cost of a cruise ship

How Much Does a Cruise Ship Cost? [SOLVED] Ranked by Ship & Line

How much does a cruise ship cost? We love this question! Below, you'll find a deep dive into cruise ships by cost . From the most expensive cruise ship in the world, to the cheapest.

We've analyzed cruise lines to find how much a cruise ship costs based on multiple criteria.

Included, you'll find ship cost by brand and per cabin to account for difference in ship size. We also explore the difference in the cost to build a cruise ship over time.

There's a clear trend in increasing ship cost by decade ! Additionally, we look at the total asset value by fleet and by holding company . It's truly amazing how the industry is so very consolidated!

To skip to any of the above mentioned analysis, feel free to use our quick links below.

• 1) Cruise Ship Cost to Build by Cruise Line
• 2) Average Cruise Ship Cost by Cabin
• 3) Cruise Ship Cost Increase Over Time
• 4) Cruise Ship Total Value by Cruise Company
• 5) All Cruise Ships Cost to Build

Don't get us wrong. A ship's price tag is just one consideration.

There are plenty of factors that come into play when searching for the perfect cruise. How new is the vessel? How big is it? What class does it belong to? What features does it have? And, of course, how much does a cruise ship cost ? We cover all of these in other blog posts. For now, we'll explore ship cost in depth.

How Much Does a Cruise Ship Cost to Build... by Line

Above, you'll find a graph showing the average cruise ship cost by cruise line . The chart shown represents the actual cost to build a cruise ship for the specific brands shown.

Which company spends the most per vessel? That would be Royal Caribbean! On average, RCCL writes a check for $669 million for each new ship!

This graph above gives us an idea of not just "cost," but also grandiosity. Royal's ships are the biggest and most costly.

To get a better idea of "value" as opposed to "price tag," you'll want to consider ship size . We're one step ahead! Check out the infographic below for average cost to build a cruise ship based on size. Specifically, we analyze cost verse number of staterooms.

How Much Does a Cruise Ship Cost to Build... by Cabin

This chart shows average cost by cruise cabin. That allows us to account for ship size and "normalize" the cost data. When buying an apartment building, you'd mostly like value it based on total number of units. Each apartment will command $X in rent. Similarly, each cruise cabin generates $Y in revenue.

It's no surprise that the smaller ships rise to the top. These brands are considered "premium lines." The drastic differences in price are obvious. Seabourn ships have cruise staterooms valued at more than 5x the cost of cabins on Pullmantur!

Why did we use cabins as a proxy for size ?

To get the most of this analysis, you'll want to compare ships with a similar quantity of cabins. Compare SAGA and Fred Olsen ships. The average roughly the same number of cabins per ship. SAGA spends over 2x the amount on a per cabin basis!

The data won't completely represent the full picture. Celebrity has massive ships carrying over 3k passengers and also the Xploration with a capacity of 16 cruisers! To avoid this issue you'll want to check out our complete list of ships by cost below.

Cruise Ship Cost Increase Over Time

We also looked at how much does a cruise ship cost to build today vs. in the past ? We expected an increase and were not disappointed! The chart below shows the average price tag of ships throughout the decades.

The blue bars show actual dollars spent. The green line depicts "cost in today's dollars." These figures were derived using an average inflation rate of 3.22%.

It's clear that prices have grown significantly ! Both in terms of actual dollars and inflation-adjusted costs.

Even with the current speed bump in the industry, we expect this to continue. Vessels are continuously adding capacity and extravagant (read "expensive") features. The average cost per cruise ship is quickly approaching one billion dollars !

Cruise Ship Total Value by Cruise Company

You may have counted almost 30 cruise brands included above. Don't be fooled . There aren't that many big cruise companies out there. The chart below is likely to surprise you. The list of cruise companies is much smaller. Two companies (Carnival & Royal Caribbean) own nearly 75% of the entire industry !

Many passengers have sailed Oceania or Cunard and had no clue they were owned by NCL or Carnival. It's always entertaining to hear a passenger make fun of "Carnival" as they proudly book their next Seabourn vacation. Carnival Corp. owns both brands!

These major cruise lines know what they're doing. They want to own every cruise passenger , whether they're cruise budget is $1,000 or $10,000!

Most Expensive Cruise Ships

Of course we had to include a list of the most expensive cruise ships ever built . Here are the Top 25 biggest price tags ever commanded by cruise ships. The "billion+ dollar club" is a significant portion of the list.

We also include the owning cruise line. You'll find one cruise line in particular is writing the biggest checks!

#1 - Allure of the Seas Cost to Build

How much did the Allure of the Seas cost to build? Royal Caribbean spent $1.5 Billion for the ship in 2010.

The ship measures 225k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Allure of the Seas cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $6,658 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Allure of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,742 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Royal Caribbean paid roughly $547k per cabin for this ship.

The Allure of the Seas has a current status of: active

• Cruise Line : Royal Caribbean
• Cruise Ship : Allure of the Seas
• Cost to Build : $1,500,000,000
• Year Built : 2010
• Gross Tonnage : 225,282
• Total Staterooms : 2,742 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $2.06 Billion
• Ship Cost by GT : $6,658 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $547k per cabin
• Current Status : active

#2 - Wonder of the Seas Cost to Build

How much did the Wonder of the Seas cost to build? Royal Caribbean spent $1.35 Billion for the ship in 2021.

The ship measures 228k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Wonder of the Seas cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,919 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Wonder of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,745 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Royal Caribbean paid roughly $492k per cabin for this ship.

The Wonder of the Seas has a current status of: future ship

• Cruise Ship : Wonder of the Seas
• Cost to Build : $1,350,000,000
• Year Built : 2021
• Gross Tonnage : 228,081
• Total Staterooms : 2,745 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $1.31 Billion
• Ship Cost by GT : $5,919 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $492k per cabin
• Current Status : future ship

#3 - Harmony of the Seas Cost to Build

How much did the Harmony of the Seas cost to build? Royal Caribbean spent $1.35 Billion for the ship in 2016.

The ship measures 228k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Harmony of the Seas cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,929 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Harmony of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,745 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Royal Caribbean paid roughly $492k per cabin for this ship.

The Harmony of the Seas has a current status of: active

• Cruise Ship : Harmony of the Seas
• Year Built : 2016
• Gross Tonnage : 227,700
• Cost in Today Dollars : $1.53 Billion
• Ship Cost by GT : $5,929 per GT

#4 - Symphony of the Seas Cost to Build

How much did the Symphony of the Seas cost to build? Royal Caribbean spent $1.35 Billion for the ship in 2018.

The ship measures 228k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Symphony of the Seas cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,919 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Symphony of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,745 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Royal Caribbean paid roughly $492k per cabin for this ship.

The Symphony of the Seas has a current status of: active

• Cruise Ship : Symphony of the Seas
• Year Built : 2018
• Cost in Today Dollars : $1.44 Billion

#5 - Oasis of the Seas Cost to Build

How much did the Oasis of the Seas cost to build? Royal Caribbean spent $1.3 Billion for the ship in 2009.

The ship measures 225k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Oasis of the Seas cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,771 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Oasis of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,137 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Royal Caribbean paid roughly $608k per cabin for this ship.

The Oasis of the Seas has a current status of: active

• Cruise Ship : Oasis of the Seas
• Cost to Build : $1,300,000,000
• Year Built : 2009
• Total Staterooms : 2,137 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $1.84 Billion
• Ship Cost by GT : $5,771 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $608k per cabin

#6 - Norwegian Epic Cost to Build

How much did the Norwegian Epic cost to build? Norwegian spent $1.2 Billion for the ship in 2010.

The ship measures 156k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Norwegian Epic cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $7,699 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Norwegian Epic cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,122 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Norwegian paid roughly $566k per cabin for this ship.

The Norwegian Epic has a current status of: active

• Cruise Line : Norwegian
• Cruise Ship : Norwegian Epic
• Cost to Build : $1,200,000,000
• Gross Tonnage : 155,873
• Total Staterooms : 2,122 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $1.65 Billion
• Ship Cost by GT : $7,699 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $566k per cabin

#7 - MSC World Europa Cost to Build

How much did the MSC World Europa cost to build? MSC spent $1.15 Billion for the ship in 2023.

The ship measures 206k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the MSC World Europa cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,591 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the MSC World Europa cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,700 staterooms . Some quick math shows that MSC paid roughly $426k per cabin for this ship.

The MSC World Europa has a current status of: future ship

• Cruise Line : MSC
• Cruise Ship : MSC World Europa
• Cost to Build : $1,150,000,000
• Year Built : 2023
• Gross Tonnage : 205,700
• Total Staterooms : 2,700 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $1.05 Billion
• Ship Cost by GT : $5,591 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $426k per cabin

#8 - MSC Seashore Cost to Build

How much did the MSC Seashore cost to build? MSC spent $1.15 Billion for the ship in 2022.

The ship measures 154k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the MSC Seashore cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $7,468 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the MSC Seashore cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,066 staterooms . Some quick math shows that MSC paid roughly $557k per cabin for this ship.

The MSC Seashore has a current status of: future ship

• Cruise Ship : MSC Seashore
• Year Built : 2022
• Gross Tonnage : 154,000
• Total Staterooms : 2,066 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $1.08 Billion
• Ship Cost by GT : $7,468 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $557k per cabin

#9 - Ovation of the Seas Cost to Build

How much did the Ovation of the Seas cost to build? Royal Caribbean spent $1.1 Billion for the ship in 2016.

The ship measures 169k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $6,522 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Ovation of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 1,918 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Royal Caribbean paid roughly $574k per cabin for this ship.

The Ovation of the Seas has a current status of: active

• Cruise Ship : Ovation of the Seas
• Cost to Build : $1,100,000,000
• Gross Tonnage : 168,666
• Total Staterooms : 1,918 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $1.25 Billion
• Ship Cost by GT : $6,522 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $574k per cabin

#10 - Celebration Cost to Build

How much did the Celebration cost to build? Carnival spent $1 Billion for the ship in 2022.

The ship measures 184k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Celebration cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,438 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Celebration cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,641 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Carnival paid roughly $379k per cabin for this ship.

The Celebration has a current status of: future ship

• Cruise Line : Carnival
• Cruise Ship : Celebration
• Cost to Build : $1,000,000,000
• Gross Tonnage : 183,900
• Total Staterooms : 2,641 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $938 Million
• Ship Cost by GT : $5,438 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $379k per cabin

#11 - Celebrity Edge Cost to Build

How much did the Celebrity Edge cost to build? Celebrity spent $1 Billion for the ship in 2018.

The ship measures 131k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Celebrity Edge cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $7,644 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Celebrity Edge cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 1,467 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Celebrity paid roughly $682k per cabin for this ship.

The Celebrity Edge has a current status of: active

• Cruise Line : Celebrity
• Cruise Ship : Celebrity Edge
• Gross Tonnage : 130,818
• Total Staterooms : 1,467 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $1.07 Billion
• Ship Cost by GT : $7,644 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $682k per cabin

#12 - Mardi Gras Cost to Build

How much did the Mardi Gras cost to build? Carnival spent $950 Million for the ship in 2020.

The ship measures 184k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Mardi Gras cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,166 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Mardi Gras cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,641 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Carnival paid roughly $360k per cabin for this ship.

The Mardi Gras has a current status of: active

• Cruise Ship : Mardi Gras
• Cost to Build : $950,000,000
• Year Built : 2020
• Cost in Today Dollars : $950 Million
• Ship Cost by GT : $5,166 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $360k per cabin

#13 - Costa Firenze Cost to Build

How much did the Costa Firenze cost to build? Costa spent $950 Million for the ship in 2020.

The ship measures 136k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Costa Firenze cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $7,011 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Costa Firenze cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,116 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Costa paid roughly $449k per cabin for this ship.

The Costa Firenze has a current status of: active

• Cruise Line : Costa
• Cruise Ship : Costa Firenze
• Gross Tonnage : 135,500
• Total Staterooms : 2,116 cabins
• Ship Cost by GT : $7,011 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $449k per cabin

#14 - MV Iona Cost to Build

How much did the MV Iona cost to build? P&O UK spent $950 Million for the ship in 2020.

The ship measures 184k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the MV Iona cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,163 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the MV Iona cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,610 staterooms . Some quick math shows that P&O UK paid roughly $364k per cabin for this ship.

The MV Iona has a current status of: future ship

• Cruise Line : P&O UK
• Cruise Ship : MV Iona
• Gross Tonnage : 184,000
• Total Staterooms : 2,610 cabins
• Ship Cost by GT : $5,163 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $364k per cabin

#15 - Quantum of the Seas Cost to Build

How much did the Quantum of the Seas cost to build? Royal Caribbean spent $950 Million for the ship in 2014.

The ship measures 169k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Quantum of the Seas cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,632 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Quantum of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 1,839 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Royal Caribbean paid roughly $517k per cabin for this ship.

The Quantum of the Seas has a current status of: active

• Cruise Ship : Quantum of the Seas
• Year Built : 2014
• Total Staterooms : 1,839 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $1.15 Billion
• Ship Cost by GT : $5,632 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $517k per cabin

#16 - Costa Smeralda Cost to Build

How much did the Costa Smeralda cost to build? Costa spent $950 Million for the ship in 2019.

The ship measures 185k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Costa Smeralda cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,135 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Costa Smeralda cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,612 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Costa paid roughly $364k per cabin for this ship.

The Costa Smeralda has a current status of: active

• Cruise Ship : Costa Smeralda
• Year Built : 2019
• Gross Tonnage : 185,010
• Total Staterooms : 2,612 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $980 Million
• Ship Cost by GT : $5,135 per GT

#17 - Disney Fantasy Cost to Build

How much did the Disney Fantasy cost to build? Disney spent $950 Million for the ship in 2012.

The ship measures 130k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Disney Fantasy cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $7,325 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Disney Fantasy cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 1,250 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Disney paid roughly $760k per cabin for this ship.

The Disney Fantasy has a current status of: active

• Cruise Line : Disney
• Cruise Ship : Disney Fantasy
• Year Built : 2012
• Gross Tonnage : 129,690
• Total Staterooms : 1,250 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $1.22 Billion
• Ship Cost by GT : $7,325 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $760k per cabin

#18 - Anthem of the Seas Cost to Build

How much did the Anthem of the Seas cost to build? Royal Caribbean spent $950 Million for the ship in 2015.

The ship measures 169k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Anthem of the Seas cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,632 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Anthem of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,095 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Royal Caribbean paid roughly $453k per cabin for this ship.

The Anthem of the Seas has a current status of: active

• Cruise Ship : Anthem of the Seas
• Year Built : 2015
• Total Staterooms : 2,095 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $1.11 Billion
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $453k per cabin

#19 - AIDAnova Cost to Build

How much did the AIDAnova cost to build? AIDA spent $950 Million for the ship in 2018.

The ship measures 184k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the AIDAnova cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,166 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the AIDAnova cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,626 staterooms . Some quick math shows that AIDA paid roughly $362k per cabin for this ship.

The AIDAnova has a current status of: active

• Cruise Line : AIDA
• Cruise Ship : AIDAnova
• Total Staterooms : 2,626 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $1.01 Billion
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $362k per cabin

#20 - MSC Grandiosa Cost to Build

How much did the MSC Grandiosa cost to build? MSC spent $950 Million for the ship in 2019.

The ship measures 182k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the MSC Grandiosa cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,233 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the MSC Grandiosa cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,421 staterooms . Some quick math shows that MSC paid roughly $392k per cabin for this ship.

The MSC Grandiosa has a current status of: active

• Cruise Ship : MSC Grandiosa
• Gross Tonnage : 181,541
• Total Staterooms : 2,421 cabins
• Ship Cost by GT : $5,233 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $392k per cabin

#21 - MSC Meraviglia Cost to Build

How much did the MSC Meraviglia cost to build? MSC spent $950 Million for the ship in 2017.

The ship measures 172k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the MSC Meraviglia cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,536 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the MSC Meraviglia cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,244 staterooms . Some quick math shows that MSC paid roughly $423k per cabin for this ship.

The MSC Meraviglia has a current status of: active

• Cruise Ship : MSC Meraviglia
• Year Built : 2017
• Gross Tonnage : 171,598
• Total Staterooms : 2,244 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $1.04 Billion
• Ship Cost by GT : $5,536 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $423k per cabin

#22 - MSC Bellissima Cost to Build

How much did the MSC Bellissima cost to build? MSC spent $950 Million for the ship in 2019.

