Great All-inclusive Cruises to Book for Your Next Vacation

On most cruise ships, your accommodations, standard meals, entertainment, and daytime activities are included in your fare. Then the nickel-and-diming begins. Want a soda? Add it to your tab. Take a Pilates class? Expect a fee. Indulge at one of the specialty restaurants? There’s a charge for that, too.

The extras quickly add up, often sinking hearts when the bill arrives at the vacation’s end. But there are cruises that thankfully buck this trend, with minimal to no out-of-pocket expenses. Alcoholic drinks, crew gratuities, and sometimes even airfare, shore excursions, and pre- or post-cruise hotel stays are included in the advertised price when you step on board one of these all-inclusive cruises.

Is an All-inclusive Cruise Worth the Money?

While the best all-inclusive cruises are mostly in the luxury category, there are some more affordable all-inclusive cruise lines that are ideal for family vacations. It's even possible to quantify the perks and often find real value.

One of the most inclusive cruise lines, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, publishes price comparisons showing that when you add in the included air, hotel stay, alcohol, excursions, and gratuities, the price difference between cruising on the more luxurious Regent compared to another big mainstream ship is just a few dollars a day.

Scott Kertes, "Captain of the Ship" at Vacations by Design, said consumers need to carefully note what’s included and compare apples to apples. “In the case of Regent, people might get sticker shock at, say, 20% more, but they are including 40% more. You can literally step on your ship with no money in your pocket.” But on a lot of “all-inclusive” ships, he added, it’s more likely you'll have a lesser bill than no bill at all.

Larry Pimentel, former president and CEO of the cruise line Azamara, said the draw of offering all-inclusive packages is to simplify pricing for its international clientele. A selection of wine, beer, and spirits is complimentary on Azamara cruises; passengers can upgrade if they choose. “If all of a sudden they want a Dom Pérignon Champagne, they are going to have to pay for that,” he said.

Whether you're looking to relax in the sun on a Mediterranean cruise or drift through Asia or Europe on a river cruise, there's likely an all-inclusive option for you. Here’s what the best all-inclusive cruise lines have to offer.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Fleet: Regent operates six small ships — the Navigator, Mariner, Voyager, Explorer, Splendor, and Grandeur, each accommodating anywhere between 480 and 740 passengers — that ooze so much class and style the company claims to have the "world's most luxurious fleet." The vessels are spread across the world, from Alaska to Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and South America.

What’s included: Regent is known for its truly all-inclusive package. Guests get round-trip flights (business class for top suites and intercontinental trips), specialty dining, unlimited beverages including wines and spirits, an in-suite mini-bar, shore excursions at every port, gratuities, a pre-cruise luxury hotel stay, and ground transfers to and from the ship.

Sample cruise: Cape Town, South Africa, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 14 nights aboard the Seven Seas Splendor.

To book: rssc.com

Crystal Cruises

Fleet: Crystal Cruises' 740-passenger Crystal Serenity and 606-passenger Crystal Symphony sail around Europe, New England, Canada, the Caribbean, the Arabian Peninsula, Australia, Asia, and beyond. In 2023, the cruise line reduced its passenger capacity on both ships to give guests more space and accommodate a staff member for almost every guest aboard. Both ships offer dining choices, wellness experiences, and entertainment options.

What’s included: Wines and spirits, gratuities, dining at Osteria d'Ovidio and other specialty restaurants, WiFi, 24-hour room service, and butler service in select suites.

Sample cruise: Venice, Italy, to Athens, Greece; 10 nights aboard the Crystal Symphony.

To book: crystalcruises.com

Azamara Cruises

Fleet: Four relatively small ships, each able to accommodate roughly 700 passengers, designed to be like floating country clubs (think pools with poolside service and state-of-the-art spas and fitness centers). The Azamara Onward, Pursuit, Quest, and Journey sail all over Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Central and North America.

What’s included: Wines, beers, and standard spirits, nonalcoholic drinks, gratuities, AzAmazing Evenings nighttime events, and self-service laundry.

Sample cruise: Caribbean Journey Voyage; nine nights aboard the Azamara Journey.

To book: azamara.com

Silversea Cruises

Fleet: Luxury and expedition cruising on more than a dozen all-suite ships in destinations including Europe, South America, Canada, the Caribbean, Africa, the South Pacific, and Japan. Vessels range in size and capacity, from the 100-passenger Silver Origin expedition ship to the 728-passenger Silver Ray, setting sail in 2024.

What’s included: All beverages (fine wines, Champagne, spirits, and beer), in-room bar, gratuities, shoreside events on select voyages, butler service, and more.

Sample cruise: Hong Kong to Singapore; 14 days aboard the Silver Whisper.

To book: silversea.com

Paul Gauguin

Fleet: The 330-passenger m/s Paul Gauguin, an upscale small ship that cruises the South Pacific. The vessel has its own marina equipped with kayaks, paddleboards, Zodiacs and diving equipment, three restaurants, and a spa.

What’s included: Select wines, spirits, and nonalcoholic beverages, an in-cabin refrigerator stocked with soft drinks and beer, gratuities, water sports and snorkeling equipment, and gourmet dining.

Sample cruise: Tahiti and the Society Islands; seven nights aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.

