Compare Cruise Lines by Total Price
The advertised fare is only part of the story. Here is what each of the seven major lines really costs once gratuities, drinks and Wi-Fi are added, and how we compare them for you.
Two cruises with the same headline price can end up hundreds of dollars apart. Some lines bundle drinks, Wi-Fi and tips; others charge for each one separately. When we compare lines for a client, we compare the total trip cost for that traveler, not the brochure fare.
What is included, line by line
| Line | Gratuities | Drinks & Wi-Fi | Pricing watch-out | Booking playbook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Added daily | Sold as packages | Package prices change often | How we book it |
| Norwegian | Added daily | Often bundled with Free at Sea | Perk service charges | How we book it |
| Carnival | Added daily | CHEERS! sold separately | All adults in cabin rule | How we book it |
| MSC | Added daily | Depends on experience level | Bella restrictions | How we book it |
| Celebrity | Included in All Included fares | Included in All Included fares | Per-person bundle cost | How we book it |
| Princess | Included in Plus/Premier | Included in Plus/Premier | Package rules per cabin | How we book it |
| Disney | Added daily | Sold separately | Prices rise as ships fill | How we book it |
Inclusions and promotions change frequently. We confirm current terms on every quote.
How we compare lines for you
1. Your habits
Do you drink daily, need Wi-Fi, want specialty dining? That decides whether a bundled fare is a bargain.
2. Your departure port
A drive-to sailing from Boston, New York or New Jersey can beat a cheaper Florida fare once flights and hotels are added.
3. The real total
We put fares, taxes, gratuities, packages and travel costs into one number per line.
Head-to-head comparisons we have written
Want a general overview of each line’s fleet, style and destinations? See the cruise line guides at The Cruise Headquarters.
Comparison questions
Which cruise line is cheapest overall?
It depends on your habits. Carnival and MSC often have the lowest fares, but bundled lines like Celebrity or Princess Plus can be cheaper overall for travelers who drink and use Wi-Fi.
Can you compare all seven lines for my dates?
Yes. We book all seven and send a side-by-side quote with the total price for each.
Get a side-by-side quote
Tell us your dates and how you like to cruise. We will price every line and show you the real totals.