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Before we dive into how to get the best all-inclusive deal, we need to lay out what you can expect to see included among the cruise lines that advertise themselves as all-inclusive and those that come close to wrapping it all up into one price for you. What's the difference between the Premium and Ultimate beverage packages in these offers? The Premium package includes a larger selection of beer than the included list, plus name-brand spirits such as Absolut, Captain Morgan and Bombay Sapphire.
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Built to explore, these smaller ships sail to all seven continents and will often visit hidden harbors that larger ships could never access. Access to The Retreat, a luxurious area complete with cabanas, loungers, a hot tub, and a massage area, comes at an additional cost. And while Wi-Fi is complementary you will want to upgrade to the stream package if you want to do anything other than check your email and browse. There is a real focus on destinations and enrichment on a Viking cruise. While you won’t find a casino onboard you will find many insightful talks about ports of call and historical significance. Besides Broadway style shows in the main theater there are interesting lectures given by experts in their field.
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As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. Scenic currently offers one “adventure yacht,” Scenic Eclipse, with near-twin Scenic Eclipse II debuting in 2023.
Book a small-group or private tour if you're looking for adventure.
On ocean and expedition cruises, passengers receive one complimentary shore excursion in each port, 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, soft drinks, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, specialty coffee drinks and tea. If purchasing airfare through Viking, ship transfers are also complimentary. Whether you’re looking to book a short getaway or a longer adventure to far-flung destinations, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to save big on everything from your cruise fare to special experiences onboard and onshore. The first step to making sure you get the best deals is to join the cruise line’s email list. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive regular updates on all the latest offers, like deals by destination, kids sail free promotions and flash sales. Once you’ve made a reservation, you’ll also receive notifications about special offers for onboard experiences — like discounts on beverage and specialty dining packages, shore excursions, spa services, and more via My Royal Cruise.
By the strictest standards Viking isn’t an all-inclusive cruise line, but since what they do include is so exhaustive it had to make the list. The small, intimate yachts are designed according to Polar Code Rules but have various sailing itineraries in other exotic parts of the world as well. The first ocean ship, Scenic Eclipse was launched in 2018 with Scenice Eclipse II being launched in 2023.
Are cruises all-inclusive? What's actually included in your cruise fare - The Points Guy
Are cruises all-inclusive? What's actually included in your cruise fare.
Posted: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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For example, all-inclusive on some lines might mean that the price of a stateroom includes port fees and taxes, most meals, gratuities, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. There are cruise lines that even include transportation from your doorstep to the airport and the reverse upon return as part of their most all-inclusive packages. As the sole upper-premium line on this list, Viking includes many luxury-line-level perks in the cruise fare.
Your fare will include things like meals, wine and cocktails, gratuities, internet access and, in some cases, even shore excursions and airfare to and from the port city. Wi-Fi and crew appreciation (totaling $31-$33 per person, per day) alone account for more than 50% of the $60 per person, per day (or $420 per person for a seven-night cruise) package charge. With less than $30 per day left to break even and with drinks up to $15 included, you don't have to overindulge to get your money's worth. Those premium desserts, casual meals, fitness classes and unlimited juice bar beverages are the icing on the cake. Luxury lines aren't the only ones offering all-inclusive cruise packages these days. Mainstream and upscale cruise lines, which traditionally have offered a basic fare and then charged passengers a la carte for onboard expenses, have begun to offer more inclusive fare add-ons.
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Holland offers older Americans a refined experience at sea, with fine dining, complimentary fresh fruit and ice service in their cabins, luxurious bathrobes and bath amenities, and excursions that honor the diverse interests of their guests. Thanks to a new premium package, any sailing of six days or longer can become all-inclusive cruises with food, drinks, shore excursions and Wi-Fi access included. On Regent Seven Seas, all-inclusive fares include port charges and taxes, all meals (even at specialty restaurants), all drinks including wine and liquor, gratuities, Wi-Fi, unlimited excursions, and laundry services. Fares for a 7-night Caribbean sailing in a balcony stateroom (307 square feet) start at $4,999 per person double occupancy without air. That comes down to $454 per person, per night, which is a good baseline fare for an all-inclusive cruise. Onboard Wi-Fi and crew tips — typically extra charges on most mainstream cruise lines — are included in everyone's cruise fare on Virgin.
