All-Inclusive Cruises: What’s Included, And Are They Worth It?

Let’s be honest. There’s something rather lovely about going on holiday without constantly reaching for your wallet. Cocktails by the pool, delicious dinners, exciting destinations and absolutely no washing up. Now we’re talking.

That’s where all-inclusive cruises come in. They can bundle together some of your biggest holiday costs, helping you plan your budget before you even step aboard. Depending on the cruise line and package you choose, you could enjoy drinks, speciality dining, Wi-Fi, flights and even a hotel stay before your ship sets sail.

But what does all-inclusive actually mean when it comes to cruising? Is everything really included, or is there a little small print lurking in the lifeboat?

Let’s get stuck in.

What Are All-Inclusive Cruises?

An all-inclusive cruise brings more of your holiday costs together in one package, so you can spend less time worrying about expenses and more time deciding which cocktail to try next.

Most standard cruise fares include your cabin, meals in selected restaurants, onboard entertainment and access to facilities such as swimming pools and fitness areas. All-inclusive packages can add extra benefits, which may include alcoholic drinks, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and other perks.

Some cruise holidays go even further by combining the cruise with return flights and a hotel stay before or after your sailing.

The important thing to remember? Not Every Cruise Is All-Inclusive In The Same Way. What’s included depends on the cruise line, fare type and specific offer.

Ready to see what’s available? Explore our all-inclusive cruise deals and discover holidays that bring more of your plans together.

What’s Included In An All-Inclusive Cruise?

This is where things get interesting. The inclusions can vary, but here are some of the things you may find in an all-inclusive cruise package.

1. Your Cabin And Meals

First things first, you’ll need somewhere to sleep after all that exploring.

Your cruise fare includes your cabin, along with meals in the main dining room and selected onboard eateries. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are generally part of the standard cruise experience, although speciality restaurants may cost extra.

Fancy a leisurely breakfast before heading ashore? Absolutely. A three-course dinner after a day exploring a new destination? Go on, then.

Just check which restaurants are included in your particular fare. That way, you won’t be surprised when the sushi restaurant turns out to have its own price tag.

2. Drinks Packages

For many holidaymakers, drinks are a big part of the all-inclusive appeal.

Depending on your package, you may get alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, selected coffees, bottled water and cocktails included. Some packages cover a wide selection, while others have restrictions on drink types, prices or quantities.

Imagine sitting on deck with the sun setting over the Mediterranean, a sea view in front of you and a refreshing drink in hand.

Now imagine spending the entire evening wondering how much you’ve added to your onboard bill. Less dreamy, isn’t it?

A suitable drinks package can make budgeting easier, especially if you enjoy a few drinks throughout the day. Just compare the package cost with what you’d realistically spend.

3. Entertainment And Onboard Activities

One of the brilliant things about cruising is that your holiday doesn’t stop when you return to the ship.

Many cruise fares include live entertainment, theatre shows, music, swimming pools, fitness facilities and a variety of onboard activities. Family-friendly ships may also offer children’s clubs and dedicated activities for younger guests.

You could spend the morning lounging by the pool, catch a show in the evening and finish the day with live music.

And the best bit? You won’t need to organise a separate taxi between every activity. Your hotel happens to be sailing with you.

4. Wi-Fi And Staying Connected

Some all-inclusive cruise packages include Wi-Fi, which is handy if you want to message family, share holiday photos or check what’s happening back home.

However, internet access isn’t automatically included with every cruise. Packages may have restrictions on the number of devices, connection speeds or the services you can use.

If being connected matters to you, check the Wi-Fi allowance before booking. You don’t want to discover that uploading your holiday photos requires a package upgrade after you’ve already found the perfect sunset.

5. Flights And Hotel Stays

Some cruise packages include return flights from selected UK airports and a hotel stay before or after your cruise.

These options can be particularly useful when your sailing departs from a destination overseas. Rather than arranging your flights, accommodation and cruise separately, you can have the main elements brought together in one holiday package.

Take a look at our Smart Cruise Packages to explore options that combine a cruise with flights and hotel stays where applicable.

That could mean arriving early to explore your departure city before boarding, or enjoying a little extra time at your destination after the cruise.

More holiday. More exploring. More reasons to pack that extra pair of shoes.

