Truly all inclusive cruises?

[cruisecrunch]

Do they exist? I mean everything included food, all drinks, excursions, room service etc.

 

 

 

 

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[Shorex]

No. Every so-called "all-inclusive" cruise line will charge for some goods and services. Crystal will charge for the 3rd and more specialty dining reservations (some exceptions for their HVC - high value customers). Regent includes some shore excursions and will charge for higher end excursions. When alcohol is included, expect to still be charged for Johnnie Walker Blue. Want a massage? Expect to pay.

 

The good news is that cruise lines are very specific about what is included and what is not. Just check the relevant website. In general, "all inclusive" refers to alcohol, gratuities, and specialty dining. In specific, you would need to do research on each line.

[cb at sea]

The true "luxury" lines are AI...even tips are included, so you don't HAVE to pay a penny more than the fair...but you will pay a great deal more than on a mass-market line. Most do give a good choice of included alcohols, so unless you're VERY picky, you won't need to pay extra.

[cruisecrunch]

The true "luxury" lines are AI...even tips are included, so you don't HAVE to pay a penny more than the fair...but you will pay a great deal more than on a mass-market line. Most do give a good choice of included alcohols, so unless you're VERY picky, you won't need to pay extra.

 

 

This is my idea of a holiday :) but I do worry that with them being smaller that there's not as much to do onboard and is get bored very quickly.

 

I'm swaying towards the idea of something like Oasis of the Seas with lots to do, but don't like the idea of having $$$$'s on the onboard account to really enjoy ourselves.

 

 

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[LHT28]

I think Regent includes everything

[calliopecruiser]

Do they exist? I mean everything included food, all drinks, excursions, room service etc.

 

 

 

 

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I think Regent is the closest -- they have some included excursions, but they also offer excursions that cost extra. Still, I don't think there are any lines that include things like photos and spa treatments, as those are offered by a third party (not the cruise line themselves).

[dancinman66]

They sure do. But you are aping for it

 

Orion expedition for instance

Silversea

Crystal can be

 

There are a few

 

 

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[dorisis]

I think Regent includes everything

 

Not quite everything but most things. Some excursions cost more and a few premium liquors cost more. Nothing in the spa is included. I can't remember but I think we paid for internet.

 

Airfare usually depends on cabin category.

[LHT28]

Not quite everything but most things. Some excursions cost more and a few premium liquors cost more. Nothing in the spa is included. I can't remember but I think we paid for internet.

 

Airfare usually depends on cabin category.

 

does any cruise line include the spa for free ;)

 

Nothing is free ...you are paying upfront for the inclusive items

Edited August 20, 2014 by LHT28

[Keith1010]

The closest to what you have asked about is Regent as shore excursions are included. Not all but some for each port.

 

The other luxury lines such as Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn, SeaDream do include tips (you can always tip more if you would like), liquor/beer, etc. and many other items such as specialty coffees that you might pay for on other lines.

 

I do agree that nothing is free that in the end you pay for everything.

 

Keith

[BruceMuzz]

On those luxury lines where you pay big money upfront to avoid paying as you go, you need to realize that you are paying for ALL goods and services - even if you do not use them.

[iheartbda]

This is my idea of a holiday :) but I do worry that with them being smaller that there's not as much to do onboard and is get bored very quickly.

 

I'm swaying towards the idea of something like Oasis of the Seas with lots to do, but don't like the idea of having $$$$'s on the onboard account to really enjoy ourselves.

 

 

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It seems like what you would pay is not the issue but rather when you pay. Just curious why you would pay upfront rather than having $$$$ on your onboard account at the end. It's six of one, half dozen of the other, pay me now (and possibly more), or pay me later.

[YoungDubFan]

I recently took my first Crystal cruise and the only things that weren't included were: spa, photos, internet, transfers, excursions. We were able to have 2 nights dining at the specialty restaurants included. After September, all past Crystal cruises (Crystal Society members) will get 1 hour free internet every day. We were very happy with the included alcohol choices and did not find any need to look at the optional, more expensive choices. One nice thing about paying for everything upfront, is that I had plenty of time to pay for the vacation before I took it. We had some on board credit from our travel agent, which allowed us to get Crystal transfers and 2 excursions. My bill was $109 at the end of the cruise, which was basically my internet time. I knew ahead of time exactly how much this vacation was costing and saved up for it before we left. I like this approach so much more than paying for a vacation after I get back.

 

It was so nice to be able to drink what I wanted and not have to worry about how much each drink was or to sign a slip every time. I think the all inclusive drinks also made it a much more social cruise. There were plenty of people in the bars and lounges most of the time.

 

Some of the other luxury lines also include airfare, depending on itinerary. The ones that I found that included air fare often did not include drinks or there tended to be something else that was excluded.