Create Your All-Inclusive Cruise Package
Perhaps what passengers rave about the most is complimentary access to the Nordic Spa and that awesome thermal suite mentioned above. Breathe deep in the steam bath or sauna, freeze your you-know-what off in the Snow Grotto to wake up every cell (including those you never knew you had) and take a whirlpool, cold-water splash or plunge pool dip. Alternating hot and cold therapies invigorates your mind and body in the best ways. In keeping with the line's destination focus, Azamara offers a complimentary AzAmazing Celebration on board or ashore on nearly every cruise. These exclusive, no-cost events highlight local culture and performers, often with exclusive access to cool locations.
All of its ships' 20+ eateries are complimentary, from the vegetarian restaurant to the Korean barbecue joint, though you may have to make reservations in advance. Select nonalcoholic drinks (including soda, non-pressed juices and sparkling water) also do not incur extra fees. The line's creative and energetic fitness classes are also fee-free; other lines charge $15 to $20 for these. On Seabourn’s ocean liners, passengers also receive one complimentary dinner at The Grill by Thomas Keller, a restaurant deftly duplicating the world-famous chef’s cuisine, prepared with his favorite high-end ingredients. In addition, many Keller-influenced plates appear on other dining venue menus, such as in the Colonnade.
Note that the All Included fare covers the bar gratuity normally charged to guests who purchase a beverage package independently. These packages are designed to make the cruise experience hassle-free by allowing passengers to pay for most of their onboard expenses — such as beverages, Wi-Fi and gratuities — before they board. Note that guests must pay a 20% gratuity on the value of the Open Bar beverage package and the specialty dining package. The Love Boat cruise line explores the world on big, but not too big ships, with a particular focus on Alaska sailings. It welcomes everyone from families with kids to retired couples with a variety of onboard offerings and inclusive fare options to suit a variety of budgets and preferences. Oceania Cruises sails smaller, upscale ships with a focus on fine dining and restaurant variety.
While an all-inclusive cruise may cost more, it’s certainly worth it for those who are tired of getting out their cruise card every time they get thirsty. A cruise to Caribbean is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Each itinerary features one to two “formal” nights that we call Evening Chic. Evening Chic means you dress to impress, glamorous and sophisticated in your own way, with a cocktail dress, skirt, slacks, or designer jeans, an elegant dress top, or blazer—some guests even pack a tuxedo or gown for onboard photos.
Every guestroom on a Silversea cruise ship is a suite and 90% of them have private verandas. The bathrooms have marble countertops and the sheets and linens are of the finest quality. This is the only cruise line that offers butler service in every suite and category, and these butlers are all professionally trained to make your cruise as perfect as can be. It's always wise to book your shore excursions in advance of your cruise to the Caribbean.
Only passengers 18 and older can sail on a Viking ship, so this is definitely a cruise line for adults only. The heated pools both on the main pool deck and in the aft section of the ship never feel crowded, and the covering over the main pool area means you can take a swim no matter the weather outside. Sailings include embarkation ports in New Zealand, Argentina, Iceland, Japan, Portugal and other places and sail anywhere from the Caribbean to Europe, with an emphasis on polar regions like Antarctica. The smallest cruise ship with Regent has a capacity of only 490 passengers for those who want an even more intimate experience on a smaller vessel.
Explore colorful streets and colonial-era forts in Old San Juan, and ride the St. Kitts Scenic Railway across verdant countryside with beautiful ocean views. Take a day off from sunbathing and join a horseback riding tour along St. Maarten’s stunning coastline. Explore Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua or climb the Pitons in St. Lucia, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Every island in the Caribbean has beautiful beaches, from rocky coves to long sweeps of white sand lined with umbrellas and buzzing beach bars. Naming the Caribbean's best beaches is a purely subjective topic, as everybody has their favorite. Some of the most famous, though, include Grand Cayman’s gorgeous Seven Mile Beach, and the dazzling white sand of Eagle Beach on Aruba.
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