In the world of travel, all inclusive cruises have carved out a niche for themselves as an epitome of luxury, convenience, and unforgettable experiences. The allure of such cruises lies in their promise of a hassle-free vacation where every detail, big or small, is taken care of. From luxury accommodations to gourmet dining, unlimited shore excursions, and even complimentary Wi-Fi, these cruises offer a level of opulence that is hard to match.
In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate through the high seas of the top 12 all-inclusive cruise lines. We’ll explore their unique offerings and see why they’ve become the cruise lines of choice for those seeking a truly all-encompassing vacation experience. Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or just curious about the world of luxury cruising, this guide has got you covered.
Understanding All-Inclusive Cruises
When it comes to travel, ‘all-inclusive’ often translates to a worry-free experience. But what does this term mean in the context of cruise lines?
What All-Inclusive Means for Cruise Lines
In the world of cruising, all-inclusive is a term that goes beyond the usual definition. Sure, it covers your standard travel expenses such as accommodation, meals, and basic onboard activities. But all-inclusive cruise lines take it a step further. They strive to offer an experience that leaves no stone unturned.
What’s Included in All-Inclusive Cruise Fares?
So, what exactly can you expect to be included in an all-inclusive cruise fare? The specifics can vary from one cruise line to another, but there are some common elements. These typically include not just your cruise accommodation, but also gourmet meals at specialty dining venues, unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and even unlimited shore excursions. Some cruise lines also include gratuities and airport transfers in their all-inclusive fares.
In the next section, we’ll dive deeper into the world of all-inclusive cruise lines and explore some of the top players in the industry. So keep reading as we set sail on this exciting journey!
The Top 5 Truly All-Inclusive Cruise Lines
The world of all-inclusive cruises is vast and varied. Here, we focus on five cruise lines that truly embody the all-inclusive spirit, starting with Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is often touted as the most all-inclusive luxury line in the world. Offering more than just a cruise, Regent promises an unrivaled experience that extends from the ship to the shore.
A Glimpse into Regent’s World
This cruise line is renowned for its all-suite accommodations, many of which come with private balconies. The opulence onboard extends to the dining options, with a range of specialty dining venues offering everything from French cuisine to Asian fusion.
Amenities and Exclusive Experiences
Regent Seven Seas Cruises goes beyond the norm with its all-inclusive fares. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access, unlimited shore excursions, and an inclusive travel expense package that covers even the minutest details. The cruise line also offers unique experiences like land programs that allow guests to explore the destinations in depth. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a Caribbean beach or exploring ancient ruins in Greece, Regent ensures that every moment of your journey is unforgettable.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is another standout in the world of all-inclusive cruise lines. This upscale cruise and tour company boasts a fleet of adventure yachts and river cruise ships that offer an intimate, luxury experience.
Luxury Accommodations and Unique Experiences
With Scenic, all-suite accommodations are the standard. Each suite is designed as a personal haven with amenities that cater to every whim. But the luxury doesn’t stop at your suite door. Scenic also offers unique experiences that include guided city tours, culinary excursions, and even private concerts in iconic locations.
Seabourn
Next on our list is Seabourn, a cruise line renowned for its casually elegant vibe and intimate, yacht-like ships.
The Seabourn Experience
Seabourn’s all-inclusive fares cover almost every aspect of the cruise experience. From oceanfront suites to gourmet dining at a variety of venues, everything is included in the fare.
Exclusive Partnerships and Dining Experiences
Seabourn stands out with its exclusive partnerships that enhance the onboard experience. For instance, they’ve partnered with world-renowned Chef Thomas Keller to create unique dining experiences that are included in the cruise fare. Whether you’re indulging in a gourmet meal or exploring a new destination, Seabourn ensures that every moment of your journey is filled with unforgettable experiences.
Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises, an Italian-owned luxury cruise line, offers a blend of European charm and all-inclusive luxury. Known for their smaller, luxurious ships, Silversea provides an intimate cruising experience.
