Best All-Inclusive Cruise Lines
Cruises that include everything are gaining in popularity all the time. After all, when you arrive to the end of your trip and there is no outstanding balance to pay, what’s not to like about that? Up until recently, only the most opulent cruise lines offered all-inclusive vacations. However, across the price spectrum, more and more operators are realizing that passengers do not want to pay extra for tips, drinks, or wi-fi, and are including these amenities as standard fare for their customers.
However, because each cruise line has a slightly unique definition of what it means to be “all-inclusive,” it is critical to verify exactly what you will receive in exchange for your payment. Here are the top 12 in each category.
1. Silversea Cruises & Expeditions
Ultra-luxury cruise line Eleven different ships make up Silversea’s fleet, with four of them being more intimate expedition vessels. Champagne and caviar by the pool in addition to a perfumed bath run by your butler and strewn with flower petals are just some of the featured luxuries that come standard on a Silversea cruise. Silversea’s offering is the pinnacle of luxury on the high seas.
A voyage aboard Silversea will take you all around the world. The Silver Explorer, Silver Cloud, and the brand-new Silver Endeavour are the expedition ships that travel to the poles. In contrast, the elegant Silver Origin is permanently stationed in the Galapagos Islands. The classic fleet, which does not participate in excursions, spends the summer months cruising the Mediterranean Sea, while during the winter months it embarks on lengthy cruises that circumnavigate the globe.
What exactly do you get? There are two different price bands on Silversea. “Door-to-door” service includes a chauffeur-driven car to the airport, flights in business class, transfers, all eating on board (with the exception of the upscale French restaurant La Dame, which costs £50 per person), an open bar, crew tips, wi-fi, and a selection of excursion options. The “port-to-port” rate includes everything mentioned above with the exception of the chauffeur and the flight.
2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The ships of the Regent fleet are extremely luxurious and reminiscent of luxurious hotels, including ornate furnishings, winding staircases, and plush lounge areas. Both the Seven Seas Splendor and the Seven Seas Explorer have some of the most luxurious and expensive suites available at sea; the most opulent of these apartments even has its very own spa. The cruise company has a devoted customer base that is primarily comprised of middle-aged and elderly Americans, and it sails all over the world, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Australia, Alaska, and Asia.
What exactly do you get? Everything on board from dining, including the various specialty dining restaurants, open bar, crew trips, wi-fi, valet laundry, a choice of complimentary shore excursions, and on some voyages, bolt-on land programs. Everything on board from dining, including the various specialty dining restaurants. Flights and, frequently, an overnight stay at a hotel before the cruise are both included in the fares.
3. SeaDream Yacht Club
SeaDream’s two teeny-tiny ships, which can only accommodate 112 passengers apiece, spend their winters in the Caribbean and their summers in the Mediterranean. SeaDream I and SeaDream II are able to effortlessly navigate through chic little ports and anchorages such as St. Barts, Bequia, or Hvar due to the fact that they are so compact. Both ships have undergone considerable renovations, so even if you won’t have a balcony cabin due to the fact that they are older ships, the interior design is quite Instagrammable.
The atmosphere on board is reminiscent of a home party that is being held on a private yacht. There is no clothing requirement other than superyacht chic, and you are free to sleep wherever you like, including on one of the squishy Balinese mattresses that are on deck. Life is quite casual. Toys for various water activities are stored on board, and there is a marina platform located at the ship’s stern where passengers can go swimming. When it comes to the outstanding cuisine, no stone is left unturned.
What exactly do you get? Every meal, drink, use of wi-fi, water sports, use of bicycles, the majority of exercise classes, and tips for the crew. The costs of travel and excursions are not included.
4. Scenic
Scenic, which is owned by the Australian government and operates a fleet of cutting-edge river ships throughout Europe and Asia, also possesses two ocean-going ships: the superyacht Scenic Eclipse and the ship that will launch in 2023 called Scenic Eclipse II. Both of these vessels feature ice-class hulls, which not only allows them to navigate the waters of Antarctica and the other northern polar regions, but also allows for sailing in warmer climates. You’ll discover a fairly excellent choice of specialty eateries on board, from Asian to French, as well as room service that is available around the clock, despite the fact that each of the aircraft can only seat 228 passengers.
