Which Cruise Lines Include Excursions A Complete Guide

Most major cruise lines—including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival—do not include excursions in their base fares, requiring guests to book tours separately for an additional cost. However, luxury and premium lines like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea offer complimentary excursions in nearly every port, often with high-end perks like private guides and exclusive access. This guide breaks down which lines include tours, helping you choose the best value for your travel style.

Key Takeaways

• All-inclusive luxury lines: Regent, Seabourn, and Silversea include most excursions.
• Premium cruise lines: Azamara and Oceania offer inclusive tours on select sailings.
• Expedition cruises: Hurtigruten and Lindblad include adventure excursions by default.
• Mainstream options: Royal Caribbean and NCL charge extra but offer discounted packages.
• Always check inclusions: Verify excursion details before booking to avoid surprises.
• Loyalty perks: Frequent cruisers may receive free tours as member benefits.

Which Cruise Lines Include Excursions? A Complete Guide

Imagine stepping off a luxury cruise ship onto a sun-drenched Caribbean beach, ready to explore a hidden cove, or wandering through ancient ruins in Greece with a knowledgeable guide—all without worrying about extra costs. For many travelers, cruise excursions are the highlight of their vacation, offering curated experiences that transform a standard itinerary into an unforgettable journey. But here’s the catch: not all cruise lines include these excursions in their base fare. Some bundle them into all-inclusive packages, others charge à la carte, and a few even provide complimentary tours as part of their premium offerings. Navigating these options can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time cruisers or budget-conscious travelers.

This guide cuts through the confusion, offering a detailed breakdown of which cruise lines include excursions, how their pricing models work, and what to expect from the experience. Whether you’re eyeing a budget-friendly getaway or a high-end luxury voyage, understanding the excursion policies of major cruise lines will help you maximize value, avoid surprise costs, and ensure your dream vacation delivers on its promises. From all-inclusive luxury brands to value-driven lines with flexible add-ons, we’ll explore the nuances of excursion inclusions, highlight standout examples, and share insider tips to help you choose the perfect cruise for your travel style.

1. Luxury Cruise Lines: All-Inclusive Excursion Experiences

Luxury cruise lines are synonymous with all-inclusive travel, where excursions are not just included but often elevated to a premium standard. These brands prioritize curated, small-group experiences, exclusive access, and personalized service, making excursions a cornerstone of their value proposition. Here’s how the top luxury lines handle excursions:

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The “All-Inclusive” Pioneer

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) is the gold standard for all-inclusive luxury cruising. Their Unrivaled Space at Sea promise includes unlimited shore excursions in nearly every port of call. Whether it’s a private wine-tasting tour in Tuscany, a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, or a cultural walking tour in Kyoto, these excursions are included in the base fare. Key features:

• Unlimited excursions: No caps or hidden fees.
• Small-group focus: Tours often cap at 16–20 guests for intimacy.
• Exclusive access: Private museum visits, after-hours castle tours, and more.

Example: On a 10-night Mediterranean cruise, RSSC might include a private tour of the Vatican Museums (after hours) and a cooking class in a Sicilian vineyard—all at no extra cost.

Silversea Cruises: Expedition and Cultural Immersion

Silversea blends luxury with exploration, offering included excursions on both traditional ocean cruises and expedition voyages. Their Enhanced Shore Experiences program includes:

• Guided tours in every port (e.g., a private truffle hunt in Alba, Italy).
• Zodiac landings and expert-led wildlife tours on expedition cruises (Antarctica, Galápagos).
• Complimentary premium excursions (e.g., a private catamaran in Bora Bora).

Tip: Silversea’s expedition cruises include all excursions—a rare perk in the industry. For example, a Galápagos itinerary includes guided hikes, snorkeling with sea lions, and panga (zodiac) rides.

Oceania Cruises: Gourmet and Cultural Focus

Oceania Cruises includes one free excursion per port on most itineraries, with options like:

• Wine tastings in Bordeaux.
• Historical tours in Dubrovnik.
• Scenic rail journeys (e.g., the Bernina Express in Switzerland).

Guests can pay extra for premium excursions (e.g., a private helicopter tour of the Norwegian fjords). Oceania’s Oceania@Sea program also offers complimentary enrichment lectures and cooking demos ashore.

2. Premium Cruise Lines: Tiered Excursion Models

Premium cruise lines strike a balance between luxury and value, often offering a mix of included excursions and à la carte options. These brands cater to travelers who want high-quality experiences without the all-inclusive price tag.

