Cheapest Cruise Lines for Families

Planning a family vacation can be a significant financial undertaking, and finding affordable options is often a top priority. Cruises, with their all-inclusive nature and diverse range of activities, can be a particularly attractive choice for families. However, the perceived high cost can deter many from exploring this fantastic vacation option. The good news is that there are several cruise lines that cater specifically to families on a budget, offering exceptional value without compromising on the quality of the experience. This comprehensive guide will explore the cheapest cruise lines for families, providing insights into their offerings, pricing, and tips for maximizing your savings. We aim to empower you with the knowledge to plan an unforgettable family cruise without breaking the bank.

Understanding the Cost Factors of Family Cruises

Before diving into specific cruise lines, it’s crucial to understand the various factors that influence the overall cost of a family cruise. By recognizing these elements, you can make informed decisions and strategically minimize expenses.

Cruise Fare

The cruise fare is the base price of your cruise, covering accommodation, meals in the main dining rooms and buffets, and access to many onboard activities and entertainment. However, it’s important to note that the cruise fare typically doesn’t include expenses such as alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, gratuities, and Wi-Fi. Keep an eye out for promotions and discounts that can significantly reduce the base fare.

Cabin Type

The type of cabin you choose significantly impacts the overall cost. Interior cabins, which lack windows, are generally the most affordable option. Oceanview cabins offer a window with a view of the sea, while balcony cabins provide a private outdoor space. Suites are the most luxurious and spacious option, but they also come with the highest price tag. For families, consider the trade-offs between space and cost when selecting a cabin. Connecting cabins can be a good option, providing more space and privacy at a lower cost than a suite.

Cruise Length

The duration of your cruise directly affects the total cost. Shorter cruises, typically ranging from three to five nights, are generally more budget-friendly than longer voyages. They offer a quick getaway without the commitment of a full week or more. Longer cruises, while offering more time to relax and explore, will naturally incur higher expenses.

Time of Year

The time of year you choose to cruise can significantly impact the price. Peak season, such as summer vacation, school holidays, and Christmas, tends to be the most expensive due to high demand. Shoulder seasons, such as spring and fall, often offer lower prices and milder weather. Cruising during the off-season, such as early December or January (excluding holidays), can yield the most significant savings.

Destination

The destination of your cruise also plays a role in the cost. Caribbean cruises are generally more affordable than cruises to destinations like Alaska or Europe. The popularity and demand for a particular itinerary will influence the pricing.

Onboard Expenses

Onboard expenses can quickly add up if you’re not careful. Alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi can all contribute to a higher bill. Set a budget for these expenses before your cruise and stick to it. Consider purchasing drink packages or dining packages to save money on these items. Look for free activities and entertainment onboard to minimize the need for paid options.

Transportation Costs

Don’t forget to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the cruise port. Flights, trains, and rental cars can all add to your overall expenses. Consider driving to the port if it’s within a reasonable distance. Look for deals on flights and book them in advance to secure the best prices. Research parking options at the port and compare prices to find the most affordable option.

Top 5 Cheapest Cruise Lines for Families

Now that you understand the factors that influence cruise costs, let’s explore the top 5 cheapest cruise lines for families, highlighting their key features and offerings.

1. Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is renowned for its fun-filled atmosphere, diverse activities, and affordable pricing. They are a popular choice for families seeking a budget-friendly vacation without compromising on entertainment and amenities.

Key Features:

• Family-Friendly Activities: Carnival offers a wide range of activities for all ages, including water parks, swimming pools, mini-golf, arcades, and kids’ clubs.
• Entertainment: Live music, comedy shows, and Broadway-style productions are just a few of the entertainment options available.
• Casual Atmosphere: Carnival embraces a relaxed and casual atmosphere, making it ideal for families with young children.
• Affordable Pricing: Carnival consistently offers some of the lowest cruise fares in the industry, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families.
• Short Cruises: Carnival offers numerous short cruises, typically ranging from three to five nights, which are a great way to experience cruising without a significant financial commitment.

Pricing:

Carnival’s pricing varies depending on the itinerary, time of year, and cabin type. However, you can typically find 3-night cruises for as low as $200 per person and 7-night cruises starting around $500 per person. Keep an eye out for special promotions and discounts that can further reduce the cost.

