Editor's note: New details and deals are frequently added to this recurring topic.
All-inclusive travel sounds appealing until you understand that different cruise lines have varied definitions of the term.
In the world of cruises, all-inclusive often refers to a tariff that covers the price of your ship lodging (based on double occupancy), port fees and taxes, the majority of meals, gratuities, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Aside from spa and salon services, ultra-premium wines and spirits, and purchases like cigars, the most inclusive cruise companies also provide free Wi-Fi, air travel (in economy, chartered, or business class), all speciality meals (rather than only at certain locations), and shore excursions.
As you might anticipate, all-inclusive cruises are often offered by upscale or luxury cruise companies, and since they contain so much, they are more expensive.
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In addition to the genuinely all-inclusive cruise lines, several less expensive lines have price packages that are more inclusive than the typical big-ship trip. For a higher cruise cost, you might be able to choose an included pricing package, or you might be able to obtain one for free as a booking bonus.
On certain cruise lines, the most expensive suites include so many extras that the rates are effectively all-inclusive. Almost all cruise lines that don't already include alcohol in their rates will sell you an all-inclusive drinks package that enables you to enjoy an open bar experience while on board if all you're looking for is booze.
We list the top 12 all-inclusive cruise lines below so you can take a trip without ever having to take out your cash.
all-inclusive cruise lines
The industry's most all-inclusive cruise rates are offered by Five Lines. Since so many items are already included in everyone's basic prices, the primary extras you'll need to budget for are spa services, gifts, shore excursions, and opulent beverages.
Cruises on Regent Seven Seas
It is beyond a doubt that Regent Seven Seas Cruises has the title of the most all-inclusive luxury line. Caution is advised, however, because there is so much included in the price of the fare that it is typically more expensive than its rivals.
If refined luxury is more your thing, Regent is the perfect hotel for you. All of the rooms are suites, each of which is a well-sized suite with a big veranda. The multi-million-dollar art collection (think Picasso and Chagall) onboard the newest ships in the Seven Seas fleet, the Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor, as well as the soon-to-be-launched Seven Seas Grandeur, will astound you. You will sail among multiple museum-quality pieces while onboard these ships.
The cruise fares for this line include nearly every travel expense that is associated with a cruise, including business-class airfare on intercontinental flights (economy airfare for domestic flights), transfers between your airport or hotel and the ship, all alternative dining (Chartreuse for food inspired by Paris and Pacific Rim for Asian fusion cuisine are particularly noteworthy), valet laundry service, and the majority of shore excursions. Because there is no cap on the number of people who may participate in complimentary shore excursions, you can go on as many as you like each time you visit a new port.
Related: The Regent Room is a cruise ship suite that costs 11,000 dollars a night and is larger than a house.
You may also count on a one-night stay in a luxurious hotel before your cruise, complete with transfers, breakfast, and porterage service. On some itineraries, you may also take advantage of complimentary land programmes lasting two or three nights.
What else is there? Spa and salon services, hands-on cooking instruction in a state-of-the-art culinary workshop, small group or special-interest shore excursions, the finest wines and liquors, cigars, and assorted sundries are some of the things that are available aboard luxury cruise ships.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is an upmarket cruise and tour business best known for the opulent riverboats it operates. The Scenic Eclipse, which can accommodate a total of 228 passengers, is the firm's first "adventure yacht."
This breathtaking vessel is every bit as classy and seductive as a private yacht that was purpose-built for a millionaire. Imagine Scenic Eclipse as a pleasure factory that churns out one mind-blowing complimentary experience after the next in a never-ending stream of unforgettable opportunities. In addition to this, the Scenic Eclipse is an ice-class expedition vessel, which means it offers exciting activities that adventurous cruisers just appreciate.
Wi-Fi, internal country flights (such as between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, Argentina), airport transfers, and gratuities, both on board and for excursions ashore are also included. Other inclusions include all-suite accommodations with verandas or terraces, butler service for each passenger, up to ten dining experiences, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, an in-suite minibar that is restocked daily, and all-inclusive accommodations.
Particularly interesting are the wines and spirits that are represented, in particular the more than one hundred different whiskies. You may choose from nine different bars to sit at, and then work your way through the extensive drink menu.
Related: the luxury cruise ships you have to experience to believe
The majority of exploration devices, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and Zodiacs, are provided free of charge. Even water skis, an inflatable trampoline, and e-bikes are available for rent on the Scenic Eclipse. There are up to 15 expedition professionals on board who deliver complimentary enrichment and adventure activities both on and off the ship.
You will only be required to pay an additional fee to take a ride on the ship's two helicopters or the submarine with six seats, the Scenic Neptune.
