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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.

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Award-Winning Service, Decades of Experience and Exclusive Deals

Cruise.com has been connecting travelers with the perfect cruise vacations since 1998. We pride ourselves in the best service possible, an accomplishment acknowledged by the most authoritative companies in the cruise industry. Cruise.com was named Agency of the Year by Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. As well as these major industry awards, MSC Cruises named Cruise.com Online Partner of the Year and many other cruise companies have celebrated our years of service to the cruise travel industry.

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.

Best Cruises

Caribbean, Alaska & Europe

• Up to $1,700 Onboard Credits
• FREE GRATUITIES
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UP TO 75% OFF 2ND GUEST

--> + Up to $200 Instant Savings + AMENITIES INCLUDED: Beverage Package + Basic Wi-Fi

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Anniversary Sale

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35% OFF Cruise + FREE AT SEA

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• FREE Gratuities
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• Up to $200 Onboard Spending
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• Past Guest Offer

GREAT SAVINGS

$1,000 Onboard Credit OR $1,000 Airfare Discount

EARLY BOOKING BONUS: 20% OFF, Beverage Package, Wi-Fi & Shore Excursion Credit

• FREE AzAmazing Evening Event
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• Beverage Package
• Dine at the Chef's Table

Up to 4-Category Upgrade

+ FREE Roundtrip Airfare + Airport Transfers + FREE Excursion Credit + FREE Champagne, Wine & Beer + FREE Gourmet Specialty Dining

Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

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• Premium Economy Air Upgrade fr. $499
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Popular Cruises:

• Last Minute Cruise Deals
• Caribbean Cruises
• Holiday Cruises
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• River Cruises
• Royal Caribbean Cruises
• World Cruises

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Cruise Deals on All Major Cruise Lines

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Exclusive Cruise Offers

60% OFF 2nd Guest

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

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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-->

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DISCOVERY AWAITS EVENT

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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

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UP TO 4 CATEGORY UPGRADE

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SAVINGS OF UP TO $4,500 PER SUITE

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A SAIL TO REMEMBER: Savings of up to 15%

• The Finale Sale: Up to 30% Savings on select sailings
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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

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

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

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

Premium Drinks Package from US$19 per day

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• Open Bar with select wines & premium spirits
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BOOK NOW SAVINGS

Save up to $5,400 per Suite

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• Open bars throughout the ship

Exclusive Adult Only Departures

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Save up to $150 per person

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

• Solo Traveler Savings Save $50 per person
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• 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

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Exclusive Experiences

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EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Up to $1,600 Tour Credit

• All Hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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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
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• 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
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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.

Featured Cruise Deals

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WEEKLY VIDEO CRUISE DEALS

Royal Caribbean

• 30% OFF ALL Guests
• FREE Spa Treatment

Holland America Line

• Up to $300 Onboard Spending

Carnival Cruise Line

• Great Reduced Rates
• Military Early Saver Offer

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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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How much does a cruise cost in 2024.

Use this guide to learn more about cruise pricing and how to figure out the total cost of a cruise.

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

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With the rising cost of everything, cruise fares – some even as low as $27 per person per night based on double occupancy – seem like an incredible bargain. And they certainly can be, but the fares you see advertised online often don't include extras like taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities, shore excursions, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, room service fees and more.

Cruise pricing can be confusing with so many variables. Unless you're sailing with a smaller luxury line that is all-inclusive , your bill on the day of disembarkation may be unexpected or even shocking. Small things like buying bottled water or renting noodles for floating in the ocean at a cruise line's private island can add up quickly. To help you plan better for a cruise vacation , U.S. News has broken down some of the costs and add-ons you need to take into consideration before booking your next getaway on the high seas.

Find your perfect cruise

How much does a one-week cruise cost?

A cruise can cost anywhere from about $109 per person in an interior cabin for a four-night Bahamas cruise up to $101,199 per person for an entry-level suite on a 168-night world cruise – and anywhere in between. Cruise fares vary based on itinerary, number of nights, cabin type, amenities and cruise line. Here are a few examples of base cruise cost ranges on larger cruise lines for various regions:

• A seven-night Caribbean cruise in November ranges from approximately $270 to $2,600 per person.
• A seven-night Alaska cruise in May ranges from approximately $250 to $1,700 per person.
• A seven-night Mediterranean cruise in June ranges from approximately $620 to $2,300 per person.
• A seven-night Mexico cruise on the Pacific Coast in January ranges from approximately $470 to $700 per person.
• A seven-night Canada and New England cruise in October ranges from approximately $490 to $1,100 per person.

What's included in the base fare with a larger cruise line?

Mass market cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line – and more upscale lines like Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line , Cunard Line , Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises – advertise "starting from" base fares, which are for inside cabins. These are the least expensive staterooms on the ship, and they do not have windows. Staying in these accommodations still gives you access to all the complimentary dining venues and several types of nonalcoholic beverages (such as nonbottled water, iced tea, juices, hot coffee and tea), as well as the ship's pools, gym facilities, kids clubs and onboard entertainment.

If you want a room with a view – or a larger stateroom – consider booking an ocean view room with a window, or a cabin with a balcony or veranda. With these rooms, you'll have access to all the ship's included amenities and typically more spacious accommodations for the week. Of course, this option will come at a higher price point.

No matter which room category you choose, port expenses, taxes and fees are not included in the base fares, and they're automatically added to the cost of your cruise. The amount of these charges will depend on the length of your cruise and where you're sailing. Gratuities for the staff and crew are also additional.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

What if you want more amenities and perks?

For more perks, you can splurge on a suite or a higher room category. With Celebrity's Concierge Class, for example, you'll be treated to amenities such as a welcome lunch, a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, personalized concierge service, an exclusive destination seminar, pillow selection upon request, laundry service and more.

With Disney Cruise Line's Concierge Staterooms and Suites, guests have a dedicated concierge agent offering personalized assistance for pre-arrival planning for port adventures, dining reservations, other onboard activities and special requests. You'll also get priority check-in and boarding, a private welcome reception, free Basic Surf Wi-Fi, access to a private lounge with complimentary food and beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) served throughout the day, and other perks.

You may opt to stay within an exclusive area of the ship, such as the MSC Yacht Club, The Haven by Norwegian or Celebrity's The Retreat. These high-end private retreats offer a mostly all-inclusive experience with additional features, while still including access to all the entertainment, dining venues and more on board. The accommodations can cost hundreds more dollars per day, but you'll have an experience similar to sailing on a small luxury vessel.

For example, the MSC Yacht Club offers an intimate all-inclusive space within its larger ships. The private area is accessible with a key card and features luxurious suites, a dedicated concierge, 24-hour butler service, a private restaurant and lounge, a secluded pool deck, priority reservations for specialty dining, VIP seating for entertainment, and other amenities. There are also additional dining and snack options throughout the day at the pool and lounge.

You'll find similar amenities in Norwegian's and Celebrity's private retreats, including priority boarding and disembarkation, exclusive sun deck areas, and priority access when boarding tenders for going ashore.

Guests of MSC's Yacht Club receive the line's Premium Extra Beverage Package, which covers premium liquors, fine wines and Champagne in the Yacht Club and at most other venues on the ship. Accommodations in The Retreat on Celebrity also include premium beverages throughout the ship. If you're staying in The Haven by Norwegian, a beverage package is not covered in the pricing, but Norwegian frequently advertises its "Free at Sea" package, which includes free unlimited bar, free specialty dining, complimentary Wi-Fi, discounts on excursions and other perks.

What factors determine pricing?

Base pricing and the additional components vary greatly among the cruise lines, so you'll need to determine what your budget is for the trip – and what you can and can't live without when it comes to accommodations and amenities. Travelers may also find that one cruise line has a deal or promotion with reduced pricing that covers airfare, specialty dining, a beverage package, free Wi-Fi or other perks in the advertised rate (such as the Norwegian package mentioned above), while another line isn't running any specials for a similar itinerary.

Voyages on older cruise ships tend to be less expensive, so if you're on a tight budget, consider a ship with fewer bells and whistles. If you're sailing on a short itinerary in the Bahamas and plan to lounge by the pool or on the beach all day, you may not be concerned about having high-tech onboard amenities, martini bars and several specialty restaurants.

Save the money to splurge on more expensive fares when you're planning to sail on longer voyages on larger and newer ships . You'll want several days at sea to enjoy the onboard amenities on some vessels, such as a three-level racetrack and a 10-story-tall slide on Norwegian Viva . It would take a full week (or more) to explore all the entertainment options aboard Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, Icon of the Seas – or all the new entertainment offerings and attractions on Princess Cruises' latest addition to its fleet: Sun Princess.

Another significant factor to consider is the time of year you want to travel. Better deals are available in the offseason, but the offseason varies depending on what part of the world you're traveling to. For example, May is a great time to find a deal in the Caribbean. The offseason – or shoulder season – in that market typically runs from May to November. However, keep in mind this period overlaps with hurricane season .

You also may be able to find last-minute deals in many other destinations if you're flexible. Working with a travel agent is an excellent way to learn of last-minute specials and cruise deals that offer add-ons like beverage packages, specialty dining inclusions, shore excursions and other perks. You can also check out the online specials that change frequently.

Solo travelers may pay more

If you're traveling alone, you may also need to factor in a single supplement, which can add up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. To save money, bring a friend so you can access the lower double occupancy fare or consider lines that feature rooms for solo travelers; select Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity ships offer solo staterooms, as do other cruise lines. Check out our guide to the best solo cruises with no supplement fare .

These smaller accommodations – typically ranging from around 100 to more than 200 square feet in size – are priced and designed for solo travelers. Key card access to Norwegian's Studio Lounge is included with the line's solo cabins and offers a place to relax and mix and mingle with other cruisers. Other lines that offer solo cabins include Holland America, MSC, Cunard and Virgin Voyages . While the price may not be as inexpensive as the double occupancy fare when traveling with someone else, these accommodations offer some savings over a typical solo fare.

