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Last Minute River Cruise Deals

Are you looking to book a river cruise that departs in the next couple of months? Then, taking advantage of our last minute river cruise deals is one way to save on the price of your voyage. It's important to remember that, as most people book river cruises months, if not years, in advance, the choice of last-minute sailings may be very limited.

If you're able to be flexible about the dates you travel, the river cruise line, and which river you journey down, then you can find amazing late river cruise deals by booking at the last minute. Whether you’re looking for a cruise down the Rhone on a Europe river cruise or spending nights on the Nile while enjoying a beautiful Africa river cruise , you can find amazing last minute river cruise deals at RiverVoyages.com. 

Late River Cruise Deals

Many river cruise lines offer last minute deals for early bookers in the form of discounts. These amazing deals can come in the form of free spending money or free extras such as chauffeur transfers. Booking your river cruise as early as possible while these promotions are available is one way to grab a fantastic deal.

When you book early with us, you'll get the best pick of ships and cabins. However, if you've left it late to book, you may not qualify for free added extras, but by taking advantage of our last minute river cruise deals, you might find that some of the remaining cabins are available at a heavily discounted price.

Take Advantage of Cancellations

There will be times when passengers will be forced to cancel their booking if they can no longer travel. Booking a river cruise cancellation allows you to enjoy amazing river cruises at heavily discounted prices. When cabins become available on short notice, they tend to be snapped up quickly, so make sure that you move fast and book your dream river cruise for a fraction of the price. Enjoy some amazing destinations when you take advantage of our European river cruise deals .

Destinations for Last Minute River Cruises

The time of year can affect which river cruise destinations are available at the last minute. For example, in Europe, river cruises generally don't sail in winter as the weather can be very cold. There are still some winter river cruises , but you will find that most lines use this time to refurbish the ships. Similarly, in Asia, you may find that there are no river cruises available at certain times of the year due to water levels. But our Asia river cruises are incredibly popular when available. Our European river cruise deals can see you sailing some of the continent's most iconic rivers for a fraction of the price. Journey down the Danube or soak up the history that flows through the Rhine on our Germany river cruise . 

Find River Cruise Deals at RiverVoyages.com

River cruising is becoming increasingly popular, and as such, river cruise ships are becoming booked up further and further in advance. Many people are struggling to find last minute river cruises and are opting to book instead for a 2025 river cruise . If you too decide to go down this route but still want to experience a 2024 river cruise , then make sure to keep an eye out for any last minute river cruise deals.     If you are seeking travel advice or simply need to ask any questions about our last minute river cruise deals, then be sure to contact us , call our freephone service at 0800 1970854, or email us at [email protected] .  

Filter by search

Showing 25 out of 999 cruises.

featured cruise

Castles along the Rhine

Sailing Date : 22 Jun 2024

Save up to £1,500pp on Selected Sailings

Includes flights & overseas transfers

Was £4599pp

Fly Cruise From £4415pp

Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

Sailing Date : 29 May 2024

Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!

Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included

Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard

Was £4552pp

Cruise Only From £4370pp

Jewels of Europe

Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries

Truly all-inclusive luxury

Was £5511pp

Fly Cruise From £5291pp

Treasures of the Main & Rhine

Rhine, Main

Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences

Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person

Was £4502pp

Fly Cruise From £4322pp

Blue Danube Discovery

Was £3525pp

Fly Cruise From £3384pp

Rhine Highlights

Was £1779pp

Fly Cruise From £1708pp

Authentic Danube

Was £3999pp

Fly Cruise From £3839pp

Jewels of Europe with Prague

Was £6176pp

Fly Cruise From £5929pp

Gems of the Seine & Beautiful Bordeaux

Was £12695pp

Fly Cruise From £12187pp

Beautiful Bordeaux

Was £2799pp

Fly Cruise From £2687pp

Grand Central Europe

Danube, Rhine

Was £6899pp

Fly Cruise From £6623pp

The Blue Danube River Cruise - MS Oscar Wilde

FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!

Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.

Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner

Was £2899pp

Fly Cruise From £2783pp

A Taste of the Danube (Westbound)

Sailing Date : 30 May 2024

Was £1562pp

Cruise Only From £1500pp

Captivating Rhine

Was £5254pp

Fly Cruise From £5044pp

Flavors of Burgundy

Was £3526pp

Fly Cruise From £3385pp

Taste of Bordeaux

Was £3376pp

Fly Cruise From £3241pp

Paris & Normandy

Was £5103pp

Fly Cruise From £4899pp

Colors of Provence

Was £4126pp

Fly Cruise From £3961pp

Istanbul & Enchantment of Eastern Europe

World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels

Save up to 35% on 2024 Europe River Cruises

Was £3843pp

Fly Cruise From £3689pp

Gems of the Danube

Was £3320pp

Fly Cruise From £3187pp

Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence River Cruise - MS William Shakespeare

Rhone, Saone

Was £2949pp

Fly Cruise From £2831pp

The Blue Danube River Cruise - MS Thomas Hardy

Was £2349pp

Fly Cruise From £2255pp

Discover Africa

Sailing Date : 31 May 2024

Was £11036pp

Fly Cruise From £10595pp

Delightful Danube

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Discounts & Deals

With our terrific discounts, you'll save even more off our low prices. Below is a comprehensive list of river cruise deals. Click any link to view eligible itineraries.

• Save up to $3,000 per couple on river cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Click here .

• Save up to 20% off the cruise price of 2026 departures. Prices shown reflect discount. Click here .
• Save up to $4,000 per couple off select cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 26. Click here .
• Receive a free $150 per couple onboard credit on all sailings. Click here .
• Sail-abrate Flash Sale ! Receive free prepaid gratuities on select cruises. Expires May 27. Click here .
• Save up to $2,400 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings, plus fly from $599 per person from select gateways. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 28. Click here .
• Save up to $2,000 per couple off cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Click here .
• Save up to 50% off cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 24. Click here .
• Save 15% off 2025 cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Click here .
• Save up to 77% on river cruises. Prices shown reflect discounts. Expires June 2. Click here .
• Save $800 per couple on 2025 Danube River cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 31. Click here .
• Reduced airfare from select gateways is included in the price of certain tours. Click here .
• Save up to $1,150 per couple on cruises when you book certain cabin categories. Click here .
• Single supplement waived in all cabin categories on special sailings dedicated to solo travelers. Click here .
• Solo travelers pay no single supplement in certain cabin categories on select cruises. Click here .
• Save up to 81% on river cruises. Prices shown reflect discounts. Expires June 2. Click here .
• Limited-Time Sale! Save 50% on select sailings. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 31. Click here .
• Save 10% off 2025 river cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 31. Click here .
• Save up to $6,000 per couple on a wide selection of 2024 sailings. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 31. Click here .
• Memorial Day Sale ! Fly for free from select gateways, plus get reduced cruise fares on select sailings. Prices shown reflect the cruise discounts. Also receive a free Silver Spirits beverage package. Expires May 31. Click here .
• Fly for free from select gateways, plus get reduced cruise fares. Prices shown reflect the cruise discounts. Also pay a reduced deposit of only $25 per person. Expires May 31. Click here .
• Enjoy discounted cruise fares on river cruises. Prices shown reflect the cruise discounts. Plus, enjoy greatly reduced airfare from select gateways and pay a reduced deposit of only $25 per person. Expires May 31. Click here .
• Travelers ages 11 and under save up to $800 per person off river cruises. Click here .
• Save up to $400 per couple off tours. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 31. Click here .
• Save up to 14% off trips. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 31. Click here .
• Save up to 25% off tours. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 31. Click here .
• Save $700 per couple off tours. Prices shown reflect discount. Click here .
• Travel with Globus and receive a Welcome Back Credit of $100 to $250 per person after your trip. The credit can be applied toward a subsequent trip with Globus or its sister brands Cosmos, Avalon Waterways and Monograms. Click here .
• Save up to 18% off trips. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 31. Click here .
• Save up to $1,800 per couple off tours. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 30. Click here .
• Save up to 10% off trips. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 31. Click here .
• Save $200 per couple off trips. Prices shown reflect discount. Click here .
• Save up to $3,000 per couple off tours. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 30. Click here .
• Save up to 13% off trips. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 31. Click here .

Welcome to River Cruise Critic

River Cruise Lines

Our Expertise, Your Adventure

Exclusive deals: river cruise critic, start planning your journey today, discover your perfect destination, experience the journey of a lifetime with river cruise critic, why choose river cruise critic.

