celebrity cruise antarctica excursions

Cruises to Antarctica take passengers to nature in its most pristine and rugged state. On your Antarctica cruise, observe whales, penguins, sea lions and albatross as your ship sails past towering blue icebergs. Onboard Antarctic cruises, naturalists offer lectures and lead sightseeing excursions. Antarctic cruises typically depart from South American ports like Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands and Buenos Aires or Ushuaia in Argentina, and cruise the Drake Passage. Cruises to Antarctica include highlights such as the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula and a number of peak-filled islands.

• The Antarctic cruise season is December to February.
• Because you'll need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your Antarctica cruise. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

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Celebrity Cruises Announces Epic New Sailings to South America, Antarctica, Iceland, and More

Celebrity's 2023 lineup includes exciting itineraries for all types of travelers.

Celebrity Cruises is rolling out new itineraries across the world for 2023, sailing to Antarctica, Canada, Bermuda, and beyond.

Starting in the summer of 2023, Celebrity will sail from Cape Liberty, N.J., on the Celebrity Summit , making its way up and down the East Coast as it heads to Bermuda , reps for the cruise line told Travel + Leisure . The ship will then sail a couple of 12-night itineraries to Iceland and Greenland before heading to New England for 11-night itineraries from Boston to Canada , complete with an overnight stay in Quebec .

Then, in December 2023, the Celebrity Eclipse will head to South America for four months, traveling around Argentina and Patagonia and heading on a 14-night cruise to Antarctica . The ship will stop in incredible destinations throughout the region, including Buenos Aires , Chile's Osorno Volcano, and Montevideo, Uruguay ; as well as sail a 16-night cruise from Los Angeles to Chile with two overnights in Lima , Peru.

"The power of travel expands our horizons, introduces us to other cultures, and opens us up to truly fulfilling experiences. Celebrity takes its guests to far reaching corners of the globe, while enjoying [unrivaled] luxury travel adventures," Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises , said in a statement provided to T+L.

Those who sail on a Celebrity cruise receive complimentary Wi-Fi, drinks, and tips included. Celebrity requires all guests and crew who are eligible be vaccinated before sailing. All guests 2 and older must also show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding.

In June, Celebrity became the first cruise ship to leave a United States homeport with ticketed passengers since March 2020, setting sail to the Caribbean from Florida.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

Antarctica Cruise

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Antarctica 2025

By Manchester is blue , November 19, 2023 in Celebrity Cruises

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Manchester is blue

My wife and I have targeted an Antarctica cruise with Celebrity for 2025.

I notice that this itinerary has not yet been advertised, which seems a little late to me.

I wonder if anyone knows when the 2025 itinerary may be made available please. I am aware that this year, and 2024 it sails from Buenos Aries.

Also has anyone enjoyed this cruise in earlier years and can you offer advice / tips please .

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Announcement is scheduled for December 4 week

Ken the cruiser

1 hour ago, Manchester is blue said:   Also has anyone enjoyed this cruise in earlier years and can you offer advice / tips please . Regards     

We have booked X's 14-day Antarctica cruise out of Buenos Aires twice and each time we have switched to either a 22-day HAL cruise RT from Santiago (Jan 2018) or a 16-day Princess cruise from Santiago to BA (Jan 2024), as their itineraries included 4 days cruising around the Antarctica peninsula.

the penguins

6 hours ago, Manchester is blue said: My wife and I have targeted an Antarctica cruise with Celebrity for 2025. I notice that this itinerary has not yet been advertised, which seems a little late to me. I wonder if anyone knows when the 2025 itinerary may be made available please. I am aware that this year, and 2024 it sails from Buenos Aries. Also has anyone enjoyed this cruise in earlier years and can you offer advice / tips please . Regards     

We have been twice once on Celebrity and once on Hurtgruten (an expedition ship).

Provided you accept that X only gives you a "panoramic "cruise then go and enjoy.

If you want the "real" experience where you land and mingle with the wildlife then book an expedition type cruise and, if at all possible, include South Georgia where you will get to see (and smell) 10's of thousands of King Penguins.

You will never regret the extra costs.

No right or wrong just choices.

