Are Cruise Lines All Inclusive What You Need to Know

Most cruise lines are not fully all-inclusive, meaning base fares typically cover accommodations, standard meals, and basic entertainment, but extras like alcohol, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and excursions often cost extra. However, premium brands like Regent, Silversea, and Seabourn offer true all-inclusive experiences, bundling gratuities, premium drinks, and even airfare for a seamless, upfront price. Knowing what’s included—and what’s not—is key to avoiding surprise charges and choosing the right cruise for your budget.

Key Takeaways

• Not all-inclusive: Most cruise lines charge extra for drinks, excursions, and specialty dining.
• Compare packages: Evaluate drink and dining bundles to save on extras.
• Read fine print: Check what’s included before booking to avoid surprise costs.
• Premium lines differ: Luxury cruises often include more amenities upfront.
• Gratuities add up: Factor in mandatory tips when budgeting for your trip.

Are Cruise Lines All Inclusive? What You Need to Know

When picturing a dream vacation, many people envision a cruise: sun-drenched decks, gourmet dining, live entertainment, and exotic destinations. The allure of an all-inclusive cruise is undeniable—pay one price upfront and enjoy a hassle-free getaway without worrying about extra costs. But here’s the reality: not all cruise lines are truly all-inclusive. The term “all-inclusive” is often used loosely in the cruise industry, leading to confusion and sometimes unexpected expenses for travelers. Understanding the nuances of what’s included—and what isn’t—can make the difference between a relaxing vacation and a budget-busting surprise.

This guide will demystify the concept of all-inclusivity on cruise ships, helping you navigate the fine print, compare cruise lines, and choose the best option for your travel style and budget. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, knowing what’s covered (and what’s not) will empower you to make informed decisions. From complimentary amenities to premium add-ons, we’ll explore how different cruise lines define “all-inclusive,” highlight hidden costs, and provide practical tips to maximize your value. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to pick a cruise that aligns with your expectations—and your wallet.

Defining “All Inclusive” in the Cruise Industry

What Does “All Inclusive” Really Mean?

The term all-inclusive traditionally implies that the base price covers most, if not all, of your vacation expenses: accommodations, meals, drinks, entertainment, activities, and sometimes even gratuities. In the cruise world, however, the definition varies dramatically. Some lines offer true all-inclusive experiences, while others provide a “mostly included” model with a long list of exclusions. For example, a luxury cruise line like Regent Seven Seas Cruises includes unlimited drinks, shore excursions, and gratuities in its base fare. In contrast, a mainstream line like Royal Caribbean may cover meals in the main dining room but charge extra for specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and spa services.

Key Components of All-Inclusive Cruising

To evaluate whether a cruise is truly all-inclusive, consider these critical categories:

• Accommodations: All lines include staterooms, but upgrades (e.g., balconies, suites) often cost extra.
• Dining: Most lines offer free dining in main restaurants, but specialty venues (e.g., steakhouses, sushi bars) typically require a cover charge.
• Drinks: Non-alcoholic beverages (soda, coffee, tea) are usually free, but alcohol, premium coffee, and bottled water often incur fees.
• Entertainment: Live shows, movies, and kids’ clubs are generally included, but premium experiences (e.g., VIP access, gaming tournaments) may cost extra.
• Shore Excursions: Rarely included in base fares outside luxury lines; these can add hundreds to your bill.
• Gratuities: Often automatically added (e.g., $15–$20 per day), but some lines include them upfront.
• Wi-Fi: Rarely free; packages range from $15–$30 per day.

Pro Tip: Always check the cruise line’s “What’s Included” page and read the fine print. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Free at Sea” promotion bundles extras like drinks or excursions, but these are optional add-ons, not automatic inclusions.

Types of Cruise Lines and Their Inclusivity Levels

Luxury Cruise Lines: The True All-Inclusives

Brands like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea redefine all-inclusivity. Their base fares include:

• All meals (including specialty dining)
• Premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Unlimited shore excursions
• Wi-Fi and gratuities
• Butler service (in suites)

For example, a 7-night Regent cruise to Alaska might cost $5,000 per person, but that price covers everything except spa treatments and optional excursions. This model appeals to travelers who value predictability and luxury without nickel-and-diming.

