How much does cruising cost and how to get the best value?
Thinking about booking your next holiday at sea? With more cruise lines than ever sailing across the world and an incredible variety of ships to choose from, there’s truly an option for every budget. From quick weekend escapes to once-in-a-lifetime luxury voyages, here’s what you can expect to pay, and how to stretch your dollars further.
Under $1,000 per person – Short breaks and domestic deals
Yes, you can cruise for under a grand! Look for shorter 2-to-5-night cruises, sailing out of Sydney or Brisbane to destinations like Moreton Island or Eden.
What’s the best value?
Inside cabins are the most affordable and still give you access to all ship facilities.
Who should you sail with?
Carnival sails in Australia year-round so it is possible to find sailings priced as low as $400 per person for a 3-night sailing. More premium cruise lines such as Royal, Princess and Norwegian Cruise Line also offer 3 – 5 night sailings between October and March but they command higher rates.
Who are they perfect for?
These pocket-friendly sailings are perfect for new-to-cruise guests wanting a short sampler, couples, families or groups of friends wanting a fun weekend away.
Bonus Tip: To get a really great deal, consider sailing outside of school holidays.
$1,000–$2,500 per person – Classic weeklong cruises domestic or international
This is the sweet spot for many Aussie cruisers. Expect: 7–10 night cruises in the South Pacific, Asia, Mediterranean and even Alaska at this price point.
What’s the best value?
While inside cabins are the most affordable, the most preferred option are balcony cabins because of the access of spectacular views.
Who should you sail with?
Plenty of cruise lines offer itineraries within this budget, including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises.
Who are they perfect for?
A great option for families or couples seeking value without compromising comfort.
$2,500–$5,000 – premium cruising options
Stepping up your budget opens up more luxurious options: longer itineraries (10–14 nights) to destinations like Japan, Europe or Alaska. Premium cruise lines come with refined dining, wellness centres and spa facilities and exceptional service. Expect spacious staterooms, often with private balconies and upgraded amenities.
What’s the best value?
Balcony cabins are a great choice at this level, offering both comfort and the best views. For those wanting a little extra indulgence, suites often come with bonus inclusions like priority boarding and concierge service.
Who should you sail with?
Lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Virgin Voyages and Cunard sit in this premium bracket, combining destination-rich itineraries with an elevated onboard experience.
Who are they perfect for?
Ideal for couples celebrating milestones, friends looking for an indulgent getaway or travellers wanting to slow down and savour the journey.
Bonus Tip: Consider off-peak seasons for premium experiences at lower-than-peak pricing.
$5,000+ per person – Luxury and expedition cruising
If you’re ready to splurge, this tier is all about once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Silversea, or Ponant deliver all-inclusive experiences with fine dining, butler service and curated excursions.
For something less formal, yet luxurious, Windstar Cruises small yacht-style of cruising takes guests into ports that larger ships simply cannot for a more immersive destination experience with casual, luxury on board.
Expedition cruises meanwhile take you to the ends of the Earth, to places such as Antarctica, the Galápagos, or the Arctic. Expect smaller ships, highly personalised service and immersive, expert-led adventures.
What’s the best value?
Look for all-inclusive packages covering gourmet dining, premium beverages, excursions, and even flights in some cases—it maximises value in this price bracket.
Who should you sail with?
Luxury seekers can look to Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Windstar and Ponant. For adventurous spirits, consider cruise lines such as Viking and Hurtigruten.
Who are they perfect for?
Perfect for seasoned travellers, retirees, or anyone chasing a bucket-list journey with every detail taken care of.
Bonus Tip: Booking early secures the best cabins (and expedition spots, which are limited), while last-minute deals can occasionally offer big savings on luxury sailings.
What’s included in your cruise
Most cruises cover accommodation, main dining venues, onboard entertainment and activities and port taxes. Extra are usually speciality dining, alcoholic drinks and premium coffees, shore excursions, Internet and gratuities (although some cruise companies include gratuities in the fare).
Premium and luxury cruises often have more inclusions, with some offering all-inclusive fares that include drinks, Internet and gratuities. This is a popular choice for Australian way of travelling.
How to get the best cruise deal
Book early
Cruise lines often release cabins 12–18 months ahead, and the biggest sales usually come during Wave Season (October to March), when cruise lines launch their best offers of the year, such as bonus onboard credit, free drinks packages or reduced deposits.
In contrast and if you’re flexible, last minute unsold cabins can also be heavily discounted closer to departure but comes at the risk of not getting exactly what you want.
Choose your cabin type carefully
Inside cabins save hundreds compared with balcony staterooms. Balconies and suites, however, are worth the splurge on scenic routes like Alaska or the Mediterranean.
Look for inclusions to get even more value
Drinks packages, Wi-Fi, or onboard credit can stretch your budget further. Some premium and luxury lines even include gratuities and excursions for a true all-inclusive feel.
Join loyalty programs
If you like cruising with a particular cruise line, you may want to find out about their loyalty program. Benefits often include priority boarding, free laundry, or discounts on future sailings.
Travel outside peak periods
From December to February, fares soar with school holidays and festive season demand. From March onwards, prices often ease, offering excellent value and fewer crowds. Sailing just before or after school holidays can cut fares by 20–30% while still offering excellent weather.
Look for special offers
Cruise lines often release special deals and offers such as discounts on second guest or kids sail free, offering huge savings.
Consider repositioning cruises
When ships move between regions (e.g., Asia to Australia), fares can drop to close to $100 per person per night, which can provide significantly added value.
Work with an experienced cruise specialist
Australian cruise specialists like Cruise Guru often have access to group allocations, extra perks and “value add” bonuses such as free drinks packages or cabin upgrades, making them far more attractive than booking direct. We can unlock exclusive savings not available elsewhere.
Final thoughts
Cruising is one of the most flexible holidays you can take and there’s something for every budget. Whether you’re booking a $500 weekend getaway or a $20,000 luxury voyage, your cruise holiday should reflect your travel style and comfort preferences.
From fun-filled short breaks to luxurious world voyages, there’s a cruise out there that’s perfect for you. Not just for its price but for the memories you make at sea.
The best deals usually come from booking strategically; either early with bonus perks or with a trusted cruise agent like Cruise Guru offering special deals beyond what you will find when booking direct.
Call our team to find out about all the special offers we have.