Italian Luxury at Sea
Silversea’s fleet of all-suite ships exudes Italian elegance and sophistication. The cruise line’s all-inclusive fares cover a wide range of amenities, including butler service in every suite, gourmet dining venues, and even in-suite dining.
Port-to-Port and Door-to-Door Travel Options
One unique feature of Silversea is the differentiation between Port-to-Port and Door-to-Door fares. While Port-to-Port fares cover the cruise journey itself, Door-to-Door fares offer an all-encompassing travel experience that includes pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, transfers, and even airfare in some cases. This flexibility allows guests to choose the level of inclusivity that suits their travel needs best.
Crystal
Last but certainly not least on our list of top all-inclusive cruise lines is Crystal. Known for its luxurious ships and high level of service, Crystal recently re-launched as an all-inclusive experience, offering even more value to its guests.
Crystal’s All-Inclusive Transformation
Crystal’s transformation into an all-inclusive cruise line has elevated the onboard experience to new heights. The cruise line now includes gratuities, fine wines, and premium spirits in its cruise fares, ensuring guests can enjoy the journey without worrying about any hidden costs.
A World of Luxury and Fine Dining
In terms of accommodations, Crystal offers spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms and suites. Dining is a highlight on Crystal, with a variety of fine dining venues offering everything from global cuisines to comfort classics.
Signature Activities
But it’s not just about relaxation and gourmet meals. Crystal also offers a range of signature activities that are included in the cruise fare. From enrichment lectures to fitness classes and even photography workshops, there’s always something new and exciting to explore on a Crystal cruise.
While the truly all-inclusive cruise lines offer a comprehensive package, there are other lines that offer more-inclusive fares. These cruise lines include a wide range of amenities in the fare, with some additional costs for certain services. Let’s start our exploration with Azamara.
Azamara
Azamara, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises, is known for its port-intensive cruises and unique events.
Port-Intensive Cruises and Unique Events
Azamara’s itineraries often feature overnight stays in ports, giving guests the opportunity to explore destinations in depth. The cruise line also hosts unique events, like the AzAmazing Evenings, which are complimentary on most voyages.
What’s Included and What’s Extra?
Azamara’s more-inclusive fares cover elements like gratuities, standard spirits, international beers and wines, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas, shuttle service to and from port communities (where available), and self-service laundry. However, guests might need to pay extra for specialty dining, spa treatments, optional shore excursions, and airfare.
Viking
Viking, a leader in river and small ship ocean cruising, offers more-inclusive fares that cover a wide array of amenities and services.
Inclusions in Ocean and River Voyages
Whether you’re embarking on an ocean voyage or a river journey, Viking includes a lot in the fare. This includes one complimentary shore excursion in each port, all meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, specialty teas and coffees, Wi-Fi, access to the thermal suite in the Nordic Spa, and even laundry facilities.
The Nordic Spa and Complimentary Dining Experiences
One of Viking’s unique features is the Nordic Spa, which offers a Scandinavian-inspired wellness experience. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the spa’s thermal suite, which includes a sauna, steam room, and snow grotto.
When it comes to dining, Viking offers a range of options – from casual meals at the World Cafe to fine dining experiences at The Restaurant. All dining venues are complimentary, allowing guests to savor a variety of cuisines throughout their journey.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises, renowned for their luxurious ships and gourmet cuisine, offers a more-inclusive fare structure that they call “Simply More”.
Simply More Pricing and New Inclusions
Oceania’s Simply More pricing aims to offer guests a comprehensive cruise experience. Recently, the cruise line has added even more inclusions to their fares. These new additions include free internet for one device per stateroom, pre-paid gratuities, and a free amenity of the guest’s choice (options include shore excursions, a beverage package, or shipboard credit).
What’s Included in the Cruise Fare?
An Oceania cruise fare includes most meals (including specialty restaurants), non-alcoholic beverages, access to onboard facilities like the fitness center and swimming pools, and entertainment. The fare also includes port charges and government taxes. However, guests may need to pay extra for services like spa treatments, optional shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages (unless chosen as the free amenity).
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is a fresh face in the cruise industry, bringing an unconventional approach to fare inclusions.
An Unconventional Approach to Fare Inclusions
Unlike traditional cruise lines, Virgin Voyages includes a lot more in their base fare. This includes all food at the ship’s 20+ eateries, basic beverages, tips, and even group fitness classes.
Complimentary Offerings and Enhanced Experiences
Virgin Voyages offers a range of complimentary offerings designed to enhance the cruise experience. This includes unlimited Wi-Fi, access to all entertainment venues, and group workouts at the onboard gym.
For those looking to further enhance their experience, Virgin Voyages offers packages for premium dining experiences, spa treatments, and shore excursions. These can be added to the cruise fare for an additional cost. With its unique approach to cruising, Virgin Voyages is redefining what it means to offer a more-inclusive cruise experience.
All-Inclusive Fare Classes – Customizing Your Experience
Some cruise lines offer different fare classes, allowing guests to customize their experience based on their preferences and budget. Let’s take a look at how Celebrity Cruises approaches this concept.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers two main fare options: Cruise-Only and All Included.
Cruise-Only vs. All Included Fares
The Cruise-Only fare covers the basics: your stateroom, meals in the main dining room and buffet, and most onboard activities. The All Included fare, on the other hand, adds a number of extras into the mix. This includes tips, an unlimited surf internet package, and a classic beverage package that covers a wide range of drinks.
Additional Perks for Upper-Category Cabins and Suites
If you choose to splurge on an upper-category cabin or suite, Celebrity Cruises rewards you with even more perks. These can include premium beverage packages, specialty dining experiences, and even credits for shore excursions. By offering different fare classes, Celebrity Cruises allows guests to tailor their cruise experience to their individual preferences.
Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises, known for its casual luxury and small ship cruising, offers customizable fare options that allow guests to choose the level of inclusivity they prefer.
Casual Luxury and Customizable Fare Options
Windstar’s approach to cruising is all about casual luxury. Their yachts are smaller and more intimate than the mega-ships of larger cruise lines, offering a unique and personalized experience. When it comes to fares, Windstar provides options that can be customized based on the guest’s preferences.
All-Inclusive Fares and What They Cover
Windstar’s All-Inclusive Fares are designed to provide a comprehensive cruise experience. These fares include all meals onboard, select shore excursions, unlimited Wi-Fi, laundry service, and even alcoholic beverages. With these inclusive fares, guests can enjoy the luxury of a Windstar cruise without worrying about any additional costs.
Princess Cruises
This is a popular choice among seasoned cruisers. It offers packages that allow guests to enhance their cruise experience.
Princess Plus and Princess Premier Packages
The Princess Cruises offer two main packages: the Princess Plus and the Princess Premier. These packages are designed to provide guests with a more comprehensive cruise experience, covering a variety of amenities and services.
Inclusions and Pricing
The Princess Plus package includes the Premier Beverage Package, unlimited Wi-Fi, and full gratuities. The Princess Premier package, on the other hand, includes everything in the Plus package, along with additional benefits like priority check-in and boarding, a complimentary mini-bar setup in the cabin, and even a complimentary dinner in one of the ship’s specialty restaurants.
By offering these packages, Princess Cruises allows guests to customize their cruise experience based on their preferences and budget. Whether you’re looking for a basic cruise fare or a more inclusive experience, Princess Cruises has options to suit every traveler.
Holland America
Holland America, a cruise line known for its classic style and high level of service, offers a more-inclusive fare option known as the “Have It All” fare.
Have It All Fares and What They Include
Holland America’s Have It All fares are designed to provide a more comprehensive cruise experience. These fares include a variety of amenities and services that would typically come at an additional cost. This includes one shore excursion in each port, a drink package, specialty dining, and even a Wi-Fi package.
Additional Cost and Benefits of All-Inclusive
While the Have It All fare comes at a higher price point than the standard fare, it offers significant savings when compared to purchasing these amenities separately. For guests who plan to take advantage of these offerings, opting for the Have It All fare can enhance their cruise experience while also providing better value for money. With this option, Holland America makes it easy for guests to enjoy an all-inclusive cruise experience.