The ship measures 172k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the MSC Bellissima cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,536 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the MSC Bellissima cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,217 staterooms . Some quick math shows that MSC paid roughly $429k per cabin for this ship.

The MSC Bellissima has a current status of: active

• Cruise Ship : MSC Bellissima
• Total Staterooms : 2,217 cabins
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $429k per cabin

#23 - Spectrum of the Seas Cost to Build

How much did the Spectrum of the Seas cost to build? Royal Caribbean spent $940 Million for the ship in 2019.

The ship measures 169k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,569 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Spectrum of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,098 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Royal Caribbean paid roughly $448k per cabin for this ship.

The Spectrum of the Seas has a current status of: active

• Cruise Ship : Spectrum of the Seas
• Cost to Build : $940,000,000
• Gross Tonnage : 168,800
• Total Staterooms : 2,098 cabins
• Cost in Today Dollars : $970 Million
• Ship Cost by GT : $5,569 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $448k per cabin

#24 - Odyssey of the Seas Cost to Build

How much did the Odyssey of the Seas cost to build? Royal Caribbean spent $940 Million for the ship in 2021.

The ship measures 169k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,550 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the Odyssey of the Seas cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,098 staterooms . Some quick math shows that Royal Caribbean paid roughly $448k per cabin for this ship.

The Odyssey of the Seas has a current status of: future ship

• Cruise Ship : Odyssey of the Seas
• Gross Tonnage : 169,379
• Cost in Today Dollars : $910 Million
• Ship Cost by GT : $5,550 per GT

#25 - MSC Virtuosa Cost to Build

How much did the MSC Virtuosa cost to build? MSC spent $937 Million for the ship in 2021.

The ship measures 181k gross tons and is one of the largest in the fleet. If we look at the MSC Virtuosa cruise ship cost per tonnage, we get a price tag showing $5,177 per GT .

It's also interesting to look at the MSC Virtuosa cost per cabin. The ship has a total of 2,421 staterooms . Some quick math shows that MSC paid roughly $387k per cabin for this ship.

The MSC Virtuosa has a current status of: future ship

• Cruise Ship : MSC Virtuosa
• Cost to Build : $937,000,000
• Gross Tonnage : 181,000
• Cost in Today Dollars : $907 Million
• Ship Cost by GT : $5,177 per GT
• Ship Cost by Cabin : $387k per cabin

All Cruise Ships Cost to Build

Finally, here's the hard data. The spreadsheet below shows hundreds of ships ranked by total cost to build. Also included are cost today, cost per ton, and cost by cabin.

How much does a cruise ship cost to build - FAQs

How much does a cruise ship cost to build? On average, a cruise ship costs $506 million. To get this approximated cost to build a cruise ship, we analyzed 231 active and ordered vessels. In the charts above, we show all ships by cost, cruise line, and size.

What is the most expensive cruise ship ever built? The Allure of the Seas is the most expensive ship ever built at a price tag of $1.5 billion dollars. The ship was constructed in constructed by Royal Caribbean in 2010. It has a gross tonnage of 225k GT and a total cabin count of 2,742 staterooms.

What cruise line has the most expensive cruise ships? Royal Caribbean leads the cruise industry with the most expensive ships. On average, RCCL spends $669 million per new vessel. Next in line is Disney followed by Costa than NCL. The entire ranking chart can be seen above.

What cruise line has the cheapest ships? Seadream Yachts has the least expensive cruise ships. Yet, the cruise line has a much smaller capacity and relatively high cost per stateroom. When accounting for size, the cheapest cruise ships are owned by Pullmantur.

How much have cruise ship costs increased over time? In actual dollars, ships have increased based on the following costs per decade: 1970 - $43M; 1980 - $37M; 1990: $119M; 2000: $276M; 2010: $433M; 2020: $697M; 2020+ - $870M. Our graph also shows this increase in normalized dollars spent.

How much are Carnival Cruise Ships worth? Carnival Corporation owns nine cruise brands and a combined 94 ships. The total asset value of these based on actual dollars spent is $74.2 billion. The chart above shows the owned brands and this line compared to others.

How much are Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships worth? Royal Caribbean Corporation owns or partially owns seven cruise brands and a combined 62 ships. The total asset value of these based on actual dollars spent is $47.9 billion. The chart above shows the owned brands and this line compared to others.

How much are Norwegian Cruise Ships worth? Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings owns three cruise brands and a combined 28 ships. The total asset value of these based on actual dollars spent is $19.1 billion. The chart above shows the owned brands and this line compared to others.

What is the biggest cruise line company? Carnival Corporation is by far the largest with 45% of the cruise industry in terms of ships owned. The company owns nine cruise brands and a combined 94 ships. The total asset value of these based on actual dollars spent is $74.2 billion. The chart above shows the owned brands and this line compared to others.

We hope that the above is extremely helpful in answering, how much does a cruise ship cost to build?

If you enjoyed learning about the most expensive cruise ships in the world, you'll love to explore the largest cruise vessels ever built. Please check out our post, Largest Cruise Ships in the World .

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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.

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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?

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

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

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

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

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

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

Additional costs on a cruise ship

Cruisers will also incur additional fees from excursions, fitness classes, spa treatments, access to thermal spa rooms, babysitting services, ship tours, wine tastings, cocktail demonstrations, cooking classes, laundry services, and some entertainment venues and activities on the ship – 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

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

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.

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Cruise Ship Cost to Build

How much does a cruise ship cost to build and how much is the per berth price. See here the largest cruise shipbuilding cost, and of the most expensive cruise ship in the world. You'll see what is the cruise ship cost per day by following the link to the vessel's "itinerary-schedule-position" page at our cruise tracker . This page is integrated with our surveys on the newest ships , ship construction , and drydock refurbishments .

Our unique survey here features, besides covering all the world's major cruise lines ships, also the building cost of cruise ships like MS The World (privately owned floating neighborhood) and of the ominous RMS Titanic . These are not just money questions, but also much fun cruise vessels stuff. And this is why we'll try to give you the best and most accurate answers here - all in one place, on a single page.

After some concise explanations, we give you the list of the world's best passenger cruise ships cost to build by line (operator). This is a huge help since you don't have to search the Internet anymore for a particular ship and its building cost.

How much does the most expensive cruise ship cost?

The cost of building a cruise ship generally depends on the vessel's size, the building shipyard (labor prices, taxes, quality of service), the onboard features (facilities and amenities) and finally - on the economy itself. Lines price the cruise ships building cost by the number of beds (the marine term is "berths").

The most fun fact of all in this category is the berth price of one of the world's most expensive big cruise ships - the most famous Cunard liner RMS Queen Mary 2 (2004-built), with a berth cost of over USD 300,000 - the industry's highest-ever considering its volume/GT tonnage. The main culprits:

• the QM2 shipbuilder is STX Europe (Saint-Nazaire shipyards in France)
• high-quality materials
• unique ship design (this classic ocean liner required around 40% more steel than a standard passenger ship)
• and finally, the QM2 ship size itself - length 1,132 ft (345 m), width 135 ft (41 m), height 236 ft (72 m) and weight of 151,400 tons. QM2 is also the fastest cruise ship in the world - max speed 35 mph (56 kph) and service/operational speed of 30 mph (48 kph). In comparison, one of the world's largest cruise ships Oasis of the Seas cost per berth is "merely" US$240,000 for its immense weight of 225,300 tons.

Some info on one of the world's most famous passenger ships ever - The World cruise ship.

• Operated by ResidenSea, this top luxury residential ship (construction cost USD 266 million) offers a one-bedroom apartment at a modest price of around US$2000 per night. Purchasing an apartment on board this ship is a quite different matter.
• The World cruise ship apartment cost (if some of the current owners decide to sell) is a pretty big suitcase deal - the lucky buyer will say a big "goodbye" to USD 2 million to over 15 million (depending on size and deck location) and a hearty "hello" to a ship cabin property of respectively around 620 ft2 to over 4300 ft2.
• Additionally to this "initial spending", the lucky owner will be charged an annual maintenance fee ranging from USD 60,000 to USD 0,5+ million, again depending on the property.

How much does the world's most expensive cruise ship cost? The Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas ship cost to build is USD 1,4 billion, closely followed by its sister the Allure ship - USD 1,2 billion. And while speaking of 1,2 billion dollars, and just in case someone asks "what is the cost of the most expensive yacht in the world". The world's most expensive cruise yacht costs the exact amount of money, and it's a private property of Roman Abramovich. For its 558 ft in length (170 m) the owner of the Chelsea Football Club paid the same USD 1,2 billion, while the yacht's actual construction cost is "only" USD 485 million. But the fun doesn't stop there. A week-long charter of the Eclipse Yacht costs the USD 2 million, but a 5000 ft2 (465 m2) master suite is included in the price, along with all the 70+ crew, 2 helicopter pads, 11 guest staterooms, 2 swimming pools, 3-speed boats, and naturally - a small submarine. About the security? How does a defense system capable of launching missiles sounds to you?

What was the cost of the RMS Titanic ? Back in 1912, the Titanic ship cost to build was USD 7,5 million (current dollar value ~USD 400 million/2021). Sadly, this huge investment in the world's first mega cruise ship (tonnage 46,300 GT) turned out to be a real disaster - the Titanic ship sailed only once and never finished its "bigger than God" voyage.

How much do cruise ships cost?

All the world's big to biggest cruise ships cost in millions of US dollars, ordered alphabetically by the name of the cruise company operating the vessel. And only in this article - the building cost of cruise ships per berth (bed).

Next time you'll know exactly for how much (as a percentage) you rent a costly cruise ship accommodation on your budget-priced or luxury ship vacation. Not to forget, there are also food, service, entertainment and numerous amenities and activities that are usually included in your fares/ticket prices.

In our world's current economic situation of uncertainty and stagnation, most cruise companies prefer to renovate ships rather than building new ones. The cost of cruise lines refurbishments and ship renovation programs may reach close to half a billion dollars.

Among the most mind-boggling examples of huge fleet-upgrade spending are Holland America's SOE ("Signature of Excellence") program (budgeted USD 450 million) and Carnival's Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades and ship enhancements (total budget USD 800 million). Generally, such renovations include either major refits and improvements ("upgrades" of older vessels with the company's signature facilities, amenities, and programs) or regularly scheduled drydock refurbishments.

Another famous example is the "Fun Ship 1.0" upgrades of all old Carnival Fantasy-class fleet - 8 ships, USD 250 million. RCCL's Celebrity Cruises started its over USD 200 million one-ship-per-year renovation program in 2010 (including 4 Millennium-class liners).

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If you ever have the need to purchase a cruise ship, you’d have to have some pretty deep pockets, as these seafaring transportation modes do not come cheap.  So how much can you expect to pay for a cruise ship? Cruise ships come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, and therefore its pricing differs. You can, however, expect to pay from $2-350 million. Here’s a breakdown of what a cruise ship might cost you. 

Popular Reasoning behind Buying a Cruise Ship

There may be several reasons why someone would want to buy a cruise ship . For instance, many people don’t want to spend their savings on buying a home or traveling. If you buy a cruise ship, you get to travel in a condo-like residence . So you’ll be fulfilling your dream of cruising without leaving the comforts of home, as your ship will now be your home. 

If you buy a cruise ship , you’ll also have a permanent home at sea, which provides all the comforts of a multi-bedroom apartment on land. You’ll also get to enjoy spectacular sea views. Owning a cruise ship satisfies any wanderlust you may have, without you having to go through customs and packing. 

You also won’t need to contend with lost luggage if you live on a ship. If you’re planning to live on a ship when you retire, you’ll pay less than when opting for assisted living on land. The reason being is that with a cruise, you could pay up to $150 per day, as opposed to $2,000 per month in an independent living facility or $3,000 per month in an assisted living facility. 

The Cost of Building a Luxury Liner 

You’ll need more than a billion dollars to design and build a luxury liner. One of the biggest luxury liners in the world, Harmony of the Seas, set Royal Caribbean back a whopping $1.35b billion. Royal Caribbean really pulled out all the stops with Harmony of the Seas , as this liner was designed with 2,747 cabins, a Starbucks café, and robot bartenders. 

The second biggest cruise liner, Allure of the Seas, cost $1.5 billion, a cost higher than Harmony of the Seas. Royal Caribbean also built Oasis of the Seas at a cost of $1.billion.

What a Typical Cruise Ship May Cost 

Luxury liners are lavish and humungous, so pricing is exorbitant. However, your average smaller cruise ship costs considerably lower. Data gathering company the Muster Station, gathered data on the cost of more than 200 cruise ships in a bid to ascertain the average price of a regular cruise ship. 

The Muster Station found that ships accommodating an average of 500 passengers, cost roughly $260 million. Cruise ships catering to up to 1000 passengers cost an average of $394 million. Ships catering between 1000-2000 passengers cost $442 million and those catering to 2000-3000 passengers cost approximately $555 million. Therefore a big lottery winner could afford to buy a cruise ship .

The Muster Station also discovered that cruise ships looking to accommodate 3000-4000 passengers would cost $734 million, while cruise ships catering to 4000-5000 passengers had an average cost of $937 million. Cruise ships catering to an excess of 5000 passengers averaged at $1, 31 billion. 

Factors Determining the Cost of a Cruise Ship, besides Size 

Besides size, there are other factors that determine the cost of a cruise ship . You’ll also need to take into account the economy when the ship is being built, the shipyard where the ship is being designed and assembled, as well as amenities and features. 

The price of materials per ship varies too. Steel is pretty expensive and an ocean liner would need more of it, compared to the amount of steel necessary for a smaller boxer cruise ship . You may also opt to buy a renovated ship, as it can be less expensive than a newly built ship, although some renovations could spike the price of a renovated cruise ship to half a billion. 

Determining the Type of Cruise Ship You’ll Need 

Pricing is an important factor when deciding on the type of cruise ship you want. However, there are other deciding factors too. One of these is the type of cruise ship that’s ideal for your needs. 

Ask yourself if a casino ship, plush catamaran, river cruise boat, ocean liner, floating hotel ship , three or five-star cruise ship, or a 1500 or 100-passenger ship suits you best. Ask yourself whether you need a classic cruise liner, a catamaran, or a 140-meter cruise liner to best cater to your business or personal purposes. 

Where to Find Cruise Ships 

You’ll rarely ever find a cruise ship advertised in your local classified section of the newspaper, even though some companies do advertise cruise ships online. These companies include ShipTraders.com, Appolo Duck Commercial Listings, WorkBoatsInternational.com, Homestead.com, and MegaYachtsOnline.com.

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How much does the average cruise ship cost? You may be surprised

We’re often asked, “ How much does a cruise ship cost to build ?” These mega-vessels are so big and expensive, that they’re not purchased very often. As such, most people have no idea how expensive these things actually are.

We’ve analyzed over 200 cruise ship purchases throughout the last few decades. This post will provide you with the most comprehensive analysis of cruise ship cost that exists anywhere. Trust us, we scoured the internet. Nowhere does anyone do justice to the question, until now.

First, let’s go over a few items. It’s difficult to compare ships due to their differences in age, size, type, etc. A 400 person cruise ship purchased in 1985 and a 4,000 passenger ship bought in 2015 are going to have drastically different prices. Comparing the costs of each would be like comparing apples and oranges.

To make the ships more comparable, we played with a few of these factors.

Year : we analyzed 200 ship costs over a period of a period of 47 years. The median age in our data set is 2002. Obviously a dollar today has a different value than a dollar 40 years ago. As such, we took the cost of the ship and applied a cost index to find the value in today’s dollars. As an example, the Empress of the Seas was purchased in 1990 for $500 million dollars. By applying a cost index, we can see that today’s value of that ship would be $924 million dollars. In included “Cruise Ship Cost” chart, you’ll see a column titled “Cost Today.”

Tonnage :  a Cruise Ship’s “tonnage” describes the volume of that ship. It’s a standard unit of measurement used in the nautical world to compare the size of a ship. A larger ship will typically be more expensive than a smaller ship (obviously). We included an infographic below comparing each cruise ship’s cost per gross tonnage.

Cost :  The price paid for the cruise ship at time of purchase.