Embarking on a river cruise is an adventure that opens your eyes to the world in a way no other travel can. It's not just about destinations; it's about experiences, moments, and memories that last a lifetime. At River Cruise Critic, powered by the award-winning team at Cruise Genie, we specialize in creating these unforgettable journeys tailored just for you.

With an unmatched expertise spanning over 25 years, our river cruise specialists bring the world’s rivers to your doorstep. From the enchanting waterways of Europe to the mystic rivers of Asia, our curated cruises are designed with a singular goal—to find the best river cruise for you.

Our team of dedicated river cruise specialists stands at the forefront of the industry. Each specialist brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the table, ensuring that every cruise recommendation is based on an intimate understanding of river cruising.

Why does this matter to you? Because it means you get:

• Personalized Recommendations: We listen to your dreams and preferences to match you with the perfect river cruise. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, culinary adventures, or serene landscapes, we have the insider knowledge to guide you.
• Exclusive Access: Thanks to our longstanding relationships with cruise lines, you’ll enjoy access to exclusive deals, amenities, and experiences not available anywhere else.
• Comprehensive Support: From your first inquiry to the moment you return home, we’re with you every step of the way. We handle all the details—flights, transfers, excursions—so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

A World of River Cruises Awaits

Our curated selection of river cruises spans the globe, offering you a window into the world’s most captivating destinations. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits:

• The Heart of Europe: Glide through the historic waterways of the Danube, Rhine, or Seine. Discover fairy-tale castles, vineyard-clad hills, and timeless villages.
• Exotic Asia: Explore the vibrant cultures and ancient wonders along the Mekong or Yangtze. Each journey is a tapestry of fascinating sights, sounds, and tastes.
• The Mysteries of Egypt: Travel back in time along the Nile, witnessing the marvels of ancient civilizations and breathtaking landscapes.

And this is just the beginning. With River Cruise Critic, every cruise is an opportunity to discover something extraordinary.

Embark on Your Journey with Confidence

Choosing River Cruise Critic means embarking on your journey with confidence. Our award-winning service is a testament to our commitment to excellence, ensuring that your river cruise experience is as seamless as it is memorable.

Ready to discover the perfect river cruise for you? Contact us today, and let’s start planning your next adventure. With Cruise Genie's River Cruise specialists, the world’s rivers are waiting to reveal their secrets to you.

RIVER CRUISING IS HOT!!!

The cruise industry's greatest success story in the past two decades has been the surge in growth and popularity of river cruises. With an ever increasing number of new river cruise lines and river boats introduced, and river cruise companies adding new itineraries to more destinations, coupled with the ever expanding interest in river cruises by the traditional ocean cruising population looking for something new, many more lucky travelers are able to enjoy the more intimate, immersive and attentive experience that river cruises bring to the world!

River cruising is a type of travel that involves navigating a river on a small, often luxurious, ship. Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises take passengers on journeys through inland waterways, such as the Danube, Rhine, Nile, Yangtze, Mekong, and many other rivers around the world. River cruises typically offer a more intimate and relaxed experience than ocean cruises, with smaller ships and fewer passengers. The itineraries often focus on exploring smaller towns and cities along the river, allowing passengers to get a closer look at the local culture and history. This can include visits to historical landmarks, museums, and cultural sites, as well as opportunities to sample local food and wine. River cruises often include a variety of amenities and services, such as fine dining, entertainment, educational lectures, and excursions. Some river cruises are all-inclusive, while others offer optional add-ons for certain activities or services. River cruising has become a popular way to explore Europe, Asia, and other regions of the world, with many cruise lines offering a wide variety of itineraries and ship sizes to suit different preferences and budgets.

With so many River Cruise Companies vying for this ever increasing number of passengers, each claiming to be the best option in the Budget, First Class or Deluxe categories, it has becomes quite difficult for travelers to know which is the best River Cruise Company, River Boat, Destination or Itinerary for them! Without years of experience and the knowledge and access to information that those years bring, consumers run the risk of paying more than they need to, or getting less than they expected to!

That is where we come in! RiverCruiseLines.com, a service of Smart Traveler and MisterCruise.com, puts you in touch with the best cruise counselors for your lifestyle and budget - and our service is FREE.

In fact, we guarantee that, at the time of your river cruise reservation, you will never pay more than if you booked it yourself directly! In addition to absolutely NOT paying more using our services, for over 80% of our reservations, our customers pay less, sometimes much less, than if they booked it themselves!

