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Wanting to know if going on a cruise is an all inclusive vacation? This post discusses the ins and outs of what is included with your cruise fare, what isn’t, and which cruise lines to consider if you do want a more “all inclusive” option.
When wondering if a cruise is an all inclusive option it is a bit of a grey area. It varies based on the cruise line you end up choosing which also greatly vary in cost.
Cruise lines that have booking packages or promos to make it more all inclusive with drinks, wifi, etc. usually are more expensive cruise lines than the budget ones (you can find good deals though to make them more budget friendly if that’s what you need).
A lot of added cost options are shown once onboard or even just after booking in the cruise planner website section or app.
This post is all about if a cruise is all inclusive, what is typically included with your cruise fare and what is not.
What is typically included with your cruise fare:
1. Your Room
Whether you decide to save some money and go with an interior room or splurge with a suite, your cruise room is always included with your cruise fare.
I’d suggest if you are not going to spend much time in your room to pick an interior room. It’s going to offer the most value for the price and gets the job done. However, I would say the most popular type of cruise room people tend to book is a balcony stateroom.
2. Food
@yourstrulychelsea What I Ate On My Cruise: Day 2 #cruise #cruiselife #cruisetips #cruisetipsandtricks #cruisehacks #vacation #royalcarribean #royalcarribeancruise #carnivalcruise #carnivalcruiseline #virgincruise #virgincruiseline #norwegiancruise #disneycruise #disneycruiseline #ocean #cruisequestions #cruisequestionsanswered #qanda #cruisefacts #goingonacruise #crusingtok #cruisetok #cruisetiktok #cruisetiktoks #cruiseessentials #cruisefood #whatiate #whatieat #whatieatonmycruise #whatiatelnvacation #whatiatefordinner #vacationfood
♬ Cupid – Twin Ver. (FIFTY FIFTY) – Sped Up Version – sped up 8282
Generally speaking, on a cruise you will at least have access to the main dining room and a buffet.
Other complimentary venues will vary depending on the cruise line you’re sailing on and what ship it is within that cruise line. Usually the older ships will have less venues and the newer, bigger ships will have more.
Complimentary venues besides with main dining room and buffet will include things like grab and go cafes, pizza, hot dogs, burgers, etc.
Room service on most lines will have complimentary options that do not have a service charge but those choices can be limited.
The best thing about a cruise is you are always able to find something to eat, most of the time you can eat as much as you want and you do not have to spend an extra cent to eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. (My personal favorite is grabbing some late night pizza and also eating 2-3 desserts at dinner)
3. Basic Drinks
If you’re going on a cruise and do not want to pay for drinks, you’re in luck. They do offer more than just tap water.
Drinks included in your cruise fare:
-Ice water
-Coffee
-Tea
-Lemonade
-Juices
I will say that the included drinks normally do not taste the best so I wouldn’t expect them to be top notch. For a higher end coffee or freshly pressed juice, you will have to fork over a few extra dollars for those.
However, if you are just looking for something to get the job done you 100% can go your entire cruise vacation without having to spend money on any drinks.
4. Most Entertainment
Going on a cruise means you will never be bored! They have tons of activities and entertainment at all hours of the day to keep you busy!
Cruise lines do a really good job of trying to have something that will interest everyone.
Usually your entertainment in the form of shows are all included with your cruise fare but I have seen a couple times when they do charge. One example would be on MSC, not every show was free but at least the cost was low per person if you really did want to see it.
I personally don’t like to spend money on things when I can get something for free aka included in the price I already paid so I normally pass up those opportunites.
Types of shows you may see on a cruise line are:
-Comedy shows
-Battle of the sexes
-Love and marriage
-Cooking shows
-Singing and dancing
-Acrobatic
-Ice skating
-And more!
5. Some Childcare
A lot of cruise lines will offer teen and kids clubs that have activities specifically catering to the young members of your family!
They have dedicated spaces on the cruise ship just for the kids which are a great way for your child to make friends on their vacation. It’s also a great way to get a couple hours of just adult time since you can drop they off if you prefer.
If you’re looking to book a cruise for your family I would definitely look into what your cruise has to offer or if you haven’t booked yet, pick a ship that will work for the entire family! It really does make a difference to do the research, especially when you’re spending your hard earned money on it.
6. Amenities
Another great part of a cruise vacation many people enjoy and is part of the reason so many people decide to book a cruise for their vacation of choice is because of all the included amenities.
Just like a nice hotel, cruise ships will offer things like a gym, spa (although this is extra), pool, hot tubs etc.
Most people on vacation will not take part in a strenuous workout in the gym but you would be surprised, it is definitely not empty the entire cruise! If you are looking to take advantage of having a gym onboard you should know that the first morning after your cruise begins is going to be the busiest day at the gym. That morning it will be packed out but the traffic always dies down as the cruise goes on and by the last morning of your cruise, almost no one is in there.
If you would rather have a low impact work out, many cruise ships offer a walking track on one of their top decks. This is a really nice amenity because it’s usually by the pool and has fantastic 360 degree views of the ocean.
