Budget Cruise Lines

Cruise lines do fall into different price categories, but only a few qualify as truly budget -- usually because they reduce costs by offering fewer onboard amenities. The cruise lines detailed below are considered budget lines, but look for sales on older vessels belonging to the fleets of Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean for some competitive rates, plus plenty of onboard activities, multiple dining venues and the newest gadgets and gimmicks.

easyCruise: easyCruise began its career in 2005 as the no-frills cruise line with amazingly low fares and destination-focused itineraries. After a few false starts with other itineraries and extremely bare-bones ships (and an unsettling addiction to the color orange), the fledgling line now offers Greece and Turkey voyages on the slightly more amenity-laden and sophisticated 600-passenger easyCruise Life. Still, for low rates -- though not quite as cheap as on the late easyCruiseOne's first departures -- travelers receive very basic 65- to 130-square-foot cabins (with or without windows), daily cabin cleaning (previously this was only available at extra cost), a half-board meal plan (breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner) and transportation to a new destination each day, arriving midday and staying into the wee hours of the morning. Typical fares start at 190 euros per person for a three-night mini-break or 480 euros for a seven-night trip, but look for sales to drop the prices further. To keep within your budget, avoid expensive onboard drinks, spa treatments, shore excursions or extra meals in the ship's one mediocre restaurant.

Voyages of Discovery: Voyages of Discovery is as budget as you'll find. Its longer-than-average cruises to exotic destinations cater to retirees, who are more interested in education and exploration than lavish onboard amenities. The line's one ship, Discovery, was launched in 1971. Though a 2003 refurbishment has kept it in top-notch condition, it lacks the bells and whistles of today's new-builds. Expect basic accommodations (none with balconies), lackluster dining and service, and simple public areas. The focus is instead on the fabulous onboard lecturers and value-oriented shore excursions.

Older ships from Carnival, NCL and Royal Caribbean: Cruises on older ships tend to have lower rates for two reasons -- the ships are lacking the amenities and the hype of the new ships, and they tend to be deployed on shorter or less popular routes. But, that doesn't mean you can't have a grand old time on an older ship, and if you're a first-time cruiser, you won't even realize you're missing anything -- other than higher fares. The rock-bottom rate award at this point goes to the nearly 10-year-old Norwegian Sky, which occasionally offers four-night Bahamas cruises out of Miami for $99 per person (that's $25 a night). Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas (launched 1992) sometimes features four-night Bahamas cruises from $199. (Also, see the advice below on three- and four-night cruises -- many older ships are sailing these itineraries.)