To book: pgcruises.com

UnCruise Adventures

Fleet: Nine small ships — we're talking only 22 to 86 guests — both expedition vessels and boutique yachts that cruise the waters of Alaska, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, and more. Don't expect the bells and whistles that other boats boast; instead of flashy entertainment, UnCruise prioritizes education, immersive excursions, and adventure. It's a great choice for a family cruise.

What’s included: Excursions, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, use of kayaks and other sports equipment, and more. Gratuities are not included (the company recommends $35 per day, per guest).

Sample cruise: Alaska Fjords and Glaciers; seven nights on the Explorer, Discoverer, or Adventurer.

To book: uncruise.com

Hebridean Island Cruises

Fleet: With a royal pedigree, the Hebridean Princess and Lord of the Highlands are billed as two of the world’s smallest luxury cruise ships (carrying only 48 and 38 passengers, respectively). The latter's small size is ideal for squeezing through the historic locks of Scotland’s Caledonian Canal. The slightly larger Hebridean Princess sails around Scotland and beyond.

What’s included: All shore excursions, wines, spirits, Champagne, beer, and nonalcoholic drinks, use of the ship's bicycle fleet, and all gratuities.

Sample cruise: Footloose in the Highlands and Islands; seven nights aboard the Hebridean Princess.

To book: hebridean.co.uk

Oceania Cruises

Fleet: This upper-premium cruise line operates seven stylish ships — four accommodating about 650 guests and three accommodating 1,200. They roam every region of the world, from the British Isles to Antarctica, on destination-focused itineraries. Insignia even circumnavigates the globe on 180- to 200-day world cruises.

What’s included: Standard fare includes on-board dining at restaurants (such as Jacques Pépin’s bistros) and access to 24-hour room service, unlimited nonalcoholic beverages, daily entertainment and activities, and WiFi. The OLife Choice package also includes round-trip airfare and your choice of up to eight shore excursions, an alcohol package, or up to $800 in shipboard credit.

Sample cruise: Papeete to Papeete, Tahiti; 10 days aboard Nautica.

To book: oceaniacruises.com

Viking River Cruises

Fleet: More than 50 ships cruise the rivers of Europe, Asia, Egypt, and the United States. Among its vast fleet, Viking is known for its trademarked, state-of-the-art, 190-passenger "Longships" — narrow enough to slip through tight passageways — that offer balcony cabins and ample Scandinavian flair.

What’s included: Shore excursions, WiFi, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks with lunch and dinner, airport transfers, and more.

Sample cruise: Avignon to Lyon, France, on the Rhône; eight days aboard a Viking Longship.

To book: vikingrivercruises.com

Alaskan Dream Cruises

Fleet: Five small expedition-style ships, operated by a Sitka-based Alaska Native company, carry only 12 to 76 passengers through the famous Inside Passage to admire wildlife and explore remote villages rich with culture.

What’s included: Meals on board, a glass of wine or beer at dinner, airport transfers, and select shore excursions.

Sample cruise: Alaska's Glacier Bay and Island Adventure; seven nights aboard the Alaskan Dream.

To book: alaskandreamcruises.com

Aqua Expeditions

Fleet: Five ships, including both classic river boats (30 to 40 passengers) and superyachts (16 to 30 passengers), combine pampered luxury with culture and nature. Billed as environmentally conscious, the ships cruise the Amazon, the Galapagos, the Coral Triangle, and along the Mekong River through Cambodia and Vietnam.

What’s included: On-board meals, nonalcoholic beverages and select beer and wine, shore excursions, entertainment, ground transportation (if you book one of Aqua Expeditions' recommended flights), and more.

Sample cruise: Amazon Explorer Cruise; four nights aboard Aria Amazon or Aqua Nera.

To book: aquaexpeditions.com

Avalon Waterways

Fleet: About 20 river boats that travel the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Seine, Mekong, Ganges, Amazon and other rivers throughout Europe, Egypt, Asia, and South America. The ships range in size from the intimate nine-suite Treasure of Galápagos to several accommodating more than 150 guests.

What’s included: WiFi, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks with meals (and throughout the day on select itineraries), on-board dining, and more.

Sample cruise: Romantic Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland; eight days aboard the Avalon Vista, Avalon Expression, Avalon Panorama, or Avalon Imagery II.

To book: avalonwaterways.com

AmaWaterways

Fleet: AmaWaterways operates 28 ships as small as the 28-passenger Zambezi Queen, sailing Africa's Chobe River, and as large as the 196-passenger AmaMagna, which travels the Danube. The cruise line sticks to rivers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Guests get their pick of everything from safari- to wine-themed itineraries.

What’s included: Meals on-board (plus some on shore, depending on the cruise), wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, shore excursions, and use of bicycles.

Sample cruise: Tulip Time cruise in the Netherlands; seven nights aboard AmaCerto, AmaLucia, AmaMora, or AmaSerena.

To book: amawaterways.com

Uniworld

The Fleet: Uniworld's 17 classically designed river cruise ships carry anywhere between 32 and 159 passengers down the Seine, Danube, Nile, and Ganges Rivers, among others, plus the Venice Lagoon. Trips range in duration from about eight to 55 days and are offered across Europe and Asia and in Peru.

What’s included: Unlimited premium spirits and wines, on-board meals, fitness classes, airport transfers, gratuities, bicycle rentals, on-board entertainment, and more.

Sample cruise: Enchanting Danube cruise from Budapest, Hungary, to Passau, Germany; eight days aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa.

To book: uniworld.com