Carnival is consistently the cheapest major cruise line for Caribbean sailings. MSC is cheapest for Mediterranean. For all-inclusive value, MSC and Norwegian Free at Sea often beat Carnival on total all-in cost.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
The answer depends on what "cheapest" means — lowest base fare, or lowest total cost including all add-ons. Here's the honest ranking.
Cheapest cruise lines by base fare
1. Carnival — Consistently lowest base fares in North America, especially for Caribbean sailings from US ports. 3-night Bahamas cruises from $179/person are real (though total cost is higher with fees and gratuities).
2. MSC Cruises — Cheapest for Mediterranean itineraries. Caribbean sailings are competitive with Carnival. Gratuities are $14/person/day vs. Carnival's $16.
3. Norwegian Cruise Line — Base fares higher than Carnival, but Free at Sea promotions can make the all-in cost very competitive.
4. Royal Caribbean — Mid-range pricing, but frequent sales.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
All-in cost comparison, 7-night Caribbean for 2 adults
| Line | Base fare | + Gratuities | + Port fees | All-in (no extras) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | $1,198 | $224 | $160 | $1,582 |
| MSC | $998 | $196 | $160 | $1,354 |
| Norwegian | $1,398 | $280 | $180 | $1,858 |
| Royal Caribbean | $1,398 | $252 | $220 | $1,870 |
Base fares represent typical promotional pricing, per couple.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
Cheapest cruise experiences worth sailing
Carnival is genuinely good for what it is — fun, rowdy, great food (Guy Fieri's BBQ, Cucina del Capitano), and solid entertainment. It's the "Southwest Airlines of cruising" and there's nothing wrong with that.
MSC has excellent modern ships, and Ocean Cay private island in the Bahamas is legitimately world-class.
What "cheap" actually costs you
- Shorter ships — Older vessels have fewer amenities
- Limited dining options — Fewer specialty restaurants
- Bigger crowds per staff member — Service is more stretched
- Less polished entertainment on some vessels
For most first-time or budget cruisers, Carnival and MSC deliver excellent value. Don't let snobs tell you otherwise.