So, please, look around, get some ideas, and whenever you feel ready for some assistance, simply fill out the River Cruise Quote Request Form. You will enjoy exceptional value when you book your discount river cruises and discount luxury cruises with RiverCruiseLines.com. Act now for the best deals on Yangtze River Cruises, Nile River Cruises, Europe River Cruises or Mississippi River Cruises and sail away with bonus offers such as free onboard spending and free upgrades. Plus, discount river cruises include all meals, accommodations, and countless onboard activities. Discount river cruises are the way to save — plan your cruise vacation of a lifetime before these phenomenal river cruise deals are gone.

"Mister Cruise" Peter Coloyan Sr. President, Smart Traveler

RIVERS UPDATE - River cruises continue to be discontinued until further notice on all rivers of the Ukraine and Russia.

**************************

RIVER CRUISE specialist!!!

A river cruise specialist can be a valuable resource for anyone who is considering a river cruise anywhere in the world! Often selling at group discounted prices, which can save you hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, they can help maximize the value of any budget to add days to your river cruise vacation, upgrade your experience, or both!

Here are some ways in which they can help

Knowledge of destinations.

River Cruise Specialists have extensive knowledge about the different river cruise destinations available worldwide. They can provide information on the various ports of call, cultural attractions, and local experiences that each destination has to offer. This information can help you make an informed decision about which river cruise itinerary will best suit your interests and preferences.

Expertise on Cruise Lines & Ships

River Cruise Specialists can provide information about the different river cruise lines and ships that service various destinations worldwide. They can help you choose the best cruise line for your specific needs, taking into account your budget, travel style, and desired level of comfort.

Experience and Advice

River Cruise Specialists the experience and expertise to provide valuable advice on how to get the best value for your river cruise dollar. They can offer insider deals, promotions, and discounts, as well as provide guidance on how to choose the right cabin category and when to book.

Customization

River Cruise Specialists can help you customize your river cruise experience, tailoring it to your specific interests and preferences. They can help you choose the right shore excursions, onboard activities, and dining experiences to ensure that your river cruise is a truly personalized and memorable experience.

River Cruise Specialists can help you navigate the wide range of options available for worldwide river cruises, providing you with the knowledge, expertise, and advice you need to make an informed decision and get the best value for your river cruise dollar.

Don’t make a costly mistake by booking online or direct. Only a live, experienced River Cruise Specialist can provide the personalized service, experience, access to proprietary pricing, and knowledge of all amenities on the different lines, and ships – and can help compare multiple options! They can also provide additional travel arrangements, such as airfare, travel insurance, pre or post cruise stays and local excursions.

Plus, getting your river cruise booked is only the core part of the process for a successful, less stressful vacation experience. Advice and assistance with your river cruise travel document requirements, travel safety, health requirements, luggage delivery and all other concierge services can best be provided by a River Cruise Specialist!

Completing our River Cruise Quote Request form is the first step to getting true expert advice.. We have been selling, and sailing, river cruises since 1984. We can help you find what is right for you! For avid river cruisers, please join our mailing list, as we will soon be announcing special, Concierge escorted river cruises for those traveling single, with special needs, 55+, and niche cruises for wildlife viewing experiences, Food & Wine, and more!

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Save up to 50% on river cruises contact us today.

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THEME CRUISES

Christmas & holiday river cruises, civil war history, european history & politics, oberammergau passion play, river cruise destination, check out river cruise destinations view now, cruise companies, river cruise quote request.

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Use our River Cruise Quote form and a River Cruise Counselor will contact you ASAP. Our website is open 24/7, to contact our River Cruise Counselors and for trip planning!

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Budget River Cruises in Europe

Discover a varied offer of cheap European river cruises that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Budapest and Vienna. Each affordable cruise will provide you with memorable moments for some of the lowest prices on the market.

12 cheap river cruises in Europe with 27 reviews

• River Cruise

Trans-European cruise from Budapest to Strasbourg (port-to-port cruise)

Great staff, great food and drinks

• Wine tasting

Alsace: land of tradition and gastronomy (port-to-port cruise)

excellent crew and excursions included

All the must-see sites on the Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue with a dinner at Paul Bocuse's Abbaye de Collonges Restaurant OFFERED (port-to-port cruise) (including La Voulte-sur-Rhone)

The exceptional region of Bordeaux (port-to-port cruise)

The crew couldn’t have been more pleasant and attentive and the food was superb.

