What Cruise Line Is All Inclusive Top Picks for 2024

For 2024, Virgin Voyages and Regent Seven Seas Cruises lead the pack as the most truly all-inclusive cruise lines, offering everything from premium drinks and gratuities to shore excursions and Wi-Fi at no extra cost. Unlike many competitors, these lines eliminate nickel-and-diming, delivering a seamless, luxury experience where your fare covers nearly every onboard and onshore indulgence.

Key Takeaways

• Choose Regent Seven Seas: Truly all-inclusive with luxury amenities and unlimited excursions.
• Book with Oceania: Gourmet dining and premium beverages included in fares.
• Pick Silversea: Butler service and fine wines included in every suite.
• Opt for Viking: Inclusive fares cover Wi-Fi, excursions, and specialty dining.
• Consider Azamara: Extended stays and cultural events included at no extra cost.
• Compare inclusions carefully: Not all “all-inclusive” lines offer the same perks.

The All-Inclusive Cruise Revolution: What Cruise Line Is All Inclusive?

The all-inclusive cruise experience has evolved from a niche offering to a mainstream expectation, transforming how vacationers plan their dream getaways. Gone are the days when cruises were simply about the destination—now, travelers seek seamless, stress-free escapes where every detail is covered. The question on everyone’s mind: What cruise line is all inclusive? The answer is more nuanced than ever, as the definition of “all inclusive” varies dramatically across brands, from luxury liners to river cruise specialists. In 2024, the all-inclusive cruise market is booming, with major players redefining value, comfort, and exclusivity to cater to a growing demand for hassle-free travel.

Imagine sipping a craft cocktail on a private island, enjoying gourmet dining without a second thought to the bill, and having premium excursions, gratuities, and even airfare bundled into your upfront cost. For many, this isn’t a fantasy—it’s the reality of modern all-inclusive cruising. Whether you’re a luxury seeker, a family on a budget, or a solo adventurer craving cultural immersion, there’s an all-inclusive cruise line that fits your vision. This guide dives deep into the top all-inclusive cruise lines for 2024, unpacking their unique offerings, hidden perks, and what truly sets them apart. From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, Alaska to the Galápagos, we’ll help you navigate the waters of value, luxury, and unforgettable experiences.

Understanding What “All Inclusive” Really Means in Cruising

Defining the All-Inclusive Spectrum

When asking, what cruise line is all inclusive?, it’s critical to recognize that “all inclusive” isn’t a one-size-fits-all term. The cruise industry has developed a spectrum of inclusions, ranging from basic (covering meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and entertainment) to ultra-premium (encompassing luxury accommodations, private transfers, and personalized excursions). For example:

• Basic Inclusions: Standard meals, water, juice, and onboard activities (common in budget lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean).
• Mid-Tier Inclusions: Premium drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and select shore excursions (seen in lines like Norwegian Cruise Line with their Free at Sea packages).
• Ultra-Premium Inclusions: Gourmet dining, premium alcohol, airfare, butler service, and private excursions (offered by brands like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea).

Understanding this spectrum helps you avoid sticker shock and choose a line that aligns with your expectations. A $5,000-per-person Regent cruise might seem expensive, but when factoring in inclusions like a $2,000 air credit and $1,500 in excursion credits, the value becomes clear.

Common Misconceptions and Hidden Costs

Many travelers assume “all inclusive” means everything is free—but that’s rarely the case. Key exclusions to watch for:

• Specialty Dining: Even on all-inclusive lines, some restaurants (e.g., steakhouse, sushi) may require reservations or surcharges.
• Spa and Wellness: Massages, fitness classes, and thermal suites often cost extra.
• Premium Excursions: While basic tours might be included, VIP or private experiences (e.g., helicopter tours, private yacht charters) usually aren’t.
• Airfare and Transfers: Only the most luxurious lines (e.g., Regent, Seabourn) include these automatically; others may offer credits or require add-ons.

Pro Tip: Always read the fine print. For instance, Virgin Voyages’ “All-Inclusive” tagline covers drinks, dining, and entertainment—but Wi-Fi, gratuities, and shore excursions are extra unless you purchase a “Sailor” package. Transparency is key to avoiding post-cruise bill surprises.

Top Luxury All-Inclusive Cruise Lines for 2024

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The Gold Standard

Regent Seven Seas Cruises consistently ranks as the most all-inclusive luxury cruise line, offering a “no surprises” experience. Their Free Luxury Package includes:

• Business-class airfare with transfers
• Unlimited shore excursions (up to 150 per voyage)
• All beverages, including premium wines and spirits
• All gratuities and Wi-Fi
• Suite accommodations with butler service

2024 Highlight: The Seven Seas Grandeur, launching in 2024, features a $10 million art collection and a 1:1.5 staff-to-guest ratio. A 10-night Mediterranean voyage starts at $7,999 per person—but the inclusions make it a steal compared to à la carte luxury.

Silversea: Intimacy and Exclusivity

Silversea’s small ships (140–600 passengers) focus on destination immersion. Their All-Inclusive Luxury includes:

• Butler service in all suites
• All drinks, including vintage champagne
• Onboard gratuities and Wi-Fi
• Complimentary excursions in most ports (e.g., a private tour of Pompeii)
• Transfers between airport and ship

2024 Highlight: The Silver Ray debuts with a “Green Philosophy,” featuring solar panels and zero single-use plastics. A 12-night Galápagos expedition starts at $12,500 per person—ideal for eco-conscious luxury travelers.

Seabourn: Adventure Meets Elegance

Seabourn blends luxury with adventure, offering:

• All-suite accommodations with ocean views
• Premium beverages and gourmet dining
• Complimentary water sports (kayaking, paddleboarding)
• “Seabourn Conversations” with experts (e.g., historians, scientists)
• All gratuities and Wi-Fi

2024 Highlight: The Seabourn Pursuit explores Antarctica and the Amazon, with included Zodiac landings and expert-led excursions. A 14-night Amazon voyage starts at $8,499 per person.

Comparison Table: Luxury All-Inclusive Cruise Lines (2024)

Cruise Line	Airfare Included?	Excursions Included?	Starting Price (7-night)	Unique Perk
Regent Seven Seas	Yes (business class)	Unlimited	$6,999	1:1.3 staff-to-guest ratio
Silversea	Yes (economy + transfer)	1 per port	$8,200	Butler service in all suites
Seabourn	No	Adventure-focused	$5,999	Complimentary water sports

Best Mid-Tier All-Inclusive Options for Families and Budget Travelers

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): “Free at Sea” Flexibility

NCL’s Free at Sea package lets travelers customize inclusions, making it a top choice for families and budget-savvy cruisers. Choose 4 of 6 benefits:

• Premium beverage package (alcohol included)
• Specialty dining credits (up to $500 per stateroom)
• Wi-Fi for up to 4 devices
• Shore excursion credits ($50 per port)
• Gratuities covered
• 3rd/4th guest free (on select sailings)

2024 Highlight: The Norwegian Prima+ features a 1,000-foot racetrack and a “Sensory Garden” spa. A 7-night Caribbean cruise starts at $1,299 per person (with Free at Sea).

Royal Caribbean: Value with Thrills

Royal Caribbean’s All-Inclusive Beverage Package (starting at $63/day) covers:

• Unlimited premium drinks
• Specialty coffee and smoothies
• Non-alcoholic beverages

Pair it with Deluxe Dining (unlimited specialty restaurants) for a near-all-inclusive experience. Their Ultimate World Cruise (2023–2024) offers a 274-night global journey with 60+ ports—ideal for retirees or digital nomads.

Virgin Voyages: Adult-Only, No-Tipping Culture

Virgin’s “All-Inclusive” tagline covers:

• All dining (20+ restaurants, no surcharges)
• Non-alcoholic drinks and coffee
• Entertainment (e.g., drag brunches, circus shows)
• No mandatory gratuities (crew are salaried)

2024 Highlight: The Resilient Lady sails the Mediterranean with a “Scarlet Night” party and a “Rockstar Suite” with a private terrace. A 7-night Barcelona cruise starts at $1,499 per person.

Pro Tips for Mid-Tier Cruisers

• Book Early: NCL’s 3rd/4th guest free deals often sell out 6+ months in advance.
• Compare Packages: Royal Caribbean’s beverage package is cheaper than à la carte drinks (break-even: 4 cocktails/day).
• Check for Exclusions: Virgin’s “Sailor” packages (Wi-Fi, shore excursions) add $100–$200 per person.

River and Expedition Cruises: All-Inclusive Hidden Gems

AmaWaterways: Luxury on the Waterways

AmaWaterways’ River All-Inclusive includes:

• All meals (with wine/beer at lunch and dinner)
• Complimentary excursions (e.g., bike tours, cooking classes)
• Wi-Fi and gratuities
• Fitness classes and wellness activities

2024 Highlight: The AmaMagna on the Danube offers a 1:2 staff-to-guest ratio and a “Wellness Host” for yoga and meditation. A 7-night cruise starts at $3,499 per person.

Lindblad Expeditions: Adventure with Purpose

Partnered with National Geographic, Lindblad’s expeditions include:

• All meals and premium drinks
• Expert-led excursions (e.g., glacier hikes, wildlife safaris)
• Underwater cameras and kayaks
• All gratuities and Wi-Fi

2024 Highlight: The National Geographic Endurance explores the Arctic with ice-strengthened hulls. A 12-night voyage starts at $14,990 per person.

UnCruise Adventures: Intimate and Eco-Friendly

UnCruise’s small ships (20–86 guests) focus on active exploration:

• All meals and premium beverages
• Daily excursions (hiking, snorkeling, wildlife viewing)
• Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear
• All gratuities

2024 Highlight: The Wilderness Discoverer in Alaska offers glacier kayaking and bear-watching. A 7-night cruise starts at $5,495 per person.

How to Choose the Right All-Inclusive Cruise for You

Assess Your Priorities

• Luxury Seekers: Prioritize Regent, Silversea, or Seabourn for airfare, excursions, and butler service.
• Families: Choose NCL or Royal Caribbean for kid-friendly activities and flexible dining.
• Adventure Enthusiasts: Opt for Lindblad or UnCruise for active excursions.
• Romantic Getaways: Select AmaWaterways or Virgin Voyages for intimate, adult-only vibes.

Calculate True Value

Use this formula to compare prices:

1. Add up the à la carte cost of inclusions (e.g., $100/day for drinks, $50/day for excursions).
2. Subtract this from the all-inclusive price.
3. Compare the net cost to other lines.

Example: A Regent cruise at $7,000 vs. a Royal Caribbean cruise at $3,000 + $1,500 in add-ons. The Regent trip may be $2,500 more—but includes airfare and unlimited excursions.

Book Smart

• Use Travel Advisors: Many luxury lines offer exclusive perks (e.g., $200 onboard credit) through agents.
• Travel Off-Peak: Shoulder seasons (April, October) offer 20–30% discounts.
• Watch for Sales: “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” deals are common in January.

Conclusion: Your All-Inclusive Cruise Awaits

The answer to what cruise line is all inclusive? depends on your travel style, budget, and bucket list. In 2024, the market offers unparalleled choice: from Regent’s no-limit luxury to NCL’s customizable packages, and Lindblad’s adventure-driven expeditions. The key is to look beyond the marketing buzzwords and focus on what’s truly included. By understanding the spectrum of inclusions, calculating real value, and aligning your priorities with the right line, you can turn your cruise dream into a seamless, unforgettable reality. Whether you’re sipping champagne on a private island or hiking glaciers in Antarctica, the perfect all-inclusive experience is out there—waiting to set sail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise line is all inclusive for luxury travelers?

Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn are top luxury all-inclusive cruise lines in 2024, offering gourmet dining, premium drinks, and even airfare in their fares. These lines cater to travelers seeking a high-end, hassle-free experience.

Which all inclusive cruise line includes gratuities?

Most “what cruise line is all inclusive” searches lead to Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Princess Cruises, both of which include gratuities in their base fare. This simplifies budgeting, as tips for crew are covered upfront.

Are there all inclusive cruise lines for families?

Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer family-friendly all-inclusive packages with kids’ activities, dining, and entertainment included. While not fully all-inclusive, their bundled options cover most essentials.

What cruise line is all inclusive and offers free shore excursions?

Holland America Line and Oceania Cruises include select shore excursions in their premium all-inclusive packages. These perks are ideal for travelers wanting curated experiences without extra costs.

Which all inclusive cruise lines have unlimited alcohol?

Celebrity Cruises and Virgin Voyages include unlimited premium drinks in their all-inclusive fares, from cocktails to wine. This feature is perfect for those who prioritize beverage variety.

Do any all inclusive cruise lines include airfare?

Regent Seven Seas and Silversea Cruises often bundle airfare into their all-inclusive pricing, covering international and domestic flights. This perk streamlines travel planning for global itineraries.