All-Inclusive Promotions – Grabbing the Best Deals
When it comes to all-inclusive cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is known for its enticing promotions and offers. Let’s take a closer look at what NCL has to offer.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Current Promotions and Eligibility
NCL frequently runs promotions that include all-inclusive amenities, such as free beverage packages, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi. These promotions may vary based on the specific sailing and cabin category. It’s important to check NCL’s website or consult with a travel agent to stay updated on the latest promotions and their eligibility criteria.
Amenities Offered and Cabin Types
The all-inclusive amenities offered by NCL can vary based on the cabin type. For example, guests staying in suites may enjoy additional perks like access to exclusive lounges, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and even butler service. However, even guests in lower-category cabins can still benefit from amenities such as complimentary dining options, select beverages, and entertainment options included in their fare.
Keep an eye out for NCL’s all-inclusive promotions to grab the best deals and enjoy a truly comprehensive cruise experience. Don’t forget to review the terms and conditions of each promotion to ensure it aligns with your preferences and travel plans.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, we have explored the world of all-inclusive cruise lines and discovered the top 12 players in the industry. From Regent Seven Seas Cruises to Virgin Voyages, each cruise line offers its own unique blend of luxury, amenities, and inclusive experiences.
Recapping our journey, we have delved into the allure of all-inclusive cruises and what it means to have a truly comprehensive vacation at sea. We have explored the offerings of each cruise line, from their accommodations and dining options to their included activities and exclusive partnerships.
As you consider your next cruise adventure, we encourage you to explore the options available based on your preferences. Whether you seek a more intimate experience on a small ship or desire the grandeur of a larger vessel, there is an all-inclusive cruise line that will cater to your desires.
The landscape of all-inclusive cruises continues to evolve, with cruise lines constantly enhancing their offerings and providing more value to guests. It is an exciting time for those seeking an all-encompassing vacation experience at sea.
So, set sail on your next adventure and immerse yourself in the world of all-inclusive cruising. Bon voyage!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does “all-inclusive” mean in the context of cruise lines?
In the context of cruise lines, “all-inclusive” refers to a fare that covers a wide range of amenities and services. It typically includes accommodations, meals, select beverages, and certain onboard activities. Some all-inclusive cruise lines go beyond these basics and also include gratuities, Wi-Fi access, specialty dining, shore excursions, and more.
2. Do all all-inclusive cruise lines offer the same inclusions?
No, the inclusions can vary from one all-inclusive cruise line to another. While most all-inclusive cruise lines cover accommodations, meals, and basic onboard activities, the specific amenities included may differ. Some cruise lines may offer unlimited shore excursions, complimentary Wi-Fi, premium beverage packages, or even exclusive partnerships with renowned chefs.
3. Are there additional costs on all-inclusive cruises?
While all-inclusive cruises aim to provide a comprehensive experience, there may still be some additional costs for certain services or experiences. These can include optional shore excursions, spa treatments, specialty dining venues, premium alcoholic beverages, and certain onboard activities. Review the details of each cruise line’s all-inclusive package to understand what is covered and what may require an additional fee.
4. How can I find the best deals on all-inclusive cruises?
To find the best deals on all-inclusive cruises, regularly check the websites of various cruise lines for promotions and special offers. Additionally, consulting with a travel agent who specializes in cruises can help you navigate through different options and find exclusive deals. Signing up for newsletters or following cruise lines on social media can also provide you with updates on the latest promotions and discounts.
5. Can I customize my all-inclusive cruise experience?
Yes, some cruise lines offer customizable options to enhance your all-inclusive cruise experience. This can include choosing different fare classes with varying levels of inclusions, adding packages for premium dining experiences or spa treatments, or upgrading to higher-category cabins or suites for additional perks. It’s important to review the options provided by each cruise line to tailor your experience based on your preferences and budget.
