Great All-inclusive Cruises You Need to Book

Table Of Content

• Best for affordable river cruises
• Expert Advice and Insider Secrets for Scoring Deals on All-Inclusive Cruises
• Windstar Cruises' All-Inclusive Fare and All-In Package
• A Guide to Scoring the Best All-Inclusive Cruise Deals
• Cruises: What's included?
• What’s in an all-inclusive cruise?
• The Most Epic World Cruise Ever To Set Sail

A go-kart ride aboard select Norwegian ships will cost you $15 per ride. You might also pay for laser tag, VIP or adults-only sun decks, arcade games and virtual-reality rides and simulators. A drinks package can save you money if you think you'll drink more than a few beers or cocktails per day. However, you can't purchase one package for one person — it goes by cabin. If one person buys one, everyone 21 or older in that cabin must buy one, too.

Best for affordable river cruises

If you're trying to assess the value of a cruise fare, especially as compared with another cruise line or an all-inclusive resort, you'll need to look at which vacation activities you'll be doing and tally up your all-in vacation cost. Less-inclusive cruise lines will be cheaper to book initially, but high onboard spending could make the trip cost more than a more-inclusive line with pricier base fares. Or, you may love the idea of included cocktails, wine and beer, but if you don't drink multiple alcoholic beverages each day, you may find that you'd spend less purchasing drinks a la carte.

Expert Advice and Insider Secrets for Scoring Deals on All-Inclusive Cruises

If calm, contemplative nature is more your thing, spend the day admiring cascading waterfalls in Jamaica and the vivid coral reefs of Bonaire, home to manta rays and parrot fish. This is your chance to dive deeper into the world’s most remarkable destinations on 16 unique, immersive sailings ranging from 9 to 28 nights. Choose from drink, dining and excursion packages to make this all-inclusive cruise your best family vacation yet. ● Join social media groups devoted to your favorite cruise lines or spend time on the Cruise Critic message boards for money-saving tips from fellow cruisers.

Windstar Cruises' All-Inclusive Fare and All-In Package

If you wish to adjust the charges (up or down), you can visit the guest relations desk while on board. Your base fare likely will not include tips to servers, cabin attendants and other staff. Most of the biggest cruise lines automatically add some type of service or gratuity fee onto passenger bills. Lines with such charges include Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC Cruises, Norwegian and Princess Cruises.

A Guide to Scoring the Best All-Inclusive Cruise Deals

Choose one of four Ultimate World Cruise segments — each an unforgettable voyage of 60+ nights where you can wander and explore that corner of the globe. Cruise to CocoCay for the Perfect Day, where most of the experiences won't cost you a dime. When it comes time to fuel up in between adventures, there’s no shortage of craveworthy cuisine from around the world by award-winning chefs. In fact, you can taste your way around the globe in just one trip to the Windjammer buffet — but there are also plenty of go-to staples there to please your pickiest eaters too.

Cruises: What's included?

As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. You will find your favorite Caribbean cruise ports no matter what direction you go. Travel the Southern side and wander down the colorful streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. On the Western, dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman or explore the ruins of Tulum when arrive in Cozumel.

The 12 Best All-Inclusive Cruises for 2024 - U.S. News & World Report

The 12 Best All-Inclusive Cruises for 2024.

Posted: Fri, 19 May 2023 19:11:37 GMT [source]

What’s in an all-inclusive cruise?

Look for a cruise line including most or all, as those additional costs rapidly add up. Regent Seven Seas and Silversea include most or all shore excursions, as do Scenic and Seabourn expedition ships. Prices and Offers are subject to availability and change without notice, may be withdrawn at any time, and not applicable to charters or contracted groups.

With the all-included package, basic Wi-Fi comes standard, which covers messaging apps and email, as well as browsing the internet, so you can always be in contact. You’ll sail from the sunny cities of Fort Lauderdale or Miami to tropical islands like Nassau, Bimini, and Key West for a short getaway that will leave you feeling restored and renewed. Read on for everything you need to know about all-inclusive cruises, from booking tips to some of our favorite itineraries.