From the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau to the Loire Valley (10 destinations)

A journey between Central Europe and the Balkans (port-to-port cruise)

The food was very good and very well presented.

A Bountiful Christmas in Alsace and the Black Forest (port-to-port cruise)

I was expected to pay for drinks and did not have water either. I would have liked to have seen the Christmas market at night.

Venetian Treasures (port-to-port cruise) (8 destinations)

We had a great time. Everyone was very helpful

Magnificent Rivers of Europe with 3 Nights in Prague

• Christmas & New Year

Christmas on the Elbe (port-to-port cruise)

Rhineland Christmas on the Romantic Rhine - MODIGLIANI

Christmas in Provence and the Rhône Valley (port-to-port cruise)

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Find the best cruise vacation for you

How can i find a cheap cruise.

Cheap cruise deals are fairly easy to find in most cases, and you can begin by considering what kind of features and itinerary you want. The more simplistic the experience is, the cheaper it is in general. On Expedia.com, you can filter for specific features and sort your results by price. By mixing and matching certain features, unforgettable experiences may be available with discount cruises. For example, booking a cruise with stunning restaurants and live performances while opting for an inside cabin without an ocean view window or balcony could be ideal for a traveler who doesn't plan on spending much time in their cabin anyways

What is the cheapest month to take a cruise?

The cheapest month to take a cruise varies based on your destination and the cruise line company that runs the ship. A Caribbean cruise , for example, is generally cheapest in the late summer and early fall since it's the local hurricane season.

Can I cancel my cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel, but there may be fees for canceling depending on how far in advance you cancel and what kind of booking you have. You can check the specific cruise lines’ cancellation policies in your itinerary on Expedia.com.

Are river cruises worth the money?

River cruises are quite relaxing, with much more varied scenery than you'd experience on an ocean cruise. These ships often also feature several stops along the river, so passengers can enjoy a greater variety of destinations to explore. Viking river cruises are especially adept at providing this unforgettable experience.

What cruises are best for families?

The best family cruises in 2024 / 2025 tend to be Disney cruises with plenty of offerings for kids and adults alike, though MSC cruises are known for their iconic Children Cruise Free promotion. Disney cruises, specifically, are essentially a Disney theme park on a boat with live shows, rides, and attractions with your kids' favorite characters.

How much does a cruise ship cost?

Cruise prices can vary quite a bit, with cheap cruises and especially luxurious all-inclusive cruises available. Budget lines can offer cruise tickets as low as $50 per night in some cases, while the more high-end experiences can reach up to $1,000 per night and more.

What are some of the best cruise lines?

Several different cruise lines have a lot to offer, such as Viking cruises , which are known for traversing oceans and rivers with a style that blends outdoor and indoor splendor. Celebrity cruise line is more upscale with luxurious features like WiFi, included beverages, champagne, and suites with panoramic views. Other top cruise lines include Royal Caribbean International , Carnival Cruise , Disney Cruise , and Norwegian Cruise .

How far in advance do you need to book a cruise?

It's generally best to book a cruise about 6 to 12 months before your cruise departure. That's the safest way to balance availability and affordability. Technically, you can book earlier or later than that, with some last-minute cruise deals occasionally available up to a weekbefore cruise departure.

Are cruise trips affordable?

They can be, and it's especially simple to search for more affordable cruises with Expedia.com. Not only can you filter by cruise length, cruise line, and cabin experience, but you may also sort your results by price to put the more affordable options first on your search results page.

What is it like to go on a cruise?

A cruise is generally designed to offer the most relaxing experience possible. Despite the size of the ship, it's possible to feel the wave. Many passengers report that the movements help them sleep. Additionally, many fun cruises offer live stage performances, several restaurants, and shopping opportunities. When the ship is in international waters, you may even be able to enjoy a bit of tax-free shopping.

Are cruises a good way to travel?

Cruise travel is great if you're looking for some varied fun. Compared to a plane or a train, cruises have their own attractions and can be considered an integral part of cruise vacations. Plus, a cruise can hit several different destinations as well, with plenty of time to enjoy the cruise and scenic locales. It's certainly worth it for a unique experience no other method of travel can match.

Which cruise line is the cheapest?

