Kevin Nansett was planning a world cruise from Sydney. Prices for the 113-day itinerary start at $23,781 for an indoor cabin. However, the base fare is just the beginning of your total spend.
While some might expect that once they paid for a world cruise, everything else would be taken care of, but Nansett quickly discovered that this was not the case.
Speaking on a cruise forum, he outlined the high cost of WiFi and drinks packages on Princess 2025’s nearly four-month itinerary.
“I looked at the cost of WiFi on a 2025 World Cruise from Sydney and it costs US$4,221 (A$6,443),” he said.
“You can buy a satellite for that price.”
He’s not the only one surprised by the price. No matter which route you choose, figuring out how to get the most value from your world cruise requires some care and a scientific calculator.
Princess Cruisers have the option of purchasing the Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages. Both include his WiFi, as well as a variety of other perks like drinks, fitness classes, and signature dining credits.
But Nansett isn’t a big drinker, so he said the package doesn’t add enough value and just costs him more money.
“We don’t drink much, so it’s a waste to buy a package because it costs US$7,700 (AU$11,758) each. We both have to buy it.” he said.
Calculate the cost of a world cruise
There are some great world cruise deals out there.
Cunard’s queen mary 2 The Grand Voyage is Cunard’s longest voyage at 180 nights, sailing through the Mediterranean and around the Indian Ocean, visiting 61 ports. Prices for this classic voyage start at $41,999 per person (indoor staterooms) and $233 per night, promising an unforgettable blend of tradition and contemporary elegance.
Trish Sykes was on an extended cruise with Cunard from New York to Quebec City, but found that the drinks and internet package cost her a fortune per day.
“Princess is half the base price of your next Cunard cruise’s Plus Package equivalent. queen mary 2 I moved from New York City to Quebec City in September of this year. The cost he is approximately AU$160 per person per day. Suffice it to say, I bought a drink and did some good old-fashioned internet. ”
When you book on a more upscale cruise line, things like Wi-Fi and drinks are usually included. And sometimes airplanes too. However, the basic fare will be higher.
Embark on the 2025 World Cruise seven seas mariner 132 nights of unparalleled luxury and all-inclusive. It has 35 ports on 6 continents and charges $1,158 per day, or $152,998.
Royal Caribbean’s TikTok-popular World Cruises are currently attracting large audiences on social media, and include WiFi, drinks, laundry and more. However, the daily rate will be the same as Princess.
price comparison
If you want to go on a world cruise with Princess, it will cost you $35,650 for 113 days of onboard access, WiFi and drinks, or $315 per day.
That number quickly goes up when you turn to more upscale options like Viking. His 2024 69-day across-the-world cruise on Viking starts at $76,995, or $1,115 per day. However, everything is included, and the ship will take you to remote locations such as Antarctica, the Great Lakes, and Nova Scotia.
At the other end of the spectrum is Ambassador Cruise Line. From Auckland, she can sail from $12,472 for 76 nights, or $157 per night. However, if you add the Ambassador fare package that includes drinks and $19 per day for WiFi, your base fare will be $18,789, or $247 per day.
For Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruises’ cheapest segment, Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruises, onboard fares start at $305 per day. This includes drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and laundry. Prices are about the same as Princess World Cruises, and the choice of which ship to sail on is up to the cruiser’s preference.
Take out
In a side-by-side comparison, when considering the price of a world cruise, it’s worth remembering that a lot depends on what’s included and can add up to a lot more extra costs.
This may also include other important world cruise costs, such as shore excursions, which are not included in the base fare for Princess, Royal Caribbean, or Ambassador.
However, luxury airlines like Viking and Regent Seven Seas include shore excursions.
World cruises are typically once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Therefore, saving a few dollars may not be the focus of this exercise.
You pay and make your own choices.
5 things to be careful about
- Consider the total cost of the cruise. World cruises can be very expensive, so it’s important to consider all associated costs before booking. This includes the base cost of the cruise, plus gratuities, taxes, port fees, and other additional charges. You should also factor in the cost of airfare, pre- and post-cruise accommodations, shore excursions, beverages, and specialty dining.
- Compare prices from different cruise lines. Once you have considered the total cost of your cruise, it’s time to start shopping. Compare prices from different cruise lines to find the best deal. Be sure to factor in all of the costs listed above, as well as any additional amenities or benefits included in the price.
- Look for sales and discounts: Many cruise lines offer world cruise sales and discounts, so be sure to check before you book. You can also sign up for email alerts from cruise lines and travel agents to be notified of special offers.
- Consider booking part of a world cruise. If you’re on a tight budget, you might consider booking part of a world cruise instead of the entire cruise. This allows you to experience some of the highlights of a world cruise without paying full price.
- Be flexible with your dates. If you have flexibility with your travel dates, you may be able to find better deals on world cruises. Cruise lines often offer lower fares for cruises that depart during the shoulder season or weekdays.
And finally…
- Book your cruise early: Cruise lines often offer discounts for booking early.
- Traveling during shoulder season: Shoulder season is the time of year between peak and off-season. It’s usually less crowded and cheaper.
- Choose an inside cabin: Inside cabins are usually the least expensive type of cabin.
- Bring your own drinks: Some cruise lines allow you to bring bottled water or soda on board.
- Take advantage of free amenities: Cruise ships have many free amenities, including swimming pools, fitness centers, and entertainment.