You can always count on having a magnificent eating experience. The highly trained sushi chefs at Sushi@Koko produce the highest quality sashimi, flashing their blades as if the fish were an artwork. Lumière provides careful modern French cuisine; linger pre- or post-dinner at its attractive Champagne bar. Additionally, kudos to the Yacht Club for emphasizing delicious and nutritious options.
The Senses Spa provides an abundance of free services and amenities. You may unwind on thermal loungers, stimulate your senses in showers equipped with aromatherapy and various jets, attend lessons on meditation, and work out in the fitness centre, yoga studio, and Pilates studio. Relax in the women's and men's saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation lounges, and take a dip in one of the three plunge pools to wash away your worries. You'll solely be responsible for paying for private spa treatments and personal training sessions.
Seabourn
Want your all-inclusive vacation to have the atmosphere of an expensive country club while still maintaining a casually elegant feel? Discover the five vessels that make up the Seabourn fleet, each of which exudes opulence in a refined yet unpretentious manner. (The Seabourn Venture, the line's first exploration vessel, just made its debut in July.)
The cruise fares for Seabourn include caviar whenever and wherever you like, 24-hour in-suite dining (served course-by-course), oceanfront suites with double vanities and living areas (many of which have private balconies), premium wines and spirits, Wi-Fi, speciality restaurants, and 24-hour in-suite dining (served course-by-course).
The only significant additional costs that will be added to your bill are those for airfare and shore excursions, the most expensive wines and spirits, and spa and salon services.
Related: The 5 best kept secrets for obtaining a discount on a luxury cruise
It is important to note that the complimentary dining aboard Seabourn's ocean liners includes one supper in The Grill by Thomas Keller. Keller, a celebrity chef known for his work at restaurants such as the French Laundry in Napa Valley and Per Se in New York, collaborated with Seabourn to create a culinary programme and devised the menu for The Grill. It is quite a coup to be able to enjoy Keller's cuisine on board at no charge because his land-based restaurants charge exorbitant prices for their food. (Even better, meals are produced on board with the head chef's preferred ingredients, such as beef from Snake River Farms and lamb from Elysian Fields Farm.)
You may also feast on cuisine influenced by Chef Keller at the Colonnade at supper on certain nights when they serve clambakes and other hearty, family-style platters. These meals are served in the dining room (such as fall-off-the-bone, finger-licking barbecued ribs).
Together with Dr Andrew Weil, a well-known and respected pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, Seabourn has developed the Mindful Living Program. The company provides a large number of cost-free classes taught by yoga and guided meditation instructors who have been educated by Dr Weil.
Silversea Cruises
Are you curious about the possibility of enjoying complimentary caviar and exquisite Champagne on each of the seven continents? You are not alone. This excellent benefit, along with a great deal more, is part of the amazing inclusions provided by Silversea Cruises.
"Port-to-Port" and "Door-to-Door" itineraries are the two varieties of "all-inclusive travel" provided by this opulent Italian-inspired cruise company.
Port-to-Port pricing includes all-suite accommodations, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, tuxedo-clad white-gloved butlers for all passengers, Wi-Fi, gratuities, usage of the laundry room, and meals in the majority of the ship's dining venues, including 24-hour room service with dinner served course-by-course. In addition to that, it comes with an upgrade to business class flight for free in some cities, as well as one gratis excursion on each port's shore, with the remaining ones being available for purchase.
You will be required to pay an additional fee for spa services, cigars, and other items such as the finest wines and spirits available.
Related: 6 telltale signs that you've reserved a cabin on a luxury cruise
Port-to-Port tickets for adventure cruises typically include several additional bonuses, such as all in-country budget air travel, pre- or post-hotel night or day use, appropriate equipment and gear, and expedition team-led shore activities.
Door-to-Door travel is available for every kind of cruise that Silversea offers, and it covers everything listed above in addition to international economy flights (or credit for ticket) and airport transfers by private executive car service. This option is designed to remove all of the stress associated with travel by having Silversea take care of every aspect between the moment you walk out your front door and the time you walk back in.
When thinking about Silversea and the advantages it offers, here are some more things to keep in mind: The living and sleeping spaces of suites are kept completely separate from one another. For example, on the brand-new Silver Moon, which can accommodate 596 passengers, the entry-level suites are generously sized at 334 square feet each. The overall square footage was increased to 387 square feet as a result of the addition of a porch.
If you book the onboard suites that are the largest available, you will be entitled to even more complimentary amenities, such as valet laundry service, unlimited premium Wi-Fi (with speeds that are quicker than the standard plan), and supper for two at the posh La Dame restaurant.