Some lines often feature special deals on select sailings where the single supplement is waived or reduced. A knowledgeable travel agent specializing in cruises can assist in finding the best offers for solo travelers.

'Kids cruise free' promotions can help families save

If you're traveling with kids, many cruise lines – such as Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney and Princess – offer "kids sail free" promotions periodically throughout the year. You can also find discounted fares for children on select sailings.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has fares as low as $999 for children 17 and younger on a variety of select voyages. Regent's regular fares typically start at around $3,600 per person for a seven-night cruise, so this is a significant savings. This fare also includes unlimited complimentary shore excursions and all the benefits and perks of sailing with an all-inclusive luxury cruise line. Regent even has a current promotion where kids sail free on a selection of seven- to 20-night itineraries in Europe and the U.K.

Food and beverages are another expense to consider

Once you determine your total cruise fare with the taxes, fees, port charges and gratuities, you'll need to budget for the additional expenses you'll have on the ship – and these extras can add up quickly. Meals at specialty dining venues, alcoholic drinks and other beverages may not be covered in the basic cruise fare. You'll also have to pay for room service on many ships.

You can purchase specialty dining, beverage and Wi-Fi packages before or during your cruise. These packages offer savings over purchasing everything individually – and it's best to buy them once you book your cruise, as they're typically cheaper to purchase before you board the ship.

For an example of the savings with a food package, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. This package includes reduced pricing for children ages 6 to 12, while kids 5 and younger eat for free. The cruise line's unlimited dining package also offers discounts on bottles of wine.

In addition to specialty dining venues that charge a flat fee – usually between $30 and $50 – there are also restaurants that charge as much as $135 or more for dinner, such as the adult venues on Disney Cruise Line's ships. Other restaurants feature a la carte menus with sushi, bar food and even steakhouses that price out individual courses. Some of these venues may not include gratuities, so that's another add-on. If you decide to dine at any of these spots – and they're not included in your package – you'll have to budget for them in the total cruise price.

Enticing dessert items in the gelato and ice cream shops on some ships also come with a price, including Coco's and Dolce Gelato on Norwegian or MSC's Venchi Gelati and Chocolate.

There are endless options when considering beverage packages, too, so you need choose what fits best with your interests and budget. Some of the package options are only for nonalcoholic drinks like fountain sodas, sparkling waters and coffees, while premium or deluxe beverage packages cover beer, wine and cocktails, so they are more expensive.

Depending on the cruise line, most premium packages will usually cover drinks up to $15, but many craft cocktails on cruise ships can be quite expensive, costing much more, especially if you request a specific brand for the liquor. If you have the premium package and want to splurge on the fancy beverage, you'll have to pay the difference.

It's important to know that there are a few select venues and bars on some ships that do not accept a beverage package, so you'll have to pay extra for drinks at those places. For example, MSC's ships have several signature venues that do not accept drink packages, such as Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Lavazza coffee shops and Venchi 1878.

Norwegian offers a package that covers top-shelf beverages and select bottles of wine and Champagne, Starbucks coffee, bottled water, soda, specialty drinks and other beverages. You'll need to budget around $138 per person per day for this option – and an additional 20% gratuity. This type of package can add up to quite a bit of money on a seven-day cruise or longer. For more information, consult our guide on the drink package options for major cruise lines .

Bundle pricing

For additional savings, look into bundle pricing that includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, photos and more. Purchasing them together may be more cost-effective. For example, Holland America offers the "Have It All" package, which encompasses a $100 shore excursion credit, the Signature Beverage Package (including the service charge), one evening of specialty dining and the Surf Wi-Fi package for a six- to nine-day cruise. If you're sailing for 10 to 20 days or even longer, the benefits increase. The line estimates savings of 50% when you purchase this bundle.

While these packages may not always work out in your favor, you'll at least know what your dining, imbibing, excursions, Wi-Fi and even additional activities on the cruise will cost.

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Additional costs on a cruise ship

Cruisers will also incur additional fees from excursions, fitness classes, spa treatments, access to thermal spa rooms, babysitting services, ship tours, wine tastings, cocktail demonstrations, cooking classes, laundry services, and some entertainment venues and activities on the ship. Examples include Norwegian's racetrack, Viva Speedway; high-tech attractions like the Robotron thrill ride and the XD cinema on MSC Seascape ; and Carnival's first roller coaster at sea, BOLT.

See some of the more popular added costs you'll want to consider below.

Wi-Fi access

If you need Wi-Fi during the cruise, that's another cost to factor into the total price. Here are two examples of pricing for internet plans for two cruise lines.

Carnival offers three options for Wi-Fi, using Starlink. The basic Social Wi-Fi Plan gives you access to certain social media channels like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and more, starting at about $15 per person per day. The cost increases to roughly $20 per person per day with the Value Wi-Fi Plan. This option gives you access to your email and to sites for weather, news, finance and more. It does not support Skype or music and video streaming services like Spotify and Netflix during your cruise.

The last option, Carnival's Premium Wi-Fi Plan, starts at around $19 per person per day and offers speeds up to three times faster than the Value plan. With this plan you can make Zoom calls and use Skype. For all three of these plans, you can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip.

Celebrity also uses Starlink. The line's "All Included" fare includes basic internet and a classic drink package, which the line says can save you potentially hundreds of dollars. If you don't book that fare, Wi-Fi plans range from around $20 per day for basic service to premium Wi-Fi at $35 per day.

• Shore excursions

If you're traveling to far-flung or new destinations, you'll want to book shore excursions. Cruise lines recommend that you book excursions directly with them rather than hiring an independent tour company or operator, but it can be more expensive to book tours through the cruise line.

However, if you experienced a delay on an independent tour and couldn't get back to the ship on time, there's a chance you could get left behind if you're not on a ship-sponsored tour. If you decide to go with a private tour guide, be sure to book an excursion that will allow you to arrive back at the ship with plenty of time to spare before the vessel departs for the next destination. Most tour operators in busy cruise ports work with the cruise ship schedules all the time, so you should be fine with a reputable independent guide.

Some trips last an entire day or are once-in-a-lifetime adventures like dog-sledding on a glacier in Alaska or taking a helicopter ride over the active volcanoes and waterfalls in Iceland. These types of excursions can be costly, ranging anywhere from hundreds to even thousands of dollars. If these types of experiences are not in your budget, look for historic walking or panoramic driving tours. These activities are shorter in duration and typically the least expensive tours available on the cruise. Many of these types of tours will cost less than $100. And, of course, there are always other options available that range between the lower and higher price range of excursions.

If your ship is docked directly in the town or city, then you'll be able to explore off the ship on your own for free. Some cruise lines also offer complimentary shuttle buses into town or a round-trip ride for a nominal fee if it's not within walking distance of the ship. That's another less expensive option for you to sightsee, shop or grab lunch in town.

Transportation

Transportation is another expense that's often overlooked in the total cost of a cruise. Consider if you'll be driving or flying to the cruise port. If you're driving, you'll have to pay for gas and parking at the port – and maybe a hotel the night before the cruise, depending on when you arrive and when your ship is scheduled to set sail. Don't forget the meals or beverages you'll purchase on the way.

If you're flying to the port, especially on a long-distance flight, it's best to come in a day early. In that case, you'll also have to pay for a hotel, transfers from the airport to the hotel and then a transfer (private hire, Uber or cab) to the ship's terminal. There will also be meals to budget for while you're in town before the cruise and a ride back to the airport after the cruise.

Souvenirs or forgotten items

Don't forget to account for purchases on the ship. Items that you forgot to bring from home will be more expensive on board. It's also easy to run up the bill when buying souvenirs for yourself or the kids. It's a good idea to periodically check your bill online or with guest services to see the current balance. You can keep a running tab of what you've billed to your stateroom – and also make sure that the charges are correct.

Cruise pricing checklist

To sum it up, here's a checklist of major items that will help you to compare costs across cruise lines and tally up the total cost of a cruise:

• Base cruise price
• Taxes, fees, gratuities and port expenses
• Specialty dining
• Food and beverage packages
• Optional activities (such as spa treatments or extra-fee entertainment on the ship)
• Miscellaneous expenses (such as meals and beverages ashore)
• Air or ground travel to the port
• Hotel prior to embarking

If you don't want to budget for all the individual expenses related to a cruise – and you don't need the over-the-top entertainment of a larger cruise ship – consider booking a mostly all-inclusive or fully all-inclusive cruise with a luxury cruise line . These cruise lines include almost everything in your cruise fare.

Mostly all-inclusive cruises

One option for a mostly all-inclusive cruise is Viking Ocean Cruises . The line's 12 all-veranda ocean-going vessels accommodate between 930 to 998 guests based on double occupancy – and all of Viking's ships feature the same categories of staterooms and suites, dining, lounges, and entertainment venues across the fleet. The ships offer an immersive cultural curriculum on board with regional dishes, destination performances and enrichment lectures.

Viking's fares include veranda accommodations, port taxes and fees, free Wi-Fi, access to the spa and fitness center, 24-hour room service, ground transportation (if you book airfare with Viking), and one complimentary excursion in each port. You'll also have alternative dining options at no extra charge, plus free beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board the ship. Specialty coffees, teas and bottled water are available 24 hours a day at no extra charge.

If you like to have an aperitif before your evening meal or an after-dinner cocktail, those beverages will be at an additional cost. You'll also need to budget for any optional shore excursions that are not included in the fare.

Keep in mind that Viking is an adults-only cruise line , so children younger than 18 are not permitted.

All-inclusive cruises

Regent Seven Seas, Silversea Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line boast all-inclusive luxury experiences with shipwide amenities such as ocean-facing suites, butlers, premium spirits, fully stocked in-suite bars, no tipping and complimentary dining at world-class restaurants.

