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Cruises are divided into clear budget segments, ranging from entry level to premium. The choice between budget, mid-range and luxury determines your overall spend and what is included during the trip. For first-timers, a budget cruise from around €500 per week offers a complete package with accommodation, meals and entertainment, but expect extra costs for drinks, Wi-Fi and excursions. Want to know which segment suits you and what you can realistically expect?
What cruise budget segments are there?
The cruise world has three main segments, each with its own price range and level of service. These segments differ in what is standardly included in the fare and which facilities you will find on board.
The budget segment targets travellers who want to cruise cost-effectively. Lines such as MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and AIDA offer cruises at the 3- to 4-star level. You pay a low entry price, but many facilities are not standardly included. Think of soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi and visits to speciality restaurants. These costs are added on top of your base fare.
The mid-range segment sits between 4 and 5 stars. Lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean fall into this category. The entertainment offering is broader and some ships offer optional drinks packages that you can book in advance. This segment is popular with families because of the combination of price and facilities.
The premium segment consists of 5- to 6-star ships from lines such as Princess Cruises and Holland America Line. These are ships with more extensive service and greater luxury in finish and staffing levels. More items are standardly included, such as gratuities or daily drinks. The atmosphere on board is more formal and you pay more for the overall experience and service. Those weighing up options for your first cruise often choose budget or mid-range to keep that first experience affordable.
What is included in each segment?
The differences between the segments are mainly in what is standardly included in your ticket. On budget cruises the basics are covered: a cabin, meals in the main dining room and access to entertainment such as shows and swimming pools. Drinks with meals, Wi-Fi, spa treatments and shore excursions are paid for separately.
In the mid-range segment you get similar basic facilities, but with more options. Some ships offer kids’ clubs at no extra cost, and you can buy drinks packages in advance, which are often cheaper than paying per drink. The range of entertainment is more varied, with for example water parks, climbing walls or ice rinks.
Premium cruises offer more inclusivity. Gratuities for staff are often already included in the price, as well as certain drinks such as coffee, tea and sometimes wine selections with dinner. Food quality is higher and there are more restaurant choices. Wi-Fi packages are better or even included.
- Budget: basic meals, entertainment, access to swimming pools
- Mid-range: extra facilities such as kids’ clubs, more extensive entertainment, optional drinks packages
- Premium: gratuities often included, better restaurant choices, some drinks included
Which segment should you choose for your first cruise?
For a first cruise, the budget segment is an accessible choice. You can get a feel for cruising without immediately making a large financial commitment. For a week, expect to pay between €500 and €1000 per person, depending on the season and destination. If you opt for a shorter cruise of four to five days, costs will be lower.
The mid-range segment is a good fit if you value facilities and entertainment more highly. Prices range between €1000 and €2000 per person per week. This segment offers a balance between price and comfort, especially for family trips where children benefit from youth programmes and activities.
Premium segment cruises quickly start from around €2000 per week, with prices rising to €5000 for suites. This is an option for those who want more certainty about included services and prefer a calmer atmosphere. For first-timers with no cruise experience, this segment can feel overwhelming compared with the costs.
What does an entry-level cruise cost including all extras?
An entry-level budget cruise of one week starts at around €500 per person. However, you should factor in extras that will increase the total amount. Gratuities average €10 to €20 per person per day, which comes to €70 to €140 for a week. Drinks are not included and can add up quickly if you are not mindful of what you order.
A drinks package often costs between €30 and €60 per person per day, depending on what you want to drink. For a week, you add €210 to €420 for this. Wi-Fi usually costs €10 to €20 per day. Shore excursions range from about €30 for a simple bus tour to more than €100 for active trips.
If you add everything together, the total investment for an entry-level cruise including all extras comes to between €900 and €1500 per person for a week. This excludes travel to the port. Flights within Europe cost on average €100 to €300 return.
Factors that determine the price of your cruise
The length of your cruise has a direct impact on the price. Shorter cruises of four to seven days are the most affordable. Longer trips of fourteen days or more bring higher costs, also because there are more days on which you are likely to spend extra.
The season makes a difference. Travelling in low season is cheaper than travelling during school holidays or in the summer months. A cruise in April or October is often tens of percent cheaper than the same trip in July or August.
