Family of 4 booked the cheapest cruise we could find. It ended up being one of the best vacations we've ever taken.

A family of four who booked what they said was the cheapest all-inclusive option ended up calling their trip “one of the best vacations” they’ve taken. For about $466 per person (taxes and gratuities included), they got six nights on Carnival Panorama, a balcony cabin, two Mexico stops, and access to onboard entertainment and all-you-can-eat dining. The cruise departed from Long Beach, California, requiring plane tickets for a family living in Hawaii, though they stayed with relatives in California beforehand. With young children, they valued the balcony’s extra space and varied, higher-quality meal options, including sit-down restaurants, plus frequent kid-friendly entertainment.