Additional perks with Regent Seven Seas include complimentary unlimited shore excursions, free two- or three-night land programs, a free one-night hotel stay before the cruise departure, transfers from the airport to the ship, and business class or economy airfare (depending on the destination).

Silversea offers door-to-door arrangements where everything is handled by the cruise line. You can also opt for a port-to-port all-inclusive rate if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements. If you're on one of the cruise line's expedition cruises, fares will include a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay. All door-to-door and port-to-port Silversea fares cover a selection of complimentary shore excursions in each port.

If you're interested in an even smaller ship – and are sailing to the Caribbean or Mediterranean – SeaDream Yacht Club features an intimate luxury experience on its two 56-stateroom yachts. The fares include top-notch cuisine, an open bar, gratuities, complimentary daily yoga, access to water sports and movies under the stars.

How much does a luxury cruise cost for two?

If you want to go on a mostly adults-only luxury ship, what can you expect to pay for two people? This will depend on the ship, where you want to sail and for how long – and what amenities are included in the fare.

For a seven-night cruise in the Caribbean in December 2024 round-trip from Miami with Regent Seven Seas, an all-inclusive cruise fare with suite accommodations starts at $7,398 ($3,699 per person). There are additional perks and savings available, depending on the level of accommodations you book and if you combine this cruise with another voyage. You can also check with a travel agent specializing in cruises to see if they have access to other promotions.

For a Silversea cruise in December 2025 that sails round-trip from Bridgetown, Barbados, the all-inclusive port-to-port cruise fare starts at $9,800 for two people ($4,900 per person) in suite accommodations. Contact a travel agent before booking to see if they can offer upgrades or additional amenities.

While the price tag may seem high, compare the total cost with the base fare on a larger cruise ship and then add in all the extras.

See the top cruises on  GoToSea .

The bottom line

The average cost of a cruise is all over the map – and there are many variables to consider. Hiring a cruise specialist to navigate the rough waters may be your best option. Cruise specialists are also privy to special deals and incentives that you may not be able to access on your own. Travel agents can also advise you of promotions that may include free specialty dining, beverage packages, complimentary Wi-Fi, shore excursions, discounts on solo and family travel, and more. This approach will save you the hassle of searching online or calling the individual cruise companies to check on what specials are available.

If you'd rather have one price with everything included so there's little room for surprises at the end of the trip, consider a mostly or fully all-inclusive cruise fare. If you don't need waterslides for the kids, big Broadway shows and high-tech entertainment, a cruise on a small luxury line may suit you well.

When doing the math and comparing the costs, you might be surprised how similar in price cruising with a larger mass market cruise line and a smaller luxury line can be. In the end, your decision will come down to your personal preferences and what you value most for your cruise vacation.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels and traditional masted sailing ships. Cruising is one of her favorite ways to travel and she hopes to book an extended cruise to see the rest of the world someday soon. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

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Marisa Méndez April 30, 2024

• How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Cruises continue to offer the best value when  it comes to traveling, and the perks really can’t be beat. Anyone who has taken a multi-city (or m ulti-country) trip can attest to the planning, coordination, and cost associated with major vacations. The idea of getting to explore different places while unpacking once is one of the cruise industry’s biggest bonuses. However, getting the most out of your cruise means more than finding the lowest cruise prices . Seasoned cruisers stress the importance of staying sensible when it comes to shipboard spending, and being aware of what may not be included in that super-low cruise fare.

We’ve taken a look at some of the most frequently overlooked  cruise costs , and we’re here to break down some of the  hidden costs of cruises .

What’s included in the cruise price?

What’s not included in the cruise price, costs that add up while on the cruise ship, how to save more on your cruise.

One of the mistakes first-time cruisers make is taking the amazing prices for cruise tickets advertised online as literally all-inclusive. So, what’s actually included in the price?

Cruise Fare

The advertised ticket price covers accommodation for one person on that particular sailing. That’s it. Normally, it also includes some meals, some beverages, and it may include some entertainment while on board - but not always . 

Cruise ship ticket prices can also vary widely, even for the same sailing. Three primary factors influence the price of a cruise:

1. Cruise Lines

Mainstream cruise lines tend to offer larger ships and lower prices, while  luxury cruise lines  are more expensive and have fewer (but larger) cabins.

2. Cabin Type

All cabin types were not created equal. Interior cabins can be as much as 10 times cheaper than the swankiest suites on the same sailing . In 2017, for example, we saw interior cabins on a 12-night Great Barrier Reef cruise on Celebrity Solstice priced at $2,349. The penthouse suite on the same cruise? A cool $29,725. 

3. Where you go (and when)

Generally speaking, Caribbean cruises tend to be cheaper than more adventurous or remote locations. For example, the average total cost of a 7-night Caribbean cruise per person ranges between $1500 and $2000, while the same cruise to Alaska may shift that whole price range up $500. To get a deeper insight you can check out this comparison of the cheapest cruise lines for a Caribbean cruise in 2019 . Timing also matters: a Mediterranean cruise during the summer will be significantly more expensive than one in March, when the high season begins, or October, when it ends.

It’s also worth noting that cruise fares are always listed per person, not per cabin. Even prices listed on cabin types are calculated per person. An interior cabin for the bargain price of $299 with two guests will wind up costing a total of $598 before taxes and fees. 

“Okay, Cruisewatch,” you might say, “That’s all well and good, but I’m a lone wolf. I like my cruises like I like my intergalactic smugglers - solo.” We hate to be the bearers of bad news (especially because we appreciate sci-fi puns as much as the next digital cruise advisor), but single passengers can expect to pay a premium of at least 150% of the advertised cruise price. 

Before you cry foul, this cruise practice isn’t the nickel-and-diming it’s cracked up to be. Just like airlines sell individual seats, cruises sell individual accommodation in double-occupancy cabins. So, one person in a cabin is akin to one person taking up two seats on a flight. It may not seem fair, but as we’ll see below, the average additional revenue generated by even one passenger is pretty significant. For this reason, solo cruisers should expect to pay anywhere between 150% and 200% of the advertised cruise price.

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The sheer amount of extras and goodies available to cruise guests can make budgeting in advance difficult, but it’s worth it. The spontaneity of a splurge may seem harmless enough on the ship, but avoiding the comedown of post-vacation sticker shock is only possible with planning. When you’re figuring out how much your cruise costs, be sure to account for the following additional costs.

1. Taxes, fees, and cruise port expenses

Should taxes and fees be included in the advertised cruise price? Probably. But until that paradigm shift happens in the cruise industry, the work of calculating the additional cost falls squarely on the consumer. Here’s the brass tacks of what you need to know:

Taxes are assessed regardless of your port of embarkation (aka port of departure). Some taxes may go back to the embarkation port, while some may go to the country where the cruise ship is registered. 

Port fees may be itemized on their own, or may be lumped in with “taxes and fees” on your receipt. These are fees the port charges the cruise line, which are then passed to you, the passenger. Port fees are based on the number of people on a cruise, as opposed to how much you spent on your ticket. Different ports charge different fees. For example, the fee for a Caribbean port may be half  the fee for an Alaskan port for the same number of people. 

All taxes and fees are charged in advance, including port fees. If you miss a port due to inclement weather or other extenuating circumstances, the fee for that port may be credited back to you in part or whole, usually as onboard credit. 

How much do taxes, fees, and cruise port expenses usually cost?

This largely depends on the cruise line and destination, but you can generally estimate an additional $100 to $200 per person in taxes and fees. 

2. Flights and transportation to & from the cruise ship

Even if you live in the port city from which you’ll depart (assuming it’s the same one to which you’ll return), you’ll still have transportation costs associated with getting yourself to the gangway. More likely, you’ll need to factor in the cost of flights, airport transfers, hotels, and/or parking. Some cruise lines may offer additional transfer packages at the time of booking (including flights), but these prices are also adjusted to include overhead for the additional manpower needed to coordinate travel. They can certainly save you a headache, but if your budget is your main concern, spending a few extra hours checking airfare, transfers, and hotels can save a lot of money.

How much does transportation usually cost?

Not to sound like a broken record, but it ultimately depends greatly on your departure dates , how far in advance you’re able to book transportation and lodging, and where your cruise departs. Generally speaking, plan to spend around $500 per person for flights, with transfer costs averaging anywhere between $20 and $100 per person .

3. Alcoholic beverages & specialty coffees onboard

With the exception of many luxury cruises and, somewhat oddly, Norwegian Sky, prepare to pay for all alcoholic drinks and specialty coffees while on the ship. Many cruise lines also charge for sodas and bottled water, at least outside of meal times. 

When it comes to coffee, regular brewed or drip coffees are more likely to be included. Specialty coffees, on the other hand, like lattes, cappuccinos, or blended coffees are considered premium, and charged as such. 

Take a look at this breakdown of cruise lines based on upcharges for coffee drinks, and see if you can spot the pattern.

We’ll give you a hint: as a general rule, the more expensive the cruise ship tickets , the cheaper the drinks. This is mainly due to the fact that luxury cruise lines do not rely as much on revenue from food and beverage sales. Mainstream cruise lines, on the other hand, have a habit of upselling, partially in order to keep base cruise prices low.

Many cruise lines offer  drink packages  both in advance and on board. Whether you’re on a family vacation or a booze cruise, these packages can occasionally help to soften the sticker shock of drink prices. Be sure to read the fine print, though, as not every drink package is the deal it may seem. 

One final note: bottled water is almost never included in the cruise price, but may be included in some drink packages. Before shelling out for a $4 bottle of Evian, remember that the tap water onboard is both free and totally safe to drink. If you need distilled water for medical needs, be sure to discuss your needs with your cruise ship representative well in advance. Otherwise, be prepared to pay extra .

How much do alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees usually cost?

Again, the costs vary by cruise line and sailing, but expect to pay an average of $5 to $12 per drink . 