The destination also plays a role. Cruises in Europe, such as the Mediterranean or Scandinavia, are often cheaper than, for example, the Caribbean. This is because flights are shorter and more affordable, and because you can sometimes depart from ports in the Netherlands or Belgium.
The cabin type determines a large part of the price. An inside cabin without a window is the cheapest option. If you choose a balcony cabin, the price often doubles. Suites are more expensive again, but offer more space and often additional services.
Practical tips for cruising on a budget
Book drinks packages in advance if you regularly consume alcoholic drinks or soft drinks. With lines such as MSC or Norwegian, booking in advance is cheaper than paying on board. Work out whether a package is worth it based on your usual drinking habits.
Take advantage of discounts and special offers on board. Spa treatments are cheaper on port days, sometimes with discounts of up to 30 per cent. Souvenirs and products in the onboard shops are regularly discounted, especially when the ship changes region.
Choose to explore ports independently instead of booking organised excursions. These are often three to four times more expensive. Plan your own routes using public transport or simply walk around the port areas. A lot of information is available online and many sights are close to the port.
Travel outside peak season and embark from a European port. This saves on flight costs and makes your total spend more predictable. For families with school-age children this is trickier, but for flexible travellers it can lead to significant savings.
- Book drinks packages in advance for better rates
- Make use of port-day discounts in the spa and onboard offers
- Arrange your own trips ashore instead of booking excursions
- Avoid school holidays and peak season
- Choose departure ports in Europe to save on flight costs
Differences in added value for first-timers
Budget cruises give first-time cruisers a complete picture of what cruising involves. You experience the concept without having to dig deep into your pockets. The atmosphere is informal and relaxed, which lowers the threshold. Lines such as AIDA and Costa explicitly target a younger and international audience.
The mid-range segment adds more convenience. You have fewer worries about extra costs and the range of activities is broader. For families this is an advantage because children are less likely to get bored. The ships are more modern and have more facilities such as water parks and themed shows.
Premium cruises offer more peace and better service. There are fewer passengers per crew member, which leads to more personal attention. The quality of meals is higher and restaurants are more varied. For first-timers who value comfort and fewer surprises in the final bill, this is an option, but the price is considerably higher.
Comparison of segments at a glance
Below you will find an overview of the key differences between the three budget segments. This helps you make a well-informed choice based on what you expect and how much you want to invest.
| Segment | Example cruise lines | Indicative price per person per week | Standard inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | MSC, Costa, AIDA | €500 – €1000 | Basic meals, entertainment |
| Mid-range | Norwegian, Royal Caribbean | €1000 – €2000 | More extensive entertainment, optional drinks packages |
| Premium | Princess, Holland America | €2000 and above | Gratuities and daytime drinks often included |
‘ This segment is popular with first-timers who want to avoid small expenses adding up. ’
How do you make the right choice?
Your choice depends on what you find important. If you mainly want to discover whether cruising is for you, the budget segment offers enough to give you a good impression. Costs are manageable and you will learn what you would like to do differently next time.
If you value convenience and want to think less about extra costs, the mid-range segment is a better fit. You pay more, but in return you get additional facilities and more inclusions. This segment is popular with first-timers who want to prevent lots of small expenses from piling up.
If you choose premium, you are investing in comfort, service and quality. This segment gives you the greatest certainty about what is and is not included in the price. For a first cruise this is not strictly necessary, but it can be a good option if your budget allows it and you deliberately opt for more luxury.
On the Traveler Tips website you will find much more information about cruises, destinations, routes and practical preparation for your trip. Discover which tips and guides can help you plan your holiday even better.
Frequently asked questions
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The text describes the different budget segments for cruises, from low-cost budget lines to more luxurious premium options, including price indications per week. Budget cruises (such as MSC, Costa, AIDA) start at around €500 per week with basic meals included, while mid-range and premium lines have higher prices and include more. Factors such as duration, season, destination, cabin type and cruise line strongly influence the total price. The article also gives tips on how to save money, such as travelling in low season, booking drinks packages in advance and choosing inside cabins.
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This text explains the different budget segments for cruises, from low-cost to premium lines, with price indications and what is included in each segment. It sets out which factors determine the price, such as duration, season, destination, cabin type and cruise line. You also get practical tips on how to save money, for example by travelling in low season, booking drinks packages in advance and choosing inside cabins. Experiences from travellers are also shared, highlighting that budget cruises often offer good value for money for beginners.
