Summary

  • Planning a cruise trip can be frustrating but rewarding, as it offers relaxation and incredible experiences at an affordable price. Book ahead and choose the non-peak season for the best deals.
  • Celebrity Cruises and Virgin Voyages offer exceptional cruise experiences at reasonable prices, with stunning accommodations, diverse amenities, and visits to beautiful ports of call.
  • There are several affordable cruise options available, such as MSC, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Holland America Line, offering various itineraries and destinations for travelers on a budget.

Planning a trip may be frustrating but at the same time rewarding, especially when one is the one in the group doing the planning. There are many things travelers need to consider, especially now that ports are being reopened — many things may have been revolutionized. Cruising may seem quite different from what it used to be back in the day.

That is why most people choose a cruise trip as their ideal vacation. Cruising along the most wonderful river cruises around the world is just relaxing. On top of that, there are cheap cruises that can be more affordable than traditional, on-land adventuring, making it a more budget-friendly idea.

So, before people book their trip, it will surely give them the best of the cruise experiences: book ahead of time and pick the non-peak season to get the best deals. These are some of the cheapest cruise lines/voyages travelers can take: all worth their money.

UPDATE: 2023/09/06 17:34 EST BY REENA JAIN

Even More Of The Most Affordable Cruises For 2023, Ranked By Cost

Keeping in mind travelers' desire for a value-for-money cruise, this list has been updated with two more of the best affordable cruises for 2023, promising an engaging vacation full of outstanding activities and incredible experiences.

18 Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Silhouette

Cruise Ship

Photo by HS Spender on Unsplash

 
Celebrity Silhouette Cruise Ship

A vacation onboard Celebrity Silhouette is exceptional in every way thanks to its stunning, well-appointed staterooms, Passport Bar, Craft Social Bar, designer shops, and spa. This is one of the top premium cruise lines in the world, offering incredible experiences at a reasonable price. Its 11-night Transatlantic Cruise takes travelers to Southampton, Ponta Delgada, King's Wharf, Nassau, and Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), allowing passengers to have fun onboard while experiencing these beautiful ports of call.

  • Recommended Cruise: Celebrity Silhouette
  • Cost: From $499+ per guest for an 11-night cruise (Other options available)
  • Route: Southampton, Ponta Delgada, King's Wharf, Nassau, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

17 Virgin Voyages - Scarlet Lady

Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady
SidvicsCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Cruise Line

Ranked #3 in Best Affordable Cruises, Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady offers a memorable vacation at an unbelievable price. This adults-only cruise line has a tattoo studio, record shop, blow-dry bar, and more than 20 specialty eateries, all of which are included in the cruise cost. As part of the ship's entertainment offerings, passengers can also attend six original shows as well as microplays. The 4-night Caribbean Cruise is one of the best ways to spend a holiday filled with sun, sand, and excitement in Miami, Key West, and the private Beach Club in Bimini, Bahamas.

  • Recommended Cruise: Scarlet Lady
  • Cost: From $665+ per guest for a 4-night cruise (Other options available)
  • Route: Miami, Key West, Bimini, Miami

16 Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Apex

Celebrity Cruise Ship
Image by Ralph Häusler from Pixabay 
A Celebrity Cruise Ship on the move at night

Celebrity Apex's 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise, which visits some of the most stunning beaches, coral reefs, and historical sites in the world, is one of the best cruise deals for 2023. Passengers on this Western Caribbean cruise can spend their days in and on the water, dining on a variety of local seafood, exploring port cities, and much more. Whether travelers are looking for relaxation or indulgence, they'll find everything on this Celebrity Apex cruise.

  • Recommended Cruise: Celebrity Apex
  • Cost: From $649+ per guest for a 5-night cruise (Other options available)
  • Route: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Key West, Cozumel, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

15 Royal Caribbean - Odyssey Of The Seas

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship
Photo by Stephanie Klepacki on Unsplash
A docked Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean's 14-night Spanish Transatlantic Cruise, which makes stops in Fort Lauderdale, Ponta Delgada, Málaga, Cartagena, Florence or Pisa, and Rome while traveling through many popular tourist destinations and cities, is another one of the most affordable cruises for 2023. The ship provides a variety of free activities for both children and adults, a beautifully designed pool deck, and delectable food to make a vacation full of enjoyable experiences.

  • Recommended Cruise: Odyssey Of The Seas
  • Cost: From $889+ per guest for a 14-night cruise (Other options available)
  • Route: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Ponta Delgada, Malaga, Cartagena (Spain), La Spezia (Cinque Terre), Rome (Civitavecchia)

14 MSC - Magnifica

MSC Cruise Ship
Image by Viola ' from Pixabay
A docked MSC cruise ship

One affordable cruise to consider is MSC's 4-Night Bahamas Cruise, a perfect choice for people wanting to see the blue waters of the Bahamas for less money. On this ship, guests can expect to depart from Miami, then off to Nassau, and call at MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.

