CRUISE 9

The phrase “all-inclusive” sparks joy in travelers everywhere. It conjures up visions of sipping cocktails without worrying about the bill, enjoying Wi-Fi in your suite, and stepping off the ship for included shore excursions.

But here’s the truth: not all all inclusive cruise vacations are created equal. Some cruise lines mean it literally, while others still slip in “extras” that can add hundreds—or even thousands—to your final tab.

This guide unpacks what cruise ship vacations all inclusive really cover, which lines deliver genuine inclusions, and where you’ll want to read the fine print.

The concept is simple: you pay one fare, and almost everything on board is covered.

On true all inclusive vacations and cruises, you can expect:

• ✅ Unlimited dining in every restaurant
• ✅ Premium beverages, cocktails, wine, and champagne
• ✅ Wi-Fi throughout the ship
• ✅ Prepaid gratuities
• ✅ Shore excursions (sometimes unlimited, sometimes select)
• ✅ Butler or concierge service in suites
• ✅ Transfers or even air on certain luxury lines

Where confusion arises is with mass-market lines that use the term loosely. Their “all-inclusive” might mean:

• Meals in the main dining room only
• Basic coffee, tea, and juice (but not specialty drinks)
• No Wi-Fi or excursions included
• Daily service charges added at the end

If you want peace of mind and zero surprise bills, these lines offer genuine all inclusive cruise vacations:

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

• Often called the most inclusive luxury cruise line.
• Business-class flights (on select itineraries).
• Unlimited shore excursions in every port.
• Fine dining across all venues, with top-shelf beverages.
• Gratuities, Wi-Fi, transfers — all included.

Seabourn

• Boutique ships with exceptional service.
• Premium drinks, caviar moments, gourmet dining.
• Gratuities and Wi-Fi often included.
• Shore excursions vary by itinerary.

Silversea Cruises

• Butler service in every suite.
• Premium beverages and fine dining included.
• Excursions increasingly bundled into fares.
• Known for expedition itineraries that cover unique ports.

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Shore excursion in every port (one per stop).
• Beer, wine, and soft drinks included with meals.
• Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and access to spa facilities included.
• Elegant, Scandinavian-inspired ships with no casinos.

Inclusion	👑 Regent Seven Seas	Seabourn	Silversea	Viking Ocean
Flights ✈️	Business-class flights (on select itineraries)	Not typically included	Not typically included	Not typically included
Shore Excursions 🚌	Unlimited shore excursions in every port	Varies by itinerary	Excursions increasingly bundled into fares	One excursion per port (included)
Dining 🍽️	Fine dining across all venues	Gourmet dining, “caviar moments”	Fine dining included	Specialty dining included
Beverages 🍷	Top-shelf beverages (unlimited)	Premium drinks included	Premium beverages included	Beer, wine, and soft drinks with meals
Gratuities 💰	Included	Included	Included	Not explicitly included
Wi-Fi 💻	Included	Included (often)	Included	Included
Transfers 🚐	Included	Not standard	Varies by itinerary	Not standard
Butler Service 👔	Not included	Not included	Butler in every suite	Not included
Unique Features 🌟	👑Most inclusive overall; luxury at scale	Boutique ships, exceptional service	Known for expedition itineraries, unique ports	Elegant Scandinavian-inspired ships, no casinos, access to spa facilities

👉 Compare today’s all-inclusive cruise packages here and find what suits your style ↗

Some cruise lines (like Celebrity or Princess) now offer “Always Included” or bundled fares that mimic all inclusive vacations and cruises.

They typically include:

• Drinks package (beer, wine, cocktails).
• Basic Wi-Fi.
• Gratuities.

While not as comprehensive as the true luxury lines, these bundles can still feel all-inclusive for many travelers.

Here’s how to ensure you’re getting true value:

1. Do the math. If you drink wine, plan to use Wi-Fi daily, and prefer included excursions, a luxury all-inclusive fare can save money compared to paying à la carte.
2. Read the fine print. Don’t assume all inclusive vacations and cruises are identical. Each line has different definitions.
3. Consider 7-day itineraries. A one-week all-inclusive cruise package offers a perfect balance of cost and indulgence.
4. Travel shoulder seasons. Fares are lower, ships less crowded, and deals often more generous.
5. Book smart. Use trusted cruise deal sites that curate legitimate offers.

• Anna, New York: Booked a 7-day Mediterranean cruise package with Viking — one included excursion per port and wine with meals saved her $900.
• The Martins, Sydney: Silversea’s all inclusive cruise vacation turned out cheaper than their last mainstream cruise, once they added up gratuities and drinks.
• Graham & Sophia, London: Regent’s included air and unlimited excursions made their Baltic cruise stress-free from airport to final port.

Why choose a ship over a land-based all-inclusive resort?

• Variety of destinations: Wake up in a new country every day.
• Luxury at sea: Butler service, fine dining, spa treatments.
• Unique experiences: Glacier cruising, small ports, world-class shows.
• Value: True all inclusive cruise packages often cost less per day than luxury resorts.

• Book early or last-minute for the best all inclusive vacations and cruises.
• Compare offers across multiple lines, not just one.
• Use a reliable partner site with transparent pricing.
• Don’t forget to calculate airfare — unless it’s included in the package.

A cruise vacation should never end with sticker shock. By choosing carefully, you can secure cruise ship vacations all inclusive that deliver real value, freedom, and indulgence.

When everything is bundled into your fare, the only thing left to do is relax, sip your champagne, and let the horizon carry you somewhere unforgettable.