Are cruises all-inclusive? Here's what to know before sailing.
The sticker price on your cruise might look quite different from the bill by the time the trip is over.
Vacations at sea can offer passengers value with pricing models that roll accommodations, entertainment and dining into one. However, first-time passengers may not realize how many features on and off the ship may come at an extra cost.
“Most cruise lines aren't all-inclusive,” RacQuelle Major-Holland, owner of Major Adventures Travel Agency, told USA TODAY. That said, there are key differences from many other types of lodging. “It’s more inclusive than, like, a (typical) land-based vacation,” she added.
Here’s what to know.
Is a cruise ship all-inclusive?
Not exactly. While a wide range of amenities and activities come with the fare, guests will likely be charged for a number of others – even some of the classic trappings of cruise vacations, like cocktails by the pool or tours during port visits.
Adam Duckworth, president and founder of Travelmation, said it’s possible to have an “amazing vacation without spending extra money” after booking.
“You can eat in the main dining room. You don't have to have an alcohol package. You could drink water the whole time and drink coffee, and it would be great,” he said. “However, if you want to have the things that they promote in their ads and the things you see on social media and those – what I would call upgraded specialty food experiences on any cruise line – then generally, you're probably going to end up with a little bit of an added cost.”
What is included on a cruise?
Mainstream cruise line fares typically include the following, according to Major-Holland:
◾ Meals at many onboard venues, including the main dining room and buffet.
◾ Drinks like non-bottled filtered water, lemonade and regular coffee.
◾ Nightly shows.
◾ Activities like trivia and karaoke.
◾ Access to public spaces such as the pool, hot tubs and sports courts.
Other offerings like specialty dining, shore excursions, spa services and Wi-Fi generally cost extra. The same is true of sodas, specialty coffees and alcoholic beverages – which is where drink packages come in handy – and gratuities, though those can be adjusted up or down prior to disembarkation.
Some lines have programs that allow guests to bundle a number of those, which could potentially save money. “If you needed all of those things, you're going to pay a lot more paying for them separately than if you just package it all together,” said Major-Holland, who also runs the YouTube channel MH Family Adventures.
Cruise lines may also offer discounts to those buying add-ons in advance. Carnival Cruise Line passengers, for example, can save up to 15% on Wi-Fi packages – or more in the case of its Multi-Device Premium plan – when purchased before sailing.
From cell service to Wi-Fi: How to stay connected on a cruise ship
What cruise line is the most all-inclusive?
Generally speaking, the more upscale the line, the more likely it is to be bundled with the fare.
“The more expensive cruises, you're going to get more,” said Major-Holland. “You're paying for it upfront, but you know, you're going to have all of those inclusions already built in for you.”
However, pricing models vary by operator. Duckworth emphasized that prospective guests should do their homework ahead of time to learn what a cruise line offers and noted that travel advisors can help clients navigate that.
And even if passengers are perfectly happy with the included options, there’s nothing wrong with splurging on vacation. “Like Disney Cruise Line, the food is amazing in the main dining room, and I am perfectly content going to the main dining room, but every time I get on board, I'm like, ‘I gotta go to (Italian restaurant) Palo (or Palo Steakhouse),’ ” Duckworth noted.
The upcharge is worth it, he said. “And there's something about what I would call the extra special experience on a cruise line that just really sets your experience apart from the rest.”
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What's included in a cruise fare? Less than you might think.