Which Cruise Lines Offer All-Inclusive Packages?

Different cruise lines have different approaches to inclusive cruising. Some include a generous selection of benefits in their standard fares, while others offer packages that add drinks, dining, Wi-Fi and other extras.

Here’s how some popular cruise lines compare.

All-Inclusive Cruise Comparison

Cruise Line	What’s Included Or Available	What May Cost Extra
Virgin Voyages	More than 20 eateries, Wi-Fi, group fitness classes, entertainment, soda, water, tea and drip coffee	Alcoholic drinks, shore excursions, spa treatments and other extras
Princess Cruises	Standard cruise inclusions, with Princess Plus and Princess Premier adding different combinations of drinks, Wi-Fi, dining and other benefits	Benefits outside your selected package, excursions and other optional extras
Norwegian Cruise Line	Selected promotions and packages can include drinks, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and other perks	Inclusions depend on the fare and promotion; some dining, drinks and activities may cost extra
MSC Cruises	Standard cruise dining and entertainment, with selected fares and packages offering additional benefits	Drinks packages, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and other extras may depend on the booking
Other Cruise Lines	Options range from standard full-board cruising to more comprehensive luxury fares	Varies by cruise line, fare, itinerary and package

This is a general guide, not a guarantee that every sailing includes the benefits listed. Packages, eligibility, limits and prices can change, so check the exact terms of your chosen holiday.

Virgin Voyages: Adults-Only Cruising With Plenty Included

Fancy a cruise without the kids, with brilliant food, Wi-Fi and entertainment already included? Say ahoy to Virgin Voyages.

Virgin Voyages takes a different approach to inclusive cruising. Its standard voyage fare includes access to more than 20 eateries, Wi-Fi, group fitness classes, entertainment and essential drinks such as water, soda, tea and drip coffee.

That means you can enjoy plenty of the onboard experience without automatically adding a separate dining package to your booking.

Alcoholic drinks, shore excursions, spa treatments and other extras may cost more, so it’s still worth checking the details before you book.

The atmosphere is adults-only, the restaurants are anything but ordinary, and the entertainment brings a contemporary twist to life at sea. It’s a great option for couples, friends and grown-ups who fancy swapping the family holiday routine for something a little different.

Fancy seeing what all the fuss is about? Explore our Virgin Voyages cruise deals and discover adults-only escapes with plenty included from the get-go.

Princess Cruises: Add A Little More To Your Holiday

If your idea of a brilliant cruise involves elegant dining, exciting destinations and a few extra perks bundled into the price, Princess Cruises is worth a look.

Princess offers two additional packages, Princess Plus and Princess Premier, which can bring together benefits such as drinks, Wi-Fi, dining and crew appreciation.

Princess Plus includes selected drinks, Wi-Fi and a set number of casual dining meals. Princess Premier adds further benefits, including unlimited casual and speciality dining and additional extras. Exact benefits and prices vary by ship and sailing.

The appeal? You can choose the level of inclusions that suits your holiday style and budget, rather than paying for extras you might never use.

Ready to explore? Browse our Princess Cruises deals or check out our Princess Cruises special offers.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Choose Your Extras

Norwegian Cruise Line, often known as NCL, offers a range of cruise experiences and promotions that can bundle additional benefits into selected bookings.

Depending on the offer, you may find packages featuring drinks, speciality dining, Wi-Fi or other perks. The exact combination depends on the fare, sailing and promotion, so it’s worth comparing what’s included before deciding whether an upgrade is worthwhile.

One of the attractions of cruising with NCL is the freedom to shape your holiday around your preferences, from dining choices to onboard entertainment.

Want to compare the options? Browse our Norwegian Cruise Line all-inclusive deals and see which offers suit your plans.

MSC Cruises: Find Your Holiday Style

MSC Cruises offers a variety of ships, destinations and fare options, with additional packages available on selected sailings.

Depending on the offer, you may be able to add drinks, Wi-Fi or other benefits to your cruise. Some Cruise Nation packages also combine the sailing with flights and hotel stays, helping you organise more of your holiday in one go.

The trick is to compare the actual inclusions rather than assume every MSC fare offers the same extras.

