What’s Included on a Luxury Cruise
A plain checklist for comparing “all-inclusive” fares.
Request a Luxury Cruise Quote“All-inclusive” means different things on different ships. This is the checklist we use when comparing first-class fares.
The Inclusions That Vary Most
| Item | Typical on luxury lines | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks | Wines, spirits and soft drinks are usually included. | Whether premium wines and spirits cost extra. |
| Gratuities | Usually in the fare. | Whether spa and some services still add a service charge. |
| Specialty dining | Often included; some venues may carry a fee. | Which restaurants, and whether reservations are limited. |
| Wi-Fi | Commonly included at a standard level. | Whether streaming-speed access costs more. |
| Shore excursions | Included on some lines, extra on others. | How many tours are included, and which are premium. |
| Air and hotels | Sometimes in the fare, sometimes a promotion. | Class of air, departure cities and any deviation fees. |
Regent Seven Seas Cruises, for example, is known for including shore excursions in most ports, while other all-inclusive lines sell excursions separately. Neither approach is wrong: if you like to explore independently, a fare without excursions may suit you better.
What Is Almost Never Included
- Spa treatments and salon services.
- Premium or rare wines and spirits from a reserve list.
- Specialty experiences such as private tours, helicopter flights or submarine dives.
- Laundry beyond any allowance in your suite category.
- Medical center charges — travel insurance with medical cover is essential on any cruise.
- Government taxes and port fees, depending on how the fare is quoted.
When you compare a luxury fare with a mainstream cruise, add the likely extras to the mainstream price first: a drinks package, gratuities, Wi-Fi, a few specialty dinners and excursions. The gap is often narrower than the headline fares suggest. Our value page shows how.
Inclusions in Suite Enclaves
On large ships, suite programs set their own inclusions. Some bundle drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities into the top suite fares; others give enclave access and priority services but leave drinks and tips as extras. Two suites that look similar on a deck plan can come with very different packages depending on the line and the fare type you book.
The safest approach is simple: ask for the full list of inclusions with every quote, in writing, for the exact suite category and fare type. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise do this as a matter of course.
Questions to Ask Before You Pay a Deposit
- Is this fare the line’s fully inclusive fare, or a lower “cruise only” version?
- Which drinks are included, and is there a premium list that is charged separately?
- Are gratuities included for every department, including the spa?
- How many specialty restaurant visits are included, and can they be booked before sailing?
- Are shore excursions included, and how many guests are on each tour?
- If air is included, from which cities, in which class, and can I change the dates?
Getting these answers in writing makes the comparison fair and avoids surprises on your final onboard account.
Compare Inclusions Side by Side
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