Cruise Fever Article-Average Cost of Stateroom per night Across Cruise Lines

[MrMagoo]

Cruise fever has an article comparing the average cost per night of staterooms across Cruise Lines.
I think we all know Disney is expensive but this is eye opening.

Per Cruise Fever:

Daily Average Cost of 2026 Cruises (Two Passengers)​

MSC Cruises	$272	$314	$353
Princess Cruises	$281	$330	$386
Carnival	$287	$338	$396
Celebrity Cruises	$351	$382	$434
Virgin Voyages	$340	$400	$468
Royal Caribbean	$352	$400	$469
Holland America	$349	$387	$512
Norwegian	$391	$467	$555
Disney	$728	$790	$905

[th]Cruise Line[/th] [th]Inside[/th] [th]O. View[/th] [th]Balcony[/th]

((It did not show right in preview when I looked but column one is inside, column two is ocean view, and column three is balcony.)



Here is the link to the article:

https://cruisefever.net/interior-to...ruise-lines-differ-in-how-much-upgrades-cost/

We all know Disney is more expensive but this is really eye opening!
I realize there can be many variables as to why Disney was the most expensive.
It does sound like the author did a lot of research into the prices, though, by analyzing prices across 365 days and over 2000 sailings.

Interesting article, though!

 

[LAS2AMS]

Disney’s always double and even triple the price for comparable itineraries so it’s no surprises. But I question the method in how the data was processed. Carnival Crop owns Carnival, Princess and per their own financial calls, Holland and Princess/ Hollander generate similar average nightly rates, with Carnival being cheaper.

There’s a lot of variables, too. Royal charges far more for its Oasis/ Icon/ Quantum ships than the rest of the fleet. And the longer your cruise is, the cheaper the nightly rate. That makes a big diff when r most DLC cruises are 5 nights or less, compared to 10+ on Princess.

 

[Lorana]

One thing that affects prices may also be how Disney doesn’t release itineraries very far in advance. I’ve been able to realize great savings sometimes by booking NCL and RCCL 2-3 years in advance. But Disney often doesn’t release itineraries till 12-18 months in advance. I think this allows them to start at higher prices, since most other major cruises have increased in price by the time you’re that close to the sail date, too.

Disney also for a very long time only had 4 ships, and they were high in demand, so it was easier to have very high rates. Other cruise lines could charge the higher rates for their newest ships due to demand but had to be far more competitive in pricing with the rest of their fleet due to the sheer number of ships out there.

Now I’m hoping Disney cruise rates come down as I prefer to sail Disney. Over the years we’ve done 10 Disney Cruises, 6 NCL, 4 RCCL, and 1 Costa Cruise, and Disney is our favorite - but for some bigger itineraries like Alaska, Europe and Mediterranean, we just could never justify the nearly double cost over mainstream lines and so sailed on other ships.

One thing we did notice though is that once we added up all the additional costs on dining, soda and drink packages, etc on NCL and RCCL, the cost difference between Disney and the other lines was not as much as seemed initially, because those costs are baked into the Disney price.

We also found that the level of service we got was always better on Disney, and that crew just seemed happier to engage with guests. We also like not having a casino onboard. On longer sailings, though, my kids are unhappy that the buffet isn’t open for dinner.

I do hope with the size the fleet will be in the next 5+ years that the prices will come down more, especially on the older ships, but that it won’t come at the sacrifice of service, entertainment and quality like seems to be happening in the parks these days.

 

[John VN]

One thing that affects prices may also be how Disney doesn’t release itineraries very far in advance. I’ve been able to realize great savings sometimes by booking NCL and RCCL 2-3 years in advance. But Disney often doesn’t release itineraries till 12-18 months in advance. I think this allows them to start at higher prices, since most other major cruises have increased in price by the time you’re that close to the sail date, too.

