Are American Cruise Lines All Inclusive What You Need to Know

American Cruise Lines offers an all-inclusive experience on most of its U.S.-based itineraries, covering accommodations, meals, select beverages, and onboard activities. However, not everything is included—premium alcohol, excursions, and gratuities often come at an extra cost, so understanding the fine print is key to avoiding surprises.

Key Takeaways

• Not fully all-inclusive: American Cruise Lines includes basics but extras like excursions cost extra.
• Gratuities not included: Budget extra for crew tips, typically $15–$20 per day.
• Premium dining covered: Meals and snacks are included, with no upcharges for gourmet options.
• Check drink policies: Alcohol and specialty coffees often incur additional charges.
• Wi-Fi is free: Stay connected with included internet, but speeds may vary by ship.
• Shore tours cost extra: Book excursions separately; prices vary by destination.

Are American Cruise Lines All Inclusive? What You Need to Know

Planning a cruise can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when trying to determine whether your dream vacation includes everything you expect. One of the most common questions travelers ask is: Are American cruise lines all inclusive? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it depends on the cruise line, the itinerary, and the specific package you choose. While some American-based cruise companies offer near-all-inclusive experiences, others follow a more traditional model with à la carte pricing. This blog post will help you navigate the nuances of what’s included, what’s extra, and how to make the most of your cruise vacation without unexpected costs.

The U.S. cruise market is diverse, ranging from luxury river cruises along the Mississippi to coastal voyages in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Unlike some European or international cruise lines that are fully all-inclusive (think: Regent Seven Seas, Silversea), most American cruise lines operate on a hybrid model. This means certain elements—like accommodations, meals in the main dining room, and some onboard activities—are included, while others—like premium dining, drinks, excursions, and gratuities—may require additional payments. Understanding these distinctions is key to choosing the right cruise for your budget and travel style. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea traveler, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.

What Does “All Inclusive” Really Mean in the Cruise Industry?

The Standard Cruise Inclusions

Before diving into the specifics of American cruise lines, it’s important to define what “all inclusive” actually means in the cruise world. In general, most cruise vacations—regardless of brand—include the following core components:

• Accommodations: Your stateroom or suite for the duration of the cruise.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main dining room, buffet, and some casual eateries.
• Entertainment: Live shows, movies, music, and onboard activities (e.g., trivia, dance classes).
• Use of facilities: Pools, fitness centers, jogging tracks, and some recreational areas.
• Port charges and government fees: Often included in the base fare, though sometimes itemized separately.

These are the standard inclusions across most major American cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). However, this is where the “inclusive” part often ends.

What’s Typically *Not* Included

While the basics are covered, several high-value items are almost always extra. These include:

• Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks: Cocktails, wine, beer, and premium coffee (e.g., lattes) usually incur additional charges.
• Specialty dining: Steakhouses, Italian restaurants, and other gourmet venues often require reservations and a cover charge.
• Excursions and tours: Shore excursions organized by the cruise line are rarely included and can cost $50–$200 per person.
• Spa and wellness services: Massages, facials, and fitness classes come at a premium.
• Wi-Fi and internet access: Most lines charge per day or per package, with varying speed options.
• Gratuities (service charges): Automatically added to your bill, typically $15–$20 per person per day.
• Onboard shopping and gambling: Retail stores and casinos are always pay-as-you-go.

For example, a 7-day cruise on Carnival Cruise Line might cost $700 per person for the base fare, but with drink packages ($50–$75/day), excursions ($100–$300), gratuities ($140), and Wi-Fi ($15/day), the total could easily exceed $1,500 per person.

The “Near-All-Inclusive” Trend

In recent years, several American cruise lines have introduced near-all-inclusive packages to compete with luxury brands. These packages bundle extras like drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities into a single price point. For instance:

• Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Free at Sea” offers up to five free perks (e.g., specialty dining, beverage package, shore excursion credits) with certain fare tiers.
• Royal Caribbean’s “Deluxe Beverage Package” and “Wi-Fi” can be bundled into higher-tier fares.
• Celebrity Cruises includes gratuities, Wi-Fi, and a basic beverage package in their “Classic Beverage Package” fare.

While these options reduce out-of-pocket costs, they’re not truly all inclusive—you’re still paying for the extras, just in advance and at a discounted rate.

Which American Cruise Lines Offer the Most Inclusive Experiences?

Luxury and Premium Lines: Closer to All Inclusive

If you’re seeking a more all-inclusive experience, certain American-based luxury and premium cruise lines come much closer to the mark. These brands focus on high-end service, smaller ships, and curated experiences, often bundling more into the base fare.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (headquartered in Miami) is often cited as the gold standard for all-inclusive cruising. Their fares include:

• Unlimited premium beverages (including fine wines and spirits)
• All gratuities
• All shore excursions
• Airfare (in many cases)
• Specialty dining with no surcharge
• Wi-Fi (unlimited)

For example, a 10-night Alaska cruise on Regent might cost $8,000 per person, but with all extras included, the value is significantly higher than a $2,000 base fare on a mainstream line with $3,000 in add-ons.

