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6 Big Name Cruise Lines That Just Aren't Worth It Anymore

Rising cruise extras make familiar names harder to justify

By Amanda Teague , Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated Sept. 6, 2026

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Cruises have long been promoted as an affordable way to visit multiple destinations while bundling accommodations, meals, and entertainment into one fare. But that value is becoming harder to find.

Rising daily gratuities, expensive drink and Wi-Fi packages, and additional charges for dining or room service can push the final bill far beyond the advertised price. That doesn't mean every major cruise line is a bad choice. Many still offer impressive ships, convenient itineraries, and experiences that suit particular travelers.

However, passengers who want to save money on travel must look beyond promotional fares and calculate what their vacation will actually cost. For some former favorites, fewer inclusions and increasingly expensive extras have made the math less appealing than it once was. With that in mind, these big-name cruise lines may no longer provide enough value to justify the total price.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's innovative ships remain excellent for families who will use attractions such as water slides, surf simulators, and entertainment venues. However, the final price can climb well beyond the base fare. The cruise line currently charges standard-cabin guests daily gratuities of $21 per person, meaning two people would pay $294 during a seven-night cruise.

Royal Caribbean also adds an 18% gratuity to beverage packages, specialty dining, and minibar purchases. Even room service carries a $7.95 service charge plus an 18% gratuity. The line may still be worth the money for travelers who prioritize headline-making ships, but budget-conscious passengers should price every desired extra before booking.

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Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival continues to attract travelers with affordable fares and plenty of included casual food. The sticking point is how quickly optional purchases can erase the initial savings. Its Cheers beverage package costs $69.95 per adult, per day when purchased in advance, or $74.95 onboard. On a seven-day cruise, two adults would spend $979.30 at the advance rate before considering the cruise fare itself.

Every adult assigned to the same cabin must buy the package, and it cannot be used for room service or at Carnival's destinations, including Celebration Key. Carnival can still suit social cruisers who enjoy its energetic atmosphere, but occasional drinkers may get better value by paying individually.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian's flexible dining model and broad selection of itineraries remain appealing, yet its promotional language deserves a close reading. The company says taxes, port expenses, daily service charges, and certain gratuities can be additional under its promotional terms.

Standard cabins and Club Balcony Suites carry a $20 daily service charge, while suites and The Haven cost $25 per person, per day. That adds $280 for two passengers sharing a standard cabin for seven nights. Norwegian's "Free at Sea" offer can provide drinks and other perks, but guests may still encounter package-related charges. It works best for travelers who will actively use those benefits rather than selecting them simply because they sound complimentary.

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Princess Cruises

Princess has traditionally occupied an attractive middle ground between mainstream and premium cruising. Its bundles still offer convenience, but they have become substantially more expensive. For 2026 sailings, Princess Plus costs $65 per person, per day, or $70 aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess. Princess Premier costs $100, rising to $105 on those two ships.

The same terms show that Plus previously cost $60, while Premier cost $90. The newer versions include more casual dining and other benefits, so this is not simply a price increase with nothing added. Still, two guests purchasing Premier for a seven-night trip would spend $1,400 before any ship-specific surcharge. Travelers who drink lightly or disconnect at sea may struggle to justify it.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity offers polished ships and a quieter experience than many mass-market competitors. Its unbundled costs, however, can make the premium positioning feel less compelling. Celebrity charges daily gratuities ranging from $19.50 to $24.50, depending on the cabin category. It also adds 20% to beverage packages, specialty dining, room service, and spa purchases.

The line's All Included rate combines the Classic Drinks Package with Basic Wi-Fi, but everyone in the same stateroom must select that rate. That reduces flexibility when one passenger drinks and another does not. Celebrity can still be a strong choice for couples seeking an upscale atmosphere, provided the bundled price compares favorably with paying à la carte.

Holland America Line

Holland America remains a good fit for destination-focused travelers who prefer traditional service and fewer high-energy attractions. Its Have It All package adds a beverage plan, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credit, but the name can create expectations that the package does not quite meet.

Holland America confirms that standard Crew Appreciation is not included unless the reservation qualifies for an Early Booking Bonus. The separate charge is $18 per guest, per day for standard cabins and $20 for suites. Its Signature Beverage Package also covers drinks priced only up to $12 and imposes a 15-drink daily limit. The package can deliver value, but passengers should not assume "all" means every major onboard expense.

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Bottom line

Big-name cruise lines can still deliver memorable vacations, but low advertised fares do not always translate into strong value. Travelers hoping to travel on a budget should watch for daily gratuities, package prices, service charges, and paid dining that can substantially increase the final cost.

Before booking, create a per-person, per-day total for each option. This makes it easier to compare cruises of different lengths and spot packages that cost more than the benefits you would realistically use. Ultimately, this list is not a blanket verdict. Judge each sailing by comparing its all-in price, including gratuities and packages, with what the fare actually includes.

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