What makes a cruise ‘the best’?
At World of Cruising, our team of experts curate ‘best for…’ guides rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. We look at what cruise lines stand out for each destination we review and each type of traveller. We look for those subtle, if-you-know-you-know details so we can tailor our recommendations.
At a glance
- Only a few cruise lines are truly all-inclusive, including everything from drinks and meals to spa and excursions
- A larger number of lines are all-inclusive in the traditional meaning of the term, including meals, drinks, snacks, entertainment and activities
- Some of the cruise lines included in this list are not all-inclusive by default, but offer keenly priced packages to upgrade your cruise to an all-inclusive experience
There’s something quietly, indescribably joyful about knowing everything is already paid for. No surprise charges, no awkward tipping moments, no arguing over who’s paying for cocktails. So whether you’re dreaming of a cruise awash with gourmet cuisine, all-included shore excursions, gratis wellness retreats or simply a perfectly made mojito without the payment headache, these are the best all-inclusive cruises to book now.
Can't wait to book? Jump to:All-inclusive cruises from Southampton
Best for ultra luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
If you feel like splashing out, and all-out indulgence is your vibe, Regent Seven Seas offers the gold standard of all-inclusive cruising. Think unlimited excursions, business-class flights (on select itineraries), Michelin-level dining and yes, even your laundry folded for you. In addition, the line’s plush all-suite ships are ridiculously spacious, with personal butlers on hand around the clock and sumptuous marble bathrooms. Best of all? You don’t need to open your wallet once.
Itineraries: Global routes from Alaska to Africa. Look for Mediterranean and Caribbean classics, plus exotic sailings in South America and Asia.
Who’s this cruise for? Luxury travellers who want everything included – including bragging rights.
What can I expect to pay? From around £8,000 per person for seven- to 10-night sailings. But remember, that covers flights, excursions, drinks, tips, Wi-Fi, and more.
See offers:Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best for expeditions: UnCruise Adventures
There’s no live theatre or lazy pool days here – UnCruise is the real-deal wilderness escape. Its nimble ships (a maximum of 86 guests) take you into the heart of remote places like Alaska or the Galápagos, where you’ll paddle past glaciers, hike rainforests and snorkel coral reefs. Daily excursions, gear, guides, gourmet meals and drinks are all included – along with a sense of utter awe. Rustic luxury with muddy boots and big grins.
Itineraries: Alaska, Galápagos, Hawaii, Baja California and Central America.
Who’s this cruise for? Adventurers who prefer whale watching to waterslides.
What can I expect to pay? From around £5,000 per person for 7-night Alaska sailings.
Visit the UnCruise Adventures website.
Best for wellness: Seabourn
Want to emerge from your cruise fitter, calmer and somehow ‘glowier’ than when you sashayed aboard? Seabourn delivers with its Mindful Living Program. What does that mean? Daily yoga, guided meditation sessions, healthy menus and world-class spa treatments. Add Champagne on tap, elegant all-suite ships and personal service, and it’s pretty much a floating sanctuary. Namaste!
Itineraries: Global, including the Med, Caribbean, Asia and South America.
Who’s this cruise for? Wellness seekers who, while they appreciate the value of simplicity, don’t see why they should have to rough it. Most, but not all, treatments included.
What can I expect to pay? From £5,500 per person, including all dining, drinks, gratuities and wellness programming.
See offers: Seabourn
Best for short getaways: Celebrity Cruises (with the All Included package)
Need a break, but you’re woefully short on time? Celebrity Cruises is here to help with its keenly-priced three-to-five-night itineraries and its ‘All Included’ package. That means Wi-Fi, drinks and most dining are all wrapped up into the fare. The ships are sleek and sophisticated, with rooftop gardens, beautifully designed cabins and some of the most delightful dining at sea.
Itineraries: Caribbean mini-breaks from Florida and cheeky weekend Med escapes sailing from Barcelona.
Who’s this cruise for? Busy time-poor professionals who want to enjoy a classy break.
What can I expect to pay? Anywhere from around £550 per person for 3-night Caribbean sailings with the All Included packages. The price doesn’t include flights from the UK.
See offers: Celebrity Cruises
Best for value: MSC Cruises (with the Easy or Premium drinks packages)
To be clear, MSC might not be fully all-inclusive by default. But the optional ‘Easy’ and ‘Premium Extra’ packages offer excellent bang for your buck, and are well worth the upgrade. With dining, drinks, Wi-Fi and tips bundled in, it’s a high-energy, European-style cruise with a lower price tag and genuinely glamorous ships.
Itineraries: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe and more.
Who’s this cruise for? Price-savvy travellers who want stylish sailings and plenty of extras on a reasonable budget.
What can I expect to pay? Base fares from £450 per person for 7-night Med cruises; all-inclusive packages from around £600 extra per cabin.
