formations that rise from the sea, the Baja California town has plenty to offer in terms of gastronomy, parties and gorgeous beaches. You'll also stop at the cultural city of Ensenada, where at the right time of year, you may see migrating gray whales.

1. Virgin Voyages

Year founded:  2014

Headquarters:  Plantation, Florida

Number of destinations:  100+

Bottom Line: Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is the newest cruise line on here, but that hasn't kept it from rising to the top. One of Richard Branson's ventures, the company seeks to disrupt cruising as we know it — and it definitely succeeds. 

All itineraries on the cruise line's four ships are adults-only and seek to provide elevated luxury. You won't find buffets and dining hours. Rather, you'll get an array of dozens of dining options (with menus designed by Michelin-star chefs) that you can visit whenever you are hungry. 

All-inclusive fun guarantees fitness and wellness classes, food and some drinks. Plus, you'll get access to exclusive beach clubs like the one in Bimini, Bahamas. Entertainment ranges from drag brunch to exclusive acrobatic and theater performances. Despite having a limited fleet, you'll be able to set sail from destinations like Miami, Florida; Barcelona, Spain; Dubai, UAE; Singapore; and even Auckland, New Zealand.

What Travelers Say About Virgin Voyages

"I choose this cruise because of the no-children policy and the dining being all-inclusive. The dining was excellent — many options at the restaurants. I liked the way the Galley was operated but would have liked to have more normal options available more hours of the day. Even though most picky eaters could find something most of the time.

"We were not very interested in the daytime entertainment options, but that gave us time to just relax out on the deck of the ship and watch some movies that we had not seen [...] Overall, I would like to book another VV cruise in the future. The service from everyone that I came in contact with was excellent. The positives greatly outweigh the negatives." — swiltn

Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Virgin Voyages Trip

Sail on the Scarlett Lady on a four-night cruise from Miami to Bimini and Key West. This short but sweet itinerary will let you relax in the impossibly blue waters that grace the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. 

You'll get to spend time at Virgin's Bimini beach club, where you can sip cocktails as you sunbathe. Alternatively, you can get active and do fun off-shore excursions like snorkeling. 

In Key West, make sure you visit Hemingway's house and bar hop along the infamous Duval Street. 

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The 3 Most Undervalued Cruise Stocks to Buy in May 2024

These cruise operators are sailing towards attractive gains

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• Here are the three most undervalued cruise stocks to buy in May 2024.
• Viking Holdings ( VIK ): The newly public cruise operator has a history of profitability and growth. 
• Royal Caribbean ( RCL ): The company’s stock is now trading 6% above pre-pandemic levels. 
• Norwegian Cruise Line ( NCLH ): This cruise operator is a buy-the-dip candidate. 

Source: Shutterstock.com

After several difficult years both during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, the cruise line industry is finally bouncing back. Cruise operators are reporting record bookings for 2024 as travel demand comes back to pre-pandemic levels. According to the Cruise Lines International Association ( CLIA ), a record 35.7 million people are expected to cruise this year, up from 31.5 million in 2023, and 6% more than the number of passengers that sailed in 2019 before the industry was crippled by the pandemic. With continuous growth on the horizon, now is the right time to buy currently undervalued cruise stocks .

During recent earnings calls, cruise line companies have reported that they are seeing record bookings for this year and into 2025 as travel demand continues to grow. Capacity is now becoming an issue with many cruise ships booked solid through mid-2025, a good problem for the cruise operators to have. That’s in comparison to the pandemic years when ships sat idle in ports around the world and the industry lost a collective $32 billion . Here are the three most undervalued cruise stocks to buy in May 2024.

Viking Holdings (VIK)

Swiss cruise operator Viking Holdings (NYSE: VIK ) just went public on May 1. Gauging its valuation is a little tricky at the outset and more will be known when the company issues its first financial results as a publicly traded company. But at the outset, the initial public offering ( IPO ) looks to have been a success, rising 10% since its debut on the New York Stock Exchange . Viking Holdings has been in business since 1997 and is known for its European river cruises. Unlike many newly listed companies, it has a history of profitability, though it did suffer a loss in 2023.

