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Cheap Caribbean Cruises - Cruises to Caribbean

Featured caribbean cruise deals, cruising guide, why cruise to the caribbean.

Thousands of islands make up the Caribbean, a tropical region stretching across the Atlantic Ocean. Home to some of the most popular cruise ports in the world, the Caribbean offers variations on a theme: sun, white-sand beaches and fun with a local twist, depending on the port. From Dutch and French isles to U.S. territories, the destinations of the Caribbean have cultural experiences to spare that extend well beyond the tip of the umbrella in your fruity cocktail.

A cruise offers the chance to visit multiple islands within the span of a few days, providing visitors with a sampler of new places plus balmy sea breezes along the way. Caribbean cruises offer endless variety giving vacationers the chance to get away for a long weekend or two weeks. With so many departure ports, your ship to the Caribbean might be a short flight or even a drive away.

What are Popular Activities in the Caribbean?

The Caribbean offers as much -- or as little – as you want to do during your time ashore, making it an ideal cruise vacation for families or for couples.

Water sports are abundant in the Caribbean and anyone who likes spending time in the sea will enjoy snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding and swimming through clear, turquoise waters like the remote beaches of Bonaire. Or fly high through the sky on a number of active zipline courses, including the steepest zipline in the world in St. Maarten. Lazily lounging on the beach is almost always a fantastic option. Pair a beach day with a hike on a day trip from St. Thomas to Virgin Island National Park in St. John.

If you need a break from the sun, air-conditioned island tours, duty-free shopping trips and even scenic rail trips -- such as the one around St. Kitts -- provide wonderful ways to spend a day off the ship.

All-inclusive lovers will be able to pamper themselves with excursions to resorts, while those looking for a more local flavor will be able to learn from chefs, artisans and other experts for an authentic taste of each island's culture

When is a Good Time to Cruise to the Caribbean?

Winter and spring are great seasons to travel to the Caribbean due to a slight reduction in crowds and moderate temperatures, though the warm weather holds year-round here.

Atlantic hurricane season, from June through October, means a higher chance of rain and possible storms, though summer is still one of the most popular times to visit the Caribbean. If you book a summer sailing in a Caribbean region within the hurricane zone, there's a chance nothing will happen -- but buying insurance and keeping a flexible schedule helps manage expectations.

What are Popular Ports in the Caribbean?

Cozumel, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman and St. Martin/Maarten are some of the most common ports of call in the Caribbean. You could also experience Jamaica, Cuba, Aruba, Grand Turk or the Dominican Republic. Many Caribbean cruises also include stops at private islands, such as Royal Caribbean's CocoCay or Disney's Castaway Cay, located in The Bahamas.

Where do Caribbean cruises depart from?

Caribbean cruises depart from ports around the U.S., including San Juan, Puerto Rico. Many of the top Caribbean cruise departure ports are located in Florida: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando.

Elsewhere on the East Coast and Gulf Coast, Caribbean sailings depart from Baltimore, Manhattan, Galveston, New Orleans, Mobile and more. Caribbean islands and itinerary lengths will vary, depending on where you sail from and where you're sailing to.

What are Popular Regions of the Caribbean?

Choose from Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean itineraries. You’ll primarily find the U.S. Virgin Islands -- St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John -- on Eastern Caribbean sailings, as well as St. Maarten/Martin and the Dominican Republic. The ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) are featured on Southern Caribbean cruises. Western Caribbean cruises often include ports in Mexico and Jamaica, along with Belize and Grand Turk.

Lengths also vary -- Western Caribbean itineraries can be limited to just a few days for those who want a quick getaway or don't have time for longer sailings. Southern Caribbean sailings tend to last at least 10 nights, and these often depart from San Juan. Eastern Caribbean sailings are typically a week long.

What are Tips to Find Cruise deals to the Caribbean?

Here are our best tips for finding a cheap cruise or cruise deal to the Caribbean. If you book a “guaranteed cabin” (they select for you), a cabin on a lower deck or sail on an older ship from a brand you like, then you can get the best price for a specific cruise to the Caribbean. Last minute cruises deals to the Caribbean appear as you get closer to the sail date, usually 1-2 weeks in advance. Taking a cruise to the Caribbean in the shoulder season (before or after the peak season) can also be a great way to find a cruise deal.

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About Caribbean Cruises

A Caribbean cruise feeds the soul and rejuvenates the body. The Caribbean's warm sun, soft beaches and turquoise waters are the perfect prescription for relaxation. Here you can explore the culture and uncover nature's wonder in the beautiful turquoise seas and diverse islands. Find adventure parasailing high above it all or down below, snorkeling or swimming with the dolphins.

Whether you long for tranquility on endless stretches of pristine beach, yearn to explore some of nature's most incredible undersea wonders, or seek adventures high in the mountain rainforests, you'll find it all by taking a relaxing Caribbean cruise.

Your journey will take you to a variety of islands both large and small. In the Eastern Caribbean the ports of call include the Bahamas, St. Thomas and San Juan. The Western Caribbean islands include ports such as Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Cozumel and Belize. Sailing to the southern Caribbean highlights the ports of Antigua, Barbados, Aruba, St. Lucia and even Curacao.

Caribbean Cruises range from 4 to 30 days on a variety of cruise lines on ships large and small. To find the best cruise deals you can use our Online Search or contact one of our cruise experts to find your perfect Caribbean cruise and take advantage of the many deals, discounts, upgrades, onboard credits and other amenities that are being offered.

Best Caribbean Cruise Deals

• Up to $1700 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• EXCLUSIVE: FREE GRATUITIES
• Kids Sail FREE: Guest 12 & under SAIL FREE (select 3 night or longer sailings)
• BOGO60 Sale: 60% OFF 2nd Guest + 30% OFF 3rd/4th Guests
• $50 Onboard Credit on select Royal Caribbean Cruises!

• Up to $1600 CASH BACK : EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• FREE UPGRADE SALE: Great Rates + 2 category upgrade
• EARLY SAVER SALE: Reduced deposits from $50 per person + up to 4 category upgrade
• Pack & Go Sale: Great Guarantee Rates
• Save with Senior Rates: Guests over 55 can save with a senior rate
• Receive Great Reduced Rates: on select staterooms and sailings
• Fun Select Rates: Enjoy a Two Category Upgrade
• Reduced Rates for Military Personnel!

• Up to $1700 CASH BACK: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• 70% Off 2nd Guest + Take All FREE on select sailings
• FREE Open Bar, Specialty Dining, Wi-Fi, Excursion Credit: & more
• 3rd & 4th Guests $99 : with Free at Sea (select sailings)
• 50% Reduced Deposit: Club Balcony Suites & below

• Great Savings: up to 75% OFF 2nd Guest: on select ship and sail dates
• Get up to $200 Savings: per stateroom on select ships and sail dates
• ALL INCLUDED: Free Classic Beverage Package + Basic Wi-Fi
• Back to Back Savings: Save up to $200 Savings when you book a back to back cruise
• SAVE: up to $50 ONBOARD CREDIT on select departures!

• Flash Sale: Cruise From $199 With Free Balcony Upgrades
• Military & Civil Service Rates - Must call to book

• Up to $1,700 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• PRIVATE SALE: Up to $1,800 In Onboard Savings + Reduced Deposits
• Princess Premier Upgrade: Beverage Package, Wi-Fi, Crew Appreciation, Specialty Dining + more
• Up to 35% Off + 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free + More
• $50 ONBOARD CREDIT!
• $50 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• MILITARY: Up to $250 Onboard Spending

• Reduced Deposits From US$100 : per person on select sailings
• Up to 50% OFF, Up to $300 Onboard Credit + Reduced Deposit: on select categories and sailings
• Up to $150 Onboard Spending: per stateroom on select sailings
• Up to $50 Onboard Credit
• Up to $50 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• FREE Gratuities: on select categories and sailings
• Buy 1st Guest Air, 2nd Guest Flies FREE: from select gateways

• All Inclusive Journeys: FREE Gratuities, Unlimited Beverages, Wi-Fi, Culinary Experiences & more
• Distinctive Voyages: Exclusive Host, Private Welcome Reception & Exclusive Shore Event
• Save 5%: when you book early & pay in full
• Up to $300 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER

• All-Inclusive Luxury: FREE Gratuities, Open Bar, Wines at lunch & dinner and more
• EXCLUSIVE Get Up To $300 Onboard Spending: on select categories & sailings
• $25 Onboard Credit

• FREE GRATUITIES + Beverage Package + AzAmazing Evening Event

• Star Clippers All Inclusive Experience

• Up to $1700 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE
• FREE GRATUITIES: on select categories and sailings
• Complimentary Gratuities
• FREE Beverage Package, Wi-fi, Excursions + More: on select categories & sailings
• FREE SPECIALTY DINING for 2: on select categories, ships and sail dates
• Enjoy specialty dining for two at Rudi’s Sel de Mer
• Complimentary Chocolate Covered Strawberries & Complimentary Bottle of Wine
• $60 ONBOARD CREDIT!
• $60 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• Receive Up To a 4 Category Upgrade: on select sailings

• Receive Up to $300 Onboard Credit + Reduced Deposit
• Upgrades On Us Up to $1,000 Onboard + Stateroom Location Upgrade
• Military Special - Up to $250 Onboard Credit
• SPECIAL AMENITIES: Cocktail Reception, Exclusive Shore Event + more

All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking. All rates are per person based on double occupancy.

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Caribbean cruise highlights.

World-Class Shopping Exceptional shopping is one of the highlights of the Caribbean. Luxury goods, designer fashions, jewelry, cigars, liquor and handcrafted items are just a few things you may want to take home with you from your Caribbean vacation.