Premium Cruise Lines: “Mostly Inclusive” with Perks

Lines like Holland America, Oceania Cruises, and Azamara strike a balance. They include:

• Meals in most restaurants (specialty dining may have a fee)
• Basic drinks (e.g., wine with dinner, soda)
• Wi-Fi (limited or shared)
• Gratuities (sometimes)

Oceania’s “Simply More” fare includes a free shore excursion, beverage package, and Wi-Fi—but only if you book early. Azamara includes gratuities and select excursions but charges extra for premium drinks.

Mainstream Cruise Lines: The “Base Price” Illusion

Brands like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian advertise low base fares but rely on add-ons. What’s included?

• Accommodations and main dining room meals
• Basic entertainment and kids’ clubs
• Non-alcoholic drinks (soda, juice, water)

What’s not included:

• Alcohol, specialty coffee, and bottled water
• Specialty dining (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s Chops Grille)
• Wi-Fi (often $15–$25/day)
• Shore excursions ($50–$200+ per person)
• Gratuities (auto-added at $15–$20/day)
• Spa, casino, and retail purchases

Example: A 7-night Carnival cruise to the Caribbean might cost $800 per person, but adding a drink package ($60/day), Wi-Fi ($20/day), and two excursions ($150 total) pushes the total to $1,500+—nearly double the base price.

River and Expedition Cruises: Niche Inclusivity

River cruises (e.g., Viking, AmaWaterways) often include:

• All meals and drinks (including wine/beer with dinner)
• Guided excursions in every port
• Wi-Fi and gratuities

Expedition cruises (e.g., Lindblad, Quark Expeditions) include:

• All meals, drinks, and gratuities
• Zodiac excursions, lectures, and gear (e.g., parkas, boots)

These lines cater to travelers seeking immersive experiences, where inclusivity enhances the value proposition.

Hidden Costs and Exclusions to Watch For

The “Free” Add-On Trap

Many mainstream lines offer “free” perks to entice bookings, but these often come with strings attached. For example:

• Norwegian’s “Free at Sea”: Choose 1–4 perks (e.g., drink package, shore excursion credit), but each has limitations. A “free” drink package excludes premium spirits, and excursion credits often don’t cover the most popular tours.
• Royal Caribbean’s “Buy One, Get One 50% Off”: Applies to base fares only—extras like Wi-Fi and drinks remain full price.

Tip: Calculate the total cost of add-ons before booking. A “free” drink package might save you $100, but if you don’t drink, it’s wasted.

Gratuities and Service Charges

Most lines automatically add daily gratuities ($15–$20 per person) to your account, but some luxury lines include them upfront. Watch for:

• Spa gratuities: Added to treatments (15–20%).
• Specialty dining: Some lines add a service charge for specialty restaurants.
• Room service: May include a delivery fee.

Example: On a 10-night cruise with $18/day gratuities, a family of four pays $720 extra—equivalent to a week’s worth of dining on land.

Wi-Fi: The Silent Budget Killer

Cruise Wi-Fi is notoriously expensive and slow. Packages often cost:

• Social media plan: $10–$15/day (limited to apps like WhatsApp)
• Basic browsing: $15–$20/day
• Premium streaming: $25–$30/day

Tip: Download maps, entertainment, and work files before boarding. Some lines (e.g., Virgin Voyages) include basic Wi-Fi in their fares.

Specialty Dining and Premium Experiences

Even “included” dining has tiers:

• Main dining room: Free, with set menus.
• Specialty restaurants: $20–$50 cover charge (e.g., Carnival’s Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse).
• Chef’s table: $100–$200 per person.

Pro Tip: Book specialty dining early—slots fill fast, and prices rise closer to departure.