The actual cheapest cruise available depends on a variety of different factors. Still, Carnival Cruise tends to be very affordable overall, most of the time with great options like the Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Horizon . Royal Caribbean is also another fantastic cruise line offering great deals if you are watching your budget.

How can I get the best cruise deals in 2024 / 2025?

If you're looking for some of the best cruise deals, booking through Expedia.com makes it easy since you can sort your cruise search results by price and have access to special deals. One Key members can earn  OneKeyCash  on all eligible bookings and get instant discounts with Member Prices. Sign up today!

What do I need to know when I book a cruise?

To book a cruise, you'll need to know where you'll be setting off from and where you'll be going, in addition to how many people will be with you and the features of the specific cruise you book. Keep in mind that you'll want to factor in spending money in your budget for the cruise's restaurants and shops in most cases.

Where should I go on a cruise in 2024 / 2025?

Plenty of incredible cruise destinations are accessible such as cruises to the Bahamas and cruises to Mexico . You may also be interested in cruises to Alaska or cruises to Europe for something outside of the Caribbean.

What countries are best to visit by cruise ship?

A lot of countries are accessible via a cruise, but the best include a cruise to Australia . However, a cruise to Australia is quite a long trip at sea and really allows you to take in everything the cruise ship has to offer.

Can I get last-minute cruise deals?

Yes, last-minute cruise deals are often available, and you can find them on Expedia.com by inputting your travel dates in your search and sorting your results by price. The deals will automatically be applied to the price estimates so that the cheapest estimates will show up first on your search results page.

Are cruises all-inclusive?

Cruises aren't always all-inclusive, but they can be. If you're interested in all-inclusive cruises, you can activate a search filter for it to ensure your search results only show cruises that meet your all-inclusive standard.

Is food free on a cruise?

Food is sometimes free on a cruise, but there are often specialty restaurants that aren't included with the general booking that you'll have to pay for separately. Check the details of each cruise before you book in the "What's included" section after clicking the cruise on your search results page.

What cruise lines are adults only?

Several lines offer adults-only cruise experiences, including Viking cruises , Carnival cruises , and Princess cruises . With an adults-only cruise, you can relax in a tranquil and laid-back setting without kids running around and enjoy all the cocktails you want.

What cruise lines are considered to be the most luxurious?

Viking cruises are considered exceptionally luxurious, with smaller ships and larger cabins that make them feel more exclusive, but Celebrity cruises offer luxury cruise lines too. Booking a luxury cruise means you can expect high-end amenities including gourmet restaurants, sizable suites, top-tier performances, massive pools, and much more.

What are the best cruises for couples?

Viking Cruises have much to offer for a more romantic experience. Holland America Line cruises can be quite refined and romantic as well, with an adult-oriented experience that's sophisticated rather than rowdy. Romantic cruises offer exceptional service as well as cozy suites for you and your partner to enjoy that's complemented by delicious food often themed around the cruise destination.

Why should I go on a cruise for my honeymoon?

Going on a cruise is a great way for you and your new spouse to be pampered with luxury while also being able to explore a new destination. Whether you're taking a cruise to Hawaii or a cruise to Bermuda , a particularly romantic experience is almost guaranteed thanks to the sheer number of things to do.

Are there any Christmas cruises?

Yes, quite a few cruise lines operate around Christmas, and you can find them easily by entering travel dates around Christmas into your 2024 cruise search. Some of the most popular Christmas cruises are available with Carnival and Disney.

Do I need a passport to go on a cruise?

Whether or not you need a passport depends on where you're going and the kind of cruise it is. Any US territory like Bermuda and Puerto Rico won't require a passport, of course, but you also don't need one if you're on a closed-loop cruise. This is a cruise that begins and ends at a US cruise terminal, even if there are stops in other countries on the way.

Why should I book a cruise with Expedia.com?

Booking a cruise with Expedia.com makes it easy to find a cruise type that works best for you. You can use the cruise finder and sort by cruise line, type, destination, length, and itinerary. One Key members also earn OneKeyCash on all eligible bookings that can be used to save on future eligible trips.

What happens if a cruise is canceled?

Every cruise has a different cancellation policy, but generally, passengers are entitled to either a full refund or a credit for a future cruise at a later date. Remember that they may automatically change your booking to their rescheduled date, so you may have to contact them if that date doesn't work for your schedule.

*OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia,  Hotels.com  and Vrbo.