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving The Caribbean offers world class snorkeling and diving. Enjoy the underwater paradise with its abundant tropical fish, spectacular reefs and other marine life.

Private Islands Most cruise lines stop in their own private island offering fun in the sun, pristine beaches, activities for travelers of all ages, water sports, casual dining and more.

Sailing Cast away and spend the day sailing in the spectacular Caribbean Sea. Sail past quaint villages, luxurious yachts and take a swim in the Caribbean's incredible blue waters.

Swimming with the Stingrays Swimming with the Stingrays is an amazing experience. Enjoy the opportunity to interact, feed, and swim with these beautiful and gentle stingrays!

Swimming with the Dolphins Enjoy the experience of a life time as you swim and play with dolphins. Interact with these amazing creatures for a memory that you'll never forget!

Pristine Beaches The Caribbean welcomes you to some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world. Relax and de-stress in the intense blue waters as you relax on your Caribbean vacation.

Zip Line Tours Zip lining offers an incredible eco-tourism experience filled with breath taking views, exhilarating activities and a chance to meet the locals.

Horseback Riding Enjoy a relaxing horseback ride along the edge of warm Caribbean Sea. Soak up the sun and enjoy the white sand and crystal clear surf.

Golf Some of the best golfing can be found in the Caribbean. The many islands visited on a Caribbean cruise are home to many of the world's top golf courses.

Special Cruise Offers

Royal Caribbean Cruises 60% OFF ALL Guests + Kids Sail FREE + FREE GRATUITIES OR Onboard Credit

Norwegian Cruises Up to 5 FREE Offers + Up to $1,700 Cash Back

Holland America Cruises 50% OFF Signature Beverage Package, Specialty Dining, Shore Excursions & Wi-Fi

Princess Cruises: FREE GRATUITIES + FREE Beverage Package + FREE Wi-Fi +

Celebrity Cruises 3 FREE Amenities + Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

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Cheapest cruise lines for 2024 Caribbean cruises – 8 lines ranked by price

Caribbean cruises are the most popular cruises in the world so there are more than a dozen cruise lines competing for your business. Once again we here at Price of Travel checked the numbers to determine which of the major cruise lines are the cheapest and which cost more than you might think. The list below will be surprising to many people who always assumed that Carnival and Royal Caribbean are the cheapest lines because neither of those even made the Top 3 this year.

We checked for 7-night cruises in the month of January, 2024, which is part of high season. If you have never cruised before it’s worth pointing out that each cruise line is surprisingly different from the others and for most people it’s worth paying at least a bit more to book on a ship that suits your budget AND personality.

Each cruise line tends to attract a different crowd

Generally speaking, Carnival is most popular among younger cruisers and first-time cruisers. They have water slides and non-stop entertainment. Royal Caribbean is a bit more subdued and quality tends to be a bit higher along with higher prices. MSC cruises is an Italian company now known for very cheap cruises and very mediocre reviews. Norwegian is a mid-range line known for being informal and casual with many more included restaurants and no set dining schedules.

Princess, Holland America, and Celebrity are mid-range cruise lines with (mostly) smaller ships and higher quality. Celebrity is particularly famous for great food and drinks. Holland America has really great entertainment, and Princess is kind of between the two. Disney Cruises is expensive and obviously meant for families with kids, but many Disney-loving adults cruise with them as well.

How we compared the cruise lines

The list below compares prices of the cheapest 7-night Caribbean cruise for each of the major lines for cruises in January, 2024, which is high season. Cruises in April, May, and November should be somewhat cheaper, but the ranks will likely stay just about the same.

This article was originally published in 2012, and fully updated last in October, 2023.

>>> Check the latest Caribbean cruise deals

8 Caribbean cruise lines ranked by price

1 – msc cruises (cheapest).

7 nights from: $529 (including all taxes and fees)

• Itinerary: Port Canaveral, United States • Nassau, Bahamas • Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Private Island), Bahamas • Costa Maya, Mexico • Cozumel, Mexico • Port Canaveral, United States

Even on these Caribbean journeys, the crowds on the MSC ships are very international, with a great number of Europeans mixed in with Americans and Canadians. You won’t see as many families on this cruise as it’s more suited to the adult crowd.

Honestly, MSC Cruises tend to get some of the lowest review scores in the business, which helps explain the low prices. If you are looking for a cheap cruise and aren’t too fussy then this could be a good choice, but if you are easily disappointed when things aren’t perfect, this is probably one to skip.

2 – Princess Cruises

7 nights from: $539 (including all taxes and fees)

• Itinerary: Galveston, Texas • at sea • at sea • Costa Maya, Mexico • Roatan, Honduras • Cozumel, Mexico • at sea • Galveston, Texas

Princess Cruises have a very good reputation overall and many dedicated fans (including my parents) who take them for every cruise in every region of the world. Normally they are a mid-priced line so it’s a bit surprising that they offer some of the cheapest cruises of the Caribbean in January.

Expect mostly Americans and Canadians on these cruises. Princess normally draws some Brits and other Europeans, but you probably won’t see many of them on this cruise out of Texas, as it’s much faster and easier for them to fly into Florida.

3 – Carnival Cruise Lines

7 nights from: $713 per person (including all taxes and fees)

• Itinerary: New Orleans, United States • at sea • Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras • Belize • Cozumel, Mexico • at sea • New Orleans, United States

Carnival and its “Fun Ships” slogan are very popular with first-time cruise passengers, and especially younger people and families, primarily from the United States and Canada. They are a great option for people who aren’t sure they will like cruising because they are pretty non-traditional. This ship even has a water slide on it, which tells you more about the kind of passengers you’ll expect. If you are older and prefer not to be around many kids then this is not a great choice. Also, Carnival tends to get lower reviews than many other large cruise lines so read some reviews yourself for an individual ship before you book.

4 – Norwegian Cruise Line

7-nights from: $738 (including all taxes and fees)

• Itinerary: Port Canaveral, United States • Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas • at sea • Falmouth, Jamaica • Georgetown, Grand Cayman • Cozumel, Mexico • at seas • Port Canaveral, United States

The  Freestyle Cruising  thing ends up attracting a wide range of passengers, including some who prefer to dress formally on formal nights. So you can expect families and older folks along with a lot of romantic couples from all age ranges, primarily from the US and Canada.

5 – Royal Caribbean International

7 nights from: $750 (including all taxes and fees) (Tampa, United States • Costa Maya, Mexico • Belize City, Belize • Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras • Cozumel, Mexico • Tampa, United States)

Many people will be surprised to see Royal Caribbean so far down the list of Cheap Caribbean cruises, but at least in January of 2024, this is where they sit. Reviews of Royal Caribbean lately have been quite good so it seems possible they are moving more into the middle of price and service levels and leaving the lowest prices to MSC and the others above.

6 – Holland America Line 

7 nights from: $819 (including all taxes and fees) (Fort Lauderdale, United States • at sea • Amber Cove, Dominican Republic • San Juan, Puerto Rico • St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands • at sea • Half Moon Cay, Bahamas • Fort Lauderdale, United States)

Holland America in general is known for catering to an older and more sophisticated crowd, and this cruise is no exception. It will be mostly older Americans and Canadians with a sprinkling of families with kids.

7 – Celebrity Cruises

7 nights from: $845 (Fort Lauderdale, United States • Nassau, Bahamas • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands • Fort Lauderdale, United States)

Celebrity famously changed to a system were alcohol and wifi and gratuities are included with every fare, but unfortunately they still DO offer a stripped-down version (helpful for people who don’t drink much or care about wi-fi) and this fare is for that version. Getting all of those other things included adds over US$600 per person to the fare, which still isn’t a bad deal if you are going to get those perks anyway.

8 – Disney Cruise Line

7 nights from: $1,482 (Port Canaveral, United States • Cozumel, Mexico • George Town, Grand Cayman Island, Cayman Islands • Falmouth, Jamaica • Castaway, Fiji • Port Canaveral, United States)

Needless to say, these cruises are dominated by families with younger children, but some with older children as well, and most will be Americans and Canadians.

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Cheapest cruise lines for 2024 Caribbean cruises – 8 lines ranked by price " --> All Comments

Good & niece Trips Royal careibian cruise From Galveston to Costo maya maxico

Unfortunately we are not travel agents so we can’t help you with this. I’d try Expedia.com if I were you as they have a very simple cruise planner and they show the same prices that you can get anywhere else. Best of luck. -Roger

I’ve been on 18 cruises, 12 Carnival, 1 Princess, 1 RCL, 1 NCL plus three others – All fine and I would return on any except NCL. Smallest cabin and least caring crew of any! Anything goes except Norwegian Cruise – did not enjoy!

That is interesting. My first cruise was on Norwegian and I loved it. I’m now a regular on Celebrity, which I also really like. Thanks for the comment. -Roger

I’m planning a cruise that leaves Barcelona, Spain and wondering if the Norwegian Cruise Line would be best? I adore the locations that will be going by and will be gone for 7 days

Each cruise line seems to have its own personality so each person seems to prefer a different line. Personally, I’m a big Norwegian fan and I highly recommend them. They pioneered that “Freestyle dining” concept where passengers can choose from many smaller restaurants and eat any time they want, as opposed to the huge dining rooms with set tables and set times. I think that is the biggest difference between Norwegian and the others, and if that sounds good to you I think you’ll really enjoy it. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Please is there no cruise coming to Africa ? Me and my friends we like to spend our Xmas holiday on a cruise. Please let me know what part of Africa we can bored

I don’t know of any cruises to Africa. Good luck. -Roger

We just sailed with MSC and after lots of research traveling with 2 kids under the age of 11 it was the best price out there. There were lots of families on the divina. My kids had a blast. Food and shows were awesome. Cruise for 4 in a balcony room with 12 drinKS each and 200 shipboard credit was 2400! Beat that on another cruise line for 7 days we will be cruising msc again

We have been on four cruises in 14 months and visited 14 European countries and have always been with MSC, we have never been with any other line, but value for money I don’t see how they can be beaten.

