One of the draws of cruise vacations is their all-inclusive nature. Passengers can enjoy all that their cruise ship has to offer without worrying about breaking the bank for additional charges and fees. But what is really included in these all-inclusive packages? In this blog, I’ll be going over everything you need to know about all-inclusive cruises and how you can get the most out of them.
Not all all-inclusive cruises are created equally. The offerings in these packages will vary considerably depending on the cruise company and the specific cruise ship. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect all-inclusive packages to include accommodations, certain food and drink services, selected entertainment and recreation activities, as well as certain port excursion tours as part of the initial vacation fare.
Accommodations
While all cruises include accommodations in their initial pricing, different types of accommodations come with different perks. Even if you don’t book an all-inclusive package, many suites come with exclusive drink, dining, and entertainment offerings. These perks allow passengers to get an all-inclusive experience without paying the all-inclusive price. Many basic staterooms come with discounts and offers for many onboard activities, so be sure to check the details with each individual cruise company.
Food & Beverages
Most cruise lines offer complimentary drink services regardless of them being all-inclusive or not. Water, coffee, and tea are typically included in basic cruise fares, so you won’t have to worry about paying extra. And while some cruise lines have begun including pop beverages and alcoholic drinks in their all-inclusive packages, these drinks typically require out of pocket fees. Be sure to check with your cruise line for more details.
Most all-inclusive packages include dining access, allowing guests to eat as much as they want without an additional charge. However, many cruises have specialty dining restaurants that are not included in these packages and will require guests to pay out of pocket. These are typically luxury, gourmet-stye restaurants that offer full course meals and five-star service. But while these are top-of-the-line dining experiences, it is possible to enjoy your all-inclusive cruise without them.
Entertainment
In terms of entertainment, all-inclusive cruises have a lot to offer. Guests will automatically have access to most public spaces on deck, such as the pool, the gym, lounge spaces, etc. Extra perks included in all-inclusive fares will vary from ship to ship, but it is common for cruises to offer free workout classes, free massages, and free access to nightly entertainment such as comedy shows and musical performances.
Other Services
Other services such as laundry, dry cleaning, WiFi, and child care are typically not included in all-inclusive prices but can be purchased separately at an additional cost. Furthermore, many port excursion activities such as group and private tours require additional fees, though this will vary by cruise line and by destination. For more information about offerings aboard specific cruise lines, be sure to consult their website or call their customer service number.
As you can see, offerings aboard all-inclusive cruises are incredibly diverse in nature. This allows each guest to customize their cruise experience based on their interests and needs. By keeping this information in mind, you will be able to take advantage of all that the cruise industry has to offer, all the while having an unforgettable vacation experience.
Written by Tyler Jeremiah
