Cruising doesn’t have to be expensive. With prices under $130 per day, these affordable cruises provide excellent value while offering access to stunning destinations. Here are eight of the best affordable cruises to consider:
From $78 pp- Best for no-fly cruises
Sail directly from the UK with the Ambassador Cruise Line, which offers itineraries like a four-night trip to Belgium or an epic 45-night journey to Cuba. Designed for over-50s, fares include full-board dining, a gala dinner, and traditional afternoon tea, providing a quintessential British cruising experience. With frequent deals, you can save even more on these budget-friendly sailings.
2. Contiki
From $115 pp- Best for a private yacht experience
For young adventurers aged 18-35, Contiki offers an exclusive eight-day guided cruise of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. With just 16 passengers, you can enjoy snorkelling, ancient ruins, and a private yacht feel without the hefty price tag. All meals are included, making this a luxury experience at an affordable price point.
From $130 pp- Best for repositioning cruises
Repositioning cruises offer some of the best deals with Princess Cruises with some absolute bargains to be had! Sail from Florida to Barcelona or from Rome to Fort Lauderdale on extended itineraries that include ports like Madeira and Malaga. Keep costs low by opting for the basic package, and enjoy included dining and entertainment on these transatlantic journeys.
4. P&O Cruises
From $90 pp- Best for no hidden costs
P&O Cruises provides great value with all-inclusive deals, including flights, transfers, and gratuities. Sail from Southampton to Amsterdam on a short break or enjoy a 99-night world cruise visiting exotic destinations like San Francisco and Bali. Full-board dining and room-service breakfast are included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
5. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
From $99 pp- Best for port-intensive itineraries
For travellers who love exploring multiple ports, NCL’s itineraries are perfect. With nine-day Mediterranean cruises or a 14-day adventure around the Atlantic coast from Southampton, you’ll visit numerous cities, including Bordeaux and Bilbao. The casual vibe and 24-hour dining make these cruises ideal for those seeking flexibility.
From $63 pp- Best for adding on to another holiday
If you want to extend your trip, Carnival offers some of the most affordable short cruises, like a four-day sailing from Miami to the Bahamas or a ten-day Great Barrier Reef adventure. Known for its fun atmosphere, Carnival is ideal for young groups, with plenty of on-board entertainment such as themed parties and poolside bars.
7. Cunard Line
From $81 pp- Best for luxury
Cunard might be known for luxury, but it also offers surprisingly affordable itineraries. Choose an internal cabin on a 12-night trip to the Canary Islands or a seven-night transatlantic cruise from Southampton to New York. Expect black-tie gala events, afternoon tea, and classical performances, providing a touch of elegance even on a budget.
8. MSC Cruises
From $80 pp- Best for families
MSC Cruises excels at providing family-friendly entertainment. With kids’ clubs, family discos, and sports tournaments, there’s plenty to keep children engaged. MSC also offers discounted shore excursions and kids sail free under certain conditions, making it a great option for a family vacation. Affordable itineraries include Mediterranean journeys with stops in Rome and Valencia.
Final Word
These 8 cruise ships offer a wide variety of destinations for all age groups. Which would you choose?
