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A budget cruise often costs more than the advertised price. The difference lies in the additional costs. Drinks packages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and excursions can quickly make a seemingly cheap trip more expensive than an all-inclusive alternative. Below, you can read how to compare cruise lines based on true value. You will learn what to expect per day with MSC and Royal Caribbean, and what to watch out for to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Why the starting price isn’t the final price
Many cruises have a sharp starting price, which usually applies to an inside cabin in the low season, without extras. Once you add gratuities, drinks packages, and internet, the total price rises significantly. Service charges average 15 to 20 percent on top of the base price. An alcohol package costs between 50 and 70 euros per person per day. Internet adds another 10 to 20 dollars per day.
Mainstream and budget cruise lines do not include these costs as standard. Luxury lines, however, often include drinks packages, gratuities, and sometimes even excursions in their total package, which makes comparison more complicated. If you only look at the cruise prices and hidden costs, you miss the full picture.
The best way to compare is by looking at the total price per person per day. Include everything you need to get a fair view of the value.
‘ The difference between these categories is most noticeable in the additional costs. ’
Budget versus mainstream versus luxury
Cruises are often divided into three main categories. Budget lines focus on competitively priced short cruises. Mainstream lines offer more facilities and a wider range of routes and activities. Luxury lines provide a higher level of service and bundle more services into the price.
MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises fall into the budget segment. They frequently offer promotions and short cruises that can cost less than 100 euros per person per day. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line belong to the mainstream segment, offering more choice and generally better amenities for roughly 150 to 250 euros per person per day. Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and Seabourn are significantly higher in price but provide more all-inclusive packages.
The difference between these categories is most visible in the additional costs. With budget cruises, you pay for almost everything separately. With mainstream lines, you choose which packages to add. With luxury lines, much is already included.
MSC versus Royal Caribbean costs
MSC Cruises is a budget-friendly line with many offerings in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern Europe. Starting prices are sharp, with inside cabins for a short cruise costing just a few hundred euros. However, drinks packages, Wi-Fi, and excursions are extra, and gratuities are automatically added to the bill. A drinks package can easily cost 50 to 70 euros extra per person per day.
Royal Caribbean belongs to the mainstream segment. While the base price is higher than MSC’s, the ships offer more facilities, such as larger theatres, more diverse restaurants, and extensive sports facilities. Here too, gratuities, drinks, and Wi-Fi are paid separately. A total daily price averages between 150 and 250 euros per person, depending on the route and season.
The difference lies in the target audience: MSC focuses on price-conscious travellers who value the destination, while Royal Caribbean attracts families and travellers who want more entertainment and on-board activities. Both offer good value for money within their respective segments if you calculate the total costs beforehand.
How to compare based on value
Start by determining your own priorities. If you mostly want to explore destinations and spend little time on board, a budget line might be a good choice. Those who value facilities, service, and an all-inclusive formula are better off with a mainstream or premium line.
Calculate the daily cost. Add the following to the base price:
- Service charges and gratuities
- Drinks packages or individual drinks
- Wi-Fi or internet package
- Shore excursions
- Potential cabin upgrades
For many mainstream lines, the total price will be 30 to 50 per cent higher than the starting price. With budget lines, the difference can be even greater, while it is usually smaller for luxury lines as more is included.
Pay attention to the cabin type, as the difference between an inside cabin and a suite can be tenfold, significantly impacting the total price. Choose a cabin type that fits your budget and comfort requirements, and factor that into your comparison.
‘ With budget lines, it is possible to keep the base price low by consciously choosing which extras you do and do not need. ’
Which extra costs make the real difference
Drinks packages, gratuities, and excursions are the biggest costs outside the base price. A drinks package can increase the daily price by 50 to 70 euros. Gratuities add another 15 to 20 per cent, and excursions typically range between 50 and 150 euros per person each.
You can save significantly by exploring ashore on your own instead of booking organised trips. Also, bringing your own water bottle and avoiding paid Wi-Fi helps keep costs manageable. With budget lines, it is possible to keep the base price low by being selective about extras.
Luxury lines usually include these costs. This results in a higher daily rate but a more predictable total price, which is a major advantage for those who value convenience and upfront budgeting.
