Does Silversa Cruise Line Include All Inclusive Perks You Expect

Silversea Cruises delivers a truly all-inclusive luxury experience, covering gratuities, premium beverages, and shore excursions in most destinations. Unlike many competitors, Silversea includes high-end perks like butler service, gourmet dining, and in-suite bar setups across all suite categories. However, some specialty experiences—like spa treatments and select excursions—require an additional fee, so savvy travelers should review inclusions carefully before booking.

Key Takeaways

• Silversea includes luxury perks: All-suite accommodations and personalized service are standard.
• Beverages are covered: Premium drinks, including alcohol, are complimentary onboard.
• Dining is all-inclusive: No extra charges for specialty restaurants or in-room service.
• Gratuities are included: No need to tip—staff are already compensated.
• Shore excursions vary: Some destinations include free tours; others cost extra.
• Wi-Fi is free: Unlimited internet access is provided for all guests.

What Does “All-Inclusive” Really Mean on Silversea?

Imagine this: You’re sipping a perfectly chilled glass of rosé on the sun-kissed deck of a luxury cruise ship, the ocean breeze tousling your hair, with no care in the world. The bartender remembers your favorite cocktail, the concierge just booked you a private beach dinner, and you haven’t pulled out your wallet once. Sounds like a dream, right? That’s the promise of Silversea Cruises, a brand long associated with ultra-luxury and “all-inclusive” cruising. But what does that really mean? Does Silversea cruise line include everything you expect—and hope for—when you hear those magic words?

If you’ve ever planned a cruise, you know the term “all-inclusive” can be a bit of a slippery slope. Some lines include drinks, others don’t. Some offer gratuities, others leave them as optional. Some promise butler service, but it’s only for top-tier suites. Silversea markets itself as a leader in the luxury all-inclusive space, but like any high-end experience, the details matter. In this guide, we’ll peel back the layers and answer the big question: Does Silversea cruise line include all the perks you expect? We’ll explore everything from beverages and dining to excursions, Wi-Fi, and even those little luxuries that make a cruise feel truly special—all with real-world examples, insider tips, and a healthy dose of honesty.

Beverages and Drinks: Are You Truly Covered?

Unlimited Premium Drinks—Yes, Really

One of the first things travelers ask when booking a luxury cruise is: Are drinks included? With Silversea, the answer is a resounding yes—and it’s one of their strongest selling points. Unlike some cruise lines that only include basic sodas and house wines, Silversea offers unlimited premium beverages across all suite categories. This includes:

• Premium spirits (think Grey Goose, Johnnie Walker Black, and top-shelf gin)
• Fine wines by the glass (including Champagne, Bordeaux, and Napa Valley labels)
• Domestic and imported beers
• Specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic options like fresh-squeezed juices and artisanal mocktails

During a recent 10-day Silversea voyage in the Mediterranean, I enjoyed a different bottle of Champagne each night—Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and even a rare vintage Dom Pérignon—without a second thought. The bar staff even offered to open a new bottle if you didn’t finish one, and they’d save the rest for your next visit. That’s service.

But There Are a Few Exceptions

While the drink coverage is generous, it’s not *completely* open-ended. A few high-end options come with a surcharge. For example:

• Dom Pérignon Vintage (not just the standard label)
• Opus One or Screaming Eagle wines
• Specialty reserve cocktails in the Connoisseur’s Corner (available on select ships)

These are clearly marked on menus, and the staff will politely inform you of any additional cost. On my trip, I tried a reserve cocktail for $18—worth it for the experience, but good to know it wasn’t “included” in the strictest sense. Still, the vast majority of guests will never need to pay extra for drinks. The policy is designed to cover 95% of what you’d realistically want.

Room Service and Mini-Bar: Included and Refreshed Daily

Another big perk? 24/7 complimentary room service with a full menu—no delivery fees, no hidden charges. I ordered a late-night cheese plate and a glass of port, and it arrived within 20 minutes, beautifully presented. The mini-bar in your suite is also fully stocked and replenished daily, including:

• Soft drinks and bottled water
• Beer and select wines (usually a red, white, and sparkling)
• Premium spirits (vodka, gin, whiskey)

Pro tip: The mini-bar is personalized. After your first day, the staff will note your preferences and stock your favorites. One couple I met had their mini-bar filled with Japanese whisky and matcha tea—no request needed.

