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17th Annual SuperCruise February 16-23, 2025

Pricing & availability, what’s included.

The following amenities are included in the price of the SuperCruise:

  • 7 nights accommodations on the Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam cruise ship
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks at any of the ship’s complimentary restaurants
  • Complimentary round-trip ground transfer between Fort Lauderdale International Airport and the cruise terminal
  • Select non-alcoholic beverages
  • All concerts, shows, and live entertainment
  • All parties and after-parties
  • All workshops, classes, and other activities on ship (unless specifically excluded)
  • Use of fitness center

What’s Not Included?

The following amenities are not included in the price of the SuperCruise:

  • Mandatory “TGF” surcharge (Taxes, Gratuities, & Fees) of $263 per person (or $273 per person if booked after December 31, 2023) to cover all port taxes and charges, standard cruise gratuities, and governmental fees.
  • Alcoholic beverages, sodas, and bottled water
  • Air travel to/from Fort Lauderdale
  • Dining in the ship’s premium restaurants
  • Optional excursions and activities at the ports of call
  • Certain optional ship activities offered by the cruise line (such as spa treatments, personal training, wine-tastings, etc.)
  • Use of Internet Cafe or Wi-Fi on the ship

A deposit of $350 per person (or $700 per person for suites or singles) is required to reserve a cabin on the SuperCruise. Your reservation will not be confirmed until deposits have been received for all parties on the reservation. If only one party will be occupying a double-occupancy cabin, a $700 deposit will be required. Initial deposits must be made by credit or debit card only. Checks are not accepted for deposits.

Installment Payments

Customers have two payment options:

  • Pay balance in full at time of booking
  • Initial deposit + monthly installment payments

Guests are required to adhere to the payment plan selected until balance is fully paid. Installment payments are due on the 15th of each month, with final payment due by November 15, 2024. For cabins reserved after October 31, 2024, full payment is due at time of booking.

Late Payment Policy

Customers on the installment plan are required to make regular payments in accordance with the selected payment plan. If an account becomes 15 days past due, the customer will lose their cabin assignment and their reservation will be suspended. The customer will then have 15 days to bring the account current. If the account is brought current within those 15 days, they will receive a new cabin assignment, based on current availability and pricing. Any early discounts will be lost and the account balance adjusted accordingly. If an account becomes 30 days past due, the reservation will be automatically canceled and all payments forfeited.

TGF Surcharge (Taxes, Gratuities, & Fees)

All fares are subject to a “TGF” surcharge of $263 per person which covers all port taxes and charges, gratuities, and governmental fees for the cruise. (Taxes, gratuities, and fees for optional products and services purchased during the cruise are not included in this surcharge.) NOTE : Due to cruise line fee increases, the TGF surcharge will increase to $273 per person after December 31, 2023. Guests with a confirmed reservation by this date will not be subject to the fee increase.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

Deposits and payments are fully-refundable, for any reason, until 15 days after the date of initial booking only. Guests canceling their reservations after 15 days will forfeit their deposit and any payments made. (Note: If you make your reservation after October 15, 2024, all deposits and payments will be non-refundable.)

Guests are encouraged to obtain travel insurance to protect themselves in the event of cancellation. LEARN MORE .

To cancel an existing SuperCruise reservation, CLICK HERE .

Information for Groups and Travel Agents

Our group booking and travel agent programs were discontinued in 2017.

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE A CABIN ON THE 2025 SUPERCRUISE

LuxuryTravelDiva

How Much Does the Smooth Jazz Cruise Cost?

By Alice Nichols

Are you a fan of smooth jazz music? If yes, then you must have heard about the Smooth Jazz Cruise.

This annual event is one of the most popular music cruises that brings together top-notch jazz musicians and enthusiasts from around the world. However, before booking your ticket, you might be wondering: How much does the Smooth Jazz Cruise cost? Let’s find out.

What is the Smooth Jazz Cruise?

The Smooth Jazz Cruise is a week-long luxury cruise that takes place every year in January or February. It features live performances by some of the biggest names in smooth jazz music. The cruise ship travels to different destinations such as the Caribbean and Mexico while providing guests with an unforgettable experience of music, food, and relaxation.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the Smooth Jazz Cruise varies depending on several factors such as cabin type, itinerary, and time of booking. Generally speaking, prices start at around $3,000 per person for an inside cabin and can go up to $12,000 for a suite with a balcony.

If you’re looking to save money on your cruise ticket, it’s advisable to book early. Early bird discounts are often available for those who book their tickets months in advance.

Cabin types

There are four main types of cabins available on the Smooth Jazz Cruise:

  • Inside cabins: These are located on lower decks and do not have windows or balconies.
  • Ocean-view cabins: These cabins have windows that offer views of the ocean.
  • Balcony cabins: These cabins have private balconies that provide guests with stunning views of the sea.
  • Suites: These are larger cabins with separate living areas and luxurious amenities such as butler service.

The cost of the Smooth Jazz Cruise includes several inclusions such as:

  • All meals on board the ship, including fine dining options
  • Access to live performances by top jazz musicians
  • Onboard activities such as dance classes, wine tastings, and trivia games
  • Port charges and taxes
  • Room service (for some cabin types)

Additional costs

In addition to the basic cruise fare, there are several additional costs that you might incur during your trip. These include:

  • Gratuities for onboard staff (typically around $15 per person, per day)
  • Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks (these are not included in the cruise fare)
  • Shore excursions (optional tours and activities at port destinations)
  • Spa treatments and salon services

The Smooth Jazz Cruise is a dream vacation for jazz enthusiasts. While it might seem expensive at first glance, it offers an all-inclusive experience that is worth the investment.

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Jazz Cruises logo

The Gold Standard for jazz at sea since 2001

The Gold Standard for jazz at sea since 2001

No one has done it longer, more often, or better.

Your cruises.

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MCDONALD LABELLE CRUISE

04.10.24 – 04.13.24, miami • nassau.

Jazz Cruises is excited to produce this spectacular cruise getaway featuring the legendary R & B vocalist, Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle, the Godmother of Soul. They united decades ago on the GRAMMY-winning hit “On My Own” and continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Hosted by the multi-talented, Marcus Miller, this getaway is a one-time only event which, though only 4 days and 3 nights, will be filled with extraordinary musical performances and memories to last a lifetime! So grab your friends and get onboard!

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THE JAZZ CRUISE

01.28.25 – 02.04.25, ft lauderdale • cozumel • grand cayman.

Since 2001, The Jazz Cruise has set the standard for jazz entertainment at sea, and, in the minds of many has become the most significant “straight-ahead” jazz event in the world. One hundred jazz musicians. Two hundred hours of music. The musicians themselves call the program “Straight-Ahead Jazz Heaven”.

The Jazz Cruise ’25 will be the 25th Anniversary sailing of this special event. Join us for the celebration of the program and of this amazing music.

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CHRIS BOTTI AT SEA II

02.04.25 – 02.11.25.

Botti at Sea ’24 was the first sailing of this program, and, by all standards, it was a runaway hit. Reaching fully reserved status months before sailing was an indication of the excitement the cruise generated, and the sailing only confirmed that the hype was real. Botti at Sea II (’25) sports another amazing lineup and, if possible, Host Chris Botti has vowed to be even more active and involved than he was on Botti at Sea ’24.

A class program in every sense of the word, prepare to be DAZZLED!

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISES

02.11.25 – 02.18.25 02.18.25 – 02.25.25, ft lauderdale • labadee • turks & caicos • nassau.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise is unrivaled in this genre due to the amazing artists and guests who, together, have created and sustained what is known worldwide as “The Greatest Party at Sea.” The ’25 Sailings will kickoff the third decade of sailings and will do so in style as we unveil our very own Super Band, The Summit (Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Lee Ritenour, Bob James & Dave Weckl). Both sailings are fully reserved at the moment, so we urge those wishing to join us to JOIN THE WAITLIST!

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Journey of Jazz ’25

09.12.25 – 09.19.25, vancouver • victoria • san francisco • los angeles  .

Jazz Cruises newest program combines the finest music experience with unprecedented land-based excursions and is doing so on the West Coast for the first time in over a decade. Join hosts Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter as we sail on Celebrity Summit from Vancouver to Los Angeles from 09.12.25 – 09.19.25 with calls on Victoria BC and San Francisco.

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JAZZ CRUISES PRESENTS STL JAZZ FEST ’24!

August 23 – 24, 2024, the factory, chesterfield, mo.

Jazz Cruises  is excited to announce STL Jazz Fest, two nights of amazing music presented by Jazz Cruises, the GOLD standard of jazz at sea since 2001.