Cost Today :  as mentioned above, this figure is the cruise ship’s cost in today’s dollars. We got to this number by applying the accepted CPI (consumer price index) as provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

By playing with a few of these, we’re pretty confident in our ability to compare cruise ship cost across all lines, sizes and years.

Ok – now that the boring vocabulary lesson is done, let’s get to the fun stuff.

Cruise Ship Cost by Size (Passenger Capacity)

The graph below shows Cruise Ship Cost based on a ship’s capacity. It’s not surprising that ships that hold more passengers, cost more money.

We’ve broken down the 200+ cruise ships into the following buckets.

• 0 to 499 passengers
• 500 to 999 passengers
• 1,000 to 1,999 passengers
• 2,000 to 2,999 passengers
• 3,000 to 3,999 passengers
• 4,000 to 4,999 passengers
• 5,000+ passengers

The figure on the left shows the average cost of a cruise ship within those capacity ranges. This number is the “Cost Today” figure mentioned above. We used this to account for the time difference between ships.

Which cruise ship has the largest passenger capacity?

The Harmony of the Seas has the largest maximum passenger capacity at 6,780. The ship also holds 2,300 crew members, for a total capacity of over 9,000!

Which cruise ship costs the most?

The “most expensive cruise ship” award goes to the Oasis of the Seas . It was built in 2009 for $1.4 billion ! Six years later, the Ovation of the Seas was built at the same price of $1.4 billion.

We gave the prize to The Oasis of the Seas because it was purchased a few years before the Ovation. If we apply the pricing index, the Oasis of the Seas “cost today” would be $1.58 billion!

Cruise Ship Cost by Year

Next we wanted to look at the price of cruise ships over time. To figure this out, we put ships into the following buckets:

• purchased before 1985
• purchased from 1985 to 1990
• purchased from 1990 to 1995
• purchased from 1995 to 2000
• purchased from 2000 to 2005
• purchased from 2005 to 2010
• purchased from 2010 to 2015
• purchased after 2015

The prices shown are an average of the actual costs (not “today’s cost” as used above).

Ship Cost by Cruise Line & Tonnage

Next, we were really curious of the following:   Which cruise lines spend the most on their ships? 

In order to compare these hundreds of ships with varying ages and sizes, we had did the following. First, we used our pricing index to bring all ships to “today’s cost.” That allowed us to compare ships across all years.

Next, we looked at cost by size. In order to compare ships across varying sizes, we used the standard measurement, tonnage.

In doing so, that allowed us to look at which cruise lines spend more / less for their ships.

The results were exactly as expected. The cruise lines catering to the masses (Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, etc) spend less on ships.

The high-end cruise lines, like Crystal, Seabourn, and RSSC spend much more.

In our infographic, we broke up the ships into three buckets.

• Small ships (tonnage less than 25k)
• Medium ships (tonnage between 25k and 50k)
• Large ships (tonnage over 50k)

Check out the results below.

Large Ships

Within the “Large Ships” bucket are the following cruise lines.

• Holland America
• Royal Caribbean

These cruise lines had an average ship size with gross tonnage of 97k.

You can see that, of all of the large ship cruise lines, MSC spends the least on its vessels at $5,000 per gross tonnage. Costa spends 60% more per ship, or $8,000 per gross tonnage.

Medium Sized Ships

These “mid-sized” ships have an average gross tonnage between 25k and 50k. Included in this group are the following.

• Regent Seven Seas

Cruise ship costs are significantly higher than the large ships, but not quite as expensive as the smaller vessels.

Small Ship Costs

These include ships with gross tonnage less than 25k. Among those are the following.

• Paul Gauguin

You can see that Seadream spends the most. Their cruise ships cost a whopping $17,000 per gross tonnage. That’s more than 3x of the average purchase price for MSC.

For the raw data, check out our raw, Cruise Ship Costs stats below.

Hopefully that answers the question, “how much does a cruise ship cost?”

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9 thoughts on “How much does the average cruise ship cost? You may be surprised”

OVATION of the SEAS is NOT OASIS of the SEAS sister ship…it is a different class ship all together and much much smaller…

You’re right, Scott – that’s fixed now. Thanks!

Hi Cruise Captian

I am using this article to write a college paper and have to site my references. Is there an author name, and date this article is written? Thank you for your help.

Hi Chris – apologies for the late response. That was published in January 2017 by author, Jeremy Camosse. Thanks and good luck!

Great database, but there is an easily corrected serious flaw. Nowhere does it say what the columns are. I’m not at all sure what the 3, 5, 6 columns are referring to. Would be be so kind as the fix that by labeling the columns? It would help me a great deal.

You’re right – sorry about that, Al. That should now be fixed. Please check it out and let us know if it looks ok. Thanks for the help!

Hi I am doing a paper in college to find out what it would cost to build Noah’s Ark today. I need the cost for length not passengers. I am looking at what it cost of American Express today at 360.89 feet I also have to add the cost a yacht at 150 feet. Can you help? Thanks Bev McAlister [email protected]

This post should have exactly what you need, Beverly! https://gangwaze.com/blog/how-much-does-a-cruise-ship-cost

how much per year does it cost to live on a cruise ship?

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How much does a cruise ship cost | ultimate breakdown guide.

 February 11, 2020

Would you like to know how much does a cruise ship cost? Well, that’s the topic of this blog, where we’ll answer:

• How much does it cost to build a cruise ship?
• How much does a cruise ship cost to operate?
• How much does it cost to make a cruise ship?
• How much does it cost to fuel a cruise ship?

Purchase price, construction cost, operating cost, and fuel cost all inform the cost to own and operate a cruise ship. We discuss the financing component of how much does a cruise ship cost. Next we provide examples of how much does a cruise ship cost.

Then we answer frequently asked questions about how much does a cruise ship cost. Finally, we’ll conclude by summarizing cruise ship loans and lending. Please read on to find out how much does a cruise ship cost.

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How Assets America ® Can Help

Assets America ® can arrange cruise ship financing starting at a minimum of $20 million.  Even if you want to acquire a cruise ship for more than $1 billion, we can handle the financing. Call us today at (206) 622-3000 for a private consultation, or simply fill out the form below for a prompt response!

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How much does a cruise ship cost.

How much does a cruise ship cost? To answer, let’s look at purchase price, upfront costs, operation cost, and the annual cost of ownership.

Purchase Price and Upfront Costs

In this section, we’ll answer how much does it cost to build a cruise ship, including upfront costs. Indeed, the average cost of a cruise ship with a capacity of up to 500 passengers is around $260 million . However, if you’re interested in larger cruise ships, check out these average costs:

To be clear, these are the prices of new cruise ships. However, you can buy a used ship for about 50-75% of the new purchase price , although pricing varies depending on age and amenities. Older ships cost less unless they have been extensively refit.

Cost Factors

The factors that help determine how much does it cost to build a cruise ship include:

• Tonnage : This is a ship’s volume, a standard way to compare ships. Naturally, prices rise directly with tonnage.
• Berths : Berths, or beds, determine the maximum number of passengers a cruise ship can accommodate. Cost depends on the number of births, but also the number of cabins in each class.
• Features : Smaller ships can compete by including extravagant features usually found only on larger ships. These features include palatial design, expensive art, oversized suites, health services, complimentary goodies, entertainment, and non-stop food and drink.

There are additional upfront costs besides building costs. For example, these include various permits, licenses, and registrations. If you commission a cruise ship, you’ll need to place a down-payment before construction can begin. Typically, down payments are in the 5% range.

How Much Does a Cruise Ship Cost to Operate?

The costs of operating a cruise ship depend on the size and features of the ship. Specifically, the operating costs for an average cruise ship with 1,000 passengers and 700 crew are as follows:

• Fuel : Expect to consume about 30 tons of fuel per day while cruising. At an average cost of $500 per ton of fuel, the daily fuel cost is $15,000. Naturally, larger ships will spend significantly more on fuel.
• Crew : The daily cost of labor is approximately $150 per crew member. Therefore, a 700-crew ship has labor costs of about $105,000 per day.
• Finance : If you finance $300 million at 5%, expect a daily asset finance charge of $41,096.
• Overhead : It costs about $214/day for marketing, selling, and administrative expenses.
• Food : Expect food to cost about $86 per day per person.
• Depreciation and amortization : About $170 per day.
• Commissions, transportation, and other: $236 daily.

Naturally, these costs are just estimates and vary greatly ship to ship. In this example, the daily cost to operate a cruise ship is $161,802.

Annual Cost of Owning a Cruise Ship

The annual costs include finance and operating expenses. Following the example above, the annual cost to operate a cruise ship is over $59 million per year. Obviously, this cost will be considerably higher for larger cruise ships. To make a return on investment of 10%, the ship would require an annual income of $65.6 million.

Financing for a Cruise Ship

The overall cost of a cruise ship can exceed $1 billion. A 5% loan on $950 million (after a 5% down payment) will run about $47.5 million a year. Of course, you must double that for a 10% loan. Happily, this kind of financing is one of the strengths of Assets America ® .

We are a commercial finance brokerage with a syndicate of private lenders, banks and other commercial funding sources. We offer loans of any size, starting at $10 million.

Whether you need $400 million, $600 million, or $5 billion+, Assets America ® has the necessary financial contacts and resources. When the time comes to finance your next cruise ship, think Assets America ® !

How Much Does a Cruise Ship Cost? — Specific Examples

We have some examples of how much does it cost to make a cruise ship:

Allure of the Seas

The Allure of the Seas cost $1.43 billion to build, or $240,000 per berth. Its maiden voyage from Port Everglades, Florida began on December 1, 2010. The ship weighs in at 225,282 gross tons, with a length of 1,187 feet. Royal Caribbean is the owner and operator. The ship is undergoing an Amplified Overhaul costing $165 million.

Allure of the Seas features 18 decks, of which 16 are for passengers. It has a maximum capacity of 6,780 passengers and 2,200 crew members. The ship boasts a 1,380-seat theater, a two-deck dance hall, 7 neighborhoods and 25 places to eat. The shopping district runs on an 80kW solar array costing $600,000.

The cruise ship AIDAnova launched in 2018 by Carnival Cruises at a cost of $950 million. Indeed, the cost per berth was $144,000. Specifically, the ship measures 1,106 feet long and weighs 183,858 gross tons. Astonishingly, the maximum passenger capacity is 6,654, plus a crew complement of 1,646. Importantly, it is the world’s first cruise ship that operates completely on liquified natural gas.

The ship has 20 passenger decks, a jungle-themed water park, and two private islands. Also, it boasts three waterslides, 40 bars and restaurants, a live TV studio, and a high-ropes course. Moreover, there are 21 types of staterooms, from single rooms to penthouse suites.

MSC Grandiosa

MSC Cruises launched the $950 million Grandiosa in 2019. The cost per berth was $150,000. Quite impressively, the ship holds 6,334 passengers and 1,704 crew members. Grandiosa weighs in at 181,541 gross tons and measures 1,087 feet long. Its port of registry is in Malta.

The ship has 18 decks, of which 14 are open to passengers. In addition, it has 20 lounges, 12 restaurants, 14 Jacuzzis, 4 swimming pools, and 39 elevators. Technically, the ship has a selective catalytic system that reduce NOx emissions by 90%,

Norwegian Epic

The Norwegian Epic cost $1.2 billion to build, with a per-berth cost of $230,000. Historically, Norwegian Cruise Line had the maiden voyage of the Bahamas-based Epic in 2010. Remarkably, the ship is 1,081 feet long and weighs 155,873 gross tons. Furthermore, it has 4,100 passenger berths. To be sure, STX Europe built the Epic in France with 15 decks that host passengers.

The ship offers 20 dining options, include two main dining rooms, all-you-can-eat buffet, pubs, grilles, and cafes. Also, it boasts award-winning shows, an aqua park with multiple slides, a fitness center, and a spa.

Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Cruises launched the $1 billion Celebrity Edge in 2018. The cost per berth was $296,800. Indeed, the ship weighs 130,818 gross tons and has a length of 1,004 feet. Note that STX France built the ship, registered in Malta. The ship holds 2,918 passengers and 1,377 crew members.

The ship has 14 passenger decks and features a “Magic Carpet” platform that hangs along the ship’s starboard. Stunningly, this feature facilitates entry and egress while at port and offers dining and lounge space at sea. You’ll find features like balcony staterooms, a parabolic bow, private Jacuzzis in each suite, and private plunge pools.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a carnival cruise ship cost.

There is a wide range of construction costs for Carnival Cruise ships. For example, at the low end is the Carnival Celebration at a mere $130 million. Conversely, the most expensive Carnival ship is Carnival Mardi Gras, clocking in at $950 million. Nine Carnival ships cost $500,000 or more.

What are the costs of renting a cruise ship (high-end yacht)?

The cost depends on the ship and the length of the rental. Generally, a good benchmark is about $500,000 per week. However, high-end luxury cruise ships may cost up to $1 million per week.

How much does it cost to charter a cruise ship?

A cruise charter occurs when a group or company books some or all of a ship for the duration of the cruise. Obviously, prices vary greatly. Indeed, a 7-night charter on an Oasis-class cruise ship will run from $6.5 million to $11 million or more.

What are the costs of retiring on a cruise ship?

If you’d like to retire on a cruise ship, we salute you! The cost is approximately $46,000 per year. For an 18-year retirement period, that works out $828,000. Naturally, the price can be much higher if you retire on a high-end luxury cruise ship.

Cruise Ship Loans and Lending

We have explored “How much does it cost to build a cruise ship?”. Cruise ships require hundreds of millions of dollars to build or acquire. They can be a lucrative investment, but you’ll need to line up sufficient funding. Expect to put down at least 5% to 20% and finance the rest.

Assets America ® can arrange a cruise ship loan of any size. Even if you want to acquire a cruise ship for more than $1 billion, we can handle the financing. Call us today for a private consultation! 

Online Resources

• If you’d like to buy a cruise ship, you can use these listing sites: Yacht World , Offshore Solutions Unlimited , or NautiSNP.
• If you’d like to find out more about retiring aboard, you can read this Investopedia article on the cost of retiring on a cruise ship .
• Finally, here’s a great article on How Much Money Cruise Ships Make Off Each Passenger .

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Questionnaire

• How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

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

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

What’s included in the cruise price?

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

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

Cruise Fare

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

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

1. Cruise Lines

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

2. Cabin Type

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

3. Where you go (and when)

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

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

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

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

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

1. Taxes, fees, and cruise port expenses

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Flights and transportation to & from the cruise ship

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

How much does transportation usually cost?

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

3. Alcoholic beverages & specialty coffees onboard

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much do alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees usually cost?

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

4. Gratuities and service charges on the cruise

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

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

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

How much do gratuities and service charges usually cost?

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

5. Ship Internet Access and WiFi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much does cruise ship internet and WiFi usually cost?

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

6. Specialty restaurants on the cruise ship

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

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

How much do specialty restaurants usually cost?

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

7. Extra activities and shore excursions

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

Here’s the breakdown on shore excursions and tours:

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

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

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

How much do extra activities and shore excursions usually cost?

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

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

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

1. Choose the right time to book your cruise

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

2. Choose the right region for your next cruise

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

3. Take advantage of perks and rewards from cruise lines

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

4. Consider an agent to book your next cruise vacation

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

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

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

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

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Find the best cruise vacation for you

How can i find a cheap cruise.

Cheap cruise deals are fairly easy to find in most cases, and you can begin by considering what kind of features and itinerary you want. The more simplistic the experience is, the cheaper it is in general. On Expedia.com, you can filter for specific features and sort your results by price. By mixing and matching certain features, unforgettable experiences may be available with discount cruises. For example, booking a cruise with stunning restaurants and live performances while opting for an inside cabin without an ocean view window or balcony could be ideal for a traveler who doesn't plan on spending much time in their cabin anyways

What is the cheapest month to take a cruise?

The cheapest month to take a cruise varies based on your destination and the cruise line company that runs the ship. A Caribbean cruise , for example, is generally cheapest in the late summer and early fall since it's the local hurricane season.

Can I cancel my cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel, but there may be fees for canceling depending on how far in advance you cancel and what kind of booking you have. You can check the specific cruise lines’ cancellation policies in your itinerary on Expedia.com.

Are river cruises worth the money?