Viking’s market valuation currently stands at just over $11 billion, with more than 430 million shares outstanding. The company raised $1.54 billion through its stock offering, the most among American IPOs so far this year. Viking Holdings today generates more than $4 billion in annual revenues and employs about 10,000 people worldwide. Analysts are bullish at the outset, saying Viking’s stock should perform well given the company’s affluent clientele and growth potential. At $29 a share, VIK stock is attainable.

Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL)

Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE: RCL ) is on an upswing, with its stock having gained 82% in the last 12 months, including a 19% increase so far in 2024. RCL stock has now come all the way back from the doldrums of the Covid-19 crisis, with its share price trading 6% above pre-pandemic levels. Among the cruise line operators, Royal Caribbean has been a top performer as its booking and financial results bounce back strongly. Yet despite the recovery, RCL stock still trades at a comparatively low valuation .

Currently, RCL stock is trading at just 18 times future earnings estimates. It doesn’t pay a dividend, but there looks to still be room for the share price to run higher. The 12 analysts offering a rating on Royal Caribbean rate the stock a “ strong buy ,” with an average price target that is 5.5% above current levels. The cruise operator just released financial results that included earnings per share ( EPS ) of $1.77 versus consensus estimates of $1.31. Revenue also beat Wall Street forecasts. Earnings are expected to continue growing.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH)

For a buy-the-dip candidate, look to Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE: NCLH ). The company’s stock is down 11% on the year and trading not far from its 52-week low. The share price is also trading 72% lower than where it was in 2019 before Covid-19. Currently trading at 24 times future earnings estimates, the stock looks to have a reasonable valuation that shouldn’t keep investors away.

Like a lot of cruise line operators, Norwegian has struggled with excessive debt taken on during the pandemic. But NCLH is probably top on the list of undervalued cruise stocks as it has the most room to improve.

At the end of 2023, Norwegian’s debt stood at $13.7 billion . That was after the company repaid $1.9 billion of debt throughout last year. Clearly, the company needs to make more progress on its debt. That said, Norwegian Cruise Line has been reporting financial results that show improvement in several key areas. These include an occupancy rate on its ships of 102%, revenue that is 32% above pre-pandemic levels, and expanding operating margins due to aggressive cost controls.

On the date of publication, Joel Baglole did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines .

Joel Baglole has been a business journalist for 20 years. He spent five years as a staff reporter at The Wall Street Journal, and has also written for The Washington Post and Toronto Star newspapers, as well as financial websites such as The Motley Fool and Investopedia.

Consumer Discretionary , Travel , Cruise

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Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/2024/05/the-3-most-undervalued-cruise-stocks-to-buy-in-may-2024/.

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Royal Caribbean drink packages: Prices, inclusions and what to know before you buy

Royal Caribbean drink packages allow you to drink what you want, when you want without feeling like you are being nickeled and dimed. Isn't that most cruisers' dream? The all-inclusive, extra-fee beverage plans aren't necessarily for everyone, but they offer a nice way to enhance your cruise and take some of the stress out of in-the-moment vacation decisions.

Royal Caribbean ships offer a variety of packages, from a simple Water Package that keeps you and your crew hydrated during your cruise to a comprehensive plan that includes most alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Other than the Water Package, which is priced based on the quantity you order, drink packages on Royal Caribbean are priced per person, per day.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The most common questions about Royal Caribbean's drink packages revolve around what each package includes, whether they are worth the price and when is the best time to buy your package. I've tried all of Royal Caribbean's drink packages. I've also cruised without a package. Here's what you need to know to decide if a beverage plan is right for you.

What's included in Royal Caribbean's drink packages?