19 hours ago, the penguins said: We have been twice once on Celebrity and once on Hurtgruten (an expedition ship). Provided you accept that X only gives you a "panoramic "cruise then go and enjoy. If you want the "real" experience where you land and mingle with the wildlife then book an expedition type cruise and, if at all possible, include South Georgia where you will get to see (and smell) 10's of thousands of King Penguins. You will never regret the extra costs. No right or wrong just choices.

What wonderful photos.mThanks for your advice and for sharing the photos.

NutsAboutGolf

14 minutes ago, Manchester is blue said: What wonderful photos.mThanks for your advice and for sharing the photos.  

It can be incredibly rough seas, keep in mind with X and other big ships you never actually get off when in Antarctica

8 minutes ago, Manchester is blue said: What wonderful photos.mThanks for your advice and for sharing the photos.  

A pleasure. When comparing the scenic cruising experience provided for example by Celebrity, Princess, HAL etc with an expedition cruise Hurtigruten, Silversea you really are comparing chalk and cheese.

The Penguin pics shown by Celebrity etc are all taken in South America or the Falklands not on the Peninsular.

Icebergs: Scenic cruising you look down and don’t get very close.

Expedition you look up and get much closer- touching distance during landings 

Expedition cruising breaks down further between ships that are “basic” with the entire emphasis on the adventure (eg Hurtigruten) and ships that are “luxury” but still with the landings (eg Silversea).

The season splits in 2 early (Nov/Dec) late Feb/March.

 Main differences:

Early: more snow, more difficult landings lots of baby penguins/seals, and good chance of whales,

Late: less snow landings on rocks, juvenile penguins and seals, less chance of whales.

King penguins breed all year so it doesn’t matter.

We did Feb/Mar.

Hope this helps 

We will be doing the Antarctica drive-by on Eclipse this January.

I will be sure to post some photos (600mm lens) and observations.

Tinkbelle87

Celebrity cancelled the 2024-2025 South America season. 2025-2026 sailings go on sail Dec 5.

We're taking Eclipse out of Buenos Aires in January 2024 so no tips yet but will have some when we return I'm sure.

5 hours ago, NutsAboutGolf said:   It can be incredibly rough seas, keep in mind with X and other big ships you never actually get off when in Antarctica

We have crossed Drake's Passage 5 times (4 on X and 1 on Hurtgruten - H returned via the Southern Ocean.

The 4 on X were the roughest seas we have ever faced (one reason why we now only go to Deck 7 and fairly central) culminating in 90mph winds and 60 foot waves. The sea came in through the doors next to the Sky Lounge (yes we know that's high) and, if you have ever wondered how well trained the crew is, they had the doors sealed and watertight very fast.

On Hurtgruten the seas going down were like a mill pond, so flat we questioned if we're heading in the right direction. On the way back the sea was very rough for about 6 hours. We never felt in any danger and, at least on Hurtgruten, had the reassurance of seeing the Captain eating in the dining room every night.

The expedition ships have an advantage in that once they reach the peninsular they are able to hide from the wind and waves by seeking out sheltered spots.

All the ships have stabilisers but these can only be deployed when the ship is clear of any icebergs/floating ice.

Expedition ships are also "ice strengthened" and tend to have deeper hulls in proportion to their height which adds to their stability.

We have cruised both styles and enjoyed both but for us the Expedition style is the only way to truly experience Antarctica's unique attractions.

Go with an "open mind" but above all "go"!

14 minutes ago, the penguins said: We have crossed Drake's Passage 5 times (4 on X and 1 on Hurtgruten - H returned via the Southern Ocean. The 4 on X were the roughest seas we have ever faced (one reason why we now only go to Deck 7 and fairly central) culminating in 90mph winds and 60 foot waves. The sea came in through the doors next to the Sky Lounge (yes we know that's high) and, if you have ever wondered how well trained the crew is, they had the doors sealed and watertight very fast. On Hurtgruten the seas going down were like a mill pond, so flat we questioned if we're heading in the right direction. On the way back the sea was very rough for about 6 hours. We never felt in any danger and, at least on Hurtgruten, had the reassurance of seeing the Captain eating in the dining room every night. The expedition ships have an advantage in that once they reach the peninsular they are able to hide from the wind and waves by seeking out sheltered spots. All the ships have stabilisers but these can only be deployed when the ship is clear of any icebergs/floating ice. Expedition ships are also "ice strengthened" and tend to have deeper hulls in proportion to their height which adds to their stability. We have cruised both styles and enjoyed both but for us the Expedition style is the only way to truly experience Antarctica's unique attractions. Go with an "open mind" but above all "go"!    