I think Royal Caribbean is first selection for lowest price cruise vacation

I’ve only been on RC. This is a handy comparison for the other cruise companies though. I think I might try Celebrity next!

Comment*I have been on many different cruise lines I love. Celebrity The edge class ships are beautiful I have also been on windstar and Viking. I love them also. Viking is more for seniors and it is more expensive along with windstar. It really depends what you are looking for in a cruise. I like to stay in the suites on a cruise I am a travel agent. I have also been on other cruise lines that I didn’t mention

• Cruise Destinations

Cruises to the Caribbean

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista

* Coming Soon

ENJOY THIS BAHAMIAN PRIVATE ISLAND PARADISE

• Ports of Call

We don’t have proof, but evidence suggests that the Caribbean was made for cruising. This evidence is all around you — you’ll find in the Caribbean air, the sand and the water. And with more than 5,000 islands and cays spread across this amazing region, there’s a lot of paradise to see. So how do you choose where to visit on a Caribbean cruise? We recommend you just go and see for yourself! Best of all, the mild climate means it doesn’t even matter what time of year you go. A Carnival Caribbean cruise takes you to some of the coolest little hotspots… stretching across the world’s designated hotspot.

• Snorkel great natural reefs in crystal-clear waters.
• Enjoy year-round tropical weather.
• Take in the beach view on horseback… or beach chair.

YOU WANT WHERE? WE GO THERE.

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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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Earn your wilderness badge as you cruise between the Alaska glaciers, pan for gold in prospecting towns, and trek across the rugged tundra on an Alaska vacation . And savor a burst of flavors throughout culture-rich ports in the Mediterranean , the British Isles, Scandinavia and beyond on an unforgettable cruise through Europe . No matter where in the world you choose to wander, cruises can take you deep into top-rated cruise ports and off-the-beaten-path gems, so you can experience each one like a local.

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• Cruise Destinations

Caribbean Cruises

Our Caribbean cruises offer a veritable holiday maker's paradise with its azure waters, white sands and perfect climate.

Choose a departure range of up to 1 month if you have not selected a specific cruise line or Choose a departure date range of up to 3 months if you have selected a specific cruise line

Caribbean Cruise Offers

Find all the best Caribbean cruises with Cruise Direct

1. Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic

Norwegian Sky 9 nights 24 Jun 2024

• Free At Sea upgrade from £99pp*

2. Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao

Celebrity Beyond 8 nights 29 Jun 2024

• Classic Drinks & Wi-Fi package available. Call for pricing

3. Southern Caribbean

Rhapsody of the Seas 7 nights 30 Jun 2024

• Award winning ships & spectacular entertainment
• Fun for all the family

4. Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean

Liberty of the Seas 9 nights 04 Jul 2024

5. S. Caribbean & Perfect Day

Adventure of the Seas 8 nights 05 Jul 2024

6. Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic

Norwegian Jade 7 nights 06 Jul 2024

7. Western Caribbean

Harmony of the Seas 7 nights 07 Jul 2024

8. Ensenada, Cabo & Vallarta

Navigator of the Seas 7 nights 12 Jul 2024

9. Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Jamaica

Norwegian Jade 7 nights 13 Jul 2024

10. Southern Caribbean

Rhapsody of the Seas 7 nights 14 Jul 2024

11. Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic

Norwegian Sky 9 nights 16 Jul 2024

12. Caribbean & Perfect Day

Adventure of the Seas 8 nights 19 Jul 2024

13. Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic

Norwegian Jade 7 nights 20 Jul 2024

14. Southern Caribbean

Rhapsody of the Seas 7 nights 21 Jul 2024

15. Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Jamaica

Norwegian Jade 7 nights 27 Jul 2024

16. Southern Caribbean

Rhapsody of the Seas 7 nights 28 Jul 2024

17. S. Caribbean & Perfect Day

Adventure of the Seas 8 nights 02 Aug 2024

18. Western Caribbean & Perfect Day

Harmony of the Seas 8 nights 03 Aug 2024

19. Southern Caribbean

Rhapsody of the Seas 7 nights 04 Aug 2024

20. Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Jamaica

Norwegian Jade 7 nights 10 Aug 2024

21. Southern Caribbean

Rhapsody of the Seas 7 nights 11 Aug 2024

22. Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic

Norwegian Sky 9 nights 12 Aug 2024

23. Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean

Liberty of the Seas 9 nights 15 Aug 2024

24. Western Caribbean & Perfect Day

Harmony of the Seas 8 nights 17 Aug 2024

25. Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day

Freedom of the Seas 7 nights 18 Aug 2024

26. Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic

Norwegian Sky 9 nights 21 Aug 2024

27. Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao

Celebrity Beyond 8 nights 24 Aug 2024

28. Southern Caribbean

Rhapsody of the Seas 7 nights 25 Aug 2024

29. S. Caribbean & Perfect Day

Adventure of the Seas 8 nights 30 Aug 2024

30. Western Caribbean & Perfect Day

Icon of the Seas 7 nights 31 Aug 2024

31. Southern Caribbean

Rhapsody of the Seas 7 nights 01 Sep 2024

32. Ensenada, Cabo & Mazatlan

Navigator of the Seas 7 nights 06 Sep 2024

33. Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao

Celebrity Beyond 8 nights 07 Sep 2024

34. Southern Caribbean

Rhapsody of the Seas 7 nights 08 Sep 2024

35. Western Caribbean & Perfect Day

Icon of the Seas 7 nights 14 Sep 2024

36. Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day

Freedom of the Seas 7 nights 15 Sep 2024

37. Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao

Celebrity Beyond 8 nights 21 Sep 2024

38. Western Caribbean

Harmony of the Seas 7 nights 22 Sep 2024

39. Caribbean & Perfect Day

Adventure of the Seas 8 nights 27 Sep 2024

40. Western Caribbean & Perfect Day

Icon of the Seas 7 nights 28 Sep 2024

41. Western Caribbean

Harmony of the Seas 7 nights 29 Sep 2024

42. Southern Caribbean

Celebrity Summit 8 nights 04 Oct 2024

43. Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao

Celebrity Beyond 8 nights 05 Oct 2024

44. Tropical Passage

Regal Princess 21 nights 06 Oct 2024

45. S. Caribbean & Perfect Day

Adventure of the Seas 8 nights 11 Oct 2024

46. Southern Caribbean

Celebrity Summit 7 nights 12 Oct 2024

47. Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day

Wonder of the Seas 7 nights 13 Oct 2024

48. Eastern Caribbean with Tortola

Sapphire Princess 10 nights 14 Oct 2024

49. Eastern Caribbean with St. Thomas

Sun Princess 7 nights 19 Oct 2024

50. Western Caribbean

Harmony of the Seas 7 nights 20 Oct 2024

Caribbean Cruise Ports of Interest

Aruba cruise port, bridgetown port, tortola british virgin islands cruise port, georgetown cayman islands cruise port, curacao cruise port, dominica cruise port, guadeloupe port, port of gustavia st barth, martinique port, montego bay cruise port, ocho rios port, port of spain, san juan port, st georges port, st kitts cruise port, st lucia cruise port, st maarten cruise port, port st thomas us virgin islands, a caribbean cruise in detail.

Take a Caribbean cruise to one of the top cruise destinations in the world with visitors from every corner of the globe. The Caribbean offers a veritable holidaymaker's paradise with its azure waters, white sands and perfect climate.

On your Caribbean cruise, you can visit a variety of islands, each boasting beautiful beaches and distinctive cultures. You can discover the local cuisine, sample the local rum punch and soak up the sun and that relaxed Caribbean vibe.

Choose from a range of our all-inclusive Caribbean cruises below, although if you require any further advice or assistance please feel free to contact our experienced cruise team.

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* All selected offers are from prices per person.

10 Cheap Cruises Ranked By Their 2024 Prices

• Cruising offers an affordable and all-inclusive vacation option, with prices as low as $27.25 per person per night.
• Travelers can explore beautiful destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas on budget-friendly cruises.
• These cheap cruises provide luxury amenities, including open bars, water parks, multiple restaurants, and entertainment options.

The cruising world is one that travelers find hard to leave. With 24/7 food and restaurant opportunities, water parks, gyms, infinity pools, casinos, bars, and more, cruising is like going to a floating, all-inclusive hotel. While some cruise lines can be expensive, there are a few out there with some unbelievable deals that take their passengers on cruise ship voyages through Iceland's untamed beauty , cruises in the U.S. Virgin Islands , unique cruises in Greece , and the Caribbean's best-kept secrets, just to name a few.

The average cost per hotel room (excluding food) is predicted to be around $155 per person, per night, in 2024 . Still, in the land of cruising, travelers can enjoy an all-inclusive vacation for just $27.25 per person per night (the cheapest cruise on this list) or $95 per night (the most expensive 'cheap' cruise on this list).

For travelers looking to set sail and explore the world on a budget, these are the cheapest cruises to go on in 2024 (ranked by their 2024 prices), listed from cheap to 'super cheap'.

Related: 20 Biggest Cruise Ships In The World As Of 2023

7-Night Alaska Cruise

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $669.

This 7-night cruise departs from Seattle, Washington, and takes its passengers to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Ketchikan (Ward Cove), and Victoria, British Columbia. This is the cheapest cruise on offer for exploring the Alaskan waters.

