Although cruising has gotten more expensive, it's still possible to find a good deal on a Royal Caribbean cruise — but if you're only looking for the cheapest option, you may end up disappointed.
While establishing a budget and sticking to it is an important planning step, it shouldn't be the only factor guiding your decision-making.
Oftentimes, the cheapest sailings are on older ships in windowless inside cabins. Not only that, but the dates may be during the shoulder season, which might limit your flexibility when it comes to choosing itineraries or taking time off work.
Balancing cost with your priorities and expectations is the best way to ensure that you have an unforgettable vacation at sea. In this article, we'll break down five reasons you should never choose a cruise solely based on the cost.
Cheap cruises tend to be on older ships with fewer amenities
New cruise ships are packed from bow to stern with activities, restaurants, and entertainment options. However, while ships like Icon and Star of the Seas might be the focus of the cruise line's advertising, the fleet encompasses far more than mega-ships, and the older vessels are still popular among loyal fans — though some are nearing 30 years old.
Still, if you're someone who was captivated by a commercial with water slides, surfing simulators, zip lines, and ice skating rinks, you may find that Royal Caribbean's oldest ships don't have the same WOW factor.
Older vessels, like the Vision and Radiance Class ships, are still a solid choice for travelers who prioritize value over the latest amenities. However, if you're traveling with kids who need constant stimulation or consider yourself an adrenaline junkie, a newer ship, even if it's a Voyager or Freedom Class vessel, may better meet your needs and expectations.
Read more: What you gain (and lose) by choosing an older cruise ship
The cost per day on shorter cruises is higher, even if the overall price is lower than a weeklong sailing
"Cheap" isn't synonymous with "value." As such, it’s important to look beyond the total price and consider the cost per day to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck.
To give you an example, we'll compare the cost of short and long Royal Caribbean cruise sailings on similar ships and itineraries. Note that these prices were accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change based on demand and availability.
Utopia of the Seas, June 4-7, 2027
- Interior: $1,010/person (~$337 per night)
- Outside View: $1,080/person (~$360 per night)
- Balcony: $1,150/person (~$383 per night)
- Suite: $1,878/person (~$626 per night)
Allure of the Seas, June 6-12, 2027
- Interior: $1,258/person (~$210 per night)
- Outside View: $1,408/person (~$235 per night)
- Balcony: $1,485/person (~$248 per night)
- Suite: $3,346/person (~$558 per night)
At first glance, the 3-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas appears to be the better deal due to its lower total price, starting at just around $1,000 per person for an interior cabin. However, when broken down by night, the 6-night Allure of the Seas sailing offers double the time on board for only a modest increase in overall cost. This results in a lower per-day price and a greater overall value.
In fact, you could book a balcony cabin on Allure of the Seas for a lower per-night cost compared to a windowless interior stateroom on Utopia of the Seas.
Read more: Should you take a short cruise from Florida? Pros and cons of cheap weekend getaways
You could travel during a region's shoulder season and experience unfavorable weather
Sailing to The Bahamas in January, for example, is much cheaper than in June, July, or August. That's because winter weather in The Bahamas is cooler and less predictable.
In January and early February of 2026, multiple ships had their scheduled visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay canceled due to high winds and rogue waves. Some guests ended up with an extra sea day, while some missed out on all scheduled ports, resulting in "cruises to nowhere."
While taking a cruise during hurricane season is risky, inclement weather isn’t limited to just one time of year, and sailing during shoulder season can still lead to itinerary changes, missed ports, or cooler-than-expected temperatures that put a damper on your Bahamian beach day.
The lowest rate on any sailing is often for tiny interior staterooms
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right cruise room, and price is only one of them. Generally speaking, windowless inside cabins are the most affordable, and while they may be perfect for some travelers, others avoid them at all costs.
Do you want to wake up and admire the passing scenery or have the morning sunlight illuminate your cabin? If so, an outside view stateroom or balcony will be a better fit, even if they cost a bit more.
Other considerations include cabin size, location, and proximity to public venues. For instance, you may not want to be located near the casino or nightclub. As such, it might be in your best interest to pay to select your specific stateroom, rather than rely on luck with a cheaper guaranteed room rate.
Read more: Cruise ship rooms on Royal Caribbean: How to choose the best cabin
Royal Caribbean cruises are not all-inclusive, so you'll need to budget for other add-ons
Finally, Royal Caribbean's base fare only covers your accommodation, complimentary meals, select beverages, transportation, entertainment, and most onboard activities. However, it does not include add-ons like drink packages, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi.
These extras can significantly increase the total cost of your vacation, regardless of whether you're eyeing a 3-night getaway or a weeklong adventure. For example, Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package costs anywhere from $56 to $115 per person, per night.
As such, booking the cheapest cruise does not necessarily mean that your entire vacation will be inexpensive, so planning ahead for the additional expenses is essential to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Read more: When should you buy Royal Caribbean drink package, wifi, tours & other add-ons