Known worldwide for its first-class jazz cruise programs, Jazz Cruises  applies its skills and commitment equally to land based events.  For many years, Jazz Cruises  has presented The Smooth Jazz Cruise on Land in St. Louis.  This year we are expanding our musical offerings to reflect more of our cruise programs and music.

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PRICING & Availability

April 30 - may 7, 2024, may 7 - may 14, 2024.

We have made cruising on the Dave Koz Cruise an easy and enjoyable experience. You have multiple ways of paying for your cruise. Our monthly plan is easy to set up — each guest will be required to pay a deposit and the rest of the balance is divided evenly over the remaining months. You are welcome to pay in full, or monthly payment plans are easy to set up.

If you have any questions about payment options, please contact one of our Reservation Specialists, 1-888-471-3313 .

Please review the Terms and Conditions and the FAQs for more information prior to purchasing your cruise of a lifetime.

CABIN PRICING

  • Interior – N $2,100 per person
  • Interior – MM $2,200 per person
  • Interior – M $2,300 per person
  • Interior – L $2,350 per person
  • Interior – K $2,400 per person
  • Interior – J $2,475 per person
  • Interior – I $2,475 per person
  • Ocean View (Fully Obstructed) – HH $2,675 per person
  • Ocean View (Fully Obstructed) – H $2,675 per person
  • Ocean View (Partially Obstructed) – G $2,675 per person
  • Ocean View – F $2,900 per person
  • Ocean View – E $3,000 per person
  • Ocean View – DD $3,050 per person
  • Ocean View – D $3,100 per person
  • Ocean View – C $3,150 per person
  • Verandah – VH $3,750 per person
  • Verandah – VF $3,900 per person
  • Verandah – VE $4,050 per person
  • Verandah – VD $4,400 per person
  • Verandah – VC $4,550 per person
  • Verandah – VB $4,900 per person
  • Verandah – VA $5,100 per person
  • Signature Suite – SZ $5,850 per person
  • Signature Suite – SY $6,200 per person
  • Signature Suite – SS $6,350 per person
  • Neptune Suite – SC $6,750 per person
  • Neptune Suite – SB $6,950 per person
  • Neptune Suite – SA $7,150 per person
  • Pinnacle Suite – PS $9,250 per person

** Port fees, taxes and prepaid gratuities are $419.67 per person based on double occupancy. Administrative fees may include but are not limited to late fees, change fees and research fees. Cabin prices are per person based on double occupancy. ** Please review the Terms and Conditions and the F.A.Q. pages for more information on purchasing your cruise of a lifetime.*

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OVER 99+% RESERVED RESERVATION PROCESS, PRICING, TERMS & CONDITIONS

Only a few Inside Staterooms on either Deck 10 or 11 remain available for The Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle Cruise ’24. You may select one of the staterooms and complete your Reservation online. To do so, click BOOK NOW and follow the prompts, or, you may contact us for assistance (by phone at 844.768.5157 or by email at [email protected] . Our business hours are Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET and Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET.

Cruise Fare for these Staterooms are $1,100/guest (based upon double occupancy) and payments for staterooms are due in full at the time of the Reservation, including applicable Pass Through Charges.

*Stateroom Prices are based upon double occupancy unless designated as a “Single.” Stateroom Prices include all the amenities, accommodations and services outlined here in the Stateroom Description for the Category of Stateroom Guest has selected, together with the shows and onboard events produced by McDonald LaBelle Cruise .

Stateroom Prices do not include airfare, ground transportation, onboard purchases of goods and services (including, but not limited to various beverages, spa services, gifts, specialty dining or any such goods and services for which the Cruise Line customarily charges a separate fee), medical expenses, shore excursions, and “Pass-Through Charges.”

Payment Plans

Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle Cruise offers a Pay in Full payment option at this time.

Guests may contact the office to propose alternative schedules for payment. Reasonable plans will be seriously considered. Late Payments, including credit cards on file being denied when presented for payment, are subject to a penalty of 6% of the invoice amount if payment is not received within seven (7) days of issuance of notice of late payment due. Failure to cure a Late Payment within twenty (20) days of issuance of notice of Late Payment due or the occurrence of two (2) Late Payments may subject the reservation to cancellation of the reservation without refund or other compensation.

Pass-Through Charges

All Guests are required to pay port charges, government taxes and fees, onboard service gratuities for shipboard staff and other charges due and payable to third parties. These Pass-Through Charges, equal to $210/person for Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle Cruise   are in addition to the Stateroom Prices.

Cancellations or Changes

All Stateroom Price and Pass-Through Charge payments made to date or paid in the future are non-refundable. Payments are refundable only when either Norwegian Cruise Line or The Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle Cruise cancels or reschedules the cruise. Complimentary name changes and Guest additions will be accepted until 120 days prior to the cruise. Name changes made to a Reservation less than 120 days prior to sailing will be assessed a $150 administrative fee.

Deposits are due at the time of your reservation.

Deposit amounts are 25% of the Total Stateroom Cruise Fare.

Third and Fourth Passengers

The cost for 3rd and 4th passengers cruise fare vary upon Stateroom type:

  • $850/pp – Inside & Ocean View Staterooms
  • $950/pp – Balcony &  Staterooms
  • $1,050/pp – Suites SD – SN
  • $2,700/pp for 4 passengers – Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suite with Balcony S4
  • Travel Insurance

The purchase of Travel Insurance/Trip Protection is strongly encouraged. If it were our choice, every guest would purchase trip insurance. Your investment for the cruise should be protected, so we urge you to purchase trip insurance. Please remember, restrictions do apply, so to secure the broadest coverage be careful to apply for the insurance in a timely manner.

To Learn More, Click Here .

Travel Documentation

Jazz Cruises strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport with at least six (6) months validity post cruise during their sailing.

Your Price Includes

  • 3-day Round-trip cruise from Miami
  • All performances, interviews, parties, and events presented on the cruise (This does not include any special Artist-Hosted Events which require sign-up and/or a fee or Private Parties.)
  • All meals (“Included Dining” features breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in The Garden Café & The Great Outdoors, and dinners in Summer Palace as well as bar & grills throughout the ship.)
  • As part of the Included Dining experience, non-bottled beverages (i.e. coffee, juices, tea) are provided without charge.
  • Recreation facilities, such as Fitness Center, Pools, Hot tubs, Basketball court, and Jogging track.
  • In-room TV and movies (excluding pay-per-view movies)
  • Full-service room cleaning

Your Price Does NOT Include

  • Air and ground transportation to and from the pier in Miami
  • Ground transportation in ports-of-call
  • Pre- and post-cruise lodging
  • 24-hour Room Service
  • Dining in Specialty Restaurants (Cagney’s, Le Bistro, Moderno, Sushi, Teppanyaki, or La Cucina). There is an upcharge for dining in those restaurants.
  • Personal expenditures and purchases such as photos, souvenirs, excursions, spa services, personal training
  • All bottled and alcoholic beverages (There are “included” events during the cruise at which bottled and alcoholic beverages will be offered without charge.)
  • United States
  • New Orleans

Steamboat Natchez Cruise – All you need to know

steamboat Natchez cruise

In this enlightening article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the beloved Steamboat Natchez cruise, including ticket prices, departure times, how to find discounted tickets online, and so much more!

What types of Steamboat Natchez cruises are available?

How much do steamboat natchez cruises cost.

  • How do you find Steamboat Natchez cruises online?

How far in advance should I make reservations?

What is the best time to experience a steamboat natchez cruise, where does the cruise start, what time should i arrive so i don’t miss the cruise, what will i see during the cruise, how long is the natchez boat ride, is the boat handicap accessible, can we bring pets onto the boat, what is the dress code, what happens in the case of bad weather, travel tips.

Don’t feel like reading ahead? Book your Steamboat Natchez cruise right now.

  • See reviews and prices

The Big Easy is known across the world as an around-the-clock party hub accentuated by a cool blend of music and wild celebrations (did someone say Mardi Gras?). Despite a reputation for adult-focused activities, there is more than enough for the entire family to see and do in this international melting pot. One of the city’s most famous and popular attractions, perfect for guests of all ages, is the Steamboat Natchez Cruise – a unique way to see the shimmering NOLA lights and soak in the smooth city sounds from the water.

By the time you’ve got through this guide, you’ll have discovered everything there is to know about this iconic cruise, with answers to all of the most common questions just a scroll away.

Steamboat Natchez cruises

Before we dive into the prices, we need to understand the different types of Steamboat Natchez cruises on offer. Aboard New Orleans’ only authentic Steamboat, each cruise option promises beautiful views of the city, the lower Mississippi River, and one of the world’s busiest harbors.