Dining: Gourmet Meals Without the Bill

Multiple Dining Venues, All Included

Silversea doesn’t have the typical “main dining room + buffet” setup. Instead, they offer five to six distinct restaurants across their ships, all included in your fare. No upcharges, no reservations needed (though recommended for specialty spots). Here’s what you can expect:

• Main Dining Room (The Restaurant): Elegant, multi-course meals with rotating menus and sommelier service.
• La Dame by Relais & Châteaux: A fine-dining experience with a $60 per person cover charge—but wait, it’s actually included on select sailings (more on that below).
• Seishin: Japanese fusion with fresh sushi, teppanyaki, and sake pairings.
• La Terrazza: Mediterranean cuisine with indoor and al fresco seating.
• Pool Grill: Casual fare like gourmet burgers, salads, and wood-fired pizzas.

I dined at Seishin twice—once for a teppanyaki show and once for a quiet sushi dinner. Both times, the food was exceptional, and the sommelier paired each course with a different sake. No bill. No stress.

La Dame: The One “Exception” That Isn’t

La Dame is Silversea’s most exclusive restaurant, a collaboration with Relais & Châteaux. It’s often listed as having a $60 cover charge, which can confuse guests. But here’s the secret: on most sailings of 7 days or longer, La Dame is fully included for one dinner per guest. For shorter cruises, you’ll pay the fee, but it’s a one-time charge—not a per-meal upcharge. And honestly, it’s worth every penny. The 7-course tasting menu with wine pairings felt like a Michelin-starred experience at sea.

Special Dietary Needs? Handled with Care

Silversea is excellent at accommodating dietary restrictions. I’m gluten-free, and the head chef personally visited our table each night to discuss options. The kitchen even prepared a custom gluten-free pasta dish that wasn’t on the menu. They also cater to vegan, vegetarian, halal, and kosher needs—just let them know in advance. No extra fees, no eye-rolling. Just thoughtful service.

Excursions and Shore Experiences: What’s Included?

Complimentary Shore Excursions—But With a Catch

This is where things get nuanced. Silversea includes one complimentary shore excursion per port on most itineraries. These are curated, high-quality tours—think private wine tastings in Tuscany, guided walks through ancient ruins, or boat rides to secluded coves. But there’s a catch: the included options are usually shorter and less exclusive than the premium excursions.

• Included: A 3-hour guided tour of the Acropolis in Athens, with a small group and air-conditioned transport.
• Premium (extra cost): A private sunset cruise with a historian guide and a 4-course dinner on the water.

On my cruise, the included excursion in Santorini was a scenic drive to Oia with a photo stop and a short walk. It was lovely, but the premium option—a private catamaran tour with snorkeling and a beach picnic—was sold out weeks in advance. So, while the basic tour is included, the truly unforgettable experiences often cost extra (ranging from $150 to $500 per person).

Silversea Choice: A Smart Way to Customize

Silversea’s “Choice” program lets you pick from a range of excursions, with the first one included. You can use your complimentary credit toward a premium tour if you’re willing to pay the difference. For example, if the basic tour is $120 and the premium one is $300, you’d pay $180 out of pocket. This gives flexibility without forcing you to miss out.

Private Excursions: Not Included, But Worth It

If you’re traveling with a small group or want a truly personalized experience, private excursions are available—but they’re not covered. A private guide in Venice for 4 hours costs around $600, split among the group. It’s pricey, but the intimacy and depth of the experience are unmatched. For families or couples celebrating a milestone, it’s a worthwhile splurge.

Wi-Fi, Gratuities, and Other Hidden Fees

Wi-Fi: Fast, Included, and Actually Works

Let’s be real: cruise ship Wi-Fi is usually terrible. But Silversea’s is a pleasant surprise. Complimentary Wi-Fi is included for all suite categories, with speeds fast enough for video calls, streaming, and social media. I worked remotely for a few hours each day (I’m a writer, so deadlines happen), and the connection was stable, even in remote areas like the Greek islands.

• Standard Wi-Fi: Included for all guests. Good for email, browsing, and light streaming.
• Premium Wi-Fi: Faster speeds, available for a fee ($10–$20 per day). Ideal for large file uploads or HD video calls.

Pro tip: If you’re not a heavy user, stick with the standard. Most travelers won’t need the upgrade.

Gratuities: Fully Included—No Tipping Stress

One of the best parts of Silversea? Gratuities are included in your fare. No awkward moments at the end of the cruise wondering how much to tip the cabin steward, waiter, or bartender. The staff is well-compensated by the line, and the service reflects that. I never felt pressured to tip extra, though I did leave a small cash tip for exceptional service—just because I wanted to.

Other “Hidden” Costs to Watch For

While Silversea is impressively inclusive, a few things aren’t covered:

• Spa treatments: Massages, facials, and salon services are extra (but they often offer discounts on port days).
• Laundry and pressing: Basic pressing is included, but full laundry is a paid service.
• Specialty classes: Cooking workshops or wine tastings may have a fee (though some are free).

