Shopping for cruises in shoulder season has its perks — especially when it comes to snapping up low fares. Case in point: these six awesome cruise deals are some of the best value vacations we’ve seen all week, spanning the globe from Alaska to the Caribbean and everywhere in between — and they start as low as $189.
1. 7-Night Eastern Caribbean on Norwegian Escape
Why It’s Great: Norwegian’s newest ship has the line’s best features, including multiple waterslides and a Broadway-worthy rendition of the musical “After Midnight,” plus a restaurant from Food Network’s Iron Chef Jose Garces. You’ll have three sea days to explore it all, with stops in St. Thomas, Tortola, and Nassau before heading back to Miami.
Price: $479 for an inside cabin; upgrade to ocean view for $599
Date: Sept. 23, 2017
2. 5-Night New England and Canada on Regal Princess
Why It’s Great: Spot colorful fall foliage on this trip from New York to Saint John and Halifax on one of Princess’ newest ships. Launched in 2014, Regal Princess still feels new and there’s plenty to do: you can catch movies on deck, relax in the spa, or head to the adults-only lounge.
Price: $399 for an inside cabin, or $474 for a balcony
Date: Oct. 21, 2017
3. 7-Night Eastern Caribbean on MSC Seaside
Why It’s Great: Snap up this low price on MSC’s newest ship before it even launches in December. You’ll sail to Philipsburg, San Juan, and Nassau with three days at sea to try out all the swanky new features, including the longest zipline at sea.
Price: $449 for an inside cabin; $619 for an ocean view
Date: Oct. 13 or Oct. 27, 2018
4. 4-Night Bahamas on Carnival Liberty
Why It’s Great: A sunny getaway for $54 per night? Sign us up. (You can even book a suite for under $550!) And while the ship may not be Carnival’s newest, you’ll still have access to twisting waterslides, bars, and the line’s latest, greatest food options. Plus, you’ll soak up plenty of sun in Freeport City and on the line’s private island, Princess Cays, before sailing back to Port Canaveral.
Price: $219 for an inside cabin; $289 for ocean view; $349 for a balcony; or $539 for a suite
Date: Dec. 9, 2018
5. 7-Night Mediterranean on Costa Diadema
Why It’s Great: This is as cheap as Mediterranean cruises get, coming out to just $54 per night. The ship is the newest in Costa’s fleet, with bustling activities on board, including a disco and a race-car simulator. You’ll sail round-trip from Barcelona (so don’t forget to factor in flight costs) and head to Palma de Mallorca, Palermo, Rome, Savona, and Marseille.
Price: $379 for an inside cabin; $519 for an ocean view
Date: Nov. 20 or Dec. 4, 2017, Jan. 29, 2018; other dates available
6. 7-Night Alaska on Celebrity Millennium
Why It’s Great: Celebrity’s ships are known for being contemporary and well-designed, with a more sophisticated atmosphere than other mainstream lines. Plus, this is prime Alaska season and you’ll see a lot of it for your money: departing from Seward and sailing to Vancouver, you’ll see all the greatest hits, including the Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait, Ketchikan, and the Inside Passage.
Price: $524 for an inside cabin
Date: May 18, 2018