Royal Caribbean offers a few different drink packages, and the inclusions vary based on your choice. All options include gratuities, and no Royal Caribbean drink package covers room service or minibar drinks. Also, unlimited alcoholic beverage packages may not be available while the ship sails in some locations, so package details may change based on the itinerary.

Related: Cruise drink packages: A line-by-line guide

Water Package

Royal Caribbean's Water Package is available in 12- and 24-packs of 1-liter bottles of Evian water. The bottles will be delivered to your cabin on embarkation day.

If you don't want to pay for a Water Package, you can find drinking water at complimentary drink stations in the buffet area and often in other locations on Royal Caribbean ships. Bring your own reusable bottle and fill it from these stations or straight from the faucet in your cabin. The water throughout the ships is not only drinkable but also better than what's available in many cities. You can also purchase bottles of water a la carte.

Why might you consider a Water Package? If you drink bottled water at home, you may prefer the taste. The package also allows you to have plenty of water on hand in your cabin or to take on excursions.

The downside is that 1-liter bottles are not the ideal size for lugging off the ship with you. You must either bring a reusable bottle or purchase single-serving bottles for port days. You can get these at bars or the gangway as you disembark in each port.

Classic Soft Drinks Package

Royal Caribbean's Soft Drinks Package is for the serious soda drinker. On select ships, the package comes with a souvenir Coca-Cola cup with a chip on the bottom to allow the holder to use the Freestyle soda dispensing machines throughout the ship. The "magic" cup gets you all the refills you want 24 hours a day, with your pick of sodas with add-in flavorings. (Orange Coke is my fave.) Coca-Cola Freestyle machines are available on 18 ships in the fleet.

You can also order a glass of soda at any restaurant or bar on board. Some venues only serve fountain sodas, but others have cans. One big bonus of the package is that sodas on Royal Caribbean's private island destinations ( Perfect Day at Coco Cay and Labadee ) are included. The only time you can't get a free soda with this package is with room service (because room service, other than continental breakfast, comes with a $7.95 service fee, no matter what you order) or from your cabin's minibar.

Related: 8 best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package (and 3 to avoid)

You can bring up to 12 cans of soda (or bottles up to 17 ounces) per person on board with you in your carry-on luggage when you board the ship. So, why would you want a Classic Soft Drinks Package?

It's a question of convenience. I've been known to take a couple of 16-ounce bottles of soda on board with me, but carrying on much more than that is a big hassle. With a Classic Soft Drinks Package, you can easily access your beverage of choice anywhere you are on board — including ordering sodas from roaming bar servers at the pool, in the casino or at events and shows — or on Royal Caribbean's private islands . You don't have to return to your room to grab a soda. It's also great for older kids and teens who might be roaming the ship with friends.

Refreshment Package

This is my favorite Royal Caribbean drink package. It includes still and sparkling water, sodas (with the included Freestyle magic cup), mocktails, premium coffees and teas (but not those from Starbucks stand-alone stores or kiosks) and freshly squeezed juices.

With this package, you can order almost anything nonalcoholic at bars and most restaurants on board. The Refreshment Package does not include shakes at Johnny Rockets, which are only included with the Deluxe Beverage Package.

Even the smoothies and protein shakes at Vitality Cafe and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets are included in this package, as is the sweet tea at Portside BBQ on Oasis of the Seas. Want a strawberry slushy? Order a virgin strawberry daiquiri. Want hot cocoa? Covered. How about a virgin mudslide? A bartender will happily blend up vanilla ice cream, coffee, hazelnut syrup and chocolate syrup into a perfect mocha shake.

As with the Classic Soft Drinks Package, you can order your nonalcoholic beverages, from sparkling water to fancy mocktails, from your pool lounger or blackjack table.

Plus, with the Refreshment Package, you've solved the problem of needing water to take off the ship with you for excursions and what to drink while on the private islands. It's all included in this package.