No matter which option you choose, as you admire the 100-year-old steam engine you’ll also be provided with a deep insight into NOLA’s vibrant culture and history thanks to a live narration from one of the Steamboat staff.

Let’s take a look at the individual highlights of each option:

Harbor Jazz Cruise

The Harbor Jazz Cruise is all about entertainment! As you marvel at the vistas from the boat’s decks, typical New Orleans jazz music rings in the background. But this isn’t a prerecorded CD or the captain’s favorite Spotify playlist – this jazz is live, authentic, and immersing. Either a jazz pianist or the jazz trio – Duke Heitger and the Steamboat Stompers – will be present on board, helping to create a wonderful, romantic, and intoxicating atmosphere.

There’s also a calliope concert every day at 10:45 am and 1:45 pm. In case you were about to Google it, a calliope is a large, steam-whistle organ which, in this case, sits on the steamboat’s roof.

Dinner Jazz Cruise

With the option of either indoor or outdoor seating, the Dinner Jazz Cruise takes all of the best qualities from the Harbor Jazz Cruise and takes it up a notch with a freshly-cooked, tableside dinner service.

Rather than a jazz pianist or trio, the top-tapping entertainment this time is New Orleans swing music performed by the Grammy-nominated artist, Dukes of Dixieland .

Menu items are subject to change by season and availability, however, some of the common meals ready to tantalize your tastebuds include Paddlewheel Primavera, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Bayou Seafood Pasta, Baked Chicken, southern-style Green Beans Almondine, and a finger-lickin’ Bananas Foster for dessert. For the full menu, see Steamboat’s website .

Sunday Jazz Cruise with Optional Brunch

Nothing helps turn a new page after a night out on Bourbon Street like bottomless coffee and a hunger-satisfying brunch – a staple in New Orleans life. In addition to the historical facts shared by the staff, the live traditional jazz, and the Instagram-worthy views from the decks, Sunday cruisers have the option to dig into a hefty brunch. Choose from Shrimp and Grits, Crescent City Eggs, Biscuits and Gravy, Mini Croissants and Biscuits, and a whole lot more. The full brunch menu is available on the Steamboat website.

steamboat Natchez cruise tickets price

The prices of a Steamboat Natchez cruise varies depending on which option you choose and whether or not you elect to participate in the optional meal(s).

Evening Jazz Sightseeing Cruise

Adult: $50.00 Children 6-12: $24.50 Children 0-6: Free

Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner

Adult: $87.00 Children 6-12: $40 Children 0-6: $19.25

Harbor Jazz Sightseeing Cruise

Adult: $38.00 Children 6-12: $15 Children 0-6: free

Harbor Jazz Cruise with Lunch

Adult: $50.00 Children 6-12: $24 Children 0-6: $10.50

Sunday Jazz Sightseeing Cruise

Adult: $38.00 Children 6-12: $15.50 Children 0-6: free

Sunday Jazz Cruise with Brunch

Adult: $55.00 Children 6-12: $27.50 Children 0-6: $18.25

Regardless of your ticket type, Steamboat offers a full wine list, domestic and local beers, and seasonal, festive cocktails for purchase to those over the age of 21. A Natchez Jazz Punch, for example, will set you back $8, while local brewery draft beers sell for $5.50 each.

How do you find cheap Steamboat Natchez cruises online?

book Steamboat Natchez cruises online

If you don’t know where to look, buying Steamboat Natchez tickets can be confusing, not to mention expensive. New Orleans welcomes nearly 20 million tourists per year, so the competition between tour agencies and sightseeing companies is feisty. Sometimes, two competing travel agents can offer exactly the same activity at drastically different prices, each claiming to have a “best price guarantee”.

How can we compare the Steamboat Natchez website, local businesses, and online ticket sellers like Viator all in one place? Easy: TourScanner! Head to the TourScanner search engine to compare all the different deals on offer. Depending on which dates you’re planning to visit NOLA, you may find discounted tickets in excess of 30%!

There are also deals that include transportation, packages that combine city tours (you’re already there, so you might as well tick off a few of the main attractions, right?), VIP experiences, and more.

  • Compare cruise tickets

Even though the array of world-class attractions in New Orleans is second to none, Steamboat Natchez is a regular bestseller. Technically , bookings can be made at the last minute at the ticket office or on the company website, however, we wouldn’t recommend it, especially in the busier tourist seasons (Mardi Gras and summertime).

The Steamboat is a city highlight that shouldn’t be left to chance, so it’s recommended to book your experience as early as possible. As soon as you’ve locked in your travel dates, the next step should be to compare the cheapest deals available on TourScanner.

best time steamboat Natchez cruise

It’s all a matter of personal preference. A summertime Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner will allow you to experience New Orleans as it transitions from day to dusk to twinkling night sky, while a day-based cruise gives you the opportunity to soak in ample amounts of sunshine from one of the many viewing decks.

There are both indoor and outdoor areas, so rain, hail or shine, you’re in for a great time.

steamboat Natchez cruises departure meeting point

All trips on Steamboat Natchez start and end at the Steamboat Natchez Lighthouse Ticket Office, which is found where Toulouse Street meets the Mississippi River in the vibrant French Quarter. The docking station is steps away from the Toulouse streetcar station and a short stroll from the historic Jackson Square, a haven for upcoming artists and street performers. Jackson Square is one of the many popular stops on the city’s walking tours .

It’s highly recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure times (shown below). The boat is officially open for half an hour before roaring away along its river route. By arriving 30 minutes early, you’ll be able to find the best viewing spots on the boat, explore its historic features, and grab a souvenir from the gift store before the crowds potentially become too overwhelming.

Whatever you do, don’t be late, because the boat will leave whether you’re there or not!

Departure times:

Harbor Cruises (Monday to Saturday)

The Harbor Jazz Cruises departs every day except Sunday. There are two timeslots to choose from. The first Harbor Cruise departure is at 11:30am (boarding at 11am) and the second is at 2:30pm (Boarding at 2pm)

The first Sunday departure is at 11:30am (boarding at 11am) and the second is at 2:30pm (Boarding at 2pm)

Evening Cruises

The nightly dinner cruise departure is at 7pm (boarding at 6pm). Depending on your dinner seating reservation time, you may be required to arrive as early at 5:45pm.

Mississippi river in New Orleans

All Natchez cruises traverse the crescent-shaped lower Mississippi River as the staff point out noteworthy and historical landmarks along the way. There’s arguably no more impressive way to see the city. But it’s not just about what you can see off the boat – the vessel itself is a work of art! Onboard, you’ll have the chance to see a working paddle-wheel and engine room up close, feel like you’ve been thrust back in time with decor reminiscing of the early 1900s, and grab a couple of trinkets at the gift shop.

steamboat Natchez cruise duration

Each of the Natchez cruises lasts for two hours. This excludes special events cruises such as those hosted on Mother’s Day, Christmas Eve, or the Fourth of July.

The boat is suitable for handicapped patrons, however, some areas on the boat, such as the upper deck, are only accessible by stairs.

The company suggests to call their reservation phone line on (504) 569-1401 or send a message on their contact portal before booking if you have any specific questions or concerns regarding accessibility.

According to the New Orleans Steamboat Company’s official website, you may only bring your four-legged friends if they are are a Service Animal as defined by the ADA.

There is no dress code! You’re on vacation, so sit back, relax, and be as casual as you like (within reason, of course). The company does suggest to dress up a little fancier for the Dinner Jazz Cruise, not because of rules or regulations, but simply to fit in with the elegant decor and service provided.

As long as the boat is functional, the cruise will depart! In the event of rain, there is plenty of indoor seating to accommodate the guests.

Cruises are canceled only on the rare occasion that the Coast Guard determines that the river is too dangerous (i.e. during a hurricane).

steamboat Natchez cruise travel tips

  • In the summertime, which is also one of the busiest tourist seasons, New Orleans is hot, humid, and sticky – it is built mostly on swampland, after all. So to avoid feeling like a sun-dried tomato, make sure to always bring a hat, sunscreen, cool clothing, and a water bottle.
  • Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time.
  • Ask for a photo in front of the Nachez before boarding.
  • Compare tickets deals online and save money, there are a lot of providers selling Steamboat Natchez cruises online.
  • Compare cruise deals
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Cancellation / Travel Insurance

What is jazz cruises' cancellation policy.

Our cruises are 100% non-refundable. Jazz Cruises strongly encourages the purchase of Travel Insurance. Please inquire at the time of booking about Travel Insurance as certain pre-conditions mandate purchase within 14 days of your reservation to be effective. Click here to view our Terms and Conditions of Reservation.