[boogs]

I recently took my first Crystal cruise and the only things that weren't included were: spa, photos, internet, transfers, excursions. We were able to have 2 nights dining at the specialty restaurants included. After September, all past Crystal cruises (Crystal Society members) will get 1 hour free internet every day. We were very happy with the included alcohol choices and did not find any need to look at the optional, more expensive choices. One nice thing about paying for everything upfront, is that I had plenty of time to pay for the vacation before I took it. We had some on board credit from our travel agent, which allowed us to get Crystal transfers and 2 excursions. My bill was $109 at the end of the cruise, which was basically my internet time. I knew ahead of time exactly how much this vacation was costing and saved up for it before we left. I like this approach so much more than paying for a vacation after I get back.

 

It was so nice to be able to drink what I wanted and not have to worry about how much each drink was or to sign a slip every time. I think the all inclusive drinks also made it a much more social cruise. There were plenty of people in the bars and lounges most of the time.

 

Some of the other luxury lines also include airfare, depending on itinerary. The ones that I found that included air fare often did not include drinks or there tended to be something else that was excluded.

 

The real question is: "What was your bill BEFORE the cruise". None of this is free, even if they called it "all inclusive". You paid for it before you even boarded the ship instead of at the end of the cruise.

 

Same money, different time it was paid.

Edited August 20, 2014 by boogs

[geoherb]

Our bill on the Caribbean Princess two weeks ago turned out to be $0. We started with a nice amount of onboard credit and then received more credit (from a refund of the port fees) when the ship could not stop at Princess Cays due to Tropical Storm Bertha. We brought on some wine to drink in our cabin, enjoyed our complimentary mini bar setup, and drank a few cocktails in the evening as well. We left the autotips in place but did end up tipping some additionally the last night. Our one excursion cost a total of $50 for the two of us for a ferry, drinks, and lunch.

[calliopecruiser]

It seems like what you would pay is not the issue but rather when you pay. Just curious why you would pay upfront rather than having $$$$ on your onboard account at the end. It's six of one, half dozen of the other, pay me now (and possibly more), or pay me later.

 

To me they're not the same at all (6 of one, half dozen of the other).....For me there's a huge benefit in the experience of an inclusive cruise and not having to pay (i.e. sign to your account) for the things I wish to do or consume on board. It allows a comfort and freedom that is a lovely part of my vacation on board - allowing me to try new things without concern if I'll like them and "get my money's worth" or not, and allowing me to forget about money for the time I'm on board.

 

That's one of the reasons I'm unhappy with Crystal's new policy of limiting the number of included specialty restaurant meals to two. It's not because I don't think the additional meal is worth (more than) what they're charging, but because it forces me to sign a chit and disturbs the inclusive feeling of relaxation and freedom (did I get my money's worth? should I have ordered something else? should I have had a drink with dinner? etc).

[EGG]

Cruisecrunch, I would start with what sort of cruise do you want to take. A cruise on Oasis is unique, especially compared to a luxury cruise. Oasis is also different than most all inclusives in the Caribbean.

 

I would check on the Royal Caribbean board but I think you can buy a drink package and a 4 restaurant specialty restaurant package ahead of time. I do not know if you have to book the restaurants before you get on the ship. I know you can buy your excursions ahead of time. Throw in a prepayment to your onboard account and it is pretty much all inclusive. I can tell you that there are so many different restaurants on Oasis that you never have to eat in the main dining room. IF this is what you are interested in, I would go to the RCCL page and I am sure many people will help you with the prices for the activities you are interested in.

 

I also think Norwegian is starting some sort of package that for an additional $899 you get all kinds of things included.

 

Okay, I understand this did not answer your question. You want to pay upfront and not have to worry about being nickled and dimed. This is just the best way I can think of to accomplish that all inclusive feeling while being able to choose the ship you want to sail on.

[Gloria Mundi]

We took UnCruise (formerly Innersea Discoveries) and our bill for charges on the trip, excluding tips, was $135 for 2 people for 7 nights. That included $35 for my snorkeling expedition. Everything else was in the sticker price. There were no casinos, photo sales, premium dining rooms, or spas. We mostly had the same experience for the same price. We liked it so much that this year's cruise was our second time!

Edited August 21, 2014 by Gloria Mundi

[skandls]

This is my idea of a holiday :) but I do worry that with them being smaller that there's not as much to do onboard and is get bored very quickly.

 

I'm swaying towards the idea of something like Oasis of the Seas with lots to do, but don't like the idea of having $$$$'s on the onboard account to really enjoy ourselves.

 

Most cruiselines still charge for excursions. If you look at the costs of the extras on the Oasis or Allure they won't add up to the cost of the lux lines (unless you book an expensive suite). I love all the entertainment options on those two mega ships.