River cruises are quite relaxing, with much more varied scenery than you'd experience on an ocean cruise. These ships often also feature several stops along the river, so passengers can enjoy a greater variety of destinations to explore. Viking river cruises are especially adept at providing this unforgettable experience.

What cruises are best for families?

The best family cruises in 2024 / 2025 tend to be Disney cruises with plenty of offerings for kids and adults alike, though MSC cruises are known for their iconic Children Cruise Free promotion. Disney cruises, specifically, are essentially a Disney theme park on a boat with live shows, rides, and attractions with your kids' favorite characters.

How much does a cruise ship cost?

Cruise prices can vary quite a bit, with cheap cruises and especially luxurious all-inclusive cruises available. Budget lines can offer cruise tickets as low as $50 per night in some cases, while the more high-end experiences can reach up to $1,000 per night and more.

What are some of the best cruise lines?

Several different cruise lines have a lot to offer, such as Viking cruises , which are known for traversing oceans and rivers with a style that blends outdoor and indoor splendor. Celebrity cruise line is more upscale with luxurious features like WiFi, included beverages, champagne, and suites with panoramic views. Other top cruise lines include Royal Caribbean International , Carnival Cruise , Disney Cruise , and Norwegian Cruise .

How far in advance do you need to book a cruise?

It's generally best to book a cruise about 6 to 12 months before your cruise departure. That's the safest way to balance availability and affordability. Technically, you can book earlier or later than that, with some last-minute cruise deals occasionally available up to a weekbefore cruise departure.

Are cruise trips affordable?

They can be, and it's especially simple to search for more affordable cruises with Expedia.com. Not only can you filter by cruise length, cruise line, and cabin experience, but you may also sort your results by price to put the more affordable options first on your search results page.

What is it like to go on a cruise?

A cruise is generally designed to offer the most relaxing experience possible. Despite the size of the ship, it's possible to feel the wave. Many passengers report that the movements help them sleep. Additionally, many fun cruises offer live stage performances, several restaurants, and shopping opportunities. When the ship is in international waters, you may even be able to enjoy a bit of tax-free shopping.

Are cruises a good way to travel?

Cruise travel is great if you're looking for some varied fun. Compared to a plane or a train, cruises have their own attractions and can be considered an integral part of cruise vacations. Plus, a cruise can hit several different destinations as well, with plenty of time to enjoy the cruise and scenic locales. It's certainly worth it for a unique experience no other method of travel can match.

Which cruise line is the cheapest?

The actual cheapest cruise available depends on a variety of different factors. Still, Carnival Cruise tends to be very affordable overall, most of the time with great options like the Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Horizon . Royal Caribbean is also another fantastic cruise line offering great deals if you are watching your budget.

How can I get the best cruise deals in 2024 / 2025?

If you're looking for some of the best cruise deals, booking through Expedia.com makes it easy since you can sort your cruise search results by price and have access to special deals. One Key members can earn  OneKeyCash  on all eligible bookings and get instant discounts with Member Prices. Sign up today!

What do I need to know when I book a cruise?

To book a cruise, you'll need to know where you'll be setting off from and where you'll be going, in addition to how many people will be with you and the features of the specific cruise you book. Keep in mind that you'll want to factor in spending money in your budget for the cruise's restaurants and shops in most cases.

Where should I go on a cruise in 2024 / 2025?

Plenty of incredible cruise destinations are accessible such as cruises to the Bahamas and cruises to Mexico . You may also be interested in cruises to Alaska or cruises to Europe for something outside of the Caribbean.

What countries are best to visit by cruise ship?

A lot of countries are accessible via a cruise, but the best include a cruise to Australia . However, a cruise to Australia is quite a long trip at sea and really allows you to take in everything the cruise ship has to offer.

Can I get last-minute cruise deals?

Yes, last-minute cruise deals are often available, and you can find them on Expedia.com by inputting your travel dates in your search and sorting your results by price. The deals will automatically be applied to the price estimates so that the cheapest estimates will show up first on your search results page.

Are cruises all-inclusive?

Cruises aren't always all-inclusive, but they can be. If you're interested in all-inclusive cruises, you can activate a search filter for it to ensure your search results only show cruises that meet your all-inclusive standard.

Is food free on a cruise?

Food is sometimes free on a cruise, but there are often specialty restaurants that aren't included with the general booking that you'll have to pay for separately. Check the details of each cruise before you book in the "What's included" section after clicking the cruise on your search results page.

What cruise lines are adults only?

Several lines offer adults-only cruise experiences, including Viking cruises , Carnival cruises , and Princess cruises . With an adults-only cruise, you can relax in a tranquil and laid-back setting without kids running around and enjoy all the cocktails you want.

What cruise lines are considered to be the most luxurious?

Viking cruises are considered exceptionally luxurious, with smaller ships and larger cabins that make them feel more exclusive, but Celebrity cruises offer luxury cruise lines too. Booking a luxury cruise means you can expect high-end amenities including gourmet restaurants, sizable suites, top-tier performances, massive pools, and much more.

What are the best cruises for couples?

Viking Cruises have much to offer for a more romantic experience. Holland America Line cruises can be quite refined and romantic as well, with an adult-oriented experience that's sophisticated rather than rowdy. Romantic cruises offer exceptional service as well as cozy suites for you and your partner to enjoy that's complemented by delicious food often themed around the cruise destination.

Why should I go on a cruise for my honeymoon?

Going on a cruise is a great way for you and your new spouse to be pampered with luxury while also being able to explore a new destination. Whether you're taking a cruise to Hawaii or a cruise to Bermuda , a particularly romantic experience is almost guaranteed thanks to the sheer number of things to do.

Are there any Christmas cruises?

Yes, quite a few cruise lines operate around Christmas, and you can find them easily by entering travel dates around Christmas into your 2024 cruise search. Some of the most popular Christmas cruises are available with Carnival and Disney.

Do I need a passport to go on a cruise?

Whether or not you need a passport depends on where you're going and the kind of cruise it is. Any US territory like Bermuda and Puerto Rico won't require a passport, of course, but you also don't need one if you're on a closed-loop cruise. This is a cruise that begins and ends at a US cruise terminal, even if there are stops in other countries on the way.

Why should I book a cruise with Expedia.com?

Booking a cruise with Expedia.com makes it easy to find a cruise type that works best for you. You can use the cruise finder and sort by cruise line, type, destination, length, and itinerary. One Key members also earn OneKeyCash on all eligible bookings that can be used to save on future eligible trips.

What happens if a cruise is canceled?

Every cruise has a different cancellation policy, but generally, passengers are entitled to either a full refund or a credit for a future cruise at a later date. Remember that they may automatically change your booking to their rescheduled date, so you may have to contact them if that date doesn't work for your schedule.

*OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia,  Hotels.com  and Vrbo.

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How much does a Royal Caribbean cruise cost?

The price* of a Royal Caribbean cruise varies based on several different factors including ship, sail date, length of the cruise and the number of guests per stateroom. Guests can always view the most up to date pricing on our website .

Please note that infants and children are subject to normal guest pricing. However, you may find offers for specific sailings such as 3rd and 4th guest rates at a reduced cost in triple and quad occupancy staterooms (same fare to all 3rd and 4th guests, regardless of age) as well as our Kids Sail Free promotion .

*Prices and offers are subject to availability and change without notice, capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time. Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice.

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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Cruise Ship? (Price Estimates)

• September 23, 2023

Building a cruise ship involves complex factors such as design, materials, labor, and technology. Each element contributes to the overall cost, which can vary widely. Here, we’ll discuss these components to grasp the intricacies behind the final price tag.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Cruise Ship?

Cruise ship construction costs have evolved significantly over time. In the early 1990s, new ships cost about $300 million, now equivalent to higher figures due to inflation. The 2000s saw larger vessels with average costs surpassing $500 million. 

Presently, the latest ships can top $1 billion, but expenses fluctuate, especially for ships accommodating over 3,000 passengers. These typically exceed $750 million in building expenses.

Different Factors That Affect the Cost of Building a Cruise Ship

Building a cruise ship is a complex endeavor influenced by a multitude of factors that significantly impact the final cost. From the ship’s size to the intricacies of its design, various elements contribute to the expenses involved in creating these ocean-faring marvels.

Ship Size and Capacity

The size of a cruise ship is perhaps the most obvious determinant of its construction cost. Larger vessels require more materials and labor, resulting in higher expenses. Moreover, a ship’s passenger capacity also plays a crucial role. 

Ships designed to accommodate over 3,000 passengers tend to have costs exceeding $750 million due to the heightened demands on infrastructure, amenities, and safety features.

Design and Innovation

Innovative and intricate ship designs can significantly drive up construction costs. Cruise lines are constantly pushing boundaries to offer passengers unique experiences, such as onboard attractions, entertainment venues, and specialty restaurants. 

The integration of these features demands advanced engineering and design expertise, contributing to elevated expenses.

Material Selection

The choice of materials used in construction can greatly impact costs. High-quality materials that ensure safety, longevity, and energy efficiency often come at a premium. Additionally, the use of environmentally sustainable materials and technologies, while commendable, can also increase overall expenses.

Technological Advancements

As technology advances, cruise ships incorporate cutting-edge systems for navigation, propulsion, communication, and passenger comfort. Implementing these technologies requires specialized expertise and investment, leading to higher construction costs.

Regulations and Safety Standards

Cruise ships are subject to stringent maritime regulations and safety standards. Compliance with these regulations necessitates additional engineering, construction, and testing processes, which can contribute to elevated costs.

Labor and Expertise

The skilled labor required for building a cruise ship is extensive and diverse, including naval architects, engineers, welders, electricians, and more. Acquiring and retaining these skilled professionals contributes to the overall cost of construction.

Interior Features and Amenities

The luxurious amenities and interior design elements aboard modern cruise ships are key selling points. Lavish cabins, entertainment spaces, spas, and dining options enhance the passenger experience, but they also drive up costs due to the meticulous attention to detail and premium materials involved.

Economic Factors

Global economic conditions can impact the cost of materials, labor, and logistics, thereby affecting cruise ship construction costs. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates, inflation, and supply chain disruptions can lead to unpredictable expenses.

Why Do Companies Choose to Renovate Cruise Ships?

Cruise ship companies often embark on extensive renovation projects to keep their vessels appealing, competitive, and in line with evolving passenger expectations. Renovating cruise ships is a strategic decision that addresses various factors influencing the maritime industry and customer preferences.

Maintaining Competitiveness and Relevance

In a rapidly evolving travel industry, cruise ship companies recognize the importance of staying competitive. Renovations allow them to modernize their fleets and remain relevant in a market where travelers seek novel experiences and amenities. 

Upgrading ships ensures that they can offer state-of-the-art facilities and attract passengers who demand more than just transportation.

Enhancing Passenger Experience

The core of cruise ship renovations is enhancing the passenger experience. By introducing new entertainment options, dining venues, wellness facilities, and interactive technologies, cruise lines can create a more captivating and enjoyable journey for their guests. 

Renovations also enable cruise companies to respond to changing passenger demographics and preferences, ensuring that their ships continue to cater to a wide range of travelers.

Cost-Effective Alternative to New Builds

Renovating existing cruise ships can be a cost-effective alternative to commissioning entirely new vessels. Building a new cruise ship from scratch is a substantial investment in terms of time, resources, and capital. 

Renovations allow companies to update and modernize ships while leveraging their existing infrastructure, which can result in considerable savings compared to building entirely new ships.

Environmental Considerations

As the maritime industry faces increased scrutiny regarding its environmental impact, cruise ship companies turn to renovations to implement more sustainable and energy-efficient technologies. 

Upgrades that reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and waste can align with growing environmental awareness and regulations, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to responsible practices.

Brand Loyalty and Repeat Business

Renovating cruise ships helps maintain brand loyalty and encourages repeat business. Passengers who have had positive experiences on a particular cruise line are more likely to return if they see ongoing efforts to improve and innovate. 

Renovations also generate excitement and anticipation among loyal customers, driving higher bookings and occupancy rates.

Navigating Economic Conditions

Renovating cruise ships allows companies to adapt to fluctuating economic conditions. During challenging times, when investing in new ships might not be feasible, renovations offer a way to update and revitalize existing assets without committing to the high costs of new builds.

Compliance With Regulations

Renovations offer an opportunity to ensure that cruise ships comply with evolving maritime regulations and safety standards. By incorporating necessary upgrades, cruise companies can continue to operate following industry guidelines and international regulations, enhancing passenger safety and satisfaction.

Which Cruise Ships Are the Most Expensive to Build?

Royal Caribbean International, founded in Norway and headquartered in Miami, Florida, USA, leads the cruise industry in revenue. With 26 ships in operation, its Oasis Class stands out, boasting the world’s 4 largest cruise ships: Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas. 

Royal Caribbean takes the crown for both size and cost, as these elite ships are priced at over $1 billion each. Now, let’s delve into the remarkable features of the Oasis Class vessels.

Oasis of the Seas

• Cost: $1.4 billion
• Launched: 2008
• Capacity: 6,780 passengers, 2,700 rooms
• Size: 1,187 feet long, 208 feet wide
• Weight: Over 225,282 tons

Allure of the Seas

• Launched: 2010
• Capacity: 5,492 passengers, 2,384 crew
• Size: Not specified

Harmony of the Seas

• Launched: 2016
• Cost: $1.35 billion
• Capacity: 5,479 passengers, 2,100 crew
• Size: 1,188 feet long, 226,963 tons, 2,278 rooms

Symphony of the Seas

• Cost: $1.5 billion
• Capacity: Nearly 9,000 (passengers and crew)
• Cabins: 2,759
• Size: 1,188 feet long, over 215 feet wide, over 228,081 tons

Why Aren’t Cruise Ships Built in the United States?

While North America leads in cruise industry popularity, European shipyards, such as Meyer Turku [ 1 ] in Finland and Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, build the majority of cruise ships. Cost efficiency drives this trend. 

With billion-dollar price tags, ships are constructed overseas due to lower labor and material costs in Europe, aided by industry subsidies. 

Foreign flagging, common for cruise ships, avoids higher U.S. construction costs as stringent requirements mandate most materials to be domestically sourced.

Intricately influenced by design, technology, materials, and labor, the cost of building a cruise ship varies widely. Factors like size, innovation, and compliance with regulations drive expenses. 

An understanding of these elements unveils the complexities underlying the final investment required for these maritime marvels.

Noah Miller

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Icon of the Seas review: What's it like on the world's largest cruise ship?

Editor's Note

It's "the biggest, baddest ship on the planet" (according to Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group), the most expensive Royal Caribbean ship to book and a social media star with equal numbers of lovers and haters. But what's it really like to sail the 250,800-ton, 7,600-passenger Icon of the Seas? It's pretty dang fun.

Royal Caribbean's goal was not to break size records. Instead, the cruise line wanted to create an epic family vacation experience that would rival not only other cruise ships, but the best resorts and destinations on land. To do that, the line would need to put a wide variety of delicious dining venues, appealing watering holes with modern cocktail menus, inviting hangouts and attractions and entertainment for all ages onto one ship.

Is it any surprise that the ship needed to be humongous to house all that?

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

It's hard to be bored on Icon of the Seas, whether you like thrill rides or chill hangouts in the sun. With the ship divided up into "neighborhoods" with their own unique vibes, you're bound to find someplace to love. Or perhaps you'll find new areas of the ship to explore each day. The neighborhoods, plus some smart operational planning by the cruise line, make it easier than you think to make your way through the ship, no matter where you wish to go.

Whether you've been avidly waiting for this floating entertainment behemoth to arrive, or whether you've got a morbid curiosity about this sea monster, check your preconceptions and discover what it's really like to cruise Icon of the Seas.

Overview of Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas is 20 decks high (with 18 passenger decks) and 1,198 feet long and measures 250,800 gross tons. It can carry 5,610 passengers at double occupancy (two passengers per cabin) or up to 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy, plus 2,350 crew members. These stats make it the largest ship in the world .

That's larger than fleetmate Wonder of the Seas, the 2023 record holder for the world's largest cruise ship. To compare, Wonder of the Seas measures 235,600 tons and carries 7,084 passengers at maximum occupancy.

However, Wonder of the Seas beats Icon of the Seas in one specific area: cabins. Wonder of the Seas has 2,867 cabins, while Icon of the Seas will only have 2,805. That's because Royal Caribbean has styled Icon of the Seas to attract more families, with 80% of cabins designed to accommodate more than two guests.