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Reader's Digest

7 Most Affordable Cruise Lines That’ll Make Your Cruising Dreams Come True

Posted: October 2, 2023 | Last updated: October 2, 2023

The cheapest cruise lines

Cruising is often described as the ultimate relaxing vacation. You only unpack once, yet you wake up in a new country or island every morning. You also never have to worry about where to eat, there are nonstop activities onboard that keep everyone entertained—and most everything is included in the price. So you don't have to worry much about overspending once you're on board if you book on one of the most affordable cruise lines.

Of course, everything is more expensive these days, leaving some travelers to wonder if there are still affordable cruises available to meet their vacation budgets. Thankfully, that answer is yes, and there are several brands that still provide exceptional value aboard their floating cities. Many are among the best cruise lines , and some are even frequent cruisers' favorite cruises . In fact, you might be surprised to learn that living on a cruise ship can be cheaper than a mortgage , in case you decide you never want to return from your vacation.

So follow these cruise tips for how to save money on a cruise by booking the most affordable cruise lines. You may even be able to sneak in an extra vacation this year with all your savings. Here's what to pack for a cruise .

How much does a cheap cruise cost?

Cheap cruises usually range in price from $40 to $100 per night per person. To put that deal in perspective, imagine having your accommodations, food and entertainment covered for roughly $50 a day on a traditional land-based trip—you'd be hard-pressed to stay within that budget just for your meals. It's truly impressive that these all-inclusive cruises can charge so little.

But before you get too excited over these low prices, don't forget to factor in the cost of the extras when calculating your total expenses—that's one of the secrets cruise lines won't tell you . Things like drinks, shore excursions, gratuities, spa treatments, specialty dining, airfare, photos, taxes and port fees aren't included and can add up quickly.

Finally, keep in mind that the best deals will always be for an inside cabin, which means you won't have a porthole (let alone a balcony) for natural light. The good news? You'll sleep like a baby in total darkness, especially during an afternoon nap.

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When is the cheapest time to book a cruise?

It's important to pay attention to the cheapest times to book a cruise if you want to save even more. Wave season, which is from January to March, is a promotional time of year when cruise lines run their most competitive sales. These sales are designed to encourage bookings for later in the year. You can also keep an eye on sites like MSC's Cruise Deals to find great prices.

There are great deals at other times of the year too. Generally speaking, the further in advance you book, the better prices you'll find. But the opposite is also true, because cruise lines will happily sell unused inventory at a significantly reduced rate in the form of last-minute deals. You'll need a flexible schedule to pull this off, and you may find airfare is too costly at that point.

Beyond wave season, planning far in advance or nabbing last-minute cruise deals, it's also wise to consider booking your cruises for the off-season. For instance, for the Caribbean and Mexico, that would mean summer sailings or during shoulder season (the month before and after high season—for example, in the case of Alaska, this would be in May or September). Just know that you are taking a bit of a risk with the weather during these off-peak times.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers sailings out of the U.S. (New York, Miami and Orlando) to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, New England and Canada. It also offers sailings to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Egypt, Dubai, South Africa and more.

Cost: Cruises on MSC start as low as $129 per person.

Specials to watch for: MSC offers such limited-time specials as free drinks and Wi-Fi plus up to $200 onboard credit (which can be used to book extras like shore excursions or spa treatments).

Other savings to consider: You won't find an adults-only cruise here, however this cruise line does offer a Kids Sail Free program, which means that all children under 18 traveling in the same cabin as their parents travel free all year-round. Port taxes, registration costs, insurance, flights and transfers (where required) are excluded from the offer, but it still goes a long way toward making this one of the most affordable cruise lines.

Affordable cruises: We've seen a 6-night southern Caribbean cruise for as low as $219 total per person.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line —known as one of the most affordable cruise lines—was founded in 1972 and now carries millions of guests every year aboard its 24 ships. It sails to Alaska, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Greenland, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.

Cost: Cruises on Carnival start as low as $169 per person.

Specials to watch for: Carnival celebrates dates like National Tourism Day with up to 40% off cruise rates, plus $50 onboard credits and reduced deposit rates from $50 per person. Other limited-time promotions include free cabin upgrades and "Early Saver" rates with price protection that provide peace of mind for early bookings.

Other savings to consider: One of the things that makes Carnival Cruise Lines even more affordable is that it has 14 home ports in the United States (Baltimore, Charleston, Galveston, Jacksonville, Long Beach, Miami, Mobile, New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle and Tampa), making it easier for Americans to drive to their ship and avoid booking pricey flights .

