Cruises offer the best value for money; my family was able to save thousands on vacation

• Cruise prices are rising and the additional costs are putting a strain on my family’s travel budget.
• Despite the higher prices, I continue to book cruises because they offer excellent value for money.
• On a recent trip to Europe, I saved thousands by taking a sailing trip rather than a similar trip over land.

Even though the cost of cruises is increasing, this type of travel still offers the best value for money for a family vacation.

The average price of a cruise has increased by more than 40% since 2019, according to Cruise Critic data analyzed by CBNC. Pent-up demand has led to record-breaking bookings and advance ticket sales.

Inflation has not slowed the industry, and the rise in costs is unlikely to end yet. In December, Carnival CEO David Bernstein told investors the cruise line was “well positioned” to increase its prices this year.

As a frequent cruiser with over 50 cruises, I have witnessed these price increases over the past few months and have come to the conclusion that cruises are still cheaper than land-based travel.

Cruise accommodations can be cheaper than hotel rooms, especially in popular destinations

Last summer my family of three booked a 10-day European cruise to Norway and Iceland on the Norwegian Prima.

The price of our cruise alone was just over $5,000. Even though I was able to secure a discounted rate by booking last minute, it was the most I have ever paid for a cruise.

Before booking, I compared prices of hotel rooms across Norway and found that even basic stays in most destinations cost over $300 per night.

Food prices were equally staggering: a simple medium meal at McDonald’s in Norway can cost nearly $15. Finer meals, such as those offered on cruise ships, cost even more.

After adding in the train tickets, rental cars, and coaches I needed to get around the country and see as many places as I did on the cruise, my daily costs increased even more.

In comparison, my cruise offered a nearly all-inclusive experience, with food, transportation and more bundled into a single ticket for about $500 per night.

It also included access to Broadway shows, pools, waterslides and family-friendly activities as we sailed between the seven ports of call on our itinerary. And as a mom, access to the ship’s complimentary kids’ club was invaluable for some alone time.

A comparison of costs and travel comfort makes a cruise a breeze

When I broke down the costs of a possible land tour of Norway, it became even clearer that a cruise was the cheaper option for my family.

Estimated costs for a 10-day land trip through Norway for my family of three:

Although the original price of $5,000 for my cruise seemed high, this breakdown showed me that it was far more affordable than the alternative.

Plus, I would save myself a lot of hassle as I wouldn’t have to plan the logistics myself and keep track of a lot of independently booked activities every day.

Even on a cruise you can enjoy a first-class sea view at an affordable price

As a Floridian, I live near a major cruise port and don’t always have to fly to take a cruise, but when comparing the cost of a local beach hotel to a Caribbean cruise departing from a local port, the latter is generally still the better choice.

A sea view room in a nice hotel can cost up to $450 a night, and that price does not include food or entertainment. In addition, hotel prices are also rising, by 40 to 50 percent compared to 2019.

A three-day cruise on Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas, now costs $533 per night. Since newer ships command higher prices, I could probably get a cruise on one of the other ships for even less.

In fact, the average price for a five-day Caribbean cruise in December was $736 – less than $150 per night.

At sea, I can enjoy included meals and entertainment, ocean views, and beach stays, all for a total price comparable to a hotel on land.

Cruise prices and demand have changed my booking habits, but I still sail

I’ve noticed that due to the high demand for cruises, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find good deals.

Although I managed to get a last-minute booking to Europe last summer, my search this year mostly resulted in high prices and sold-out trips.

But considering all the services included in such vacations, I am still willing to pay for them, even if they cost me a lot more than they used to.

However, the days of my spontaneous cruises are over. Travelers must make reservations early to secure seats on popular ships.

I just booked a cruise around New Zealand for my family that doesn’t depart until December 2025. It feels strange to book a trip so far in advance, but at least I have time to save up for the staggering $9,000 price tag for the cruise.