The majority of the ship's eight upscale dining venues (think lots of lobster, high-end cuts of steak, and special varieties of mushrooms) provide complimentary meals, while the other two charge a fee.
Dine alfresco on genuine Neapolitan pizza that is oozing with aged Parmesan and is topped with basil picked straight from the garden. Dishes such as lobster bisque and the freshest seafood from the surrounding waters are served with vibrant vegetables that have been expertly prepared and garnished with the most beautiful ingredients in Atlantide. Jazz fans are drawn to Silver Note for live, more intimate concerts as well as a cuisine featuring small plates from across the world.
The pinnacle of opulence and indulgence? You may order caviar whenever you want and wherever you want to dine, and it will be presented to you with all of the appropriate accompaniments.
Viking
Despite Viking's insistence that it is not a luxury cruise line, this cruise line offers a wide variety of included amenities on all of its itineraries, including ocean cruises, river cruises, and the brand-new Viking Expeditions.
On ocean and expedition cruises, Viking offers the following amenities and inclusions: one complimentary shore excursion in each port; Wi-Fi; alternative restaurant dining; 24-hour room service; access to the Thermal Suite spa; beer, wine, and soft drinks served with onboard lunches and dinners; speciality coffee, tea, and bottled water; and self-service launderettes. When you book your ticket via Viking, you will receive complimentary ground transfers as well.
River cruising also includes the aforementioned, with the exception that it does not give access to the Thermal Suite spa, alternative restaurant meals, 24-hour room service, self-service laundries, or self-service laundries on board.
The cabins are a step above those seen on other premium ships in their category. They come with high-end facilities, including king-size beds rather than queens and bathrooms with huge glass-enclosed showers, heated bathroom floors, and anti-fog mirrors. Other features include a king-size bed rather than two queens.
Perhaps the aspect of the hotel that receives the most positive feedback from guests is the free access to the spa and the amazing Thermal Suite that was described before. Take deep breaths in the steam bath or sauna, freeze your behind off in the Snow Grotto to wake up every cell in your body (even the ones you didn't know you had), and finish off with a dip in the whirlpool, cold-water splash, or plunge pool. Alternating between heat and cold treatments is one of the most effective methods to revitalise both the body and the mind.
Related: These are the five most incredible places that can be reached by Viking ship.
In addition to that, the complementary alternative eating inclusions are of very high quality. Few things can compare to the satisfaction of eating an amazing dinner at Manfredi's Italian Restaurant without having to sign a room charge receipt after the meal. There are no shortcuts used for the complementary food that is provided here. However, if you are a meat fan, you must have the trademark bistecca alla Fiorentina, which is a ribeye steak covered with porcini mushrooms and spices and prepared in the Florentine way. The portions of pasta are delicious.
If there was even a cover charge, the overflowing breadbasket prepared in-house and accompanied with chunks of aged Parmesan cheese, high-quality balsamic vinegar, and olive oil would be more than enough to justify paying it.
Those cruise lines that offer more all-inclusive packages
Two cruise lines cover more expenditures in their cruise tickets than the typical line, but they do not cover as many items as the cruise lines that are considered to be genuinely all-inclusive. These lines, which we refer to as being more inclusive as opposed to all-inclusive, are included.
Azamara
Azamara can be the right cruise company for you if you like to spend most of your time in port while sailing on a more intimate and premium ship.
Even though they are small and snug, the cabins on the company's older ships have a contemporary design, but you won't be spending much time inside. This is because the cruise line places a high priority on taking you to as many ports as possible and allowing you to spend as much time as possible on land, including extended stays and evenings spent onshore.
Azamara, which places a strong emphasis on the destinations it visits, includes a free Amazing Evening ashore or Destination Celebration on board virtually all of its cruises. These unique events, which are offered for free, feature local culture and artists and, frequently, provide rare access to fascinating locales.
Related: the most comprehensive guide to Azamara
Non-alcoholic beverages (such as speciality coffees and teas, soda, and bottled water) and a select range of conventional liquors, wine, and beer are among the alcoholic beverages that are included in the fare paid by every Azamara guest. The fare you paid includes gratuity for the crew as well.
You will, however, be expected to pay additional fees for premium beverages, Wi-Fi, speciality restaurants, and excursions.
Virgin Voyages
Because the mission of Virgin Voyages is to rethink the cruise experience, the company does not adhere to the conventional guidelines that govern the cruise industry. There are tattoo parlours, drag performances, balcony hammocks, and an innovative approach to the menu inclusions all available to guests.
