Are cruises all-inclusive? These 7 brands are
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How to find the best price, perks when booking a cruise
Find the cruise that works for your budget with these tips.
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Many cruise lines offer food-and-beverage packages and other inclusive options, but only a few can accurately claim to be all-inclusive. That means everything onboard, from specialty restaurants and alcoholic beverages, to Wi-Fi and gratuities, is wrapped up into the fare. Some take it a step further, covering extras like airfare and shore excursions.
All-inclusive cruises cost a pretty penny but offer ultra-pampering experiences, often on itineraries that visit lesser-traveled destinations. They also won't leave you with surprise charges on your bill. I've rounded up the best all-inclusive cruises, whether you're considering a family cruise line or a romantic getaway at sea.
1. Explora Journeys
With some of the largest luxury ships at sea, Explora Journeys affords more space while upholding highly attentive, personalized service – a hallmark of all-inclusive cruises. Its all-suite ships also feel more relaxed, while three heated outdoor pools never seem to feel crowded. Explora Journeys embraces families and offers myriad kid-friendly amenities to make them feel comfortable.
EXPAND YOUR OPTIONS: 12 best family cruise lines for all ages
What's included: Nine dining experiences, unlimited drinks, use of the spa's thermal facilities, fitness programs, gratuities, port shuttles, Wi-Fi, and self-service laundry
Family-friendly features: Nature-themed Nautilus Club for ages 5 to 17, kids' suite amenities like mini-bath robes and slippers, and excursions designed specifically for families
2. Regent Seven Seas
When Regent's Seven Seas Explorer debuted in 2016, it made a splash with the 'world's most expensive suite.' The famed Regent Suite has since become even more lavish, and the line continues to expand on what it claims to be the most inclusive cruising experience, thanks to new dining venues and all-suite accommodation categories.
What's included: Round-trip airfare (in business class for cruises that embark from an overseas departure port), airport-to-ship transfers, one night in a pre-cruise hotel, 24-hour room service, open bar, gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry service, and unlimited shore excursions
Family-friendly features: Supervised Club Mariner programming for age groups 5 to 8, 9 to 12, and 13 to 17, based on demand (no separate kids' club)
3. Crystal
Everyone is treated like royalty on Crystal, which includes butler service as a standard for all suite categories. The all-inclusive cruise line and its two ships come with decades of stories – including ownership changes that most recently landed it in the hands of Abercrombie & Kent in 2023. Despite their older ages, the ships feel fresh and modern, with classic palatial touches.
What's included: All dining (at least one complimentary reservation in each specialty restaurant), including a restaurant helmed by Michelin-Star Chef Nobu Matsuhisa; unlimited drinks; butler service; gratuities; Wi-Fi; and laundry services
Family-friendly features: Waves and Fantasia kids' programming for ages 3 to 17, on select sailings, as well as babysitting services
4. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
You can use Marriott Bonvoy points to book your cruise on a Ritz-Carlton yacht (and earn them, too), where everything is included. There are still plenty of opportunities to spend more on fine wines, a dinner and wine-pairing venue, spa treatments, and other luxuries. With shorter itineraries and a casual vibe, the ships draw more families and younger couples than other all-inclusive lines.
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What's included: All meals (except for one restaurant), most drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, use of the marina and watersports equipment, select fitness classes
Family-friendly features: Dedicated Ritz Kids club geared toward ages 4 to 12, as well as board games, craft supplies, toys, and other family-friendly activities in the lounge
5. Seabourn Cruises
All-inclusive cruises on Seabourn have a distinct country club vibe. Carrying just a few hundred passengers per ship, each of Seabourn's all-suite vessels emphasize comfort, intimacy, and perhaps most of all, food. All onboard restaurants – plus caviar and Champagne on demand – are covered. This includes The Grill by renowned celebrity chef, Thomas Keller. Seabourn also covers some excursions on its expedition cruises.
What's included: All meals, unlimited drinks (including premium wine and spirits), gratuities, laundry, use of watersports equipment, some shore excursions
Family-friendly features: None, but kids are welcome as long as they are at least 6 months old (or 1 year on transatlantic crossings or itineraries with more than two consecutive sea days)
6. Ecoventura
The only destination-specific cruise line on this list earns recognition for its intentional inclusions that add value to the onshore experience. Ecoventura sails the Galapagos exclusively, and being Ecuadorian-founded, it brings expertise and local connections that mainstream cruise lines don't. Three 20-passenger expedition ships underpinned by Relais & Chateaux brand standards offer an intimate adventure for any age.
What's included: All meals, open bar, guided shore excursions twice a day, Wi-Fi, access to two Zodiacs and a glass-bottom boat, kayaks and paddleboards, in-port transfers
Family-friendly features: Onboard enrichment for families and special shore excursions designed for kids as young as 5
TODDLER TRAVEL: Calling all babies and toddlers, these are the best cruise lines and ships for kids under 5
7. Silversea Cruises
If you're looking for an all-inclusive cruise that will take care of every detail from the moment you leave home until your return, then consider Silversea. Features like privately chauffeured door-to-door transfers to and from your home and butler service in every suite make for a truly effortless experience. Choose from slower-paced, luxury oceangoing ships and more adventurous expedition cruises.
What's included: All meals, unlimited drinks, butler service, shore excursions, international roundtrip airfare, in-country flights (if necessary), pre- and post-cruise hotels, private chauffeur service, gratuities, and standard Wi-Fi
Family-friendly features: None, though children at least 6 months old (1 year old for Silversea Expeditions) are welcome
7 best all-inclusive cruise lines in the world originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
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