How to Score the Best All-Inclusive Cruise Deals

Table Of Content

• Cruise line all-inclusive packages: Everything you need to know
• Cruise lines with more-inclusive fares
• Windstar Cruises
• Costa Maya
• Port Canaveral (Orlando)
• Carnival cruise prices

A total of 15 river cruise “Space-Ships” are in the fleet, each an understated gem, with butler service and fine food, serving as an easy gateway to some of the most exotic destinations in the world. ● Put your name on the email lists of the cruise lines you are considering so you never miss an opportunity. The Carnival Celebration ship, which sails to the Caribbean from Miami, is the line’s newest ship, and debatably the best carnival cruise ship. For example, an off-season cruise to the Bahamas in February might cost $189 while the same cruise in June could be $684 for the same cabin on the same ship.

Cruise line all-inclusive packages: Everything you need to know

These are book-ahead and pay-extra dining venues that sometimes offer a more upscale dining experience than what's complimentary. If you want one-and-done pricing, passengers can choose All-Inclusive Fares for an additional $89 per person per day. Five lines stand out for having the most inclusive cruise fares in the industry.

Cruise lines with more-inclusive fares

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● You aren't locked into expensive suites in order to get all-inclusive fares. Azamara and Oceania both have interior staterooms that can save you a bundle on a premium all-inclusive (or mostly inclusive) cruise. We found a 10-night Greek island cruise in an interior stateroom with Oceania's O-Life add-on package that includes airfare, some excursions, and onboard credit for around $400 per person, per night. If you aren't careful about the details, marketing phrases or limited time deals can make you think you'll be getting more than what's included in the fare. The other caveat to watch for on mainstream lines is the wide variability between prices, which can fluctuate day-to-day and is based on many factors, including the size and age of the ship. That may mean you can find an all-inclusive deal on one ship on a particular sailing date, but not on similar cruises.

Windstar Cruises

Speaking of food, nothing pairs quite as nicely with a juicy steak as a glass of red wine! Alcohol, whether you buy the drinks a la carte or with a drink package, need to be a cost that you consider. Note that drink packages cannot be used at the private islands, though. Other dining establishments, called specialty restaurants, charge either a per-person surcharge or have an a la carte menu on the big-ship lines. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry.

The package

Most programs are free, but you will likely pay for after-hours group babysitting. Upscale ocean cruise lines, as well as river and expedition cruise lines, typically have more inclusive fares than mainstream lines but are not all-inclusive, with the exception of expedition cruises offered by luxury cruise lines. Of course, a few luxury, small-ship and expedition cruise lines do bundle more amenities into their fares. You just need to pay attention to what's included and what's not when choosing a cruise line and evaluating its fares.

Azamara does offer several extra-fee packages to make its inclusive fares even more inclusive. Many lines offer different types of all-inclusive packages you can purchase when you book your cruise. These packages are designed to provide a hassle-free cruise experience by allowing passengers to pay for one or more of their onboard expenses — such as beverages, Wi-Fi and gratuities — up front and possibly at a discount. You can often purchase specialty dining packages when you book your cruise.

There are currently 24 ships with more maiden voyages scheduled later this year. However, if you don't plan to take advantage of all the extra-fee services on board, you'll need to do the math around the amenities you would use to determine whether a package is right for you. It might take a while to add up the cost of all the amenities, but you don't have to. The difference between the All Included package cost with basic or premium Wi-Fi is the same as if you purchased a Wi-Fi plan a la carte.

Port Canaveral (Orlando)

Other events to look for in your daily cruise program include cooking demonstrations, game shows, lectures and craft classes. In the evenings, it's always free to dance the night away in the disco or try out your inner Taylor Swift at a karaoke session. Guests aboard Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean can take advantage of free continental breakfast during morning hours, but have to pay for in-cabin dining the rest of the day.

Carnival cruise prices

If the ship is more important than the route, take a look at Carnival’s ship lineup and what each has to offer, plus where they sail. We took a look at the a la carte items included in the inclusive package to determine the value of Windstar's offering (based on a weeklong sailing). At $70 extra per person, per day, Celebrity's All Included fares are a good value for cruisers who plan to toss back multiple basic cocktails daily — there's no daily limit — and are content with basic Wi-Fi. As of October 2023, the daily rate for standard staterooms is $16.00 per person, per day, while those staying in a suite will pay $18.00 per person, per day. And just like how entertainment and dining venues vary, not all onboard activities can be found on every ship in the Carnival fleet. Just like you won't go hungry on a Carnival cruise, you won't be bored, either!