Deluxe Beverage Package

This package takes all that's available in the Refreshment Package (sodas, water, mocktails, premium coffee and tea, and fresh-squeezed juice) and adds cocktails, spirits and liquors, as well as beer by the bottle or can and wine by the glass.

There are some limits on brands available with the package, but the list includes imported, domestic and craft beer, an extensive wine list and commonly ordered spirit brands on drinks up to $14. Any bar server can tell you what's available on your cruise.

You also get a hefty 40% discount on bottles of wine up to $100 and a 20% discount on bottles over $100. It's handy for sharing a bottle with your travel partner at dinner.

As with the Classic Soft Drinks and Refreshment packages, you can use the Deluxe Beverage Package anywhere on board (except stand-alone Starbucks locations). Use it in restaurants, bars and any other venue where a bar server is present, as well as at either of Royal Caribbean's private island destinations. The Deluxe Beverage Package also includes milkshakes at Johnny Rockets.

This package comes with a few caveats. If one person in a cabin buys this package, everyone of legal drinking age in the cabin must buy the same package, according to cruise line policy. If someone in your room does not drink alcohol, don't worry. I've encountered many people who have called customer service and downgraded one or more non-drinking adults to a Refreshment Package.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise

The package also does not include drinks that come with souvenir glasses, but you can order the same drink in a regular glass.

If your vacation plans include alcoholic beverages, buying this package is a nice way to pay your cruise bar tab in advance rather than deal with the shock of a high bill at the end of the cruise.

Cafe Select Coffee Card

This option is ideal for cruisers who prefer a little fancier caffeine fix than what a simple cup of coffee provides. This card entitles you to any 15 specialty espresso-based coffees throughout your cruise. (This package excludes beverages from Starbucks stores or cafes.) One shot of espresso equals one card punch. If you order a specialty coffee that includes two shots of espresso, you will pay for that one drink with two punches.

Unlike Royal Caribbean's other drink packages, the Cafe Select Coffee Card is not restricted to one person, and anyone in your cabin can use it.

What do Royal Caribbean drink packages cost?

The cruise line uses dynamic pricing on beverage packages the same way it does on cruise fares. That means you won't know the prices for each package before you book a cruise. Demand, destination and promotions play a big part in the pricing, especially for the Deluxe Beverage Package, causing them to fluctuate slightly.

Here's what you can expect a Royal Caribbean drink package to cost:

• Water Package : 12 bottles for $39; 24 bottles for $69
• Classic Soft Drinks Package : $12.99 per person, per day
• Refreshment Package : $29 per person, per day
• Deluxe Beverage Package : $56 to $105 per person, per day (depending on your ship and trip)
• Cafe Select Coffee Card : $31 per card

The prices listed above do not include an automatic 18% gratuity (which is also applied to the coffee card). You'll want to factor that amount into your travel budget if you decide to purchase a package.

You will notice that the Deluxe Beverage Package price range listed above is a bit wider than what is posted on Royal Caribbean's site. Posted price ranges include the disclaimer that prices on individual sailings may vary. We used a realistic range of prices from Royal Caribbean guests who have booked cruises and paid for drink packages in the past 12 months.

The best time to buy Royal Caribbean drink packages

You can purchase a beverage package as soon as you book your cruise, but should you? A lot depends on how soon your ship will depart. If you're sailing within a few months, go ahead and get any packages you plan to buy — unless Black Friday happens before you sail. Black Friday deals on drink packages are generally the lowest you'll find all year.

The package that varies most in price is the Deluxe Beverage Package. Its price is higher during peak travel times and on cruises with stops at private islands. Buying this package ahead of time is always cheaper than purchasing it once you're on board.

Royal Caribbean does advertise price drops and deals for pre-cruise purchases. If you're waiting and hoping for a deal, frequent cruisers report that you should look at the actual price per person, per day, not at the percentage off or BOGO deals, to determine if the package price is where you want it.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

Is a Royal Caribbean drink package worth it?

