4 of the best all-inclusive cruises
Many a cruiser has gotten a rude shock when looking at their bill at the end of a journey. While the base fare is generally great value, those little extras quickly add up. So why not try an all-inclusive cruise?
How it works
First thing’s first – all-inclusive cruises are, almost without exception, luxury cruises. So you’re not exactly getting things like alcohol, specialty dining, butler service and shore excursions for ‘free’. These will all be worked into the price, much like regular dining or activities are into a mainstream cruise fare. But it’s wonderfully indulgent not to have to think about any extras as you cruise and the quality of what you get onboard (from French champagne to 18 year old scotch) is hard to beat. You can’t compare these kind of cruises to the budget deals on mid-range lines. Instead, they offer a competitive alternative to many premium or high-end cruises that don’t include any extras.
1. Regent Seven Seas
This ultra-luxury line claims to be the most inclusive on the water and you’d be hard pressed to find something that’s not included in the price. Even your airfare is included in the price – and that can mean business class if you’re flying long haul or taking a longer cruise. Open bar (including mini bar), dining at all restaurants, butler service, unlimited Wi-Fi, gratuities, shore excursions, transfers, and hotels before and after your trip. You’ll never want to leave.
2. Crystal Cruises
Another of the world’s most luxurious cruise lines, Crystal runs all inclusive cruises on its two ocean ships, one expedition yacht and on its upcoming fleet of river ships. That’s all your drinks, food, butler service, gratuities and activities. Crystal does have a slightly more restrictive policy than Regent however. Only the first meal at the specialty restaurants is free, with a $30 per person cover charge for subsequent meals. And most of the shore excursions come at an extra cost – including a 20-minute ride in the new two-person submarine on the yacht Crystal Esprit.
3. Silversea
Along with all the usual inclusions, Silversea also offers its expedition guests special polar gear when travelling to icy regions and included shore excursions in a Zodiac. These tours are led by a highly skilled expedition team, including biologists, geologists, historians or marine experts that will bring their priceless knowledge to the journey. And then guests can return to their suite for the French champagne, laundry service and turn down from the butler.
4. Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking made its name in river cruising and entered the ocean market last year. It’s one of the few all-inclusive options without an eye watering price tag. It’s a premium line operating two mid-sized ships (with more to come) and just about the only thing you’ll pay extra for is your spa treatments. Passengers will get one included shore excursion in each destination and there is an extensive program of onboard activities or enrichment, like lectures and classes.
Related links:
5 things you MUST do to avoid seasickness on a cruise
10 things you must never do in a cruise cabin
P&O’s first cruise around New Zealand