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Similarly, Virgin Voyages includes Wi-Fi and gratuities in everyone's fare. Now that you understand what's included in standard cruise fares and how you can create a more "all-inclusive" cruise experience, you can better evaluate the price of your cruise before you book. Sometimes the more expensive rate actually provides better value because you get more amenities included. Massages, manicures, pedicures and other treatments cost extra — and prices can run the gamut, depending on the cruise line.

Plus a downright dizzying number of places and parties to do some dancing. ● On itineraries where excursions are expensive or the only way you can adequately explore the ports, you may save money with an all-inclusive cruise. Cruises there that include some or all of your excursions can save you money.

Windstar Cruises offers an All-Inclusive Fare option for a set daily fee. For Windstar, all-inclusive means unlimited beverages, unlimited Wi-Fi and all gratuities. Passengers can also still opt to book a base cruise-only fare and pay for onboard expenses on an a la carte basis. The Premier Beverage Package costs $84.99 per person, per day, which is more than the price of the Princess Premier all-inclusive package. If you prefer premium wines and spirits and were planning on purchasing the upgraded drinks package, Princess Premier will more than pay for itself.

Cruise to Your Next All-Inclusive Vacation

Table Of Content

• About Carnival cruises
• Does it pay to plan ahead, or should I wait until the last minute?
• Day Cruises
• I tried Carnival's older cruise ships and never want to go back
• Carnival Cruise Line has complimentary youth programming onboard every ship
• You’re our first priority.Every time.

While mainstream cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival offer incredible value, covering lodging, meals and transportation in their cruise fares, they are not 100% all-inclusive. You'll pay an additional cost for all kinds of extras, including bar drinks, meals at specialty restaurants, specific activities and even specialty coffees. Some cruise lines have a basic fare class and a more inclusive fare class. 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.

About Carnival cruises

If you decide that you’d prefer to be pampered on land, head over to this list of the best all-inclusive resorts. ● New ships almost always have higher prices, but Viking is an exception, as are lines with fewer ships like Windstar and Azamara. Lines that include laundry services (or at least a free launderette) are a boost to your deal because they can save you on checked bag charges. Carnival has an impressive fleet of vessels and adds more every year.

Does it pay to plan ahead, or should I wait until the last minute?

Carnival ships feature a variety of activities and programs based on the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss such as character parades, interactive story time, arts & crafts, and other activities. The next group is the Stingrays for cruises that are 6, 7, or 8, and activities include everything from science experiments, video games, movies, and more. Some ships might run a free shuttle from the port into the center of the town, but most of the time, you will get around port on your own dime.

Day Cruises

Best of all, the mild climate means it doesn’t even matter what time of year you go. A Carnival Caribbean cruise takes you to some of the coolest little hotspots… stretching across the world’s designated hotspot. 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. Most exploration toys, such as Zodiacs, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, are complimentary.

If you're an upper-tier member of a cruise line's loyalty program, you can take advantage of perks like cabin upgrades, free or discounted Wi-Fi, free laundry, complimentary drinks and priority boarding or disembarkation. Note that you'll have to sail with the same line many times before the best freebies and discounts kick in. Other spa offerings, like access to the spa's thermal suite, some fitness classes and private fitness training, are also an additional cost. Completely free room service is a rare bird these days, with Disney Cruise Line and Holland America being the mainstream cruise lines to offer it.

Azamara's Experience More

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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. For either plan, each beverage package also includes bar gratuities (18% per beverage when ordered without the Plus or Premier packages).

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If you want to splurge on a spa treatment, consider booking it during a port day, as cruise lines often offer discounts. On most mass-market cruise lines, you'll get complimentary water (not bottled), non-specialty coffee and tea, and beverages like lemonade, iced tea and assorted juices. You'll usually have the most options at the buffet, where self-service drink machines are located. In the main dining room, you tend to have fewer juice options but can almost always get water, lemonade or iced tea. However, if you compare a cruise to an all-inclusive experience at a resort with free-flowing adult beverages, unlimited activities and access to all on-site restaurants, cruises are not truly all-inclusive. Guests booking a cruise so have the option to purchase extra add ons, which can often be cheaper online before the voyage.