How do I purchase Travel Insurance? What does it cover?

AIG Travel Guard's Insurance plan covers unforeseen circumstances such as missing the cruise due to inclement weather, diagnosed illness to you or an immediate family member, or death to you or an immediate family member. You may also purchase additional coverage, including Cancel Any Time. However, if you or your travel mate(s) have pre-existing conditions, you must purchase Travel Insurance within 14 days of placing your deposit for your cruise. Please visit www.travelguard.com  or call 1.800.826.1300 for more information.

How much does Travel Insurance cost?

Like most insurance plans, the cost of Travel Insurance is based on multiple factors including your age, the U.S. state in which you live, and the cost of your cruise. Cost may vary by day. Please call Jazz Cruises at 844.616.6279 or contact Travel Guard to receive a free quote.

Should I purchase Travel Insurance?

We highly recommend protecting your investment with Travel Insurance. Travel Insurance can help provide coverage for unforeseen circumstances during your cruise. Jazz Cruises offers you the  Travel Guard Preferred  travel insurance plan through our partnership with Travel Guard. Not only is the Travel Guard Preferred Plan the most popular and comprehensive package of travel insurance and assistance services for travelers, but Travel Guard specializes in providing quality coverage and superior customer care and claim service to our guests. When you add The Preferred Plan to your trip, you protect yourself from your policy’s effective date through your return home.

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how much does the jazz cruise cost

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Mariner of the Seas Jazz Club

Royal caribbean.

Below you will find the Jazz Club on the Mariner of the Seas .

Jazz Club Mariner of the Seas

Bar & dance floor.

The Jazz Club is a wonderful place to start your evening. Live entertainment will keep your foot tapping while you enjoy your favorite libation. Make sure to wear your dance shoes in case the music takes over.

Which deck has the Jazz Club on the Mariner of the Seas?

You’ll find the Jazz Club on the ship’s Deck 14 .

Is the Jazz Club free with my cruise purchase?

Yes, this bars is included with your cruise purchase.

How much does the Jazz Club cost on the Mariner of the Seas?

A pricing guide is provided based on a scale of one to four dollar signs. One dollar sign ($) is the least expensive and four ($$$$) is the most expensive. The Jazz Club ranks 2 dollar signs $$.

Does the Jazz Club on the Mariner of the Seas have age restrictions?

The minimum required age to drink at the Jazz Club is 21 years old for North American sailings. It is 18+ for departures from South America, Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

What is the dress code for Jazz Club?

When enjoying Jazz Club, feel free to wear attire matching Royal Caribbean's 'casual' dress code. This includes jeans, polos, sundresses and blouses are all the right amount of laid back. Please keep swimwear to the Pool Deck.

Which Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Ships offer the Jazz Club?

You can find the Jazz Club on the following Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Ships.

Mariner Of The Seas

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How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

The average cost of a cruise varies by ship, destination, trip length and more. Use this guide to learn more about cruise costs.

Photo taken in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Getty Images

A cruise can be an affordable and fun vacation option – just make sure you understand all the variables that add up to a cruise's total cost.

With the rising cost of everything, including travel, cruise fares – some as low as $26 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.

How much does a one-week cruise cost?

A cruise can cost anywhere from about $171 per person for a four-night Bahamas cruise to up to $94,999 per person for a 154-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 costs approximately $424 to $1,158 per person.
  • A seven-night Alaska cruise in May costs approximately $244 to $1,632 per person.
  • A seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise in June costs approximately $439 to $3,218 per person.
  • A seven-night Mexico cruise in January costs approximately $529 to $695 per person.
  • A seven-night Canada and New England cruise in October costs approximately $470 to $954 per person.

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

Aerial of family sitting on lounge chairs, being served drinks on a cruise ship

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, several types of nonalcoholic beverages (nonbottled water, iced tea, lemonade, juices, hot coffee and tea), the ship's pools, the gym, 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 porthole or 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.

Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

What if you want more amenities and perks?

If you splurge on a suite or a higher room category, such as Celebrity's Concierge Class, you'll get perks like priority embarkation, a Welcome Aboard Concierge Class Lunch, complimentary sparkling wine and daily tastings (upon request), concierge service, invitations to exclusive destination seminars, pillow selection 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 have priority check-in and boarding, complimentary Wi-Fi, access to a private lounge, and other perks.

You may opt to stay within an exclusive area of the ship, such as MSC Cruises' Yacht Club, Norwegian's The Haven or Celebrity's The Retreat. These high-end private retreats offer an 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 rooftop pool, 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.

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 includes airfare, specialty dining, a beverage package, free Wi-Fi or other perks in the advertised rate, 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 slides on a new ship like Norwegian Prima or its new sister ship, Norwegian Viva, set to debut in summer 2023.

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.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

Solo travelers may pay more

Back of woman holding her hat, with her scarf flying in the wind, on a cruise ship

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 cabins.

These smaller accommodations – around 100 to 200 square feet in size – are priced and designed for solo travelers. Key card access to Norwegian's Studio Complex and 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 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.

Read: The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers

Kids cruise free promotions can help families save

Smiling woman holding laughing daughter on a cruise ship in the Norwegian fjords

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 the kids on select sailings. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has fares as low as $999 for children 17 and younger on a variety of select voyages whose regular fares are around $6,000 and up. This fare also includes unlimited shore excursions and all the benefits and perks of sailing with an all-inclusive luxury cruise line.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Food and beverage packages are another expense to consider

Table of breakfast overlooking the ocean

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 most 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, 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 to $50 – there are also restaurants that charge as much as $75 or more for dinner. Other venues feature a la carte menus with sushi, bar food and even steakhouses that price out individual courses. Some of these may not include gratuity, 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.

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 call 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.

Other lines have packages that cover top-shelf beverages of up to $20 each and include wine, large bottles of water and soda, and other perks. You'll need to budget around $85 per person per day for this option – and an additional 18% gratuity. This type of package can add up to quite a bit of money on a seven-day cruise or longer.

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 a "Have It All" package that encompasses a shore excursion credit, a signature beverage package (including the service charge), one evening of specialty dining and Wi-Fi. If you're sailing on longer cruises of 10 to 21 days or more, 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.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

how much does the jazz cruise cost

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Additional costs on a cruise ship

Two Champagne flutes on table on cruise ship, with sparkling ocean in the background

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 – such as Norwegian's racetrack 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 certain social media channels like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and more starting at $12.75 per day per person. The cost increases to $17 per day per person 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.

Carnival's Premium Wi-Fi Plan starts at $18.70 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 "Always Included" fare includes basic internet, a classic drink package and gratuities. If you don't book that fare, Wi-Fi plans range from $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 where you'll 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 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, then look for historic walking or panoramic driving tours. These excursions are shorter in duration and typically the least expensive tours available on the cruise. Most 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 the ship. 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

Suitcase with flippers on top on a rocky beach, with ocean in background

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
  • Beverage package
  • Optional activities
  • Miscellaneous expenses
  • 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 nine all-veranda ocean-going vessels accommodate 930 passengers – 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 Nordic 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 complimentary alternative dining options and 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. Guests are also invited to a welcome cocktail party and farewell reception.

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.

Read:  The Best Adults-Only Cruises

All-inclusive cruises

Cruise ship balcony deck with railing and red lifebuoy

Silversea Cruises , Regent Seven Seas 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 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 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, open bar and gratuities, complimentary daily yoga, access to water sports activities and nightly movies under the stars.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

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 Baltic region in June with Regent Seven Seas, an all-inclusive fare with suite accommodations is $12,540 ($6,270 per person). There are also additional perks available, depending on where you book the cruise. Some of the extras include a cash-back offer, a two-category upgrade and shipboard credit.

Silversea has a similar itinerary in June, and the fare also comes with added perks for $13,860 for two people ($6,930 per person) in suite accommodations.

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, opt for a cruise on a small luxury line.

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 on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Snake and Columbia rivers, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

  • Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
  • What to Wear on a Cruise
  • The Best Cruise Lines
  • The Best Gay Cruises
  • The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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A ghost pianist and color-changing cocktails: Inside Princess Cruises' hidden magic club

how much does the jazz cruise cost

The pianist at a lounge on Princess Cruises’ new ship played the theme song from “Titanic” while guests sipped their cocktails.

It may seem like dark humor, but the musician is a ghost, after all. As the story goes, Isabella lives inside the space entertaining guests (she even takes requests).