When to choose budget vs. luxury
If the destination is the focus and you don’t require all-inclusive convenience, a budget line is a good choice. MSC and Costa offer many routes at sharp prices. If you manage your extras consciously, you can cruise for less than 100 euros per day.
Mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean offer more comfort and facilities. While the price is higher, you get more in return, making this segment the best compromise for those who value both price and experience.
If you want certainty about the total price and value high service levels, space, and peace, luxury lines are the best choice. Although the daily price is significantly higher, most costs are included, making the trip clearer and preventing surprises.
Practical tips for a fair comparison
Calculate the total price per day. Add up all fixed costs like gratuities, drinks, and Wi-Fi, and include expected extras like excursions to get a realistic view.
Check if “all-inclusive” really includes everything. Some luxury formulas have limits on drinks or specific inclusions; read the terms carefully.
Choose a cabin type that fits your budget. An inside cabin is functional for those spending little time there, while a balcony cabin increases the total price but provides more comfort.
Pay attention to the season and destination. Popular routes in high season are more expensive, so flexibility can save you money. Always check what is included in early booking and last-minute deals.
‘ This prevents disappointment and ensures you get the most out of your cruise. ’
Choosing a cruise line based on real value
The best cruise line is not necessarily the cheapest. It is about the balance between price, comfort, and what is included. Budget lines offer the lowest entry price, but the final bill might be higher than expected. Mainstream lines provide better value if you select extras consciously, while luxury lines offer certainty and convenience at a premium.
Calculate the total costs beforehand and determine your needs. If you explore ashore independently and drink lightly, a budget line can be very cost-effective. If you prefer all-inclusive travel and value service, a higher category is a better choice. This prevents disappointment and ensures you get the most out of your cruise.
On the Traveler Tips website, you can find more information about cruise prices, hidden costs, cabin types, and routes. Discover which line best suits your travel plans and book your next cruise with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mainstream lines generally fall between budget and luxury in terms of price, averaging about €150–€250 per person per day. Compared to pure budget options, mainstream lines offer more facilities, more varied routes, and often better comfort and service. Luxury and ultra-luxury lines are significantly more expensive but offer more space, higher service standards, and often all-inclusive formulas. Luxury cruises more frequently include drinks, gratuities, and sometimes excursions, whereas these are usually charged as extras with budget and many mainstream lines.
Always include mandatory or automatic **gratuities/service charges** in your price comparison, along with costs for any **drinks packages** and **Wi-Fi/internet**. Do not forget to compare the price of **shore excursions**, as these are often excluded and can add up. Additionally, **cabin upgrade surcharges** (e.g., from an inside to a balcony cabin) can significantly increase the total price. Finally, check whether “all-inclusive” really covers all mentioned items.
Lines with modern, large ships and a clear vehicle deck concept (such as certain mainstream and premium lines on popular routes) generally offer the best facilities for travellers with vehicles, including efficient embarkation and clear rules. This good organisation limits waiting times and stress, positively influencing the travel experience. At the same time, reservation fees for vehicles, surcharges for larger cars or campers, and mandatory extras (such as insurance or priority boarding) can noticeably increase total costs. Choosing a line with transparent vehicle and additional costs prevents surprises and often makes the trip more comfortable and better priced in relation to the service provided.
Book as early as possible or at the last minute, and sign up for cruise line newsletters to catch early-bird discounts and flash deals. Be flexible with departure dates and opt for mid-week or shoulder-season sailings (outside school holidays) to find lower base prices. Compare multiple lines and routes by “total price per day”—including gratuities, drinks packages, and Wi-Fi—instead of just the starting price. Choose less popular routes or ports and consider an inside cabin instead of a balcony or suite to save substantially on cruise costs.
Read reviews on independent platforms (e.g., Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Cruise Critic) and filter specifically for terms like “reliability,” “cancellations,” “customer service,” and “complaint handling.” Check how often and how quickly the line responds to complaints on social media and review platforms, and whether they actually resolve issues. Compare terms regarding cancellations, rebooking, delay compensation, and protocols for lost luggage or changed routes. Finally, ask in Facebook groups or forums for recent experiences from travellers with the same lines and routes.
