A cruise to the Bahamas usually costs $300 to $700 per person for a three- or four-night sailing when you include the cruise fare and standard gratuities. A couple should budget about $600 to $1,400 for the cruise itself.
That estimate does not include transportation to the departure port, hotels, shore excursions, alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi or specialty dining.
Bahamas Cruise Prices at a Glance
| Cruise length | Typical cruise-only budget per person | Common departure ports |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights | $300-$500 | Miami, Port Canaveral |
| 4 nights | $300-$700 | Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral |
| 5 nights | $400-$800 | Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville |
| 7 nights | $600-$1,200 or more | Miami, Tampa, Baltimore, New Orleans |
These are planning ranges for standard inside or ocean-view cabins with two people sharing a room. Balcony cabins and suites cost more.
What Do Bahamas Cruises Cost From Major Cruise Lines?
Cruise prices vary by line, ship, departure port and sailing length. The listings in these examples show the range:
- Carnival Cruise Line: Advertised fares from Miami start at about $183 per person for three days, $234 for four days and $246 for five days. Longer itineraries from other ports start at higher prices. Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean: Advertised fares start at about $229 per person for a four-night sailing from Fort Lauderdale. Some three- and four-night sailings from Miami and other Florida ports cost more. Royal Caribbean's displayed prices include taxes and fees for the listed itineraries. Royal Caribbean
Check the final booking price before comparing fares. A low headline fare may not include taxes, port expenses or gratuities.
How Much Are Gratuities on a Bahamas Cruise?
Cruise lines usually charge gratuities per person, per day unless you prepay them or receive a promotional offer.
Examples include:
- Royal Caribbean lists standard-stateroom gratuities at $18.50 per person per day and suite gratuities at $21 per person per day. Royal Caribbean
- Carnival lists recommended gratuities of $20.40 per person per day for standard staterooms in its help information. Carnival Cruise Line
For two people, gratuities can add about $110 to $165 to a three- or four-night cruise, depending on the cruise line and cabin category.
What Does the Cruise Fare Include?
A standard Bahamas cruise fare generally includes:
- Your stateroom
- Main dining room and buffet meals
- Basic drinks such as water, tea, coffee and selected juices
- Pools and many onboard activities
- Entertainment and live shows
- Fitness facilities
- Some children's and teen programs
Royal Caribbean confirms that its cruise fare includes accommodations, complimentary dining, entertainment, pools and many onboard activities. Royal Caribbean
What Costs Extra?
The following costs are usually separate from the advertised cruise fare:
- Transportation or flights to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral or another departure port
- A hotel stay before the cruise
- Daily gratuities, if they are not included or prepaid
- Alcohol, soda and premium coffee
- Wi-Fi
- Shore excursions
- Specialty restaurants
- Spa treatments
- Casino spending
- Photos and souvenirs
- Cruise terminal parking
Shore excursions are not normally included. Royal Caribbean lists excursions, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, most drinks and gratuities as separate costs. Royal Caribbean
How Much Should a Couple Budget in Total?
For a short Bahamas cruise from Florida, start with this budget for two:
- Cruise fare and gratuities: $600-$1,400
- Excursions: Add several hundred dollars for beach clubs, snorkeling, water parks or guided tours
- Drinks and Wi-Fi: The total depends on what you purchase
- Parking, fuel or flights: The cost depends on your home location and departure port
- Hotels: Add the price of any pre-cruise overnight stay
A couple who drives to the port, uses the included dining and entertainment, skips drink packages and avoids expensive excursions can keep the trip close to the cruise budget. Flying to Florida, booking a hotel and adding premium options can raise the total well above the fare.
Which Bahamas Cruise Price Is the Best Value?
For many travelers, a four-night Bahamas cruise from Miami or Fort Lauderdale offers a good balance of price and time onboard. Three-night sailings have the lowest starting prices, but their per-night cost is often higher. Five- and seven-night cruises provide more time onboard and may visit additional ports, while transportation, gratuities and optional spending also increase.
Compare itineraries that visit Nassau, Bimini, Freeport or Perfect Day at CocoCay. Most importantly, compare the final checkout price rather than the headline fare. The cheapest advertised cruise is not always the cheapest complete vacation.