In actuality, the instrument – which appeared to play itself – is part of Spellbound by Magic Castle, a new venue onboard Sun Princess that combines dinner, drinks and magic. The speakeasy-like space was created in partnership with the Magic Castle , a legendary private club in Los Angeles.

Denise Saviss, the cruise line’s vice president, entertainment experience said during a recent sailing the Castle has been a “well-protected secret.”

“As a members-only club, you can only attend by invitation, but they are keen to expand and a partnership with us was a really great way to do that where we have a ton of international guests who may not ever get over to Hollywood and therefore it's not in reach,” Denise Saviss, the cruise line’s vice president, entertainment experience said. 

USA TODAY got a preview of Spellbound during a recent cruise ahead of its opening next month. Here’s what guests can expect.

What is Spellbound like?

Guests will start the evening with dinner in the Horizons Dining Room, choosing from a menu not found elsewhere on board (our preview did not include the dinner portion). They will then be escorted through an inconspicuous black door off the ship’s Piazza into Spellbound’s small foyer. There, a voice on a speaker tells the story of the Larsen family, who opened the Magic Castle in 1963, for a few minutes.

We were prompted to say the magic words (“open sesame”), and the fireplace in front of us moved aside to reveal a music room and the Parlor Bar, lined with art and artifacts, curated with help from the Magic Castle. A pair of handcuffs used by famed escape artist Harry Houdini even hung on one wall.

Isabella and her companion, a white bird named the Professor, can be seen in a portrait in the music room. She is the cousin of another ghost, Irma, who lives at the Magic Castle in California.

“Irma never loved to travel, but Isabella did,” said Kerry Lovegrove, Princess’ director of entertainment experience. “She traveled probably one too many times across the Atlantic, and then all of a sudden, she was lost at sea. So, she suddenly found the Sun Princess being built in Monfalcone and thought she’d attach herself onto that ship.”

Isabella disappears from view when she’s ready to play. The Professor, meanwhile, moves over to a nearby birdcage to enjoy the music (I saw him swaying to “My Heart Will Go On” at one point).

Behind the bar, a library holds its own not-so-hidden treasures. I picked up a gold rotary phone and heard someone ask, “How can I help?” before changing their mind and hanging up. Guests might also see books float and fall, according to Lovegrove.

Even the drinks appear enchanted. One cocktail I ordered, The Magician, featured butterfly pea tequila that turned from blue to purple as the server poured it into the glass (also containing mezcal, lime, grapefruit, serrano peppers and agave).

Spellbound hosts magic in the bar as well as its 30-seat theater. Before theater seating opened, Mark Gibson kept us glued to his card deck, at one point finding the card a fellow guest chose by cutting the deck with the assistance of a tiny plunger. Woody Aragon also used cards in the theater, including asking an audience member to call someone who wasn’t in the room to pick one (spoiler: he named their chosen card correctly).

The Parlor Bar magician will stay on the ship for a couple months at a time, while the magician performing in the theater will change every cruise or two, but all are vetted by the Magic Castle team.

When will Spellbound by Magic Castle open?

Spellbound will open on April 8 and is now available to book. Guests must be at least 13 to enter and just like at the venue’s Hollywood namesake, there is a mandatory dress code (my invitation called for cocktail attire).

The cruise line will also host its second Magic Castle Conjurer’s Cruise themed sailing on Sun Princess in November.

How much does Spellbound cost?

The experience costs $149 per person, including dinner, entertainment and unlimited drinks. 

Spellbound will offer three theater shows a night, and can accommodate a total of 90 guests (30 each). Once they’re in the space, they can stay as long as they like (until it closes for the night). There are dinner seatings at 5, 7 and 9 p.m., and Spellbound is expected to close around midnight, though there is no hard closing time.

Best times to go on a cruise: We broke it down by region

Lovegrove said the venue serves as a new home base for magic, which already proved popular with Princess guests in other spaces on its ships. “If you love magicians, this is the spot for you,” she said.

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Princess Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse live updates: U.S. Coast Guard says finding survivors unlikely

What we know.

  • A major bridge in Baltimore partially collapsed overnight after it was hit by a cargo ship. Brawner Builders Inc. told NBC News that it had a construction crew on the Francis Scott Key Bridge when it collapsed.
  • Six people who were plunged into the river when it collapsed are presumed dead. Two people were rescued early in the day. Authorities believe all eight people were part of the construction crew.
  • By evening, the Coast Guard said the mission had transitioned from search and rescue to recovery. Authorities believe all eight people were part of the construction crew.
  • The Francis Scott Key Bridge, which carries Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River, was hit by the 948-foot Dali containership, the Coast Guard told NBC News.
  • Dramatic video shows the moment the bridge appears to snap and then tumble into the river after the vessel strikes one of its supporting structures.

Trade association director says ship’s pilot tried to slow down

The Associated Press

The head of a trade association for maritime pilots says the pilot of the ship that caused the Baltimore bridge collapse tried to slow it down before the crash.

Clay Diamond, executive director of the American Pilots’ Association, said he has been in close contact with officials from the Association of Maryland Pilots who described to him what happened as the ship approached the bridge. He said when the ship was a few minutes out, it lost all power, including to its engines.

The pilot immediately ordered the rudder hard to port to keep the ship from turning right and ordered the port anchor be dropped, which it was, Diamond said. The pilot also contacted a dispatch office to get the bridge shut down.

Diamond said widely circulated images show the ship’s lights turning off and then back on, sparking questions about whether the vessel had regained power. But, he said, the emergency generators that kicked in turned the lights back on but not the ship’s propulsion.

Every foreign-flagged ship coming into U.S. waters must have a state-licensed pilot on board. Pilots board the ships before they enter the local waterways and take “navigational control” of the ship, he said, meaning they give orders for the ship’s speed and direction.

“These are among the most highly trained mariners in the world,” Diamond said.

Drone video shows breadth of bridge collapse

how much does the jazz cruise cost

Dennis Romero

Drone video recorded by the National Transportation Safety Board shows the breadth of the Baltimore bridge collapse.

NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said earlier today that her agency is leading the investigation. 

The board says video captured after a major transportation accident can help it document wreckage, assess first responders' reactions, help train future investigators and serve as an element in an inquiry's conclusions.

Gov. Wes Moore told Biden that Maryland is counting on his help, the governor said on NBC News’ “Top Story with Tom Llamas.”

“I told the president that we need him. and the President said, ‘And you got us,”’ Moore said.

“Hearing the president earlier at a press conference saying that we were going to rebuild this together, it’s watching the secretary of transportation spend the afternoon in Baltimore," Moore said. "It meant the world to us, because it really showed that this administration is going to stand with us every step of the way."

Moore said the bridge's collapse highlights the vital role infrastructure plays in America.

"It is important that people have a sense of competence in the roads and bridges and tunnels that we have, you know, not just in our state but all throughout our country,” he said.

Carnival temporarily moves Baltimore-based cruise ship to Virginia

Carnival Cruise Line said it was moving its Baltimore-based cruise ship to Norfolk, Virginia, temporarily as recovery efforts in the Patapsco River were ongoing and affecting harbor traffic.

The company ports its Carnival Legend cruise ship in Baltimore, where passengers board for cruises to the Bahamas.

The 1,062-cabin vessel is off Florida en route to the Bahamas, according to cruise ship tracker CruiseMapper.com.

When that voyage concludes Sunday, passengers will disembark at Norfolk, and transportation back to Baltimore will be provided, Carnival said in a statement today.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in the company's statement, “Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore."

Finding survivors is unlikely, Coast Guard official says as search for survivors ends

The search for survivors has concluded, a Coast Guard official said.

Rear Adm. Shannon N. Gilreath said at a news conference that search-and-rescue operations were being suspended and would transition into a new phase — a search for bodies and their subsequent recovery.

"Based on the length of time that we've gone into search the extensive search efforts that we put in it, the water temperature, at this point we do not believe that we're going to find any of these individuals still alive," he said.

The Patapsco River's water temperature in Baltimore was 49 degrees before nightfall, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data. Experts say surviving in water that cold for more than a few hours is unlikely without a wetsuit or other gear.

The superintendent of state police, Col. Roland L. Butler, said divers would be deployed in the morning with a mission of recovering the bodies of six workers.

Authorities said the divers faced limited to no visibility in the water today, with the possibility bridge debris could injure them or breach diving gear.

"There's a tremendous amount of debris in the water," Butler said.

He said the location of the six was still unknown.

Butler also said that while authorities had no information to suggest additional victims or vehicles slipped into the water amid the bridge collapse, such an outcome could not be ruled out.

