When planning a cruise vacation, one of the biggest questions travelers face is whether to opt for an all-inclusive package or simply pay as they go for drinks, Wi-Fi, tips, and excursions. With cruise lines offering a variety of bundled deals—like Princess Plus, Celebrity’s All Included, NCL’s More at Sea, and Holland America’s Have It All—it’s important to understand what’s really included and whether these packages offer genuine value or just clever upsells.
Having traveled extensively over the last couple of years, we’re here to break down these packages to help you make the smartest and most cost-effective choices for your next cruise. We’ll explore the major cruise lines’ offers, compare inclusions, prices, and share insider tips to maximize your cruise experience without breaking the bank.
Understanding Cruise All-Inclusive Packages: What Are You Really Paying For?
All-inclusive sounds great, but it’s essential to dig into the details. Many cruise lines offer “all-inclusive” packages that bundle several amenities together for a flat daily rate per person. These packages typically include beverage packages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and sometimes specialty dining or shore excursion credits. However, the extent of inclusions and the price can vary widely depending on the cruise line.
Before spending hundreds of dollars on add-ons, let’s break down the specifics of some of the most popular packages offered by leading cruise lines.
Princess Cruises: Princess Plus
Princess Cruises, one of the largest contemporary cruise lines, offers the Princess Plus package, which at the time of this analysis costs around $60 per person per day. This package bundles three main components:
- Beverage Package: Covers cocktails, beer, wine (up to $15 per drink), unlimited fountain sodas, specialty coffees, teas, juices, and bottled water.
- Unlimited Upgraded Wi-Fi: Covers internet access for both guests in the cabin, typically costing $20-$25 per person per day if purchased separately.
- Gratuities: Includes tipping for crew and services, usually valued at $15-$20 per person per day.
Additional perks include casual dining benefits, free room service delivery, two premium desserts, and even two complimentary fitness classes to help balance out the indulgence.
What’s Not Included? Specialty dining options like the steakhouse or Italian restaurant are not part of the package and require separate payment. Premium drinks that exceed the $15 limit also incur extra charges. Short excursions are not included, though Princess offers various ways to save on these separately.
Considering the beverage package alone is often priced around $70 per person per day on other lines, plus the Wi-Fi and gratuities, Princess Plus offers a strong value proposition. In fact, the combined value of all perks is estimated to be around $121 per person per day, making the $60 daily cost a clear savings for many travelers.
We personally opted for Princess Plus on an upcoming cruise, which speaks volumes about its value for us.
Celebrity Cruises: All Included Package
Celebrity Cruises takes a slightly different approach with their All Included package. Instead of a daily add-on, it is offered as a separate fare category, generally costing between $50 to $80 per person per day. The package includes:
- Classic Beverage Package: Unlimited drinks up to $10 or $12 per drink depending on itinerary, including some beers, limited wine choices, and select cocktails.
- Basic Wi-Fi: Suitable for browsing and email, but streaming requires an upgrade.
Unlike Princess, gratuities are not included, and specialty dining and shore excursions are extra. Premium drinks and top-shelf liquors also require additional payments.
One nice feature is that if you order a drink priced above your package limit (e.g., a $14 cocktail), you only pay the difference, which gives some flexibility. However, the package’s beverage limits make it less comprehensive than Princess Plus.
We’ve also found ways to book discounted Celebrity cruises with the all-inclusive fare included at a much lower effective daily rate ($25-$30 per person), which can transform the package into a better deal.
Holland America: Have It All Package
Holland America’s Have It All package is priced similarly to Princess at $60 per person per day and includes:
- Beverage package with up to 15 drinks per day, each valued at $11 or less.
- Surf Wi-Fi (basic internet package; streaming costs extra).
- Dining credit toward specialty restaurants (usually 1-2 nights included).
- Short excursion credit (for example, $100 per person on a week-long cruise).
While this package is close to all-inclusive, some key elements like gratuities, premium Wi-Fi, extra specialty dining beyond the credit, and premium drinks are not covered.