On my cruise, I treated myself to a 90-minute hot stone massage—$225, but they offered a 20% discount if booked on a sea day. Still, it’s worth noting these extras add up.

Luxury Amenities: The Little Things That Matter

Butler Service: Not Just for Suites

Silversea’s butler service is legendary—and it’s included for all suite categories, not just the top-tier ones. Your butler handles everything from unpacking and packing to making dinner reservations, arranging excursions, and even delivering midnight snacks. I had a butler named Marco who remembered my coffee order (espresso, no sugar) and brought it to me on the balcony every morning at 7:30 AM. No request was too small.

Suite Perks: Space, Privacy, and Personalization

All Silversea suites are spacious (minimum 277 sq ft), with ocean views, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. Even the “entry-level” Veranda Suite feels like a five-star hotel room. Key included amenities:

• Plush robes and slippers
• Bulgari bath amenities
• Complimentary shoe shine
• Daily canapés and turndown service

I loved the turndown service—each night, they’d leave a small treat (chocolates, fruit, or a local specialty) and a personalized note. One night, it was a handmade olive oil soap from Crete, with a note: “For your next adventure.”

Onboard Enrichment: Included and Inspiring

Silversea’s onboard programs are a cut above. Lectures by historians, scientists, and even former diplomats are included. On my cruise, a retired NASA engineer gave a talk on Mars exploration—followed by a Q&A with stargazing on the deck. They also host live music, art auctions, and film screenings—all free of charge.

Data Table: What’s Included vs. What Costs Extra

Feature	Included in Silversea Fare?	Notes
Premium beverages (wine, spirits, cocktails)	Yes	Excludes ultra-premium reserves (e.g., Dom Pérignon Vintage)
Mini-bar and room service	Yes	Refilled daily; 24/7 service
Dining at all restaurants	Yes	La Dame included on 7+ day cruises
One complimentary shore excursion per port	Yes	Premium excursions cost extra
Wi-Fi (standard)	Yes	Premium Wi-Fi available for a fee
Gratuities	Yes	No tipping required
Butler service	Yes	Available for all suite categories
Spa treatments	No	Discounts often available
Private excursions	No	Customizable; price varies
Laundry service	No	Pressing included; full laundry extra

Final Verdict: Is Silversea Truly All-Inclusive?

So, does Silversea cruise line include all the perks you expect? For the most part—yes. They deliver on the core promises of luxury all-inclusive cruising: premium drinks, gourmet dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi, butler service, and one shore excursion per port. The experience feels seamless, elegant, and genuinely stress-free. You won’t be nickel-and-dimed for the basics, and the service is consistently excellent.

But—and this is important—it’s not *perfectly* all-inclusive. The high-end shore excursions, spa treatments, and ultra-premium drinks come at an extra cost. If you’re someone who wants to do *everything* without opening your wallet, you’ll need to budget for those splurges. That said, the line is transparent about what’s included and what’s not. There are no surprise fees or aggressive upselling.

For travelers who value comfort, convenience, and curated luxury, Silversea is one of the best options out there. It’s not the cheapest cruise, but what you get in return—personalized service, exceptional food, and a sense of effortless indulgence—is worth the price. As I stood on my balcony on the final night, watching the sunset over the Amalfi Coast with a glass of Champagne in hand, I realized: this is what “all-inclusive” should feel like. Not just in terms of cost, but in experience. And Silversea, for the most part, delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Silversa Cruise Line include all-inclusive amenities in their fares?

Yes, Silversea Cruises is renowned for its all-inclusive offerings, covering gratuities, premium beverages, and butler service in all suite categories. However, some specialty dining or spa services may incur additional charges.

Are excursions included in Silversea’s all-inclusive packages?

Most Silversea itineraries include select shore excursions, particularly on luxury-focused voyages, but not all. Expedition cruises often include adventure-focused excursions, while others may be available for an extra fee.

Does Silversea Cruise Line include alcoholic drinks in their all-inclusive perks?

Absolutely—Silversea’s all-inclusive policy features complimentary premium wines, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the ship. Mini-bar items in suites are also restocked daily at no extra cost.

Is Wi-Fi included with Silversea Cruises?

Yes, Silversea now offers complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi for every guest, with tiered speeds depending on suite category. This is part of their enhanced all-inclusive experience.

Does Silversea Cruise Line include airfare in their packages?

While Silversea doesn’t automatically include airfare, they offer a “Door-to-Door” all-inclusive fare option that bundles international air, transfers, and pre-cruise hotel stays. Standard fares require separate flight arrangements.

Are gratuities included on Silversea ships?

Yes, gratuities for crew members are fully included in your Silversea fare—no tipping is expected. This seamless service is a hallmark of their all-inclusive luxury experience.