Fancy exploring the fleet? Browse our MSC cruise deals and see which sailing catches your eye.

Are All-Inclusive Cruises Really Worth It?

Short answer? They can be brilliant value, but it depends on how you holiday.

If you enjoy cocktails, speciality dining and having Wi-Fi available throughout your trip, an all-inclusive package may make budgeting easier. Paying for more upfront can also mean fewer unexpected expenses while you’re away.

On the other hand, if you’re happy sticking to included restaurants, rarely drink alcohol and don’t need internet access, you might find a standard cruise fare works better for you.

The trick is to compare the total cost, not just the headline price.

Before booking, consider:

• Drinks: Would you genuinely use the drinks package enough to justify its cost?
• Dining: Are speciality restaurants included, or are they an extra?
• Wi-Fi: Do you need internet access throughout the cruise?
• Gratuities: Are service charges included, prepaid or payable separately?
• Flights And Hotels: Are they part of the package, or do you need to arrange them yourself?
• Excursions: Are shore trips included, discounted or charged separately?

A little research now can save you a headache later. We’d much rather you spent your holiday enjoying the views than trying to decipher your onboard account.

All-Inclusive Cruises For Couples, Families And Friends

One of the best things about cruising is the variety. There’s no single type of holidaymaker, and there’s certainly no single way to enjoy a cruise.

All-Inclusive Cruises For Couples

Fancy a romantic escape without having to plan every last detail?

An all-inclusive cruise can be a lovely option for couples who want to combine exciting destinations with relaxed days at sea, memorable dinners and evenings enjoying the onboard entertainment.

Add a balcony cabin and a sunset over the ocean, and you’ve got a pretty convincing argument for putting the phones away and enjoying the moment.

All-Inclusive Family Cruises

Family holidays can involve a fair bit of planning, particularly when you’re keeping everyone entertained and managing the budget.

A suitable cruise package can bring accommodation, meals, entertainment and selected extras together. Family-friendly ships may also offer children’s clubs, swimming pools and activities for different age groups.

Check the ages catered for, the cabin arrangements and any additional charges before booking. That way, everyone can look forward to the holiday rather than arguing about what costs extra.

All-Inclusive Cruises With Friends

Travelling with friends? A cruise gives you plenty of ways to enjoy time together without having to organise every minute.

You could explore a new destination during the day, meet up for dinner and enjoy the ship’s bars or entertainment in the evening.

If your group enjoys drinks and speciality dining, compare the available packages to see whether paying upfront makes financial sense for everyone.

How To Find The Right All-Inclusive Cruise Deal

Finding a great all-inclusive cruise isn’t just about choosing the cheapest headline price. It’s about finding the right combination of destination, ship, inclusions and overall value.

1. Choose Your Destination

Fancy Mediterranean sunshine, Caribbean beaches or somewhere a little further afield? Start with the destinations you’d love to explore.

2. Decide What You Want Included

Drinks, Wi-Fi, speciality dining, flights and hotel stays can all affect the overall cost. Work out which extras matter most to you.

3. Compare The Total Holiday Price

Look beyond the headline fare and check what’s included, what’s optional and what you’ll need to pay separately.

4. Check The Dates And Departure Port

Some offers are available only on selected sailings. Make sure the itinerary, travel dates and departure arrangements work for you.

5. Read The Offer Details

Check the cabin category, drinks package conditions, gratuities, baggage allowances and any other exclusions before booking.

Ready to start browsing? Explore our all-inclusive cruise deals and find a holiday that fits your plans and budget.

So, Are All-Inclusive Cruises For You?

If you like knowing more of your holiday costs upfront, enjoy having plenty to do onboard and want to visit multiple destinations without repeatedly packing and unpacking, an all-inclusive cruise could be just the ticket.

The key is finding a package that includes the things you’ll actually use. There’s little point paying extra for benefits you won’t touch, just as there’s little fun in spending your entire holiday worrying about the bill.

Compare your options, check the small print and choose the cruise that suits the way you like to travel.

Then get that suitcase out, start dreaming about the destinations and leave the washing-up worries firmly on dry land.

Explore All-Inclusive Cruise Deals With Cruise Nation

Your next adventure could be waiting just beyond the horizon. Go on, see what’s sailing.