Who's better?

Cruises Only vs Cheap Cruises

We've analyzed the best Cruise Vacation Sites to help you find the right solution for your needs.

2026 Cruise Vacation Site Reviews

Here you can see how Cruises Only and Cheap Cruises match up head-to-head in a battle for the Best Cruise Vacation Sites in 2026.

Winner

Cruises Only

  • Priced the same as direct booking in our example case
  • Over 11,000 cruise options available to browse
  • Curated collections like "wallet-friendly" and "last-minute" cruises

If you're searching for cruise deals, Cruises Only offers over 11,000 sailings through their parent company World Travel Holdings. You'll find useful features like price matching, loyalty programs, and bonus offerings, though some customers report issues receiving promised perks. While their booking process earns high marks with a 4.9 average Google rating, the company charges booking and cancellation fees that may impact your vacation budget. You might want to explore other cruise booking specialists first unless you find an exceptional deal through the Cruises Only platform.

Cheap Cruises

  • Prices may be higher than direct purchase due to cruise line's promotions
  • Best Price Guarantee with 110% price match policy
  • User-friendly website with multiple search filters and sorting options

If you're looking to book a cruise, Cheap Cruises offers about 5,500 sailing options from 10 cruise lines through their user-friendly website. While they advertise attractive bonuses like up to $3,000 in onboard spending and have a loyalty program, you could still find better deals booking directly with cruise lines. You should be cautious about their nonrefundable booking and cancellation fees, and be aware that some customers have reported misleading practices by their agents regarding refunds and promotional deals.

Few trips match the ease and excitement of a cruise: you get relaxation, adventure, and multiple ports - and you only unpack once. Whether you're planning a family-friendly first voyage or chasing a high-end escape, today's cruise-booking sites make it simple to zero in on the right fit. They let you compare cruise lines side by side, surface the best fares, and filter options by budget, amenities, dates, or destinations. Many even add real-time price alerts, ship photos, and traveler reviews so you can book with confidence.

Many booking platforms pull sailings from a wide range of cruise lines - from big-name favorites like Carnival and Royal Caribbean to boutique luxury brands such as Seabourn and Oceania - so you can browse everything in one place. With that kind of variety, it's easier to zero in on the ship, itinerary, and vibe that fit you best. To make the search even smoother, use filters and side-by-side comparisons so you can narrow options quickly and spot the right deal.

Dedicated cruise agencies focus solely on sailings, bringing deep know-how along with perks like onboard credit, included gratuities, and responsive support. By contrast, some mass-market cruise sites tout lower sticker prices but make it up with booking and cancellation fees and offer less tailored help. General travel sites will book cruises too, yet they usually deliver fewer extras and aren't as adept at handling cruise-specific issues as the specialists. Before you commit, look past the headline fare - compare the total cost and the quality of support to see which option actually delivers the best value.

Many cruise booking sites tack on their own booking or cancellation fees - sometimes on top of what the cruise line already charges. Pick a provider that clearly spells out its booking, refund, and cancellation policies in writing, not buried in the fine print. Before you pay, ask for a full fee breakdown - and keep a copy of the terms in your confirmation email.

When you shop for cruises online, there are several important factors to consider before making a booking. Here's a quick overview to help you navigate your options:

Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best cruise vacation booking sites available. We hope this review helps you find the best service for your cruise adventure. Bon voyage!

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Cruise Vacation Site FAQ

Aren't cruises just for old people?
While people joke that cruises are only for the "newly-wed and nearly dead", there are lots of loyal cruisers across all ages. People love the opportunity to see several different destinations during one trip (with the convenience of having all of your belongings safely kept in your stateroom, no need to change hotels), to try world-class cuisine, or even to have the kids happily entertained by cruise staff while the adults relax, gamble, or go to performances.
Which cruise line is right for me?
Each company has its own personality: some lines pride themselves on being family-friendly, while others actually prohibit guests under the age of 18 or 21! Are you looking for a "party boat" with plenty of drinks and dancing, a more formal atmosphere with tuxedos and ball gowns for dinner, or something in between? Do some research online and with people you know who have cruised before: you'll get plenty of input to help you choose a cruise you'll love.
Are cruises expensive?
Yes and no. It's possible to get a great deal on a cruise in the off-season (in the US, that's usually May and September/October): you could have an amazing vacation for under $100/night per person. On the other hand, if you've always dreamed of sailing at Christmas or you're only available during spring break, expect to pay premium prices. The type of stateroom you select will also affect the price: an interior stateroom will be the most economical, while an ocean view, veranda, or concierge-level stateroom will increase your fare. Also, many cruise lines give you a discount for the third and fourth guests within a single cabin.
How far in advance should I book my cruise?
Most cruise lines only allow reservations about 18 months in advance. If you're able to book that early, that's likely when you'll get the lowest possible fares. However, if you've got some flexibility, you can often find good deals on last-minute cruises too (e.g. anywhere from two weeks to two months before sailing): as people cancel, the cruise lines want to fill those spots up, even at a discount. Whether you're booking well in advance or close to your sailing date, it's always wise to get a travel insurance policy because you may not get your money back if you cancel.
Are cruises all-inclusive?
Not exactly. Each cruise line varies with respect to what's included and what's not. For example, one family-favorite cruise line has a complimentary soda station that's open 24 hours, while another line popular among college kids and bargain hunters only offers lemonade, coffee and tea. You'll never be lacking opportunities to eat, but many cruise ships have premium restaurants that are reservation-only and come with an extra cost. Alcoholic beverages, spa services, and off-ship experiences are almost never included in the cruise fare. And, don't forget the gratuities!
What are shore excursions?
Shore excursions are organized activities you can participate in during your ports of call. These include active adventures like snorkeling or hiking to ancient ruins, food experiences like wine tasting or chocolate tours, and so much more. You can book shore excursions directly through your cruise line or through a third-party company; just make sure that you're guaranteed to be returned to your ship on time if you go with an outside provider!
Will I get seasick?
Not necessarily. On the largest cruise ships - the kinds that carry thousands of passengers - you might not even realize that you're moving! If you're prone to motion sickness, however, you may want to bring an over-the-counter motion sickness medication or consider alternative remedies like acupressure bands or ginger capsules.
How do I stay connected with work/family/friends on shore?
Are you sure you want to? If you need to stay on top of world events, most ships give you access to cable news networks, The Weather Channel, and several other stations on the TV in your stateroom. You can make calls using the ship's phones, though it's usually around $3/minute. Your cruise line probably has options for internet access as well. And, you can often find free Wifi access in your ports of call; lots of cruisers use their stops to quickly check emails and let people back home know that all is well.

Compare Any 2 Products

Cruise Direct
GoToSea
Cruises
Cruises Only
Cheap Cruises
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