A short weekend cruise is a great getaway, but how much will it cost?
A 3-night cruise provides a short, sweet, and affordable vacation that is perfect for those on a budget.
Because the cruise is only a few days, you'll spend less on onboard expenses and shore excursions because there's simply less time on the ship.
Royal Caribbean offers 3-night cruises for as little as $400 per person.
But exactly how much can you save by cruising a shorter sailing?
Prices vary greatly depending on a ship's size and age, the stateroom category you chose, and the sailing date.
A really good last minute deal might come in closer to $500 for two people, but you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 for a 3-day cruise as a median price.
What's the average cost of a 3-night cruise?
The price of any cruise can vary greatly from one sailing to another.
As a starting point, our team estimates you'll spend about $150 per night, per person on a base cruise fare.
This base price can increase or decrease depending on cabin category, time of year, the popularity of the sailing, and the ship you choose.
A 3-night cruise on an older ship will probably cost less than a newer ship, but both will cost more during Spring Break than the third week of January. In short, there are a lot of factors that determine the price of a cruise.
Additionally, while 3-night cruises are cheaper than week-long sailings, a cruise over the weekend tends to cost more than a 4-night cruise during the week. Why? Weekend cruises are generally more popular.
Read more: How different is a 3-night vs 4-night cruise?
This base cruise fare for a 3-night cruise includes accommodations, meals and snacks at complimentary venues, Adventure Ocean children's programs, entertainment and activities, complimentary drinks, and access to ship amenities such as pools, hot tubs, and fitness centers.
Prices in the U.S. now include all taxes and fees (such as port fees), but exclude the cost of gratuities, add-ons, and your other transportation.
The ship's size and age also impact the cost
You'll want to start planning your weekend cruise by choosing a ship to sail on.
As a general rule, newer and bigger ships have more amenities but come at a higher cost.
For example, a 3-night Bahamas and Perfect Day weekend cruise on Oasis of the Seas costs $480 per person. That's if you choose an interior room in November 2024, coming out to $160 per night, per person.
In contrast, a Bahamas weekend cruise on Grandeur of the Seas, a smaller Vision class ship, costs $422 per person in April 2025. For an interior stateroom, you'd be paying around $140 per person, per night.
However, if you wanted to sail on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, cruises start at $582 per person.
Before you book a weekend cruise simply based on price, be sure that you'll enjoy all the ship has to offer.
You should choose a vessel based on the itinerary, amenities, and entertainment you appreciate.
Stateroom category has the biggest influence on price
Your cabin category will be one of the biggest influences on your final price tag.
It's one of the aspects that make cruising so adjustable to each budget. Whether you'd like to save money by choosing a smaller room or splurge on a suite, the category is completely your choice.
When booking a cruise, you'll want to carefully decide which has the most value to you: are you looking to save money for shore excursions at port, or do you want to splurge on a lavish suite?
Your choice can mean the difference between thousands of dollars.
Looking at a 3-night sailing on Anthem of the Seas in January 2025, a Penang Cruise costs $432 per person in an interior cabin.
The cheapest cabin, an interior room is a smaller space with no windows.
Upgrading to a balcony room on this sailing takes you up to $572 per person, while a Junior Suite starts at $1,300 per person.
For the biggest leap in price, the huge Royal Loft Suite comes in at $3,820 per person.
Sailing during peak season and holidays raises your cruise fare
Cruise fares also vary depending on the time and season.
The most expensive sailings will fall during holidays, 3-day weekends, spring and summer break, and the weeks from Christmas to New Year's.
On dates like these, when adults are off work and children have a break from school, supply and demand tend to affect the price.
Cruising during peak dates like these can increase your cruise fare to nearly double what the same sailing might cost in the low season.
To save money on your 3-day cruise, you'll want to cruise during the shoulder season.
Each region has a different season in which you'll find the lowest fares and fewer crowds.
Additionally, if you're planning a cruise further in advance, it's still better to purchase the sailing as early as possible.
Prices increase as the sailing date gets closer, and from one year to the next.
Add-ons are your choice, but they increase the final bill
In addition to the cruise fare, you have the opportunity to add on optional amenities.
Since Royal Caribbean cruises aren't all-inclusive, it's up to you whether you'd like to purchase add-ons like WiFi, drink packages, specialty dining, spa treatments, shore excursions, and souvenirs.
Prices on these cruise add-ons vary depending on the item and sailing, but they are typically cheaper for shorter cruises.
Though drink packages and spa treatments can be pricey, you'll find that the cost is less for your shorter, weekend cruise.
Royal Caribbean keeps its cruises non-inclusive so that cruisers can choose which add-ons to purchase based on their preferences.
Your overall base is cheaper overall, and you won't end up paying for anything you don't want.
In 2022, Royal Caribbean Group noted that the average cruisers spent between $90-100 per person, per day on cruise add-ons.
You'll also have to pay for transportation to and from the cruise port
Additional travel (before and after the cruise) is another factor to include in your cruise budget.
Getting to and from your cruise port will be your responsibility; another added expense.
When planning for your cruise, include in your budget the cost of flights, taxis, and baggage if you need to fly to the cruise port, or gas, parking, and tolls if you need to drive.
It's important to consider how and when you'll travel to the cruise port before purchasing the cruise.
We always recommend arriving at the embarkation port a day early, in case any travel delays occur. This will require you to find lodging or book a hotel room the night before embarkation day—another added cost.
Read more: I tried my first 3-night cruise, here's how it went
