The Real Cost of a 7-Day Cruise: Which Line is Worth Your Money?

Amanda Abraham
Sep 11, 2024
6 min read

Updated: Mar 15

When planning a cruise, the base price is just the tip of the iceberg. The actual cost of your trip includes drink packages, Wi-Fi, tips, excursions, and more. To help you make the right choice, we analyzed the total costs of various cruise lines for a 7-day trip departing from Florida, with a stop in Cozumel. This comparison includes ships under six years old, factoring in 2025 and 2026 sailings.

Whether you're a foodie, an adventure-seeker, or a family looking for the perfect getaway, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the pros and cons of each cruise line, ranked from most expensive to most affordable, to help you choose the cruise that fits your needs best.

11. Disney Cruises - Total Cost: $6,157

Disney Cruises is a favorite for families, especially those with young children. This line offers immersive entertainment, from character meet-and-greets to Broadway-style shows like "Frozen." Although the price tag is high, the magical experience makes it worth the splurge for many families.

Pros:

Magical family-focused experiences that create unforgettable memories.
Top-notch service and cleanliness.

Cons:

Expensive, especially for families without children.
Crowds and long waits during popular activities.

User Review: "The Disney magic is real! Our kids loved the characters and shows, but the price was quite steep for what we got compared to other lines."

10. Explora Journeys - Total Cost: $6,150

Explora Journeys offers a suites-only, all-inclusive luxury experience with gourmet dining, exclusive excursions, and impeccable service. This cruise line is perfect for travelers seeking maximum comfort without worrying about extra costs.

Pros:

All-inclusive with no hidden costs.
Designed for maximum comfort and exclusivity.

Cons:

Pricey, appealing primarily to luxury travelers.
Limited options for adventure-seekers.

User Review:"The all-inclusive nature made this trip so relaxing. We never had to think about anything except enjoying ourselves, but it's definitely not for those on a budget."

9. Oceania Cruises - Total Cost: $4,850

If you’re a foodie, Oceania Cruises should be at the top of your list. Known for its gourmet cuisine, included in the fare, this line provides an intimate, elegant atmosphere on smaller ships.

Pros:

Best-in-class dining included in the fare.
Calm, luxurious atmosphere.

Cons:

Limited onboard activities for thrill-seekers.
Higher cost may not appeal to non-foodies.

User Review:"The food was outstanding! However, this cruise is more suited for those who enjoy fine dining and a slower pace."

8. Royal Caribbean - Total Cost: $4,184.80

Packed with adventure and activities, Royal Caribbean is ideal for families and thrill-seekers. From surf simulators to rock climbing, there’s something for everyone. However, the extras can drive up the total cost.

Pros:

Lots of activities for all ages.
Excellent entertainment and food variety.

Cons:

Extras like drink packages and tips can drive up the total cost.

User Review:"Our kids had a blast with all the activities, but the extras, like drinks and tips, added up fast."

7. Celebrity Cruises - Total Cost: $3,915.36

Celebrity Cruises offers a luxurious, modern experience with sleek ships and impeccable service. It's great for couples and adult travelers looking for a relaxing vacation. However, the extra costs can quickly increase the total.

Pros:

Stylish, modern ships with excellent service.
Perfect for couples and adult travelers.

Cons:

High costs for extras like drink packages.
Less suited for families with children.

User Review:"Celebrity is the definition of luxury at sea, but the drinks and extras are what really added to the cost."

6. Virgin Voyages - Total Cost: $3,718

With a trendy, adults-only atmosphere, Virgin Voyages is designed for young adults and couples looking for a fun, modern cruise. The inclusive fare covers dining, tips, and Wi-Fi, but the vibe may not appeal to those seeking a traditional experience.

Pros:

Inclusive pricing makes budgeting easier.
Energetic atmosphere for adults.

Cons:

Limited appeal for those seeking a quieter, more traditional experience.

User Review:"We loved the upbeat vibe and included dining, but it’s not a cruise for those wanting relaxation."

5. Carnival Cruises - Total Cost: $2,970.20

Carnival is known for its affordable, fun atmosphere, making it a top choice for budget-conscious families. However, the extras, like drinks and specialty dining, can add up quickly.

Pros:

Affordable base fare.
Great for families and budget travelers.

Cons:

Extra costs for drinks and dining.
Can be chaotic during peak seasons.

User Review:"Affordable and fun, but the drinks and dining added up quickly."

4. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) - Total Cost: $2,785

Norwegian’s freestyle cruising allows you to dine when and where you want, making it ideal for those who prefer flexibility. The drink package is included, but other extras like excursions can increase the total cost.

Pros:

Flexible, freestyle dining.
Great for families and couples.