Yup, can be incredibly rough seas and while I personally do not think you'd be in a dangerous situation, it can be quite uncomfortable for several days.  Stabilizers only somewhat help with the side-to-side "roll" and not the front-to-aft "pitch".  To our surprise, we've spoken to a few fellow X passengers who didn't realize you don't get off in Antarctica and/or didn't realize how rough the sea is.  I had to show one couple in particular on my phone that the Falklands were part of South America and not Antarctica as they later revealed they didn't realize penguins could outside of Antarctica (lol).  There are pros and cons to both kinds of sailings but it isn't uncommon for folks to not realize you don't get to step foot on Antarctica when on a big ship or how rough the seas can be on that route

6 hours ago, NutsAboutGolf said:   Yup, can be incredibly rough seas and while I personally do not think you'd be in a dangerous situation, it can be quite uncomfortable for several days.  Stabilizers only somewhat help with the side-to-side "roll" and not the front-to-aft "pitch".  To our surprise, we've spoken to a few fellow X passengers who didn't realize you don't get off in Antarctica and/or didn't realize how rough the sea is.  I had to show one couple in particular on my phone that the Falklands were part of South America and not Antarctica as they later revealed they didn't realize penguins could outside of Antarctica (lol).  There are pros and cons to both kinds of sailings but it isn't uncommon for folks to not realize you don't get to step foot on Antarctica when on a big ship or how rough the seas can be on that route

I agree. The way some cruise lines promote/advertise their “Antarctic” Cruises and the photos usefd comes very close to breaking advertising rules. Look closely at the map X uses and you will see the ships barely get to the peninsular. Also X is now using S class ships and there is no way they are “ice strengthened 

17 hours ago, the penguins said: A pleasure. When comparing the scenic cruising experience provided for example by Celebrity, Princess, HAL etc with an expedition cruise Hurtigruten, Silversea you really are comparing chalk and cheese. The Penguin pics shown by Celebrity etc are all taken in South America or the Falklands not on the Peninsular. Icebergs: Scenic cruising you look down and don’t get very close. Expedition you look up and get much closer- touching distance during landings  Expedition cruising breaks down further between ships that are “basic” with the entire emphasis on the adventure (eg Hurtigruten) and ships that are “luxury” but still with the landings (eg Silversea). The season splits in 2 early (Nov/Dec) late Feb/March.  Main differences: Early: more snow, more difficult landings lots of baby penguins/seals, and good chance of whales, Late: less snow landings on rocks, juvenile penguins and seals, less chance of whales. King penguins breed all year so it doesn’t matter. We did Feb/Mar. Hope this helps   

Yes, it really does help inform my decision making. Thanks for taking the time. Appreciated.

15 hours ago, Tinkbelle87 said: Celebrity cancelled the 2024-2025 South America season. 2025-2026 sailings go on sail Dec 5.   We're taking Eclipse out of Buenos Aires in January 2024 so no tips yet but will have some when we return I'm sure.

I didn’t know that. Thank you

2 hours ago, Manchester is blue said: Yes, it really does help inform my decision making. Thanks for taking the time. Appreciated.  

Always happy to help a fellow Brit even if you do support a team that plays in the wrong colours - up the Gunners!

You can tell from our Roll Call name how much we enjoyed the Antarctica, If you need any other help, tips etc please email us. geoffanita at hotmail dot com.  Geoff and the boss (Anita).  PS: all the pics I attached were taken by the Boss. Geoff.

15 hours ago, NutsAboutGolf said:   Yup, can be incredibly rough seas and while I personally do not think you'd be in a dangerous situation, it can be quite uncomfortable for several days.  Stabilizers only somewhat help with the side-to-side "roll" and not the front-to-aft "pitch".  To our surprise, we've spoken to a few fellow X passengers who didn't realize you don't get off in Antarctica and/or didn't realize how rough the sea is.  I had to show one couple in particular on my phone that the Falklands were part of South America and not Antarctica as they later revealed they didn't realize penguins could live outside of Antarctica (lol).   There are pros and cons to both kinds of sailings but it isn't uncommon for folks to not realize you don't get to step foot on Antarctica when on a big ship or how rough the seas can be on that route

Speaking of penguins and where they might be found. I recently had fun building this chart as we do enjoy the "hunt" for them on certain itineraries. Who knew so many different types can be found in New Zealand!