Related: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Icon of the Seas also borrows the Oasis Class use of "neighborhoods" — themed areas of the ship with a mix of attractions and dining, drinking and shopping venues. It features eight neighborhoods, including three returning areas from its sister ships and five that are exclusive to its new class of ships.

From the lowest deck to the highest, here are the eight neighborhoods and what you can expect to find on board.

Royal Promenade

The Royal Promenade is a Royal Caribbean staple found on all Voyager, Freedom and Oasis Class ships. Icon of the Seas offers a two-deck version of this indoor mall-like space with multiple shopping, dining and drinking establishments. Highlights of Icon's Royal Promenade are floor-to-ceiling glass windows on either side that bring light and sea views into the space and The Pearl, the ship's iconic indoor sphere that functions as an artistic stairway and also as the support structure that holds up that section of the ship.

Surfside, on Deck 7 aft, is a neighborhood dedicated to young families . It's open to the sky and the back of the ship. A slide leads from Deck 8 down to the neighborhood, and the area is mere steps from the Adventure Ocean kids club and Social 020 teen club on Deck 6.

The stay-all-day destination for kids under 7 and their adult caregivers features family-friendly eateries, the Lemon Post bar with a menu of matching kid-and-adult mocktails and cocktails, a carousel, an arcade, a splash area with slides aimed at the youngest splashers and an infinity pool for grown-ups.

Despite its name, Surfside will not be home to Royal Caribbean's surf simulator, the FlowRider.

Related: Is Icon of the Seas the 'ultimate family vacation'? It depends

Central Park

Another open-to-the-sky neighborhood, the greenery-filled Central Park makes a return on Icon. On Deck 8, it lures adult cruisers to its bars and restaurants for a romantic date night or walk in its onboard park, featuring live trees and plants. New venues here include a grab-n-go window for Izumi's sushi, the intimate and upscale Empire Supper Club, jazz club Lou's Jazz 'n Blues and the walk-up Champagne venue, Bubbles.

Icon of the Seas does not have a Boardwalk, but it does offer its own version of that neighborhood's popular AquaTheater. The AquaTheater — which hosts acrobatic and diving shows in a high-tech stage/pool — has been moved from its outdoor, lower-deck, back-of-ship location on Oasis-class ships to an indoor, upper-deck, front-of-ship spot on Icon.

The theater is the marquee attraction within the ship's Deck 15 AquaDome neighborhood — if the draw is not the dome itself. The giant 363-ton glass-and-steel structure offers guests 220-degree ocean views. Inside, you'll find dining and drinking venues, cozy lounge space, a Royal Caribbean logo jewelry store and new cabins with panoramic views through the dome.

Chill Island

Aft of the AquaDome is Chill Island, Icon's main pool area featuring four of the ship's seven pools among its three decks. It will include the line's first swim-up bar, Swim and Tonic, and what Royal Caribbean is claiming is the largest pool at sea. Pools and hot tubs are positioned along the edges of the ship so guests can take in the sea views while soaking in the water.

Cabanas will be available to rent in this neighborhood, but there'll be plenty of free lounge space, too.

The Hideaway

High above Surfside, at the back of Deck 15, is The Hideaway — Royal Caribbean's take on an adults-only beach club. The main attraction here is the first suspended infinity pool at sea. It's flanked by tiered lounge space, hot tubs and a bar specializing in Champagne and Champagne-based cocktails.

Thrill Island

Thrill Island is Icon's go-to neighborhood for adrenaline-pumping activities. Found on Deck 16 aft, it's home to all the wild top-deck attractions Royal Caribbean is known for — as well as some new thrills.

The FlowRider surf simulator, Lost Dunes miniature golf, the Adrenaline Peak rock climbing wall and the sports court are all Thrill Island staples. Category 6 is the largest water park at sea, featuring an open free-fall slide, the tallest drop slide at sea, family raft slides that accommodate four riders at once and two mat-racing slides. The Crown's Edge is a ropes course-style attraction based around a giant version of the ship's crown-and-anchor logo.

Suite neighborhood

The ship's final neighborhood spans decks 16 to 19. The Suite neighborhood is a mix of many of the ship's top suites plus restaurants, lounges and outdoor areas exclusive to suite guests and some of Royal Caribbean's most loyal travelers. Icon of the Seas' suite neighborhood is Royal Caribbean's largest restricted-access enclave for suite guests, a la Norwegian Cruise Line 's The Haven.

The Coastal Kitchen restaurant returns, but is now two decks high, with windows overlooking the AquaTheater. The sun deck has been transformed into The Grove, a multistory space featuring an alfresco restaurant and bar, pool, hot tub and lounge areas.

Related: Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society cruise loyalty program: The ultimate guide

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What I loved about Icon of the Seas

It's surprisingly easy to get around.

You might think you'd spend a week lost on the largest cruise ship on the planet. But you can learn your way around Icon of the Seas in a day. That's because the neighborhood concept (arranging themed attractions in one area of the ship) makes it easy to figure out where you're going.

The Royal Promenade on decks 5 and 6 is the central public space, flanked by the main dining room and the theater. Its upper level leads to Deck 7's family-focused Surfside, which leads up to leafy Central Park. (And if you don't want to hit Surfside, you can get directly from The Royal Promenade to Central Park via stairs by the Pearl Cafe.)

Chill Island, Thrill Island, The Hideaway and The Aquadome all flow into each other across the ship's top decks. The AquaDome is at the front (easy to remember once you've seen the outside of the ship with its bulbous forehead), with The Hideaway and the water park at the back for balance.

It's not perfect; I definitely got turned around in the huge elevator lobbies (there are two, each with 12 elevators), and I never remembered which spaces were on the forward or aft ends of the Royal Promenade. But the few dead ends are easily learned; access the Hideaway from Thrill Island (not the Windjammer), Absolute Zero from Playmakers and the Royal Theater from the Promenade (not through the casino). You'll be a pro in no time.

Related: Why the world's largest cruise ship won't be as crowded as you fear

The lighter, brighter Royal Promenade is the best in the fleet

The Royal Promenades on Royal Caribbean ships have always been compared to shopping malls because the long corridors are lined with restaurants, bars and shops and suffer from a lack of natural light. The second-level dead ends also frustrated guests trying to get from point A to B on a megaship. So the cruise line rethought out the promenade space on Icon of the Seas, and came up with a winning design that's lighter and more inviting.

Royal Caribbean ditched the promenade-facing cabins for multideck-high glass walls that flood the space with light. The need for a replacement structural support led to the creation of The Pearl, the central focal point art piece of the neighborhood. The cafe behind it is a win for its comfy windowside seating with killer views and elevated cafe snacks.

Another win is that the upper level is now a complete circle, so you can walk from the forward to the aft elevator banks and back on both decks of the Royal Promenade. There's even a stairwell up into Central Park.

Plus, some of the new venues on the promenade are quickly becoming guest favorites. The hip 1400 Bar, with its craft cocktails and central indoor-outdoor location, and Dueling Pianos Bar were happening hot spots on my sailing.

Related: TPG's first impressions of Icon of the Seas

The shows are incredible

My favorite evenings combine dinner and a show, and the top-notch entertainment is something I've always loved about Royal Caribbean. Icon of the Seas brings it in a big way with its new shows.

I was dreading a 90-minute version of "The Wizard of Oz" but fell in love with Icon's production due to its creative use of flying technology, gorgeous costumes and sets, adorable puppets and modern staging. "Starburst," the ice show, combined some stellar skating moves with an incredible juggler, and the AquaTheater is always killer no matter what those divers, dancers and acrobats are doing.

I was also pleased to see that Icon of the Seas will introduce shorter shows at earlier show times for families with young kids in the AquaTheater and Absolute Zero ice rink.

What I didn't love about Icon of the Seas

Thrill island is more extreme than i expected.

I was so excited to take my 9-year-old daughter on all the Category 6 waterslides at Thrill Island, and figured that we'd play there for hours, as we did on a recent trip to the Great Wolf Lodge water park. But four of the six slides were simply too extreme for a kid and her mom.

Our favorites were the two family raft slides, where two to four riders slide together in round rafts. But there wasn't a basic body slide that a kid could ride again and again without a friend or parent along. All the others had steep drops or were face first and super fast, with too much water in your eyes and nose.

Opposite the water park, the new Crown's Edge ropes course is also not a play-all-day, kid-friendly course, like the ones I've tried on Carnival cruise ships and Great Wolf Lodge. The course is extremely short, with a vertigo-inducing section over the open ocean. It's also got a steep entry fee (the water park is free).

I was hoping that Thrill Island would be a place where older kids and their parents could spend an entire afternoon hopping from ride to ride. The Lost Dunes minigolf course and the rock climbing wall are very accessible. But I'd rate the water park and ropes course more T for teen than E for everyone.

Related: What are the largest cruise ships in the world?

New Infinite Ocean View Balcony cabins are a mixed bag

On Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean added a new kind of balcony room: the Infinite Ocean View Balcony. An idea borrowed from sister line Celebrity Cruises , these cabins bring the balcony sitting area into the cabin's interior to create a longer room. To bring the fresh air in, the far wall of each cabin is a wall of glass, and the top half can roll down at the push of a button (like a car window).

Some of these cabins look out over the ocean, while others face inwards, overlooking Central Park.

I loved the extra cabin space and the additional sitting area facing a window. However, we rarely opened the window because it messed with the entire room's climate control as heat (or, in my case, chilly breezes) flooded the cabin. Plus, noise from other decks, like the poolside DJ, also infiltrated the entire room.

The new rooms also had a few design flaws, which were repeated in other categories as well. These included a lack of outlet variety by the beds, clunky wire baskets beneath the wardrobe that were hard to access because they were too close to the cabin's sofa and possibly not enough general storage for anyone traveling as a family in one room.

Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

Royal Caribbean cruisers will have 14 new cabin and suite types to choose from out of 28 total accommodation types. Many of these are family-friendly rooms that sleep four guests; some can accommodate six or eight guests. In total, 313 cabins and suites are listed specifically as family-focused accommodations, though many regular room types can sleep more than two guests.

Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Inside cabins

The most affordable rooms on Icon of the Seas are inside cabins (and they're still not cheap). In addition to standard 156-square-foot inside cabins and 178-square-foot Spacious Interior cabins, new 157-square-foot Interior Plus rooms feature extra-large walk-in closets.

Icon of the Seas also features 187-square-foot Surfside Family View Interior cabins (replacing Boardwalk View cabins) and similarly sized Central Park View Interior cabins. These rooms do have windows, but they look inward onto the neighborhoods.

No rooms on Icon of the Seas are listed as offering the "virtual balconies" found on select Royal Caribbean ships.

Ocean-view cabins

Icon of the Seas has only two types of ocean-view rooms with a window but no balcony. Its new Panoramic Ocean View rooms are within the AquaDome, offering floor-to-ceiling windows rather than the standard picture window. They will also be larger than the standard balcony cabin at 258 square feet (compared to 160 to 187 square feet).

Balcony cabins

The majority of Icon of the Seas' cabins are balcony rooms , ranging from 196 to 285 square feet in indoor space, with private verandas of 50 to 70 square feet. The ship introduces four new types of balcony cabins to the fleet.

The Infinite Ocean View Balcony cabin design takes an idea from Royal Caribbean sister line Celebrity Cruises, where instead of a standard balcony external to the ship, the room features a glass wall with a window that can roll down halfway (like a car window) to allow fresh air in. There are also curtains to close off that area from the rest of the cabin to create a veranda-like space.

Additionally, Icon has an extra-long family version of this room type. The Family Infinite Balcony cabin can sleep up to six people, with an alcove featuring upper and lower beds for kids, a separate sleeping area for grown-ups, a living area and a split bathroom (toilet and sink in one room and shower and sink in the other).

Also new to Icon are smaller Surfside Family View Balcony cabins and Infinite Central Park View Balcony cabins. Central Park balcony rooms, which look out over the interior's open-to-the-sky neighborhood, come in regular balcony versions as well. Icon also features hundreds of standard balcony cabins looking out to sea.

I stayed in an Infinite Central Park View Balcony cabin, which has the same cabin design as the regular Infinite Balcony room but overlooks the interior neighborhood instead of the sea. As I said above, I adored the additional interior space, but didn't make much use of the window. In addition to climate control issues, when I opened the window in my room, the noise from around the ship flooded my cabin, and I'm not sure any conversations I had on my "balcony" would be private.

I also discovered that all the inward-facing rooms of any category lack privacy. From my room, I could see straight into the cabins across from me. I watched people leaning on their balcony and room attendants cleaning cabins. And, yes, I did see a dude in his underwear one morning. Any time we needed to change clothes and once it got dark outside, I would close the curtains, changing my lovely room with a view into an inside cabin with no natural light.

Related: Which cruise ship cabin category should your family book?

Royal Caribbean offers three tiers of suites , and each subsequent tier comes with increasing Royal Suite-class perks and amenities .

Icon's Sea-tier suites include Junior Suites and four new Sunset Junior Suites with expansive balconies.

The Sky tier includes several new suite types, starting with the Surfside Family Suites. These 269-square-foot suites sleep four with a glassed-in living area that can turn into a kids bedroom at night, plus a real 53-square-foot balcony overlooking the Surfside neighborhood.

Sky Junior Suites have the same layout as regular Junior Suites but are high up on the ship's top decks. Guests in these suites receive additional Sky-tier perks (such as access to all the Suite neighborhood amenities), whereas regular Junior Suites come with more limited amenities. Sunset Suites and Sunset Corner Suites feature extra-large balconies and beds that face the ocean rather than a wall.

Panoramic Suites are within the ship's iconic AquaDome structure, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. You won't miss the balcony when you're gazing out to sea from your chic sitting area in front of the glass wall.

The Infinite Grand Suite offers the new convertible balcony design in conjunction with a larger space that sleeps four and includes a split bathroom, useful when multiple guests need to get ready at the same time.

Of the nine top Star-tier suites, only one, the Royal Loft, is on other Royal Caribbean ships. Seven of these top accommodations are new Icon Loft Suites, two-deck-high accommodations with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large balcony with a private dining area and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The creme de la creme of suites on board is the three-deck-high Ultimate Family Townhouse, an evolution of the Ultimate Family Suite that wowed guests on Oasis-class ships. In addition to kid and adult sleeping areas, this 1,772-square-foot top-level suite features an in-suite slide, a movie-viewing room, a karaoke machine and spacious indoor living spaces.

It also offers 751 square feet of outdoor space divided among two balconies and a "backyard" with a pingpong table, outdoor seating and a white picket fence leading directly to all the Surfside neighborhood attractions. It can sleep up to eight guests.

Icon of the Seas restaurants and bars

Icon of the Seas takes Royal Caribbean's drinking and dining game to the next level. The line added new-to-the-brand restaurants to ensure that every neighborhood had a food venue easily accessible, with more quick-service eateries and options for families.

In addition, the line worked with master mixologists to create new and innovative bar menus, complete with zero-proof mocktail options, in watering holes throughout the ship.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

Restaurants

Icon of the Seas showcases new dining venues and updated spins on guest favorites. From elevated dining experiences to quick bites, here is what you can expect on board.

The Dining Room: The three-level main dining venue (decks 3, 4 and 5) will offer three courses of globally inspired dishes, such as escargot and spaghetti Bolognese, as well as the cruise line's signature dishes. The center chandelier is stunning. Choose from multiple set-dining times or a more flexible dining plan . You'll find plenty of variety, a kids menu and waiters willing to expedite your dinner so you can make a show, even giving you your dessert to go. (Included.)

Windjammer Marketplace: It wouldn't be a Royal Caribbean ship without an enormous pool deck buffet, and Icon of the Seas has its version on Deck 15. The options are varied and tasty, with Indian entrees and a gluten-free counter in the back. I was impressed with the quality of my meals here. (Included.)

Sorrento's Pizza: You'll find several restaurants within the Royal Promenade, starting with Sorrento's . The popular complimentary all-day and late-night pizza parlor on the Royal Promenade churns out several flavors of pies daily. You'll also find a soda machine here. (Included.)

