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Cruise Finder
Sail into the sunset after booking your perfect match.
Compare cruise lines
You’ve been daydreaming about escaping landlocked life on a cruise above gleaming blue waves. Now the challenge is finding the perfect cruise based on your entertainment tastes, destination bucket list and overall vacation preferences.
That’s what we’re here for. Our team has compared 45+ cruise lines — compiling 75+ port guides and pinpointing the best cruises for every type of passenger, from solo travelers to families, along the way — to help you book a cruise that’s worth every cent of your hard-earned money.
Browse by departure and destination cities, read expert cruise reviews and use our cruise finder to book your getaway at a discount. The hardest decision you’ll have to make? Whether or not to wear socks with sandals. Anchors aweigh!
Cruise travel guides
Top cruise deals
Expedia.comSave up to 90% off Royal Caribbean cruises
Cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, Asia and South Pacific all on sale from just $156. T&Cs apply.
PricelineSave up to 88% off last minute and special cruise deals
Book a cruise departing in the next 90 days and save up to 80%.
CruiseDirectCelebrity Cruises deals starting at $249
T&Cs apply
TravelocityOver 75% off bookings with top cruise lines
Book cheap Royal Caribbean cruises from just $156 to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, South Pacific and more. T&Cs apply.
Top 10 sites to book a cruise online
TourRadar
What type of cruise are you in the mood for? Ocean? River? Antartica, perhaps?
Book practically any type of marine adventure here.
- Over 1 million departures worldwide
- Best price guarantee – no booking or credit card fees
- Speak with an expert any time of day, 365 days a year
Tours4fun
Search by cruise lines, destinations or departure ports or scan their featured deals for inspiration.
- 11 cruise lines featured, including Disney, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean
- Learn more about a cruise line by watching a cruise video
- Speak to a cruise expert by phone
CruiseDirect
Find the perfect cruise for you from more than a dozen different cruise lines to choose from at a competitive price.
- Compare different cruise lines in one place
- Find last-minute offers and discounts
- Price match guarantee
Orbitz
Not just for flights and hotels, Orbitz does cruises too.
Simply search by destination and departure month to find great deals.
- Deals on cruise lines such as Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean
- Sort your search results by cruise line, price, departure date or length of cruise
- Price guarantee and no cruise booking fees
Priceline
Priceline offers a large array of cruising options, along with exclusive offers and deals.
Simply search by destination and departure month to find great deals.
- Mainstream and luxury cruise lines
- Cruise experts available by phone
- Backed by Priceline’s 110% Best Price guarantee
BookingBuddy
Affiliated with TripAdvisor, BookingBuddy will search partner sites, looking for the best cruise deals.
- BookingBuddy searches your favorite travel sites for you
- Find last-minute cruise deals
Expedia
Earn Expedia Rewards when you book a cruise, and rack up points toward freebies and other perks.
- Sort cruise options by price per night.
- Hold a cabin for 24 hours without paying a fee.
- No booking fees.
Travelocity
Got a certain ocean liner in mind? Travelocity lets you filter your search by individual ships.
- Hold a cabin for 24 hours without paying a fee.
- Book accessible cabins for folks with disabilities.
- No booking fees.
CheapTickets
Whether you’re looking for an ocean or river cruise, CheapTickets has itineraries from all the major brands.
- Get exclusive deals on its mobile app.
- Hold a cabin for 24 hours without paying a fee.
- No booking fees.
Avoya
It’s got the widest range of cruises to choose from, including specialized lines like Paul Gauguin Cruises and Windstar, in addition to mega-companies like Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
- Browse last-minute cruises.
- Search by cruise ship or cabin type.
- Call a travel agent for one-on-one assistance.
Traveling during COVID-19
The CDC continues to advise caution when traveling within or outside the US, though it no longer requires self-quarantine or a COVID-19 test for fully vaccinated travelers as of April 2021. It recommends that you delay travel if you are not fully vaccinated to protect yourself and your family from getting or spreading the virus.
When traveling, follow safety measures that include wearing a mask in public, social distancing and washing your hands. If you are diagnosed with, have symptoms of or are waiting for COVID-19 test results — or are otherwise at risk of illness — do not attend gatherings or travel for 14 days.
When traveling, follow safety measures that include wearing a mask in public, social distancing and washing your hands. If you are diagnosed with, have symptoms of or are waiting for COVID-19 test results — or are otherwise at risk of illness — do not attend gatherings or travel for 14 days.
Which sites have cheap cruises?