The Most Epic World Cruise Ever To Set Sail

Many lines offer soft drinks packages that offer unlimited soda or coffee cards for discounts on cafe drinks. Ultra-premium Oceania Cruises operates six ships, with a seventh on the way in 2023, as all-inclusive cruises with packages including soft drinks, specialty dining, 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi and transfers to and from port. OLife Choice packages, available on all itineraries, also include airfare from select U.S. and Canada gateways. On Seabourn’s ocean liners, passengers also receive one complimentary dinner at The Grill by Thomas Keller, a restaurant deftly duplicating the world-famous chef’s cuisine, prepared with his favorite high-end ingredients. In addition, many Keller-influenced plates appear on other dining venue menus, such as in the Colonnade.

Sometimes, all-inclusive cruises have special offers to include a pre-cruise hotel night, or pre- or post-cruise land programs, including tours and hotel stays. Whether you’re looking to book a short getaway or a longer adventure to far-flung destinations, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to save big on everything from your cruise fare to special experiences onboard and onshore. The first step to making sure you get the best deals is to join the cruise line’s email list.

Expect to pay a service charge for all in-room dining on lines like Norwegian Cruise Line ($9.95) and Virgin Voyages ($5). Guests aboard Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean can take advantage of free continental breakfast during morning hours, but have to pay for in-cabin dining the rest of the day. Seabourn is known for luxe all-inclusive cruise dining perks, like unlimited caviar. Scenic currently offers one “adventure yacht,” Scenic Eclipse, with near-twin Scenic Eclipse II debuting in 2023.

Among the amenities that are included, you are not relegated to just one bar and dining establishment to frequent during your stay. Most all-inclusive resorts have multiple food and beverage outlets and often shops where you can grab coffee and ice cream as well. You'll also be treated to entertainment and activities throughout the day and into the evening, and most resorts offer a decent mix of family-friendly and adult-oriented activities. At most lines, you can pay your service charges in advance of sailing (when you pay your cruise fare). If you prefer to pay for tips once you're on board your cruise, the gratuities will automatically appear on your bill.

Windstar Cruises' hallmark is casual luxury, so the line lets guests choose how inclusive they want their fares to be. They come with upscale amenities, such as king-size beds rather than queens, and bathrooms with spacious glass-enclosed showers, heated bathroom floors and anti-fog mirrors. Cabins on its older ships are compact yet cozy, with a modern look, but you won't spend much time in them.

Or raging white water rivers carving their way through the dramatic landscapes. Taking some time alone with your other half can be an incredible way to connect — though it’s not always easy on a family vacation. But nothing says romance quite like exploring the world with the love of your life. So with the kids excitedly checked into AO, you can spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool deck. The main pools are always popular, but the Solarium is a great getaway from the bustle with cozy nooks overlooking the ocean and a more tranquil pool vibe.

Pay for a certain number of meals at the ship's specialty restaurants upfront, and you'll receive a discount. When you compare everything a cruise has to offer, it’s easy to see you get unbeatable value without the expensive price tag of an all-inclusive resort vacation, or the unexpected surprise expenses. What’s more, unlike “cookie cutter vacations” at all-inclusive resorts, a cruise gives you the flexibility to tailor your getaway depending on your party’s interests, needs, and budget.

We took a look at the a la carte items included in the inclusive package to determine the value of Windstar's offering (based on a weeklong sailing). Wi-Fi, specialty dining and the photo package are shareable, so a family of four with two parents on the Princess Premier plan can have their children's devices on Wi-Fi, take home great family photos and enjoy one specialty dining experience with the entire family. The first and second guests in a cabin must each book the same Plus or Premier package, but the third and fourth guests are not obligated to do so, meaning a family doesn't have to pay for amenities that kids won't use. Perhaps what passengers rave about the most is complimentary access to the Nordic Spa and that awesome thermal suite mentioned above.