Now that you know your choices and why you might want each package, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of whether these packages are worth purchasing.

The 1-liter bottles in the Water Package cost roughly the same as a 12-ounce bottle from a bar. That makes this package a deal, but only if you prefer bottled water over taps or dispensers. It's also convenient to have the water delivered to your cabin, eliminating the need to bring a case of bottles on board or search for a bottle when you want water on the ship.

When ordering an individual soda on the ship, your charge will be what you'd expect to pay at a land-based restaurant, plus an 18% gratuity added automatically. When you ask a bar server for a soda on the ship, you'll be charged just over $4 per soda with the tip, regardless of whether it comes in a can or from a fountain.

As the starting point for the Classic Soft Drinks Package is just over $15 per person, per day with the gratuity, you'll need to count on drinking a minimum of four sodas a day for it to be a good value.

If you prefer nonalcoholic beverages, you can expect to pay around $7 for mocktails and protein shakes, $5 for lattes at non-Starbucks locations and close to $9 for smoothies. These prices are before the automatic 18% gratuity.

Here's what your daily consumption might look like on the Refreshment Package: You could start with a morning latte ($6 after you add gratuity), grab water for your excursion ($3.84), enjoy a soda at lunch ($4), sip a couple of mocktails during the afternoon ($8.25 each), have another soda with dinner ($4) and enjoy another mocktail for the show or in the casino ($8.25).

That puts you at over $40 for the day, making the Refreshment Package a deal at $34 (with tip) per person, per day. Drink much less than that, and this Royal Caribbean drink package won't be worth it. The Refreshment Package price varies only slightly between sailings.

For alcoholic drinks, prices vary a lot based on your order. Beer and hard cider average $7 to $9. Wine by the glass is $9 to $25. Cocktails are $10 to $14, except for the drink of the day, which is $8. These prices do not include the 18% gratuity.

When deciding if Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it, be sure to factor in nonalcoholic drinks you are likely to have, not just those with alcohol. How many premium coffees do you drink each day, including one with your dessert at dinner? How many bottles of water and sodas?

The value of those often adds up to $25 or more per day. That leaves you with somewhere between $30 and $80 per day to spend on alcoholic drinks to break even.

If you're lucky and can purchase your package at the lowest possible price, almost anyone who drinks a combination of nonalcoholic drinks and a couple of cocktails daily would break even. But if your purchase price is somewhere in the middle of the price range (where most people land), you would need to consume a minimum of $55 per day beyond the average nonalcoholic beverages to break even. That equals six beers, or four or five glasses of wine or cocktails.

Related: Are cruise drink packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

For fans of specialty coffees, this package could save you money. Based on the price of a single espresso shot latte (about $6 after you add gratuity), you would only get five coffees for roughly the same cost as the coffee card. Since you get 15 single espresso shot beverages with the coffee card, you get more than double the number of coffees for the same price.

Whichever package you choose, your value may also depend on your itinerary and activities. On a Caribbean cruise that includes a sea day or two and a stop at CocoCay, you'll likely drink more — simply because you're relaxing more than touring, and the hot temperatures will make you thirsty.

But what about a port-intensive cruise in Europe where you are off the ship for long hours and likely to be sampling local beverages? In that case, the ship's beverage package might not come through for you.

Combined packages

If you mainly drink specialty coffees and sodas, one way to save a little money on your beverages is to combine the Cafe Select Coffee Card with the Classic Soda Package.

For example, you would need to purchase the Refreshment Package to get both sodas and premium coffees and teas, which is $29 per person, per day. The cost for the Cafe Select Coffee Card with the Classic Soda Package would run you $12.99 per day, plus a one-time cost of $31 for the card. So, for a five-night cruise, the Refreshment Package would cost you $145 per person; the combined Cafe Select Coffee Card and Classic Soda would cost $95.95 per person. You could spend even less if you're traveling with a partner and want to share one coffee card and each get your own soda package.