  • Recommended Cruise: MSC Magnifica
  • Cost: From $189+ per guest
  • Route: Miami, Nassau, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Miami

13 Carnival - Carnival Liberty

the carnival cruise ship
Unsplash
the carnival cruise ship

Another great affordable cruise to consider for this year is Carnival's 3-Night Bahamas Cruise. This cruise is short but will be fun for the entire group on and off the ship. Generally, Carnival cruises are more fun, often featuring live performances, meet-ups with other passengers, and plenty of fun at each respective port.

  • Recommended Cruise: Carnival Liberty
  • Cost: From $196 per guest
  • Route: Port Canaveral, Nassau, Port Canaveral

12 MSC - Meraviglia

Cruise ships at port in Nassau, Bahamas
Photo by Fernando Jorge on Unsplash
Cruise ships in Nassau, the Bahamas

The third affordable cruise to take for this year is MSC's Meraviglia. On this ship, guests will embark on a 7-night Bahamas cruise, taking them from New York to Port Canaveral (Orlando). From there, it’s on to Nassau, a full day at Ocean Cay, and then back to New York. Generally, MSC cruises are on the lower end price-wise, making them ideal for people on tighter budgets.

  • Recommended Cruise: MSC Meraviglia
  • Cost: From $299 per guest
  • Route: New York, Orlando, Nassau, Ocean Cay, New York

11 Royal Caribbean - Radiance Of The Seas

Tramway ship mountain river
Photo by Fernando Jorge on Unsplash
A tramway in Juneau City Alaska with a view of a mountain and a harbor

The next affordable cruise for 2023 is Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas ship, which goes on a seven-night adventure to Alaska. This cruise departs Vancouver to head up to Alaska, stopping in Sitka, cruising the Endicott Arm, then stopping in Juneau and Ketchikan. Generally, Alaskan cruises are more expensive, so this one being $368+ per person, is a great deal.

10 Carnival - Carnival Panorama

The turquoise ocean on the Cozumel Coast, Mexico
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
The turquoise ocean on the Cozumel Coast, Mexico

Carnival Panorama offers the most delightful experiences, from indoor activities to outdoor activities, whether guests want to stay under the heat of the sun or to cover under the shade. Every guest can experience tropical life for just $42 a night. The Carnival Panorama sails from Long Beach, California, then offers an itinerary across the shores of Mexico. The 7-night Mexican cruise trip will give every guest and traveler a hint of that tropical life!

  • Recommended Cruise: Carnival Panorama
  • Cost: From $659 USD per person for a 7-night cruise (Other options available)
  • Route: Los Angeles, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, Los Angeles

RELATED: Take An Eco-Cruise & Dolphin Tour Around Panama City

9 Royal Caribbean - Navigator Of The Seas

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship
Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash
Royal Caribbean Port in Nassau 

The amplified Navigator of the Seas gives every tourist a taste of adventure in a limited time; every day has its own unique experience. The ship is equipped with exciting thrills, such as the longest waterslide at sea. The ship also offers a full-course menu that is beyond your imagination. The 4-night itinerary will surely take guests to the wonders of Avalon, Catalina Island, California & Ensenada, Mexico. Starting with a price of $42 a night.

  • Recommended Cruise: Navigator of the Seas
  • Cost: From $168 USD per person for a 4-night cruise (Other options available)
  • Route: Los Angeles, Catalina Island (California), Ensenada, Los Angeles

8 Norwegian Cruise Line - Norwegian Getaway

Restaurant Table, Cruise Ship
Image by Kai Sender from Pixabay 
A beautifully set table in a cruise ship's on-board restaurant

Norwegian takes pride in its famous The Waterfront Experience, the first-ever open-air promenade designed to connect guests with the ocean, giving every tourist the unique experience of being under the sea. Not only that, but the ship also offers a sports complex that has 20 dining options. Kids and kids at heart can also enjoy their five water slides and three levels of action-packed activities. Travelers can enjoy their vacation in the beautiful ports of Europe at a friendly price of $47 a night.

  • Recommended Cruise: Norwegian Getaway
  • Cost: From $546 USD per person for a 7-night cruise (Other options available)
  • Route: Port Canaveral (Orlando), Great Stirrup Cay, St. Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Plata, Port Canaveral (Orlando)

7 Holland America Line - Zuiderdam

MS Zuiderdam cruise ship docked in Katakolon, Greece
Shutterstock
MS Zuiderdam cruise ship docked in Katakolon, Greece

This Alaskan Cruise itinerary will bring travelers to the most breathtaking places in the Northern parts of the world. Cruising from Alaska, it will port on Tracy Arm For Service Call Only — Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Cruise Glacier Bay National Park, Ketchikan, Alaska; and Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska. The cruise line offers a $150 expenditure on board, something one may consider a good hack for their trip. Prices start at $51 per night.