4. Gratuities and service charges on the cruise

Regardless of whether or not you agree with the policy, the fact is that many cruise staff members rely on tips and gratuities . These days, most of the gratuities you’ll be expected to pay will automatically be added to all onboard purchases. The standard cruise gratuity is 15%, though this is adjustable in your onboard account . It’s important to note that you do not have to pay these gratuities, but if you enjoyed the service from your stateroom and dining staff, you should pay them. 

Daily service charges go to your stateroom attendant and server, and will either be billed to your shipboard account or prepaid at the time of booking. All other gratuities for bartenders, guides, etc., will be added to your bill afterward. 

The exception is your porter, or the person who carries your luggage on and off the ship. Porters do not receive a percentage of the total gratuities, but should still receive a small tip. Bring enough cash to tip your porter $1 to $4 per person, or $1-2 per bag. It’s not required, but it is a nice gesture to show your appreciation for their work. 

How much do gratuities and service charges usually cost?

This really depends on how generous you want to be and how good the service was, but you can roughly estimate around $13 per person per day .

5. Ship Internet Access and WiFi

Internet access onboard cruise ships has been a notorious sore spot for years. The good news is that cruise lines seem to be improving their connections all the time, with some boasting better speeds than on land. However, cruisers who want to share their experiences on social media or stay connected with family, friends, or work aren’t likely to find bargain deals on cruise ship WiFi . 

This is partially due to the complexities that also plague airlines - the difficulty of maintaining a consistent connection while in transit, even crossing multiple national borders, remains a tough challenge for cruise lines. 

Normally your choice of shipboard internet packages falls into two categories:

Flat daily rate:  Basically, you pay for each day you want to connect to the Internet. These packages usually start at $8.99 per day and increase from there.

Metered:  With this option, you pay either by the minute or by the megabyte. Either way, the cost can add up fast , so you’ll need to monitor your usage very closely. 

Some cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, are also beginning to offer Internet packages specifically for social media. Their “Freestyle Choice Plans” distinguish between certain apps and websites to cater to cruise passengers’ needs. 

Other cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, focus on providing the highest quality connection possible. VOOM, the Internet aboard Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise ships, is fast and consistent, but with a price tag to match. 

How much does cruise ship internet and WiFi usually cost?

Honestly, by far the cheapest option is simply to disconnect. If that isn’t an option, prepare to pay a flat daily rate of at least $9 per day , or metered rates averaging 75 cents per minute or 35 cents per megabyte . 

6. Specialty restaurants on the cruise ship

If spending every meal in the buffet or main dining room sounds like a little too much, or if you simply want to experience some world-class cuisine, specialty restaurants are a great option. They’re also one of the many places on the ship where it’s easy to overspend. 

As cruise ships expand their culinary repertoire to include tastes from around the world, cruisers have the chance to try adventurous, delectable dishes they might not otherwise encounter. Budgeting for these indulgences means you don’t have to miss out on anything, so check out what your cruise ship has on offer before tallying up the final costs for your vacation.

How much do specialty restaurants usually cost?

Depending on how often you’d like to frequent them, specialty restaurants can cost from $35 and upwards per person . 

7. Extra activities and shore excursions

For many, the idea of a day in the cruise ship spa seems dreamy and serene. But it’s harder to reconcile the picture of calm many ship spas advertise with the average price of $120 for a 50 minute massage - before tip . It’s not only the spa treatments , either. Extra activities like cooking or fitness classes don’t come cheap, and it’s easy to spend more than you meant to in the cruise ship souvenir shops, mall, or casino. Families with young children may also need to budget for babysitting services or kids activities. Shore excursions are also rarely included.

Here’s the breakdown on shore excursions and tours:

Free: Explore on your own. Most port cities have plenty to do within walking distance from the ship, though it’s best to remember that if you want to pick up a souvenir or a meal, you’ll have to pay for those.

Most budget-friendly: Guided walking tours. Nothing beats touring a new city with a friendly and knowledgeable guide to share insights and show you the best spots. If you’re traveling on a multinational cruise, these tours will typically be in English, or will offer English translations.

Most expensive: Adventure tours like helicopter rides, hot air ballooning, or Grand Prix racing, or tours that include meals or wine tastings. 

How much do extra activities and shore excursions usually cost?

As always, it depends on what you want to spend your time doing, and how much structure you want doing it. On average, walking tours cost around $50 per person , while luxury or adventure tours cost an average of $400 per person . 

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In short, you can see that the average cruise price per person depends strongly on the cruise itself and the personal on board preferences. But with a little planning you can easily calculate your individual cruise cost. 

Here are four of our tips on how to save the most on your cruise :

1. Choose the right time to book your cruise

Timing your cruise right can save you thousands of dollars, and can give you a better all-around experience. Booking early will give you more options at the same price point. Don’t worry - if fares drop later, you may be able to save some of your money by canceling and rebooking your cruise. 

2. Choose the right region for your next cruise

It’s possible to save up to 71% on your cruise based on the region you’re sailing and when you book. Repositioning cruises (when a cruise ship sets sail from one port and arrives at another) also tend to be cheaper. 

3. Take advantage of perks and rewards from cruise lines

Signing up for rewards or loyalty programs with cruise lines can also offer discounts or extra onboard credit. Some cruise lines may even offer “cash back” rebates on the price of your cruise ticket. 

4. Consider an agent to book your next cruise vacation

Occasionally, booking directly through the cruise line can mean paying a premium. Booking through a travel agent can offer not only more personalization and cruise expert tips, but also money-saving cruise hacks to keep you and your wallet happy.

Check out these articles for more information on the costs of cruising:

• What Is Included in Your Cruise Fare?
• Top 10 Tips on How to get the Best Cruise Deals
• 13 Guaranteed Ways to Save on Your Cruise

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Related pages

• The Cost of Drinking on a Cruise
• The Smart Cruiser’s Guide to Tipping on a Cruise

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• CruiseMapper
• Tips & Tricks

How to Buy a Cruise Ship?

If you've got the urge to throw away some money to buy a cruise ship, you should have a banker on speed dial or pretty deep pockets. It's not often that you find a classified ad like "cruise ships for sale". However, it does happen from time to time.

Cruise ships range in price from USD 2 to 350 million and come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. It's rare to find a big cruise ship priced at less than a few million, although it's certainly not impossible. If you are seriously intending to buy a cruise ship, then you know how you will finance the purchase. Just find your price range.

How much does it cost to buy a cruise ship?

Do you wish to have your own cruise ship built? Naturally, the vessel's size will have an effect on the money. At the following links, you can compare building costs of cruise ships and also the world's top 50 mega-liners by size and capacity . The current world's largest passenger ship (228,081-ton Symphony Of The Seas ) costs the shipowner Royal Caribbean USD 1,35 billion. An average-sized newbuild liner costs USD 700-800 million.

There are shipbrokers who might be able to help you purchase a ship built in the 1980s or 1990s, which was popular in the time, but the cruise line that owned it moved on to better vessels. Such a classic ship might set you back as little as USD 10-20 million. Of course, like any used vessel, it is going to need a huge investment to get it into shape to carry passengers, and bring it up to current maritime safety standards and upgrade it with the latest amenities. For example, in 2013 the refit of Carnival Destiny (now Carnival Sunshine ) cost the shipowner Carnival Corporation about USD 155 million. When built new in 1996 the ship cost about USD 400 million.

Simply put, purchasing a cruise ship is an expensive proposition. But don't be upset – perhaps you'll be more than happy renting a cabin for a week as a cruise passenger.

Cruise Ships for Sale

There are various reasons why an individual owner or cruise line may put a cruise ship up for sale. The reasons may include the ship being outdated or the owner not being able to maintain it. Here are a few pointers to help you if in the market for cruise ships.

Determine the type of cruise ship that will best meet your needs:

• Five-star cruise ships; Three-star ships; Floating hotel ships;
• Ocean liners; River cruise boats;
• Luxury catamarans; Casino ships;
• 1,500-passenger ships; 100-passenger ships.

Do you need a 40-meter luxury catamaran, a 140-meter luxury cruise ship, or maybe a 240-meter classic cruise liner? Determine the size that will best suit your purposes.

Where to Find Cruise Ships for Sale?

Here is a list of places on the Internet that regularly advertise cruise ships for sale:

• Appolo Duck Commercial Listings (commercial.apolloduck.com)
• Homestead.com
• MegaYachtsOnline.com
• ShipTraders.com
• WorkBoatsInternational.com

Cruise ship construction is handled predominantly by European and Asian shipbuilding companies. The leading shipyards are owned by Fincantieri (Italy), Meyer Werft (Germany, Finland), STX France, and MHI (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan).

Refitting may be required as part of the transfer of the cruise ship. Each cruise line features its own livery (insignia, symbols, uniforms) which may be displayed throughout the vessel. Probably, you will be required to remove any branded materials or trademarked symbols and come up with your own original name and design.

Depending upon your dream, the ship you buy may be repurposed to meet your ideas. For example, many liners were repurposed as cruise ships when cruising became popular. There were also cruise ships that were repurposed as floating hotels. Floating casinos are very popular, as well. And since cruise ships often change hands multiple times, repurposing a vessel for its new role is very common.

The private cruise ship MS The World is a floating residential community owned by citizens of 19 countries. Navigating around the globe, it stays several days in each port, and its owners actually live on the ship. The itinerary is set by the residents.

The next photo shows in detail the Superyacht Streets of Monaco. The 152-m long ship is lined with scaled-down versions of Monte Carlo's ' most famous buildings. The Grand Prix course version on the yacht doubles as a go-kart course. The ship has swimming pools, cafes, spa, full-size sports court (doubles as a helipad for private helicopters), library, interior parking for smaller boats, mini-submarine. Staterooms (16x VIP Suites) are sized 3800 ft2 (350 m2) each. There are also cabins for the 70 crew and staff members. The Superyacht cost about USD 1 billion.