The Norwegian Encore cruise line is one of the only ships that offer an open bar as part of the total price. It boasts an impressive 16 passenger decks, making it a cheap yet luxurious Alaskan vacation alternative.

• Cruise Ship: Norwegian Encore
• Book it here: 7 Night Alaska: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau on Norwegian Encore

10-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Total cost per person for 10 nights: $509.

This 10-night cruise is the ultimate Caribbean getaway; offering the cheapest way to experience the length of the Eastern Caribbean, including stops in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (the Cruiseline Private Island), Grand Turk Island in Turks & Caicos, and Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic.

This cruise comes in at just $51 per night, making it one of the cheapest Caribbean cruises (and vacations) to go on. The Carnival Venezia also offers more restaurants (8), outside rooms (1249), and passenger decks (15) than other cruise ships for the same price, making it one of the most cost-effective options.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Venezia
• Book it here: 10 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Related: Three Super Cheap Cruises Worth Booking In 2024

7-Night Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $479.

This 7-night Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel cruise around the Caribbean is the cheapest cruise line with an all-inclusive mini-water park in 2024.

The ship houses 2 pools and 5 whirlpools, a Kids Aqua Park, which includes a kid-size pool and slide, splash area, fountains and sprays, and 3 multi-story water slides, including the thrilling Epic Plunge.

• Cruise Ship: Norwegian Epic Cruise Line
• Book it here: 7 Night Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel

7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $469.

This 7-night Mexican Riviera Cruise that takes passengers to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico is the cheapest cruise departing from California.

The average price to visit and tour Mexico is $997 per person for 7 days , making this cruise an excellent all-inclusive alternative, costing half of the average price, with luxury amenities.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Panorama
• Book it here: 7 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise

The cheapest cabin for this cruise is the interior cabin - bear this in mind when booking.

6-Night Pacific Coastal Cruise

Total cost per person for 6 nights: $451.

This 6-night Pacific Coastal Cruise is another one of the cheapest 2024 cruises; it takes its passengers on a cost-effective journey one-way to discover the West Coast of Canada and the United States from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Los Angeles, California. The cruise explores sights in Vancouver before moving on to Victoria, British Columbia, San Francisco, California, Catalina Island, California, and ending in Los Angeles, California.

On the route, this affordable cruise ensures that entertainment, food, exercise, and more are all covered with its state-of-the-art facilities that aim to cost less than what passengers usually spend at home.

• Cruise Ship: Brilliance of the Seas
• Book it here: 6 Night Pacific Coastal Cruise

Related: 10 Luxury Cruise Lines, Ranked By Passenger Review

11-Night Caribbean & Bahamas Cruise

Total price per person for 11 nights: $369.

Easily rivaling even the best Caribbean island hopping cruises , this cheap, extensive cruise takes its passengers to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Cozumel, Mexico, Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas (a Cruise Line Private Island) and Miami, Florida for just $34 per person per night.

Dining, entertainment, bars, and sports zones are all included in the price, making it one of the amazing yet cheap family cruises for 2024.

• Cruise Ship: MSC Meraviglia
• Book it here: 11 Night Caribbean & Bahamas Cruise

5-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Total for 5 days per person: $349.

This cheap almost-week-long Eastern Caribbean voyage takes passengers from Port Canaveral in Orlando to Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands before heading to Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and ending back in Port Canaveral.

The cruise includes amazing stage shows, live musical performances, stand-up comedy, clubs, bars, and lounges featuring DJs spinning, karaoke, piano sing-alongs, and more. On board, guests can also enjoy parties, game shows, and trivia contests.

There are also great options for all six meals — breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and late-night snacks at the full-service Main Dining Room or the casual Lido Restaurant. These amenities make it one of the cheapest entertainment-filled cruises for 2024.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Freedom
• Book it here: 5 Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise

4-Day Baja Mexico Cruise From Los Angeles

Total cost for four days per person: $229.

The Carnival Radiance takes its passengers on the cheapest trip to Mexico from Los Angeles they'll ever find. Stops along the way include Catalina Island, Ensenada, and Long Beach in Los Angeles.

From endless taco trains to never-ending burrito buffets and all-one-can-drink tequila, this all-inclusive Mexican fiesta is the cheapest way to spend a vacation in Mexico.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Radiance
• Book it here: 4- Day Baja Mexico Cruise From Los Angeles

2-Night Margaritaville At Sea Paradise Cruise

Total cost for 2 nights per person: $148.50.

This 2-night cruise through the Florida seas departs from Palm Beach, Florida, and takes its passengers on an all-inclusive, relaxing getaway. This cruise doesn't have any island extras that passengers need to budget for, making it one of the cheapest cruises to book in 2024.

Passengers won't need to worry about paying for anything more once they're on board.

• Cruise Ship: Margaritaville at Sea Paradise
• Book it here: 2-Night Florida Cruise 2024

4-Night MSC Bahamas Cruise

Total cost for 4 nights per person: $109.

Not only is this one of the most affordable Bahamas cruises , but it also comes in as the cheapest cruise for 2024. This ultimate budget-friendly cruise is the 4-night MSC Seashore Bahamas Cruise, which takes its passengers on a journey to the luscious Bahamas. The ship departs from Miami and stops over at Nassau and Freeport before heading back to Miami.

The only thing not included in this all-inclusive vacation is a Wi-Fi and on-board credit package. The MSC Seashore is one of the biggest MSC cruise ships, with multiple amenities while also being the cheapest to offer such amenities.

• Cruise Ship: MSC Seashore
• Book it here: 4-Night Bahamas Cruise 2024

Protect Your Trip »

Icon of the seas: the best dining, amenities and more on royal caribbean's new ship.

This family-friendly megaship features plenty of activities, entertainment and restaurants.

Icon of the Seas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Key Takeaways

• Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, with 18 passenger-accessible decks, eight different neighborhoods and 2,805 staterooms.
• Think of Icon of the Seas as an all-in-one adventure vacation contained on a ship. Young families and energetic travelers will enjoy it most.
• Itineraries originate from Miami , sail to destinations around the Caribbean and include a stop at Royal Caribbean's private island , Perfect Day at CocoCay.

If you have any degree of interest in traveling or cruising, chances are you've heard the buzz around Icon of the Seas. Another record-breaking ship by Royal Caribbean International , Icon of the Seas debuted on Jan. 27, 2024, as the largest cruise ship in the world. It is epic in every sense, featuring 18 cruiser-accessible decks and stretching 1,196 feet from bow to stern.

With greatest-of-all-time soccer player Lionel Messi as the ship's godfather, the Icon of the Seas is truly iconic. Messi brought the entire Inter Miami team along for the opening ceremony and the big reveal of the team's new Royal Caribbean-sponsored jerseys. I was fortunate enough to attend this star-studded ceremony as part of the press preview sailing in the days leading up to the ship's grand debut to the public. It was everything I thought it would be and more, and nobody could have been more appropriate than Messi to send this ship on her maiden voyage.

Boarding a ship of this size can seem overwhelming, but not when you understand the layout. Icon of the Seas is broken up into eight distinct neighborhoods: AquaDome, Central Park, Thrill Island, Chill Island, Royal Promenade, The Hideaway, Suite Neighborhood and Surfside, a neighborhood built for young families looking for nonstop fun and kid-approved eats and treats.

In addition to these public areas, there are 2,805 staterooms spread across 12 decks. Icon of the Seas' capacity maxes out at 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members, but with the plethora of public spaces and variety of things to do and see, you can choose your own adventure without encountering more crowds than you want to.

Find your perfect cruise

Skye Sherman

Icon of the Seas itinerary

During its inaugural 2024-2025 cruising season, Icon of the Seas offers seven-night eastern or western Caribbean adventures from Miami, stopping at a variety of tropical destinations. All sailings include a stop at Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas . Other destinations include Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis ; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico .

During the 2025-2026 cruising season, new destinations will include Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic ; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; Labadee, Haiti; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (part of the U.S. Virgin Islands ). All sailings will originate from Miami.

No matter your Icon of the Seas itinerary, you'll visit beautiful places – but you can expect to feel torn about spending any time off the ship, because it's just that jampacked with things to do.

Who should sail on Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas appeals not so much to a demographic as to a psychographic; you're going to need to be someone who likes to live life in all caps. Royal Caribbean set out to create "the world's best vacation" contained on a ship, so Icon of the Seas is for anyone who would enjoy the combination of a beach trip, a resort stay, a water park adventure and island-hopping.

Fun-loving travelers and families with kids of varying ages will do best on this ship; it feels a little bit like Disney World with over-the-top everything and a truly massive sprawl. Older travelers who prefer a more quiet, refined experience may want to opt for a less kid-friendly ship. Still, even couples without children will find plenty of fun adult-friendly things to do and romantic places to tuck in.

The Royal Promenade can be quite loud and buzzy, but simply relocating to another onboard neighborhood can completely shift the vibe. Also, keep in mind that the ship really is huge, and walking from end to end can be a hike, so those with limited mobility or endurance might want to look into a smaller ship.

Icon of the Seas prices are high in its opening season, but cruisers with big dreams and small budgets can expect rates to drop by the time the next ship in the series debuts.

The stateroom

With a ship this overstimulating, it's imperative that your stateroom is a haven. Luckily, Icon of the Seas offers peaceful rooms, many of which feature ocean or Central Park neighborhood views. Cruise ship accommodations are stereotypically compact – even cramped – but the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in Icon of the Seas' cabins (with the exception of the windowless interior rooms) lend an airy, open feel. The cabin layouts are also optimized to provide the maximum amount of storage, floor space and comfort.

