10 of the Absolute Cheapest Cruises for 2020 (Starting at $169)

Looking for the cheapest cruises of the year? How about a full dozen of them, across multiple dates? That’s exactly what we’ve found…

When it comes to cruising, one of the biggest draws is that is can be an affordable vacation. However, we’ve noticed that cruise prices have been creeping higher in recent years. In fact, the CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings was recently quoted as saying the company wanted to push prices higher everywhere.

The good news? You can still find great deals on cheap cruises — including many starting under $200 per person.

And while you might think it’s too early to book for 2020, how is a great time to book your trip. Prices tend to creep higher closer to the cruise date, and some lines — such as Carnival — can offer price protection for passengers booking months in advance.

Note that the prices below were found at the time of publishing. Like airfare, they will fluctuate depending on when you book.

(Want more details on how to find the cheapest cruises? See our 10 rules for cruise deals here.)

Port of Miami skyline

3-Night Cruise From Miami Aboard MSC Divina | $169

The absolute cheapest cruise we found for 2020 comes courtesy of MSC cruises. The 3-day trip sails from Miami with stops in Freeport and Ocean Cay in the Bahamas. Sailing on the MSC Divina, the trip will only set you back $169 per person for an interior cabin. The best news is that the cheapest rate is available for several dates: January 28, February 18, and March 10. See more about this cruise.

4-Night Cruise From Long Beach Aboard Carnival Inspiration | $169

Think of cruising and you likely think of Florida. But if you want deals, then look toward the West Coast. Trips from Los Angeles aboard Carnival are usually four nights and often below $200 per person for an interior cabin. This trip sails January 27, but there are similarly priced cruises all throughout the year. The cruise will take you from LA to Catalina and Ensenada, Mexico before returning home. See more about this cruise.

2-Night Bahamas Cruise From Miami Aboard Carnival Sensation | $174

Want short? Want simple? It doesn’t get more short or simple than this cruise. Sail aboard the Carnival Sensation out of Miami on just a two-day trip. It heads from Miami over to Nassau in the Bahamas and then back. There’s barely time to unpack your suitcase, but if you just need to get away for a day, it’s the shortest trip we found. It sails one date — January 4, 2020. See more about this cruise.

4-Night Cruise From Miami Aboard Carnival Conquest | $179

When it comes to affordable cruising, Carnival is the clear leader. While this cruise is $10 more than the MSC trip above, it lasts for an entire extra day. The cruise aboard the Carnival Conquest departs Miami, stopping in Key West and Cozumel before returning home. That four-day cruise is only $179 per person if you sail in the cheapest-level cabin. Dates include September 21, November 30, and December 7. Other dates are available for slightly more. See more about this cruise.

2-Night Bahamas Cruise From Miami Aboard Carnival Conquest | $214

Above, we mentioned a two-day Miami cruise to the Bahamas. This is also a two-day cruise to the Bahamas aboard the Carnival Conquest, stopping in Nassau, before returning to Miami. What makes it special is the timing. Departing on March 14, it’s in the heart of Spring Break season. That means you can take a cruise during one of the busiest times of the year… for a great deal. See more about this cruise.

4-Night Bahamas Cruise From Port Canaveral Aboard Carnival Liberty | $219

For just over $50 per night, you can hop this cruise from Port Canaveral (near Orlando) aboard the Carnival Liberty. It sails on January 13, heading to Nassau and Freeport before going back home. While many people say these ports aren’t their favorites, it’s hard to beat the price for a four-day trip. See more about this cruise.

5-Night Cruise From Mobile Aboard Carnival Fantasy | $244

Most people don’t think of Mobile when it comes to cruising, but the Alabama port has some deals. This five-night trip aboard the Carnival Fantasy comes out to less than $50 per night (before taxes, fees, and gratuities). You’ll sail to Cozumel and Progreso, with days at sea in between. This deal is only valid for the January 20 sailing, but several other dates have similar pricing. See more about this cruise.

4-Night Cruise From Tampa Aboard Carnival Paradise | $254

If you’re noticing a theme, it’s that cruises in January — and on Carnival ships — can often be the cheapest you’ll find in 2020. This cruise departs Tampa on January 9 aboard the Carnival Paradise. It includes just one port of call — Cozumel — before heading back home. Still, it’s four nights for under $300. See more about this cruise.

4-Night Cruise From New Orleans Aboard Carnival Valor | $259

The Carnival Valor, which has sailed from Galveston for years, makes the move to New Orleans, bringing affordable cruises with it. The four-night trip departs late in the year on December 10, 2020. It will sail across the Gulf of Mexico to Cozumel, port for the day, and then head back to New Orleans. Other dates are available, but the run about $25 more per person. See more about this cruise.

5-Night Cruise From New Orleans Aboard Carnival Valor | $279

Think of this as a “sister cruise” to the one profiled above. It’s similar, except that it has an extra day and a stop in Progreso, Mexico. You’ll set sail on November 16, 2020, right before the Thanksgiving holiday. See more about this cruise. See more about this cruise.

Interested in more cheap cruise deals? Check out our cruises under $300, and our 10 Rules on Getting the Best Deal for a Cruise.

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10 of the Absolute Cheapest Cruises for 2020 (Starting at $169)

2 COMMENTS

    • Hugh — We looked at Galveston recently. The cheapest we found was about $300 for five-day cruises on both cruise lines.

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