One of the best ways to get a good deal on your cruise is to compare your vacation dates against a range of cruise companies using a booking agent (such as Expedia, Priceline,CruiseDirect or Tourradar) that will search the cruises available for those dates and then list them by price. Huge discounts can often be found if you book less than a few months before you plan to travel.
Another way to cruise on the cheap is to sign up for a credit card with cruise rewards.
Read our cruise line reviews
Before booking your cruise, read our reviews to understand exactly what’s included in the fare — and what’ll cost extra onboard. We’ve researched over 45 different cruise lines so you can compare gratuities, entertainment, food and drink, departure ports, shore excursions and more.
Where would you like to cruise from?
Whether you’re starting in California, Texas, Miami or elsewhere around the globe, find cruises that depart from a convenient location. We’ve got guides to the best vacays from over 30 cruise departure ports worldwide, including budget and luxury picks.
If your travel plans are pretty flexible, our list of cruise ports can help inspire your itinerary.
River cruises vs. ocean cruises
The experience of cruising the inland waterways is similar to sailing the seas, though you’ll find a few differences key beyond the views outside your window.
River cruises
| Ocean cruises
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Not all ocean cruises are huge affairs. Seabourn or SeaDream Yacht Club sail with smaller ships that offer a more intimate atmosphere than larger lines like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line.
- Tip — Europe hosts some of the more famous river cruises along the Danube, Rhine and Elbe. In the US, you can book river cruises with American Cruise Line or the American Queen Steamboat Company along the Mississippi, Columbia and other American waterways.
Some lines offer both river and ocean cruises, so make sure you’re booking the one you want. For example, Viking River Cruises are known for featuring regional fare prepared with ingredients from each port, whereas Viking Ocean Cruises pull together multiple international restaurants on one ship.
Learn more about river cruises:
- Best time for a river cruise in Europe
- Best European river cruises
- Christmas market river cruises in Europe
River cruise deals
How to choose a cruise
There’s lots more beyond cost to float your boat. Research onboard experiences using the information available on each cruise line’s website to understand what to expect to find the best fit for singles, couples, families and thrill-seekers.
- Price. You can find cheap cruises for the budget-conscious and luxury cruises for those who prefer free-flowing champagne. Check out Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line for inexpensive cruises from Miami, and don’t miss Regent Seven Seas if you’re ready to invest.
- Number of days. Book a weekend cruise for a quick escape or an around-the-world cruise for an extended getaway. Filter your search by length of time, depending on how many vacation days you have to spare.
- Shore excursions. Mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean or MSC Cruises help you hit up the tourist hotspots, while niche lines like Windstar Cruises offer curated itineraries according to themes. Some cruise lines include shore excursions in the fare, while others charge extra for the adventure.
- Food and drink. Cruises may have a reputation for endless buffets, but plenty of lines specialize in gourmet cuisine and themed meals that are perfect for foodies.
- Onboard entertainment. Do you love organized activities, or are you energized by free time? From small string quartets to off-Broadway musicals, choose a cruise line that fits your idea of relaxation.
- Your fellow travelers. Families may want the option of on-ship child care or a young adult lounge, while couples may want a ship geared for adults. Find a line that caters to your demographic to keep comfy and in good company throughout your cruise.
- Deals and discounts. If scoring a stellar deal is most important to you, keep an eye on midmarket lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, which tend to have the best freebies and seasonal sales.
How to choose a cruise cabin
Most cruises offer a range of cabins or stateroom that fall into four main categories:
- Inside — $. The cheapest option is often the smallest that doesn’t include a window with an outside view.
- Outside or oceanview — $$. You’ll get a window or porthole in outside cabins, though the size is often comparable to an inside cabin.
- Balcony — $$$. Skip the public deck with a private balcony attached to your cabin.
- Suite — $$$$. Luxurious suites often include separate areas for living and sleeping — and sometimes a butler or 24/7 room service, depending on the line.
For many people, choosing a cruise cabin comes down to price. Inside rooms don’t include much in the way of amenities, but it could be just fine if you plan on spending more time on deck. On the other hand, introverted travelers that crave a private retreat may find a balcony worth the splurge.
Best places to go on a cruise
Your bucket list is the limit when it comes to choosing your cruise destination. Cruises to Alaska have been gaining traction over the past few years, as people heed the call of the wild. Still, voyages to tropical locations like Tahiti and the Caribbean never waver in appeal.
Take your time to peruse itineraries and browse our cruise guides to over 40 destinations, pinpointing a location with the climate, culture and cuisine you’re most drawn to.
