Are Cruise Ships All Inclusive
Cruise ships are rather all inclusive vacation options, wrapping accommodations, dining, activities, and transportation all into one fare.
For one set fare, a cruise vacation enables travelers to see multiple destinations while enjoying most of the onboard amenities. A cruise vacation wraps your hotel accommodations, your dining, your daily activities, and your transportation to each destination all into one package. Yes, cruise ships are rather all inclusive vacation options.
Transportation To An All
All-inclusive resorts more than likely will require an international flight to get there. Luckily you dont have to fly far. Many travelers from the U.S. choose to vacation in the Caribbean, where paradise awaits within a two-hour flight from U.S. shores. The beautiful palm fringed beaches of The Bahamas, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Barbados and Turks & Caicos are just around the corner. Fortunately, airport transfers are often included in the all-inclusive package.
Verdict on transportation: Although it only takes a couple of hours to fly from the U.S. to the Caribbean, cruise wins. Cruise vacations often dont require an international flight and might even be on driving distance if youre living near one of the port cities.
Luxury Brands Add Even More Amenities
In addition to the most common cruise inclusions, luxury cruise brands provide even more value by offering a number of extra perks. These perks can include shore excursions, premium drinks and alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, WiFi, gratuities, laundry services, and more.
Viking, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Crystal Cruises, Seabourn, Cunard, and Azamara are typically the brands considered luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines.
Below, we highlight whats included in each brands standard cruise fare.
Don’t Miss: Big Sky Vacation Rentals Promo Code
Food & Drinks At An All
Did you know that 96% of all ingredients used for the dishes at Sandals Resorts in Jamaica are freshly sourced from a local farm and on your plate within 24 hours? Not only do all-inclusive resorts often work together with the local communities, but the food also tends to be as fresh as it gets – and you can taste the difference.
Besides freshness, all-inclusive resorts also tend to offer a wider variety of dishes at any given time. At Sandals and Beaches Resorts you can eat as much as want, whenever you want. Its always included, always unlimited. Three deserts? No problem. Want to have the lobster AND the steak? Its all included. Now that is all-inclusive!
Expert tip: Stay at Sandals Montego Bay or Sandals Royal Caribbean and youll get access to both all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, including all amenities and restaurants . The resorts are located on a 5-minute drive from each other, transfers included.
Picture: Soy sushi restaurant at Sandals Montego Bay. One of the 12 restaurants at this property. The best news: food and drinks are always included, always unlimited.
Verdict on food and drinks: Serving food in the middle of the ocean has its limitations. All-inclusive resorts tend to have a wider variety of restaurants and dishes on offer. At all-inclusive resorts the ingredients used are often sourced locally and fresh. This means there is a shorter time between harvest and consumption: a difference youll taste.
Is It Better To Be At The Front Or Back Of The Ship
The highest deck at the front or back of the ship will have more rolling motion than the lower decks mid ship but in normal seas its barely noticeable. For getting around, it doesnt matter youre all over the ship anyway sometimes the front is convenient to your cabin location and sometimes the aft is. And if youre mid ship it might seem more convenient but you will always be walking to the front or aft of the ship at some point and returning. Mid ship feels like youre closer to everything.
You May Like: Kaanapali Vacation Rentals By Owner
On A Cruise Theres Adventure Around Every Corner And A New City To Explore In Every Port Book Your Cruise With Costco Travel
Were proud to offer our members added values like a Costco Shop Card or shipboard credit with every sailing. Plus, look for Kirkland Signature and Buyer’s Choice sailings for exclusive events and amenities. Whether you are looking to island hop through the Caribbean, marvel at natures beauty in Alaska, or experience a culture-enriching tour of Europe, a cruise vacation has you covered!
Cruise To This Picture
Popular for its proximity to Florida, a cruise to the Bahamas is a great option for first-time cruisers or for those on a small budget. This popular cruise destination is a conglomeration of 700 idyllic islands famed for their stunning, powdery beaches and translucent seas. For an affordable 3-day getaway, a cruise to the Bahamas is fanastic option, but sometimes 4-or-5-day cruises can be the better deal.
Also Check: 3 Bedroom Maui Vacation Rentals
Most Food And Dining Is Included
Regardless of the cruise line or cruise ship, there are numerous complimentary dining options available.
There is the typical cruise ship buffet which offers a variety of menu items morning, noon, and night. Many ships also have other casual food venues like poolside grills, cafes, pubs, burger bars, and pizza places.
In addition to this casual fare, cruisers can also dine in the main dining room . Regardless of the cruise line, all main dining rooms offer gourmet 3-course meals for dinner nightly.
Depending on the cruise line, the MDR is often open for breakfast and lunch on select days as well.
The dinner menu in the main dining room changes daily and often features local ingredients and destination-inspired items. Many cruise lines even offer lobster on one evening of the cruise. There will certainly be something on the menu to please even the pickiest palettes. And the best part is that it is all included in your cruise fare!