Cons:

Additional costs for excursions and premium dining.
Not as activity-packed as some competitors.

User Review:"We loved the flexibility, but by the time we added excursions, it wasn’t as budget-friendly as we thought."

3. Holland America Line (HAL) - Total Cost: $2,558

HAL is perfect for those seeking a traditional, laid-back cruise. With a focus on cultural enrichment and fine dining, it appeals to older travelers or those wanting a more refined experience.

Pros:

Relaxed, elegant atmosphere.
Excellent cultural and dining experiences.

Cons:

Less appeal for thrill-seekers or younger families.
Fewer high-energy activities.

User Review:"Perfect for a calm, cultural trip. Not much excitement for younger travelers, though."

Click here to book your first cruise, and you will receive $50 in onboard spending credit.

2. MSC Cruises - Total Cost: $2,302.66

MSC Cruises offers a modern cruise experience at an affordable price. The base fare is low, but extras like drinks and Wi-Fi are not included and can raise the total cost.

Pros:

Affordable base fare with modern ships.
Flexible add-ons to tailor the experience.

Cons:

Extras like drinks and Wi-Fi are not included.
Service and food quality can vary.

User Review:"It’s a good budget option, but you get what you pay for with service and food."

1. Princess Cruises - Total Cost: $2,138

Princess Cruises offers excellent value with drink packages, tips, and dining included in the fare. Known for its elegant atmosphere and great service, it’s a top pick for those seeking a high-quality experience on a budget.

Pros:

Inclusive pricing with no hidden costs.
Perfect balance of affordability and quality.

Cons:

Less geared toward adventure-seekers.
May not appeal to those looking for a casual experience.

User Review:"Affordable luxury! The drinks and dining being included made it feel like a steal." Click here to book your first cruise, and you will receive $25 in onboard spending credit.

Cruise Price Comparison Breakdown

		Total Cost ($)	Base Price	Tips	Bundle Prices	Drink Package	Wi-Fi Package
Princess Cruises	$2,138	$1,298	Included	$840	Included	Included	Included
MSC Cruises	$2,303	$1,122	$224	N/A	$644	$213	$100
Holland America Line	$2,558	$1,942	Included	$616	Included	Included	Included
Norwegian Cruise Line	$2,785	$1,958	$280	$329	Included	$218	included
Carnival Cruises	$2,970	$1,278	$224	N/A	$1,156	$214	$98
Virgin Voyages	$3,718	$2,718	Included	N/A	$1,000	Included	Included
Celebrity Cruises	$3,915	$1,844	$252	N/A	$1,344	$329	$146
Royal Caribbean	$4,185	$2,178	$252	N/A	$1,354	$271	$130
Oceania Cruises	$4,850	$4,598	$252	Included	Included	Included	Included
Explora Journeys	$6,150	$6,150	Included	Included	Included	Included	Included
Disney Cruises	$6,157	$4,290	$224	N/A	$1,250	$213	$190

Cruise Cost Breakdowns by Category

Final Thoughts: Which Cruise Line is Right for You?

Most Expensive: Disney Cruises offers an unmatched family-friendly experience, but at a high cost.
Best All-Inclusive: Explora Journeys provides a luxurious, all-inclusive experience, ideal for those seeking hassle-free travel.
Best for Foodies: Oceania Cruises is perfect for food lovers focusing on gourmet dining.
Best for Active Families: Royal Caribbean offers action-packed activities for families but at a higher price point.
Best for Young Couples or Friends: Virgin Voyages caters to a vibrant, adults-only crowd with inclusive pricing.
Best Budget-Friendly: Princess Cruises wins for affordability and quality, making it the best choice for those on a budget.

If you decide to book on Princess Cruises or Holland America Line, we can both benefit through their Refer a Friend Program!

Princess Cruises: Click here to book your first cruise, and you will receive $25 in onboard spending credit.
Holland America Line: Click here to book your first cruise, and you will receive $50 in onboard spending credit.

Trademark Disclaimer

All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners. All company, product, and service names used in this article are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.

Disney Cruise Line® is a registered trademark of Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Explora Journeys® is a registered trademark of MSC Cruises SA.
Oceania Cruises® is a registered trademark of Oceania Cruises, Inc.
Royal Caribbean® is a registered trademark of Royal Caribbean Group.
Celebrity Cruises® is a registered trademark of Celebrity Cruises Inc.
Virgin Voyages® is a registered trademark of Virgin Group.
Carnival Cruises® is a registered trademark of Carnival Corporation.
Norwegian Cruise Line® is a registered trademark of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
Holland America Line® is a registered trademark of Holland America Line N.V.
MSC Cruises® is a registered trademark of MSC Cruises SA.
Princess Cruises® is a registered trademark of Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd.