The benefits of taking an all-inclusive luxury cruise never fail to amaze travelers. While the initial fare may seem higher than standard cruises, when you factor in every trip-related expense and it’s all said and done, most all-inclusive prices are actually a better vacation value than “cruise only fares” that nickel-and-dime you for every soda, service or specialty restaurant onboard.
If you want it all with no out-of-pocket expenses or don’t want a big final bill at the end of your journey, than an all-inclusive cruise may be right for you. But what does the term ‘all-inclusive’ really mean, what does it actually get you and which cruise lines do ‘all-inclusive’ best?
We have the answers below and access to the best all-inclusive cruise deals available anywhere.
All-Inclusive Redefined
Every cruise fare includes the same three things—your accommodations, standard meals and basic entertainment—so what does ‘all-inclusive’ actually include? The truth is, it depends. Every cruise line defines ‘all-inclusive’ slightly differently, and certain ships, sailings and stateroom options may add even more.
In general, here are the possible perks you’ll get when choosing an all-inclusive luxury cruise:
- Meals—general dining plus room service and specialty restaurants
- Drinks—sodas, beer, wine & spirits and in-room mini-bar
- Gratuities—tips and most additional fees
- Amenities—Wi-Fi, enrichment classes, entertainment, butler service, laundry & dry-cleaning
- Extras—shore excursions, onboard services, airport transfers, pre or post-cruise hotel and even flights
Insider Tip: While spa services aren’t usually part of ‘all-inclusive’ prices, ship spas often offer discounts for first-day and port-day treatments. Stop by the spa, or check your daily newsletters to find out about day-of deals that won’t break the bank.
The Most All-Inclusive of All
Beyond just including accommodations and alcohol, these distinctive cruise lines are constantly finding new ways to impress and new things to add to their already impressive ‘all-inclusive’ benefits.
We’ve selected our favorite all-inclusive cruise options below—ocean, yacht and river voyages—so you know who offers what and are guaranteed to get the most bang for your buck.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The most all-inclusive of the luxury cruise lines is Regent. They call it “cruising as it was meant to be”, but on Regent you really can have it all.
What's included? Fares include roundtrip air (business class on European itineraries); all gratuities; open bar (including the minibar in your suite); all restaurants; unlimited shore excursions; unlimited Wi-Fi; 24-hour room service; butler service; airport transfers; and hotel packages before your trip.
Insider Tip: Cooking classes are included and available on every ship with 18 fully equipped workstations and instruction by experienced Bon Appetit Chefs.
>Explore more: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Probably the most formal of the luxury lines with options for ocean, river and yachts, Crystal’s all-inclusive experience—dubbed ‘all-exclusive’—appeals to its tradition-minded passengers. No excursions or airfare are included, but Crystal’s fares include a ton of perks.
What's included? All gratuities; wine & spirits; one evening of dining in specialty restaurants; golf lessons with a PGA pro; enrichment courses; fitness classes; and butler service.
Insider Tip: Whenever and wherever you wish, specialty coffees and teas are made to your exact specifications, and always served with Crystal’s compliments.
>Explore more: Crystal Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Known for luxury cruising and expedition adventures on their signature smaller, all-suite ships, all Silversea accommodations are spacious, ocean-view and most include private verandas.
What's included? Butler service in all suites; all beverages; all gratuities; shoreside events on select voyages; select shore excursions; fitness classes; transportation to the city center in most ports; butler service; expedition gear; and 24 hour room-service.
Insider Tip: Renowned for culinary excellence, Silversea's luxury cruises offer a choice of incredible open-seating dining options throughout the fleet that are included in your fare.
>Explore more: Silversea Cruises
AmaWaterways River Cruises
AmaWaterways boasts “the luxury of more”—more ways to discover, more ways to indulge and more onboard amenities— and it’s true in their cruise fares which include more than most other river lines.
What's included? Beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner; bottled water replenished daily; bikes for passenger use; at least one complimentary shore excursion in every port; all specialty restaurants; and free internet access.
Insider Tip: Every AmaWaterways stateroom comes equipped with an Apple computer and 5G internet so guests can stay connected in the comfort of their cabin and not have to use a business center.
SeaDream Yacht Club
Guests aboard Seadream's two yacht-like 112-passenger ships cruise experience a level of service not found anywhere else. Beyond stellar service and cuisine, so much is included in your fare, which puts Seadream's yacht-cruising in a cruise category all its own.
What's included? Open bar; gratuities; all meals; daily yoga and tai chi classes; use of water toys (including Hobie Cats); a state-of-the-art golf simulator; use of mountain bikes on shore; high powered binoculars for each guest; laptop computers for use while onboard and free Wi-Fi; and destination-specific shoreside activities with the Crew (such as shopping at a local market with the ship’s Chef).
Insider Tip: SeaDream is a water lovers paradise; play with “toys” from the yacht’s marina including wave runners, kayaks, personal sailboats, stand-up paddle boards, snorkel gear, water skiing, wakeboards, swim platform, banana boat and a floating island.
>Explore more: SeaDream Yacht Club
Azamara Cruises
When you’re ready to embark on a journey with Azamara, you can pack your bags, but you can essentially leave your wallet home. Because when you travel with Azamara Club Cruises, the trip is incredible and almost everything you could ever want is included in the fare.
What's included? Overnight stays in port; boutique wines, international beers and standard spirits; non-alcoholic drinks; all gratuities; shuttle transportation to city centers from ports; and AzAmazing events. In some categories ‘all-inclusive’ extends to butler service, Wi-Fi, laundry service, specialty restaurants and in-suite afternoon tea service.
Insider Tip: AzAmazing events are unique to this cruise line - private, complimentary evening events ashore on each voyage - that capture the local customs in style and are included in the cruise fare.
Seabourn Cruises
Seabourn goes for a country-club vibe, with an emphasis on the finer things. It's luxury cruising refined to its purest form with impeccable service, gourmet dining and spacious, all-suite accommodations with sweeping ocean views.
What's included? Champagne and caviar available anytime; fine wines and lunch and dinner; ‘Exclusively Seabourn’ shore excursions; and usage of their retractable water-sports marina in warm-weather ports. Plus, you’ll receive all the standard ’all-inclusive’ extras like gratuities; transfers; open bar and in-suite minibar; 24-hour room service; and complimentary dining in all specialty restaurants.
Insider Tip: Masterful culinary inspiration by Michelin-starred Chef Thomas Keller further elevate Seabourn’s cuisine, offering an unsurpassed dining experience unlike any other at sea.
For more information, connect with an expert at 1 (877) 734-6858 to help you understand all your all-inclusive options.
Share this post
