All-inclusive cruising has become increasingly popular among travelers who want to enjoy a hassle-free vacation without constantly worrying about additional costs. However, the phrase “all-inclusive” can mean different things to different cruise lines. While some cruise lines include the basics such as meals, drinks, and gratuities, others go above and beyond by offering additional amenities like Wi-Fi, airfare, specialty dining, and shore excursions. In this article, we will explore the concept of all-inclusive cruising and highlight the 13 best all-inclusive cruise lines where you can enjoy your vacation without ever pulling out your wallet.
Generally speaking, all-inclusive in the cruise world means that the fare you’re quoted includes the cost of your room on a ship (based on double occupancy), port fees and taxes, most meals, gratuities, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. The most inclusive cruise lines also offer complimentary Wi-Fi, airfare (economy, chartered or business class), all specialty dining (rather than only at select venues) and shore excursions — pretty much everything short of spa and salon treatments, ultrapremium wines and spirits, and purchases such as cigars. As you might expect, all-inclusive cruises are typically found on luxury or upscale cruise lines and are priced higher because they include so much.
Beyond the truly all-inclusive cruise lines, some more affordable lines offer pricing packages that are more inclusive than the average big-ship cruise. You may be able to opt into an inclusive fare package for a higher cruise fare or get one free as a booking perk. On some cruise lines, the highest-priced suites come with so many amenities as to make those fares all-inclusive. If you’re just looking for all-inclusive alcohol, nearly every cruise line that doesn’t already include alcohol in its fares will sell you an all-inclusive drink package that lets you have an open bar experience on board.
Now, let’s dive into the 13 best all-inclusive cruise lines where you can enjoy a truly inclusive vacation:
1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Regent Seven Seas Cruises is known for its all-inclusive luxury experience. Their cruise fares include business-class airfare on intercontinental flights, transfers between your airport or hotel and the ship, all alternative dining, unlimited beverages, valet laundry service, crew gratuities, Wi-Fi, and most shore excursions. They also offer complimentary shore excursions, so you can join a couple every day you’re in port.
2. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours operates two adventure yachts, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II. These ships offer all-suite accommodations with verandas or terraces, butler service, up to 10 dining experiences, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, in-suite minibar restocked daily, Wi-Fi, airport transfers, and gratuities. They also have a wide range of exploration toys and offer complimentary adventure and enrichment programs.
3. Seabourn: Seabourn offers a casually elegant experience with all-inclusive fares that include oceanfront suites, premium wines and spirits, Wi-Fi, specialty restaurants, 24-hour in-suite dining, caviar, and gratuities. Airfare and shore excursions are the only major add-ons to your tab.
4. Silversea Cruises: Silversea Cruises offers two types of all-inclusive travel, “Port-to-Port” and “Door-to-Door.” Port-to-Port includes all-suite accommodations, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, butler service, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and meals in most dining venues. They also offer one complimentary shore excursion per port. Door-to-Door travel includes all of the above plus international economy airfare, business-class upgrades, pre- and post-cruise hotel nights, and airport transfers.
5. Crystal Cruises: Crystal Cruises is known for its luxurious all-inclusive experience. Their fares include all dining, wines and spirits, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and unlimited shore excursions. They also offer a wide range of onboard activities and entertainment options.
6. Viking Ocean Cruises: Viking Ocean Cruises offers an all-inclusive experience with fares that include a shore excursion in every port, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining. They also have a variety of onboard amenities and activities.
7. Oceania Cruises: Oceania Cruises offers a luxurious all-inclusive experience with fares that include dining at all specialty restaurants, unlimited soft drinks, bottled water, and specialty coffees, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. They also offer a wide range of onboard activities and enrichment programs.
8. Paul Gauguin Cruises: Paul Gauguin Cruises specializes in cruises to the South Pacific and offers all-inclusive fares that include all meals, gratuities, and select beverages. They also offer a variety of onboard activities and entertainment options.
9. Azamara: Azamara offers an all-inclusive experience with fares that include select alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, dining at specialty restaurants, gratuities, and a wide range of onboard activities and entertainment options.
10. Windstar Cruises: Windstar Cruises offers an all-inclusive experience with fares that include all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. They also offer a variety of onboard activities and entertainment options.
11. Cunard Line: Cunard Line offers an all-inclusive experience with fares that include all meals, select beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. They also have a variety of onboard amenities and activities.
12. Ponant: Ponant offers an all-inclusive experience with fares that include all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. They also offer a variety of onboard activities and enrichment programs.
13. Star Clippers: Star Clippers offers an all-inclusive experience with fares that include all meals, select beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. They also have a variety of onboard activities and entertainment options.
In conclusion, all-inclusive cruising offers a convenient and stress-free way to enjoy a vacation at sea. The 13 best all-inclusive cruise lines mentioned in this article offer a wide range of amenities and inclusions, ensuring that you can relax and enjoy your cruise without ever pulling out your wallet. Whether you’re looking for a luxury experience or a more affordable option, there is an all-inclusive cruise line for every type of traveler. So sit back, relax, and let the cruise line take care of everything while you enjoy your well-deserved vacation.