three budget cruise lines for first time cruisers

Thinking about taking your first cruise but don’t want to spend a fortune just to find out if cruising is for you?

You don’t have to start with an expensive cruise to have a great vacation at sea. There are several cruise lines that can offer a fun cruise experience at a more budget-friendly price point.

These are also great options for families, couples, and travelers who already know they enjoy cruising but simply want to keep their vacation costs down.

Here are three cruise lines I recommend considering when price is one of your biggest priorities: MSC Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and Margaritaville at Sea.

🚢 MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is one of the first cruise lines I look at when someone tells me they want to cruise but need to stay within a tighter budget.

One of the biggest advantages of MSC is that you can sometimes find very competitive fares while still getting the experience of sailing on a large, modern cruise ship.

Your cruise fare includes your stateroom, main dining and buffet options, pools, entertainment and many onboard activities. MSC also offers kids clubs and family activities, making it an option worth considering for families.

Some of MSC's newer ships offer an impressive amount to do onboard, so choosing a budget-friendly cruise doesn't necessarily mean choosing a small or basic ship.

MSC may be a good fit for:
First-time cruisers, families, couples and travelers who want a newer ship experience while keeping an eye on their overall vacation budget.

Something to remember: MSC offers different booking experiences and plenty of optional extras. Specialty dining, certain attractions, drinks, Wi-Fi and other upgrades can increase the final cost of your vacation, so I can help you determine what you actually need before booking.

🎉 Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival has been a popular choice for budget-conscious cruisers for years, and there's a reason for that.

Carnival focuses heavily on having fun. Depending on your ship, you'll find pools, waterslides, live entertainment, comedy, activities and plenty of casual food options.

A Carnival cruise fare includes your stateroom, production shows and entertainment, pools and waterslides, youth programs and a variety of included dining options. Many ships also have popular complimentary food venues in addition to the main dining room and buffet.

Carnival also has ships sailing from several U.S. homeports, which can be important when you're trying to keep the total vacation cost down. Sometimes being able to drive to your cruise instead of purchasing airfare can make a big difference in your budget.

Carnival may be a good fit for:
Families, groups of friends, couples and first-time cruisers who want a casual atmosphere with plenty of activities and entertainment.

If you're traveling with children, Carnival is especially worth comparing because its youth programs are available for kids and teens ages 2–17.

🌴 Margaritaville at Sea

If you're not sure you're ready to commit to a full week at sea, Margaritaville at Sea can be an interesting introduction to cruising.

The cruise line offers shorter getaway options in addition to longer itineraries, which can make it easier to try cruising without committing as much time or money to your first sailing.

Your fare includes dining at select restaurants, entertainment, activities, select nonalcoholic beverages, fitness center access and kids club activities. Other expenses such as specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, excursions and gratuities can cost extra.

Margaritaville at Sea has also offered short Bahamas sailings, which can make it especially appealing to someone who wants a quick getaway rather than a traditional seven-night vacation.

Margaritaville at Sea may be a good fit for:
Couples, friends, adults looking for a quick getaway, and first-time cruisers who aren't ready to invest a large amount of money or vacation time into their first cruise.

💰 A Budget Cruise Doesn't Have to Mean a Bad Cruise

One thing I always tell clients is that the least expensive cruise isn't automatically the best value.

A $1,000 cruise can quickly become much more expensive once you add airfare, hotels, gratuities, drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, excursions and transportation.

That's also why I don't recommend choosing a cruise based on price alone.

If you're taking your first cruise, I want to help you find a ship that fits both your budget and the type of vacation you actually want.

A family traveling with young children may be happier on one ship, while a couple wanting a relaxing getaway may prefer something completely different.

⚓ Not Sure Which One Is Right for You?

That's where working with a Cruise Specialist can help.

Tell me your budget, travel dates, who is traveling and what you want from your vacation, and I can compare cruise lines, ships and itineraries to help you find options that make sense for you.

Your first cruise doesn't have to cost a fortune—and it might just turn you into a lifelong cruiser!

Ready to start planning?

Contact Seabound by Brandy LLC and let's find a cruise that fits your vacation style and your budget.

— Brandy
Founder & Cruise Specialist
Seabound by Brandy LLC