Oceania Cruises (also Miami-based) offers a similar model, with:

• Unlimited soft drinks, juices, and bottled water
• Complimentary specialty dining (e.g., Jacques, Red Ginger)
• All gratuities
• Shore excursions at no extra cost on select sailings
• Wi-Fi (unlimited for suite guests)

While not 100% all inclusive, Oceania’s “Simply More” program adds significant value.

River and Small Ship Cruises: Hidden All-Inclusive Gems

American river cruise lines like American Cruise Lines (ACL) and American Queen Voyages (now part of Hornblower Cruises) offer a different kind of all-inclusive experience. These small-ship operators focus on U.S. waterways (Mississippi, Columbia, Hudson, etc.) and emphasize personalized service.

• American Cruise Lines: Their “All-Inclusive” fare includes:
  • All meals and snacks
  • All beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
  • All shore excursions
  • All gratuities
  • Wi-Fi
  • Onboard entertainment and enrichment programs
• American Queen Voyages: Offers a “Luxury All-Inclusive” package with:
  • Open bar (premium wines and spirits)
  • All shore excursions
  • All gratuities
  • Complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays (on select voyages)

For example, a 7-day “Lower Mississippi River” cruise on ACL costs around $4,500 per person and includes everything—no surprise bills. This makes river cruising a standout option for travelers seeking true all-inclusive value.

Mainstream Cruise Lines: The Hybrid Model

For most Americans, the cruise experience comes from mainstream lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess. These brands offer large ships with extensive amenities but follow a hybrid model. Here’s a quick comparison:

Cruise Line	Base Inclusions	Common Add-Ons	Near-All-Inclusive Options
Carnival	Accommodations, meals, entertainment, basic drinks (water, coffee, tea)	Alcohol, specialty dining, excursions, Wi-Fi, spa, gratuities	“Cheers!” drink package, “Faster to the Fun” perks
Royal Caribbean	Accommodations, meals, entertainment, basic drinks	Alcohol, specialty dining, excursions, Wi-Fi, spa, gratuities	“Deluxe Beverage Package,” “Wi-Fi,” “Shore Excursion” credits with higher fares
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)	Accommodations, meals, entertainment, basic drinks	Alcohol, specialty dining, excursions, Wi-Fi, spa, gratuities	“Free at Sea” package (5 free perks with select fares)
Princess Cruises	Accommodations, meals, entertainment, basic drinks	Alcohol, specialty dining, excursions, Wi-Fi, spa, gratuities	“Princess Plus” ($60/day) includes drink package, Wi-Fi, gratuities

As the table shows, while base fares are low, the add-ons can inflate the total cost. For example, a 7-day Caribbean cruise on Princess Cruises might start at $800, but with “Princess Plus” ($420), excursions ($200), and a spa treatment ($150), the total jumps to $1,570 per person.

How to Evaluate True Value: All Inclusive vs. À La Carte

Cost Comparison: What You’re Really Paying For

To determine whether an all-inclusive cruise is worth it, you need to calculate the true total cost of each option. Let’s compare a 7-day Alaska cruise across three models:

• Luxury All Inclusive (Regent Seven Seas): $12,000 per person (includes everything)
• Near-All-Inclusive (ACL River Cruise): $5,200 per person (includes everything)
• Mainstream Hybrid (Royal Caribbean): $1,100 base fare + $75/day drink package ($525) + $200 excursions + $150 gratuities + $100 Wi-Fi = $2,075 per person

At first glance, the Royal Caribbean option seems cheapest, but the Regent cruise offers significantly more value—larger cabins, gourmet dining, and unlimited excursions—making the per-day cost comparable when you factor in experiences. Meanwhile, the ACL river cruise strikes a balance: all-inclusive, smaller groups, and immersive U.S. destinations.

Hidden Fees and Budgeting Tips

Even on near-all-inclusive cruises, watch for these hidden fees:

• Port fees and taxes: Sometimes added at checkout (can be $100–$300 per person).
• Airfare add-ons: If not included, book early for better rates.
• Excursion cancellation fees: Some lines charge if you cancel within 48 hours.
• Onboard credit limitations: “Free” credits often exclude alcohol or specialty dining.

Pro Tip: Use a cruise calculator (available on sites like CruiseCritic or NerdWallet) to estimate total costs. Input your drink consumption, excursion plans, and Wi-Fi needs to compare packages.

When to Choose All Inclusive

All-inclusive cruising makes the most sense when:

• You plan to drink alcohol regularly (e.g., 2–3 cocktails/day).
• You want to take multiple shore excursions.
• You value convenience and predictability (no surprise bills).
• You’re celebrating a special occasion (anniversary, retirement).

For budget-conscious travelers or those who prefer to explore ports independently, the à la carte model may offer more flexibility.

