5 Cruises You Can Take for Under $5,000

Cruises can transport you to amazing destinations—from private tropical islands to royal European homes—and include great onboard offerings between ports.

But some travelers wonder whether they have to sacrifice quality to keep the price tag down. The answer is no. Here are five recommendations that have affordable prices but don’t skimp on excitement.

1. Head to the Bahamas with your family

The cruise

Four-night Bahamian cruise for four with Disney Cruise Line

Can’t-miss excursion

Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is available only to Disney Cruise guests. The island is full of fun activities, with a family beach, character greetings, teen hideout and an adults-only oasis. There’s also a snorkeling lagoon with sunken ships, Captain Nemo’s submarine from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and cameos by Mickey and Minnie.

Onboard entertainment

Head to the theater for Broadway-caliber productions of Frozen, Disney Dreams and The Golden Mickeys.

Delicious dining

At Animator’s Palate, journey through the history of animation, ending with the black-and-white dining room brought to colorful life by Sorcerer Mickey. Mom and Dad can enjoy a romantic meal alone at Palo with Italian-inspired cuisine and decor.

2. Take a romantic river cruise

The cruise

Seven-night Danube river cruise for two with AmaWaterways

Can’t-miss excursion

In addition to the natural beauty, there’s so much impressive architecture along the Danube. Do what no enemy ever could and enter the imposing Petrovaradin Fortress in Serbia for an evening tour. Or tour the Belgrade Royal Palace, home to Serbia’s Crown Prince Alexander and his family.

Onboard entertainment

In lieu of the Broadway productions on larger ships, AmaWaterways brings local performers onboard for intimate performances that introduce you to the area’s unique culture.

Delicious dining

Meals onboard are inspired by the cuisine of the region, using locally sourced ingredients.

3. Get your adrenaline pumping in the Caribbean

The cruise

Seven-night western Caribbean cruise for four with Royal Caribbean

Can’t-miss excursion

In Cozumel, power through the jungle on an ATV for high-horsepower fun. In Jamaica, ascend to the top of famous Dunns River Falls. Then, swim with dolphins and stingrays in Grand Cayman.

Onboard entertainment

Hang 10 on the FlowRider—a 40-foot-long surf simulator. Or race your friends down a pair of high-speed water slides on The Perfect Storm; at the bottom, head back up on a 40-foot rock climbing wall.

Delicious dining

Starting with guacamole made fresh at your table, the restaurant Sabor offers a tasty mix of traditional and modern Mexican fare.

4. Cross off a solo bucket list adventure

The cruise

Seven-night Galapagos northern loop cruise for one with Celebrity Cruises

Can’t-miss excursion

At Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, find red-footed booby nests onshore; then go snorkeling and spot sharks, sea lions, sea turtles and more.

Onboard entertainment

Instead of song-and-dance shows, this cruise offers nightly discussions that connect you with what you’ll encounter on your trip.

Delicious dining

The dining room serves a buffet of sustainable seafood and locally sourced ingredients, with dinner under the stars on special nights.

5. Explore Alaska’s frontier by land and sea

The cruise

Twelve-day Double Denali Land & Sea Journey for two with Holland America Line

Can’t-miss excursion

At Glacier Bay, you’re likely to witness the breathtaking sight of a calving glacier. This area has the world’s largest concentration of actively calving tidewater glaciers.

Onboard entertainment

There are plenty of traditional onboard amenities, such as a relaxing day at the spa or music at B.B. King’s Blues Club. Or you might improve your tech chops at the Digital Workshop, where you can pick up video-editing and digital photography skills to better share your trip with those back home.

Delicious dining

Across its fleet, Holland America Line’s Culinary Council is composed of seven world-renowned chefs who bring their expertise to onboard dining. For a taste of the Pacific Northwest, Pinnacle Grill specializes in the region’s hearty flavors.