Have you ever been caught out at the end of a holiday, when your tab most certainly exceeds your expected amount? We’ve all been there. When you’ve spent two weeks cruising around, basking in the sunshine, soaking up the atmosphere, savouring a cool, sweet ice-cream by the pool, and enjoying sundowner drinks before dinner. If you’re not careful, you’ll be leaving the ship wishing you’d added an all-inclusive package!
Although the price might seem cheaper at first glance, to book a holiday sans all-inclusive, the end amount will usually end up more. After all – everything always adds up – so your best bet is to pay a slightly bigger upfront cost, and not have to worry about all the secret extras, like gratuities or drinks costs which can incur without being calculated beforehand.
If you’ve already booked – it’s not too late! You can still add different services, such as beverage packages, e.g. with Viking Ocean Cruises at any time before departure (explore our range of all-inclusive cruises including packages here).
Watch out, though! Don’t be fooled into thinking that all-inclusive means absolutely everything you do onboard is included. All-inclusive usually refers to drinks, culinary services, internet access and gratuity. *Side note – culinary services don’t include speciality restaurants and exclusive drinks. If you’re booking with luxury cruise lines, though, you might just be in luck! Sometimes their all-inclusive packages include absolutely everything!
Here’s a break down of what each cruise line offers, in terms of all-inclusive packages:
Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara is home to three luxury cruise ships; Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, and Azamara Pursuit. Known for their gourmet food and wellness options. Included in their price is meals in the main and buffet restaurant, non-alcoholic beverages, house wines for lunch and dinner, a selection of spirits, certain types of beer, cocktails, and wine.
For the wellness lovers; access is granted to the fitness centre, (including fitness courses such as Yoga and Pilates), and the spa.
Don’t worry, you won’t be left stranded! Other free-of-charge-services include a shuttle-bus at the harbour (if available), 24-hour cabin service, and butler service for guests in suites. Gratuities on board are also included.
The AzAmazing evening events are not to be missed! Including concert visits or culinary events ashore. However, return transfers from the vessel, shore excursions and visits to speciality restaurants for non-suite guests, are sadly not included.
Seabourn
Get the private yacht experience! Recognised for their outstanding service, exquisite gastronomy aboard, and truly magnificent destinations – this is what makes a cruise with Seabourn so special.
All five vessels consist of spacious oceanfront suites, and the offers onboard including various excursions are fantastic! Whether you’re interested in shopping with the local chef at the local markets, or talks from experts of the world heritage sites, there is something for everyone! And, as the official cruise partner of the UNESCO, Seabourn offers their guests exclusively guided tours.
When you cruise with Seabourn, everything food and drink-related is included – even the caviar, champagne, and fine-dining with star-chef, Thomas Keller!
Gratuities are included as well, which aids to the foundations of personal services and ‘special Seabourn ambience!’
Oceania Cruises
Boasting excellent gastronomy, extensive shore excursions and a real opportunity to learn new things, a cruise with Oceania will most certainly be unforgettable! Considered a boutique cruise line, the smaller ships enable access to more exotic ports of call.
A standard Oceania Cruise will have some additional costs. Included in the OLife Choice package, is the House Select, which includes champagne, wine and beer (in a glass) for lunch and dinner, free Wi-Fi per cabin and Vista and Oceania Suite guests will receive free access for two devices per suite.
You can also choose one of the following: free shore excursions, a free drink package or onboard credit. The number of free shore excursions depends on the overall duration of the trip. For cruises up to 9 days, you get 4 free excursions. Between 10 and 13 days, you can 6, and for more than 14 days, is 8 free excursions respectively! The OLife Choice additional services are applicable per cabin.
Silversea Cruises
This intimate, boutique luxury cruise line will have you looking forward to suits with a sea view, exclusive food and butler service!
Silversea Cruises host all-inclusive luxury cruise packages services which include free Wi-Fi, premium wines and spirits, a minibar in the suite, exclusive restaurants, and 24-hour in-room dining.
The crew-to-guest-ratio is almost 1:1, which ensures luxurious and personal service. Gratuities for the personnel is included in the price. Beauty salon and spa treatments are sadly not included. Events and tours, however, are only included on expedition cruises, with everything you could want from interesting talks to zodiac rides, snorkelling, diving and hiking trips!
Marella Cruises
Designed for explorers, families and first-time cruisers, Marella Cruises will have a perfectly planned itinerary ready to take guests to the heart of unique cultures and regions!
If you’re a foodie, this is a ship for you! From snacks on deck to afternoon tea and midnight buffets, Marella ensures that guests can eat and snack whenever they want. Regardless of the ship you’re on, you’ll find at least 3 restaurants with their menus changing daily. Dining can be as formal or as laid-back as you please, including everything from self-service to a multi-course dinner with suited and booted staff. The Captain’s dinner also promises a deluxe evening, which is not worth missing!
All meals and snacks are included on all Marella cruises. Drinks are covered when you sail on the Discovery, Discovery 2, Explorer, and Explorer 2.
Starting Summer 2019, both Marella Dream and Marella Celebration will also feature complimentary beverages. Draught beer and cider, selected wine by the glass, spirits and aperitifs, many cocktails, and some soft drinks by the glass are all included.
The upgrade premium beverage packages offer the choice of free unlimited upgraded cocktails, all drinks from The Coffee Port after 10 am, premium gins, vodkas and tequilas, more choice of whiskies, brandies and cognacs, cans of soft drink and freshly squeezed juices!
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line has been synonymous with freestyle cruising for years – providing travellers with individuality, freedom and flexibility on their cruise.
Offering a comprehensive premium all-inclusive concept since 2015, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 60 minutes of free Wi-Fi, per person and cruise, gratuities, and one bottle of water per person per day is provided in the room.
Some services, such as shore excursions, speciality restaurants and drinks, and spa treatments are not included and will be subject to extra charges.
Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers the most complete all-inclusive experience. Famous for their faultless service, beautifully-manicured ships and delivering the ultimate luxury cruising experience.
The five elegant vessels visit 450 destinations around the world. All cabins aboard are suites – 98% of which have a balcony. For every 3 guests, there are 2 staff, which ensures around-the-clock, personal service onboard.
Service doesn’t start and end only on board; the included service begins before departure on the outward and return flights, during the hotel overnight stays, and whilst travelling on the transfers to ports of departure.
During the cruise, guests can look forward to unlimited beverages, including wines and spirits, a minibar in the suite and exquisite menus in the speciality restaurants. All gratuities are also taken care of and you’ll have unlimited internet access.
The main star of the show is the unlimited number of free-of-charge shore excursions. Passengers cruising any of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises can take part in as many excursions both daily and for the full duration of their trip, as they please. However, with privately guided Regent choice excursions will require an additional cost.
Want to find out more about all-inclusive cruises? Browse a selection of our cruise offers. We are happy to help you, so don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0808 2746 777.
