Compare & book All-inclusive cruises(393)
What are all-inclusive cruises?
This is an approach to cruising ideal for those who want peace of mind at sea. All your core costs are wrapped into a single fare, taking the guesswork out of your journey so you can fully enjoy it without constantly keeping track of your spending.
It can make budgeting significantly easier and end up being excellent value-for-money, considering how quickly costs like Wi-Fi, gratuities, drinks and transfers can add up.
That said, it’s crucial to note that the definition of ‘all-inclusive’ is not standardised across the cruise industry. While key components, such as full board, drinks and accommodation, are always included, extras from shore excursions to laundry vary by line. Scroll down to our FAQs for the full breakdown of what to expect.
What are the best cruise lines for all-inclusive cruising?
Almost all ultra-luxury cruise lines operate on an all-inclusive basis, meaning you have plenty of choice if you’re after a top-of-the-market experience. Strong picks include Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, Crystal and Explora Journeys, though keep in mind these are exceptionally high-end, and pricing reflects that.
If you’re looking for something more wallet-friendly, there are a small number of ocean cruise lines outside of the ultra-luxury category that provide all-inclusive packages as standard. Marella is one of the few to do so across all itineraries, offering fly-cruises from a range of UK airports as well as no-fly options.
You’ll also find a variety of all-inclusive river cruises from lines such as Saga and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. A selection of expedition lines, which take guests to remote destinations like Antarctica, take a similar approach. These include HX, Ponant and Atlas Ocean Voyages.
Finally, many mainstream and premium lines don’t include perks like drinks as standard, but allow you to upgrade your experience with all-inclusive packages. Examples include Windstar Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America Line.
What are the best destinations for an all-inclusive cruise?
The world is truly your oyster, with all-inclusive cruises sailing oceans and rivers across the globe. That means the ‘best’ destination is a matter of finding an itinerary that matches your travel aspirations.
With that caveat, there are a handful of destinations that consistently appeal to all-inclusive cruisers. After all, many passengers select the option because they’re looking for a stress-free experience, so destinations that promise total relaxation have a natural appeal.
Popular choices include the Caribbean with its sugary white sands and lush rainforest, and the Greek Islands, with fresh Mediterranean fare and lapis waters. The Canaries and Madeira are also attractive, especially as winter sun destinations, while the South Pacific ranks high on wish lists thanks to reef-ringed islands and turquoise lagoons.
Plus, another key reason travellers opt for all-inclusive sailings is that it’s a savvy way to visit destinations known for higher prices. An all-inclusive cruise can be one of the most cost-effective ways to visit bucket-list destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Norwegian fjords, Japan, or Dubai.
Cruises from/to Casablanca
Cruises to and from Wellington, NZ
Cruises from/to Tokyo
Cruises from/to Marseille
Cruises from/to Cannes
Cruises from/to Bodrum
Cruises from/to Istanbul
Cruises from/to Alicante
Cruises from/to Santorini
Cruises from/to La Spezia
Cruises from/to Venice
Cruises from/to Rome
Norwegian Fjords Cruises
Cruises from/to Ocho Rios
Cruises from/to Cape Horn
Cruises from/to Cozumel
Cruises from/to Prince Christian Sound
Antarctica Cruises
FAQs
What’s included on an all-inclusive cruise?
The honest answer is that ‘all-inclusive’ is not a standardised term across the cruise industry, meaning what’s included can vary significantly.
Even so, you can typically expect the following to be covered: accommodation, toiletries, use of onboard facilities, gratuities, entertainment, port fees, full board in a range of restaurants and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Wi-Fi is often bundled in as well, though speeds and the number of devices per person depend on the specific operator.
Beyond the core components, extras like flights and shore excursions differ between lines, though you may be surprised by just how generous some cruises are.
For instance, Saga includes extras like a national chauffeur service and travel insurance, while Regent Seven Seas Cruises provides unlimited shore excursions and valet laundry service.
Something that is generally excluded across all lines, including ultra-luxury ones, is spa treatments like massages or facials. Select top-shelf alcoholic products, such as certain vintages of champagne or premium whiskies, are typically extra, too.
How much do all-inclusive cruises cost?
This can vary significantly depending on factors like the cruise line, cabin category, season and itinerary length you select.
Ultra-luxury cruises can range from around £2,500 for relatively short sailings to many multiples of that, including upwards of £100,000 for world cruises. Of course, there are happy mediums along the spectrum, with lots of ways to tailor a cruise to match your budget.
Notably, value-friendly mainstream cruises are considerably more affordable. You can sometimes snag week-long all-inclusive cruises for around £1,000.
Are all-inclusive cruises worth it?
For many passengers, all-inclusive cruises are worth it. Not only can they be good value for money, they also offer a greater sense of certainty regarding your budget. You’re not constantly reaching for your wallet, and there’s far less chance you’ll be caught out by an unexpected bill.
That’s not to say all-inclusive cruises are for everyone. Some passengers prefer a more à la carte payment structure because it gives them the flexibility to prioritise what matters to them most. For instance, a teetotaller won’t benefit from free-flowing alcoholic drinks being included.
How far in advance should I book my all-inclusive cruise?
There’s a strong case to be made for the earlier the better, especially if you have a particular cabin category in mind or want to sail during peak season. Wait too long, and popular staterooms and itineraries will sell out, particularly the most luxurious suites and the most affordable inside cabins. You may also be able to snag an early booking promotion.
However, if you can afford to be flexible, last-minute deals can be extremely attractive, too, since cruise lines may want to fill the last few cabins on an undersold itinerary. Of course, these deals are never guaranteed, so you have to weigh the risk of missing out altogether.
What kind of travellers are all-inclusive cruises best suited to?
The truth is, all-inclusive cruises suit anyone who is interested in a stress-free holiday, and with so many options out there, you’re likely to find an itinerary that fits you to a T.
First-time cruisers may find an all-inclusive cruise particularly helpful because it removes the uncertainty and the stress of navigating a confusing pricing structure. That leaves more headspace for savouring life at sea.
Families may also enjoy the freedom from decision fatigue and how much easier all-inclusive pricing makes budgeting.
The same goes for those in it for the long haul – on a sailing of a month or more, constantly keeping track of costs can get old fast.