Stateroom decor is mildly nautical- and tropical-themed, with calming hues that mimic the scenery outside your window (think blues, beiges and whites). High-tech elements include smart TVs, LED mirrors and the ability to control many aspects of your room from an app.

My husband and I stayed in an Ocean View Large Balcony Stateroom, a 204-square-foot refuge from the hustle and bustle of the ship (the balcony adds another 65 to 70 square feet). This room type can sleep up to four people with a sofa bed for one or two; the room also features twin beds that convert to a king bed for couples.

My husband is 6 feet, 3 inches tall, and we were comfortable in our room, even though our quarters included a large bed, a bathroom, a sofa and a desk. We loved sitting on our private balcony and watching the deep blues of the Atlantic Ocean flow by.

If money is no object, the Ultimate Family Townhouse – an over-the-top eight-guest, three-story pad with a private whirlpool on the balcony, three bathrooms, a slide that connects the second and main levels, an in-suite cinema, a dining room and a kitchenette – looks epic. But keep in mind, it costs nearly $100,000 for the week.

The Sunset Corner Suites (about one-fifth of the cost of the Ultimate Family Townhouse, but still expensive) are also pretty sweet, with a wraparound balcony and a bed facing the sea.

Luckily, not all rooms break the bank; with four main stateroom categories (suite, balcony, ocean view and inside) and 28 subcategories, there's something for everyone.

Best amenities on Icon of the Seas

It's almost impossible to run out of things to do aboard Icon of the Seas.

For thrill-seekers, the largest water park at sea – Category 6 – features the Frightening Bolt (the tallest waterslide on a ship) and the Pressure Drop (the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise vessel).

If you've tired of the seven swimming pools, six waterslides, laser tag, mini-golf, rock climbing wall, escape room, sports courts, outdoor decks, theater, spa and all-day programming, simply take a stroll down the Royal Promenade for Las Vegas -style people-watching. The Royal Promenade has 15 restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as a Starbucks that seems to have a line no matter what time you go. The neighborhood feels a bit like a shopping mall … if a shopping mall had floor-to-ceiling ocean views made possible by the world's largest kinetic art sculpture.

The Pearl, a feat of engineering, is one of the most unique aspects of the ship's design. This art piece is actually a load-bearing structure supporting three decks, but it looks and feels like an interactive art experience designed solely for the enjoyment of guests. The multisensory immersive structure has 3,000 kinetic panels and moody ever-changing lighting. It is one of the first things guests will see when they walk on board, as it stretches from the Royal Promenade up to Central Park.

My husband and I spent most of our time at the FlowRider surf simulator – his favorite amenity – but we made sure to leave time for Taylor Swift trivia at Spotlight Karaoke and the superhuman stunts of the Aqua Theater show, a must on any Icon of the Seas voyage. The ship even has a massive ice arena called Absolute Zero for ice skating (the 20-minute sessions are complimentary) and impressive shows.

We also loved lounging in The Overlook Bar & Pods, an area at the very front of the ship (behind the AquaDome) that features two levels of floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows. It felt airy and open, which can't be said about many cruise ship interiors.

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Best dining venues on Icon of the Seas

There are more dining options aboard Icon of the Seas than you can fit in on a seven-night cruise – but you can give it the old college try. Thirteen of the dining venues are complimentary, while 14 are specialty restaurants (which cost extra; fees vary). There are also 18 bars and lounges.

The best meal we experienced on the ship was at the Chops Grille specialty eatery. When we spotted Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty and a group of bigwigs at a table next to us, we knew we were in the right place. We loved sitting outside and enjoying the breezes of Central Park while we chowed down, but you can eat indoors for an elegant steakhouse experience and a view of the open kitchen and butcher's display, which shows off specialty cuts like high-grade wagyu and bone-in tomahawks.

While I'd never turn down a swanky steak dinner, grabbing quick poolside bites at El Loco Fresh and indulging in some food hall-style grazing at AquaDome Market were equally enjoyable. We also had no complaints eating several meals at Windjammer, the classic complimentary cruise ship buffet.

Even though we don't have children, we stopped into Surfside Bites for a very kid-friendly meal, complete with soft serve ice cream cones from Sprinkles (because no cruise is complete without soft serve). We didn't try anything from the open-air, lemonade stand-inspired Lemon Post bar, but its menu of cocktails and mocktails looked delicious.

And since you're on vacation, be sure to check out the milkshake bar Desserted, where the sugary creations are as photo-worthy as they are decadent. They're worth the upcharge.

Best excursions on Icon of the Seas

Depending on what's on your Icon of the Seas itinerary, you may be able to book activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, tropical jungle adventures, visits to Mayan ruins, volcano hikes, rainforest zip lining, relaxing beach days or cultural immersion tours.

Note that Royal Caribbean features the same options on many of its other Caribbean cruises; none of the excursions on offer are exclusive to Icon of the Seas.

Because our press preview sailing only visited Perfect Day at CocoCay, we did not experience any of the shore excursions. Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas was plenty of fun, even though we didn't plan anything in advance.

If we had made plans, we would have liked to check out the Up, Up and Away tethered hot air balloon, which wasn't running that day, and the overwater cabanas at Coco Beach Club, which were all booked. Thrill Waterpark (which features the tallest waterslide in North America), Oasis Lagoon (the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean) and the adults-only Hideaway Beach are other highlights of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Overall impressions of Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean seems to be focused on superlatives. It has the biggest, best, tallest, largest and most of everything – especially when it comes to Icon of the Seas. If you like jampacked, adventurous vacations that squeeze a lot of adventure and relaxation into one memorable week, Icon of the Seas is probably for you.

While I love seeing Royal Caribbean push the limits of what cruises can be, the ship may almost be too big for some. It's an all-out Vegas-esque vessel that feels more like a floating city; you will probably forget (more than once) that you're not on dry land.

That's not necessarily a bad thing – if Icon of the Seas looks fun to you, it probably will be – but my husband and I tend to gravitate more toward authentic, immersive, on-the-ground cultural experiences when we travel. While Icon of the Seas is a lot of things, it's not that. We had a fantastic time and have already started planning a future Royal Caribbean cruise with a group of friends and family, but we also sympathize with the anticruisers of the world. Vacationing does not a traveler make.

Still, the shows are entertaining, the service is attentive, the music is jamming, and the architecture and design are incredibly impressive. I have no real complaints and suspect that most cruisers will have the time of their lives on Icon of the Seas – exactly as the minds at Royal Caribbean envisioned when they dreamed up this iconic ship.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Skye Sherman has been cruising since childhood, when her parents took her on her first cruise through the Caribbean. She has sailed various ocean cruise lines, gone off the grid for a six-day riverboat expedition deep into the Amazon River and even planned a European river cruise with 48 of her closest family and friends. She's a fourth-generation Floridian and hopes to visit every country in the world during her lifetime. She covers travel and lifestyle topics for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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Royal Caribbean drink packages: Prices, inclusions and what to know before you buy

Royal Caribbean drink packages allow you to drink what you want, when you want without feeling like you are being nickeled and dimed. Isn't that most cruisers' dream? The all-inclusive, extra-fee beverage plans aren't necessarily for everyone, but they offer a nice way to enhance your cruise and take some of the stress out of in-the-moment vacation decisions.

Royal Caribbean ships offer a variety of packages, from a simple Water Package that keeps you and your crew hydrated during your cruise to a comprehensive plan that includes most alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Other than the Water Package, which is priced based on the quantity you order, drink packages on Royal Caribbean are priced per person, per day.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The most common questions about Royal Caribbean's drink packages revolve around what each package includes, whether they are worth the price and when is the best time to buy your package. I've tried all of Royal Caribbean's drink packages. I've also cruised without a package. Here's what you need to know to decide if a beverage plan is right for you.

What's included in Royal Caribbean's drink packages?

Royal Caribbean offers a few different drink packages, and the inclusions vary based on your choice. All options include gratuities, and no Royal Caribbean drink package covers room service or minibar drinks. Also, unlimited alcoholic beverage packages may not be available while the ship sails in some locations, so package details may change based on the itinerary.

Related: Cruise drink packages: A line-by-line guide

Water Package

Royal Caribbean's Water Package is available in 12- and 24-packs of 1-liter bottles of Evian water. The bottles will be delivered to your cabin on embarkation day.

If you don't want to pay for a Water Package, you can find drinking water at complimentary drink stations in the buffet area and often in other locations on Royal Caribbean ships. Bring your own reusable bottle and fill it from these stations or straight from the faucet in your cabin. The water throughout the ships is not only drinkable but also better than what's available in many cities. You can also purchase bottles of water a la carte.

Why might you consider a Water Package? If you drink bottled water at home, you may prefer the taste. The package also allows you to have plenty of water on hand in your cabin or to take on excursions.

The downside is that 1-liter bottles are not the ideal size for lugging off the ship with you. You must either bring a reusable bottle or purchase single-serving bottles for port days. You can get these at bars or the gangway as you disembark in each port.

Classic Soft Drinks Package

Royal Caribbean's Soft Drinks Package is for the serious soda drinker. On select ships, the package comes with a souvenir Coca-Cola cup with a chip on the bottom to allow the holder to use the Freestyle soda dispensing machines throughout the ship. The "magic" cup gets you all the refills you want 24 hours a day, with your pick of sodas with add-in flavorings. (Orange Coke is my fave.) Coca-Cola Freestyle machines are available on 18 ships in the fleet.

You can also order a glass of soda at any restaurant or bar on board. Some venues only serve fountain sodas, but others have cans. One big bonus of the package is that sodas on Royal Caribbean's private island destinations ( Perfect Day at Coco Cay and Labadee ) are included. The only time you can't get a free soda with this package is with room service (because room service, other than continental breakfast, comes with a $7.95 service fee, no matter what you order) or from your cabin's minibar.