Longshoreman who loaded containership thought call about collision was fake

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When Port of Baltimore longshoreman Shawn Jackson, who helped load the containership Dali, got a call from his father that the massive vessel had struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge and caused it to collapse, he didn’t believe it.

“When I got the phone call, I thought it was fake,” Jackson, 31, said today.

Social media and then the news reports showed what had happened to the ship and the more-than-mile-long bridge. Six workers who were on the bridge are presumed dead, officials said.

“When I woke up this morning, I almost wanted to cry, man,” Jackson said.

Jackson was not present when the shop struck the bridge early this morning, but he helped load it. There was nothing strange or unusual about it.

“Just a regular day,” he said. “I would never have thought in a million years that would happen.”

Wife who says husband is among among missing awaits news near the bridge

María del Carmen Castellón says that her husband, Miguel Luna, 49, is among the missing and that she's in a restricted area near the bridge awaiting news.

He was working on the bridge overnight, one of six contracted workers who are unaccounted-for, when it collapsed.

Other relatives have made it to the restricted area and have so far been allowed to stay, Castellon said on the phone.

“They only tell us that we have to wait and that they can’t give us information,” she said when she was reached on the phone by NBC Spanish-language partner station WZDC-CD, better known as Telemundo Washington D.C.

Asked how she feels, Del Carmen said, “Devastated, devastated because our heart is broken because we don’t know how they have been rescued yet. We are just waiting for the news."

Jesús Campos, Luna’s co-worker, said the situation was heart-wrenching. He said his co-workers, some of whom he's known for years, were working on concrete replacement when the bridge went down.

“It hurts my heart to see what is happening," he said. "We are human beings, and they are my folks."

Campos earlier told a local publication, The Baltimore Banner , that the missing are from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.

JoElla Carman

Construction company executive says 6 workers presumed dead

Valeriya Antonshchuk

Six workers are presumed dead after the disaster that took down the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Jeffrey Pritzker, executive vice president of Brawner Builders, confirmed today.

The Associated Press earlier reported that six workers were presumed dead, citing Pritzker.

There was one survivor, Pritzker told NBC News. The company is not releasing names at this time.

The Coast Guard has said that it deployed boats and a helicopter for a search-and-rescue operation, and it has not announced any change in the search status.

Maritime safety has improved in recent decades, but risks remain

how much does the jazz cruise cost

Jason Abbruzzese

Steven Mallam, a senior researcher at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland, said in an email that maritime safety has improved in recent decades even as shipping has grown in a variety of ways, from the number and size of ships to the amount of cargo that is sent across oceans.

Still, risks remain.

"Overall, maritime operations in general have made big steps in safety and reliability over the past few decades, however, incident and accidents are still continuing to occur," he wrote in the email.

He pointed to the Ever Given, a large containership that got stuck in the Suez Canal in 2021, and the collision of a U.S. guided-missile destroyer with an oil tanker as examples of some recent maritime mishaps.

"There are variations from year to year of course, but the general trend is a much improved safety record," he added.

Building Baltimore bridge from ground up will take ‘much longer’ than reusing wreckage, expert says

Engineer Andrew Bechtel provides expertise about the incident and weighs in on what rebuilding could look like.

Buttigieg downplays concerns about U.S. bridges, calls Baltimore incident and collapse 'unique'

how much does the jazz cruise cost

Matt Lavietes

Speaking with reporters this afternoon, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg sought to tamp down concerns about the safety and durability of other bridges in the country.

"This is a unique circumstance," Buttigieg said. "I do not know of a bridge that has been constructed to withstand a direct impact from a vessel of this size."

Buttigieg also promised that the Biden administration would provide Marylanders with support "for as long as it takes," noting the significance of the Key Bridge to the city of Baltimore and to the nation.

"This is no ordinary bridge," he said. "This is one of the cathedrals of American infrastructure. It has been part of the skyline of this region for longer than many of us have been alive."

Buttigieg added that the "path to normalcy will not be easy," quick or inexpensive.

"So in many ways, our work is just beginning to rebuild this bridge and deal with impacts in the meantime, to reopen this port and deal with supply chain impacts in the meantime," he said. "But today we are most acutely focused on the emergency operations underway and on the families that have been impacted."

Buttigieg says collapse will have a 'major and protracted impact' on supply chains

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg acknowledged that the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge will have a "major and protracted impact" on supply chains.

"There is no question that this will be a major and protracted impact to supply chains," Buttigieg said, addressing reporters Tuesday afternoon. "It’s too soon to offer estimates on what it will take to clear the channel and reopen the port."

The Port of Baltimore is the biggest automobile shipping hub in the country. 

'Very much still a search and rescue mission,' Maryland governor says

Flanked by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and other government officials, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said authorities are still searching for survivors.

"This is very much still a search and rescue mission," Moore said. "We are still actively looking for survivors ... and that’s a pledge we made to these families."

"There is not a single resource that we will hold off on deploying. I have already authorized the deployment of everything from air, land and sea resources to make sure that this search and rescue operation is carried out to its fullest intent," he added.

Moore acknowledged that the path ahead to heal the community will not be short or easy.

"There’s going to be a long road, not just as we go from search and rescue," he said. "There’ll be a long road as we talk about, 'What does the future of this region, the future of the area look like?' And we’re gonna need each and every one of you."

NTSB has not boarded ship yet, don't have access to 'critical' data recorders

National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said that the agency's investigators have not yet boarded the cargo ship to access voice data recorders.

Homendy said that the agency did not want to interfere with the search and rescue operation by authorities and will most likely board the ship for its investigation tomorrow.

"We chose not to board the vessel today to allow some time for the search and recovery which we did not want to interfere with, that is that first and foremost," Homendy said. "We do have some information, but we need to verify that information first before I provide that information."

Homendy noted that retrieving the ship's voice data recorders will be "critical" in the NTSB's investigation.

how much does the jazz cruise cost

How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost in 2024?

I f you're planning a cruise to Alaska this year, you may be enticed by low prices (in the hundreds) for a weeklong cruise. However, it's important to know that those fares are just the beginning of the cost for the entire trip.

Typically, the lowest advertised prices with mainstream cruise lines don't include taxes and port fees, specialty dining costs, alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks, shore excursions , Wi-Fi access, gratuities and other expenses. On top of that, bargain fares usually refer to inside cabins with no windows. In a picturesque, bucket list destination like Alaska, you will realistically want a room with a private balcony so you can take in the spectacular scenery from the comfort of your room.

When to cruise to Alaska depends on what you're interested in seeing and doing during your vacation , but summer is typically the best time to visit The Great Land. Between mid-May and mid-July, you can experience 24 hours of daylight. This period is also an optimal time for wildlife viewing; you can see bears feasting on salmon, humpback whales and orcas, furry baby moose and thousands of nesting bald eagles. Cruise lines often reserve their lowest prices for sailings early or late in the Alaska cruising season , but it's still possible to find deals in the middle of the summer.

With all of this in mind, we've listed both the lowest interior cabin fares and the average total costs for a balcony stateroom across eight popular cruise lines for weeklong itineraries in June 2024. (Note: All fares quoted are per person, double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Prices were accurate at the time of writing.)

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Holland America Line

Holland America Line's 2024 Alaska season extends from April to September; in 2024, there are more than 60 cruise-only voyages and cruisetours (combined land and sea packages). With the exception of one 28-day journey, itineraries range from seven to 18 days.

Average starting price (per person)

This June, Holland America 's lowest-priced itinerary is the 7-Day Glacier Discovery Southbound voyage departing from Whittier, Alaska, on June 23, 2024, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam . The voyage features scenic cruising in Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and the Inside Passage. You'll also stop in the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, before disembarking in Vancouver, British Columbia . The starting price is $409 per person for an inside cabin, and veranda staterooms start at $2,114 per person (cruise-only fare).

Starting price (per person)

For this sailing, there is a $291 charge per person for taxes, fees and port expenses. Specialty dining, alcoholic drinks (and many nonalcoholic beverages, such as bottled water and specialty coffees), excursions, Wi-Fi access, gratuities and some other amenities cost extra.

Instead of paying for these extras individually, you can book Holland America's "Have It All" package. It covers one dinner at a specialty restaurant; one shore excursion (up to $100 per guest); a signature beverage package (for drinks up to $11 each) and a Wi-Fi package. For a limited time, you can also receive a $200 onboard credit per stateroom. A veranda stateroom plus the package starts at $2,569 per person.