Homes at Sea

For anyone who has struggled with the idea of spending savings purchasing a home or using it to travel the world, condo voyages present the perfect solution. These floating communities are becoming increasingly popular modes of fulfilling cruise fantasies with no need to leave the comforts of home.

Permanent homes at sea offer all comforts of a studio or multi-bedroom apartment on land, plus unparalleled sea views. The idea is growing more and more popular.

In August 2015, Crystal Cruises announced that its three new cruise ships will have up to 48 residences for sale each, ranging in size from 600 sq.feet to the whopping 4,000. The prices have been quoted as being in the multi-millions, and the cruise ships compared to New York 's uber-luxe Baccarat hotel.

The oldest and largest residential ship on the water is named The World. It first set sail in 2002 and features 165 private residences. The World, which calls itself a "residential yacht", is the most famous ocean residence. Ship's studio apartments are selling for more than USD 1 million, while the top suites are priced at USD 13 million. Added costs can be quite steep. Residents pay annual fees to cover staff wages and maintenance, which can be another 10% of the purchase price. May be life at sea is an opportunity only for cashed-up retirees, not for struggling first-home buyers.

However, residents of such a "community-at-sea" collectively own the cruise ship, and can thus choose their itinerary along with the captain. Last year, The World stopped at 104 ports in 30 countries and covered around 41,000 nautical miles. Its itinerary included three in-depth expeditions: Namibia & Mid-Atlantic, which goes from Cape Town to the Canaries; Greenland Expedition, which explores the Faroe islands; and Antarctica Expedition, which passes through Panama Canal. Residents have visited native tribes in Papua New Guinea, gone scuba diving in St. Barths, kayaked among icebergs and tracked polar bears in the Russian Arctic. In 2012, The World became the biggest passenger ship to make it through Northwest Passage, a sea route through the Arctic.

Each unit on The World features a kitchen (there is even a grocery shop onboard, as well as a wealth of port calls in which to stock up), living and dining areas, multiple verandas depending on the apartment size and en-suite bathrooms for every bedroom. The luxury ship features a 7,000-sq. foot spa and gym, two pools, a jogging track, a tennis court, and golf facilities, as well as four restaurants, a grill, a deli, five bars, a tea room and private chefs for hire. Just like a true floating village, the vessel also has a movie theater, art gallery, library, chapel, medical center, florist and a constant stream of activities, such as classes in cooking, arts & crafts and dance, lectures and plays, and nightly entertainment. The concierge is able to organize access to exclusive events and all reservations around the world. The average age of the residents aboard The World is 64, with a solid 35% under 50. Most residents use the condos as second homes, and stay on board for a few months at a time, renting out their sea homes for the rest of the year.

Due to set sail in late 2016 or early 2017 is The Marquette, a 200-unit residential ship that will navigate inland waters in the United States. Planned features include theatres, hot tubs, a grocery store, and an 18-hole chip-and-putt golf course. The Marquette is already pre-sold, with prices ranging from the more affordable USD 327,000 up to 1,2 million.

Also making her maiden voyage soon is MS Utopia - the USD 1.5-billion liner is near twice the size of MS The World. The vessel has a total of 200 residential/condo units and 16 smaller cabins for tutors and nannies. The cruise apartments are on sale between USD 4-30 million. The annual maintenance fee for "ship residents" is ~4.5% of the list price. The American businessman Bill Powers shared his plans to buy a 3-bedroom suite on Utopia Residences:

“This satisfies my wanderlust desire without the inconvenience of packing, unpacking, going through customs, avoiding the wear and tear of travel.”

Living in a condo cruise ship helps to avoid common travel hassles like packing, unpacking, customs, lost luggage, etc. It also means traveling with an international set of neighbors. Resident families on The World come from 19 different countries, while the crew of 260 - from 40. Residents enjoy up to 5-day stops at each port and have the chance to join or leave the vessel at any point because itineraries are set two years in advance.

The sole alternative to such kind of lifestyle is purchasing a yacht, which makes buying a condo aboard a cruise vessel look like a steal.

Cruise ship retirement - cheaper than assisted living on land

Most cruises run from 3 days to 3 weeks, and prices average about USD 150 per day based on double occupancy, depending on the location and size of the room, on the length of the voyage and on the cruise line itself. The average price of independent living facilities is USD 2,000 per month and nearly USD 3,000 per month for assisted living facilities, so on average cruising is more expensive than traditional retirement options... but on average. It may be less than the higher-end facilities that charge USD 6,000 per month or more, and shorter sailings can even be found for USD 100 per day, bringing them close to the price of assisted living facilities.

It’s important to note that not all senior housing types are created equal. Life aboard a cruise ship might compare to expensive dull nursing homes showed in popular media, but the reality is different, and actually luxury senior housing and retirement communities provide many of the same perks that cruise ships do: customized senior nutrition, entertainment, chances to socialize, to name a few. And they are not as expensive as you might think.

Nursing homes and memory care, providing skilled 24-hour nursing, are the pricier options. However, for seniors who don’t need constant care, independent living and retirement communities are far less expensive - they generally cost less than a cruise: sometimes as little as USD 1,500 a month.

As to whether living out your golden years aboard a cruise ship is a viable alternative to spending them in the retirement homes, a Northwestern University geriatrician says such a plan is a cost-effective alternative to assisted living. Dr.Lee Lindquist, an instructor at Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, has compared the costs of moving to an assisted-living facility, nursing home and cruise ship (over a 20-year life expectancy), including the expenses of treating acute illnesses, Medicare reimbursement, etc. She determined that the net cost of cruise ship retirement was only about USD 2,000 more than the alternatives (USD 230,000 versus USD 228,000) and offered a higher quality of service. According to Lindquist, the plan would work best for retirees who need minimal care.

"Seniors who enjoy travel, have good or excellent cognitive function but require some assistance with activities of daily living are the ideal candidates for cruise-ship care. Just as with assisted living, if residents became acutely ill or got to the point that they needed a higher level of care, they would have to leave."

Can cruise ship retirement be more cost-effective than the land-based one? Perhaps not if you are paying USD 164,000 per year for a premium berth. For example, prices on a 91-night world cruise aboard a Cruise and Maritime Voyages' ship start at GBP 4,387 per person. For that much, you’ll get meals, accommodation, entertainment and the chance to call at exotic locations on several continents around the world.

Average rents in Britain are GBP 761 per month (or GBP 1,160 in London ). When you add council tax, water, electricity and gas bills, as well as groceries, it’s not hard to see why some retirees opt for a life afloat.

Which is cheaper: renting in London or cruise ship retirement?

• Round-the-world cruise (13 weeks, 91 nights) - GBP 4,390
• Renting in London - GBP 5,040
• Average rent in London - GBP 3,480 (13 weeks x GBP 268 a week)
• Council tax - GBP 235 (based on GBP 940 per year rate in the City of London)
• Water bill - GBP 92.50 (13-week Thames Water average)
• Energy bills - GBP 159 (According to “small house/flat” estimate of UKpower.co.uk)
• Transport - GBP 417 (Based on the cost of a weekly travelcard - GBP 32)
• Food - GBP 650 (Based on GBP 50 per week typical household spending, according to ONS).

According to Telegraph Travel's cruise expert Jane Archer, it was not so unusual for men, women, and couples who love cruising to take up residence on a cruise ship. Princess Cruises once told her there were over 100 passengers living on their vessels. Douglas Ward (Berlitz) adds:

"It's a safe, comfortable environment, the crew become your new friends, and medical facilities, should you need them, are close by. And, unlike a retirement home or village, a cruise ship moves to different locations for a fresh view every day or so. So, why not, particularly if you have no immediate family ties?"

For those of you planning to make a cruise ship their home, longer voyages are probably the better option because the same route is not repeated every 7 days as it is on shorter sailings. One might choose one port and board cruises from there and time between sailings would be spent in a hotel. The majority of lines don't offer single rates and single seniors will have to pay 200% of the listed price. However, there are also cruise lines that have single cabins on their cruise ships and offer no single supplement cruises .

The "cruise ship retirement" trend

Within the last couple of years, the notion of cruise ship retirement has started to gain some traction. Though there are currently no "retirement cruise ships," as we said above, it is still possible to book back to back cruises to create a floating cruise ship retirement for slightly more than it costs to reside in the average assisted living communities. Most of you would choose the cruise ships any day, won't you?

Choosing cruise vessels over the soil is not a new concept.

• As far back as 1963, a lady lived full-time in a tiny cabin on Cunard's RMS Queen Elizabeth 2.
• Rosemarie Roberts lodged for nearly 12 years on Royal Viking Line's ships.
• Irma Morgan spent 50 weeks of 2004 and all 2005 on Crystal Harmony (now Asuka 2 ).
• Clair MacBeth lived on a Cunard ship for 14 years.
• Lorraine Artz spends around 10 months per year on Royal Princess .
• As of January 2000, Bea Muller (89) was a permanent resident on RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 until the ship was retired in November 2008. Muller died in 2013.

The story of 89-year-old Bea Muller of Florida is still floating around the Internet. It's said that her husband died on RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 during "world cruise 2001". Faced with moving back home to live in a retirement home alone, Ms.Muller decided to sell everything she owned, and book herself onto the cruise ship one year at a time. Thanks to her frequent discounts, her overall costs amounted to around USD 5,000 per month (since then, cruise prices have increased; also, Ms.Muller's accommodations were windowless and small: a 10x10 foot cabin featuring only a bed, radio, and TV, with a bathroom smaller than an average closet.) However, Ms.Muller was happy with her life at sea:

"I've got full-time maid service, great dining rooms, doctors, medical center (where she volunteers), a spa, beauty salon, computer center, entertainment, cultural activities and, best of all, dancing and bridge."

86-year-old Lee Wachtstatter is another uncommon cruise passenger. Over a decade ago, after the death of her husband, she also decided to sell her Florida home and relocate to a cruise ship. In an interview with USA Today, she explains that her husband Mason introduced her to cruising and taught her to love it. During their 50-year marriage, they took 89 cruises.