If you're looking to make the most out of your vacation days, why limit yourself to one location or adventure when you can have it all? You may have to pay a little bit extra for offshore activities if you want to join a guided tour, and these can be the best way to witness the wonders of ancient history and modern marvels. But you’re always free to explore, and most ports have tons you can do all on our own. Our cruises travel to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

Be aware of some special meals coming with a charge in the Main Dining Room. The Steakhouse Selections will cost more, as will the prime cuts of meat. If you love a port-intensive cruise on a smaller, upscale ship, Azamara might be the cruise line for you. Luxury cruise line Crystal re-launched in 2023, bringing back an all-inclusive onboard experience on two vessels, the 606-passenger Crystal Symphony and 740-passenger Crystal Serenity. Seabourn has created a Mindful Living Program in collaboration with Dr. Andrew Weil, an esteemed pioneer in integrative medicine. The line offers complimentary classes with Dr. Weil-trained practitioners in guided meditation, as well as free Pure-Form yoga and Pilates group workouts.

While convenience is certainly a motivating factor, whether a plan has value depends in most cases on what you think your bar tab will be. Here is what you need to know about what's included with your Carnival cruise and what isn't. Cruise ships with art galleries often have free art auctions that often net you a complimentary glass of Champagne. But you'll need to dig into your wallet to buy a piece of art you see at the show. Trivia is another popular daytime entertainment option that's free, but you'll pay to play bingo — especially if there's a cash prize.

Two passengers sharing a cabin must both select Have It All at the time of booking. Unlike most cruise all-inclusive packages, however, HAL's Have It All doesn't include crew gratuities. These will be added to passengers' onboard accounts at $16 per person, per day for guests in cabins and $17.50 per day for guests in suites. 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. Cruisers are buzzing about these new options, which allow them to pay upfront for popular amenities and not feel nickel-and-dimed on board.

Depending on the current offer, you might be eligible for all the amenities or you might get a choice of some number of them depending on the type of cabin you book. 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. However, you will still have to pay for premium drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, spa treatments and tours. Four cruise lines cover more costs in their cruise fares than the average line, but not as many things as the truly all-inclusive lines.

● Join social media groups devoted to your favorite cruise lines or spend time on the Cruise Critic message boards for money-saving tips from fellow cruisers. ● Maximums on the per-drink cost or limits on specific brands can trip you up and add to your bill when you least expect it. When in doubt, ask the bartender if the drink you want is part of your package. Carnival Cruise Line offers many budget-friendly sailings, many of which are designed with families in mind. Especially if you want to cruise to and around the Caribbean, Carnival is possibly the cruise line for you. For cruises that last 15 days or less, neither pre-cruise COVID testing nor vaccinations are required for children or adults cruising with Carnival.

All of the ships in this cruise line’s fleet offer family-friendly experiences for guests of all ages. Even little ones will find plenty of ways to play with spaces and activities designed for tots to tweens. One of the top reasons savvy travelers love cruising, though, is because of the incredible value it offers. With Royal Caribbean, your cruise fare includes access to most of the ship’s attractions, select dining venues and all of the entertainment onboard. If you want to make your experience even more all-inclusive, you can opt for beverage and specialty dining packages that cover drinks and dinner at some of the most exclusive restaurants in the fleet.

Each day, you can enjoy all the amenities and activities your resort offers, but if bad weather hits, you’re stuck indoors. To get connected, you’ll have to purchase a Wi-Fi package, which you can do in advance of your trip or on board, which may cost more. Carnival’s loyalty program is called VIFP which means Very Important Fun Person. Members earn benefits like special offers, a free drink on board, priority boarding, cabin upgrades and more.

Think of each as a bliss factory, churning out one mind-blowing complimentary experience after the next. Plus, as ice-class expedition vessels, Scenic's yachts deliver adrenaline-charged activities that adventurous cruisers adore. When it comes to activities, you can find plenty with both vacation options. As part of your price, all-inclusive resorts usually include pool and beach access, use of fitness centers, kids programming and non-motorized water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling. For vacationers who prefer to unpack their bags and stay put, an all-inclusive resort is the obvious choice.