Taking a cruise is one of the most popular vacations for travelers looking to relax and enjoy beautiful destinations. But cruises range widely in price, so it’s important to understand the factors that impact the cost of a cruise.
What is the average price for a 7 night cruise?
The average price for a 7 night cruise is typically between $500-$1000 per person for a standard inside cabin. This can fluctuate based on when you book, the cruise line, ship, destination, and room type. Here’s a breakdown of average 7 night cruise prices:
- Mainstream cruise lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, etc): $150-$300 per person per night ($1,050-$2,100 total)
- Premium cruise lines (Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, etc): $200-$400 per person per night ($1,400-$2,800 total)
- Luxury cruise lines (Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Crystal, etc): $400-$700+ per person per night ($2,800-$4,900+ total)
So while an average interior room may start around $500-$600 per person for a cheap Caribbean cruise, a luxury European cruise may cost upwards of $5,000+ per person for a spacious suite.
What factors affect the price of a cruise?
There are several key factors that influence the overall price of a cruise:
Cruise Line
The cruise line you choose is one of the biggest factors affecting price. As noted above, luxury lines like Regent and Crystal charge significantly higher base fares than budget lines like Carnival.
Destination
Where your cruise is going also impacts costs. Short cruises to the Bahamas or Mexico tend to be cheaper than voyages to Alaska, Europe or Australia. Port fees and taxes also vary by destination.
Room Category
Inside cabins are the most affordable option. As you upgrade to an oceanview, balcony, suite or exclusive ship area, the price goes up exponentially. Large suites can cost 5-10X more than an inside.
Ship
Newer, larger ships with more amenities and activities typically have higher base rates. The ship’s homeport and deployment also affects costs.
Departure Port
Cruises from regional homeports like Galveston, New Orleans, Seattle tend to be cheaper than voyages leaving from major ports like Miami, NYC, LA. Flights and hotels add to the total trip cost.
Season and Timing
Peak season cruises (summer, holidays, spring break) are typically the most expensive. Shoulder season and off-peak sailings often have lower rates.
Length of Cruise
In general, the longer the sailing, the higher the price per day. Week-long cruises offer the best value overall in price per night.
Here is a table summarizing the average price per person per night on cruises of different lengths:
| Cruise Length | Average Price Per Person Per Night |
|---|---|
| 2-5 nights | $150-$200 |
| 6-8 nights | $125-$175 |
| 9-13 nights | $100-$150 |
| 14+ nights | $75-$125 |
Extras and Upgrades
Added items like shore excursions, beverage packages, specialty dining, wifi, and gratuities will increase your cruise cost. Booking airfare through the cruise line also adds a significant amount.
How to save money on a 7 night cruise
Fortunately, there are many ways to lower the price of a 7 night cruise vacation:
Book early
Booking 6-12 months in advance will get you the best overall value and selection of cabins. Last minute deals can provide big savings too.
Be flexible
Traveling during off-peak times like September and January can mean lower fares. Adjust your vacation dates around school breaks and holidays.
Choose a budget line
Opt for a mass market line like Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian for lower base fares compared to premium or luxury brands.
Get an inside or oceanview cabin
Skip the balcony or suite and choose the most affordable room type to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Find a repositioning sailing
When ships relocate between regions, repositioning cruises offer extra long itineraries at great rates.
Sail from a regional port
Depart from a port like San Juan, New Orleans, Tampa, Vancouver – you’ll avoid the added cost of flights and pre-cruise hotels.
Use cruise line promotions
Watch for seasonal sales, reduced deposits, included perks, two-for-one fares, or onboard credits offered by the cruise lines.
Book as a group
Traveling with multiple staterooms can mean big discounts, incentives and value adds.
Consider unbundled fares
New cruises with “unbundled” fares let you remove items like shore excursions, beverage packages, wifi and specialty dining to lower the base cost.
Limit extras and upgrades
Be conservative in what additional packages, amenities and services you purchase before or onboard to control spending.
What is or is not typically included in cruise fares?
Here’s a quick look at what’s usually included and not included with standard cruise fares:
Typically Included
- Accommodations
- Most meals at main dining rooms, buffets, and casual eateries
- Access to public areas and entertainment
- Kids programs and activities
- Fitness center and pools
- Port fees and taxes
Typically Not Included
- Airfare
- Transfers to/from ship
- Shore excursions and tours
- Beverage packages
- Specialty restaurants
- WiFi
- Spa treatments
- Casino gambling
- Photography
- Room service
- Gratuities
Conclusion
In summary, cruise costs can range widely based on your selected cruise line, destination, ship, sailing dates, and cabin category. While luxury cruises may start around $5,000 per person for a week, mainstream lines offer 7 night cruises for $500-$1,000 per person. The best way to save is by booking early, being flexible, choosing affordable options, and limiting extras. With the right cruise and strategy, you can find a fantastic 7 night vacation valued under $1,000 per person.
