What Cruise Lines Do All Inclusive The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Sailing

Most premium cruise lines now offer all-inclusive packages that cover luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, premium beverages, gratuities, and exclusive onboard experiences. From Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn to Crystal Cruises and Silversea, these high-end sailings eliminate surprise costs while delivering personalized service, private excursions, and world-class amenities. Whether you’re sailing the Mediterranean or exploring Antarctica, all-inclusive luxury cruising means unmatched convenience and indulgence at sea.

Key Takeaways

• Choose luxury lines like Regent or Seabourn for truly all-inclusive cruising.
• Verify inclusions—not all “all-inclusive” offers cover premium drinks and excursions.
• Book suites for enhanced perks like private transfers and butler service.
• Compare pricing—upfront costs may be higher but eliminate onboard spending.
• Look for packages bundling airfare, gratuities, and specialty dining.
• Check exclusions like spa treatments and premium shore tours.

What Cruise Lines Do All Inclusive? The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Sailing

Imagine setting sail on a floating paradise where gourmet dining, premium cocktails, and even shore excursions are already paid for. No hidden fees, no surprise bills at the end of the week—just pure, unadulterated relaxation. This is the allure of all-inclusive cruises, a growing trend in the luxury travel industry that’s redefining what it means to vacation at sea. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, the promise of an all-inclusive experience removes the stress of budgeting and planning, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: enjoyment.

But not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to all-inclusive offerings. Some include just the basics—meals and non-alcoholic drinks—while others go all-out, covering everything from spa treatments to private island excursions. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide which line best fits your needs and budget. This guide dives deep into what cruise lines do all inclusive, breaking down the top players, their unique perks, and how to maximize your value. From boutique luxury brands to premium mainstream lines, we’ll explore the nuances of all-inclusive cruising so you can book your next adventure with confidence.

Understanding All-Inclusive Cruising: What’s Really Included?

Defining the All-Inclusive Spectrum

The term “all-inclusive” in cruising can be a bit of a marketing minefield. Unlike all-inclusive resorts, where “all” typically means food, drinks, activities, and accommodations, cruise lines use the term more loosely. To avoid disappointment, it’s essential to understand the spectrum of inclusions:

• Basic Inclusions: Meals (buffet and select specialty restaurants), non-alcoholic beverages, and onboard entertainment.
• Premium Inclusions: Alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, cocktails), gratuities, Wi-Fi, and some specialty dining.
• Ultra-Luxury Inclusions: Everything above, plus shore excursions, spa credits, butler service, private transfers, and even airfare.

For example, Carnival Cruise Line offers a “Cheers!” beverage package (extra cost) but includes only non-alcoholic drinks in its base fare. In contrast, Regent Seven Seas Cruises includes all drinks, gratuities, and excursions in its base price.

The Psychology of “Free” vs. “Bundled”

Many cruise lines use a “bundled” model, where extras like drinks or Wi-Fi are included in higher-tier fares. For instance, Royal Caribbean’s “Deluxe Beverage Package” is bundled with its “Ultimate Drink Package” fare, but the base fare excludes alcohol. This strategy can make a cruise seem more affordable upfront, but savvy travelers know to calculate the true cost of add-ons. Tip: Always compare the base fare plus mandatory extras (e.g., gratuities) to the all-inclusive price of luxury lines.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Even “all-inclusive” cruises may have exceptions. Common exclusions include:

• Premium Dining: Some specialty restaurants (e.g., steakhouse, sushi) charge a cover fee.
• Spa and Wellness: Massages, fitness classes, and thermal suites often cost extra.
• Shore Excursions: Only ultra-luxury lines (e.g., Oceania, Seabourn) include these.
• Airfare and Transfers: Rarely included except in top-tier packages.

Pro Tip: Always read the fine print. For example, Princess Cruises includes “MedallionClass” Wi-Fi in some packages, but the free version is limited to 100MB per day.

Top All-Inclusive Cruise Lines: A Tiered Breakdown

Ultra-Luxury Lines (Everything Included)

These lines redefine all-inclusive with a “no nickel-and-diming” approach. Expect spacious suites, personalized service, and curated experiences.

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The gold standard. All drinks (including premium brands), gratuities, excursions, and even business-class airfare (on select itineraries) are included. Suites start at 250 sq. ft., and the service is 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio.
• Seabourn: Known for its “Seabourn Moments” (private beach parties, helicopter tours). All drinks, gratuities, and Wi-Fi are included. The line’s partnership with National Geographic means expert-led excursions are also covered.
• Silversea: Offers “All-Inclusive 2.0,” which adds butler service, private transfers, and a $500 onboard credit. Their “Door-to-Door” package even includes first-class airfare.

Premium All-Inclusive Lines (Mostly Included)

These lines strike a balance between luxury and value, including most amenities but with a few exclusions.

• Oceania Cruises: “O-Life Choice” includes a free excursion, beverage package, or shipboard credit. Gourmet dining at all restaurants is included, and suites feature Bulgari amenities.
• Windstar Cruises: “All-Inclusive Pricing” covers drinks, gratuities, and Wi-Fi. Their 148- to 342-passenger ships visit off-the-beaten-path destinations like French Polynesia and Greece.
• Hurtigruten Expeditions: Focuses on adventure. Included: drinks, gratuities, excursions (e.g., kayaking, Zodiac tours), and even a parka rental for polar voyages.

Mainstream Lines with All-Inclusive Packages

Even budget-friendly lines now offer all-inclusive add-ons. These are ideal for travelers who want luxury without the ultra-luxury price tag.

• Royal Caribbean: The “Deluxe Beverage Package” (beer, wine, cocktails) can be bundled with Wi-Fi and gratuities in the “Royal Genie” package. The “Ultimate Family Suite” even includes a private butler.
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): “Free at Sea” lets you choose 1-5 perks: free drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, shore excursion credits, or family/friends sail free. Note: Gratuities are extra.
• Celebrity Cruises: “Always Included” covers drinks (beer, wine, cocktails), Wi-Fi, and gratuities in all fares. Their “Retreat” suites include a private sundeck and concierge service.

How to Choose the Right All-Inclusive Cruise for You

Matching Your Travel Style to the Line

Not all all-inclusive cruises are designed for the same traveler. Ask yourself:

• Do you crave adventure? Hurtigruten or Lindblad Expeditions (partnered with National Geographic) include guided excursions in remote regions.
• Is relaxation your priority? Seabourn and Regent offer serene spas, private balconies, and no crowds.
• Do you have kids? Royal Caribbean and Norwegian include family-friendly amenities (e.g., water parks, kids’ clubs) in their packages.
• Are you a foodie? Oceania and Silversea partner with Michelin-starred chefs for included gourmet dining.

Budget vs. Value: Calculating the True Cost

An all-inclusive cruise isn’t always cheaper than a “pay-as-you-go” model. Use this formula:

Base Fare + Mandatory Add-Ons (Gratuities, Wi-Fi, Drinks) = Total Cost

Example: A 7-night Celebrity cruise costs $2,000 (base) + $280 (gratuities) + $200 (Wi-Fi) + $400 (drinks) = $2,880. Compare this to Regent’s $4,500 all-inclusive fare. While Regent is more expensive, it includes excursions and premium dining—saving you $1,000+ in extras.

Timing and Booking Strategies

• Book Early: Luxury lines often sell out 6-12 months in advance. Early birds get the best suites and promotions (e.g., free upgrades).
• Last-Minute Deals: Mainstream lines may discount unsold cabins 2-3 months before departure. Use sites like Cruise Critic to monitor sales.
• Repositioning Cruises: Ships moving between regions (e.g., Europe to Caribbean) offer steep discounts. Example: A 14-night Holland America repositioning cruise can cost 40% less than a standard itinerary.

All-Inclusive Perks: What to Expect Beyond the Basics

Dining and Beverage Inclusions

Luxury lines elevate dining with:

• Unlimited Premium Liquor: Regent includes Grey Goose, Dom Pérignon, and top-shelf scotch.
• Specialty Restaurants: Oceania’s Jacques (French) and Red Ginger (Asian) are free; Royal Caribbean’s Chops Grille charges a fee.
• 24/7 Room Service: Seabourn offers caviar and truffle menus at no extra cost.

Tip: On lines like Norwegian, the “Free at Sea” package lets you pre-pay for specialty dining, saving 20-30%.

Onboard Experiences and Amenities

• Butler Service: Silversea and Regent provide 24/7 butlers who unpack your bags and arrange private dinners.
• Spa Credits: Celebrity includes a $50 spa credit; Princess offers a 15-minute massage with select packages.
• Entertainment: Royal Caribbean includes Broadway-style shows and ice skating; Oceania features guest lectures by historians and chefs.

Shore Excursions and Destination Perks

The best all-inclusive lines go beyond port-hopping:

• Private Island Access: Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay and Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay include cabanas, water sports, and BBQ.
• Cultural Immersion: Windstar offers included cooking classes with local chefs in Mediterranean ports.
• Adventure Activities: Hurtigruten includes glacier hikes in Norway and wildlife tours in Antarctica.

Real-World Examples: All-Inclusive Cruises Compared

Data Table: All-Inclusive Offerings by Cruise Line

Cruise Line	Drinks Included	Gratuities Included	Excursions Included	Wi-Fi Included	Unique Perk
Regent Seven Seas	All (premium brands)	Yes	Yes (1-2 per port)	Yes	Business-class airfare
Seabourn	All (premium brands)	Yes	Yes (expert-led)	Yes	Private beach parties
Oceania	All (beer/wine/cocktails)	Yes	Yes (1 per port)	Yes	Free specialty dining
Royal Caribbean	With “Deluxe Package”	With “Royal Genie”	No	With “Royal Genie”	Private butler
Norwegian	With “Free at Sea”	No	With “Free at Sea”	With “Free at Sea”	Kids sail free

Case Study: A Family of 4 Chooses All-Inclusive

The Smith family (2 adults, 2 teens) wanted a stress-free 10-night Caribbean cruise. They compared:

• Norwegian (Free at Sea): $6,000 (base) + $1,000 (gratuities) = $7,000. With “Free at Sea” (drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions), total: $8,500.
• Regent: $12,000 all-inclusive. Included: excursions, drinks, gratuities, and a suite with a balcony.

They chose Norwegian for the lower upfront cost and flexibility. The teens loved the included water park, and the family saved $200/day on excursions.

Case Study: Luxury Seekers in the Mediterranean

Retirees John and Maria wanted a 14-night Mediterranean cruise with no hidden fees. They compared:

• Oceania: $8,000/person. Included: drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and 1 excursion per port.
• Royal Caribbean: $4,000/person + $1,200 (drinks) + $600 (gratuities) + $800 (excursions) = $6,600/person.

They chose Oceania for the included excursions and gourmet dining, saving $1,000/person in extras.

Conclusion: Is an All-Inclusive Cruise Right for You?

The answer depends on your priorities. If you value convenience, luxury, and predictable costs, ultra-luxury lines like Regent or Seabourn are worth the investment. For families or budget-conscious travelers, mainstream lines with all-inclusive packages (Norwegian, Royal Caribbean) offer flexibility and value. And if you crave adventure, expedition lines like Hurtigruten include once-in-a-lifetime experiences at no extra cost.

Ultimately, the best all-inclusive cruise is the one that aligns with your travel goals. Whether you’re sipping champagne on a private balcony, exploring ancient ruins, or kayaking in Antarctica, the key is to read the fine print and choose a line that delivers on its promises. With this guide, you’re equipped to navigate the world of all-inclusive cruising—and set sail on the vacation of a lifetime. Bon voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines do all inclusive packages for luxury travelers?

Luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Seabourn offer all-inclusive experiences with perks such as premium beverages, gratuities, and shore excursions. These brands cater to travelers seeking high-end, hassle-free vacations with nearly everything included upfront.

Are there affordable cruise lines that do all inclusive deals?

Yes, mainstream lines like Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Princess Cruises offer “all inclusive” upgrades, bundling drinks, Wi-Fi, and dining packages for an added fee. While not fully inclusive, these options make budget-friendly cruising more convenient.

What cruise lines do all inclusive alcohol and dining as standard?

Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and Crystal Cruises include premium alcohol and specialty dining in their base fares. This means no extra charges for cocktails, fine wines, or gourmet meals at onboard restaurants.

Do any family-friendly cruise lines offer all inclusive options?

Carnival Cruise Line’s “Faster to the Fun” and Disney Cruise Line’s beverage packages provide partial all-inclusive features for families. While not fully inclusive, they simplify planning with pre-paid drink and dining options.

Which all inclusive cruise lines include airfare and transfers?

Luxury lines like Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas often include round-trip airfare, ground transfers, and even pre-cruise hotel stays in their “all inclusive” fares. These perks are ideal for international travelers seeking seamless journeys.

What cruise lines do all inclusive shore excursions?

Seabourn and Silversea Cruises frequently include curated shore excursions in their all-inclusive fares, allowing guests to explore ports without extra costs. Regent Seven Seas also offers free excursions on select itineraries.