Why are cruises so expensive now?

Cruise experts say pent-up demand and tight occupancy are the main factors in why you could pay more for your next cruise vacation.



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And while pricing is picking up – at around 5% to 10% above pre-COVID-19 levels for mainstream lines and upward of 15% for luxury lines – travelers still may find it significantly lower than hotels and resorts, for example.

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While the cruise lines have been sailing around 60-80% capacity in 2022, some are predicting they will reach 100%+ occupancy by the middle of this year. So, with more individuals wanting to cruise, this means higher cruise fares. We are already feeling these effects when trying to plan trips for the year ahead.

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Cruising in 2023 is mostly back to normal following the pandemic-induced changes implemented across the industry in 2021 and 2022. Pre-cruise testing has been almost entirely abolished, ships are sailing at full capacity, and new ships are being constructed.

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Many people suggest $100 per day, and this has generally worked well for me in my cruising experiences, but there are a lot of variables to consider.

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Keep these 13 tips in mind when you're planning for your next voyage.
  1. Be flexible with when and where you cruise. ...
  2. Shop around and compare. ...
  3. Book a cruise with free extras. ...
  4. Look for “kids cruise free” deals. ...
  5. Look into cruise loyalty programs. ...
  6. Pay for your cruise with credit card rewards.


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How much does a 7-day cruise cost per person? Even if we restrict ourselves to a seven-night trip, the price might range from a few hundred dollars to more than $10,000. Not to mention other fees such as travel and activities in ports of call.

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Vacations can be expensive, so naturally, whenever there's a study that suggests ways to travel cheaper, it's worth digging into. According to an extensive study that followed price drops in the cruise industry, Thursdays may be the best day to book a cruise.

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Traditionally, the cheapest months to book a cruise have been January, February, and March, which are also known as wave season. The trio of months often welcome industry-wide sales that can extend further than just a reduction on cruise fares.

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What is the cheapest time to book a cruise? Prospective cruisers can usually find a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March. However, the optimal time to book may depend on when you plan to sail.

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Many cruise lines come out with their best fares when itineraries first go on sale, and then raise the rates as the ships sell out. This is especially true with luxury cruises, new or popular mainstream ships and Disney cruises that tend to book up well in advance.

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The most popular time to cruise is during summer when it's warmest, kids are out of school, and holidays like Christmas and New Year's Eve. Due to supply and demand, these are the most expensive times to travel. So, if you have to ability to cruise in the shoulder season and can take a drop-and-go, you can save money.

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A cruise may seem expensive with a large up-front cost but there are cruises to suit a variety of different budgets. Discover more below... Cruise voyages can provide excellent value for money with your food, accommodation, daytime entertainment and evening activities all provided as standard.

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While there is not a clear winner across all of the categories, Carnival, MSC and Royal Caribbean offer the lowest prices for those wanting to cruise. These costs were compared solely on the cruise fare, which does include complimentary dining venues as well as most of the onboard activities and entertainment.

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How to Get Free Stuff on a Cruise: 8 Tips to Know
  1. Be Brave and Get Onstage for Free Prizes. ...
  2. A Spa Tour Just Might Come With Free Perks. ...
  3. Proving Your Cruise Line Loyalty for Free Stuff. ...
  4. Score Freebies Shopping on Your Cruise. ...
  5. Win Prizes at Onboard Trivia and Other Games. ...
  6. Attend an Art Auction for Free Bubbles.


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We recommend paying for on shore purchases that are over $10 with a credit card to reduce the amount of cash you need to carry when off-ship and for a good record of your purchase, and use pocket change or local currency for the rest.

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What Is the Average Age of Passengers on Cruise? Passengers of diverse age groups are welcome on cruise ships. There are also endless activities for people of all age groups to make their vacations memorable. Nevertheless, the average age of cruise ship passengers is generally 47 years.

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If you're bringing the whole family, a 5 or 7 day cruise might be the best way to make sure everyone has an awesome getaway. And for those lucky folks with even more time to spare, a cruise of 10 days or more will give you an incredible experience of all the best things a cruise has to offer.

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