  • Recommended Cruise: Zuiderdam
  • Cost: From $261 USD per person for a 5-night cruise (Other options available)
  • Route: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas, Half Moon Cay, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

RELATED: Norfolk Naval Base Cruise Tour: The Largest In The World

6 Norwegian Cruise Line - Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Spirit
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Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Spirit

Guests can experience cruising at its finest! With the newest addition of the Norwegian Cruise, the Norwegian Spirit. It is built in the chicest and most luxurious way possible. With their all-new Italian-themed restaurant, Onda by Scarpetta offers that romantic, fine dining experience for guests and their families. Sailing through Sitka, Alaska; icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Cruise Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. Travelers can now enjoy themselves for $64 a night.

  • Recommended Cruise: Norwegian Spirit
  • Cost: From $499 USD per person for a 7-night cruise (Other options available)
  • Route: Seward, Valdez, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver

5 Royal Caribbean - Mariner Of The Seas

The Royal Caribbean International Cruise ship

Photo 155132453 © Pressfoto | Dreamstime.com
The Royal Caribbean International Cruise ship

This 8-Night itinerary cruise vacation is perfect for any group. Departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida ports, the ship will sail guests across the Bahamas and Bermuda areas, with ports sailing from Royal Naval Dockyard (Kings Wharf), West End, Bermuda, Nassau, Bahamas & Coco Cay, Bahamas. Starting at $65 a night, travelers can now relax and enjoy their most famous, The Bamboo Room, wherein the guests may unwind with a handcrafted cocktail while cheering their favorite team at Playmakers Sports Bar.

  • Recommended Cruise: Mariner of the Seas
  • Cost: From $309 USD per person for a 5-night cruise (Other options available)
  • Route: Port Canaveral (Orlando), Labadee, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Port Canaveral (Orlando)

4 Royal Caribbean - Oasis Of The Seas

Royal Carribean cruise ship Oasis of the Seas, Cozumel, Mexico
Shutterstock
Royal Carribean cruise ship Oasis of the Seas, Cozumel, Mexico

Oasis of the Seas is the first vacation revolution ever. The Oasis Class favorite will provide even more new pleasures for couples and kids of all ages, including updated places to soak up the sun or enjoy the shade, more great food options than ever before to boost date night, and buzz-worthy new areas to light up every evening. Guests can experience a 3-night cruise in Cyprus, sailing across Israel and Cyprus; this is a vacation one wouldn’t want to miss. Prices start at $69 a night.

  • Recommended Cruise: Oasis of the Seas
  • Cost: From $378 USD per person for a 7-night cruise (Other options available)
  • Route: Bayonne (Cape Liberty), Port Canaveral (Orlando), Perfect Day at CocoCay, Nassau, Bayonne (Cape Liberty)

RELATED: Top 10 Best Cruise Journeys To Take In 2022

3 Norwegian Cruise Line - Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Cruise Line
Shutterstock
Norwegian Cruise Line

This 7-day itinerary with an open bar that serves all guests' favorite cocktails will take travelers to ports in ​​Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I., Great Stirrup Cay (Cruiseline Private Island) & Bahamas. Starting at $74 per night, travelers can enjoy all sorts of onboard activities, such as pool bars, bar lounges, a kids' play area, and even a leisure, spa, and fitness area.

  • Recommended Cruise: Norwegian Sky
  • Cost: From $349 USD per person for a 7-night cruise (Other options available)
  • Route: Miami, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami

2 Norwegian Cruise Line - Norwegian Jade

A cup of tea with view of the sea in Rhodes, Greece from cruise ship
Shutterstock
A cup of tea with view of the sea in Rhodes, Greece from cruise ship

Travelers are up for an exciting adventure, from exploring castles, cathedrals, and beautiful islands, to the small towns of the Mediterranean coast. Norwegian Jade returns to the fleet after major modifications with new venues, modern decor and design, and restored staterooms. O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill is a 24-hour pub that serves guests' favorite comfort meals. Starting with a price of $86 a night, travelers will see the magnificent cinematic views of Greece with its 7-day cruise on the Greek Isles.

  • Recommended Cruise: Norwegian Jade
  • Cost: From $616 USD per person for a 7-night cruise (Other options available)
  • Route: Athens (Piraeus), Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Mykonos, Argostoli (Kefalonia), Corfu, Santorini, Athens (Piraeus)

1 Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Cruises ship
Via: Robert Linder/Unsplash
A Celebrity Cruises ship is seen between swaying palm trees.

The most extravagant and luxurious trip one could ever take is the one you take in Celebrity Solstice. With its highly modernized amenities, classy interior design, and spacious rooms. Sailing across ports of Mexico, guests can enjoy their time and food with various dining options—dishes and menu programs that were developed by Michelin-starred chefs and drinks from the wide wine collection. Guests will enjoy their 7-night itinerary across Mexico in the ports of Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, & Ensenada, Mexico. The trip starts with a price of $114 per night in their interior rooms.

  • Recommended Cruise: Celebrity Solstice
  • Cost: From $349 USD per person for a 7-night cruise (Other options available)
  • Route: Los Angeles, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Los Angeles