Which Cruise Line Is All Inclusive Find the Best Deals Here

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line lead the pack when it comes to truly all-inclusive cruise experiences, offering packages that cover accommodations, dining, entertainment, and select beverages. With transparent pricing and flexible add-ons, these lines deliver the best value and hassle-free vacations—perfect for travelers seeking luxury and convenience without surprise costs.

Key Takeaways

• Choose luxury lines like Regent or Seabourn for truly all-inclusive cruises.
• Compare inclusions—some cover drinks, tips, and excursions; others don’t.
• Book early for best deals on premium all-inclusive packages.
• Check promotions—limited-time offers can add free upgrades or credits.
• Smaller ships often deliver better all-inclusive value and service.
• Read fine print to avoid surprise charges on “all-inclusive” sailings.

Which Cruise Line Is All Inclusive? Find the Best Deals Here

Imagine boarding a floating paradise where your biggest daily decision is whether to order the lobster or sip champagne by the pool—no surprise bills, no nickel-and-diming, just pure relaxation. The dream of an all-inclusive cruise is real, but with dozens of cruise lines touting “inclusive” packages, it’s easy to get lost in the fine print. The truth is, not all “all-inclusive” cruise lines are created equal. Some include everything from gourmet dining to premium spirits, while others bundle just the basics. So how do you separate the truly all-inclusive experiences from clever marketing ploys? This guide dives deep into the world of inclusive cruising, revealing which lines deliver on their promises and where you can find the best deals to maximize your vacation value.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, understanding what “all inclusive” really means on a cruise can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. From luxury liners that pamper you with caviar and butler service to premium brands offering generous beverage packages, we’ll explore the top contenders, break down what’s truly included, and share insider tips to help you book the perfect getaway. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which cruise line is all inclusive for your budget, preferences, and travel goals—and how to score the best deals without compromising on quality.

Understanding What “All Inclusive” Really Means on a Cruise

The Myth vs. Reality of Cruise Inclusivity

When cruise lines advertise “all inclusive,” the term often comes with asterisks. While land-based resorts might include meals, drinks, and activities in one price, cruise ships operate differently due to their structure and services. True all-inclusive cruises go beyond the basics—covering not just food and standard drinks, but also premium alcohol, gratuities, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, shore excursions, and sometimes even airfare. However, many mainstream lines (like Carnival or Royal Caribbean) use “all inclusive” loosely, referring only to meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and basic onboard activities. To avoid disappointment, you must dig deeper.

For example, a $1,200-per-person cruise on a major line might seem “all inclusive,” but if you add a $50/day drink package, $150 in specialty dining, and $20/day in gratuities, your real cost jumps to $1,700. In contrast, a luxury line like Regent Seven Seas Cruises includes all these extras in the base price. The key is to compare total value, not just the sticker price.

Key Components of a Truly All-Inclusive Cruise

To qualify as truly all-inclusive, a cruise should cover these essentials:

• All meals and dining options: Including gourmet restaurants, room service, and 24/7 buffets.
• Premium beverages: Top-shelf liquor, cocktails, wine, beer, and specialty coffee (not just soda and house wine).
• Gratuities (tips): Automatically included, so you don’t pay extra for crew service.
• Onboard activities and entertainment: Fitness classes, shows, and enrichment programs.
• Shore excursions or destination experiences: At least a few included per port, not just a shuttle to town.
• Wi-Fi and internet access: Not pay-per-minute or limited bandwidth.
• Spa and wellness services: Some luxury lines include select treatments or gym access.

Pro tip: Always check the cruise line’s official website for a detailed “what’s included” list. If it’s vague or requires clicking through multiple pages, proceed with caution.

Top Truly All-Inclusive Cruise Lines (Luxury Tier)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The Gold Standard

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is often hailed as the most all-inclusive mainstream luxury cruise line. Their “Free Unlimited” promise means:

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• All-suite accommodations with private balconies (no interior cabins).
• Unlimited premium beverages, including Dom Pérignon and vintage wines.
• All specialty dining (e.g., Prime 7 steakhouse, Chartreuse French cuisine).
• Pre-paid gratuities and Wi-Fi (unlimited).
• At least one free shore excursion per port (often multiple choices).
• Airfare (economy class) included on many sailings, with upgrades available.

Example: A 7-night Caribbean cruise starts at $4,999 per person (all inclusive), while a comparable non-inclusive cruise on another line might cost $3,500 but require $1,200+ in add-ons. Regent’s smaller ships (700–750 passengers) also mean personalized service and no crowds.