You can put your wallet away the moment you board a Scenic ship because the company’s mission is to be the most all-inclusive cruise line in the industry. This is, of course, unless you want to take a ride in the helicopter and submarine that are available on the adventure ships. You can anticipate a laid-back atmosphere on board, as well as a diverse audience that will likely include a significant number of people from Australia.
What exactly do you get? All meals, drinks, gratuities, wi-fi, flights, a choice of excursions, and usage of water toys and e-bikes are included in the price of the cruise fee.
5. Seabourn Cruises
The six vessels that make up the Seabourn fleet are petite, sophisticated, and stylish, exuding an air that is more akin to that of a private yacht than a luxury cruise line. Two submarines are included as standard equipment on the expedition yacht Seabourn Venture. The ships of Seabourn cruise all over the world, spending the summer months in the Mediterranean and Baltic regions and the winter months in the Caribbean, South America, and Asian regions. The Seabourn Venture, which was purpose-built for polar cruising, travels to Antarctica and, during the warmer months, to the northern polar regions. Additionally, it conducts trips to warm-weather places such as the Amazon.
On board, there is a lot to love, from grill classics prepared by the renowned chef Thomas Keller to a wellness program developed in partnership with the health guru Andrew Weil. The cuisine and service are both of high quality, and the accommodations are large and virtually all have balconies. The bathrooms are stocked with an abundance of Molton Brown toiletries.
What exactly do you get? All meals, open bar, wi-fi, most classes at the fitness center, and tips for the staff are included. The majority of these rates include flights as well as transfers. Unless you’re sailing on the Seabourn Venture, you’ll need to budget extra money for excursions.
6. Marella Cruises
Marella, which is a division of the massive travel company Tui, runs four cruise ships that are on the older side and caters to customers in the United Kingdom who are price conscious. There are three that are suitable for families, but the Marella Explorer 2 is only open to adults. In the year 2023, the Marella Voyager will become part of the fleet as the fifth ship. Marella’s ships are known for their laid-back atmosphere and welcoming atmosphere, but the fact that they incorporate flights from multiple smaller airports in the UK is the company’s strongest selling point. New departures from the United States of America are scheduled to begin in 2023, and some of the destinations include the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
On board, you may anticipate a variety of cabin sizes and grades because these are older ships that were constructed during the time when nearly every cabin featured a balcony. Both the cuisine and the entertainment are tailored to the preferences of the British people. Both the Marella Explorer and her sister ship, the Marella Explorer 2, feature an expansive Champneys spa—the only one of its kind at sea.
What exactly do you get? Meals at the primary dining establishments, an open bar, crew tips, a few lessons at the fitness center, kids’ clubs, flights, and transfers are all included. Excursions and upscale restaurants come at an additional expense.
7. Uniworld
There is no one who could accuse the river line Uniworld of running ships that are all the same. Each of the line’s “Super Ships” is decorated with an extravagant and sumptuous theme. These themes range from grandiose baroque on the SS Maria Theresa, which travels the Danube, to tinkling chandeliers and Fortuny art deco on the SS La Venezia, which travels the Venice lagoon. On board, everything is included, and innovative shore excursions offer activities like as learning how to make pasta in Bologna or cycling through vineyard trails around Bordeaux.
The company operates 17 ships, some of which are located on rivers such as the Mekong, the Ganges, and the Nile. Additionally, the line has a deal with Aqua Expeditions to operate a ship on the Amazon River.
What exactly do you get? Every meal, open bar, gratuities for the crew, wi-fi, excursions and activities, use of bicycles (on most ships), and shuttles to and from the airport are all included. Additionally, flights are included in some of the costs.
8. Ponant
Ponant provides an all-inclusive cruise experience with more than a dash of French panache. This is made possible because to collaborations with Veuve Clicquot and Charles Heidsieck champagne, chef Alain Ducasse, Diptyque, and Brittany-based cheesemaker Jean-Yves Bordier.
The company operates a total of 12 ships, ranging from high-tech adventure vessels to the six Ponant Explorers, which were designed specifically for tropical cruising and each feature an underwater lounge with many sensory experiences. In addition, there is a hybrid-powered icebreaker known as the Le Commandant Charcot that travels to the interior regions of Antarctica and operates consistent trips to the North Pole throughout the summer months. The demographics of the passengers are somewhat diverse, but a significant number of them are from France.