Affordable cruises: We've seen a 5-day Mexican Riviera cruise for as low as $234 per person.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean's private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The innovative brand is known for many firsts at sea, including an ice-skating rink, bumper cars, zip-line, rock climbing wall, robotic bartenders and the Flowrider surf simulator. Its latest ship, the Icon of the Seas , which is set to begin sailing in January 2024, will be the world's largest cruise ship.

Cost: Cruises on Royal Caribbean start as low as $172 per person.

Specials to watch for: Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions like "30% Off Every Guest" (provides 30% savings off the cruise fare for all guests in the stateroom), flash deals like "Up to $550 Off" (provides instant savings of up to $550 USD per stateroom) and "Kids Sail Free" promos, during which the third and fourth guests who are 12 years or younger are eligible for free cruise fare.

Other savings to consider: Royal Caribbean offers exclusive access to pre-cruise savings and discounts that won't be available once you're onboard for things like shore excursions, beverage packages, food packages and Wi-Fi packages.

Affordable cruises: We've seen a 6-night Pacific Coast cruise for $250 per person.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is a premium cruise line with award-winning itineraries around the globe, sailing to Alaska, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, South America, Japan, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii, the South Pacific and the California Coast. It's an excellent choice for a couples cruise (they host a lot of weddings and vow renewals), but it's also family-friendly.

Cost: Hundreds of sailings on Princess are priced under $100 per day; 60 sailings under $60 per day.

Specials to watch for: Princess regularly offers promotions, such as a 40% savings and low $100 deposit specials.

Other savings to consider: Upgrade to the Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages, which roll in the price of extras like Wi-Fi, drinks, gratuities and more for a savings of up to 66% vs. purchasing them separately.

Affordable cruises: Everyone dreams of booking the best Alaska cruise , and we've seen 7-night Alaska cruises for as low as $349 per person.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line 's fleet of 18 ships sails to 400 of the world's most desirable destinations—such as Asia, Africa, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, Mexico, the Baltic, South America and more.

Cost: Cruises on Norwegian start as low as $249 per person.

Specials to watch for: NCL offers various deals throughout the year. One recent special was 70% off, plus free airfare for the second guest, plus the third and fourth guests sailed for free.

Other savings to consider: Part of what makes Norwegian one of the best and most affordable cruise lines is that all cruise offerings may be combined with the company's ongoing "Free at Sea" promotion, which includes unlimited open bar, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and excursions. (Want to find out more about hidden features on cruise ships  that you never knew existed?)

Affordable cruises: We've seen 7-day Alaska cruises for as low as $279 per person.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line has been cruising both popular and less-traveled ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Europe, South America, the Panama Canal, Australia, New Zealand and Asia for 150 years. It has a fleet of 11 classic ships and does more than 500 sailings a year, visiting all seven continents.

Cost: Cruises on Holland start as low as $89 per person.

Specials to watch for: Having recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, Holland America has been offering 45% off cruise fares, up to $300 in onboard credit and reduced deposits of only $150. The brand typically offers other specials throughout the year.

Other savings to consider: For family cruise travelers , Holland America Line provides a Kids Cruise Free offer, allowing guests ages 18 and under to travel free to Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean when booked as a third or fourth guest on select cruises. And when booked directly on Holland America Line's site, travelers can take advantage of the Have It All Cruise Package, which includes shore excursion credits, drink package, specialty dining and Wi-Fi.

Affordable cruises: We've seen 7-day Alaska cruises as low as $329 per person.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity has 15 award-winning ships that take guests to more than 300 destinations in 79 countries on all seven continents, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific, Galapagos and Canada.

Cost: Cruises on Celebrity start as low as $288 per person.

Specials to watch for: Celebrity offers various specials, like a spring sale that takes 75% off a second guest's fare and saves up to $800 per stateroom with up to $800 to spend on board. Also look for promotions like Alaska weekend flash sales (second guest sails for free plus $250 onboard credit) and 20% off Galapagos vacations (round-trip airfare included).

Other savings to consider: Choose the all-inclusive options of prepackaged drinks, Wi-Fi and tips to save up to 45% on these individual items.

Affordable cruises: We've seen 7-night Alaska cruises for as low as $299 per person.

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