Silversea Cruises: Intimate Luxury with Cultural Focus

Silversea’s “Door-to-Door” all-inclusive package includes:

• All-inclusive beverages (top-shelf spirits, champagne, and fine wines).
• Butler service in every suite.
• Gratuities and Wi-Fi.
• One free shore excursion per port (curated by experts).
• Airfare and transfers (on select itineraries).
• Onboard enrichment (lectures, cooking demos, etc.).

Unique perk: Silversea’s “Zodiacs and kayaks” program allows guests to explore remote destinations not accessible by large ships. Their 140–600 passenger ships focus on expedition-style travel, making them ideal for adventure seekers.

Oceania Cruises: Gourmet Dining Meets Value

Oceania strikes a balance between luxury and affordability, with:

• Unlimited premium beverages (including spirits and specialty coffee).
• All specialty restaurants (e.g., Jacques French bistro, Red Ginger Asian cuisine).
• Gratuities and Wi-Fi.
• Free laundry service (a rare perk).
• Complimentary fitness classes and wellness programs.

While shore excursions aren’t included, Oceania offers “Simply More” promotions—free airfare, $100–$300 shipboard credit, and free pre-cruise hotel stays. Their 600–1,200 passenger ships feature elegant, country-club-style decor.

Premium All-Inclusive Cruise Lines (Mid-Range Tier)

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): “Free at Sea” for the Win

NCL’s “Free at Sea” package isn’t fully all-inclusive, but with the right deal, it gets close. When you book a qualifying fare, you choose two to five free perks, such as:

• Free open bar (premium drinks included).
• Free specialty dining (up to 3–5 meals).
• Free Wi-Fi (150–300 minutes, depending on tier).
• Free shore excursions (one per port).
• Free airfare (on select sailings).

Pro tip: Opt for the “Free at Sea Plus” package ($499 per person), which includes all five perks. Example: A 7-night Alaska cruise at $1,599/person with “Plus” adds $499, totaling $2,098—still cheaper than a luxury line. NCL’s Freestyle Dining (no fixed times) and diverse onboard activities appeal to families and couples.

Royal Caribbean: “All Inclusive” via Promotions

Royal Caribbean rarely markets itself as all-inclusive, but their “Crown & Anchor Society” loyalty program and seasonal deals (e.g., “BOGO 50% Off” or “Kids Sail Free”) can make it feel inclusive. Key inclusions:

• All meals (including specialty dining, if booked with a “Deluxe Beverage Package”).
• Free basic Wi-Fi (100 minutes; unlimited costs extra).
• Gratuities (if pre-paid).
• Free onboard activities (shows, pools, fitness center).

To maximize value, book a “Suite” or “Concierge” cabin, which includes free specialty dining, priority boarding, and concierge service. Their mega-ships (like Symphony of the Seas) offer endless entertainment options.

Celebrity Cruises: “Always Included” for Modern Luxury

Celebrity’s “Always Included” fare (launched in 2021) simplifies pricing by including:

• Unlimited premium beverages (including spirits and wine).
• Gratuities.
• Wi-Fi (unlimited).
• Basic specialty dining (e.g., Tuscan Grille).

For an extra $20–$30/day, upgrade to “Always Included Plus” for unlimited premium dining, shore excursions, and a higher-end drink package. Celebrity’s Edge-class ships (e.g., Celebrity Edge) feature innovative spaces like the Magic Carpet (a moving platform for dining and boarding).

All-Inclusive River and Expedition Cruises: Hidden Gems

AmaWaterways: All-Inclusive River Cruising

AmaWaterways stands out in the river cruise space with:

• All meals (gourmet, with local cuisine).
• Premium drinks (including wine and beer with lunch/dinner).
• Gratuities and Wi-Fi.
• Daily shore excursions (often multiple options, including biking and hiking).
• Free use of bicycles and fitness equipment.

Unique feature: AmaWaterways’ “Twin-Balcony” staterooms (French balcony + outdoor balcony) on select ships. Their 150–170 passenger vessels sail Europe, Asia, and Africa, offering immersive cultural experiences.

Lindblad Expeditions: Adventure Meets Luxury

Partnered with National Geographic, Lindblad’s all-inclusive expeditions include:

• All meals (with local, sustainable ingredients).
• Premium beverages (including spirits and wine).
• Gratuities and Wi-Fi.
• Daily guided excursions (kayaking, snorkeling, Zodiac tours).
• Onboard experts (naturalists, photographers, scientists).

Example: A 10-day Galápagos cruise starts at $7,500/person (all inclusive), while a comparable non-inclusive cruise might cost $5,000 but require $2,000+ in add-ons. Lindblad’s 60–148 passenger ships focus on wildlife and conservation.