Holland America Line: “Have It All” Packages

Holland America’s Have It All bundled fare (available at booking) includes:

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• Shore excursions: $300–$500 credit per stateroom (varies by cruise length).

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• Specialty dining credits.
• Wi-Fi and beverage packages.

Without the bundle, excursions are pay-per-use (e.g., $50–$200 per person). Popular included options via the credit include a scenic train ride in the Canadian Rockies or a cultural tour of Kyoto’s temples.

Tip: The Have It All package often saves 30–40% vs. buying components separately. For a 14-day Alaska cruise, the $400 credit covers most mid-range excursions.

Princess Cruises: “MedallionClass” Personalization

Princess Cruises includes one free excursion per port on select itineraries (e.g., Alaska, Europe). Their MedallionClass app lets you pre-book excursions, with options like:

• Free: Scenic drives, walking tours, and cultural experiences.
• Premium: Adventure activities (e.g., glacier hiking, snorkeling).

Example: On a 7-night Alaska cruise, free excursions might include a narrated trolley tour of Skagway or a wildlife cruise in Juneau. Premium options (e.g., dog-sledding on a glacier) cost $200–$500.

Celebrity Cruises: “Always Included” Pricing

Celebrity Cruises’ Always Included pricing (launched in 2021) bundles:

• Gratuities.
• Unlimited Wi-Fi.
• A “Classic Beverage Package” (alcohol included).
• No free excursions, but discounts on premium tours (10–20% off).

Excursions are à la carte, but the bundled savings often offset the cost. For example, a $150 excursion in Santorini might be discounted to $120.

3. Mainstream Cruise Lines: Pay-Per-Experience Models

Mainstream cruise lines (e.g., Carnival, Royal Caribbean) typically don’t include excursions in their base fare. Instead, they offer à la carte excursions with a wide range of options—from budget-friendly to premium. However, strategic planning can help you save.

Royal Caribbean International: “Cruise Planner” Flexibility

Royal Caribbean’s excursions range from $20–$500+ per person. Highlights include:

• Budget options: City walking tours, beach days.
• Adventure: Scuba diving, zip-lining.
• Luxury: Private catamaran charters, helicopter tours.

Insider Tip: Book excursions before your cruise (via Cruise Planner) for discounts of 10–15%. For example, a $100 snorkeling tour in Nassau might be $85 if booked online.

Carnival Cruise Line: “Shore Excursion” Deals

Carnival’s excursions are priced from $30–$300. They frequently run promotions like:

• “Buy one, get one 50% off” for couples.
• Free excursions for kids (ages 2–12) on select tours.

Example: A family of four on a 5-day Caribbean cruise could save $100 by booking a $120 catamaran tour with the BOGO deal.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): “Freestyle” Flexibility

NCL’s excursions are pay-per-use, but their Free at Sea package (purchased at booking) includes:

• Shore excursion credits ($250–$500 per stateroom).
• Specialty dining.
• Wi-Fi and beverage packages.

Tip: The Free at Sea package often saves 25% vs. à la carte. For a 7-day Alaska cruise, the $300 credit covers a glacier helicopter tour ($275).

4. Expedition and River Cruise Lines: Immersive Included Experiences

Expedition and river cruise lines prioritize immersive, educational excursions as part of their core offering. These experiences are almost always included in the base fare, reflecting the niche, destination-focused nature of these voyages.

Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Partnership

Lindblad’s expeditions (Antarctica, Galápagos, Alaska) include all excursions, led by naturalists, scientists, and historians. Activities include:

• Zodiac landings to observe wildlife.
• Guided hikes and kayaking.
• Photography workshops with National Geographic experts.

Example: A 10-day Galápagos cruise includes daily excursions (snorkeling with penguins, hiking volcanic landscapes) with no extra cost.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Cultural Deep Dives

Uniworld’s river cruises (e.g., Danube, Mekong) include daily excursions with options like:

• Private museum tours (e.g., the Louvre in Paris).
• Wine tastings in Burgundy.
• Guided cycling tours in Amsterdam.

Premium excursions (e.g., a private concert in Vienna) cost extra but are heavily discounted for guests.

Viking Cruises: “Viking Inclusive Value”

Viking’s ocean and river cruises include one excursion per port, with options like:

• Scenic drives in the Swiss Alps.
• Historical tours in Rome.
• Local food experiences (e.g., cheese-making in the Netherlands).