See offers: MSC Cruises
Best for solo travellers: Norwegian Cruise Line (with the More at Sea package)
NCL practically invented solo cruising as we know it today. Its award-winning Studio cabins are purpose-built for one, with no solo supplement, and include access to a private Studio Lounge and hosted socials. And while the line isn’t all-inclusive by default, add in the line’s generous ‘More at Sea’ deal – drinks, Wi-Fi, dining and excursion credits – and you’ve got a smooth, sociable all-in escape that doesn’t penalise you for travelling solo. Independence never looked so inclusive.
Itineraries: Global routes, including Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
Who’s this cruise for? Independent-minded travellers who like sailing solo in comfort.
What can I expect to pay? Studio cabins start from £1,770 per person for an 11-night Iceland, Norway and Belgium cruise with More at Sea inclusions.
See offers:Norwegian Cruise Lines
Best for cultural immersion: Viking Ocean Cruises
If you like your cruises with a side of scholarship – and, whisper it, no pesky kids cannonballing in the hot tub – Viking’s your ship. These sleek, adults-only vessels specialise in enlightening destination-led voyages, with at least one included shore excursion in every port, plus lectures, concerts and regional menus inspired by wherever you’re headed. Onboard? It’s all Scandi wood, soft lighting and calm sophistication. Casinos are out. Curiosity is in. Just note that alcoholic drinks (including wine and beer) are only included with lunch and dinner.
Itineraries: Scandinavia, Baltic, Mediterranean, Asia and beyond.
Who’s this cruise for? Curious cruisers with a taste for culture.
What can I expect to pay? From £4,200 per person for 10-night sailings, including excursions, drinks with meals, Wi-Fi and gratuities.
See offers: Viking Ocean Cruises
Best for families: Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line does not include drinks or excursions in its fare, but there is a lot covered, especially if you’re travelling with kids. Its fares cover all the Broadway-style shows, character meet-and-greets, kids' clubs, soft drinks and top-notch dining you expect from the brand. Sure, it’s not exactly cheap. But it’s ultra-high-quality and undeniably slick. Parents get grown-up zones too, with adults-only pools, spas and cocktail lounges. You can also purchase wine or beer packages if you want to have booze covered upfront.
Itineraries: Caribbean, Europe, Alaska and transatlantic crossings.
Who’s this cruise for? Families with deep pockets and high expectations.
What can I expect to pay? From around £2,400 per person for a seven-night cruise including entertainment, dining, and activities.
Visit the Disney Cruise Line website.
Best for scenic river cruises: AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways leads elegant, all-inclusive river cruises through Europe’s most beguiling and romantic landscapes, from the Rhine to the Danube. Known for next-level food, curated excursions and a focus on wellness, the line includes yoga classes and hiking options on many itineraries. Expect wine and beer with meals, complimentary Wi-Fi, guided tours, and often airport transfers too – all aboard airy, modern ships built for lingering on the sun deck with a knockout view.
Itineraries: Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro and more.
Who’s this cruise for? Peace- and wine-loving wanderers.
What can I expect to pay? From £2,800 per person for seven-night itineraries including excursions, drinks and onboard entertainment.
See offers: AmaWaterways
Best for over-50s: Saga Cruises
Saga’s boutique-style ships are smart, serene and (by definition) adults-only, with every detail designed to make life smoother for the more mature cruiser. Fares are truly all-inclusive, covering all meals, drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and at least one excursion per port. You even get door-to-door chauffeur service as standard (within 250 miles), and comprehensive travel insurance is included too. The vibe is low-key and civilised – think guest speakers, classical concerts, and seafood dinners under the stars – not a splash park or poolside DJ in sight.
Itineraries: No-fly round-Britain sailings, Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Canary Islands, Iceland and more.
Who’s this cruise for? Over-50s looking for a stress-free, all-in-one experience that combines quality with great value.
What can I expect to pay? From around £2,500 per person for seven-night cruises, including excursions, drinks, insurance and chauffeur transfers.
See offers: Saga Cruises
Best for adults: Marella Explorer 2
If your ideal cruise skips the kids' clubs and opts for something a little more grown-up, Marella Explorer 2 delivers. This adults-only ship, the only one in the Marella Cruises fleet, offers an easy-going, all-inclusive experience, with tips, drinks and meals all wrapped into the fare. Expect a classic cruise feel with a modern twist. Think stylish lounges, a Champneys spa and a lively entertainment programme. No little ones, no extra costs for cocktails, and no stress.
Itineraries: Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Caribbean, with sailings from seven nights and up.
Who’s this cruise for? Adults looking for an affordable, all-inclusive escape with a mix of relaxation and upbeat evening fun.
What can I expect to pay? From around £950 per person for a seven-night Med sailing.
See offers: Marella Cruises
See offers: Marella Cruises
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