A 3-night Bahamas cruise costs $600–$1,400 all-in for two adults. The short length makes gratuities and fees a larger percentage of total spend than on longer sailings.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
A 3-night Bahamas cruise is the most popular "intro to cruising" trip — and it's frequently misunderstood on pricing. Here's the honest breakdown.
All-in cost for 2 adults, 3 nights
| Cost item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise fare (per person) | $199 | $350 |
| Gratuities ($18/pp/day) | $108 | $108 |
| Port fees & taxes | $80 | $80 |
| Drink package (optional) | $0 | $300 ea ($600) |
| WiFi (optional) | $0 | $60 ea ($120) |
| Total for 2 adults | ~$586 | ~$1,258 |
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Why short cruises can feel expensive per day
At $18/person/day in gratuities, a 3-night trip adds $108 in fees that a 7-night spreads across more days. The base fare discount disappears when you factor gratuities, port fees, and any add-ons.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Which lines run Bahamas 3-night trips?
- Royal Caribbean from Miami/Port Canaveral to Nassau/Perfect Day at CocoCay
- Carnival from Miami/Port Canaveral to Nassau/Freeport
- MSC from Miami with stops at Ocean Cay (private island)
- Norwegian from Miami
Worth it for a first cruise?
Yes — it's a low-commitment way to test cruising. CocoCay (Royal Caribbean) and Ocean Cay (MSC) are genuinely excellent private island experiences. Nassau is fine but skip it for the beach; head to Blue Lagoon or Atlantis instead.
Best way to save
Buy the drink package before you sail — it's 20–30% cheaper pre-cruise. And skip the cruise line excursions in Nassau; independent operators charge a fraction of the price for the same tours.