How to Compare Cruise Lines and Find the Best Value

Step 1: Calculate the Total Cost

Create a spreadsheet comparing:

• Base fare
• Drink packages
• Wi-Fi
• Gratuities
• Excursions
• Specialty dining

Example: A 7-night Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas:

• Base fare: $1,000
• Deluxe drink package: $65/day × 7 = $455
• Wi-Fi: $20/day × 7 = $140
• Gratuities: $18/day × 7 = $126
• Excursions: $150
• Total: $1,871 (87% more than base fare)

Step 2: Prioritize Your Needs

Ask yourself:

• Do I drink alcohol regularly? → Opt for a drink package or choose a line that includes it.
• Will I use Wi-Fi? → Book a line with free basic Wi-Fi or budget for a package.
• Do I love specialty dining? → Pick a line with inclusive options (e.g., Viking River Cruises).
• Am I on a tight budget? → Avoid lines with auto-added gratuities and expensive add-ons.

Step 3: Leverage Promotions and Loyalty Programs

• Early-bird discounts: Book 6–12 months in advance for lower fares.
• Loyalty perks: Frequent cruisers earn free drinks, upgrades, and priority boarding.
• Group discounts: Book with friends/family for onboard credits.

Example: Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society offers free drinks and Wi-Fi after 5 cruises.

Step 4: Consider the Destination

• Caribbean: Mainstream lines dominate; expect more add-ons.
• Europe: River and premium lines offer better inclusivity.
• Alaska: Luxury lines include excursions; mainstream lines charge extra.

Data Table: Cruise Line Inclusivity Comparison

Cruise Line	Drinks Included	Specialty Dining	Wi-Fi	Gratuities	Shore Excursions	Best For
Regent Seven Seas	All drinks	All restaurants	Free	Included	Unlimited	Luxury travelers
Seabourn	All drinks	All restaurants	Free (limited)	Included	Select	Luxury/experience seekers
Oceania	Basic drinks	Most (some fees)	Free (shared)	Sometimes	1 free	Culinary enthusiasts
Royal Caribbean	Non-alcoholic only	Cover charges	$15–$30/day	$18/day	$50–$200+	Families/first-timers
Viking River	All drinks	All included	Free	Included	All included	Cultural travelers

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cruise for You

So, are cruise lines all-inclusive? The answer is a resounding it depends. While luxury and river cruise lines offer genuine all-inclusive experiences, mainstream lines operate on a “base fare plus extras” model. The key to a satisfying cruise lies in understanding your priorities and budget. If you crave predictability and luxury, invest in a true all-inclusive line like Regent or Viking. If you’re flexible and enjoy à la carte spending, a mainstream line with strategic add-ons (e.g., a drink package) might offer better value.

Remember: transparency is power. Scrutinize the fine print, calculate total costs, and leverage promotions. A cruise should be a stress-free escape, not a financial puzzle. By aligning your choice with your travel style—whether that’s sipping champagne in a suite or exploring ports on a budget—you’ll unlock the true magic of cruising. Bon voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cruise lines all inclusive like resorts?

While some cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages, most base fares only cover accommodations, basic meals, and onboard activities. Premium options like drinks, gratuities, and specialty dining often cost extra unless you choose an all-inclusive upgrade.

What does “all inclusive” mean on cruise lines?

For cruise lines, “all inclusive” typically means your fare covers food, drinks (including alcohol), gratuities, Wi-Fi, and excursions. However, inclusions vary by brand, so check the fine print before booking.

Do mainstream cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages?

Yes, many mainstream cruise lines—like Royal Caribbean or Carnival—now offer optional all-inclusive packages for an added fee. These bundles often include drink packages, Wi-Fi, and even shore excursions, but aren’t automatically included in the base price.

Are drinks always included in all-inclusive cruise lines?

Even on all-inclusive cruise lines, premium wines, top-shelf liquors, or bottled beverages may be excluded. Most brands include select cocktails, beer, and house wines, but extras often incur additional charges.

Is gratuity included in all-inclusive cruise lines?

Many all-inclusive cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line or Virgin Voyages, include gratuities in their pricing. However, some still charge daily service fees or encourage discretionary tips for exceptional service.

Do all-inclusive cruise lines cover specialty dining?

Some all-inclusive cruise lines include specialty dining in their packages, while others offer a set number of included meals. Always confirm dining policies, as premium restaurants (e.g., steakhouses) may require reservations or extra fees.