Onboard Wi-Fi and gratuities for crew members, which are generally additional fees on other popular cruise lines, are included in the price of a trip with Virgin for every passenger. Although you may be required to make appointments in advance for some of the ship's more than 20 eateries, the food at all of them is free of charge. This includes the vegetarian restaurant (which serves a secret steak) and the Korean BBQ place. There are also no additional costs associated with purchasing particular non-alcoholic beverages such as soda, non-pressed juices, and sparkling water. The inventive and energising fitness lessons offered by the line are also free of charge; other lines charge between $15 and $20 for classes like this.
Virgin does not provide an add-on that includes an all-inclusive beverage package but rather asserts that it has reasonable rates for beverages. On the other hand, if you buy a bar tab, which is effectively the same as prepaying for your beverages, the line will give you some extra free money that you can use on your bar bill.
Related: Is it too trendy or is it perfect? This is the truth of what it was like to cruise with Virgin Voyages:
Cruise lines that offer pricing levels that include everything
The all-inclusive add-on package is something that has only been around for a short while in the realm of all-inclusive cruise fares. Certain cruise lines offer their passengers the opportunity to upgrade to a higher-priced fare that comes with more features or to purchase fare add-ons that provide them with additional inclusions. The cruise companies argue that the additional fees represent a discount compared to the price of the featured amenities when purchased à la carte.
Cruises operated by Celebrity
It is Celebrity Cruises' goal to become the cruise line of choice for people in their thirties and forties, and the cruise line's newest ships reflect this goal by providing a wide variety of dining options, bars that are on par with those found in resorts, and plenty of places to grab a seat and chat with your friends, significant other, or other passengers. Ingenious cabin designs let in the breeze while minimising the amount of unused outside space. The company has also become inventive with the alternatives it offers for more inclusive fares.
Two different types of cruise fares are available to passengers sailing with Celebrity: Either a cruise-only or an all-inclusive package. Standard cruise perks are included in the price of Cruise-Only fares. These perks include meals served in the main dining room and at the buffet, a limited selection of non-alcoholic beverages (including drip coffee, iced tea, and juice from a machine served at breakfast), and the cruise line's typical onboard entertainment.
You will pay more if you choose the All-Inclusive ticket, which varies according to the ship, route, and departure date, but you will receive a greater number of benefits. These rates include a Classic Drinks Package, as well as crew gratuities, as well a Celebrity's Basic Wi-Fi package.
In addition, if you book upper-category cabins or suites, these add-ons and more will already be included in your base tickets at no additional cost to you. All of the aforementioned privileges are extended to passengers who book rooms in the AquaClass category, in addition to free passes to the thermal suite, free fitness classes, and reduced spa packages. Passengers also have exclusive access to the Blu restaurant.
In related news, here's all you need to know about Celebrity staterooms and suites.
In addition to exclusive access to the Luminae restaurant and the suites-only lounge and sun deck, guests staying in suites receive a premium beverages package, premium Wi-Fi, prepaid gratuities, and a credit worth $400 that may be used to make purchases on board. These prices include not only the concierge service but also the butler service.
Windstar Cruises
The laid-back elegance that distinguishes Windstar Cruises is one reason why the line gives passengers the option to select the level of all-inclusive service that they like for their itineraries.
The line's standard rates include a well-outfitted cabin, eating in numerous locations with menus created by chefs connected with the James Beard Foundation, and nonalcoholic beverages (such as soft drinks and speciality coffees). You have the option of sailing on one of our powered sailing boats or one of our small luxury cruise ships, both of which have large staterooms.
Passengers have the option of selecting All-Inclusive Fares for an extra $89 per person per day ($79 for sailings in 2022) if they desire simple pricing that includes everything. Guests who choose this option will have access to free Wi-Fi throughout their stay, as well as prepaid hotel and beverage gratuities, as well as an unlimited beverage package that features all beers, 33 different wines by the glass, 40 house brands and select brands of liquor, cocktails made with the included liquors, and mini-bar items.
Princess Cruises
The Love Boat cruise company sails the seven seas in ships that are large, but not overwhelming in size, with a special emphasis on voyages to Alaska. It is open to everyone, from young families with children to elderly couples, and it provides a wide range of amenities on board in addition to several different all-inclusive pricing alternatives to accommodate a variety of spending ranges and travel tastes.
Princess Cruises gives its passengers two options to make the onboard activities and entertainment more inclusive during their vacation. The Princess Plus Package has a cost of $50 per person each day and includes Wi-Fi on one device for each passenger as well as gratuities for the crew. Additionally, the Plus Beverage Package has a value of up to $12 per drink and is included in the package.