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar: The extra-fee purveyor of pizza, pasta, meatballs and more Italian specialties found on some Oasis Class ships and a smattering of other Royal Caribbean vessels has a new location on Icon of the Seas. It's moved from Central Park (on Oasis Class ships) to the upper level of the Royal Promenade, open to all the hubbub and foot traffic of the bustling neighborhood. (Lunch $24.99 per person, dinner $54.99)

Pearl Cafe: This new grab-and-go coffee shop in the Royal Promenade is your day or night spot for fresh sandwiches, pastries and to-go salads. The warm sandwiches are a cut above what you'll find in its predecessor, the Promenade Cafe, but its comfy seating and stellar views steal the show. (Snacks included, but coffee drinks cost extra.)

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade: Bite into a juicy burger or an outrageous dessert at this extra-fee bar and grill. You can even order signature cocktails that come in football helmets. Playmakers has been repositioned to Deck 6 in an interior location across from Adventure Ocean and Social020 at the far end of the second level of the Royal Promenade. It makes the bar feel like more of a dive and less like a family-friendly grill where you'd take your kids for burgers. (A la carte pricing.)

Surfside Eatery: This new family-friendly buffet venue in the Surfside neighborhood is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It serves up kid-friendly casual fare and options for adults, meaning families don't need to trek up to the Windjammer buffet for meals, and kids can play within sight of their parents if they finish eating first. (Included.)

Pier 7: Also in Surfside, Pier 7 is the casual specialty restaurant aimed at families dining together. It serves California-inspired dishes for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast all day (but not at night). The baja fish tacos and Korean fried chicken were excellent, and the warm toffee chocolate cake was perfectly molten with bruleed marshmallows on top. Kid dishes include grilled cheese and chicken tenders; brunch options range from a pancake board to eggs Benedict. (Included for kids under 12; a la carte pricing for adults.)

Surfside Bites: This walk-up window eatery makes it easy to grab quick snacks like burgers, popcorn chicken, french fries and cinnamon-sugar churros. (Included.)

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi: Another relocated venue, Izumi takes its rolls, sashimi and juggling hibachi chefs to a new and larger Central Park location with more hibachi tables. It will also feature a Royal Caribbean first: Izumi in the Park, an all-day grab-and-go window for sushi takeout. (Hibachi $64.99 per person, sushi priced a la carte.)

Chops Grille: Royal Caribbean's steakhouse returns to Central Park on Icon but with a twist. Guests can now choose their own cut of meat from the butcher's display. Also, an open window provides diners with a view of chefs preparing their selected cut. (Lunch $29.99 per person, dinner $69.99.)

Park Cafe: This casual favorite for breakfast, lunch and snacks also returns to Central Park on Icon of the Seas. Its Royal Kummelweck roast beef sandwich has a cult following. (Included.)

Empire Supper Club: Designed to evoke an atmosphere of New York City in the 1930s, this new venue offers an upscale experience. Guests can savor an extravagant eight-course meal (think: caviar and wagyu), complete with entertainment. Each dish is paired with a cocktail created by celebrity mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim specifically for Royal Caribbean. A meal here will set you back some serious cash, though with spots for only 38 guests a night, you'll have to book quickly to get a table. ($200 per person.)

Vitality Cafe: Icon of the Seas' spa area on Deck 14 is home to a healthy cafe for extra-fee smoothies and fresh juices. (A la carte.)

AquaDome Market: The line's first food hall will feature five dining options — Feta Mediterranean (fresh pitas and bowls), Toast and Garden (sandwiches and salads), Mac's (macaroni and cheese with varied toppings like beef chili or bacon), GNGR (Asian dishes like tofu-vegetable stir-fry and sweet-and-sour shrimp with pineapple) and Creme de la Crepe (both sweet and savory options). (Included.)

Celebration Table: The new private 14-seat dining experience provides an ideal backdrop for celebrating milestone events. Choose from exclusive American, Italian, Asian and seafood menus. The table is set up inside Hooked Seafood, and your party pays the same rate to reserve the table regardless of whether you fill all the seats or not. Unlike a Chef's Table, you cannot purchase individual meals and seats and join a larger group at Celebration Table. ($999 for dinner for up to 14 people.)

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Hooked Seafood: Found in the AquaDome neighborhood, this New England-style seafood venue is the place to go when you're craving oysters, fish & chips and lobster rolls after staring at the waves all day long. (Lunch $24.99 per person, dinner $64.99.)

Sprinkles: Help yourself to ice cream at this Chill Island poolside lineup of soft-serve machines. You'll also find a soft-serve machine in the Surfside neighborhood. (Included.)

El Loco Fresh: Fast-casual Mexican hits the spot after a day in the sun. Pick up a quick lunch or dinner at this Chill Island outpost. (Included.)

Basecamp: When you've worked up an appetite after all the sliding, climbing and surfing at Thrill Island, head to Basecamp to fuel up. Order a hot dog, warm pretzel and tater tots for free, or pay a la carte for comfort food like chicken waffle bits, shrimp bao buns and Wisconsin cheese curds. (A la carte pricing.)

Desserted: Thrill-seekers can enjoy a different kind of rush at this milkshake bar in the Thrill Island neighborhood. You'll find sugary options for kids and spiked versions for grown-ups. At $14 a milkshake, we expected more than just a cute photo; get a cone of soft-serve and top it with a cookie or brownie from the buffet, and you'll replicate the taste for free. (A la carte pricing.)

Coastal Kitchen: This restaurant, exclusive to suite guests and Royal Caribbean's top-tier Pinnacle loyalty program members, features a new two-story layout overlooking the AquaTheater. (Included for select guests.)

The Grove: Icon's expanded Suite neighborhood now includes a casual, alfresco Mediterranean restaurant, reserved for suite guests. (Included for select guests.)

Royal Caribbean is doubling down on the craft cocktail craze with Icon of the Seas. The line worked with master mixologists to create new bar concepts and menus to take the ship's drinking game to the next level. If you're game to try them all, buy your drink package in advance of your cruise when they're often discounted.

The Royal Promenade is home to Royal Caribbean's first double-pianist bar, Dueling Pianos. The two performers take requests and involve guests in musical fun. It is definitely becoming a hot spot at night. That doesn't mean the lone pianist at the Schooner Bar on the opposite end of Deck 6 is feeling lonely. The nautical-themed bar is always a fan favorite.

You'll also find dueling coffee bars here — the dedicated Starbucks venue on Deck 5 and the Pearl Cafe, serving coffee drinks on Deck 6. Other Royal Promenade bars include 1400 (the place for craft cocktails that pay homage to the cruise line's history), Spotlight Karaoke (for that musical buzz), Boleros (the always popular bar and lounge for Latin music and dancing) and the Point & Feather pub.

Down on decks 3 and 4, the Music Hall is the place to jam out and dance to live music. Next door, the casino, of course, has its own bar.

You might not think the ship's family neighborhood would have a bar, but the Lemon Post in the Surfside zone serves both cocktails for the parents and mocktails (elevated lemonade mixes and overly sweet colorful juice concoctions) for the kids.

In Central Park, guests find the new jazz club Lou's Jazz 'n Blues, with cocktails themed to the biggest jazz cities around the world. The walk-up Champagne venue, Bubbles, features mimosas, bellinis and other bubbly-based drinks. The Trellis Bar is also back, now with an extra-fee food menu to accompany your beverage of your choice.

In the AquaDome, the Overlook is a gorgeous lounge featuring special nooks (Overlook Pods) and wraparound windows providing fantastic ocean views. Order the Overlook Bar's signature drink, the AquaDome Spritz, exclusive to this ship and venue. The new coffee shop Rye & Bean will offer caffeine hits and cocktails starring tea and coffee. (Don't miss the chai Old-Fashioned that smells as good as it tastes.)

Beverage destinations in Chill Island include a three-story Lime and Coconut Bar (now with frozen cocktail machines) and Cantina Fresca (serving margaritas). Swim & Tonic is the line's first swim-up bar.

The Basecamp bar in Thrill Island is the place to steady your wobbly post-ropes-course knees with a drink, or you can order a Desserted milkshake with a shot of Baileys or Fireball. The Hideaway Bar serves the adults kicking back in their no-kids-allowed resort-style infinity pool hangout.

Suite guests will find bars exclusive to them in the Coastal Kitchen restaurant and the Grove sun deck. The spa also keeps guests refreshed with the Vitality Cafe smoothie bar.

Icon of the Seas activities

A Caribbean cruise is all about fun in the sun, and Icon of the Seas' upper decks are the place to be.

Chill Island is the ship's three-deck pool area with multiple pools and hot tubs situated along the sides of the ship for stunning ocean views. You'll also find a couple of ping-pong tables and a dry slide from Deck 16 to 15. Open-air cabanas are available to rent.

The Hideaway is an adults-only retreat with hot tubs, lounge chairs facing the ship's wake and an infinity pool cantilevered over the sides of the ship 15 decks up. You can only access The Hideaway from above on Deck 16; don't try to cut through the Windjammer Marketplace like we did. You won't get there.

Thrill Island consolidates all of Icon of the Seas' high-octane activities into one area along Deck 16 aft. Here, you'll find the FlowRider surf simulator, Lost Dunes minigolf courses and rock climbing wall.

Most of Thrill Island is dominated by the Category 6 water park with six slides. Two are raft slides that accommodate two to four people, and two are toboggan-style forward-facing racing slides. One is a drop slide and the other is a 90-degree plunge. Most of the slides are pretty extreme, and little kids (and their wussy parents) might find them too intense.

Also new on Icon of the Seas is the Crown's Edge ropes course. Its claim to fame is that the course takes you around the ship's giant logo, out over the ocean, with a zip line finish. However, there's not much else to the attraction; it's possibly the shortest ropes course we've ever traversed. You'll spend more time gearing up than you will enjoying the course. Crown's Edge offers a fun thrill, but I don't think it's worth paying $89 per person for one run of the course.

Related: 35 Royal Caribbean cruise tips and tricks that will make your voyage better

The ship's Vitality Spa on Deck 14 offers salon services for men and women, plus all your favorite spa treatments and an extra-fee thermal suite with heated loungers and aromatherapy showers. The fitness center is separate, located on decks 5 and 6 (though the Deck 5 entrance is off the jogging track that loops that deck). It's a sprawling gym, with space upstairs for fitness classes.

If you're looking for kid-friendly water play areas, the Surfside family neighborhood is your destination. It features Baby Bay for diapered tots; Splashaway Bay, with a dump bucket, water sprayers and junior waterslides; and an infinity pool for grownups and older siblings. Kids can also enjoy a climbing structure and the carousel with its colorful cartoon creatures to ride.

The Adventure Ocean kids club and Social 020 teen lounge, both on Deck 6, are the it spaces for the under-18 crowd. Adventure Ocean is easily accessible from Surfside, with a long entrance hallway peppered with gaming screens so kids can be entertained while they wait to be checked in (or parents can sneak in a game while they wait to pick up).

Unlike on older ships, Adventure Ocean is divided into AO Babies, the nursery for ages 6 to 36 months; AO Juniors for 3- to 5-year-olds, with their own play space; and the main Adventure Ocean club for kids ages 6 to 12. The Adventure Ocean space is further divided into the Hangout, with video games and digital game tables; the Arena for sports and active play; and the Workshop for science experiments and art projects. A theater space is set to host a black-light, interactive puppet show that families can participate in together.

Drop-off play at Adventure Ocean is free during the day and early evening; it's an hourly rate per child after 10 p.m. The nursery also charges per hour for drop-off at any time.

Social 020 is hidden between Playmakers and the Absolute Zero ice skating rink. It has gaming pods, hangout nooks and comfy seating, and foosball tables. It's meant to be a place for teens ages 13-17 to meet up and hang out, but much of the teen programming will take place around the ship. Look for teen-only takeovers of the water park and Hideaway Pool, VIP seating for select shows, group dinners at Izumi and exclusive laser tag play.

Absolute Zero is the ship's skating rink, accessed from Deck 6. If you're inspired by the cast of its shows, you can lace up and try a few spins during open skating hours on sea days. This is typically where Royal Caribbean hosts its laser tag games as well.

On the opposite end of Deck 6, Icon's escape room sits across from the Crown Lounge for Crown & Anchor VIPs.

You have to search to find the ship's casino on Deck 4. The Casino Royale has all your favorite slots and table games. Other nightlife options include Spotlight Karaoke for embarrassing guest performances, Music Hall for dancing, Dueling Pianos and Lou's Jazz 'n Blues for live music and Playmakers for watching sports and playing table games.

You'll also stumble upon live music across the ship, from the pool deck to Central Park to the pub.

The ship offers a mix of programming from Latin dance classes to liquor tastings, spa seminars, pool games, trivia and more. Check the line's app or the printed Cruise Compass daily newsletter so you don't miss events around the ship.

Family programming in Surfside will be led by Admiral Awesome, who's more or less the family cruise director. You won't miss him in his wild, brightly colored outfits. Activities include the Larger Than Life Family Festival (with giant games and face painting) and evening bedtime stories.

You'll find souvenir and jewelry shops throughout the ships, but predominantly in Central Park and along the Royal Promenade. A Park West art gallery is here, too.

Surfside features the Sugar Beach candy shop and Sunshine & Sundries, which sells plush dolls and kid swim gear you forgot to pack. Don't miss Royal Bling in the AquaDome, where you can buy Royal Caribbean logo jewelry, including a bejeweled chalice that costs $100,000 and comes with a free lifetime drinks package on all Royal Caribbean ships.

The guest services and NextCruise desks are located on the Royal Promenade by the pub. Shore excursions and the photo gallery are behind The Pearl on Deck 5. A conference facility and medical center are located on the ship's lower decks.

Icon of the Seas shows

Royal Caribbean is known for its innovative high-tech, large-scale shows — in the theater, in the water and on the ice. The entertainment on Icon of the Seas stays true to brand and does not fail to impress.

It's difficult to know this early on how hard it will be to get a seat at your preferred show time with so many people on board. It's a good idea to figure out how early you can book shows and book them in advance on the Royal Caribbean app or the "My Royal Cruise" section of the website, or as soon as you board. You'll also want to arrive early for the best seats — or to get in a standby line in case of no-shows.

Icon of the Seas' Royal Theater is located forward of the Royal Promenade on decks 4 and 5. Its signature show is "The Wizard of Oz," and you shouldn't dismiss it. Royal Caribbean has found a way to modernize the show, and the impressive special effects, including set pieces flying above the audience, will captivate cruisers of all ages. Don't miss Toto and other puppets created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop.

"Wizard of Oz" employs the biggest-ever orchestra at sea (16 pieces), so it's no surprise that Icon of the Seas' second theater show highlights their talents. "Showband!" was not running on my sailing, but the line describes it as an immersive, sensory experience, employing state-of-the-art technology.

On the opposite side of the Royal Promenade on Deck 5 aft is the Absolute Zero ice rink. You can access it past Playmakers on Deck 6. The venue features a circular rink versus the square ones in the Studio B rinks on sister ships.

Its new show is "Starburst," which is themed around the elements (carbon, helium, etc.). Group, solo and pair skating numbers are combined with next-level juggling by a character dubbed "The Starman."

The costumes are creative and fun (including glow-in-the-dark and light-up outfits), and the use of lighting and video on the walls and the ice sets a spacey scene. The round ice stage makes it easier for the skaters to use the entire space to get up speed to do jumps and tricks. You'll gasp at the impressive lifts, spins and jumps the skaters can execute on a moving ship.

The same cast will also present a second, shorter, family-focused show called "Once Upon a Time: The King's Royal Ball." In the show's story, familiar fairytale characters come to a king's party to entertain the families of the world.

Royal Caribbean's famous AquaTheater has been moved from an outdoor space at the back of the ship to the indoor AquaDome at the front of the ship on Deck 15. It also will run a longer, later main show and a shorter, earlier family-friendly show. Neither were ready yet on my preview sailing, but we got to see a few numbers, and they were jaw-dropping and stunning as only acrobatic/diving/synchronized shows with robots, wild lighting and video imagery can be.

The main show, "Aqua Action!" doesn't have a storyline, as far as I could tell, but is meant to push the boundaries of entertainment and wow every audience. You'll witness an aerial pas de deux, dancing robotic arms, crazy high dives and dancing with a lot of splashing. Trust me — you'll be mesmerized. Arrive early because the seating area is surprisingly small given the size of the ship and the popularity of these shows.