The day before her husband died of cancer in 1997, he told Lee, 'Don't stop cruising.’ And she certainly took this request to heart as three years were spent onboard a Holland America ship and then she’s been a resident on 1,070-passenger Crystal Serenity for seven years - longer than most of the 655 crew members, who gave her the nickname “Mama Lee”.

Wachtstatter estimated that her “stress-free, fairy-tale” lifestyle cost her about USD 164,000 (GBP 108,000) per year, which covered the cost of her single cabin, meals in premium dining venues, gratuities and various activities including needlepoint classes and ballroom dancing with cruise hosts.

While few have spent quite as long at sea, Lee Wachtstatter is not the only full-time resident of the line. Crystal Cruises told USA Today that at least three other ladies live permanently on its ships.

Several lines offer world voyages that can last three months or longer. For example, Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 offers a world cruise lasting 108 days and 3 of these back to back span for almost one year. The least expensive accommodation aboard is an inside room for USD 16,845 (based on double occupancy and early booking). This works out to USD 155 per day to sail the world, including meals, amenities, and housekeeping, not to mention being able to tell all your friends that you have retired on QE2. Unlike many other lines, Cunard offers single rooms, starting at USD 24,180 for an inside on the 108-day cruise.

However, fares are for the cruise only and don't include taxes, airfare to the point of departure, gratuities or port excursions. Cruises of nearly any length up to 3 months can be easily found by shopping around the Internet or through a cruise travel agent. Princess Cruises offers a 102-day world voyage for USD 19,990 (inside room). Other lines include Holland America , Norwegian , and Radisson, offering discounts to travelers 55 and above, which may reduce prices for cruise ship retirement, making it a more affordable option.

Can you really retire on a cruise ship?

In 2017, a UK-based company (Bolsover Cruise Club) created a cruise ship retirement package making it possible to spend one's golden years on a year-round around the world cruise . The package cost only GBP 140 per month more than land-based retirement would cost.

Based on the UK's average wage of GBP 26,500, in theory, one would have been required to save an average of GBP 711 per month (if starting work at the age of 22) to afford the cost of “normal” retirement. Bolsover’s retirement cruise travel (the whole year-round cruising) costs GBP 34,439 PP, which would require you to save GBP 850 per month – an increase of only GBP 139 per month.

What does the new package include? Besides all fare-included amenities and onboard activities, this type of travel offers for just GBP 4,439 more per year to swap the UK's never-ending rain with tropical sunshine. Based on a 12-month cruise itinerary, retirees could expect to visit New Zealand, Australia, Pacific Ocean islands, USA, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, canaries. These exotic travel destinations would be visited while aboard some of the world’s finest cruise liners with 24/7 entertainment, spas, gourmet dining.

Cons of cruise ship retirement

• Cost is only one of many elements to your choice of where to reside after retirement. Those of the golden agers who decide to make permanent homes aboard cruise ships always sacrifice proximity to their families who are no longer just a car ride away. Those devoted to children and grandchildren might find that too high a price to pay, no matter what the analysts say about relative financial costs. However, if your relatives are close to the coastline where your ship docks frequently, the arrangement could work well.
• Those who lack progeny but are involved in communities or are part of strong friendships may not wish to opt for the vagabond life, as it would mean abandoning all that gives them joy. Cruise ship retirement means one acquaintance after another and no permanent ongoing connections. Fellow travelers disembark to return to regular lives at the termination of 1- or 2-week holidays, which means that friendships struck up with them land very quickly in the "We'll keep in touch" bin. As for the staff, while serial vacationers can strike up deeply friendly relationships with some of the employees, these rapports are actually limited by their nature: no matter how close these associations appear to be, the employees are required to be respectful to paying passengers, so honesty, which is one of friendship-critical elements can never be part of the deal.
• Life onboard a cruise ship does not only mean leaving your relatives and friends, but it also means leaving your doctor. Cruise ships provide medical care, but not geriatric specialists. If you rely on specialists for ongoing health care, have in mind that you won’t receive that level of expertise aboard a cruise ship. Most seniors who consider cruise ship retirement can do so only as long as they stay healthy. Assisted living services are not available at sea. As you will not get specialized medical care, you will not get care for ADLs (Activities of Daily Life), either, and the idea of replacing your nursing home or assisted the living community with a cruise ship is not really a viable option.
• The only affordable cruise accommodations for many are the tiny inside rooms, which may be too tiny and too inside for some passengers. Living without a window for months could make some claustrophobic, even though there are plenty of open spaces on a ship.
• Activities onboard may not be tailored toward seniors. A significant percentage of cruise passengers are always seniors, but that doesn’t mean that cruise directors specialize in activities for seniors. Most of the action will be designed for adults of all ages, and if you want fun and innovative activities targeted at yourself, a senior retirement community is more likely to provide what you want.
• The logistics of permanent living on a cruise ship seem more than impractical. First of all, you cannot bring much more than a suitcase worth of possessions onboard. Forget about packing your favorite painting or sitting chair. That issue aside, it is not as if one could just move onto a boat and live happily ever after. Cruise passengers must disembark when the voyage ends, and make arrangements while the vessel is at the port. Keeping these arrangements month after month is more than burdensome.
• There is no tax deduction for living on a cruise ship. Some CCRCs permit to deduct a portion of the entry and monthly fees as medical expenses, even if you are not using the “care” portion of your retirement facility yet. But if you sell your home and move onto a cruise vessel, you won’t be able to enjoy the benefits of interest deductions from your mortgage (in case it’s not paid off) and you will not garner additional tax deductions.

Pros of cruise ship retirement

Everyday life onboard a cruise ship is similar to living in a retirement community or nice hotel, except that outdoor scenery keeps changing.

• Meals are provided. You can have room service, which means having breakfast in bed every single day of the week. And you’ll never have to wash dishes or make yourself meals like you would in ordinary retirement villages.
• Sheets and towels are changed on a daily basis, and you don't have to ask for them. Cruise ships also provide free toothpaste, soap, and shampoo.
• The staff takes care of the maintenance. Does the light bulb need changing? Is TV broken? Need to have your mattress replaced? They'll fix everything and even apologize for the inconvenience.
• They will treat you like a client, not a patient. Gratuities will only be USD 10 per day. An extra USD 5 worth of tips will have the staff scrambling to help you.
• No worries about transportation. Retirement communities provide easy transportation into town for appointments and shopping, and most also offer trips to the surrounding area. But it doesn’t get easier than having everything you need just a stroll away. And the best of all is no food shopping.
• Nearly limitless activities and entertainment - from shows to spa treatments, swimming, and dancing, cruise ships offer numerous onboard activities, plus shore excursions, tours and themed events.
• Travel the world. Do you want to see Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Tahiti, the Panama Canal, or name where you want to go? Port calls provide an opportunity to visit the land and sightsee. The Internet allows for staying in touch with family back home.
• New, diverse people are coming onboard. Living on one cruise ship lets guests feel at home and get to know the crew. Living in a senior community has lots of benefits, including being surrounded by retirees of your own age. But immersing in a community of people of all ages, from babies and toddlers to teens, adults, and seniors may keep you young at heart.
• There is always a doctor on board. And if you are in good health and do not require any specialized care, living on a cruise ship could be an exciting way to kick off retirement. However, as we already pointed out, you should be ready for the possibility of relocating to an assisted living community or CCRC in the future if the circumstances change. The funny side of this, however, is, as follows: If you fall in a nursing home and break your hip, you are on Medicare; but if you fall and break a hip on a cruise ship they'll upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life.

What to consider about cruise ship retirement?

• Are you physically up for it? Remember that cruise ships are not designed to take care of travelers with extensive health care needs. In case you need a lot of day-to-day care or regular trips to the doctor, then a cruise ship does not make sense.
• Can you really afford it, even if you end up needing nursing home care or assisted living later? Before you do any calculations to figure out how many years onboard a cruise vessel selling your home will buy, have in mind that there may come a day when you’ll have to spend the money you have left on nursing home care or assisted living. Even if the cruise ship staff love you, they won’t step into the roles that senior care professionals play when that day comes.
• Will you get health care covered by your insurance while on travel? If you are going to be in and out of various ports, can you consistently reach physicians and hospitals that are covered by your insurance plan? And in case you need care on the ship itself, will the doctor be covered by your insurance plan?
• Can you stay healthy on the cruise ship? Cruise ship food is not exactly the healthiest, although most liners have a fitness center for exercising.
• If you stay on the same cruise ship, you will be visiting the same ports of call over and over again. At a certain point, the equation's “travel” part won’t be novel anymore. A resident ship like The World will all the time take you to new places, but it costs much more. However, a traditional ship will have consistent routes taking you repeatedly to the same spots.
• Are you OK with a rotating community of acquaintances? Retiring on a cruise ship means meeting a lot of new people all the time, but not making long-term connections. Senior loneliness can cause negative consequences and loneliness does not only occur when you are spending all the time solitary. Are you confident that you can be happy without a consistent community surrounding you?
• Where will you stay during maintenance? Cruise ships do not endlessly sail throughout the year and at some point, they have to stop, unload every single passenger and devote a period of time to dry dock . What will you do then?
• Are you willing to give up most of the things you possess? Cruise ship staterooms are not known for spaciousness and are already furnished so you cannot bring your favorite recliner and there is not much room for your stuff.

Retirement on cruise ships is not an official industry - yet. However, its time is coming as more and more adventurers seek new options for retirement. Even without designated cruise ships, retirees can design their own retirement at sea. It may cost more than an average assisted living but spending days lounging on the deck, ordering stateroom service, having attentive staff at hand and being treated like a client instead of a patient, sounds hard to beat. For snowbirds who shutter their winter homes and travel to warmer climates for 6 months per year, living on a cruise ship may be an alternative to Florida. And for those who own a home and have their mortgage paid-off, it may be cost-effective to rent their home and use the income to pay for living on a ship.