Is It Cheaper To Go On A Cruise Or An All Inclusive Resort
A cruise will be comparable in price to a higher than average priced Caribbean or Mexican all inclusive resort package. By the time you compare drink included fares or packages and gratuities, average all inclusives to Cuba and Dominican Republic will cost less. If you dont drink alcohol, you will find lead in cruise prices, flights, gratuities comparable to even average all inclusive resorts. You will get far more entertainment on a cruise, and on balance, better food. It is also a great choice for children and in particular teens because there are more kids their own age on a cruise, more freedom, and more organized activities.
Also Check: Disney Vacation Club Member Benefits
Whats The Most Expensive Room Or Cabin On A Ship
Usually what they call the Owners Suite , but its more like an apartment. There are many affordable mini-suites and suites offered, and you need to compare the included amenities. The suites are targetted to people who live in large luxury homes and who expect more space, finer furnishings, and more attentive service. They are limited in number, book very far in advance, and are seldom discounted other than on a no cabin assignment basis.
Which Side Of A Cruise Ship Is Better Or What Side Should By Cabin Be
There is no real difference when docked. Ships can dock on either side, and the view from either side could be favourable in one place vs another. If scenic sailing from your balcony is important, you need to consider the route and direction during the scenic sail. This can get complicated on Fjord and Alaska cruises as the ships sails between various islands. Consider this only if your ship is sailing in one direction and not a back and forth scenario.
Also Check: Kaiser Vacation Rentals Gulf Shores Alabama
No Surprises On Your Bill
For a luxurious vacation at sea that wont deliver a shocking bill on disembarkation day, focus your search on all-inclusive cruises. While most of the best cruises can, at times, feel all-inclusive if you eat in the main dining room and drink only tap water on the rocks, thats not always the case. Many restaurants on the bulk of cruise ships, even on the most trusted cruise lines, carry an extra fee , and soda, wine, beer, and cocktails are going to cost you. And if you want to try a spinning class in the fitness center or do yoga on the deck, expect to see a charge added to your folio.
True all-inclusive cruises, on the other hand, offer guests nearly everything they could dream of while at sea . Of course, the per person fare will be higher than your usual stateroom on the big cruise ships, but youll get so much more included and have no surprises on your credit card statement. How much higher will depend on the specific ship and how luxurious it is!
If youre traveling as a family, consider one of the best cruises for kids, but for an all-in grown-up experience, try these all-inclusive cruises that cover all meals, even at the specialty dining destinations on board, as well as all activities. Many of them will also cover your alcoholic drinks, gratuities, laundry, shore excursions, airfare, and more. Read on to find out whichand to book your next trip! If you decide that youd prefer to be pampered on land, head over to this list of the best all-inclusive resorts.
Discover The Endless Rugged Beauty Of This Final Frontier State
Cruises to Alaska allow you to take in beautiful unspoiled wildlife, with snow-capped mountains that cascade into glacial blue waters. Take part in unique excursions like dog sled rides, or fish for Alaska’s famous North Pacific salmon. While cruising, youll pass by hundreds of breathtaking sites like the Misty Fjords National Monument and the Hubbard Glacier, the longest tidewater glacier in the world. Take advantage of cheaper cruise options by booking early and late season sailings in May and September.
You May Like: Clearwater Beach Vacation Rentals On The Beach
Are Cruise Drink Packages Worth It
If you drink a lot on vacation, probably yes. A lot would be a few drinks starting after lunch and throughout the afternoon, a cocktail before dinner, two glasses of wine after dinner, and more drinks after dinner during entertainment then yes. But many people dont drink that much, and for them, unless it is a great promotional offer on the cruise fare with a small supplement over no beverage package, the drink packages are not worth it. Also, both parties in the cabin have to buy the package so you both need to drink enough to get your moneys worth. If you like ordering wine by the bottle, this is not included in drink packages only selected wines by the glass. Your waiter will also store unfinished bottles for consumption the next night. Your itinerary will also determine how much time you are on board vs ashore so European, Alaska, and port intensive Caribbean cruises will have you spending less time during the day on the ship. Some of the drink packages also include specialty coffees and other fancy non-alcoholic drinks that you should factor. Coffee is free at the buffet, but an Americano or Cappucino at a bar is extra and on some drink packages, included.
Hidden Fees At An All
Although all-inclusive resorts tend to rely less on upselling their guests than cruise ships, not every all-inclusive resort is equal. Make sure to find out upfront what is included in the booking price, and what is not. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it often is.
Picture: Although Sandals and Beaches Resorts have a no-tipping policy , this can be one of those costs that are not included at an all-inclusive resort.
Verdict on hidden fees: Whether you book a cruise or an all-inclusive resort, youll have to read the fine print to make sure everything is truly included. However, especially cruises are known to make their money by selling upgrades left, right and center. If the website is not giving you this information, its best to reach out to customer service and ask them the following questions before booking:
- Which activities are included, free of charge?
