What does an all-inclusive cruise include?

An all-inclusive cruise means that the fare covers all essential aspects of the cruise experience. This includes full-board meals in restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines, gratuities, a wide variety of unlimited beverages, onboard entertainment and Internet access (Wi-Fi). Passengers enjoy unlimited access to a host of activities and entertainment at no additional cost, including shows, children's and youth clubs, access to swimming pools, hot tubs and the sports complex.

On family cruises, in addition to cabin and meals, the fare usually includes beverages, Wi-Fi and one or more excursions. On luxury cruises, all excursions are usually included.

The advantages of an all-inclusive cruise

All-inclusive cruises allow you to pay less by offering a single price that covers most services and activities. By reducing the number of additional expenses to manage, passengers can relax and enjoy their sea voyage to the fullest.

Popular destinations for an all-inclusive cruise

With all-inclusive cruises, explore a variety of destinations, including historic sites and tropical islands, while enjoying the comforts of modern ships.

 All-inclusive Caribbean cruise

Caribbean and Antilles cruises depart from Fort Lauderdale or Miami and often include calls at the companies' private islands in the Bahamas, such as Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay and MSC's Ocean Cay. The program includes idyllic beaches, colorful seabeds perfect for snorkeling, water parks, zip lines and private cabanas for relaxing.

All-inclusive Mediterranean Cruise

Among the most popular itineraries, Mediterranean cruises offer a rich and varied experience, especially from the ports of Barcelona, Marseille and Rome-Civitavecchia. In Rome, Italy, exploring the Colosseum takes you to the heart of history. The sites of Herculaneum and Pompeii, near Naples, offer a poignant glimpse of life under the Roman Empire. These itineraries often include visits to Mediterranean islands such as Sicily, Corsica and the Balearic Islands, as well as Barcelona in Spain, where Gaudí's Sagrada Familia is awe-inspiring in its originality and ingenuity.

All-inclusive cruise in Greece and the Greek islands

Cruises to Greece and the Greek islands usually depart from Athens - Piraeus. Before or after the cruise, a visit to the Acropolis of Athens is a must if you want to fully appreciate Greece's ancient heritage. Sailing to the islands, passengers discover picture-postcard beaches, breathtaking scenery and a rich historical heritage. Itineraries include stops at iconic islands such as Santorini, with its famous whitewashed houses perched on cliffs, and Mykonos, famous for its charming narrow streets and vibrant nightlife. Each island offers a unique opportunity to sample the traditional flavors of the local cuisine.

All-inclusive Adriatic Cruise

Adriatic cruises regularly call at two UNESCO World Heritage fortified cities: Dubrovnik in Croatia, famous for its impressive medieval walls, and Kotor in Montenegro, nestled in a splendid bay and surrounded by impressive mountains.

Which cruise lines should you choose for an all-inclusive cruise?

A variety of companies offer all-inclusive cruises. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruises, MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises are ideal for families with children. Celebrity Cruises' premium cruises are especially suitable for couples or families with teenagers. These companies offer all-inclusive packages that include full board at the main restaurants, plenty of entertainment and unlimited beverage packages with a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as discounts on bottles of wine.

All-inclusive cruises on the luxury lines Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn, Explora Journeys and Ponant include full board with exceptional cuisine and beverage packages that include a wide selection of premium beverages.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, with all excursions included, offers total immersion at each destination. The company also includes round-trip flights in the cruise fare (business class on intercontinental flights), as well as transfers between the airport and the ship.

Silversea Cruises is known for its Door-to-Door concept, which includes flights and transfers in the cruise fare.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about all-inclusive cruises

Are alcoholic beverages included in the all-inclusive cruise package?

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and Celebrity Cruise offer a variety of beverage packages tailored to the needs of cruisers. These options range from simple packages that only include soft drinks to all-inclusive packages, which provide unlimited access to a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (beers, wines by the glass, spirits, liqueurs, etc.). Passengers can enjoy these packages at most of the ships' bars and restaurants during opening hours. In addition, these packages usually include discounts on bottles of wine. Some high-end liquors (whiskies, exceptional rums, etc.) are available at an additional cost.

The all-inclusive packages of the luxury cruise lines Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Ponant, Explora Journeys and Seabourn include a very wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at will. Premium spirits, wines and champagnes are usually available at no additional cost. Some ultra-premium beverages may require a supplement.

Do I have to budget extra for onboard activities?

Spa services and body treatments are usually at an additional cost on all cruise lines. As for meals, all cruises include full board, but specialty restaurants are available by reservation and cost extra on lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises. On luxury cruises, the approach varies: all specialty restaurants are included on Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, while on Ponant and Silversea some specialty restaurants cost extra.