Lots of seniors like the idea of cruise ship retirement and can make it work on their own. As the idea grows and more people choose to cruise instead of land-based options, retirement community developers will start to offer retirement cruise ships with purchased accommodations or affordable leased and more services for seniors. The success of resident ships like The World is already prompting such discussions and cruise ship retirement could become the next great retirement trend. In any case, with more and more cruise ship retirement options to come on the scene in the near future, you can always reconsider it later.

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10 Cheap Cruises Ranked By Their 2024 Prices

• Cruising offers an affordable and all-inclusive vacation option, with prices as low as $27.25 per person per night.
• Travelers can explore beautiful destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas on budget-friendly cruises.
• These cheap cruises provide luxury amenities, including open bars, water parks, multiple restaurants, and entertainment options.

The cruising world is one that travelers find hard to leave. With 24/7 food and restaurant opportunities, water parks, gyms, infinity pools, casinos, bars, and more, cruising is like going to a floating, all-inclusive hotel. While some cruise lines can be expensive, there are a few out there with some unbelievable deals that take their passengers on cruise ship voyages through Iceland's untamed beauty , cruises in the U.S. Virgin Islands , unique cruises in Greece , and the Caribbean's best-kept secrets, just to name a few.

The average cost per hotel room (excluding food) is predicted to be around $155 per person, per night, in 2024 . Still, in the land of cruising, travelers can enjoy an all-inclusive vacation for just $27.25 per person per night (the cheapest cruise on this list) or $95 per night (the most expensive 'cheap' cruise on this list).

For travelers looking to set sail and explore the world on a budget, these are the cheapest cruises to go on in 2024 (ranked by their 2024 prices), listed from cheap to 'super cheap'.

Related: 20 Biggest Cruise Ships In The World As Of 2023

7-Night Alaska Cruise

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $669.

This 7-night cruise departs from Seattle, Washington, and takes its passengers to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Ketchikan (Ward Cove), and Victoria, British Columbia. This is the cheapest cruise on offer for exploring the Alaskan waters.

The Norwegian Encore cruise line is one of the only ships that offer an open bar as part of the total price. It boasts an impressive 16 passenger decks, making it a cheap yet luxurious Alaskan vacation alternative.

• Cruise Ship: Norwegian Encore
• Book it here: 7 Night Alaska: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau on Norwegian Encore

10-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Total cost per person for 10 nights: $509.

This 10-night cruise is the ultimate Caribbean getaway; offering the cheapest way to experience the length of the Eastern Caribbean, including stops in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (the Cruiseline Private Island), Grand Turk Island in Turks & Caicos, and Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic.

This cruise comes in at just $51 per night, making it one of the cheapest Caribbean cruises (and vacations) to go on. The Carnival Venezia also offers more restaurants (8), outside rooms (1249), and passenger decks (15) than other cruise ships for the same price, making it one of the most cost-effective options.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Venezia
• Book it here: 10 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Related: Three Super Cheap Cruises Worth Booking In 2024

7-Night Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $479.

This 7-night Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel cruise around the Caribbean is the cheapest cruise line with an all-inclusive mini-water park in 2024.

The ship houses 2 pools and 5 whirlpools, a Kids Aqua Park, which includes a kid-size pool and slide, splash area, fountains and sprays, and 3 multi-story water slides, including the thrilling Epic Plunge.

• Cruise Ship: Norwegian Epic Cruise Line
• Book it here: 7 Night Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel

7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $469.

This 7-night Mexican Riviera Cruise that takes passengers to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico is the cheapest cruise departing from California.

The average price to visit and tour Mexico is $997 per person for 7 days , making this cruise an excellent all-inclusive alternative, costing half of the average price, with luxury amenities.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Panorama
• Book it here: 7 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise

The cheapest cabin for this cruise is the interior cabin - bear this in mind when booking.

6-Night Pacific Coastal Cruise

Total cost per person for 6 nights: $451.

This 6-night Pacific Coastal Cruise is another one of the cheapest 2024 cruises; it takes its passengers on a cost-effective journey one-way to discover the West Coast of Canada and the United States from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Los Angeles, California. The cruise explores sights in Vancouver before moving on to Victoria, British Columbia, San Francisco, California, Catalina Island, California, and ending in Los Angeles, California.

On the route, this affordable cruise ensures that entertainment, food, exercise, and more are all covered with its state-of-the-art facilities that aim to cost less than what passengers usually spend at home.

• Cruise Ship: Brilliance of the Seas
• Book it here: 6 Night Pacific Coastal Cruise

Related: 10 Luxury Cruise Lines, Ranked By Passenger Review

11-Night Caribbean & Bahamas Cruise

Total price per person for 11 nights: $369.

Easily rivaling even the best Caribbean island hopping cruises , this cheap, extensive cruise takes its passengers to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Cozumel, Mexico, Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas (a Cruise Line Private Island) and Miami, Florida for just $34 per person per night.

Dining, entertainment, bars, and sports zones are all included in the price, making it one of the amazing yet cheap family cruises for 2024.

• Cruise Ship: MSC Meraviglia
• Book it here: 11 Night Caribbean & Bahamas Cruise

5-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Total for 5 days per person: $349.

This cheap almost-week-long Eastern Caribbean voyage takes passengers from Port Canaveral in Orlando to Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands before heading to Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and ending back in Port Canaveral.

The cruise includes amazing stage shows, live musical performances, stand-up comedy, clubs, bars, and lounges featuring DJs spinning, karaoke, piano sing-alongs, and more. On board, guests can also enjoy parties, game shows, and trivia contests.

There are also great options for all six meals — breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and late-night snacks at the full-service Main Dining Room or the casual Lido Restaurant. These amenities make it one of the cheapest entertainment-filled cruises for 2024.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Freedom
• Book it here: 5 Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise

4-Day Baja Mexico Cruise From Los Angeles

Total cost for four days per person: $229.

The Carnival Radiance takes its passengers on the cheapest trip to Mexico from Los Angeles they'll ever find. Stops along the way include Catalina Island, Ensenada, and Long Beach in Los Angeles.

From endless taco trains to never-ending burrito buffets and all-one-can-drink tequila, this all-inclusive Mexican fiesta is the cheapest way to spend a vacation in Mexico.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Radiance
• Book it here: 4- Day Baja Mexico Cruise From Los Angeles

2-Night Margaritaville At Sea Paradise Cruise

Total cost for 2 nights per person: $148.50.

This 2-night cruise through the Florida seas departs from Palm Beach, Florida, and takes its passengers on an all-inclusive, relaxing getaway. This cruise doesn't have any island extras that passengers need to budget for, making it one of the cheapest cruises to book in 2024.

Passengers won't need to worry about paying for anything more once they're on board.

• Cruise Ship: Margaritaville at Sea Paradise
• Book it here: 2-Night Florida Cruise 2024

4-Night MSC Bahamas Cruise

Total cost for 4 nights per person: $109.

Not only is this one of the most affordable Bahamas cruises , but it also comes in as the cheapest cruise for 2024. This ultimate budget-friendly cruise is the 4-night MSC Seashore Bahamas Cruise, which takes its passengers on a journey to the luscious Bahamas. The ship departs from Miami and stops over at Nassau and Freeport before heading back to Miami.

The only thing not included in this all-inclusive vacation is a Wi-Fi and on-board credit package. The MSC Seashore is one of the biggest MSC cruise ships, with multiple amenities while also being the cheapest to offer such amenities.

• Cruise Ship: MSC Seashore
• Book it here: 4-Night Bahamas Cruise 2024

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

When it comes to booking a cruise, everyone wants to get a good deal. And the truth is that you can get the same exact cruise for hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of dollars less just by sailing during the right part of the season.

So when is the best time to book a cruise? Below, we’ll explain exactly the best time to buy your vacation.

Before we get too far, however, you should know that the biggest factor in how much you’ll pay depends on one thing: timing. And when it comes to timing your purchase, there are two things to consider: when you actually buy the cruise and when the cruise departs .

Below, we go into detail on both fronts with some actual data to show you exactly when to time your purchase and when to set sail to save the most money.

Best Time to Buy  Your Cruise: As Far in Advance as Possible

When should you buy your cruise? While the lure of last-minute cruise deals tempt people, data actually suggests that it’s a much better idea to book as far in advance as possible.

This isn’t because you’ll get amazing deals by buying earlier. But there is a different benefit to booking early. Truth is that cruise prices will vary, but tend to hover around the same price point, whether the trip departs next month or next year. 

But what about last-minute deals?

It seems like basic logic that if a cruise were about to set sail with empty rooms, the company would slash prices to get people on the ship. After all, once a room leaves empty, it earns no money for the cruise line.

However, if every cruise line slashed prices last-minute, people would catch on and wait to book their trip. There would be no reason to book early.

This would be disastrous for the cruise lines, who want you to book as soon as possible. In fact, some lines refuse to drop prices any lower once the cruise gets within a few weeks of departure .

Where you can get burned waiting until last-minute is with cabin selection . If you wait until a couple of weeks before the cruise sails, then you’re going to be left with cabins that other passengers didn’t want. This usually means there are no or limited balcony rooms, and the locations of available rooms are often less desirable.

In other words, by waiting you can actually see fewer options for cabins and locations on the ship .

If that weren’t enough to convince you to buy as early as possible, you should also consider how waiting until closer to the cruise sail date doesn’t always save money. And even if you book farther out and the price drops, you can often be compensated for the lower price.

Prices Behind Buying a Cruise Earlier Instead of Later

The price difference between a cruise bought close to the sail date or farther out is not always clear. Sometimes it’s cheaper to book sooner. Other times it’s cheaper to book later. It really depends on the demand for that cruise. In that case, we think it makes sense to go ahead and book your cruise early if you can and lock in a better cabin location.