Disney also for a very long time only had 4 ships, and they were high in demand, so it was easier to have very high rates. Other cruise lines could charge the higher rates for their newest ships due to demand but had to be far more competitive in pricing with the rest of their fleet due to the sheer number of ships out there.

Now I’m hoping Disney cruise rates come down as I prefer to sail Disney. Over the years we’ve done 10 Disney Cruises, 6 NCL, 4 RCCL, and 1 Costa Cruise, and Disney is our favorite - but for some bigger itineraries like Alaska, Europe and Mediterranean, we just could never justify the nearly double cost over mainstream lines and so sailed on other ships.

One thing we did notice though is that once we added up all the additional costs on dining, soda and drink packages, etc on NCL and RCCL, the cost difference between Disney and the other lines was not as much as seemed initially, because those costs are baked into the Disney price.

We also found that the level of service we got was always better on Disney, and that crew just seemed happier to engage with guests. We also like not having a casino onboard. On longer sailings, though, my kids are unhappy that the buffet isn’t open for dinner.

I do hope with the size the fleet will be in the next 5+ years that the prices will come down more, especially on the older ships, but that it won’t come at the sacrifice of service, entertainment and quality like seems to be happening in the parks these days.

May 2026 is randomly checked --- but what does $66.00 MORE than DCL really provide????

DCL a 4 day on Wish from PC on 5/4/2026 -- $3,308 least expensive Verandah 243sq/ft includes verandah and $6,919 for Concierge

MSC a 4 day on Seashore from PC on 5/3/2026 -- $3,462 least expensive YC verandah 269sq/ft + 86sq/ft verandah(355sq/ft total or $2,382 for Interior YC 226sq/ft

what MSC Yacht CLUB is all about https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise/msc-yacht-club

 

[LAS2AMS]

One thing we did notice though is that once we added up all the additional costs on dining, soda and drink packages, etc on NCL and RCCL, the cost difference between Disney and the other lines was not as much as seemed initially, because those costs are baked into the Disney price.

That’s not accurate. The only thing DCL includes in its base price that its mainstream competition doesn’t, is soda and room service.

NCL’s “Free At Sea” includes soda, alcohol, a couple premium dining experiences, limited internet and more. It’s going to be significantly cheaper than DCL.

Alcohol is more expensive on Disney. Lots of people drink on Disney, for for some reason this fourm likes to pretend they don’t. On RCL, Carnival, etc. these people would spend less money on a drink package that includes… soda! And often soda is thrown in for the kids, free. Otherwise, purchasing soda at $3 each isn’t going to do much to close that gap.

Disney rotational dining is simply MDR food in a themed environment. The food in the upcharge restaurants on Carnival, Royal, etc. is a few steps above.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

People tend to be shocked that a cruise lines several levels above DCL could be less expensive than DCL with more included but alas it is true. Virgin Voyages can be expensive too more when you do the Rock Star suites.

I've seen the articles before where they compare longitudinally across lines as well as days of the week as well as type of cabin so it's been done before. We all justify in our own ways the pricing of whatever we're purchasing.

 

[Lesverts]

That’s not accurate. The only thing DCL includes in its base price that its mainstream competition doesn’t, is soda and room service.

NCL’s “Free At Sea” includes soda, alcohol, a couple premium dining experiences, limited internet and more. It’s going to be significantly cheaper than DCL.

Alcohol is more expensive on Disney. Lots of people drink on Disney, for for some reason this fourm likes to pretend they don’t. On RCL, Carnival, etc. these people would spend less money on a drink package that includes… soda! And often soda is thrown in for the kids, free. Otherwise, purchasing soda at $3 each isn’t going to do much to close that gap.

Disney rotational dining is simply MDR food in a themed environment. The food in the upcharge restaurants on Carnival, Royal, etc. is a few steps above.

Can also add that you do not have to do any of those upcharges. You do not even have to take 'free at sea' and the additional fees and service charges that come with it. You can just 'old school emma cruises' it (I do not like how sponsored she has become) and still have a good vacation.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

the cost difference between Disney and the other lines was not as much as seemed initially, because those costs are baked into the Disney price.