Tips for Saving Money on Carnival:

• Book in Advance: Booking early can often secure you the best prices.
• Travel During Off-Peak Season: Cruising during the shoulder seasons or off-season can save you a significant amount of money.
• Consider an Interior Cabin: Interior cabins are the most affordable option and still provide comfortable accommodations.
• Take Advantage of Free Activities: Carnival offers a plethora of free activities, so take advantage of them to minimize onboard expenses.
• Purchase a Drink Package: If you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages, a drink package can save you money compared to purchasing drinks individually.

2. Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International is known for its innovative ships, thrilling activities, and diverse itineraries. While not always the absolute cheapest, they offer excellent value for families, particularly on their older ships and during off-peak seasons.

Key Features:

• Innovative Ships: Royal Caribbean’s ships are packed with unique features, such as rock climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and surf simulators.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of activities for families, including kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and arcades.
• Diverse Itineraries: Royal Caribbean offers cruises to a variety of destinations, including the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe.
• Variety of Dining Options: From casual buffets to elegant specialty restaurants, Royal Caribbean offers a diverse range of dining options to suit all tastes.

Pricing:

Royal Caribbean’s pricing varies depending on the ship, itinerary, time of year, and cabin type. However, you can often find deals on their older ships and during the off-peak season. 3-night cruises can start around $300 per person, and 7-night cruises can start around $600 per person.

Tips for Saving Money on Royal Caribbean:

• Consider an Older Ship: Older ships often offer lower prices than newer, more innovative ships.
• Travel During Off-Peak Season: Cruising during the shoulder seasons or off-season can save you a significant amount of money.
• Book in Advance: Booking early can often secure you the best prices.
• Look for Deals on Shore Excursions: Research and compare prices on shore excursions before your cruise.
• Take Advantage of Free Activities: Royal Caribbean offers a plethora of free activities, so take advantage of them to minimize onboard expenses.

3. MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is a European-based cruise line that offers a blend of international flair, affordable pricing, and family-friendly amenities. They are a particularly good option for families seeking a unique cultural experience at a reasonable price.

Key Features:

• International Flair: MSC Cruises offers a distinctive European ambiance, with international cuisine, entertainment, and onboard staff.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: MSC Cruises offers a variety of family-friendly amenities, including kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and water parks.
• Affordable Pricing: MSC Cruises often offers competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families.
• Diverse Itineraries: MSC Cruises offers cruises to a variety of destinations, including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern Europe.

Pricing:

MSC Cruises’ pricing varies depending on the itinerary, time of year, and cabin type. However, you can often find deals on their cruises, particularly during the off-peak season. 3-night cruises can start around $250 per person, and 7-night cruises can start around $450 per person.

Tips for Saving Money on MSC Cruises:

• Travel During Off-Peak Season: Cruising during the shoulder seasons or off-season can save you a significant amount of money.
• Book in Advance: Booking early can often secure you the best prices.
• Consider an Interior Cabin: Interior cabins are the most affordable option and still provide comfortable accommodations.
• Look for Deals on Drink Packages: If you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages, a drink package can save you money compared to purchasing drinks individually.
• Take Advantage of Free Activities: MSC Cruises offers a plethora of free activities, so take advantage of them to minimize onboard expenses.

4. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is known for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, which offers flexibility and freedom in dining and dress code. While not always the cheapest upfront, their frequent promotions, such as “Free at Sea,” can make them a very competitive option for families.

Key Features:

• Freestyle Cruising: NCL’s “Freestyle Cruising” concept allows passengers to dine when and where they want, with no set dining times or dress codes.
• Family-Friendly Activities: NCL offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and water parks.
• Diverse Itineraries: NCL offers cruises to a variety of destinations, including the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe.
• “Free at Sea” Promotion: NCL’s “Free at Sea” promotion often includes free drink packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursion credits, and specialty dining, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of your cruise.

Pricing:

NCL’s pricing varies depending on the itinerary, time of year, and cabin type. However, their “Free at Sea” promotion can make them a very competitive option. Base fares for 3-night cruises can start around $350 per person, and 7-night cruises can start around $650 per person, but the added value of the “Free at Sea” perks should be considered.

Tips for Saving Money on Norwegian Cruise Line:

• Take Advantage of the “Free at Sea” Promotion: The “Free at Sea” promotion can save you a significant amount of money on onboard expenses.
• Travel During Off-Peak Season: Cruising during the shoulder seasons or off-season can save you money.
• Book in Advance: Booking early can often secure you the best prices.
• Consider an Interior Cabin: Interior cabins are the most affordable option and still provide comfortable accommodations.
• Look for Deals on Shore Excursions: Research and compare prices on shore excursions before your cruise.