Tips for Maximizing Value on Any Cruise

Book Early and Look for Promotions

Cruise lines frequently offer early-bird discounts, onboard credits, and free upgrades. For example:

• Royal Caribbean: “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” on select sailings.
• NCL: “Free at Sea” with free specialty dining and Wi-Fi.
• ACL: Free airfare on select river cruises.

Sign up for cruise line newsletters and use travel agents who specialize in cruises—they often have access to exclusive deals.

Understand Drink Package Fine Print

Most drink packages have restrictions:

• Daily caps: $50–$75/day, but excludes premium bottles (e.g., $150 champagne).
• Non-transferable: Only valid for the named guest.
• Port days: May not cover drinks on shore.

Calculate your actual consumption. If you drink 2 cocktails/day, a $60 package may save money. If you only have one, pay as you go.

Leverage Onboard Credit

Many promotions include onboard credit (OBC)—use it wisely:

• Book spa treatments or specialty dining early (popular slots fill up).
• Pre-pay for excursions (some lines apply OBC to port activities).
• Buy souvenirs or gifts (but avoid overpriced onboard stores).

Example: A $200 OBC on a Carnival cruise can cover two specialty dinners ($100 each) and a massage ($120, with $20 out of pocket).

Consider Off-Peak and Repositioning Cruises

Cruises during shoulder seasons (April, September) or repositioning sailings (e.g., Alaska to Hawaii in fall) offer lower base fares and fewer crowds. These sailings often include more free perks to attract bookings.

The Future of All-Inclusive Cruising in America

Industry Trends and Consumer Demand

The cruise industry is shifting toward more inclusive models due to consumer demand for transparency and value. In a 2023 Cruise Market Watch survey, 68% of cruisers said they prefer all-inclusive or near-all-inclusive options over à la carte pricing. In response:

• Mainstream lines are expanding package options (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s “Ultimate Drink Package”).
• Luxury lines are adding more inclusive perks (e.g., Regent’s free airfare).
• River and small-ship operators are marketing “true all-inclusive” as a differentiator.

Emerging All-Inclusive Innovations

New trends include:

• Carbon-neutral cruises: Some lines include carbon offset fees in fares.
• Wellness-inclusive packages: Spa, fitness, and nutrition programs bundled into fares.
• Local experience credits: Pre-loaded funds for independent shore activities.

For example, Hurtigruten Expeditions (now part of American-owned Lindblad Expeditions) includes all meals, drinks, excursions, and even a parka rental on Arctic cruises—truly all inclusive.

What to Expect in 2024 and Beyond

As competition heats up, expect:

• More transparent pricing (fewer hidden fees).
• Greater flexibility in package customization.
• Increased focus on sustainability and local experiences.

American cruise lines are adapting to meet modern travelers’ expectations—making the line between “inclusive” and “all inclusive” blurrier than ever.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Cruise

So, are American cruise lines all inclusive? The answer is nuanced: some are, some are close, and most are hybrid. True all-inclusive experiences are most common among luxury lines (Regent, Oceania) and U.S.-focused river cruises (American Cruise Lines, American Queen Voyages). Mainstream lines offer value through bundled packages but still require careful budgeting.

The key is to align your cruise choice with your travel style and priorities. If you want luxury, relaxation, and no surprise bills, an all-inclusive river or luxury cruise may be worth the higher upfront cost. If you’re adventurous, budget-conscious, and enjoy exploring ports independently, a mainstream cruise with à la carte options offers flexibility.

Ultimately, the best cruise is one that delivers the experience you want—whether that’s sipping champagne on a private balcony, kayaking in Glacier Bay, or dancing the night away in a Broadway-style show. By understanding what’s included, what’s extra, and how to maximize value, you can set sail with confidence, knowing your dream vacation is as inclusive as you want it to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are American Cruise Lines all inclusive?

Most American Cruise Lines sailings are not fully all-inclusive, but they do include key amenities like accommodations, meals, and select onboard activities. Premium drinks, gratuities, and specialty excursions usually cost extra.

What does an American Cruise Lines all inclusive package include?

While not fully all-inclusive, American Cruise Lines includes meals, lodging, Wi-Fi, and access to fitness centers and enrichment programs. Some packages may add select beverages or shore excursions.

Do I have to pay extra for drinks on American Cruise Lines?

Yes, alcoholic beverages and premium non-alcoholic drinks are typically not included in the base fare. However, some promotions may include a drink package or limited beverage credits.

Are gratuities included with American Cruise Lines?

Gratuities are generally not included in the cruise fare and are left to passenger discretion. Recommended amounts are provided onboard, but you can adjust them as you see fit.

Does American Cruise Lines include shore excursions?

Basic shore excursions are often included, especially in smaller ports. However, premium or specialty tours—like adventure excursions or private experiences—usually require an additional fee.

Is Wi-Fi included with American Cruise Lines?

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is included with most American Cruise Lines itineraries. It allows passengers to stay connected, though connection strength may vary based on location.