The family show is called "Pirates vs. Mermaids," featuring an epic battle to decide who truly rules the waves.

Icon of the Seas will carry on Royal Caribbean's Promenade parade tradition with a pirate-themed show called "Ships Ahoy!" Look out for a soon-to-debut Promenade street party focused on one-hit wonders.

The Attic is the ship's comedy club, located on the Royal Promenade on Deck 6 forward. You'll definitely want to show up early to get a seat for these popular shows.

Live bands perform at night in The Music Hall on decks 3 and 4 by the casino.

Icon of the Seas itinerary and pricing

Icon of the Seas sails weekly from the port of Miami. Its itineraries include weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries that began with the ship's maiden voyage on Jan. 27, 2024. Travelers can book one of several routings available through April 2026:

• Seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages with stops at St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages with stops at St. Maarten (the Dutch side of the island of St. Martin), St. Thomas and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages with stops at St. Thomas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages with stops at St. Maarten, San Juan and Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach on Haiti
• Seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages with stops at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Seven-night Western Caribbean voyages with stops at Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Seven-night Western Caribbean voyages with stops at Costa Maya, Cozumel and Perfect Day at CocoCay

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean ship

Cruises on Royal Caribbean's newest and largest ship don't come cheap, and the prices have only increased since the ship first went on sale in 2022. Expect premium pricing for this highly sought-after ship.

When we checked in January 2024, the lowest price for an Icon of the Seas sailing was $1,775 per person, based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin. The cheapest balcony cabins started at $2,426 per person. These prices are for cruises departing in January 2026!

The most expensive sailing at present is a New Year's cruise, departing Dec. 28, 2024, with inside cabins starting at $9,419 and balconies at $10,104 per person.

You might wonder if Icon of the Seas' fares are all-inclusive — they are not. The fares include meals in the main dining room, buffet and a handful of other complimentary restaurants; most entertainment and activities; use of the kids club; and basic drinks like standard coffee and tea, milk and select juices at breakfast. You will pay extra for soda and alcoholic beverages, specialty restaurants, spa treatments and select activities.

Related: 11 extra charges on cruise ships that will drive you nuts — and what you can do about them

What to know before you go

Required documents.

Since Icon of the Seas is currently sailing round-trip from Florida, U.S. citizens can sail with either a current passport or an official copy of their birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo I.D. Passports must be valid for at least six months.

The name on your reservation must be the same as what's printed on your passport or other official proof of nationality. Double-check if you've recently gotten married or go by a different version of your name.

If you're traveling with a child for whom you are not the legal guardian, you will need to bring a notarized letter, signed by the child's parents or legal guardians, giving you permission to travel with the child.

Related: What documents do you need for a cruise? From passports to printouts, here's what to take

The room stewards and dining staff on Icon of the Seas are friendly and helpful and deserve an extra thank-you. Royal Caribbean makes that easy by charging you an automatic gratuity of $18 to $20.50 per person per day, depending on your cabin category, added to your onboard account and final bill. You are allowed to adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking, but please don't — even if you are disappointed by the service. Gratuities are an important part of crewmembers' paychecks.

An 18% gratuity is added to bar, specialty dining and spa/salon bills. You should not feel pressured to add an additional tip.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has one of the fastest Wi-Fi systems at sea, called Voom, and you can take advantage of this on Icon of the Seas. Currently, Wi-Fi packages with streaming bandwidth start at $30.99 per day for one device (or $24.99 per day per device for packages accommodating two, three or four devices), though prices do change over time.

Often you can get the best discounts on onboard Wi-Fi by purchasing your plans online in advance of your cruise. If you're a member of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society cruise loyalty program, check to see if you're eligible for discounts on Wi-Fi packages.

Certain suite guests and upper-tier loyalty program members receive complimentary Wi-Fi, so know your included perks before you sign up for a package.

Related: How fast is the internet on Royal Caribbean ships? We put it to the test

Carry-on drinks policy

Royal Caribbean guests of legal drinking age can bring one bottle of wine or Champagne onto Icon of the Seas at boarding. If you want to drink that bottle outside your cabin in a restaurant or lounge, you must pay a $15 corkage fee.

Guests can also bring up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas on board on embarkation day.

Smoking policy

Smoking (including e-cigarette smoking) is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee.

Passengers can smoke in Icon of the Seas' casino while playing or in a designated outer area on Deck 17 by the Cloud 17 pool area.

Icon of the Seas does not offer self-service launderettes. Passengers can pay extra for laundry, pressing and dry cleaning services.

Electrical outlets

Cabins on Icon of the Seas have a ton of outlets, though not always where you want them. In my Infinite Ocean-View Balcony cabin, I found two USB, two USB-C, one North American-style 110-volt outlet and one European-style 220-volt outlet by the desk. Two more USB outlets were hidden in the shelving across from the sleeping area. One side of the bed had a USB outlet and the other a 110-volt outlet. (I would have preferred to have one of each on either side of the bed.)

There's also an outlet for shavers by the bathroom shelving near the sink.

The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar, but you won't need cash on the ship. You'll receive a SeaPass card that functions as your shipboard ID, room key and credit card. You'll charge shipboard purchases (drinks, souvenirs, extra-fee meals, shore excursions and so on) to your onboard account, and Royal Caribbean will charge your credit card on file once the cruise ends. You can check your onboard bill in the cruise line's app or at Guest Services.

The shops on CocoCay also take your SeaPass card. The onboard Starbucks outlet (not other cafes where Starbucks-brand beverages are sold) should take Starbucks gift cards and payment through the Starbucks app.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Icon of the Seas.

During the day, people dress casually. T-shirts, shorts, athletic wear, casual sundresses and bathing suits are commonly worn on board and ashore. Bring a cover-up to go from the pool back indoors.

You'll also want to dress for the activities you plan to do on board. Wear long pants, socks and a sweatshirt for skating in Absolute Zero (and bring something warm to wear when you go to one of the shows); full-coverage swimwear for the FlowRider and waterslides; and closed-toe shoes and a glasses strap for the Crown's Edge ropes course (and skip the skirt so you can easily put on the jumpsuit).

In the evening, the ship does have a suggested dress code, either casual (just look decent, but shorts are frowned upon at dinner), smart casual (nice restaurant or date attire) or formal (your version of fancy). A seven-night cruise will typically have two formal nights.

Royal Caribbean ships are pretty casual about the dress codes. What you really want to avoid is swimwear, bare feet, pajamas and athletic-style tank tops in the main dining room and specialty restaurants. And dress for your dining venue: You'll want to get dolled up more for a meal at the Empire Supper Club or Chops Grille than you might at Pier 7 or Giovanni's.

Related: Ultimate cruise packing list

Bottom line

Icon of the Seas is a groundbreaking ship for Royal Caribbean, introducing new venues, attractions and accommodation styles while bringing back and evolving fan favorites from past ships. Entertainment is next-level, and the ship's amazing attractions are sure to please all types of vacationers with multiple interests.

Though the ship is the line's largest, it's easy to get around, with lots of crowd control measures in place. You will, however, want to book quickly to obtain your preferred restaurant and show reservations. It might be difficult to be spontaneous and still get to see and eat everything you wish.

The ship has put special emphasis on catering to families with young kids and has created innovative programming for teens. However, its adults-only pool area, inviting bars with creative cocktail menus and plethora of grownup entertainment venues make the ship a perfect option for multigenerational families, friend groups and couples, as well.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
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• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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• Transportation to the Ports
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• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
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How Much It Costs to Live on a Cruise Ship For a Year

Who hasn’t gone on a cruise and thought, “I could do this forever”?

The idea of retiring from the rat race and living out your days on a cruise has great appeal for some people.

There’s no cleaning, no cooking, and no lawn to mow. You don’t have to worry about doing the dishes or paying an electric bill. There’s always something going on, new people to meet, and every day you wake up to some of the most beautiful views in the world.

Add to that the fact that Internet access allows many to work remotely from anywhere, and wi-fi is widely available on any major cruise ship. That means even if you don’t want to completely retire, but instead work from the cruise ship, it’s technically possible.

Of course, not everyone can run off and live on a cruise ship, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dream.

And the first question that comes to mind when you think about escaping is how much it would cost to live aboard a cruise ship?

So how much would you have to pay? Is the total cost even realistic? We recently priced out the cost of living on a cruise ship for an entire year.

The result? Just know that you’ll definitely need to open your wallet to live full-time in paradise.

Where You’ll Spend Money on Your Cruise

Head to any cruise website and you’ll see plenty of cheap headline prices. Cruises starting at a few hundred dollars for a week are common. At first glance, it seems like living on a cruise ship would be amazingly affordable. ( One cruise line advertises the ability to live aboard for just around $33,000 per person, per year .)

After all, a cruise for $500 a week would cost only $26,000 to sail for a year. For many people, that would be cheaper than living on land! 

But anyone who has been on a cruise knows those headline prices are just the start of what you pay. In fact, in our opinion it’s a bit disingenuous of the cruise lines to advertise those prices. After all, what you’ll actually pay is much, much more.

Double Occupancy Cruise Fare: Apart from a few sailings that offer solo cabins, any headline price you find is actually only half of what you will pay for cruise fare. That’s because cabins are typically sold based on double occupancy, but prices are shown per person.

So for a fare that’s $599, it will actually cost $1,198 based on double occupancy. Even if you are sailing solo (unless in a solo cabin), you will still have to pay this “double” charge.

In other words, whenever you see a cruise price, double it right away for what you’ll really pay in fare.

Port Fees & Taxes: We all expect to pay taxes on things that we buy. It’s no different for a cruise. However, the taxes aren’t included in the headline cruise fare. As well, cruise fares will also have port fees tacked on. These are per-passenger fees paid to ports of call for the privilege of docking.

These fees vary, but in general, expect about $100-$200 per person for a seven-day cruise.

Gratuities: Sure, at the end of the day gratuities aren’t a required cost (you can adjust them as necessary), but in practice they are usually considered a charge that you’ll have to pay. They also add up quickly.

At around $16 per person, per day, a couple traveling on a week cruise will pay about $200 in gratuities. Over the course of a year on a cruise ship, that amount comes out to more than $10,000!

Onboard Spending: Anyone who has taken a cruise knows that what you pay in cruise fare is the start of what you’ll spend during your time on the ship.

From drinks to wi-fi to specialty restaurants, there are plenty of extra to spend on the ship . And even if you are a frugal sailor, you won’t go any lengthy time without having a few drinks or signing up for the Internet package to check in back on shore.

We Priced a Year’s Worth of Cruises to Get a True Cost

With all of these expenses in mind, we dove into what it would cost to live on a cruise ship for an entire year.

Of course, when it comes to cruising for twelve months, you have an amazing number of options. From different cruise lines to routes, departure ports, ships, and even cabin types, there are a number of things that will have a big impact on what you spend.

That’s why we aimed to keep everything simple. To price what it costs to live aboard the ship, we took a look at sailings aboard a single ship from Carnival, which is known for being affordable. In this case, we priced a year’s worth of sailing for Carnival Horizon in 2024.

Carnival Horizon is a newer ship from the cruise line that sails six and eight-day itineraries year-round from Miami in 2024. That means you could sail the entire year without having to change ships and always coming back to a homeport in the United States.

The routes that the Horizon sails would take you all across the Caribbean, from Cozumel to Aruba, from Curacao to Grand Cayman. Because it is a bigger and (relatively) newer ship in the Carnival fleet, you’d also have tons of amenities and activities on board, as well as a many restaurant options — including Guy’s Burger Joint .

As for the cabin, in our search we opted for a balcony cabin. Yes, you would be able to sail for cheaper in an oceanview or interior cabin, however, we assume that if you are aboard the ship for an extended period of time, having your own balcony is a must.

As well, we assume a couple is sailing with two people to the room. 

Summing up, here’s what we searched for our prices used in this estimate:

• Cruise Line: Carnival
• Ship: Carnival Horizon
• Time Period: January-December 2024
• Homeport: Miami
• Room Type: Balcony
• Number of People: 2

Here’s How Much It Costs to Live on a Cruise Ship

So how much does it cost to sail on the Carnival Horizon for a year? We estimate it to cost around $199,000 for two people , although that number can vary from person to person, depending on their spending habits .

Here’s an overview of where you’ll spend, and we breakdown each expense below:

Cruise Fare: The largest expense by far is cruise fare. Pricing a balcony room for each of the dozens of cruises the ship sails in 2024, it totaled $99,766 . Factored out, that's about $1,900 a week or $6,150 per month. Keep in mind this is for two passengers on the ship and includes the bulk of what you'll spend on a cruise, including your cabin, entertainment, and food.

Port Fees & Taxes: There's no escaping taxes, even on a cruise out at sea. Pricing out our cruises, the taxes and port fees for two people totaled up to $15,395 for the year. That comes out to a little less than $1,300 a month.

Gratuities: One of the perks of being on a cruise is that you are waited on hand and foot. But it doesn't come free. Carnival charges $16.00 per person, per day for automatic gratuities. Over the course of a year, that adds up to $11,648 in tips paid to staff.

Onboard Spending: How can you know what you'll spend on the ship over the course of a year? It's impossible to know for sure, and different people will spend different amounts. For example, do you need to have a drink package every day of the year? Or are you fine drinking water or juice? Are you a gambler? How often do you want to eat at specialty restaurants?

While you can't pinpoint exactly what you'll spend, you can get a good estimate. As a public company, Carnival Corporation (the parent of Carnival Cruise Line) publishes detailed numbers about their business. For instance, in 2022 the company took in $7 billion in ticket revenue and $5.1 billion in onboard spending.

So onboard spending across all of its lines was 73% of ticket revenue. For every $1,000 in cruise fare, the average person would spend about $730 on the ship. (Note: Onboard spending has increased since cruises returned, but bundling of offers like drink packages and wi-fi have also changed the amount. Before the pandemic, it was usually around 45% of ticket revenue.)

Using this metric, with a total cruise fare of $99,766, the average couple would spend $72,829 onboard during the course of the year. However, it's likely that the figure would be drastically lower as average spending on the ship will likely be less if staying full-time versus splurging for a short vacation.

Total Cost: Adding up tickets, port fees, taxes, gratuities, and onboard spending, the total estimated cost of living on a cruise ship for a year is $199,638 for a couple -- or about $100,000 per person. Without onboard spending, it comes out to $126,809 or $63,404 per person.

Notably, this figure is about 35-40% higher than the roughly $145,000 we calculated for the same ship when we last ran the numbers in 2023. The main difference between then and now? Cruise fares in 2024 for Carnival Horizon come out about $18,000 higher (for two people) during the course of the year and onboard spending estimates increased sharply based on the latest figures provided in financial reports.

Too Expensive? Here's How to Lower the Cost

There's no doubt that it's expensive to live on a cruise ship, but there are ways that you can trim that amount. If you're interested in cutting down the price, here are a few ideas.

Limit Onboard Spending: In our estimate, we used the average spending Carnival Corporation sees across all its cruise lines, which is 73% of the cruise fare.

You don't have to spend near that much. After all, when people cruise they are on vacation and likely willing to spend more freely than they would normally. By limiting the amount spent on board, you can cut thousands off this estimated total.

It's doubtful you can get by without spending at least some money, but our estimate comes out to about $700 per person, per week. Being able to spend less than that should be relatively easy.

Older Ships: Our estimate is aboard the Carnival Horizon. We chose this ship because it is relatively new (meaning you'll have the most amenities for a long-term stay), but it also runs a regular schedule from Miami.

That said, in general newer ships like the Horizon are more expensive to sail aboard. If you look for older ships, you should be able to cut the price down.

Be Flexible for Cheaper Trips: For this estimate, we priced out a year's worth of cruises on a single ship. This makes it easy if you're sailing long-term; you simply stay on the ship and don't have to worry about changing ships, or ports.

If you want cheaper options, however, you might find them by being more flexible with changing ships and/or cruise lines when you find a deal. That's where sailing from a port like Miami -- which offers a lot of options -- can be beneficial to your pocketbook.

Avoid Expensive Times of Year: In our search, the sailing aboard the ship varied dramatically due to the time of year. For example, the most expensive cruise aboard Horizon during the year was during the Christmas holidays and ran $1,399 per person. The least expensive 8-day cruise ran $869 per person -- or about 60% as much.