5. Princess Cruises

While Princess Cruises is often perceived as a more premium cruise line, they can be surprisingly affordable for families, especially on select itineraries and during promotional periods. They offer a more refined cruising experience with a focus on enrichment and relaxation.

Key Features:

• Refined Cruising Experience: Princess Cruises offers a more refined cruising experience, with elegant dining rooms, sophisticated entertainment, and enrichment programs.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Princess Cruises offers a variety of family-friendly amenities, including kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and movie nights.
• Diverse Itineraries: Princess Cruises offers cruises to a variety of destinations, including Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean.
• Good Food: Princess Cruises are renowned for their excellent food quality.

Pricing:

Princess Cruises’ pricing varies depending on the itinerary, time of year, and cabin type. However, you can often find deals on select itineraries and during promotional periods. 7-night cruises can start around $700 per person.

Tips for Saving Money on Princess Cruises:

• Look for Deals on Select Itineraries: Certain itineraries may offer lower prices than others.
• Travel During Off-Peak Season: Cruising during the shoulder seasons or off-season can save you money.
• Book in Advance: Booking early can often secure you the best prices.
• Consider an Interior Cabin or Oceanview Cabin: These are the more affordable options than balcony cabins or suites.
• Take Advantage of Free Activities: Princess Cruises offers a plethora of free activities, so take advantage of them to minimize onboard expenses.

Tips for Finding the Cheapest Family Cruises

Beyond choosing the right cruise line, there are several strategies you can employ to find the absolute cheapest family cruises. These tips will help you maximize your savings and ensure you get the best possible deal.

Book in Advance or Last Minute

While it may seem counterintuitive, both booking well in advance and booking last minute can yield significant savings. Booking in advance allows you to secure the best cabin selection and take advantage of early booking discounts. Cruise lines often offer lower prices to fill cabins that are still available closer to the departure date. However, last-minute deals are riskier, as cabin availability may be limited, and you may not have as much flexibility in terms of itinerary and dates.

Travel During the Off-Season or Shoulder Season

As mentioned earlier, the time of year you choose to cruise significantly impacts the price. Avoid peak season, such as summer vacation, school holidays, and Christmas, as these are the most expensive times to travel. Opt for the off-season or shoulder season, such as spring and fall, when prices are lower and crowds are smaller. The weather may be slightly less predictable during these times, but the savings can be substantial.

Be Flexible with Your Dates and Itinerary

Flexibility is key to finding the cheapest family cruises. If you’re not tied to specific dates or itineraries, you’ll have more options to choose from and be able to take advantage of deals that may not be available otherwise. Consider cruising on weekdays rather than weekends, as weekday departures are often cheaper. Be open to different destinations and itineraries, as some may offer better value than others.

Consider a Repositioning Cruise

Repositioning cruises occur when a cruise ship moves from one region to another, such as from the Caribbean to Europe. These cruises are typically longer and offer unique itineraries, often at significantly lower prices than regular cruises. However, they may involve more sea days and fewer port calls, so be sure to consider your family’s preferences before booking a repositioning cruise.

Look for Group Discounts and Promotions

Cruise lines often offer group discounts and promotions for families traveling together or for booking multiple cabins. Check with your travel agent or directly with the cruise line to see if you qualify for any group discounts. Also, be sure to sign up for email alerts from cruise lines to stay informed about special promotions and deals.

Use a Travel Agent

A knowledgeable travel agent can be an invaluable resource when planning a family cruise. They have access to deals and promotions that may not be available to the general public. They can also provide expert advice on choosing the right cruise line, itinerary, and cabin type for your family’s needs and budget. Travel agents are often paid by the cruise lines, so their services are typically free to you.

Compare Prices on Multiple Websites

Don’t rely on just one website when searching for the cheapest family cruises. Compare prices on multiple websites, including the cruise line’s official website, online travel agencies, and comparison websites. This will help you ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal.

Consider Driving to the Port

If the cruise port is within a reasonable driving distance, consider driving instead of flying. This can save you a significant amount of money on airfare, especially for larger families. However, be sure to factor in the cost of gas, tolls, and parking at the port.

Pack Smart to Avoid Extra Fees

Avoid overweight baggage fees by packing smart and only bringing what you need. Check the cruise line’s baggage policies before you travel to avoid any surprises at the airport or cruise terminal. Consider using packing cubes to compress your clothes and maximize space in your luggage.

Saving Money Onboard: Tips and Tricks

Once you’re onboard, there are still plenty of ways to save money and keep your expenses in check. These tips will help you enjoy your cruise without overspending.