Related: 8 best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package (and 3 to avoid)

You can bring up to 12 cans of soda (or bottles up to 17 ounces) per person on board with you in your carry-on luggage when you board the ship. So, why would you want a Classic Soft Drinks Package?

It's a question of convenience. I've been known to take a couple of 16-ounce bottles of soda on board with me, but carrying on much more than that is a big hassle. With a Classic Soft Drinks Package, you can easily access your beverage of choice anywhere you are on board — including ordering sodas from roaming bar servers at the pool, in the casino or at events and shows — or on Royal Caribbean's private islands . You don't have to return to your room to grab a soda. It's also great for older kids and teens who might be roaming the ship with friends.

Refreshment Package

This is my favorite Royal Caribbean drink package. It includes still and sparkling water, sodas (with the included Freestyle magic cup), mocktails, premium coffees and teas (but not those from Starbucks stand-alone stores or kiosks) and freshly squeezed juices.

With this package, you can order almost anything nonalcoholic at bars and most restaurants on board. The Refreshment Package does not include shakes at Johnny Rockets, which are only included with the Deluxe Beverage Package.

Even the smoothies and protein shakes at Vitality Cafe and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets are included in this package, as is the sweet tea at Portside BBQ on Oasis of the Seas. Want a strawberry slushy? Order a virgin strawberry daiquiri. Want hot cocoa? Covered. How about a virgin mudslide? A bartender will happily blend up vanilla ice cream, coffee, hazelnut syrup and chocolate syrup into a perfect mocha shake.

As with the Classic Soft Drinks Package, you can order your nonalcoholic beverages, from sparkling water to fancy mocktails, from your pool lounger or blackjack table.

Plus, with the Refreshment Package, you've solved the problem of needing water to take off the ship with you for excursions and what to drink while on the private islands. It's all included in this package.

Deluxe Beverage Package

This package takes all that's available in the Refreshment Package (sodas, water, mocktails, premium coffee and tea, and fresh-squeezed juice) and adds cocktails, spirits and liquors, as well as beer by the bottle or can and wine by the glass.

There are some limits on brands available with the package, but the list includes imported, domestic and craft beer, an extensive wine list and commonly ordered spirit brands on drinks up to $14. Any bar server can tell you what's available on your cruise.

You also get a hefty 40% discount on bottles of wine up to $100 and a 20% discount on bottles over $100. It's handy for sharing a bottle with your travel partner at dinner.

As with the Classic Soft Drinks and Refreshment packages, you can use the Deluxe Beverage Package anywhere on board (except stand-alone Starbucks locations). Use it in restaurants, bars and any other venue where a bar server is present, as well as at either of Royal Caribbean's private island destinations. The Deluxe Beverage Package also includes milkshakes at Johnny Rockets.

This package comes with a few caveats. If one person in a cabin buys this package, everyone of legal drinking age in the cabin must buy the same package, according to cruise line policy. If someone in your room does not drink alcohol, don't worry. I've encountered many people who have called customer service and downgraded one or more non-drinking adults to a Refreshment Package.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise

The package also does not include drinks that come with souvenir glasses, but you can order the same drink in a regular glass.

If your vacation plans include alcoholic beverages, buying this package is a nice way to pay your cruise bar tab in advance rather than deal with the shock of a high bill at the end of the cruise.

Cafe Select Coffee Card

This option is ideal for cruisers who prefer a little fancier caffeine fix than what a simple cup of coffee provides. This card entitles you to any 15 specialty espresso-based coffees throughout your cruise. (This package excludes beverages from Starbucks stores or cafes.) One shot of espresso equals one card punch. If you order a specialty coffee that includes two shots of espresso, you will pay for that one drink with two punches.

Unlike Royal Caribbean's other drink packages, the Cafe Select Coffee Card is not restricted to one person, and anyone in your cabin can use it.

What do Royal Caribbean drink packages cost?

The cruise line uses dynamic pricing on beverage packages the same way it does on cruise fares. That means you won't know the prices for each package before you book a cruise. Demand, destination and promotions play a big part in the pricing, especially for the Deluxe Beverage Package, causing them to fluctuate slightly.

Here's what you can expect a Royal Caribbean drink package to cost:

• Water Package : 12 bottles for $39; 24 bottles for $69
• Classic Soft Drinks Package : $12.99 per person, per day
• Refreshment Package : $29 per person, per day
• Deluxe Beverage Package : $56 to $105 per person, per day (depending on your ship and trip)
• Cafe Select Coffee Card : $31 per card

The prices listed above do not include an automatic 18% gratuity (which is also applied to the coffee card). You'll want to factor that amount into your travel budget if you decide to purchase a package.

You will notice that the Deluxe Beverage Package price range listed above is a bit wider than what is posted on Royal Caribbean's site. Posted price ranges include the disclaimer that prices on individual sailings may vary. We used a realistic range of prices from Royal Caribbean guests who have booked cruises and paid for drink packages in the past 12 months.

The best time to buy Royal Caribbean drink packages

You can purchase a beverage package as soon as you book your cruise, but should you? A lot depends on how soon your ship will depart. If you're sailing within a few months, go ahead and get any packages you plan to buy — unless Black Friday happens before you sail. Black Friday deals on drink packages are generally the lowest you'll find all year.

The package that varies most in price is the Deluxe Beverage Package. Its price is higher during peak travel times and on cruises with stops at private islands. Buying this package ahead of time is always cheaper than purchasing it once you're on board.

Royal Caribbean does advertise price drops and deals for pre-cruise purchases. If you're waiting and hoping for a deal, frequent cruisers report that you should look at the actual price per person, per day, not at the percentage off or BOGO deals, to determine if the package price is where you want it.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

Is a Royal Caribbean drink package worth it?

Now that you know your choices and why you might want each package, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of whether these packages are worth purchasing.

The 1-liter bottles in the Water Package cost roughly the same as a 12-ounce bottle from a bar. That makes this package a deal, but only if you prefer bottled water over taps or dispensers. It's also convenient to have the water delivered to your cabin, eliminating the need to bring a case of bottles on board or search for a bottle when you want water on the ship.

When ordering an individual soda on the ship, your charge will be what you'd expect to pay at a land-based restaurant, plus an 18% gratuity added automatically. When you ask a bar server for a soda on the ship, you'll be charged just over $4 per soda with the tip, regardless of whether it comes in a can or from a fountain.

As the starting point for the Classic Soft Drinks Package is just over $15 per person, per day with the gratuity, you'll need to count on drinking a minimum of four sodas a day for it to be a good value.

If you prefer nonalcoholic beverages, you can expect to pay around $7 for mocktails and protein shakes, $5 for lattes at non-Starbucks locations and close to $9 for smoothies. These prices are before the automatic 18% gratuity.

Here's what your daily consumption might look like on the Refreshment Package: You could start with a morning latte ($6 after you add gratuity), grab water for your excursion ($3.84), enjoy a soda at lunch ($4), sip a couple of mocktails during the afternoon ($8.25 each), have another soda with dinner ($4) and enjoy another mocktail for the show or in the casino ($8.25).

That puts you at over $40 for the day, making the Refreshment Package a deal at $34 (with tip) per person, per day. Drink much less than that, and this Royal Caribbean drink package won't be worth it. The Refreshment Package price varies only slightly between sailings.

For alcoholic drinks, prices vary a lot based on your order. Beer and hard cider average $7 to $9. Wine by the glass is $9 to $25. Cocktails are $10 to $14, except for the drink of the day, which is $8. These prices do not include the 18% gratuity.

When deciding if Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it, be sure to factor in nonalcoholic drinks you are likely to have, not just those with alcohol. How many premium coffees do you drink each day, including one with your dessert at dinner? How many bottles of water and sodas?

The value of those often adds up to $25 or more per day. That leaves you with somewhere between $30 and $80 per day to spend on alcoholic drinks to break even.

If you're lucky and can purchase your package at the lowest possible price, almost anyone who drinks a combination of nonalcoholic drinks and a couple of cocktails daily would break even. But if your purchase price is somewhere in the middle of the price range (where most people land), you would need to consume a minimum of $55 per day beyond the average nonalcoholic beverages to break even. That equals six beers, or four or five glasses of wine or cocktails.

Related: Are cruise drink packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

For fans of specialty coffees, this package could save you money. Based on the price of a single espresso shot latte (about $6 after you add gratuity), you would only get five coffees for roughly the same cost as the coffee card. Since you get 15 single espresso shot beverages with the coffee card, you get more than double the number of coffees for the same price.

Whichever package you choose, your value may also depend on your itinerary and activities. On a Caribbean cruise that includes a sea day or two and a stop at CocoCay, you'll likely drink more — simply because you're relaxing more than touring, and the hot temperatures will make you thirsty.

But what about a port-intensive cruise in Europe where you are off the ship for long hours and likely to be sampling local beverages? In that case, the ship's beverage package might not come through for you.

Combined packages

If you mainly drink specialty coffees and sodas, one way to save a little money on your beverages is to combine the Cafe Select Coffee Card with the Classic Soda Package.

For example, you would need to purchase the Refreshment Package to get both sodas and premium coffees and teas, which is $29 per person, per day. The cost for the Cafe Select Coffee Card with the Classic Soda Package would run you $12.99 per day, plus a one-time cost of $31 for the card. So, for a five-night cruise, the Refreshment Package would cost you $145 per person; the combined Cafe Select Coffee Card and Classic Soda would cost $95.95 per person. You could spend even less if you're traveling with a partner and want to share one coffee card and each get your own soda package.