- Is WiFi included ?
- Are tips and taxes included?
- Are all restaurants included and unlimited? What are the opening times? Do the restaurants serve à la carte or buffet?
- Are alcoholic drinks included at any time?
- Are the mini-fridges in the room stocked and free of charge?
- Are airport transfers included?
Read Also: A Colleague Vacations At The Beach Every Year
Hidden Fees At A Cruise
The costs can sneak up on you while youre on a cruise, especially if youre travelling in a group. On most cruises, even once youve paid for your vacation, youll often still need to pay for things like alcoholic drinks, tips, WiFi and activities, which can add up. Many people get caught in the trap of having to exceed their budget because the attractive upfront costs tend to be way less than the price, they actually end up paying.
Embarking On Alaskan Cruises
Boarding an Alaskan cruise for your next vacation is an excellent way to see and experience the true American wilderness. As you embark on these journeys, you will have the opportunity to see unique spots unlike anywhere else such as large and beautiful mountains, natural Alaskan wildlife such as bears, whales and sea lions, famous bays and so much more. With a shorter season than typical cruise lines, running from May through September, cruises to Alaska are typically in high demand, making them a bit more costly to enjoy than other cruises. In addition to on-board activities and amenities, passengers are also able to enjoy one-of-a-kind shore excursions throughout different ports of call in Alaska.
What sets Alaska cruises apart from other cruises is what you can see from the ship’s rail: the state’s geological wonders. They’re just as much a part of the Alaska cruise experience as stops in port.
Some of the sights you may see as you sail past include Columbia Glacier College Fjord, with its quintessential examples of tidewater and hanging glaciers and the vast Glacier Bay National Park, with 50 named glaciers and seven active tidewater glaciers.
Hubbard Glacier, Misty Fjords National Monument and Tracy Arm Fjord are other dramatic sights that offer visitors the chance to see nature in action.
You May Like: Best Caribbean Vacation In October
Europe’s Leading Cruise Line 13 Years In A Row
There’s no better way to experience the history, landmarks and culture of Europe than with our European cruise vacations. Step on board one of our award winning ships embarking from fifteen convenient cities that are amazing destinations within themselves. Unpack once and wake up to a new city every day while exploring the sights, sounds and flavours of Europe, Scandinavia, Russia & Baltic, the Mediterranean, Greece, or an Italian cruise on your own schedule. Combine that with spectacular onboard entertainment, luxurious spa services, and no set dining times, and youre bound for a good time. It’s no wonder we are the World Travel Award winner for “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” 13 years in a row.
- Pier of Venetian in Croatia
- Stroll by Paleokastritsa Bay
- Climb the beach cliffs of Corfu
- Ruins in Ephesus, Turkey
- Old town in the mountains of Kotor
- Do a little shopping in Sicily
- Blue domed churches in Santorini, Greece
- Bike through picturesque Amsterdam
Cruise To Your Next All
Cruising is the ultimate way to make the most out of your vacation time. While a resort will let you experience one location, an all-inclusive cruise will take you on a global adventure to some of the world’s top vacation spots. Instead of settling for something standard, take your family vacation to the next level on an unforgettable cruise to breathtaking destinations, with your food, accommodations and activities all taken care of for you. It’s the ultimate care-free option.
Experience your cruise with all the thrills and frills that you desire, without the expensive price tag that often comes with all-inclusive resort vacations. Tailor this getaway to include the perfect activities for everyone in the family, and before you know it, you’ll be soaking up the sun, cocktail in hand, feeling the ocean breeze in your hair.
Read Also: Marriott Vacation Club Panama City
Activities & Entertainment At A Cruise
Theres a limited amount of activities available on cruise ships, and even limits on the number of people who can partake at any one time. As cruise ships are quite compact, in order to ensure everyone gets time to do everything, you may find yourself operating on a rigid schedule. Additionally, many activities come at an added cost to lower demand. If enjoying your vacation freely without restrictions is what youre after, a cruise may not be ideal for you.
The Benefit Of All Inclusive Cruises
Some cruise lines attract with low price offers, but it rarely stays at the original cruise price. Enormous additional costs such as gratuities or drink prices mean that you have to pay constantly and its often hard to remember at the end of your trip, what you have actually spent on your trip. To avoid the nasty surprise and to give you a completely carefree holiday, many cruise lines offer all inclusive cruises. The biggest costs are already included in the price, like drinks, tips and food. Depending on the cruise line, the included services vary, but all fulfill their purpose of showing a transparent cruise price. For example, Regent Seven Seas Cruises also includes the arrival and departure in the travel price, which is the case for long-distance travel, eg Caribbean cruise, already makes a big difference.
Don’t Miss: Jersey Shore Family Vacation Season 3 Watch Free