So far, we have seen the King, Adelie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, Fairy, Magellanic, Humboldt, Rockhopper, Galapagos, and African varieties on previous cruises to Antarctica, South America, South Africa, Galapagos, and Australia. Hopefully, on our upcoming cruise back to Antarctica and SA in January, we'll be able to add the Emperor and Macaroni to the list; although seeing the Emperor might be a little tough since we won't be going ashore in Antarctica. However, if we go to New Zealand again, we might have to book a pre-cruise land tour to the South Island if we want to see some of those indigenous to that area.

3 hours ago, the penguins said: Always happy to help a fellow Brit even if you do support a team that plays in the wrong colours - up the Gunners! You can tell from our Roll Call name how much we enjoyed the Antarctica, If you need any other help, tips etc please email us. geoffanita at hotmail dot com.  Geoff and the boss (Anita).  PS: all the pics I attached were taken by the Boss. Geoff.

Yes, right up the gunners indeed 😂 😂

The itinerary is most certainly one that I and my own boss have been umming and ahhring about for some time.   Of course, ultimately,I’ll do as I’m told, however, really do quite fancy this itinerary. Your photos have only served to whet the appetite.  Many thanks for your advice and offer of further help.. Most kind indeed.

Best wishes for the remainder of the season too.  Cheers mate.

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What people don’t tell you before booking an Antarctic cruise

Don’t expect to get off the ship – and other things to know about cruises in Antarctica

Antarctica, once off limits to all but research-station scientists, is becoming an increasingly popular cruise destination . According to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), commercial tourism began in the late 1950s when 500 or so fare-paying passengers travelled aboard Chilean and Argentine naval vessels to the South Shetland Islands, on resupply missions to research stations.

“The first vessel specifically built to take fare-paying passengers to Antarctica was the ice-strengthened m/v Lindblad Explorer built in 1969. She paved the way for tourists to visit and enjoy the world’s last pristine continent.”

When IAATO was founded in 1991, approximately 6,400 tourists visited Antarctica on 10 expedition ships. In the 2022/23 season, 71,346 passengers visited on 60 vessels. In addition, 32,730 were “cruise only” visitors – those on ships carrying 500 passengers or more, and who are not permitted to go ashore.

Antarctica is an unforgettable destination , but time on the continent is precious and expensive. Forewarned is forearmed. Here are some of the things cruise lines don’t tell you.

The itinerary may change

When drilling down for itinerary detail, you’ll find that day-by-day detail is vague. This is largely due to the weather. Storms and katabatic winds can blow up in an instant; a sudden early-season temperature plunge can cause ice to reform and channels can become icebound overnight.

Anchorages are influenced by weather and ship size but a typical itinerary will visit Fournier Bay, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Port Lockroy (though off limits for now), Neko Harbour, Deception Island and Elephant Point in the South Shetland Islands.

In February 2024, @ruinedvacation posted on TikTok that a cruise line had made a last-minute name change to its itinerary via its app. Instead of visiting Paradise Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula, the Norwegian Cruise Line ship visited Admiralty Bay in the South Shetland Islands (an island group 75 miles north of the Antarctic Peninsula), before heading to the Falklands. 

“Part of the wonder of Antarctica is its unpredictability,” says a source at IAATO: “Don’t forget, while it may be the most untouched, it’s also the most hostile place on earth. It’s always best to approach your trip with an open mind.”

You’ll need to pass a medical

A “fit to travel” medical form requires a signature from a GP, and most charge for this service. Some surgeries won’t do it, which will mean booking an online appointment with the ship’s own physician, possibly in a different time zone, and at your own cost.

If someone dies, your cruise might be cancelled  

Death on a cruise – it happens more often than you might expect and it’s a grizzly fact that most cruise ships have morgues.

King George Island, which is the largest of the South Shetland islands and located 75 nautical miles off the coast of Antarctica, has a runway that can facilitate medevac emergencies, but flights are weather-dependent. Lines do what they can to limit the impact on passengers, but there is always the chance that your ship may have to return to the port of Ushuaia in Argentina, curtailing your trip. Always read the small print.