Additional factors

Before you decide if a Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it, there are two more things to consider: your Crown & Anchor loyalty status and your Casino Royale player status .

If you are a Diamond C&A member, your SeaPass card will be loaded with four free drinks per day. Diamond Plus members get five drinks, and Pinnacle members get six. Those can be water, specialty coffee or tea (other than from Starbucks and Desserted), sodas from bar servers, beer, wine or cocktails up to $14 (except at Bionic Bar).

As for casino perks, if your status is Prime or higher, you can drink free from the casino bar anytime it is open.

Those free perks could make the difference in which package you choose, if any. For example, a Diamond member might use her free drink allotment on cocktails and wine and save money with a Refreshment or Soda Package for her other daily drinks. Or, perhaps, the free drinks are enough that it's cheaper to buy a few nonalcoholic beverages a la carte.

Diamond Plus members also have a discount of 30% on Deluxe Beverage Packages when purchased on board. That's rarely a good deal unless you simply forget to buy in advance, as pre-purchase in the cruise planner or app is almost always at least 30% lower than the onboard price.

Bottom line: Is a drink package on Royal Caribbean right for you?

Now that you have all the facts, there are several ways to look at Royal Caribbean's drink packages to determine if you should get one.

First, consider every kind of drink you will likely pay for on board. Are you happy with beverages that are included in the cruise fare? Those include tap water, drip coffee, tea, milk, lemonade and juice from a dispenser at breakfast. Or, will your vacation only be complete with morning lattes, smoothies, fruity drinks by the pool and wine with dinner?

For some people, it's easy. If you're likely to drink four or five cocktails most days, plus specialty coffee, waters for excursions, soda and a glass of wine at dinner, your total, if purchased individually, would easily exceed $80 per day. Unless your sailing has a higher-than-average price for the package, go for it.

However, if you typically only drink a couple of glasses of wine at dinner, you aren't likely to break even — at least, not on the Deluxe Beverage Package. In that case, skip the package that includes alcohol and do the math on the Refreshment Package.

If you drink soda, the difference in price between the Classic Soft Drinks Package and the Refreshment Package is $16. Almost any combination of two other drinks — lattes, mocktails, smoothies or bottled water — makes the Refreshment Package a deal for you. If you can live without the extras, stick with the soda-only package.

If none of those looks like a bargain, pay as you go. Some people set a daily drink budget and check themselves (or their kids) against their folio in the Royal Caribbean app or on the interactive TV in their cabin. I've even met people who bring cash along to pay their drink balance daily at guest services to stay on track.

The other side of the equation is to factor the price of the drink package into the total vacation cost to make the cruise more of an all-inclusive vacation experience. Think about it like you would an all-inclusive land-based resort. When you vacation at one of those, you not only wouldn't know the price of the drinks you consume, but you also would not care.

If you're more interested in a stress-free vacation where you don't have to agonize about the cost of every drink you consume than you are in paying the least amount of money possible for your vacation, a Royal Caribbean drink package is totally worth it.

The bottom line is that drink packages on Royal Caribbean expand your choices. You can use packages to make your cruise as all-inclusive as you'd like (and maybe save some money in the process), or you can opt to cruise and drink in pay-as-you-go mode. Either way, you'll find plenty of fun cocktails and mocktails, as well as your favorite wine and beer, to enhance your vacation at sea.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Pointe Bahamas

Spring is all about renewal — whether that means recently renovated hotels reopening their doors for the summer season, new seasonal menus turning over at culinary-driven resorts, or most importantly, new travel savings . After a long winter, spring is when the itch returns to get outside more, and each of these hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, and vacation packages offer incredible savings so you can do just that. It doesn’t matter if you’re booking last minute, a Type A planner who needs everything booked six months in advance, or are just casually window-shopping your potential next vacation because there are lots of spring and early summer travel savings right here for your review. 

Remember to act quickly on these travel discounts and read the fine print, as many deals have different booking windows, blackout dates, and other stipulations. Some come with additional perks, too — everything from free breakfast to take-home gifts you’ll treasure. Whether you’re following the F1 circuit , taking in the Lower Mekong , enjoying a New York spring , or an idyllic Swiss summer by the lake , these are some of the best travel deals for enjoying nature’s most splendid season on your next trip. 

Best Hotel Deals 

Tierra Magnifica

Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne: Located on Switzerland’s glimmering Lake Lucerne, this stunning luxury hotel has a gawk-worthy spa with one of the most epic infinity pools and beautiful grounds to match. Currently, tennis fans looking to take advantage of the glorious spring weather can get in on their exquisite courts by taking advantage of a Tennis & Stay package . Available for stays now through October 31, 2024, it includes overnight accommodations with breakfast included, use of their top-notch Diamond Domes tennis courts, a one-hour session and equipment rental with a tennis pro, and cryotherapy recovery sessions — not to mention access to the spa. The hotel, which was once frequented by the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Sofia Lauren, also recently launched a new pickleball program you can experience should you want to take a day off from tennis. 

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort: Bookable through May 14, 2024, kids and teens (17 and under) stay and eat for free at one of hot-spot Tulum's most popular eco-chic resorts. To take advantage of this deal, you must travel by October 31, 2024, with a three-night minimum stay.

Callicoon Hills: The Catskills come alive in the spring, and this bucolic resort is perfectly positioned close to the trendy town of Callicoon, where there’s an adorable and tasty, new restaurant, The Tasting Room at Catskill Provisions Distillery , and a cool new mercantile-meets-bar called Black Walnut . Take it all in by picking any one of the hotel’s current multiple offers , which include 25 percent off the best flexible rate for midweek stays, 20 percent off for stays booked 60 days in advance, or bring the whole crew and save 20 percent off their group glamping experience. Terms and conditions apply, so make sure to read the fine print. 

Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne

Public Hotel of New York: In the heart of New York City’s vibrant East Village, Public Hotel puts contemporary luxury within reach right in time for Memorial Day weekend with an impressive deal . Stay Friday, May 24 through Sunday, May 26, 2024, and get 50 percent off Sunday night, or stay Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27, 2024, and get 50 percent off both Sunday and Monday nights — not too shabby, huh?

Montage Deer Valley: Already known for being a best-in-class Deer Valley ski hotel, you’ll find incredible savings and beauty in the Wasatch Mountains come spring. Montage has a pretty easy way to save, simply book 14 days in advance to receive 15 percent savings on the best available rate; or, book three consecutive nights and get a fourth night free to take in the season’s beautiful wildflowers. You can also indulge in an elevated dining experience at their on-site fine dining restaurant, Apex. Check Montage’s offer page for more details and booking availability. 

Tierra Magnifica Resort Costa Rica : This 14-room, adults-only luxury boutique resort is the perfect romantic getaway, with panoramic ocean views, an on-site waterfall, and lush jungle scenery in the laid-back town of Nosara, Costa Rica. From now until September 30, 2024, it's offering a 15 percent discount on all room rates , which includes a welcome cocktail and appetizer, a full à la carte breakfast every morning, entry to the private Playa Guiones Beach Club, and complimentary morning yoga. 

Casa Kimberly

Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove: Stay three, pay two. That’s right — a whole night free in The Grove, one of Miami’s most celebrated neighborhoods. Right on the beach with dazzling ocean views, Mr. C Miami is exactly where you’ll want to spend the best days of summer. 

Casa Kimberly: Casa Kimberly, a nine-suite luxury boutique hotel in Puerto Vallarta, was once the love nest of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Though the duo was known for their opulence, savvy travelers can get in on frugal savings by booking a two-night stay to receive a third night free — all in addition to daily continental breakfast overlooking Banderas Bay. The offer is valid until October 31, 2024, and there are even better rates and more savings if you book in June. 

Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas: Enjoy 25 percent off Specialty Suite rates at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas for visits through December 28, 2024, in honor of its 25th anniversary. Be among the first to indulge in the hotel’s newly reimagined luxury suites, perfect for entertaining family, friends, and colleagues.

Mr Coconut Grove

British Colonial Nassau: Against the stunning beauty of the Caribbean Sea, the British Colonial Hotel offers travelers an escape to total luxury. The Endless Summer in Nassau deal features up to 30 percent off your stay and a $50 food and beverage credit on visits from May 28 to September 9, 2024.

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa : Set on the pristine shores of Mirror Lake and a short walk from the picturesque Main Street of Lake Placid, New York, this historic inn is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a special package that includes a hearty breakfast every morning and a $100 resort credit per day. This can't-miss deal is available through June 27, 2024. 

Mondrian South Beach: Celebrate Pride Month bayside at Mondrian South Beach in Miami with 20 percent off the best available rate , two complimentary glasses of rosé per booking, and 20 percent off a couples massage at The Spa at Baia Beach Club. Stay dates run from June 1 to August 31, 2024.

Hotel del Coronado : From sunbathing on a beach daybed or in a pool cabana to roasting s'mores at night, Hotel del Coronado has everything you need for a picture-perfect beach day on an idyllic island just off the coast of San Diego, California. And, for a limited time only, the Beach Escape package will offer a $150 daily resort credit for The Views and The Cabanas or a $200 daily resort credit for Beach Village and Shore House — so you can experience more, for less. 

The Standard: This luxury brand is offering the chance to win a one-night stay for only $25 at any Standard hotel worldwide. The Silver Sleepover Sweepstakes runs through May 24, and the hotel is also running a deal from May 25 to June 25, 2024, for 25 percent off all rooms booked through the end of the year across select properties.