The luxury/ultra luxury cruise lines do this and include more than DCL does. I have mentioned before that the upcoming cruise at the end of March priced out with a comparable itinerary with DCL (this was Europe but still) was $6K less for two people than DCL was and that was the cruise fare. With DCL you'd have wifi charges, you'd have alcohol charges, you'd have gratuity charges including the 18% for non-included stuff, you'd have additional charge for the specialty restaurant and activities on board none of which I have to pay additional for.

Yeah I know European cruises with DCL is very pricey but IMO people really should be doing the price comparison out much more than they think they are when they believe that DCL just bakes things into the cost that are more basic stuff. DCL charges quite a lot in large respects because they have a captive audience looking for Disney content as well as a cruise line highly focused on children and at least on the Disney content they are the only ones who can really do that and they dedicate an entire cruise line to that effort.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

You can just 'old school emma cruises' it (I do not like how sponsored she has become) and still have a good vacation.

I swear sometimes I watch her videos just to figure out what type of room I would never book

 

[LAS2AMS]

The luxury/ultra luxury cruise lines do this and include more than DCL does. I have mentioned before that the upcoming cruise at the end of March priced out with a comparable itinerary with DCL (this was Europe but still) was $6K less for two people than DCL was and that was the cruise fare. With DCL you'd have wifi charges, you'd have alcohol charges, you'd have gratuity charges including the 18% for non-included stuff, you'd have additional charge for the specialty restaurant and activities on board none of which I have to pay additional for.

It's written almost daily on here that DCL is a true all-inclusive compared to other lines, but that's simply not true. DCL includes soda and room service; the latter's menu is so limited that few people take advantage of it. Other cruise lines offer packages that DCL does not -- NCL's "Free At Sea," Princess's Plus, drink packages, etc. As I mentioned above, many DCL passengers could get a drink package for less than what they're spending on drinks on Disney, and that package includes soda -- often for free for the kids.

DCL is a terrible value. You'll get more for your money elsewhere. When you look at things objectively, you realize the food and service is very similar across all mainstream lines. We still occasionally sail DCL because we enjoy the Disney ambiance -- nobody can replicate that and we're willing to pay for it.

 

[Kwami]

That’s not accurate. The only thing DCL includes in its base price that its mainstream competition doesn’t, is soda and room service.

NCL’s “Free At Sea” includes soda, alcohol, a couple premium dining experiences, limited internet and more. It’s going to be significantly cheaper than DCL.

Alcohol is more expensive on Disney. Lots of people drink on Disney, for for some reason this fourm likes to pretend they don’t. On RCL, Carnival, etc. these people would spend less money on a drink package that includes… soda! And often soda is thrown in for the kids, free. Otherwise, purchasing soda at $3 each isn’t going to do much to close that gap.

Disney rotational dining is simply MDR food in a themed environment. The food in the upcharge restaurants on Carnival, Royal, etc. is a few steps above.

NCL's package isn't actually free, though. They still charge you gratuities. I took a 10-night NCL cruise last year and the "free" drinks package was ~$460 for two people. I skipped that since I don't drink alcohol and instead used the money to get a better room. And on that topic, the balcony rooms on NCL's ship (Getaway) are smaller than Disney's and they don't have showers. The upgraded "club" balcony is more comparable to a Disney verandah room.

And a soda on NCL was $3.50 plus a 20% gratuity, which totals $4.20.

NCL doesn't let adults get the soda package for "free".

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

It's written almost daily on here that DCL is a true all-inclusive compared to other lines, but that's simply not true. DCL includes soda and room service; the latter's menu is so limited that few people take advantage of it. Other cruise lines offer packages that DCL does not -- NCL's "Free At Sea," Princess's Plus, drink packages, etc. As I mentioned above, many DCL passengers could get a drink package for less than what they're spending on drinks on Disney, and that package includes soda -- often for free for the kids.