Related: Here are the top five places that passengers on Princess cruises get to go.
Guests have the option of purchasing the Princess Premier Package, which costs $75 per person per day, for an experience that is more comprehensively all-inclusive. The Premier Beverage Package, which covers drinks with prices up to $18 each, Wi-Fi on up to four devices per passenger, tips for the crew, two meals per guest in the line's extra-fee restaurants, a photo package with three prints plus unlimited digital files, and access to Princess Prizes are all included in this upgraded programme for passengers (random prizes you can win every time you open your cabin door).
America de Hollanda
Princess Cruises' sister line and competitor in the Alaska market is Holland America. It caters to an older demographic of cruisers that enjoys live music, excellent dining, and the traditional cruise experience on its midsized ships, which sail all over the world.
The cruise company also offers an all-inclusive add-on that is comparable to that of its sibling. The lines Have It All fares include a shore excursion that costs $100, $200, or $300 per person (depending on the length of the cruise); a Signature Beverage Package that includes both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks priced up to $11 per drink; one, two, or three complimentary meals in the line's speciality dining restaurants (depending on the length of the cruise); and a Wi-Fi Surf Package, which is HAL's basic Wi-Fi package.
Your cruise fee will be increased by $50 per person, per day if you want to upgrade to an all-inclusive package. This upgrade is only available for the first and second people staying in each cabin.
Related: an explanation of the four different types of Holland America ships
Cruise liners that offer packages that include everything
There are a few cruise lines that take an alternative approach to the concept of all-inclusive cruising and instead provide inclusions as promos for reserving cabins. Depending on the promotion that is now running, you may be eligible for a wide variety of complimentary amenities or be limited to a select number of your choosing.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is well-known for its laissez-faire policy, which allows passengers to eat wherever they like, dress whatever they choose, and enjoy their time on the ship in anyway they see appropriate. The company's mega-ships are well-known for their extensive selections of dining and drinking establishments, as well as its onboard activities, which include entertainment on par with that seen on Broadway, go-kart courses, laser tag, virtual reality gaming rooms, and wild water slides. Because of the high number of attractions that require payment, you'll probably find yourself pulling out your wallet more than once while you're on board.
To offset this, NCL has been operating some variants of its Free at Sea promotion for years. This programme provides passengers with additional facilities to make their cruise cost somewhat or significantly more inclusive. You could be eligible for all of the facilities if you book a certain type of cabin, but if you book another type of cabin, you might have a choice of some number of the amenities instead, depending on the current offer.
The included perks change, but typically include an Open Bar beverage package (covering drinks up to $15 each), one to three free meals for two people in speciality restaurants on board (depending on the type of cabin and length of cruise), a $50 shore excursion credit for one person in each port, 75 to 300 minutes of free Wi-Fi each for two people (based on the length of cruise), complimentary or $99 third and fourth guest fares on select sailings, and complimentary or discounted third and fourth guest fares on select sailings Sometimes complimentary flight is included as part of the deal; for example, if you buy one ticket, the second person travels free.
It should be noted that visitors are responsible for paying a 20% gratuity on the total cost of the speciality meal package and the open bar beverage package.
Additionally, the definitive guide about Norwegian Cruise Line may be found here.
Free at Sea Plus is an optional paid upgrade that may be added to the benefits provided by Norwegian's Free at Sea programme. This add-on will upgrade your perks to include a Premium Plus beverage package (which includes all top-shelf liquors, beer, and wine in addition to unlimited still or sparkling bottled water, Starbucks coffee, and energy drinks), two additional speciality restaurant meals, a $50 tour credit for two guests in each port (instead of one), and an unlimited Wi-Fi package (no streaming).
Adults pay $49 per person, per day in additional fees, while minors pay $29; passengers who are adults travelling alone pay $42 per person in additional fees.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises, a sibling company of NCL, may sail smaller, more premium ships, but it places a strong emphasis on both good dining and a diverse selection of restaurants. In addition to this, it offers customers the chance to make their cruise tickets more all-inclusive by taking advantage of the company's continuing OLife Choice campaign.
The current promotion provides guests with free round-trip flights as well as transfers, free access to Wi-Fi, and the option to select one of the following extras for their stay: You can choose between four and eight complimentary shore excursions, depending on the length of your cruise (please note that not all trips qualify for this offer), a beverage package from House Select, or a credit worth up to $800 to spend on board the ship.
Oceania Cruises usually provides complimentary non-alcoholic beverages (such as soda, speciality coffee and tea, smoothies, and juice), gourmet dining (including meals prepared by celebrity chef Jacques Pepin), fitness classes, and shuttles into town when the ship is in port.
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