Additional factors

Before you decide if a Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it, there are two more things to consider: your Crown & Anchor loyalty status and your Casino Royale player status .

If you are a Diamond C&A member, your SeaPass card will be loaded with four free drinks per day. Diamond Plus members get five drinks, and Pinnacle members get six. Those can be water, specialty coffee or tea (other than from Starbucks and Desserted), sodas from bar servers, beer, wine or cocktails up to $14 (except at Bionic Bar).

As for casino perks, if your status is Prime or higher, you can drink free from the casino bar anytime it is open.

Those free perks could make the difference in which package you choose, if any. For example, a Diamond member might use her free drink allotment on cocktails and wine and save money with a Refreshment or Soda Package for her other daily drinks. Or, perhaps, the free drinks are enough that it's cheaper to buy a few nonalcoholic beverages a la carte.

Diamond Plus members also have a discount of 30% on Deluxe Beverage Packages when purchased on board. That's rarely a good deal unless you simply forget to buy in advance, as pre-purchase in the cruise planner or app is almost always at least 30% lower than the onboard price.

Bottom line: Is a drink package on Royal Caribbean right for you?

Now that you have all the facts, there are several ways to look at Royal Caribbean's drink packages to determine if you should get one.

First, consider every kind of drink you will likely pay for on board. Are you happy with beverages that are included in the cruise fare? Those include tap water, drip coffee, tea, milk, lemonade and juice from a dispenser at breakfast. Or, will your vacation only be complete with morning lattes, smoothies, fruity drinks by the pool and wine with dinner?

For some people, it's easy. If you're likely to drink four or five cocktails most days, plus specialty coffee, waters for excursions, soda and a glass of wine at dinner, your total, if purchased individually, would easily exceed $80 per day. Unless your sailing has a higher-than-average price for the package, go for it.

However, if you typically only drink a couple of glasses of wine at dinner, you aren't likely to break even — at least, not on the Deluxe Beverage Package. In that case, skip the package that includes alcohol and do the math on the Refreshment Package.

If you drink soda, the difference in price between the Classic Soft Drinks Package and the Refreshment Package is $16. Almost any combination of two other drinks — lattes, mocktails, smoothies or bottled water — makes the Refreshment Package a deal for you. If you can live without the extras, stick with the soda-only package.

If none of those looks like a bargain, pay as you go. Some people set a daily drink budget and check themselves (or their kids) against their folio in the Royal Caribbean app or on the interactive TV in their cabin. I've even met people who bring cash along to pay their drink balance daily at guest services to stay on track.

The other side of the equation is to factor the price of the drink package into the total vacation cost to make the cruise more of an all-inclusive vacation experience. Think about it like you would an all-inclusive land-based resort. When you vacation at one of those, you not only wouldn't know the price of the drinks you consume, but you also would not care.

If you're more interested in a stress-free vacation where you don't have to agonize about the cost of every drink you consume than you are in paying the least amount of money possible for your vacation, a Royal Caribbean drink package is totally worth it.

The bottom line is that drink packages on Royal Caribbean expand your choices. You can use packages to make your cruise as all-inclusive as you'd like (and maybe save some money in the process), or you can opt to cruise and drink in pay-as-you-go mode. Either way, you'll find plenty of fun cocktails and mocktails, as well as your favorite wine and beer, to enhance your vacation at sea.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
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Trending topics, baltimore bridge collapse: frequently asked questions.

The following is the May 7, 2024, Congressional Research Service report, Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Frequently Asked Questions.

From the report

Introduction At about 1:30 a.m. on March 26, 2024, the MV Dali , a container ship departing the Port of Baltimore, struck a support tower of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, MD, causing the bridge to collapse into the Patapsco River. The bridge is a segment of Interstate 695—Baltimore’s beltway—and spans the Patapsco shipping channel into the harbor.