The value depends on your usage. For those who enjoy specialty dining and excursions, the credits can add significant value. But if you’re not interested in alcoholic beverages, it might be better to pay separately for Wi-Fi and dining.
Virgin Voyages: Near True All-Inclusive
Virgin Voyages launched with an all-inclusive philosophy, aiming to eliminate the usual cruise add-ons. Their fare includes:
- All dining across 20+ eateries, including six specialty restaurants.
- All gratuities.
- Basic Wi-Fi and fitness classes.
- All non-alcoholic beverages such as sodas, sparkling water, coffee, and tea.
- Free self-service laundry, a huge convenience on longer cruises.
The only extras are alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, premium Wi-Fi, and shore excursions. Virgin allows you to prepay for drinks via a bar tab, but otherwise, you won’t face unexpected bills for food or tips.
This approach is close to true all-inclusive, making it an attractive option for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of add-ons. While Virgin fares may be higher upfront, the comprehensive inclusions often result in better overall value.
Royal Caribbean: A La Carte Approach
Royal Caribbean, the largest contemporary cruise line, does not offer an all-inclusive add-on package like Princess or Celebrity. Instead, the cruise fare covers basic amenities, and extras are purchased separately. For instance:
- Drink packages range from $65 to $90 per person per day.
- Wi-Fi must be purchased separately, and while reliable, it comes at a premium.
- Specialty dining is an additional cost, though unlimited dining packages are available.
- Programs like “The Key” offer VIP access and some perks for a daily fee.
Because of this, Royal Caribbean cruises require more planning and budgeting for extras. However, the line frequently offers sales with 15%-40% discounts on add-ons, and it’s possible to cancel and rebook packages at lower prices.
Royal Caribbean also rewards loyal cruisers with Diamond status perks that include several complimentary drinks daily, reducing the need for beverage packages.
Luxury and Premium Lines: Azamara, Oceania, and Viking
Luxury cruise lines tend to include more amenities in their base fare, making them closer to all-inclusive experiences:
Azamara
- All gratuities included.
- Standard spirits, international beers, wine, soft drinks.
- Self-service laundry and shuttle buses when in port.
- Onboard destination celebrations.
Internet access is not included and must be purchased, which is a notable downside. Shore excursions and specialty dining are extra, with excursions often priced at a premium.
Oceania
- Includes gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi, and all specialty dining.
- Offers discounted shore excursions if booked in packages.
- Laundry service included.
This line has recently improved its packages, but shore excursions are no longer included.
Viking Ocean Cruises
- One shore excursion included at every port.
- Beer, wine, and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner.
- Specialty coffees, teas, bottled water free anytime.
- Wi-Fi included, upgraded recently to Starlink speeds.
- All specialty dining included with booking priority based on cabin category.
These premium lines often carry higher base fares, but when you factor in the many inclusions, they can offer excellent value, especially for travelers seeking a hassle-free, elevated cruise experience.
Comparing the Major Cruise Packages Side-by-Side
Here’s a quick summary of major cruise line packages and what they include:
| Cruise Line | Package Name | Cost (Per Person Per Day) | Included | Not Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princess | Princess Plus | $60 | Drinks (up to $15), upgraded Wi-Fi, gratuities, casual dining perks | Specialty dining, premium drinks, shore excursions |
| Celebrity | All Included | $50-$80 (fare category) | Drinks (up to $10-$12), basic Wi-Fi | Gratuities, specialty dining, shore excursions, premium drinks |
| Holland America | Have It All | $60 | Drinks (up to $11), basic Wi-Fi, dining credit, shore excursion credit | Gratuities, premium Wi-Fi, premium drinks, extra dining |
| Virgin Voyages | Included in Fare | Varies (higher base fare) | All dining, gratuities, basic Wi-Fi, fitness, non-alcoholic drinks | Alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, premium Wi-Fi, excursions |
| Royal Caribbean | No package | A la carte | Basic cruise fare | Drink packages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining |
Are These Packages Worth It? Breaking Down the Numbers
Princess Plus
The beverage package alone is valued at about $70 per person per day, and when you add Wi-Fi ($15+) and gratuities ($16+), the total value easily exceeds $100 per day. At $60, Princess Plus offers about a 50% savings.