If you purchase the "Have It All" package with the veranda stateroom, select the location of your cabin yourself (an additional $90), add in the port taxes and fees ($291) and include crew gratuities at $17 per guest, per day for non-suite staterooms ($119), the total cost is about $3,000 per person. You'll still need to budget for drinks that cost more than $11 each; bottles of wine with dinner; additional evenings of specialty dining; other shore excursions and miscellaneous expenses.

Total cost: From $3,069 per person

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Princess Cruises

Princess is offering 14 unique itineraries and 68 cruisetours during the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September. Itineraries range from a seven-day cruise to a 17-day escorted cruisetour.

Princess's lowest-priced cruise in June is the 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay (Northbound) from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska , on Grand Princess. Embarking on June 5, 2024, the sailing includes scenic cruising in College Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, a day at sea and stops in the coastal towns of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway in Alaska. Interior cabins start at $448 per person, while staterooms with a balcony start at $1,698 per person. If you select your own balcony stateroom (instead of letting the cruise line place you), the cost is $1,791 per person.

Additional fees (taxes, gratuities, etc.)

Taxes, fees and port expenses for this cruise will run you $284 per person. At the $1,791 rate, you will be in the Princess Standard fare class, which includes the ships' complimentary dining venues, entertainment and the MedallionClass experience.

You can upgrade to Princess Plus (starting at $2,211 for a balcony room) to add Wi-Fi access (one device per guest); gratuities; a beverage package (covering drinks up to $15 each); two fitness classes per cruise; two premium desserts per day; two casual dining meals and more. For additional amenities, such as Wi-Fi access for up to four devices per guest; a higher-level beverage package (for drinks up to $20 each); two specialty dining meals per guest; unlimited exercise classes and more, opt for the Princess Premier package. Balcony rooms under this category start at $2,351 per guest.

If you purchase the Princess Premier package with the balcony room, the total cost with port taxes and fees is a little more than $2,600 per person – and the pricing is nearly all-inclusive. This package may also include free cruise fare for third and fourth guests traveling in the same stateroom. You will still need to budget for shore excursions; note that over-the-top experiences like flightseeing, helicopter and dog sledding tours, and scenic rides on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway can get pricey.

Total cost: From $2,635 per person

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Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the longest Alaska cruising seasons. In 2024, there are 44 scheduled cruise and cruisetour itineraries between April and October, ranging from seven to 18 days.

The June 3, 2024, sailing on Norwegian Jewel is Norwegian Cruise Line 's least expensive Alaska cruise that month, starting at $449 per person for an inside cabin. In comparison, a balcony cabin starts at $1,879 per person. The itinerary – Alaska: Hubbard Glacier & Skagway – embarks from Seward, Alaska, and includes scenic sea days cruising Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage, plus stops in the ports of Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan (Ward Cove) in Alaska, before disembarking in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The line's ongoing "Free At Sea" deal is included in the price and features an unlimited open bar, free specialty dining (up to $180 for the first two guests in the stateroom), a discount of $50 per excursion and complimentary Wi-Fi access (a savings of up to $200).

Open bar and specialty dining gratuities in the package are approximately $175 per person. Taxes, fees and port expenses are about $302 per person. You'll also need to include the additional $20 per person, per day service charge ($140 for the seven-day voyage).

If you book the balcony stateroom at $1,879 per person, which includes the "Free At Sea" package, and add in the taxes and port fees, dining and beverage gratuities and the daily service charge for the crew, the total cost for the cruise is around $2,500 per person. Remaining costs for shore excursions, specialty dining over $180, additional Wi-Fi usage, gratuities and other miscellaneous costs are not included in the "Free At Sea" package.

Total cost: From $2,496 per person

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Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International's 2024 Alaska cruise season extends from April to September; there are 50 scheduled cruise-only and land-and-sea tours. Combined pre- and post-cruise tours last up to 13 nights, and cruise-only itineraries last between six to eight nights.

For the lowest fare in June, sail from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, on a seven-night cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas on June 7, 2024. The inside cabin fare starts at $438 per person. A balcony stateroom starts at $2,877 per person (to select your own room). This voyage cruises around Alaska's Hubbard Glacier, sails the Inside Passage in Canada and stops in Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan in Alaska.

The guaranteed balcony price at $2,877 is for a smaller stateroom; you can select a larger cabin for a higher cost. Taxes, fees and port expenses for the cruise are $389 per person.

The total cost for the balcony stateroom, port taxes and fees, and gratuities ($18 per person, per day) for this Royal Caribbean cruise is about $3,400 per person. This price does not include extras like specialty dining, shore excursions, beverage packages or Wi-Fi access, so you will need to budget extra to cover those expenses.

Total cost: From $3,392 per person

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Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has 19 five- to nine-night itineraries for the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September.

The lowest price for a seven-night Alaska cruise in June with Disney Cruise Line is the June 3, 2024, voyage on Disney Wonder . The price for an inside cabin starts at approximately $3,472 for two guests, which includes taxes, fees and port expenses. In contrast, the fare for a guaranteed veranda stateroom starts at about $6,482 for two guests (including the additional fees); at this rate, Disney will select your specific cabin.

This round-trip sailing embarks from Vancouver, British Columbia. You'll begin your journey with a day at sea, then glacier viewing at Stikine Icecap in Alaska. Guests will stop in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska before another sea day and disembarkation in Vancouver.

Guests staying in regular stateroom accommodations will have gratuities of about $15 per person, per night. Once you add that in, you're looking at a cost of close to $6,600 per room (based on double occupancy) – or around $3,300 per person, if you split it. This price covers the cruise fare, taxes and port fees, the complimentary dining venues, onboard entertainment and gratuities for the crew.

You will need to budget extra for port adventures, beverages, and meals at adults-only venues like the Cadillac Lounge and Italian-themed Palo. The line offers Wi-Fi packages for an additional fee, which you can select once on board. You will also need to pay extra for alcoholic beverages, and there is an 18% gratuity added to bar and beverage services.

Total cost: From $6,587 per room (double occupancy)

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Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line's 2024 Alaska season runs from April through September, and there are 16 itineraries that range from seven to 14 days.

The lowest Alaska fare in June is $814 per person for the June 4, 2024, voyage aboard Carnival Spirit . The seven-day round-trip itinerary departing from Seattle, Washington , includes one day at sea, cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord and stops in the Alaska port towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, plus Victoria, British Columbia. A guaranteed balcony room without an obstructed view starts at $1,579 per person.

Taxes, fees and port expenses for this cruise are about $313 per person. If you'd like Wi-Fi access, you can purchase the Social Wi-Fi Plan starting at approximately $15 per person, per day. The higher level Value Wi-Fi Plan costs about $20 per person, per day, while the Premium Wi-Fi Plan comes in at around $21 per person, per day.

A nonalcoholic beverage package, Bottomless Bubbles, starts at around $10 per adult and around $7 per child each day. For nonalcoholic beverages and select alcoholic drinks (up to $20 each), purchase the Cheers package. It starts at about $60 per person, per day, but you can save 10% if you purchase the package before you sail. With Cheers, you'll also receive a discount on bottles of wine (plus other perks). Gratuities cost $16 per person, per day, in a regular stateroom. Restaurants like the Mexican-inspired BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint are complimentary.

When you add up the price of the balcony stateroom, port taxes and fees, the Value package for Wi-Fi access, the Cheers beverage package and gratuities, you're looking at around $2,600 per person for this Carnival Cruise Line itinerary. In addition to those expenses, you'll have to budget extra funds for shore excursions, specialty dining and some other amenities.

Total cost: From $2,564 per person

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Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises is offering 35 Alaska voyages between May and September 2024. The shortest itinerary is seven days and the longest itinerary is 16 days.

The lowest-priced Alaska cruise with Silversea in June is the June 27, 2024, seven-day sailing aboard Silver Muse from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seward, Alaska. The intimate 596-guest ship will visit Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Valdez in Alaska – and complete two days of scenic cruising – before disembarking in Seward.

The all-inclusive port-to-port fare starts at $4,350 per person for a Classic Veranda Suite (the most affordable suite category with a balcony). For a room with a window instead of a balcony, book a Vista Suite starting at $3,350 per person.

Silversea's all-inclusive fares include luxurious suite accommodations, Champagne upon arrival, butler service and other perks. The pricing covers port taxes and fees; complimentary gourmet dining; all beverages, including Champagne, wine, beer and premium spirits; and gratuities. You'll also receive personalized, attentive service with a nearly one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, and at least one included shore excursion in every port. Complimentary excursions in Skagway include a ride on the White Pass Scenic Railway, a visit to a sled dog and musher's camp and the Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float Adventure. Many of the included excursions with Silversea are quite costly on other lines.