Tip: Viking’s “Silver Shore” excursions (premium options) are 20–30% cheaper than booking independently.

5. Budget and Value-Driven Lines: Strategic Savings

Budget-conscious travelers can still enjoy excursions without overspending. Here’s how to maximize value on value-driven lines.

MSC Cruises: “MSC Excursions” Packages

MSC’s excursions are à la carte, but they offer:

• “Excursion Passes” (e.g., 3 tours for $150).
• Free kids’ excursions (ages 2–12).

Example: A family of four could save $200 by using the “3-for-$150” pass on a 7-day Mediterranean cruise.

Costa Cruises: “Costa Excursions” Bundles

Costa’s excursions (popular in Europe) range from $25–$200. They frequently run:

• Early-booking discounts (10–20% off).
• Free excursions for seniors (65+).

Tip: Costa’s “Excursion of the Day” (booked onboard) is often 30% cheaper than the same tour online.

DIY Alternatives: Third-Party Excursions

For maximum savings, consider booking independent tours via platforms like:

• GetYourGuide: Often 20–40% cheaper than cruise line excursions.
• ShoreExcursions.com: Guaranteed on-time return to the ship.

Warning: Independent tours carry risk if the operator is late. Always choose providers with strong reviews and refund policies.

6. Data Table: Cruise Line Excursion Policies at a Glance

Cruise Line	Excursion Policy	Included Examples	Cost of Premium Excursions	Best For
Regent Seven Seas	Unlimited free excursions	Private Vatican tour, helicopter Grand Canyon	$0 (all included)	Luxury travelers
Silversea	Free in most ports; all included on expeditions	Galápagos snorkeling, truffle hunt in Alba	$100–$500 (premium)	Expedition lovers
Holland America	$300–$500 credit with “Have It All” package	Canadian Rockies train ride	$50–$200 (à la carte)	Premium value seekers
Royal Caribbean	À la carte; discounts for pre-booking	Snorkeling in Nassau	$20–$500+	Adventure seekers
Lindblad Expeditions	All excursions included	Zodiac landings in Antarctica	$0 (all included)	Nature enthusiasts
Viking Cruises	One free excursion per port	Scenic Swiss Alps drive	$75–$300 (premium)	Cultural explorers

Choosing the right cruise line for excursions hinges on your travel priorities. For all-inclusive luxury, Regent Seven Seas and Silversea deliver unparalleled value. Premium lines like Holland America and Princess Cruises offer flexibility with bundled credits. Mainstream lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival) require more planning but cater to diverse interests. Expedition and river cruise lines (Lindblad, Viking) prioritize education and immersion, while budget lines (MSC, Costa) reward strategic booking. Remember: always read the fine print—some “included” excursions may have hidden costs (e.g., entrance fees, gear rentals). By matching your cruise line to your excursion expectations, you’ll turn every port into a highlight of your journey. Happy cruising!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines include excursions in their base fare?

Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are luxury lines that often include select excursions in their base fare. Mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival typically offer excursions for an additional fee, though some promotions may bundle them.

Do any all-inclusive cruise lines include excursions?

Yes, ultra-luxury all-inclusive lines like Seabourn, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas include curated shore excursions in their pricing. These range from cultural tours to adventure activities, with some offering multiple excursion options per port.

Which cruise lines include excursions for free on Alaska cruises?

Holland America and Princess Cruises often include 1-2 free excursions on Alaska itineraries, such as scenic rail rides or glacier viewing. Other lines like Norwegian Cruise Line may offer excursion credit as part of Alaska cruise packages.

Are excursions included with river cruise lines?

Most river cruise lines, including Viking, AmaWaterways, and Avalon Waterways, include daily excursions in their fares. These are usually small-group tours led by local experts, with options for active or relaxed experiences.

Which budget-friendly cruise lines include excursions?

Budget lines like Carnival and Norwegian rarely include excursions, but MSC Cruises sometimes offers “excursion-inclusive” deals for specific sailings. Always check promotions—occasional free excursion credits are offered during seasonal sales.

Can you get discounted excursions on cruise lines that don’t include them?

Yes, lines like Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises offer onboard excursion discounts for early bookings or multi-excursion packages. Third-party vendors may also provide competitive rates, but verify port timing and refund policies.