Other amenities that are more popular would be the pools and hot tubs onboard. These are cruise amenities that going to be busier and they STAY busy! I can’t blame people though because sitting in a hot tub on a cruise ship with a drink in hand is one of my favorite and most relaxing things to do on a cruise. It’s also a great way to meet people and make friends.
I have noticed over the years that the majority of people on a cruise are extremely nice and make great conversation. After all, you’d think how could you be upset on a cruise? (Although some people definitely are)
7. Activities
@yourstrulychelsea I personally love the water slides etc #cruise #cruiselife #cruisetips #cruisetipsandtricks #cruisehacks #vacation #royalcarribean #royalcarribeancruise #carnivalcruise #carnivalcruiseline #virgincruise #virgincruiseline #norwegiancruise #disneycruise #disneycruiseline #ocean #cruisequestions #cruisequestionsanswered #qanda #cruisefacts #goingonacruise #crusingtok #cruisetok #cruisetiktok #cruisetiktoks #cruiseessentials #cruisefood #cruisewaterslide
♬ Cupid – Twin Ver. (FIFTY FIFTY) – Sped Up Version – sped up 8282
A cruise is one of the best types of vacations you can book if you want to stay busy with tons of activities!
One of the perks of going a cruise is that 95% of the activities are included in your cruise fare. Some hotels will charge you a resort fee to use their pool deck. Other places like Vegas will charge you for a show. When it comes to a cruise you can do so many things and it doesn’t cost you a single dollar more!
Examples of common cruise ship activities you can do for free are:
-Karaoke
-Belly flop competition
-Mini golf
-Battle of the sexes games
-Water slides
-Rock climbing
-Bumper cars
-Lazer tag
-And more!
What is not typically included with your cruise fare:
1. Specialty Dining
Cruise ships offer all of the complimentary options that I mentioned above but they also will offer an elevated experience at their specialty restaurants.
You can dine at these restaurants for by making and paying for an individual reservation for lunch or dinner, although dinner is the more common option.
If they offer it you can also buy a cruise line’s unlimited dining package for the duration of your cruise which means you get a discount compared to paying for each meal separately.
These restaurants definitely offer higher quality food and usually a nicer experience but it is definitely not needed if you don’t want to pay for it. However, if you do want to splurge on your vacation, specialty dining would be a great option to choose.
2. Wifi
Wifi is a great paid option for several reasons:
-If you need wifi to keep up with work while on your vacation or have access to your email
-You need to communicate with family back home or even other members on the cruise if you don’t want to use the cruise line’s app messaging feature
-Having the ability to stream Netflix, Youtube, etc.
-Being able to to surf the internet and/or social media
Some cruise line’s will offer an “all in” package upon booking that will include things such as wifi so you don’t have to buy it afterwards.
It definitely is an expensive add on. It can cost up to about $25/day to have wifi. If you’re on a 7 night cruise, that’s a pretty penny. If you are wanting to get wifi and don’t get it included in your cruise fare, I would 100% shop the cruise planner’s sales that normally happen before your cruise.
3. Most Drinks
Drink packages are probably one of the most common extras bought on a cruise. They also can be very expensive.
Types of drinks you can pay for individually or buy a drink package for:
-Alcoholic drinks
-Mocktails
-Smoothies/Milkshakes
-Sodas
-Bottled water
-Specialty coffees such as lattes or frozen options
A drink package is another option that a cruise line may offer as part of their “all in” package when booking your cruise. If you are going to have several drinks a day of the ones listed above, I would highly recommend purchasing a drink package.
If you don’t need any of the extra drinks and are fine drinking the included options but may want one specialty coffee and one alcoholic drink a day, I would just pay for them individually. You will save money that way but definitely think about it and consider both options to pick the right one for you.
Common drink packages:
-Soda package
-Coffee package or card
-Bottled water brought to your stateroom
-Non alcoholic drink package- usually includes everything above and also mocktails.
-Alcohol drink package- includes all of the above.
Some cruise lines have a truly unlimited drink package and others will limit you to a certain number per day.
4. Gym Classes
While using the gym on a cruise ship is free, a lot of cruise lines will offer classes to their guests but these come at an added cost.
Examples of classes that cruises offer on your sailing are: personal training, spin classes, yoga, pilates, etc.
If you are someone who enjoys going to guided classes, this add on might be for you. It is not a super popular add on though since the gym isn’t the most sought after amenity on a cruise ship.
5. Spa
Spas are great addtions to cruise ships that offer a range of services.
Common spa services offered are:
-Massages
-Facials
-Nail care
-Hair treatments
-And more!
If you’re looking to pamper yourself on a cruise I would look into what services the spa onboard offers and reserve them ahead of time for your sailing.
A lot of cruise lines will also offer things such as thermal spas that have saunas, steam rooms, ice rooms, private relaxation areas and more for an added cost. If you just want a place to go to relax, I would see if your cruise offers this type of spa!
Pro tip: If you are just wanting to get a massage while on vacation look into what ports you’re going to and what they offer. A massage in the country you’re stopping in is always cheaper than it is onboard. I have been to several places in Mexico that offer massages as cheap as $20/hour.