The small print?

You’re unlikely to be offered a free replacement cruise. A spokesman from HX said: “In cases where a cruise is significantly curtailed due to a medical emergency, we ensure that guests are accommodated with alternative arrangements at no extra charge. Additionally, when appropriate, we offer reasonable compensation. This could take the form of onboard credit, future cruise credit, or a refund, depending on the specific circumstances of the disruption.”

You should always book insurance

For this once-in-a-lifetime trip, triple check your insurance policy. Tim Riley, managing director at The True Traveller, says: “If, due to someone becoming ill, the ship has to divert, that’s always built into the terms and conditions of a cruise. Most cruise passengers just accept that this can happen.”

Aviva says: “If a cruise is cut short due to a fellow passenger needing medical attention, this wouldn’t be covered under an Aviva policy. However, if an Aviva customer became unwell and required medical attention or had to return home early, this would be covered under the terms of the policy.”

Don’t assume you’ll go ashore

This is not always spelt out on cruise websites. On its Antarctica Cruises home page, Celebrity Cruises states: “Cruises visit a number of locations on and around the Antarctic Peninsula.

“Gaze at Antarctica’s dramatic landscapes in the company of expert naturalists as you glide slowly through iceberg-strewn waters in search of penguins, seals and whales.”

Gaze is the operative word. In line with IAATO protocol, ships carrying more than 500 passengers cannot disembark their guests. Sightseeing is done from the ship, and passengers still cross the Drake Passage, which means four days travelling there and back.

In 2026, Celebrity Equinox, which carries 2,852 passengers, “visits” Elephant Island in the South Shetland Islands and the Gerlache Strait, Schollart Channel and Paradise Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula. If you’re happy to admire the scenery and wildlife from a distance, the price difference is around £8,000. (The Celebrity cruise costs from £1,957pp.)

Avian flu has reached Antarctica

In December, the Antarctic Wildlife Health Network reported the first suspected case of avian influenza in Antarctica. In February, a case was reported at the Argentine research station Esperanza Base.

On a visit to the peninsula in January, we were forbidden from sitting, crouching or putting bags on the ground. Additional biosecurity measures may impact excursion locations. A popular stop for visitors is Port Lockroy (Goudier Island), where visitors can walk around a historic research hut, observe the island’s penguin colony and send a postcard from the post office. On December 5 2023, the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust closed the island to visitors. It’s not yet known if the island will re-open for the 2024-2025 season. 

The sun may not shine

We’ve all seen the pictures of icebergs and peaks reflected in glassy bays and sunset-pink skies. But don’t expect wall-to-wall sunshine. You may not see the sun for an entire week, which could impact activities, views and wildlife sightings. However, it’s unlikely to ruin a trip.

There are no polar bears

Polar bears inhabit the Arctic, which is in the northern hemisphere. Except for the Galapagos, penguins are the hot-ticket sighting in the Antarctic. In its most recent State of Antarctic Penguins report, the not-for-profit penguin monitoring body Oceanites counted more than six million breeding pairs, across the five species, at 740 sites in Antarctica. The South Shetland Islands has three types of penguin as well as Antarctic terns, giant petrels, leopard seals and whales.

Read more: Discover the secret to the perfect Antarctic adventure

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Silversea Expeditions Antarctica Cruise Reviews

1 - 10 of 79 Silversea Expeditions Antarctica Cruise Reviews

Sail Date: March 2024

Cabin Type: Deluxe Veranda Suite

Review for a Antarctica Cruise on Silver Cloud Expedition

My recent cruise to Antarctica Feb 2024 with Silvercloud left a lot to be desired, firstly I chose Silversea because I wanted a safer bigger cruise that had more experience with Antarctica instead of their smaller newer competitors and also how they pride themselves of having 5 dining outlets. (Both to be very wrong of me, seasoned expedition guides basically switch from different companies all ... Read More

Sail Date: February 2024

Review for a Antarctica Cruise on Silver Endeavour

Silver Blunder Antarctic EV240128015 – January 2024 For months we had researched The Antarctic, South Georgia, and the Falklands and when we saw the Silversea brochure and marketing, we started liaison with Silversea in Sydney Australia. The senior representative assured us of the quality of their ships, their products, the fine culinary experience, and the strength of the expedition teams so ... Read More