There are no additional fees with the all-inclusive fare. However, you might incur additional personal expenses if you choose to order a fancy bottle of wine with dinner or book an extreme shore excursion adventure, like flightseeing over the glaciers.

Total cost: $4,550 per person (all-inclusive)

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas' 22 Alaska cruises in 2024 sail between May and September and last seven to 14 nights.

The seven-night voyage on June 5, 2024, is the line's lowest-priced June sailing in Alaska, starting at $6,599 per person. Guests on Seven Seas Explorer will sail from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, with stops in Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska, plus two days of scenic cruising at the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier.

The 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares include a luxury veranda suite with a welcome bottle of Champagne and a fresh fruit arrangement. You'll also have an in-suite minibar, free valet laundry service and other upscale amenities. In addition, the fare includes a selection of free unlimited shore excursions; free unlimited beverages with fine wines and spirits; prepaid gratuities; complimentary specialty restaurants; unlimited Wi-Fi access and more.

There are no additional expenses on this Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyage – unless you choose a shore excursion that comes with an added cost or purchase a special bottle of wine at dinner.

Total cost: $6,599 per person (all-inclusive)

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Bottom line

The low base fares for Alaska cruises on larger cruise lines may grab your attention, but as you click through to see what's included and make your booking, you'll find additional costs on nearly every page.

Before making a reservation, be sure to read the fine print and find out exactly what's included (and not included) in your cruise fare. You may find that booking an all-inclusive rate with a luxury line offers a better value – an option that you may never have considered unless you compared the total price of each cruise.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica . She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. She used her knowledge of Alaska cruises and extensive research to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
  • The Top Luxury Alaska Cruises
  • The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises
  • The Top Northern Lights Alaska Cruises
  • Alaska Cruise Packing List

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

The 8 Top Alaska Cruise Lines of 2024

Baltimore Port: What impact will bridge collapse have on shipping?

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Reporting by Josephine Mason, Nick Carey, Helen Reid, Jonathan Saul, Nigel Hunt, Marwa Rashad, Scott DiSavino, Shariq Khan and Eric Onstad; Compiled by Josephine Mason and Nina Chestney; Editing by Nick Macfie and Nick Zieminski

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Indonesia's losing presidential election candidate Anies Baswedan on Wednesday said last month's election was unjust and not freely held, with state interference swaying the ballot to ensure one candidate won.

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At least seven people were killed in an Israeli strike on Nabatieh in Southern Lebanon, two security sources told Reuters early on Wednesday.

COMMENTS

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    The cost of the Smooth Jazz Cruise varies depending on several factors such as cabin type, itinerary, and time of booking. Generally speaking, prices start at around $3,000 per person for an inside cabin and can go up to $12,000 for a suite with a balcony.

  10. Cruise Experience

    Since 2004, The Smooth Jazz Cruise has been the gold standard, not only for jazz cruises, but for all theme and music charter cruises. During its 30+ sailings, more than 60,000 guests have experienced this amazing music cruise vacation and more than 17,000 of them have sailed 4 or more times. The cruise, which has earned the title of "The ...

  11. Riverboat Cruise in New Orleans

    How Much Does a Jazz River Boat Cruise Cost in New Orleans? Basic Jazz Cruises: Basic jazz cruises without dining options can start at around $20 to $40 per person for shorter daytime cruises. These cruises typically focus on the music experience and the scenic views.

  12. Home

    THE JAZZ CRUISE. 01.28.25 - 02.04.25. Ft Lauderdale • Cozumel • Grand Cayman. Since 2001, The Jazz Cruise has set the standard for jazz entertainment at sea, and, in the minds of many has become the most significant "straight-ahead" jazz event in the world. One hundred jazz musicians. Two hundred hours of music.

  13. Pricing & Availability

    Ocean View - DD $3,050 per person. Ocean View - D $3,100 per person. Ocean View - C $3,150 per person. Verandah - VH $3,750 per person. Verandah - VF $3,900 per person. Verandah - VE $4,050 per person. Verandah - VD $4,400 per person. Verandah - VC $4,550 per person. Verandah - VB $4,900 per person.

  14. Pricing

    The cost for 3rd and 4th passengers cruise fare vary upon Stateroom type: $850/pp - Inside & Ocean View Staterooms; $950/pp - Balcony & Staterooms; $1,050/pp - Suites SD - SN; ... Jazz Cruises strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport with at least six (6) months validity post cruise during their sailing. ...

  15. Steamboat Natchez Cruise

    How much do Steamboat Natchez cruises cost? The prices of a Steamboat Natchez cruise varies depending on which option you choose and whether or not you elect to participate in the optional meal(s). Evening Jazz Sightseeing Cruise. Adult: $50.00 Children 6-12: $24.50 Children 0-6: Free. Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner. Adult: $87.00 Children 6 ...

  16. Cancellation / Travel Insurance

    Like most insurance plans, the cost of Travel Insurance is based on multiple factors including your age, the U.S. state in which you live, and the cost of your cruise. Cost may vary by day. Please call Jazz Cruises at 844.616.6279 or contact Travel Guard to receive a free quote.

  17. Cancellation / Travel Insurance

    Like most insurance plans, the cost of Travel Insurance is based on multiple factors including your age, the U.S. state in which you live, and the cost of your cruise. Cost may vary by day. Please call Jazz Cruises at 844.616.6279 or contact Travel Guard to receive a free quote.

  18. cost

    Search Results for: cost. Paul Thorn. ... Founded in 2002, The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise is the world's original fully chartered blues cruise, sailing twice annually! Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, LLC 313 Lawrence Street Kansas City, MO 64111 Reservations: (816) 753-7979.

  19. Mariner of the Seas

    How much does the Jazz Club cost on the Mariner of the Seas? A pricing guide is provided based on a scale of one to four dollar signs. One dollar sign ($) is the least expensive and four ($$$$) is the most expensive. The Jazz Club ranks 2 dollar signs $$.

  20. How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

    Here are a few examples of base cruise cost ranges on larger cruise lines for various regions: A seven-night Caribbean cruise in November costs approximately $424 to $1,158 per person. A seven ...

  21. This new cruise ship has a hidden magic club on board

    The cruise line will also host its second Magic Castle Conjurer's Cruise themed sailing on Sun Princess in November. How much does Spellbound cost? The experience costs $149 per person ...

  22. Baltimore bridge collapse: What happened and what do we know about the

    The bridge carries 11.3 million vehicles a year, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority, on the I-695 highway that circles Baltimore, also known as the Baltimore Beltway. The 1.6-mile ...

  23. How Much Does a Cruise Cost

    It's possible to find an inside cabin on a Carnival for $50/night, but a balcony cabin or suite on the same cruise could cost $200/night, so there's a lot of range here. Estimated Cost: $400 - $1400 per person. Tip: Unlike hotel prices, cruise fares are listed per person, not per cabin, with rates based on two people occupying a stateroom.

  24. How much does a cruise cost?

    Here are average taxes and fees for large ships on seven-night cruises, based on the destination: The Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico: $140 to $200 per person. Europe:$50 to $100. Alaska:$250 to ...

  25. How much does it cost to build a cruise ship?

    On average, modern cruise ships cost between $500 million to over $900 million to build. Cruise ship costs were much different back in the day. When the Titanic entered service in 1912, the 3,300 ...

  26. Cancellation / Travel Insurance

    How much does Travel Insurance cost? Like most insurance plans, the cost of Travel Insurance is based on multiple factors including your age, the U.S. state in which you live, and the cost of your cruise. Cost may vary by day. Please call Jazz Cruises at 844.616.6279 or contact Travel Guard to receive a free quote.

  27. Live Updates: Coast Guard Ends Search for 6 Missing in Bridge Disaster

    March 26, 2024, 4:11 a.m. ET. Live Updates: Cargo Ship Hits Major Bridge in Baltimore, Triggering Collapse. A Singapore-flagged vessel struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Coast Guard said ...

  28. Francis Scott Key bridge collapse live updates: Latest after Baltimore

    The company ports its Carnival Legend cruise ship in Baltimore, where passengers board for cruises to the Bahamas. The 1,062-cabin vessel is off Florida en route to the Bahamas, according to ...

  29. How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost in 2024?

    In 2024, there are 44 scheduled cruise and cruisetour itineraries between April and October, ranging from seven to 18 days. Starting price (per person) The June 3, 2024, sailing on Norwegian ...

  30. Baltimore Port: What impact will bridge collapse have on shipping?

    In 2023, cruises carrying more than 444,000 passengers departed from the port, the Maryland government website says. LONDON METAL EXCHANGE WAREHOUSES.