Evo Hotel Salt Lake City : A trip to the great outdoors just isn't the same if you can't bring your trusty pup along. Luckily, Salt Lake City's Evo Hotel is so pet-friendly, you'll never have to choose. It's got all the gear you need for spring activities, as well as a cafe and rooftop bar where you can relax and connect with like-minded nature lovers. With the Stay More, Save More package , guests can enjoy up to 20 percent off a three-night stay, 30 percent off rentals at the onsite retail store, complimentary access for two to The Bouldering Project and All Together Skate Park, and more.

Celebrity Cruises

Heritage Line: Featuring more intimate ship sizes, Heritage offers ultra-lux river cruises sailing the enchanting waterways of Southeast Asia, each with its own theme and a suite of amazing amenities like wellness studios and handsome jacuzzi pools to accompany your journey. Bookings for sailings between June and September 2024 will receive up to 20 percent off . Itineraries include a Lower Mekong cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia, and seven nights from Siem Reap to Saigon. 

Celebrity: Snag an early discount on summer cruises across the board with Celebrity. The best deals include a seven-night Alaska journey, starting at $348 per person, and a six-night romp through the Western Caribbean, starting at $1,071 per person. 

Royal Caribbean: Take 60 percent off on a second guest using the promo code BOGO60 for trips booked until the end of May, departing on or after June 2, 2024. This offer can be combined with Kids Sail Free, so it’s ideal for those looking to make their vacation more of a family affair. 

Heritage Line

Viking: Sophisticated (and foodie) cruisers will want to take advantage of special offers on all-inclusive river voyages across Egypt and Europe. Spring sale prices are available until May 31, 2024, and you can even get free international airfare and reduced fares on some voyages for 2024 through 2026.

Hurtigruten Expeditions: Ever dreamt of being a modern-day Shackleton or Amundsen? Travelers who book through June 30, 2024, can save up to 45 percent on expedition cruises to exotic destinations like Alaska, Svalbard, the Galápagos, Greenland, Iceland, and the Northwest Passage, not to mention Antarctica. 

Sail Croatia

Ponant: Known as the cruise line with a sophisticated French touch, Pontant Cruises has an easy way to help you save: refer a friend. By simply referring someone to Ponant Cruises, both you and your referee will receive $800 AUD ($525 USD) off your staterooms after the referee has booked their first cruise. This offer may be accumulated and the number of referrals is unlimited. Ponant also has sliding scale discounts of up to 40 percent off on chained cruises , allowing you to save on multi-cruise itineraries you might already have your eye on. 

Sail Croatia : For a truly unique way to experience the calm spring or glimmering summertime on the Dalmatian Coast, Sail Croatia has three new cruise itineraries: one that caters to culture junkies, one for yoga lovers, and one for wine aficionados. And if you book through May 31, 2024 (although we hear it’s likely to be extended into June as well), you can enjoy 10 percent off through its Spring Special . 

JetBlue: Fly Deals for May (and beyond!) bring huge price cuts to flights across the United States and some nearby international destinations, too. Skip over to Miami, Chicago, Portland, or West Palm Beach from New York City for less than $100 one way. 

Frontier: Jump on the Frontier Airlines GoWild! All You Can Fly Summer Pass with a limited-time offer of $399 for the year. The summer pass lasts through the end of September 2024 for all your summer travel planning needs.  

Play: Starting May 8, 2024, low-cost Icelandic airline Play will give away free flights for a year to one lucky winner. It's also offering 25 percent off flights to 10 popular European destinations including Iceland, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Paris, Stockholm, and more glorious Euro summer bucket list destinations. Move fast, though, because the deal ends on May 15, 2024.

United: Despite the busy travel season coming up, one of the U.S.’s major airline carriers still has deals for flights from our country’s largest metro areas , including Chicago, Houston, Denver, San Francisco, and more. For select August dates, amazing round-trip savings like Denver to San Francisco ($177), Washington D.C. to Los Angeles ($197), and Los Angeles to Newark ($248) are currently up for grabs. 

Qatar Airlines: Go full throttle on early summer savings to international destinations, including Nairobi, Mumbai, and Kuala Lumpur; or, get up to 12 percent off flights to cities where F1 races are taking place , an offer that’s valid for the entire duration of 2024 Formula 1 scheduled races. The airline also recently unveiled its Privilege Club Credit Cards in the U.S., allowing travelers to earn Avios rewards on everyday purchases towards flights on the respected carrier known for its Q-Suites, and the card even lets you fast-track certain levels of status, too. Secure one in time for summer travel and you’ll reap the benefits of priority stand-by, check-in, and boarding, as well as two guest lounge passes each year.

Margaritaville Resorts

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe: Kick back into summer mode — the relaxation will be all that sweeter with 30 percent savings when you extend your summer stay at Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe. Use the Summerzcool offer to book travel from May 28 to September 9, 2024. 

Avani Rio Novo Venice Hotel: Venice is always a good idea, especially when you can take in the Venice Biennale, one of the world's most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions, with an exclusive two-night stay offer on travel through November 24, 2024. Amenities include a complimentary Avani signature cocktail, an authentic Venetian “cicchetto” snack, and an exclusive souvenir from the Biennale.

Avani Hotels

Avani+ Khao Lak Resort: Thailand is the land of tropical dreams, which is why the aptly named Tropical Dream Getaway will pique the interest of any Southeast Asia-bound traveler. Book the stunning Avani+ Khao Lak Resort and nab 25 percent off spa treatments with the flexibility to change your dates. You’ve even got time on this one because it’s available through November 2024. 

Apple Vacations: Bundle your flight and hotel to take in the alluring spring smells of Hawaii and save $250 per booking on vacation package reservations. Book through June 30, 2024, on travel dates through December 15, 2024, using promo code HAWAII24 . 

Travelzoo: A 5-star all-inclusive escape to Cancun (with flights!) for $599 — this one is hard to pass up. Booking dates run through August 2024. 

Priceline: Save up to 30 percent on rooms at select Disney World Resort hotels for visits through October 3, 2024 . Lucky Florida residents receive even more discounts. 

Hotels.com: It pays to be a planner. Save 25 percent or more on members-only early summer deals . Join the Hotel.com reward program and book by May 26, 2024, for travel through September 30, 2024 — you won’t regret it.

Booking.com: For 15 percent or more off your next adventure , book a stay at participating properties worldwide anytime through September 30, 2024. Some Getaway Deals feature an eye-popping 50 percent in savings! 

Travelocity: Take advantage of Travelocity’s ongoing Savor the Sun Sale with 25 percent off or more on select hotels with Member Prices. Top destinations include Paris, New York, San Francisco, and Honolulu.

Expedia: Save up to 19 percent on summer flights and hotel packages booked through Expedia. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, all-inclusive luxury, or a high-thrill adventure, there’s a combo that will make your wanderlust heart sing.   

Trip.com: In a hurry when you land? Trip.com is offering several special flight deals on pre-clearance Aer Lingus flights between London and select U.S. cities starting at $688. The promotion ends on June 4, 2024. 

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Related Articles

You asked: Do I need a passport for my cruise?

By The Way Concierge digs into the (surprisingly) complicated rules for travel by sea.

Traveling has always come with complications. Our By The Way Concierge column will take your travel dilemmas to the experts to help you navigate the unexpected. Want to see your question answered? Submit it here .

We’re going on a very short cruise from California to Mexico this spring. Do we need passports for our kids, even if we don’t get off the ship? — Ben, Springfield, Va.

There’s a difference between what you need and what is a good idea to have.

Let’s begin with the first: On most cruise lines and for most itineraries, a voyage that starts and ends at the same U.S. port and stays in the Western Hemisphere will not require any American citizen — child or adult — to have a passport.

These are called closed-loop cruises, and they only need proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate plus a government-issued photo ID, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection . For people under 16, a birth certificate will suffice. Popular cruise lines including Carnival , Royal Caribbean and Norwegian detail their requirements and any exceptions online.

A sailing that leaves from one U.S. port and ends at another — or starts in the United States and ends at a foreign destination — would not be classified as a closed-loop cruise. Everyone, including kids, would need a passport in that case.

There are some caveats, warns Teresa Tennant, senior vice president of the travel planning company Cruise Specialists . Some cruise companies, including Holland America Line and Princess Cruises , say that all members of a party must have a passport if minors are traveling with only one adult.

Some other cruise lines, such as the luxury Regent Seven Seas Cruises, require a passport for all sailings.

“It’s important to always check with the cruise line, because they can set their own rules that are actually above and beyond,” Tennant said.

Customs and Border Protection also urges travelers to check with their cruise company, travel agent and destination to confirm what’s required to enter foreign countries on an itinerary.

Whether or not you are required to have a passport, cruise lines and experts say it’s smart to have one before setting sail. The task isn’t quite as onerous as it used to be, now that wait times have returned to pre-pandemic norms of six to eight weeks for routine service and two to three weeks for the expedited process.

Cruise lines say they strongly recommend that passengers opt for the passport over other forms of identification.

“A passport is the hassle-free, gold standard for traveling between countries,” Royal Caribbean says on its website. “Boarding and disembarking through customs with a passport is usually faster than other types of ID documents.”

The U.S. State Department says travelers might need their passport “in the event of an unexpected medical evacuation or if the ship docks at an alternate port.” Travelers would also need their passports if they showed up late in a foreign port and the ship left without them — which has happened to some U.S. passengers recently.

“You should bring your passport even if your cruise says you won’t need it,” the State Department says on its information page for cruise ship passengers.

Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of the news and review site Cruise Critic , said in an email that it would be much more difficult to get home without a passport if someone had to leave the ship.

“In such a case, you might have to rely on help from a U.S. embassy or consulate to return, which can take time,” she said.

Have a travel dilemma for By The Way Concierge? Send it to us here .

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .