What Cruise Lines Include Excursions A Complete Guide

Most mainstream cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival, offer optional excursions for an additional fee, but premium brands like Regent, Silversea, and Seabourn include curated shore experiences in their base fare. These all-inclusive excursions range from cultural tours to adventure activities, adding significant value for travelers seeking convenience and luxury. Always check your cruise line’s policy—some mid-tier lines like Princess and Holland America now include select tours on specific itineraries or higher-tier suites.

Key Takeaways

• Choose luxury lines for included high-end excursions and personalized tours.
• River cruises often bundle excursions to maximize cultural immersion.
• Premium brands like Celebrity and Holland America offer optional excursion packages.
• Always check inclusions—some lines only cover port taxes, not tours.
• Book early for limited-capacity excursions to secure spots.
• Compare excursion credits on lines like Norwegian for better value.

Why Inclusive Excursions Are a Game-Changer for Your Cruise Vacation

Imagine stepping off your cruise ship onto a sun-drenched island, greeted by a local guide holding a sign with your name—no frantic last-minute bookings, no hidden fees, just a seamless adventure waiting to unfold. This is the magic of inclusive excursions, where cruise lines take the stress out of planning and deliver unforgettable shore experiences as part of your fare. For travelers seeking convenience, value, and curated adventures, understanding which cruise lines include excursions can transform a good vacation into an exceptional one. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, snorkeling in turquoise waters, or savoring local cuisine, inclusive excursions ensure you’re not just a spectator but an active participant in the destination’s story.

The appeal of inclusive excursions goes beyond mere convenience. They offer peace of mind—knowing that your activities are vetted, guided, and covered in your upfront cost. No more budgeting for overpriced tours or worrying about missing the ship’s departure. But not all cruise lines approach inclusions the same way. From all-inclusive luxury giants to budget-friendly lines with limited perks, the spectrum is vast. This guide will demystify which cruise lines include excursions, how to maximize their value, and what to expect from each brand’s offerings. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this comprehensive breakdown will help you choose the perfect cruise for your adventure style.

1. Luxury Cruise Lines: The Gold Standard of Inclusive Excursions

All-Inclusive Luxury with Premium Perks

Luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, and Seabourn set the bar high for inclusive shore excursions. These brands pride themselves on offering unlimited or extensive excursion options, often with no additional cost. For example, Regent’s “Free Unlimited Shore Excursions” program includes over 5,000 tours across 400+ ports, ranging from private wine tastings in Bordeaux to guided hikes in Patagonia. Silversea’s “Shore Concierge” service even lets you customize private tours, ensuring a bespoke experience tailored to your interests.

What’s Included? A Breakdown of Luxury Offerings

• Guided cultural tours: Expert-led visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites (e.g., Machu Picchu with Silversea).
• Adventure activities: Ziplining in Costa Rica, kayaking in Alaska (Seabourn’s “Ventures by Seabourn”).
• Culinary experiences: Cooking classes with local chefs in Tuscany or market tours in Barcelona.
• Private transfers: Luxury vehicles for small-group excursions (common on Regent).

Tip: While most luxury lines include excursions, some premium add-ons (e.g., helicopter tours or exclusive dining) may incur extra charges. Always check the fine print!

Real-World Example: Regent Seven Seas’ “Cultural Immersion” in Kyoto

Regent’s Kyoto excursion includes a private tea ceremony, a guided visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, and a traditional kaiseki lunch—all covered in your fare. No need to book separately or pay extra for transportation.

2. Premium Cruise Lines: Balancing Inclusions with Flexibility

Excursions as Perks (Not Guaranteed)

Premium lines like Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, and Viking offer a hybrid approach. While not all excursions are free, they provide generous inclusions or discounts. For instance, Viking Ocean Cruises includes one complimentary excursion per port on most itineraries, with options like a “Highlights of Oslo” walking tour or a “Vineyard Visit” in Napa. Celebrity’s “Classic” and “Premium” packages bundle excursions with beverage and Wi-Fi credits, creating a more inclusive experience.

How to Maximize Value

• Book early: Premium lines often reserve free excursions for loyalty members or early bookings.
• Choose bundled packages: Celebrity’s “All-Included” fare adds gratuities, drinks, and 1-2 excursions.
• Look for promotions: Holland America’s “Have It All” deal includes a shore excursion credit (up to $300 per person).

Example: A 14-day Alaska cruise on Holland America includes a free “Glacier Point Wilderness Cruise” in Juneau. Upgrade to a private wildlife safari for an additional $150.

Viking’s “Cultural Enrichment” Model

Viking’s excursions focus on educational experiences, such as lectures by historians or visits to local artisans. Their “Included Tours” often feature longer durations (4-6 hours) compared to budget lines, allowing deeper exploration.

3. Mainstream Cruise Lines: Inclusions with a Catch

Limited Free Options, But Strategic Choices

Mainstream lines like Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and Royal Caribbean rarely include excursions in base fares. However, they offer strategic ways to access free or discounted tours. For example:

• NCL’s “Free at Sea”: Book a suite and get one free excursion per port (e.g., a “Catamaran Sail & Snorkel” in Cozumel).
• Royal Caribbean’s “Cruise Planner”: Early bookings may include a free “Beach Day” in the Bahamas.
• Carnival’s “Fun Select”: Pay a flat fee (~$200) for 3-5 excursions on select itineraries.

Hidden Gems and Workarounds

Many mainstream lines partner with local operators to offer exclusive onboard deals. For instance, Royal Caribbean’s “Private Island” excursions (e.g., CocoCay) are often cheaper when booked through the cruise line. Additionally, loyalty program members (e.g., NCL’s Latitude Rewards) receive priority access to free tours.

Case Study: Royal Caribbean’s “Perfect Day at CocoCay”

This private island experience includes free access to beaches, waterparks, and lunch buffets. While not an “excursion” per se, it’s a major value add for families. Paid upgrades (e.g., zip-lining) cost $49-$79.

4. River Cruises: Intimate and Fully Inclusive

The River Cruise Advantage

River lines like AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, and Uniworld are renowned for all-inclusive shore excursions. Unlike ocean cruises, where ports are often far from city centers, river ships dock in the heart of towns, making walking tours the norm. Most river itineraries include:

• Daily guided tours: E.g., AmaWaterways’ “Taste of Bordeaux” wine tour.
• Bike rentals: Avalon’s “Biking Along the Danube” option.
• Local experiences: Uniworld’s “Meet the Locals” program in Vienna.

Specialty and Premium Upgrades

While base excursions are free, premium options (e.g., private castle tours or Michelin-starred dinners) cost extra. AmaWaterways’ “Connoisseur Collection” offers 20+ paid excursions per itinerary, priced at $50-$200.

Example: Avalon’s “Active Discovery” Cruises

These themed itineraries include free kayaking in the Rhine Gorge or hiking in the Swiss Alps, catering to adventure seekers.

5. Expedition and Niche Cruises: Adventure-Focused Inclusions

Beyond Traditional Excursions

Expedition lines like Lindblad Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, and Hurtigruten redefine “excursions” as immersive, small-group adventures. Their itineraries (e.g., Antarctic cruises or Galápagos tours) include:

• Zodiac landings: Guided by naturalists in remote areas.
• Wildlife encounters: Whale watching in Alaska (Lindblad).
• Scientific lectures: Quark’s onboard polar experts.

These experiences are fully included in fares, which can exceed $10,000 per person—justifying the cost with unparalleled access.

Niche Lines: Specialized Inclusions

Small-ship lines like Ponant (luxury polar expeditions) and SeaDream Yacht Club (Caribbean yachting) include unique perks. Ponant’s Arctic voyages feature free polar plunges and kayaking in ice fields, while SeaDream’s “Marina Day” lets guests snorkel directly from the ship’s stern.

Data Table: Expedition Cruise Inclusions (2023)

Cruise Line	Included Excursions	Avg. Cost per Day	Group Size
Lindblad Expeditions	Zodiac landings, kayaking, hiking	$800	12-20
Quark Expeditions	Ice landings, wildlife photography	$950	10-15
Hurtigruten	Northern Lights viewing, hiking	$500	20-30

6. Budget Cruise Lines: The Reality of “Free” Excursions

What You’re Really Paying For

Budget lines like Celebrity Edge-class (when booked as “basic” fares) or MSC Cruises rarely include excursions. Instead, they rely on up-selling through onboard sales pitches. For example:

• MSC’s “Excursions Desk”: Discounts for booking 3+ tours (e.g., “Save 15% on all Rome tours”).
• Costa Cruises: Free “Port Welcome” events (e.g., a 1-hour beach party in Nassau).

Smart Strategies for Budget Travelers

To avoid overpaying, consider:

• Independent tours: Book local operators directly (e.g., Viator or GetYourGuide).
• Free port activities: Many destinations offer free walking trails or public beaches.
• Loyalty perks: MSC’s “Club” members get priority access to discounted tours.

Warning: Budget lines may charge extra for port transfers or shuttle services, which can add up. Always factor these into your total cost.

Real-World Example: MSC’s “Caribbean Value” Cruise

A 7-day cruise includes a free “Beach Break” in Jamaica but charges $79 for a “Dunn’s River Falls Climb.” Compare this to Royal Caribbean’s similar itinerary, where the same tour costs $99—but includes a free “Island Tour” in St. Maarten.

Maximizing Your Cruise Excursion Experience: Final Tips

Choosing a cruise line with inclusive excursions isn’t just about cost—it’s about matching your travel style to the right brand. Luxury lines offer unmatched convenience, while expedition cruises deliver once-in-a-lifetime adventures. For families, mainstream lines’ bundled packages can be a smart compromise. Remember:

• Read the fine print: “Free” doesn’t always mean “unlimited.”
• Book early: Popular excursions sell out fast.
• Mix and match: Combine free tours with paid upgrades for a balanced experience.
• Ask about loyalty perks: Repeat cruisers often get exclusive access.

Ultimately, inclusive excursions are more than a perk—they’re a passport to deeper, richer travel. Whether you’re sipping Champagne in a Parisian bistro with Regent or hiking glaciers with Quark, the right cruise line will turn your shore days into stories you’ll tell for years. So, pack your bags, choose wisely, and let the adventure begin!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do any cruise lines include excursions in the base fare?

Yes, some premium and luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, and Seabourn include select excursions in their base fare, often called “included shore excursions.” These typically cover cultural and sightseeing tours but vary by destination.

Which budget-friendly cruise lines offer free excursions?

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean often include limited free excursions on select itineraries, especially in the Caribbean and Alaska. While not fully inclusive, they provide budget-conscious travelers with complimentary options alongside paid upgrades.

What cruise lines include excursions as part of an all-inclusive package?

Luxury lines such as Crystal Cruises, Oceania, and Azamara include excursions in their all-inclusive packages. These packages bundle tours with perks like drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities for a seamless experience.

Are there family-friendly cruise lines that include kids’ excursions?

Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line often include kid-focused shore excursions, like beach days or interactive tours, in their promotions. While not always free, they offer discounts or bundled deals for families.

Do river cruise lines include excursions, and how do they differ?

Yes, most river cruise lines (e.g., Viking, AmaWaterways) include daily excursions in their pricing. These are typically guided walking tours or cultural experiences, with more inclusions than ocean cruises due to smaller itineraries.

How do I find cruise lines that include excursions in specific destinations?

Check cruise line websites for “included excursions” filters or consult travel agents. For example, Holland America and Princess Cruises highlight free tours in Alaska, while luxury lines emphasize curated experiences in Europe.