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The Cruise Critic Deal Score Demystifies Cruise Pricing

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Deals — we all love them. And when it comes to cruising, a good deal can put amazing extras and cabin upgrades within reach. If you find yourself wondering how to get a deal on a cruise or where to find the best cruise deals, Cruise Critic's Deal Score can help. We break down how cruise pricing works so you can save some cash on your next cruise vacation.

What Is the Cruise Critic Deal Score?

The Cruise Critic Deal Score takes the frustration out of cruise vacation planning. We rank cruise deals on a scale from 0 to 100 — the higher the number, the better the value for you. We also break down the bargains and offers for each itinerary in words you can actually understand. Yes, it's that simple.

How Is the Cruise Critic Deal Score Calculated?

Cruise Critic's Deal Score uses our own proprietary algorithm to provide clear and concise information about cruise deals. We analyze the total cruise cost plus any additional perks and inclusions like fare discounts, free room upgrades, airfare credits, drink packages and free Wi-Fi. The result? A straightforward score that shows you how good the deal is.

What We Factor Into Our Deal Score

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Price Per Night

Substantial nightly price discounts are the bedrock of a good cruise deal. And they're a major factor in Cruise Critic's Deal Score

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Inclusions

What does your discounted cruise fare include? Our Deal Score spells out everything that's included in your fare in the simplest way possible to demystify exactly what you're getting.

Bonus Offers

Pricing and inclusions aren't the whole story. We analyze a huge array of extras like free pre- and post-cruise hotels, free excursions and free specialty dining that maximize the value of the deal.

What Makes a Good Cruise Deal?

At Cruise Critic, a good cruise deal means a cheap cruise fare plus two or more extras, like a free drink package, onboard credits or airfare credits. For our algorithm, good deals have features that help you save money and maximize the value of your cruise vacation. Check out our handy breakdown on how to use Cruise Critic’s Deal Score below.

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Deal Score Under 70

These deals might not offer the best value, but you can still find competitive pricing and offers.

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Deal Score of 70 to 90

Expect a reasonable price discount and at least one offer that adds even more value to your cruise, like a cabin upgrade.

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Deal Score of 90 or More

Cruise Critic's top-scoring deals include great fare discounts and at least two perks, from flight credits to top-shelf drink packages and more.

Our Top 15 Cruise Deals: Cheap Cruise Prices, Amazing Inclusions, and More

#1 in the US today
1
'Cruises'
1

$389 pp
7-Nt. Mexican Riviera w/ $50-$1,500 to Spend, No Deposit, Free Upgrades & More

Mexican Riviera, from Los Angeles

view map

12/09/23

Carnival Panorama

138 Reviews
Cruises.com
90
90

Deal Score Analysis

Price
$56/night · Inside
Bonus Offers
Free Cabin Upgrade
No Deposit
Other
Mexican Riviera
Carnival Cruise Line
Cruises.com
#2 in the US today
Last-Minute Deal
2
'Cruises'
2

$1,529 pp
7nt Bermuda Balcony: exclusive $150 OBC & $100 transportation credit + 70% off 2nd, drinks, excursions

Bermuda, from Boston

view map

5/26/23

Norwegian Pearl

2,357 Reviews
CruisesOnly.com
87
87

Deal Score Analysis

Price
$218/night · Balcony
Bonus Offers
Free Drinks
Fare Discount - 2nd Guest
Fare Discount - 3rd and 4th Guests
Free Wifi
Free Specialty Dining
$150 Onboard Credit (OBC)
Discount - Shore Excursions
Other
Bermuda
Norwegian Cruise Line
CruisesOnly.com
#3 in the US today
3
'Cruises'
3

$1,712 pp
7nt Alaska Balcony: exclusive $150 OBC, 75% off 2nd, free drinks, tips, Wifi

Alaska, from Vancouver

view map

9/03/23

Celebrity Eclipse

1,892 Reviews
CruisesOnly.com
85
85

Deal Score Analysis

Price
$245/night · Balcony
Bonus Offers
Free Drinks
Fare Discount - 2nd Guest
Free Wifi
Free Gratuities
Other
Alaska
Celebrity Cruises
CruisesOnly.com
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