The table below shows the headline fare for one cruise as an example. This cruise is aboard Harmony of the Seas on a 7-day cruise departing Galveston . Since the cruise is scheduled regularly for more than a year into the future, we can compare the price of the cruise now with the price of the same cruise at the same time next year.

As you can see, the prices for this trip are similar from one year to the next, though there is some variation across weeks. 

The prices below are shown per person for an interior cabin, before taxes and fees. 

Bottom line: Yes, there are some slight price differences and it’s not set in stone that buying sooner or later will save you money one way or the other. But if you’re going to end up paying around the same price whether you book the cruise a month before it leaves or a year before it leaves, it makes more sense to book as early as possible. That way, you have the most options available for cabin types and location.

Another Reason to Book Early: Price Protection If Prices Fall

Yes, prices for trips can vary but are usually similar whether you book early or not. There is another reason to book early, however. When you book early, you can often get price protection included in your fare.

How does this work? Like airfare, cruise fares can move up and down over time (though not near as drastically). If you book a cruise and see the price drop later, you should call the cruise line and request a refund of the difference.

Many last-minute cruise fares (those sold within 30-45 days from the sail date) have their prices locked. What you pay is what you get. If the price drops after you book, then it can be more difficult to get the difference in cruise fare refunded.

If you book well in advance (usually 90+ days), you can usually get some sort of price guarantee included with your fare. Book a fare, and if you see it drop later, you can call the cruise line and get the price difference either refunded or get the difference back as onboard credit.

There are rules and stipulations for each cruise line as to whether your fare is eligible to get refunded should the price goes down. You’ll want to make sure you read all the fine print of your fare before you buy. For instance, you can learn more about Carnival’s different fares here .

You can also learn more about getting your money back after a price drop here .

Is There a Best Month/Season to Book a Cruise (Such as Wave Season)?

We mentioned earlier that we suggest booking as early as possible. This gives you the most options as far as lowest prices, most cabins available, and price protection.

What about the actual date that you book your cruise? Is there a month or time of year (e.g. “Wave Season”) when the cruise lines offer the best sales if you book?

In our experience, there isn’t much difference in the time of year that you book.  For example, the same cruise isn’t automatically cheaper if you buy in January versus if you buy in July.

This makes sense. Say there was a month or two out of the year when cruises were drastically cheaper for you to book, no matter when you sailed. If that were the case, passengers would catch on and wait until then to book.

That would lead to fewer people booking throughout the year; instead they would wait until that one time a year when cruises were cheaper. Obviously the cruise lines wouldn’t want this. That’s why there’s not a best time of year to actually buy your cruise. You can find deals throughout the entire year. 

Instead, what will have the biggest impact on what you pay for a cruise is when you sail , not when you book.

Best Time to Sail for Cheap: Go When School Is in Session

Knowing the best time to purchase your cruise is just one part of the puzzle. The other piece of that puzzle? When you actually set sail. When you sail has a much bigger impact on what you pay than when you buy.

The simple rule of thumb is that prices are lowest when school is session .

When school is back in session, it’s much more difficult for many people to set sail. That means cruise lines offer cheaper cruises in an effort to get more people on the ship during these times. So you’ll find the cheapest time to book a cruise is in the fall and winter.

Specifically, the following times of year see cheap fares:

• January and February
• April and May
• September through November
• Between Thanksgiving and Christmas

Meanwhile, you’ll see the highest fares during summer, Spring Break, and the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays.

How much can you save based on when you sail? Take a look at the chart below. We’ve charted the per-person cabin prices for both a balcony and interior room. Specifically, these prices were for a 3-day cruise aboard Carnival from Miami that sailed regularly throughout the year.

During the course of a year, the price of the cruise varied from a low of $299 for a balcony cabin (during October and November) and a high of $539 (Christmas/New Year’s) even though this is the same trip on the same ship.

In other words, if you can sail at the least expensive time, your cruise can be a sharp discount off the peak price.

Again, the best time to take a cruise if you want the cheapest price is when school is in session. If you have to sail during the summer or holidays, expect to pay a premium.

What About Sailing During the Winter or Hurricane Season?

We’ve shown you the best time to sail if you want to save money. But what if you’re wondering about the best time to sail due to weather?

For example, is it fine to sail in the middle of winter or during hurricane season?

The good news is that there is no wrong time of year to sail for most cruises, such as those heading to the Caribbean or Bahamas. 

Let’s take winter . While it might be cold in North America, the weather stays fairly consistent in the Caribbean. For instance, the average high temperature for Cozumel is about 84 degrees in January and 91 degrees during the peak of August. So temperatures are cooler during the winter, but not by much. 

Where there is a difference during winter months is with your departure port. If you are sailing from a port in the United States (outside of South Florida), then the winter months can be cold. That means the first day of your cruise during the winter can be chilly as the ship heads south.

One more thing to keep in mind is the summer months in the tropics can often mean regular afternoon thunderstorms. (For example, Nassau in The Bahamas see about nine inches of rain in August.) Late winter and early spring months are drier. Even so, it can rain any time of year in the Caribbean.

Hurricanes are always of interest to the Caribbean, and hurricane season runs from June through November. For cruise passengers, the risk of being caught in a hurricane on a ship is low. Cruise ships actively avoid storms and steer for better weather.

Even so, hurricanes can impact your cruise. They may mean adjustments to the itinerary as storms hit near ports or delay ship arrivals. That can cause headaches.

In past experience, however, it seems fruitless to worry about storms if sailing during hurricane season. Their formations are simply unpredictable more than a week in advance. Outside of avoiding sailing between July-September (the peak of the season), there simply isn’t much you can do. (See our article: Is It Crazy to Book a Cruise During Hurricane Season? )

What About Waiting For Sales to Book/Sail?

Now that you know the best time to book a cruise, there is one final thing to mention — cruise line sales. You might wondering if they have an impact on the best time to take a trip.

Frankly, cruise lines are similar to clothing stores in that they are always running sales. Sometimes it might be an incentive to book and receive onboard credit, or a sale where additional passengers sail for a discount, or a percentage off the total cruise.

Truth is, there rarely seems to be a difference in what you end up paying for a cruise based on sales. Deals run so often that cruises seem to be in a constant sale. If you are short on cash right now, cruise lines do run deals with lower deposits to book cabins from time to time. However, the overall price that you’ll pay tends to end up the same.

In other words, if you’re looking for the best time to book, then focus on buying earlier and sailing when school is in session. Those factors play a much bigger role than constant sales offered up by cruise lines.

For more tips on finding cruise deals, be sure to read our 10 Rules for Getting the Best Deal on a Cruise .

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Huawei pura 70 ultra: global version just available with features that outdo samsung galaxy.

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Last month, Huawei launched its latest smartphones, the Pura 70 series. But they were only available in China, which was a shame because they included amazing new features that deserved to be more widely accessible. Now, they are—though one of the range is missing. Here are full details of the global debut.

Huawei Pura 70 Ultra in four colors.

There are four models in the series, Pura 70, Pura 70 Pro, Pura 70 Pro+ and Pura 70 Ultra. Of the four, the Pro+ is not available internationally, at least not yet.

May 7 update below. This post was first published on May 4, 2024.

As reported by Huawei Central , the remaining three models are now available for pre-order in some countries, with the pre-order period running until May 24. The report points to Malaysia as an example of where you can order the global edition.

The global edition pre-orders include gifts such as earbuds or services, the report says. Additionally, instead of using Huawei’s bespoke Harmony OS software, it favors standard Android, but with Huawei specialties such as Petal Maps and other apps. Like the Chinese version, the global version uses Huawei’s EMUI overlay, so the software looks similar on both phones.

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Of the three models, the Ultra is the standout. It has plenty of innovations, most notable of which is the 50-megapixel camera measuring a full one-inch in size, something almost unheard of in cameraphones and is something that beats the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. To make this work, there is a unique motorized mechanism which extends and retracts as needed. There are two other cameras, a 40-megapixel ultra-wide and a 50-megapixel telephoto.

It's also designed to shoot fast, to capture the subject even if it’s moving as fast as 186 miles per hour (300kph). There’s provision for great close-up shots, with a shooting range as close as 2 inches (5cm).

Beyond the camera, other great features include charging: the phone charges fast, thanks to 100W wired charging or 80W wireless. The company also includes satellite connectivity which allows images to be sent as well as text—something the iPhone can’t match.

The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra has a 6.8-inch display with 2,844 x 1,260 pixels, meaning there’s a decent 460 pixels-per-inch resolution.

This is a powerfully impressive handset, so its availability beyond China is hugely to be welcomed.

May 7 update. The global range of Pura 70 is on its way, but it looks like it’s not going to be cheap. According to Android Authority , the phones are available to pre-order in countries like the EU and will go on general sale on Wednesday, May 22.

It also touches on the pricing, saying that the top-of-the-range Pura 70 Ultra will cost 1,499€, which is $1,615. That’s for the configuration with 16GB of RAM and 512GB storage. The report also points out that the U.K. is not included in the first wave of markets, which is disappointing. I’d say that there’s a good chance it will come. Huawei told Android Authority, “Huawei continually evaluates the regional availability of its flagship products and we will share more information about Pura 70 Ultra availability in the UK in the coming months.”

And it’s worth mentioning that the last flagship, the P60 Pro sold out in the U.K., which further suggests a U.K. launch is likely. The company’s comment may hint, however, that the Pura 70 and Pura 70 Pro may not be heading for Britain.

As always, it’s worth remembering that the global edition will come with Android but not Google Mobile Services such as Gmail, the Play Store or Google Maps. The EMUI interface includes some intriguing extras, it seems.

Android Authority reports on some, including, “Interactive themes on the lock screen, allowing you to apparently control the theme with your eyes. We’ve also got gesture controls (e.g. swipe to control volume, grab to take a screenshot) and a Privacy View feature to hide notifications when other people look at your device.”

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