The prices certainly get your attention. For as little as $200 (and sometimes even less!) you’re promised a fun-filled vacation at sea, visits to exotic ports, and tons of things to do on the ship. With pricing like that, you’d be foolish NOT to book, right?
But before you jump at those fares that sound almost too good to be true, there are definitely things you’ll want to know about these cruises. From what to expect onboard to just how much they will really cost, there’s a lot that normally goes unsaid.
We’re covering what you need to know — and if these cheap cruises are worth it — below.
The Atmosphere Onboard
Let’s begin with what you can expect onboard. The atmosphere on one of these dirt-cheap cruises is definitely different than what you will experience on many other trips.
First, the cheapest trips are typically 3-4 days in length. Longer than that and the price begins to jump up. Cruises for only a couple of hundred dollars are also found on only a handful of lines, including names like Carnival and MSC and almost always sail the Caribbean.
Put it all together, and it shouldn’t be a surprise that the vibe is a bit more “party” than a longer cruise, or a trip to other parts of the world.
That’s not to say that it’s like a visit to Bourbon Street (in fact, the shorter and cheaper cruises also tend to have more kids than other trips). But if you’re wanting to get the drink package and have a great time, then you’ll fit right in on these trips.
Pricing Is More Transparent Than it Used to Be
There’s been a recent change in nearly all cruise pricing, and for those wanting a cheap trip, it should be welcomed. However, some people might think they are actually paying more. That’s not the case.
For years, cruise lines showed headline prices for trips with only the cruise fare. So a trip might list for only $99 in cruise fare per person, but that’s not all that you’ll pay. In addition, there are port fees and taxes that are mandatory and can be between $100-$200 per person for most short cruises. So that $99 cruise is more like $200-$300.
Following a recent California law requiring price transparency, cruise lines have now moved to include the taxes and fees in the advertised price. So instead of sticker shock when you actually go to buy the cruise, you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay at the start.
Those Cheap Prices Are For Specific Rooms on the Ship
Think of taking a cruise — even a cheap one — and you likely envision sitting on your balcony, sipping a cold drink and taking in the view.
If you book a trip for $200 or $300, that’s not going to be the case. The low advertised fares are for the least-expensive room on the ship, almost always an interior cabin.
We’ve personally sailed these interior rooms plenty of times given how they can save you money. However, if you’re not prepared, they can be a shock. Interior cabins are typically smaller than the normal room on the ship and they also don’t have any windows. It can literally be like staying in a box.
To us, they are fine for a short cruise but on trips of five days or longer we lean toward a balcony cabin.
Your Cheap Cruise Can Turn into Thousands
When a cruise is advertised at a couple of hundred dollars, then yes, you can sail for that amount. But you should also know that price is really the start of what your cruise will cost.
First, trips are sold based on double occupancy but priced per person. So if a trip is $249 with taxes/fees included, it will actually cost $498 for your room. On top of that are the gratuities — typically about $16-$18 per person, per day. Technically, these charges are optional, but they are traditionally an extra fee on your cruise.
Then there are higher prices if you decide to upgrade your cabin from an interior room, alcohol costs extra, as do things like shore excursions, specialty restaurants, and casino gambling.
It’s possible to take a cheap cruise and not spend any extra, but the reality is that the cruise fare is just the start of what you’ll pay.
Expect to Sail Older Ships
Cruise lines have continually upped the ante when it comes to ships. Cruise ships continue to get bigger, more luxurious, and have amenities and attractions that were unbelievable just a decade ago.
But those ships typically also carry higher price tags. If you’re wanting to sail the $200 cruises, then you’re most likely going to be on older and smaller ships.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Many people love these ships because they are more manageable. They are easier to get around and there are fewer people. You might not get the biggest and best, but there is still a lot to like.
Are Cheap Cruises Worth It?
So should you sail one of these cruises going for just a couple of hundred dollars? Are they actually worth it or are you better off spending more to get more?
It depends on what you want in a vacation. Are you wanting to just get out of town for a few days to some warm weather and enjoy yourself? Having sailed these sorts of cruises a number of times, they offer a great deal to do just that and for not much money. They are well worth it.
Are you more interested in cultural experiences, truly unwinding, and disconnecting? Similar to how going to Las Vegas wouldn’t be on your list, neither should these types of cruises. They just aren’t built for that sort of experience.
One final thought — don’t expect a $200 cruise to be something out of the pages of a high-fashion magazine or staying at the Four Seasons. Some people seem to have unrealistic expectations and leave disappointed. Keep your expectations in check and you’ll have a blast.