Sail Date: January 2024

Cabin Type: Classic Veranda Suite

Booked this 15 day Antarctic Bridge cruise. Chose to go in style and booked the Grand Suite - not cheap. Had problems from the start of the cruise - took us two extra days due to apparent weather to get to Antartica so we missed 2 days on the ship. one couple was on their third attempt to do this cruise - cancelled 2x before. After we disembarked the ship was also delayed for 1 day before ... Read More

We choose this cruise to save time and experience more of Antarctica. Instead, we were delayed not but weather but by another expedition team waiting to go. Quark expedition was delayed by weather and took our spot leaving Puerto Arenas on the day we were to leave. We were suppose to arrive at our ship Sunday but instead got there Tuesday. Silversea then decided to deviate from our route by not ... Read More

Review for a Antarctica Cruise on Silver Wind

This was a wonderful excursion trip to a pretty exciting location. Scientific staff were educational, fun and did a great job at helping us understand the importance of this beautiful location. Impressed with their desire to leave it as pristine was they found it. The excursions were varied, energizing and unique. Do Kayak if you know how it is an experience like no other. When not out on ... Read More

Silver Cloud has an amazing crew in all departments. Our cabin was well-appointed and comfortable, the restaurants were very good, front desk very helpful. The Expedition team were superb, and great fun too. An expedition cruise has a different vibe to a trip cruise. It is full of anticipation and excitement and every day can change from the immediate itinerary owing to weather, wildlife and other ... Read More

This was our first cruise on Silversea. We were on the Silver Wind for18 nights (roundtrip from Puerto Williams) to Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and the Antarctic Peninsula. What We Really Liked * Butler service was outstanding * The Restaurant Dining Room waiters were excellent (most, but not all) * The activities host did an outstanding job with trivia, name that tune, ... Read More

Sail Date: November 2023

For those who love cruising, the majesty and uniqueness of Antarctica must be experienced to believe. Whether it is the interaction with wildlife or the thought of scenes that only a handful of humans have ever witnessed, photos do not do it justice. Antarctica really is the last frontier and in a world that seems smaller every year, a unique experience will be had by all. This was my first ... Read More

Sail Date: February 2023

This cruise was wonderful from top-down. The Captain and Expedition Leader worked tirelessly to alter the itinerary ensuring we would encounter the best possible weather for wildlife viewing. This is a huge benefit. Having to try to watch penguins while freezing in a blizzard with poor visibility would not be fun. The entire expedition team was very helpful. We also had frequent updates on ... Read More

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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $200. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

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At Celebrity Cruises®, we believe choice matters. That’s why we’ve pre-packaged our most popular amenities—drinks, and Wi-Fi— Tips charged separately. So you can now choose the most convenient way to get the best value from your cruise.

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Choose from an incredible array of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, wines by the glass, sodas, juices, specialty coffees and bottled water.

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We know staying in touch is important, so we’ve included internet access for all guests. Browse the web, check email, and use messaging apps.

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Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii

Fri, Apr 25, 2025

Departs: 6:00PM

Hilo, Hawaii

Sat, Apr 26, 2025

Arrival: 8:00AM

Sun, Apr 27, 2025

Departs: 5:00PM

Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Mon, Apr 28, 2025

Tendered: 8:00AM to 5:00PM

At Sea - Cruising

Tue, Apr 29, 2025

Wed, Apr 30, 2025

Thu, May 1, 2025

Fri, May 2, 2025

Sat, May 3, 2025

Vancouver, British Columbia

Sun, May 4, 2025

Arrival: 6:00AM

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Grand Épernay Restaurant

The airy Main Restaurant offers exquisite menu selections, which change nightly to give you a variety of classic and contemporary choices. And the service? Legendary.

Vibrant, crisp and bold flavors, exclusively for AquaClass guests.

The exclusive restaurant for Guests of the Retreat. Select and cutting edge, the globally inspired menus at Luminae are not available in any other restaurant on board.

The Martini Bar

Sit back and relax, listening to up-tempo tunes and enjoying a collection of rare vodkas and a portfolio of fine caviars.

Ensemble Lounge

Ensemble Lounge is the ideal setting for an aperitif en route to an extraordinary dining experience, or a digestif afterward.