How to Find the Best All-Inclusive Cruise Deals

Book During Wave Season (January–March)

The cruise industry’s peak booking period, Wave Season, offers:

• Free upgrades (e.g., balcony to suite).
• Onboard credits ($50–$500 per cabin).
• Discounted airfare or free air.
• Bonus perks (e.g., free spa treatments).

Example: In 2024, Regent offered “Free Air & Free Suite Upgrade” deals during Wave Season. Set Google Alerts for your preferred lines to catch these promotions.

Leverage Loyalty Programs and Group Discounts

Most cruise lines offer loyalty programs (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor, Celebrity’s Captain’s Club) with perks like:

• Priority boarding and dining.
• Exclusive events (e.g., cocktail parties).
• Discounts on future cruises.

For groups (6+ cabins), ask about group rates—lines often throw in free perks (e.g., a private party or onboard credit). Use a travel agent to negotiate these deals.

Consider Repositioning Cruises

Repositioning cruises (when ships move between regions, e.g., Europe to Caribbean) offer:

• Lower prices (up to 50% off).
• Longer itineraries (10+ days).
• Unique ports (e.g., crossing the Panama Canal).

Trade-off: Fewer sea days and potential for rough weather. Check Cruise Critic forums for reviews.

Use Comparison Tools and Price Guarantees

Tools like CruiseSheet or VacationsToGo let you compare prices across lines. Book with a line that offers a price guarantee (e.g., Norwegian’s “Best Price Guarantee”), which refunds the difference if you find a lower fare.

All-Inclusive Cruise Line Comparison Table

Cruise Line	Base Price (7-Night Caribbean)	Beverages Included	Shore Excursions	Gratuities	Wi-Fi	Special Perks
Regent Seven Seas	$4,999	Premium (top-shelf)	1+ per port	Included	Unlimited	Free airfare, butler service
Silversea	$6,500	Premium (champagne)	1 per port	Included	Unlimited	Butler, Zodiacs/kayaks
Oceania	$3,299	Premium (spirits)	Not included	Included	Unlimited	Free laundry, “Simply More”
NCL (“Free at Sea Plus”)	$2,098	Premium (open bar)	1 per port	Included	Unlimited	5 free perks
Celebrity (“Always Included Plus”)	$2,899	Premium (spirits)	1 per port	Included	Unlimited	Magic Carpet, concierge
AmaWaterways	$4,299	Wine/beer (lunch/dinner)	Daily included	Included	Unlimited	Bicycles, Twin-Balcony

Conclusion: Your Path to the Perfect All-Inclusive Cruise

Choosing the right all-inclusive cruise line hinges on your priorities: Do you crave ultra-luxury (Regent, Silversea), value-packed perks (NCL, Celebrity), or adventure-focused immersion (Lindblad, AmaWaterways)? The key is to look beyond the headline price and calculate the total cost—including add-ons like drinks, excursions, and gratuities. Remember, a “cheap” cruise with $1,000 in hidden fees isn’t a bargain.

To secure the best deals, time your booking for Wave Season, leverage loyalty programs, and consider repositioning cruises. Always read reviews (Cruise Critic, Trustpilot) and consult a travel agent to navigate the fine print. With this guide, you’re equipped to find a cruise that truly delivers on the “all inclusive” promise—where your only worry is whether to order the second round of cocktails or the chocolate soufflé. Bon voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise line is all inclusive for luxury travelers?

Luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn are fully all-inclusive, covering suites, fine dining, premium drinks, gratuities, and even excursions. These brands cater to travelers seeking a high-end, hassle-free experience.

Are there affordable all-inclusive cruise lines?

Yes! Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Virgin Voyages offer budget-friendly all-inclusive packages with drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips included in select fare tiers. Look for promotions to maximize savings on these modern ships.

Which cruise line is all inclusive for families?

Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line provide family-friendly all-inclusive options, featuring kids’ clubs, entertainment, and dining. Disney stands out with inclusive adult-exclusive spaces and themed experiences.

Do any all-inclusive cruise lines include airfare?

Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises often bundle airfare with their all-inclusive fares, especially on longer voyages. Check seasonal deals, as these lines frequently offer free or reduced airfare promotions.

What extras are covered by all-inclusive cruise lines?

Beyond food and drinks, top all-inclusive lines like Silversea cover spa credits, butler service, and shore excursions. Always review inclusions per cruise line, as policies vary widely.

Which cruise line is all inclusive with no hidden fees?

Virgin Voyages and Regent Seven Seas pride themselves on transparency, with fares covering gratuities, premium dining, and Wi-Fi. Virgin even includes group fitness classes and basic beverages like soda and specialty coffee.