Celebrity All Included
The classic beverage package and Wi-Fi together might cost around $95 per day. The package price varies, so it’s important to consider the cost carefully. Sometimes, discounted fares with all-included perks bring the effective cost down to $25-$30 per day, making it a great deal.
Holland America Have It All
Combining beverage packages, Wi-Fi, dining credits, and shore excursion credits, the overall value approaches $100 per day for a $60 daily cost, making it worthwhile for most travelers.
Virgin Voyages
With so many inclusions—dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi, non-alcoholic drinks, fitness classes, and laundry—the value can be around $128 per person per day, justifying the higher fare with fewer surprises.
Tips for Maximizing Your Cruise Package Value
- Book Packages Early: Prices often increase onboard, so purchasing in advance can save you money.
- Use All Benefits: If you buy a beverage package but don’t drink alcohol, it might not be worth it. Use Wi-Fi, dining credits, and other perks fully.
- Compare Total Costs: Don’t just look at the cruise fare. Factor in packages, Wi-Fi, excursions, and gratuities.
- Consider Cruise Length: Longer cruises increase package costs since many are charged per day. Sometimes shorter cruises with packages can be more economical.
- Monitor Sales: Cruise lines send frequent promotions. You can often cancel and rebook add-ons at lower prices.
- Build Loyalty: Programs like Royal Caribbean’s Diamond status reward you with free drinks, reducing the need for packages.
By understanding the value of each component and how you plan to use them, you can choose the best option for your cruising style and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are all cruise lines offering all-inclusive packages?
No. While many major lines offer bundled packages covering drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, others like Royal Caribbean take an a la carte approach. Luxury lines and Virgin Voyages tend to be more inclusive in their base fares.
Is it cheaper to buy packages or pay as you go?
It depends on your consumption. If you regularly enjoy drinks, use Wi-Fi, and dine at specialty restaurants, packages can save you 25%-50% or more. If you consume little or none of these, paying as you go may be better.
Do gratuities come included in these packages?
Some packages, like Princess Plus and Virgin Voyages, include gratuities. Others, like Celebrity’s All Included, do not, so you need to budget for tipping separately.
Are shore excursions included in these packages?
Typically, shore excursions are not fully included. Holland America offers credits toward excursions, and Viking includes one excursion per port. Otherwise, excursions are usually extra.
Is cruise Wi-Fi worth buying in a package?
Wi-Fi prices vary, but many packages include basic or upgraded internet. If you plan to stay connected, especially for work or streaming, buying Wi-Fi as part of a package can be cost-effective.
How do specialty dining inclusions vary by cruise line?
Princess and Holland America may include casual dining or limited specialty dining nights. Luxury lines and Virgin Voyages include most specialty dining. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean usually charge extra unless you purchase specific dining packages.
Final Thoughts on All-Inclusive Cruise Packages
Choosing whether to buy an all-inclusive cruise package depends on your preferences, travel style, and budget. Lines like Princess Cruises and Holland America offer strong value packages that bundle drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities at a discount. Celebrity’s package is less comprehensive but can be a good deal if booked right.
Virgin Voyages stands out for its near all-inclusive approach, including dining, gratuities, and many extras in the fare, which can justify a higher upfront cost. Royal Caribbean’s a la carte model requires more planning but offers flexibility and potential savings through sales and loyalty perks.
Luxury lines such as Azamara, Oceania, and Viking provide more inclusions in their base fares, appealing to travelers wanting a seamless experience without worrying about add-ons.
Ultimately, the best approach is to analyze what you’ll use most, factor in all costs, and take advantage of early booking discounts, loyalty programs, and promotions. With the right strategy, you can cruise smarter for less and enjoy a fantastic vacation without surprise expenses.
If you want personalized help comparing cruise packages or booking your next cruise with special perks and onboard credit, consider working with a travel advisor who can guide you through the options and save you money.
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