Love is in the air as one of Italy’s most famous walking routes is set to reopen after more than a decade.
17.07.2024 - 21:43 / insider.com / David Bernstein
Although the cost of a cruise is going up, this form of travel is still the best value for a family vacation right now.
The average price of a cruise is up more than 40% since 2019, according to Cruise Critic data reviewed by CNBC. Pent-up demand has contributed to record-breaking bookings and advance ticket sales.
Inflation hasn't slowed the industry down, and costs might not be done rising, either. In December, Carnival CEO David Bernstein told investors the cruise line is "well positioned" to drive its prices up this year.
As a frequent cruiser who's sailed more than 50 times, I've navigated these increases over the past few months and found cruises are still a better deal than trips on land.
Last summer, my family of three booked a 10-night European cruise to Norway and Iceland on the Norwegian Prima.
Our cruise fare alone amounted to just over $5,000. Although I secured a discounted price by booking during a last-minute sale, this was the most I've ever paid for a cruise.
Before I booked, I priced out hotel rooms throughout Norway and found that even basic stays in most destinations topped $300 a night.
Food costs were equally staggering: A basic medium McDonald's meal in Norway can be nearly $15. Finer fare, similar to what's included on cruise ships, costs even more.
After adding the train tickets, rental cars, and tour buses needed to get around the country to see as many places as we'd see on the cruise, my daily costs jumped even higher.
By comparison, my cruise offered a nearly all-inclusive experience that bundled dining, transportation, and more into one straightforward fare for about $500 a night.
Related stories
It also included access to Broadway-style shows, pools, water slides, and family-friendly activities as we sailed between our itinerary's seven ports of call. And as a mom, having access to a ship's complimentary kid's club was priceless for getting alone time.
As I broke down my costs for a potential land-based trip through Norway, it became even more obvious that cruising was the less expensive option for my family.
Estimated costs for a 10-day Norway land-based trip for my family of three:
Total: $8,500
(I excluded airfare, a necessary cost for both land and sea trips.)
Although my cruise's $5,000 initial price tag felt steep, this breakdown showed me it was far cheaper than the alternative.
Plus, I'd save so much hassle by not having to map out logistics myself and keep track of a slew of independently booked activities every day.
As a Floridian, I live near a major cruise port and don't always have to fly to go on a cruise. However, when comparing the costs of a beachfront hotel close to home and a Caribbean cruise setting sail from a local port, the latter still
Love is in the air as one of Italy’s most famous walking routes is set to reopen after more than a decade.
Jul 22, 2024 • 6 min read
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Major airlines have warned pilots they may be unable to communicate with ground services.
Greg Anderson is the new CEO of the Allegiant Travel Company. The organization, best known for operating low-cost leisure carrier Allegiant Air, confirmed the news in a market filing on Thursday morning.
Jul 18, 2024 • 5 min read
Jul 18, 2024 • 13 min read
About a year before starting a family, my husband and I applied for permanent New Zealand residency because we wanted to raise our future child in the United States and New Zealand.
Jul 17, 2024 • 7 min read
While filling your shopping cart this week, don't forget to browse through the Amazon Prime Day shoe deals. Any seasoned traveler knows the value of a top-quality shoe for making it through long, walking-heavy travel days, and this week happens to be the perfect time to add some new options into your rotation. Whether you're looking for comfortable running sneakers or a go-to pair of sandals to pack on your next beach vacation, there are plenty of travel-friendly shoes on sale through Wednesday, July 17.
Jul 16, 2024 • 9 min read
When settling on a place to live, cost of living is certainly a factor. But so is the recreation opportunities.