What exactly do you get? On some ships, all restaurants, open bar, wi-fi, classes in the fitness center, and kids’ clubs are included. Some cruises involve flights, most frequently departing from Paris, and polar excursions cover the majority of activities on their itineraries. Other excursions come at an additional expense, as do gratuity for the staff.
There are 12 large ships in the fleet that are operated by Celebrity Cruises. The newest of these ships have interiors designed by Kelly Hoppen, cool pools with private cabanas, and a roof garden bar and grill, in addition to a wide variety of other specialty eateries. There are three smaller ships that are permanently docked in the Galapagos Islands.
The option of “All Included” tickets was just recently launched by Celebrity. If you select this fare type, you won’t have to pay any additional fees for drinks, crew tips, or wi-fi. There are still some additional fees, such as those for specialty dining and excursions, but the new rates are a great deal if you want to have a couple of cocktails in the evening and some wine with your meals.
What exactly do you get? Meals in the major dining rooms, drinks (including soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails), crew tips, wi-fi, select classes in the gym, and kids’ clubs are all included.
10. Viking
In addition to its well-known river fleet, Viking also has a fleet that includes nine exquisite ocean-going ships and two sophisticated expedition ships, both of which were purpose-built for polar exploration. The cruises range in length from the traditional seven days to huge globe trips that last more than one hundred twenty days. The ships visit destinations all over the world, including Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and Australia.
An infinity pool, a hip small nightclub, and a sumptuous suite of saunas, steam, and an ice grotto in the spa that guests are welcome to use are some of the charming features that can be found on Viking’s ships. The decor is all calming, Scandi-inspired style and light-filled lounges. In addition, each cabin features a balcony.
What exactly do you get? The cost of all meals, drinks with meals, crew tips, wi-fi, excursions, flights, transfers, access to the spa’s thermal suite, and some of the classes offered in the fitness center are all included. Some trips cost extra.
11. Emerald Cruises and Vacations
Emerald is well renowned for the modern and sophisticated riverboats that it manufactures; nevertheless, the company has just recently launched its first ocean-going ship, the Emerald Azzurra, and a second ship, the Emerald Sakara, is scheduled to be delivered in 2023. Destinations include places in the Middle East, the Caribbean, Central America, and the Adriatic and Aegean seas.
If you appreciate the notion of a very small ship that carries just one hundred passengers and has the feel of a private yacht thanks to its exquisite lines, infinity pool, Missoni Home amenities, and top-deck cocktail bar, then this could be the vessel for you. There are no butlers or specialized dining options, but pretty much everything else is included. Additionally, it is impossible to put a price tag on the opportunity to occupy the best moorings in town alongside other superyachts, rather than being stuck in the middle of a cruise port in the middle of nowhere with the 5,000-passenger ships.
What exactly do you get? The cost of all meals, drinks with meals, gratuity for the staff, basic wi-fi, some excursions, flights, transfers, and the use of water toys and e-bikes is included.
12. Azamara
Azamara is the only cruise line that offers destination-focused vacations that allow passengers to spend more time in port than those offered by any other company. The line’s four chic, mid-sized ships. Although the ships are older and were built in 1999, they have undergone many renovations, and their passengers adore the cozy and compact size of the ships. The food that is served on board is of a high standard, and beverages are complimentary; however, if you are not staying in a suite, there is a cover charge of $25 for each of the ship’s two specialty restaurants, Prime C and Aqualina.
In addition to that, there are a couple of treats every week. Every voyage features a magnificent “AzAmazing” event, which may mean transporting all 690 passengers to an extravagant cultural event ashore, or it may involve taking over a port or a venue for a festival of local cuisine, drink, and culture. The cruise line is also famous for its stunning White Nights deck parties, which feature a magnificent grill, flowing cocktails, and dancing under the stars. These celebrations are held on deck.
What exactly do you get? In-room dining, an open bar, wi-fi, crew tips, some lessons at the fitness center, and participation in AzAmazing events. There are some tickets that cover not just the flight but also the transfer.