6. Shore Excursions
@yourstrulychelsea Here is my excursion going to the Tulum Mayan Ruins! #cruise #cruisetok #cruisetiktok #tulum #tulummayanruins #tulumexico #shoreexcursion #cruiseshoreexcursions #cozumel #cozumelmexico #cruisevlog #cruisetips #cruiselife #cruiseship
♬ A tropical house that feels Summer vibes – Roa
There are some cruise lines that offer shore excursions as part of their “all in” package when booking. Usually it is just a credit towards each excursion though and if you choose one higher than that cost, you’ll have to pay the difference.
Shore excursions are a cruise add on that are not a must. You can decide to get off the ship in port and just walk around the port, you could venture out and make your own plan or you can schedule a shore excursion through the cruise line or a third party company.
A lot of people will do third party shore excursions to save money or have smaller groups and in some cases that is the better choice. However, definitely look into the timeline of the shore excursion you’re interested in and see if it is smart to book third party or directly with the cruise line.
It is more expensive to book within your cruise but if for some reason your shore excursion is late getting back to port and it’s past all aboard time, they cannot leave you. If you book with a third party and are late, they will leave you.
Shore excursions are a great add on to your cruise to try something new and really elevate and enjoy your day in port.
7. Casino
The casino on a cruise ship may rival the pool deck at times for the busiest place on the ship. People absolutely love to spend their time when on a cruise in the casino.
They offer your typical slot, table and card games.
Whether you want to try your hand at gambling $20 or drop $20,000 (I have seen it many times on a cruise on table games) there will most likely be a game for you in the casino on a cruise ship.
The casino is usually a smoke friendly place on the ship still so if that bothers you you may not want to spend much time in there.
8. Some Entertainment
@yourstrulychelsea Replying to @Gabii #greenscreen #cruise #cruiselife #cruisetips #cruisetipsandtricks #cruisehacks #vacation #royalcarribean #royalcarribeancruise #carnivalcruise #carnivalcruiseline #virgincruise #virgincruiseline #norwegiancruise #disneycruise #disneycruiseline #ocean #cruisequestions #cruisequestionsanswered #qanda #cruisefacts #goingonacruise #crusingtok #cruisetok #cruisetiktok #cruisetiktoks #cruiseessentials #cruisefood
♬ original sound – CHELSEA CRUISES
While most of your entertainment is included in the cost of your cruise, some are not.
Bingo is a common game that the cruise line will offer a few times during your sailing that are an additional charge.
Cruise lines like MSC will offer things such as: billards, bowling, an F1 simulator, zipline, etc but they are all not included with your cruise fare compared to Royal Caribbean also has a zipline on some of their ships but it is not an additional cost.
You will most likely also find an arcade on your ship that is priced per game.
9. Gratuities
In some countries the cruise line will include tips for the crew as part of the cost but in the US you will usually see this as an add on when booking if you want to go ahead and prepay your tips for the crew. If you don’t include it at the time of booking or don’t have the choice, you will see a daily charge on your statement once on the cruise ship. Usually around $16/day per adult but that vaires.
Some people think you shouldn’t have to tip crew members but I think they MORE than deserve to be tipped. They work incredibly hard and always have a smile on their face even when working incredibly long hours.
Other places you may see tips added on would be if you’re buying drinks indivually or if you purchase a drink package. This will come with an 18% automatic gratuity charge.
Specialty dining as well will have a small added gratuity charge.
10. Medical Care
If you find yourself feeling sick or if you’ve gotten hurt while on your cruise or in port, cruise ships do have a medical facility onboard.
This will be an added charge that can vary greatly depending on what care you need.
They do offer a couple free medications outside the medical office, usually motion sickness medicine if you do need something.
If you need something small like bendryl I would recommend buying it in port if you can wait. Since Covid, they won’t always just give you a simple medication like that without being seen by their doctor and if you don’t want to be charged for that, I would pick some up at your next port stop or if the general store onboard sells what you need.
11. Photography
If you’re wanting a special photo of yourself or with your family or friends on a cruise they do offer photography options.
You can buy just a couple photos for things like formal night, port stops or embarking on the cruise.
You can also schedule private sessions for you or your group if you would like to capture more memories of your vacation together. All of these options are an additional cost.
12. Laundry
Unless you are high up in a cruise line’s loyalty program (even though, not every one offers a free bag of laundry) this is an added cost.
A lot of people have a misconception that they will be able to do their own laundry while on a cruise. This is not the case. If you need something washed, pressed or steamed you can pay for this service if you so wish.
If you just need a wrinkle touch up or have gotten a stain on your clothes I would recommend:
The bottom line is the more of an all inclusive vibe the more expensive the cruise is. The budget cruise lines are ones that seem to nickle and dime more for services you don’t have to have to cruise.
Example of some cruise lines that are mostly all inclusive or offer a mostly inclusive booking option but are still not considered luxurious cruise lines are:
-Norwegian Cruise Line
-Virgin Voyages
-Celebrity Cruise Line
-Holland America
-Princess Cruise Line
This post was all about if cruises are all inclusive.