DCL is a terrible value. You'll get more for your money elsewhere. When you look at things objectively, you realize the food and service is very similar across all mainstream lines. We still occasionally sail DCL because we enjoy the Disney ambiance -- nobody can replicate that and we're willing to pay for it.

I don't want to make it like DCL is awful as I have friends that sail it and love it and it has it's place in the industry as a niche line but it's more about countering the discussion around why DCL charges what they charge. It's not that it's never true that DCL is less than other lines but it's also not because pop is included when it is or that it's more than other lines because pop is included (pop being the extreme example used on purpose).

 

[LAS2AMS]

NCL's package isn't actually free, though. They still charge you gratuities. I took a 10-night NCL cruise last year and the "free" drinks package was ~$460 for two people. I skipped that since I don't drink alcohol and instead used the money to get a better room. And on that topic, the balcony rooms on NCL's ship (Getaway) are smaller than Disney's and they don't have showers. The upgraded "club" balcony is more comparable to a Disney verandah room.

And a soda on NCL was $3.50 plus a 20% gratuity, which totals $4.20.

NCL doesn't let adults get the soda package for "free".

Free At Sea is the name of the program. Most cruise lines charge gratuity on packages, so technically it is free. Regardless, with the drink package you get soda, coffe, juice, etc. it’s a very good value, and again you’re getting money for way less money than DCL.

$3.50 is probably canned soda - fountain is cheaper.

 

[AnnaS]

We have only cruised Disney. Are the kids clubs free on the other cruise line also? Are tips included in all of these prices. Just curious.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Are tips included in all of these prices.

Of the list mentioned in the OP, Virgin Voyages includes tips (for reference Virgin Voyages is 18+ so kids clubs aren't a thing).

 

[LAS2AMS]

Some cruise lines have promotions that include gratuities, others you can buy packages.

Princess Plus is $60pp per day and includes tips, wifi, drinks (alcohol, coffee, soda, juice), a limited number of premium dinners, and a few other things. Book through Costco and often you get it for $50, sometimes with bonus OBC.

 

[gottalovepluto]

… I question the method in how the data was processed. Carnival Crop owns Carnival, Princess and per their own financial calls, Holland and Princess/ Hollander generate similar average nightly rates, with Carnival being cheaper…

They analyzed published rates, not the actual rates people paid. (HAL is the only one I’m kinda familiar with and they are always sending me “private fare” deals which is not something the author can take into account but would be taken into account by the cruise line for financial results).

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Some cruise lines have promotions that include gratuities, others you can buy packages.

In the list in the OP Virgin Voyages includes that as part of their fare, on the other hand alcohol is not included but promotions can throw money into the "bar tab".

 

[Kwami]

Free At Sea is the name of the program. Most cruise lines charge gratuity on packages, so technically it is free. Regardless, with the drink package you get soda, coffe, juice, etc. it’s a very good value, and again you’re getting money for way less money than DCL.

$3.50 is probably canned soda - fountain is cheaper.

No, fountain soda and canned soda were both $3.50 when I sailed in April. And I would have had to drink a whole lot of $4.20 sodas to make the $460 package worth it.

 

[MrMagoo]

For those that haven't read the article I will include the following information.

Per the article:


This included every 2026 cruise out of a U.S. cruise port that was anywhere from 7 days long to 14 days in duration.

Suites, solo cabins, and other types of cabins are not included in this article.

About the Cruise Price Data​

The prices listed are based on two passengers in a cabin and are on a per day basis. Since some cruises were 7 days in duration and some were 10, 12, and 14, it made more sense to compare based on the daily rate rather then the entire cruise cost.


The price listed includes gratuities as well. These prices are always in flux and may differ from other sources by the time you read this.


Also, remember these are averages, and some prices will be higher or lower depending on the time of year and age of the cruise ship.


Disney did come in on the low side for a percentage of price increase when considering the increase on price from inside to ocean view to balcony.