Take Advantage of Free Activities and Entertainment

Cruise ships offer a wide range of free activities and entertainment, including swimming pools, water parks, live music, comedy shows, and Broadway-style productions. Take advantage of these free options to minimize the need for paid activities and entertainment.

Avoid Specialty Dining (or Limit It)

Specialty dining restaurants can be a tempting option, but they often come with a surcharge. Stick to the main dining rooms and buffets, which are included in your cruise fare. If you do want to try a specialty restaurant, consider booking a dining package to save money.

Limit Alcohol Consumption (or Purchase a Drink Package)

Alcoholic beverages can be expensive on cruise ships. Limit your alcohol consumption or consider purchasing a drink package to save money. Drink packages typically offer unlimited alcoholic beverages for a fixed daily price. However, be sure to do the math to determine if a drink package is actually worth it for your family’s consumption habits.

Use the Ship’s Laundry Facilities

Avoid sending your laundry out to be cleaned, as this can be expensive. Use the ship’s laundry facilities, which are typically self-service and offer affordable prices. Pack travel-sized detergent and fabric softener to save even more money.

Stay Connected with Wi-Fi Packages (or Disconnect Entirely)

Wi-Fi on cruise ships can be expensive. Limit your use of Wi-Fi or consider purchasing a Wi-Fi package. Alternatively, disconnect entirely and enjoy a digital detox during your cruise. This can be a great way to relax and reconnect with your family.

Avoid Souvenir Shops (or Set a Budget)

Souvenir shops can be tempting, but the prices are often inflated. Avoid souvenir shops or set a budget for souvenirs before your cruise. Consider purchasing souvenirs at port, where the prices may be lower.

Skip the Shore Excursions (or Do Your Own Research)

Shore excursions can be expensive, especially for families. Consider skipping the organized shore excursions and exploring the port on your own. Do your research in advance to find free or low-cost activities and attractions. Alternatively, look for independent tour operators who may offer lower prices than the cruise line.

Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks

Bringing your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks can save you money on onboard purchases. Pack items like granola bars, crackers, and juice boxes to keep your family satisfied between meals. However, be sure to check the cruise line’s policies regarding bringing outside food and beverages onboard.

Making the Most of Your Family Cruise

Beyond saving money, it’s important to make the most of your family cruise and create lasting memories. Here are some tips for enhancing your cruise experience.

Plan Activities in Advance

Take the time to plan activities in advance to ensure that everyone in your family has something to look forward to. Review the cruise ship’s daily schedule and sign up for activities that interest you. Consider booking shore excursions in advance to secure your spot and potentially save money.

Pack for All Types of Weather

Be prepared for all types of weather, even if you’re cruising to a tropical destination. Pack layers of clothing, including swimwear, shorts, t-shirts, long pants, and a light jacket. Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.

Stay Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated on a cruise, especially in warm climates. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Consider bringing your own reusable water bottle to refill at water fountains.

Be Respectful of Others

Remember that you’re sharing the ship with thousands of other passengers. Be respectful of others and follow the cruise line’s rules and regulations. Keep noise levels down in your cabin and avoid blocking hallways or public areas.

Take Advantage of Photo Opportunities

Cruise ships offer numerous photo opportunities, so be sure to capture those special moments. Take photos with characters, at the pool, and during shore excursions. You can also purchase professional photos from the ship’s photographer.

Disconnect and Reconnect

Take advantage of the opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with your family. Put away your phones and focus on spending quality time together. Play games, tell stories, and enjoy each other’s company.

Be Open to New Experiences

A cruise is a great opportunity to try new things. Be open to new experiences and encourage your family to step outside of their comfort zones. Try new foods, participate in new activities, and explore new destinations.

Relax and Enjoy Yourself

Most importantly, relax and enjoy yourself! A family cruise is a time to unwind, have fun, and create lasting memories. Don’t stress about the small things and focus on making the most of your vacation.

Conclusion

Planning a family cruise on a budget is entirely achievable with careful planning and strategic decision-making. By understanding the cost factors, choosing the right cruise line, and implementing the tips outlined in this guide, you can create an unforgettable vacation experience without breaking the bank. Remember to be flexible with your dates and itinerary, look for deals and promotions, and save money onboard by taking advantage of free activities and minimizing unnecessary expenses. With a little effort and research, you can embark on a fantastic family cruise that will create lasting memories for years to come. So, start planning your dream family cruise today and discover the world without emptying your wallet!