Sky Observation Lounge

A unique music venue with spectacular ocean views. The perfect daytime spot to gaze over the sea with a cocktail in hand and dance the night away after the sun sets.

The Retreat is an unparalleled vacation experience that includes every stunning suite, a private restaurant, and an exclusive lounge that rivals any high-end resort.

Say "Ahh" in spa-inspired staterooms designed just for you. Savor clean eating at Blu and escape to the Relaxation Room.

Tailored services and amenities await you in these exceptionally appointed staterooms. We're here to help you make the most of your time on board and on shore.

Fortunes Casino

Relax, recharge, and play the hottest slots and table games at Fortunes Casino. It offers a sophisticated ambiance and a captivating atmosphere that comes alive with plenty of action.

Camp at Sea

For our Camp at Sea program, we’ve designed more than 500 activities that make every sailing a brand new experience and an unforgettable memory for our junior cruisers.

Fitness Center

Bring your workout routine along on your modern luxury vacation and enjoy a variety of new fitness classes and seminars along with world class cruise fitness amenities.

Shops on Solstice

Celebrity's European-inspired piazza and elegant galleria hold riches of chic sophistication. Marble walkways lead you to modern boutiques and fine jewelry stores.

Art Gallery

When you visit the Art Gallery, you'll be surrounded with one of the world's largest permanent collections of contemporary art, accompanied by a complete art program.

The Lawn Club

Who said grass can’t be on a ship? Enjoy a friendly pick-up game of leisure sports like Croquet, Bocce, golf putting, Blongo or Baggo.

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Built around the ship’s top deck, the jogging track let’s you take in breathless ocean views while you workout. It’s so mesmerizing, you’ll forget you’re breaking a sweat.

Adults-only Solarium

A serenely beautiful adults-only pool and hot tub experience, The Solarium let’s you relax and daydream of the next destination you’ll be exploring.

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Price is per person and applies to selected sailing, lowest available fare stateroom category, based on double-occupancy, reflects any promotional savings, and is subject to change and availability until booked. Additional terms and conditions apply to offers. Full deposit must be paid by deposit payment required due date. Standard full deposit penalty is applied if booking is cancelled within final payment period; see Celebrity’s cancellation policy for details. Non-Refundable Deposit Bookings (“NRDB”): To qualify for the lowest available cruise fare, guest must choose a non-refundable deposit. All deposit payments for NRDB made after 03/02/23 are non-refundable from the time of booking. NRDB are applicable to groups at prevailing rates. Not applicable to incentive, contract, or charter groups. Nonrefundable deposit offers are applicable to sailings within final payment, however full deposit is due at time of booking. 

Celebrity Edge® Series Iconic Suites, Edge Villas, Penthouse Suites, Royal Suites, Celebrity Suites, AquaClass® Sky Suites, and Sky Suites (and Family Suites during Holiday sailings) require double the deposit amounts listed.

All Included  pricing applies to sailings booked and departing on or after October 4, 2023, excluding Galapagos cruises, in an inside, ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass stateroom (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests within an Eligible Booking who choose “All Included” pricing, will receive a Classic Drinks Package and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi package. All guests in the same stateroom must choose the same rate.  Please visit www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/beverage-packages for further information on available beverages and full restrictions and www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/internet-and-phone-packages for further information on wi-fi.

All Included pricing applies to new individual bookings only. Changes to booking may result in removal of Offer. Prices and Offers are subject to availability and change without notice, may be withdrawn at any time, and not applicable to charters or contracted groups. All Included pricing is non-transferable and not combinable with certain rates including, Travel Agent, Interline, Net, Exciting Deals, or worker cabins.  Single occupancy guests paying 200% cruise fare are eligible for All Included pricing. Refer to celebritycruises.com and the Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to cancel offer at any time, correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, and change or update fares, fees, and surcharges at any time without prior notice.

Imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.

*Port sequence may vary by sailing date.

Departing Apr 25, 2025

$831 USD * Avg Per Person

DAY 1 - Friday , Apr 25

DAY 2 - Saturday , Apr 26

DAY 3 - Sunday , Apr 27

DAY 4 - Monday , Apr 28

DAY 5 - Tuesday , Apr 29

DAY 6 - Wednesday , Apr 30

DAY 7 - Thursday , May 01

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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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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

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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.

You might also be interested in:

• How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost?
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Best Gay Cruises
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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