How can I pay for a cruise?
Exact payment methods vary, depending on the cruise line — though you can always use a credit or debit card. Sometimes you can use PayPal, and some companies may even let you send in a check.
Perhaps the smartest way to pay for a cruise is by using a travel credit card, as you can earn points toward miles, freebies and other perks when you book a voyage.
Can I finance my cruise or pay in installments?
Yes — if you choose a cruise line that offers interest-free payment plans or short term travel loans. Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages allow customers to finance their cruise via Uplift. Select Uplift at checkout to pay a deposit and break the rest of the fare into monthly payments. But keep in mind Uplift is a travel loan company, and interest will begin accruing immediately.
Princess Cruises has its own payment plan option called EZpay, where you can break up the fare into monthly payments. There are no extra fees associated with EZpay — Princess just charges the debit or credit card on file once a month. Carnival has a similar fee-free payment plan.
Most cruise lines don’t require full payment at checkout. If you book more than 30 days in advance, you’ll usually only be required to pay the deposit — though you’ll have to cover the fare in full by a set deadline or risk losing your spot.
Traveling during COVID-19
The CDC continues to advise caution when traveling within or outside the US, though it no longer requires self-quarantine or a COVID-19 test for fully vaccinated travelers as of April 2021. It recommends that you delay travel if you are not fully vaccinated to protect yourself and your family from getting or spreading the virus.
When traveling, follow safety measures that include wearing a mask in public, social distancing and washing your hands. If you are diagnosed with, have symptoms of or are waiting for COVID-19 test results — or are otherwise at risk of illness — do not attend gatherings or travel for 14 days.
When traveling, follow safety measures that include wearing a mask in public, social distancing and washing your hands. If you are diagnosed with, have symptoms of or are waiting for COVID-19 test results — or are otherwise at risk of illness — do not attend gatherings or travel for 14 days.
Book a cruise with one of these latest deals
Don’t book until you’ve checked out the best deals for your dollars on sale cruises here:
Expedia.comDisney cruises from $705 per person to the Caribbean
T&Cs apply.
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PricelineDisney Cruise Line deals starting from $213/night to Caribbean and other destinations
T&Cs apply.
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Expedia.comSave up to 25% on select Bahamian, Caribbean and Baja cruises with Disney
T&Cs apply.
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CruiseDirectCarnival cruises starting from just $55/night to the Bahamas and other destinations
T&Cs apply.
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Expedia.comCarnival cruises to the Caribbean starting from $179 per person
T&Cs apply.
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Expedia.comSave up to 83% off Carnival cruises to the Caribbean
Caribbean cruises from 4-7 nights from $179 per person. T&Cs apply.
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PricelineUp to $1,000 to spend on board with Norwegian Cruise Line
Just book your next cruise vacation with Priceline Cruises and get up to $1,000 to use as a liquor, dining, and spa credit, along with other purchases made on the ship! T&Cs apply.
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CruiseDirectLast minute cruise deals from $33/night
Cruises from 3 to 15+ nights available from multiple lines. Get great deals on prime ships, routes, and rooms for bookings from a week or more out.
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TourRadarMississippi River cruises starting from $1,395 per person
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Avoya TravelRoyal Caribbean Cruise sale - buy 1 get 1 60% off cruise fares, up to $200 free onboard credit and flexible cancellations
Terms and exclusions apply, see site for details
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CruiseDirectNow sailing summer 2021. 30% off al cruises
T&Cs apply
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MSC CruisesDon't miss the latest offers at MSC Cruises
T&Cs apply
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Avoya TravelCaribbean Cruises from $200
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AzamaraSave up to 65% on Azamara Cruises!
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CruiseDirectLuxury Oceania Cruises from 6-15+ nights worldwide starting at $1,299
T&Cs apply.
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CruiseDirect10 night Caribbean Cruises from $573 on Costa Cruise Line
Deep discounts & 10% off shore excursions
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CruiseDirectChristmas and holiday cruise deals
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MSC Cruises2021 and 2022 cruise deals to the Bahamas and Caribbean with flexible bookings changes, kids sail free + book now, pay later
T&Cs apply
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MSC CruisesSail into 2021 with free drinks + free wi-fi on select Caribbean + Bahamas cruises
T&Cs apply
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MSC CruisesShop weekend cruise getaways from $129 per person
T&Cs apply
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KayakToday's travel deals: cars, cruises, activities, and more
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MSC CruisesSet sail in 2021! up to $400 in spending credit + kids sail free! enjoy complete flexibility with our total cruiseflex program
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