A pothole repair crew of eight was on the bridge at the time of the collision. Two have survived; one with injuries. Authorities were able to stop traffic over the bridge right before the vessel strike. There were 23 mariners aboard the ship, and none sustained injury. A Unified Command and Joint Information Center have been established by the U.S. Coast Guard and Maryland state officials to coordinate their response and disseminate information on the incident. Who Owns and Controls the Ship? The Dali is being chartered (leased) by Maersk, a Danish shipping firm that provides container shipping services worldwide in addition to other types of shipping. The ship is managed by the Synergy Marine Group and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd., both based in Singapore. The ship’s crew are from India. It is flagged and homeported in Singapore and was classed (meaning certified as meeting construction and maintenance standards) by a Japanese firm, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). The multitude of nationalities involved in operating and administering the ship is typical of the industry.

The ship was built in 2015 by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea with a MAN-manufactured engine. It is almost 950 feet in length and about 160 feet in breadth with a capacity to carry 10,000 TEUs of containers (a TEU is a 20-foot container). It could be considered an average-sized container ship today but would be considered a large ship compared with the fleet in the late 1970s when the bridge was built. The ship had sailed from Asia through the Panama Canal and had called at Norfolk and New York before its Baltimore port call. When it struck the bridge, the ship was departing Baltimore for Sri Lanka. How Do Ships Navigate Through Harbors?

A preliminary report stated that the ship lost power as it was approaching the bridge, meaning the ship may have lost propulsion. Two Baltimore harbor pilots were aboard the ship; harbor pilots navigate ships in and out of harbors because they have expertise with local navigation conditions. Even when harbor pilots are at the helm, the captain of the ship and the shipping line (Maersk) remain responsible for the safety of the vessel. Tugs typically assist in moving ships into and out of their berths (docking and undocking) and rarely escort ships through harbors as an emergency safety measure. This ship released the tugs before reaching the bridge, as is reportedly normal in the harbor.

How Common Is It for Ships to Lose Power?

Loss of propulsion is a known and recorded occurrence in shipping. An annual review of marine incidents for vessels with a connection to the European Union (EU; EU-registered or EU-owned vessels or incidents occurring in EU waters) found that loss of propulsion surpassed vessel-to-vessel collisions as the leading cause of marine casualties from 2014 to 2022.

Could Tug Escorts Have Prevented the Collapse of the Bridge?

Some observers have raised the question of whether tugs escorting the ship under the bridge could have prevented the ship from hitting one of the towers.   After the ship reportedly lost power, the pilot called for tug assistance moments before striking the bridge, but by then it was too late for the tugs to reach the ship again.   Tugs have the ability to push ships in a desired direction and even stop ships over some distance, but they must have sufficient engine power and have other design features specifically for this purpose.

Some harbors require tug escorts but they appear to be exclusively for tankers of liquid bulk cargoes, such as oil, chemicals, or liquid natural gas (LNG). The requirements are not intended to specifically prevent bridge strikes but rather to prevent any event that might result in a spill, such as a tanker grounding. Tug escorts are a federal requirement in Prince William Sound, Alaska, and in Puget Sound, Washington. 11 The State of California requires tug escorts of tankers in its harbors per state regulation. However, requiring tug escorts can introduce additional risk exposure simply due to the mere presence of more vessels on the water. For instance, in January 2023, one of five tugs assisting an empty tanker into the Port of Corpus Christi accidently got caught in the tanker’s propeller.   The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB’s) forthcoming report on the MV Dali strike may provide insights into the safety benefits and drawbacks of tug escorts.

In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court distinguished federal regulations concerning the safe operation of tankers in harbors from nonfederal requirements that can be imposed if they do not conflict with federal requirements and are based on “the peculiarities of local waters.”

State proposals concerning ship safety could also interfere with international treaties that have established global standards. While local requirements for tug escorts are allowed, ports may be reluctant to require them because of their cost and the heightened competition for containerized cargo.

Download the document here .

U.S. Naval Institute Staff

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