If you have the ability to take a few weeks off here and there during the expensive times of year, it can lead to big savings.

What do you think about the cost of living full-time on a cruise ship for a year? Let us know in the comments below.

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What about the VCL Victoria Cruises Majestic ship? Set to sail this fall, it’s a true long term residential ship that will circumnavigate the globe in 27 months from Fort Lauderdale. There is still space available! Price points and discounts vary based on how long you lease your cabin -ranging from 6 month’s minimum up to 37 months and beyond. About 500 cabins have been sold so far- adults only. And it’s all inclusive of internet, most drinks, laundry service, housekeeping of course, room service, etc.. All the standard things you’d find on a cruise ship. See this article that was posted today by one of the future residents! https://www.allwaystraveller.com/continents/worldwide/circumnavigating-the-globe-for-two-years-on-a-residential-cruise-ship

I would love to see the cruise lines cater to single seniors, they would be surprised how many would travel all the time….I personally would like to do three months, but the cost is just too high! Maybe there is a singles travel cruise group that I can join. Any suggestions out there?

Someone young wrote this article. Carnival is not the line most people would choose to cruise for a long period of time. On the Oceania Marina we met a couple cruising for several months and a charming older man who was cruising for 180 days. The couple had sold their house & were having a new house built, so homeless for a period of time. The older man was single &, I think, rather lonely so the ship life provided him nice social opportunities to talk to people. Here’s more info; “After record demand for its 2023 world cruise, Oceania Cruises has unveiled the itinerary for its epic global voyage for 2024. The cruise line’s 180-day journey around the world will set sail on January 14, 2024, and visit more than 96 destinations in 34 different countries.

“Incredibly, last year our 2023 world cruise sold out in just one day, so for 2024 we are providing guests more extended voyage options to deeply and meaningfully rediscover the world,” Howard Sherman, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises, said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure.

Oceania’s “Around the World in 180 Days” cruise will depart from Los Angeles and cross more than three oceans and 15 seas as it makes its way around the globe to New York. The journey, on the Oceania Insignia, stops at more than 100 UNESCO World Heritage sites with 24 overnight stays.

Passengers will journey across the Pacific, through French Polynesia and Australia before continuing onto destinations like Japan and Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay. The voyage continues along the shores of India and the Arabian Peninsula before sailing across Europe and completing its route across the Atlantic in New York.

The 2024 “Around the World” journey starts at $48,499 per person and includes roundtrip first-class airfare and amenities like prepaid gratuities, laundry, and luggage delivery. During your days at sea, you can keep yourself busy with spa appointments, art workshops, the casino, cabaret, and four open-seating restaurants — not to mention the daily afternoon tea service accompanied by a four-string quartet. There is also a fitness center and sports deck, and of course, a saltwater pool with two hot tubs.

As usual, catering mostly to people who have the means to do this without blinking. It is time for older single seniors on a fixed income to be able to be able to cruise on a non party boat. A tranquil, voyage, letting go and actually hearing the sounds of Mother Nature, not a floating amusement park. That would be amazing.

It would only be me living on the ship, cant i spilt that cost that I would have if i had a spouse? so would that be about 60k ?

I think this is not taking into consideration the rewards systems that most cruise operators have which would reduce the fare, even in a balcony cabin. I could never do it since the state of cruiseline wifi is still pathetic!

Another way to do it vs estimated$175k year is to buy in to a condo cabin on the new state of the art Narrative from Storylines.com. Sails around world in 3 1/2 years starting at $5000 a month 2 people all inclusive , starting 2024!

😂😂😂 with prices starting at $400,000 and rising to $8 million

What about when someone needs care/hospitalisation etc….. Surely you would need a private medical insurance policy, which would get progressively more expensive as you aged?

I’m sure. This article only focuses on the costs of sailing for the year. Other costs aren’t considered.

Good information but why does long term stay/full time cost is so high. you would think there be discount especially for seniors. Also price for solo why double? I think it sounds like fun how about travel for 3 months first to try out. Sea sick is that a common element to consider for most? People with restricted diet such as vegetarians do they get the meals prepared? Are some classes offered for free? classes such as dancing or crafts part of the activities? Thanks

the price for double occupancy is basic international hotel rates. The cruise ship is basically a floating/mobile resort hotel. All cruise lines came onboard with the double occupancy in 2010. before it was fare and half to cruise solo. If you get a good cruise line that you like, most have a loyalty program that after so many cruise points you will be charged fare and a half for solo travel. 3 months would be a good trial to see if you like it, sea sickness is not really a problem as these ship travel well. you can put in for restricted diet before going on a cruise so should not be a problem long term – might be you have to request every week. Main Dinning has a veggie meal every night and the buffet style cafe onboard allows you to select what you want. You can even get Kosher meals. most Classes are free as well as activities. buy the drink package that is suitable to your habits. your excursions will cost you but after a few weeks you may be done with excursions and it is all about enjoying the ship.

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10 Cheap Cruises Ranked By Their 2024 Prices

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

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

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

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

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

7-Night Alaska Cruise

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $669.

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

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

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

10-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Total cost per person for 10 nights: $509.

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

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

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

Related: Three Super Cheap Cruises Worth Booking In 2024

7-Night Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $479.

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

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

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

7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $469.

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

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

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

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

6-Night Pacific Coastal Cruise

Total cost per person for 6 nights: $451.

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

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

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

Related: 10 Luxury Cruise Lines, Ranked By Passenger Review

11-Night Caribbean & Bahamas Cruise

Total price per person for 11 nights: $369.

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

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

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

5-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Total for 5 days per person: $349.

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

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

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

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

4-Day Baja Mexico Cruise From Los Angeles

Total cost for four days per person: $229.

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

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

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

2-Night Margaritaville At Sea Paradise Cruise

Total cost for 2 nights per person: $148.50.

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

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

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

4-Night MSC Bahamas Cruise

Total cost for 4 nights per person: $109.

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

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

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

I tried Holland America's 'Have It All' package. For just $55 a day, my cruise felt way more luxurious.

• I tried Holland America Line 's Have It All package on a recent cruise to Alaska.
• For $55 per person per day, we got complimentary drinks, special meals, and other perks.
• The price was so worth it we already booked this package for future cruises. 

Cruise bookings are predicted to reach record levels this year, and travelers are especially interested in luxurious sailings.

But as many of us know, luxury doesn't always equate to value, even when it comes to upgrades and special packages.

So, on our recent cruise to Alaska, my husband and I put one of many cruise packages to the test: Holland America Line's "Have It All" package, which costs $55 per person per day.

It includes perks like a beverage package, ship credit for shore excursions, onboard WiFi, and dinner at specialty restaurants.

Here's why we found it to be such a great value we're going to add it to future cruises.

The beverage package was great, and it included special drinks without alcohol

The biggest perk of the "Have It All" package was the ability to order drinks without worrying about the bill at the end of the cruise.

Our previous cruises had us drinking only tap water, drip coffee, tea, and an occasional glass of wine with dinner to avoid any sticker shock at the end of the trip. We felt restricted in enjoying our vacation.

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But this time, we had the freedom to enjoy ourselves. The "Have It All" package we booked came with 15 drinks a day under $11. If you want a drink over $11, you only pay the difference.

The beverage package also covers non-alcoholic drinks. It was perfect for when we wanted espresso drinks for cold Alaska days or a bottle of water for a shore excursion.

The shore-excursion credit helped push us to have more fun

We knew we had to do a whale-watching excursion in Alaska, but didn't consider booking other excursions due to price. Many of the ones we were interested in cost over $100 per person.

But with the package, we each got credits to use toward shore excursions during our cruise. The value of the credit varies depending on the duration of your cruise — ours was less than 10 days, so we each got a $100 credit.

The $200 worth of credits made us feel more comfortable booking an incredible excursion to kayak the wild waters of Sitka.

We probably would've hesitated to book an excursion and missed an incredible experience if we hadn't felt compelled to use the credits in the package.

Specialty dining helped us celebrate our anniversary

Our "Have it All" packages each included at least one dinner at one of the ship's specialty restaurants. If you're on a longer cruise, this package would get you access to more dinners.

We used our credits to eat at the Pinnacle Grill, known for its premium steaks and intimate dining experience. Our anniversary dinner was extra special because of the access to premium dishes unavailable in the main dining room, five-star service, and a luxurious setting.

WiFi kept us connected

The package included WiFi, which really came in handy as we shared photos with friends and family throughout our trip.

We were able to use the internet to search for whatever we needed and research the highlights to visit at the next port of call.

We've already booked the package for future cruises

For less than what a few drinks cost per day, the package helped us relax, have fun, and enjoy each port of call with a shore excursion. Plus, we got to indulge in the ship's specialty restaurants.

We loved it so much we've already purchased this same package for three future cruises.

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Travel | 8 new ships coming to Norwegian Cruise Line,…

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Subscriber only, travel | 8 new ships coming to norwegian cruise line, sister brands plus dock at great stirrup cay.

The parent company to Norwegian Cruise Line announced Monday a major order for eight new ships among its three brands as well as the construction of a pier to allow its cruise ships to dock instead of tender to its private Bahamas island for the first time.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said it was planning to bring on four new ships for NCL, two new ships for upper premium brand Oceania Cruises and two ships for luxury brand Regent Seven Seas, all to be built at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and debut during a 10-year run from 2026-2036.

The NCL ships would be the largest ever built for the line at around 200,000 gross tons and capacity of about 5,000 guests. They won’t arrive until after the final delivery of its Prima-Plus class ships expected between 2025-2028, the larger sister ships to the Norwegian Prima and Viva that debuted in the last couple of years. The four ships from the unnamed class of vessel would arrive in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.

The new class for Oceania Cruises, which in 2023 debuted its first new ship in more than a decade — the Oceania Allura — will also be the largest ever built for the line at 86,000 gross tons and a capacity of 1,450 guests. They’re expected in 2027 and 2029.

And the Regent Seven Seas fleet’s new vessels will also be larger coming in at 77,000 gross tons with a capacity of 850 guests. They’re expected in 2026 and 2029. Regent just debuted the third of its Explorer class ships in December 2023.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said NCLH president and CEO Harry Sommer in a press release. “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”

No other details about the ships were released. Financing is already in place to fund 80% of the cost for the four ships among the Oceania and Regent orders, but financing for the four NCL ships is not finalized.

The eight ships expects to add 25,000 more to the three cruise lines’ passenger capacity.

In addition, the line is set to construct a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the popular Bahamas private destination visited by all three brands. The move follows the introduction of a dock that can support two Oasis-class vessels at neighboring Perfect Day at Coco Cay for Royal Caribbean while other private Bahamas destinations including Disney’s Castaway Cay and its new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point feature tenderless docks for easy access.

“We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round,” Sommer said.

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Cruise passengers left stranded on african island to be reimbursed for some travel cost paid to return to ship.

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The eight cruise passengers who were stranded on an African island after their ship left the port without them will be reimbursed for some of the costs they endured while trying to make it back onto the ship, the cruise line said.

Jill and Jay Campbell, of South Carolina, along with four other Americans and two Australians, had to race through seven different countries in 48 hours to reboard the Norwegian Dawn in Senegal on Tuesday.

They had earlier hoped to board the ship at the port in Gambia in West Africa, traveling 15 hours through six countries to reach the port on Sunday, only to find that the ship could not dock due to low tides, according to WPDE.

From there, the group boarded a bus and had to take a ferry across a river, Kurt Gies, the son-in-law of another passenger who was left on the island of São Tomé and Principe after she suffered a stroke , told The Post.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line says the passengers will be reimbursed for the costs they endured while trying to race from Gambia to Senegal.

“Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal,” the cruise line said.

It had earlier said the passengers — who were left on the island without any of their belongings from the cabin, including money, medicine and necessary travel documents — were “responsible for any necessary travel arrangements to rejoin the ship.”

Keep up with The Post's coverage of the Norwegian Cruise debacle

• Eight Norwegian Cruise passengers, including a pregnant woman and an elderly man with a heart condition, were stranded on an African island without money and vital medications after the vessel left port without them.
• A spokesperson for the cruise line claimed the passengers were left on the island “on their own or with a private tour” and missed the “all-aboard time” by over an hour, according to the company.
• Americans Jill Campbell and her husband, Jay Campbell, said they are unsure whether they even want to resume the 20-day voyage after Norwegian Cruise Lines forgot about its “basic duty of care.”
• The eight passengers raced through seven different countries over a span of 48 hours to make it to Senegal, where the ship docked Tuesday morning,
• Doug and Violeta Sanders, a stranded Australian couple, have spoken out about their ordeal , saying it was “the worst experience of our lives.”
• Julie Lenkoff, 80,  suffered a stroke during an excursion on the cruise — and was left “alone” and “helpless” to find her way back to the US, according to her family.
• COLUMN: Cruise ship was right to ditch the late passengers in Africa

Check out The Post’s tips on what to do if you’re left stranded like the Norwegian Cruise passengers

As they scrambled to find a way back to the ship, working with the US Embassy in Angola, the Campbells had to shell out more than $5,000 in food, toiletries and hotels — as they were the only ones in the group that had a Visa credit card on their persons, they told WRAL.

The group finally reboarded the Norwegian Dawn Tuesday morning, but they hadn’t spoken directly with cruise officials, Gies said.

The Dawn is now expected to continue its 21-day African voyage through next Wednesday, when it will dock for the final time in Barcelona, Spain.

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Ambition cruise ship: tickets, price, capacity, cabins and itinerary

• Published : 9:44, 10 Apr 2024
• Updated : 9:45, 10 Apr 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

CRUISE ship Ambition first welcomed passengers onboard in March 2023.

And if you're tempted to head off to sea here's all you need to know about the magnificent liner.

What to expect on Ambition

The no-fly cruise ship belongs to Ambassador Cruise Line, with Brits able to board from ports across the UK.

The liner offers a range of themed cruises including specialist entertainment - ranging from comedy to circus acts.

Or choose a hobby and pastimes cruise which include crafting, wildlife, gardening and literature.

For the more active traveller the ship features two swimming pools, a spa, and a gym.

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There is also a wellness centre plus a range of shops.

Evening shows are also available for people to enjoy and include plays, live music, classical interludes and cabarets.

The ship is full board meaning breakfast, lunch and dinner is included in the price.

Afternoon tea is also available.

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How much does an ambition ticket cost and how do i get one.

Ticket prices range from £299-£4,149 per person in 2024 and are available to book on the Ambassador Cruiseline website .

Buy 1 Get One Free is valid on new bookings only between March 21 and May 29, 2024, with a 25% off drinks package.

When booking travellers are also offered a saver fare and ambassador fare.

What capacity does Ambition have?

The Ambition can hold 1,200 guests and has over 700 cabins.

There are ten guest decks and air conditioning for the comfort of the passengers.

What types of cabins does Ambition offer?

Ambition offers standard, superior, premium and de-luxe cabins.

All three have mini bars and flatscreen TVs as well as en-suite shower facilities.

Other amenities include UK three-pin electric sockets, USB port and a personal safe.

Tea and coffee making facilities are also available.

Ambition cabins

AMBITION has a variety of cabins and suites for all budgets.

Travellers can also choose between ocean view and inside cabins, with 21 categories to choose from.

Here are some of the options available:

• 19 purpose built single bed configured cabins
• 2 cabins adapted for guests with disability and mobility
• 6 spacious de-duxe suites 
• 13 spacious premium suites
• 46 superior junior suites
• 38 junior suites 
• 10 junior suites singles
• 113 de-luxe cabins
• 12 premium balcony cabins 
• 78 single sole occupancy

What is the itinerary for Ambition?

For 2024, the Ambition's itinerary will vary depending on the cruise you have booked .

During the voyage the ship will anchor in ports for the day which allows guests to explore the cities and culture.

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If the weather conditions are unfavourable and the Ambition cannot get to the scheduled port, then other arrangements will be made.

Destinations in 2024 include Iceland, Norway and Scotland.

Ports to board the Ambition

BELOW are the UK ports where you can embark the Ambition.

• Belfast Port
• Bristol Royal Portbury
• Dundee Port
• Edinburgh Leith Port
• Falmouth Port
• Liverpool Port
• London Tilbury Port
• Newcastle Port