Many cruise lines offer food and beverage packages and other all-inclusive options, but only a few can truly claim to be all-inclusive. That means everything on board, from specialty restaurants and alcoholic beverages to Wi-Fi and gratuities, is included in the fare. Some take it a step further, covering extras like airfare and shore excursions.
All-inclusive cruises cost a pretty penny but offer the most pampering experiences, often on itineraries that visit less-traveled destinations. They also won’t leave you with surprise charges on your bill. I’ve rounded up the best all-inclusive cruises, whether you’re considering a family cruise line or a romantic getaway at sea.
1. Explora Journeys
With the largest luxury ships at sea, Explora Journeys offers more space while maintaining the highly attentive, personalized service that is a hallmark of all-inclusive cruises. Its all-suite ships also feel more relaxed, while the three heated outdoor pools never feel crowded. Explora Journeys embraces families and offers numerous kid-friendly amenities to keep them comfortable.
What’s included:Nine dining experiences, unlimited drinks, use of the spa’s thermal facilities, fitness program, gratuity, port shuttle, Wi-Fi, and self-service laundry
Family-friendly features:Nature-themed Nautilus Club for ages 5 to 17, kids’ suite amenities like mini bathrobes and slippers, and excursions designed specifically for families
2. Regent Seven Seas
When Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer debuted in 2016, it made a splash with the “world’s most expensive suite.” Since then, the iconic Regent Suite has become even more lavish, and thanks to new dining venues and all-suite accommodation categories, the chain continues to expand to what it claims is the most inclusive cruise experience.
What’s included:Round-trip airfare (in business class for cruises departing from overseas departure ports), airport transfers, one night at a pre-cruise hotel, 24-hour room service, open bar, gratuity, Wi-Fi, laundry service, and unlimited shore excursions
Family-friendly features:Supervised Club Mariner programming for groups ages 5 to 8, 9 to 12, and 13 to 17 based on demand (no separate kids club)
3. Crystal
Everyone is treated like royalty on Crystal, with butler service as standard across all suite categories. The all-inclusive cruise line and its two ships come with decades of history – including ownership changes that brought it into the hands of Abercrombie & Kent in 2023. Despite their advanced ages, the ships feel fresh and modern with classic palatial touches.
What’s included:All meals (at least one complimentary reservation at each specialty restaurant), including a restaurant run by Michelin-starred chef Nobu Matsuhisa; unlimited drinks; butler service; gratuities; Wi-Fi; and laundry services
Family-friendly features:Waves and imagination programming for children ages 3 to 17, along with childcare services on select ships
4. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
You can use Marriott Bonvoy points to book your cruise on a Ritz-Carlton yacht (and earn them, too), where everything is included. There’s still plenty of opportunity to splurge on fine wines, dinner and wine pairings, spa treatments, and other luxuries. With shorter itineraries and a relaxed atmosphere, the ships draw more families and younger couples than other all-inclusive lines.
What’s included:All meals (except one restaurant), most beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, marina and water sports equipment, selection of fitness classes
Family-friendly features:The Ritz Kids Club, designed for ages 4 to 12, features board games, craft supplies, toys and other family-friendly activities in the lounge.
5. Seabourn Cruises
Seabourn’s all-suite cruises have a distinct country club vibe. Carrying just a few hundred passengers per ship, each of Seabourn’s all-suite ships emphasizes comfort, intimacy, and perhaps most of all, food. All onboard restaurants — plus caviar and champagne on demand — are covered. This includes The Grill by renowned celebrity chef Thomas Keller. Seabourn also offers some excursions on its expedition cruises.
What’s included:All meals, unlimited beverages (including premium wines and spirits), gratuities, laundry, use of water sports equipment, some shore excursions
Family-friendly features:None, but children are welcome as long as they are at least 6 months old (or 1 year on transatlantic crossings or itineraries of more than two consecutive sea days)
6. Ecoventura
The only destination-specific cruise line on this list earns recognition for its deliberate inclusion of a shore experience. Ecoventura sails exclusively to the Galapagos, and being based in Ecuador, it brings expertise and local connections that mainstream cruise lines don’t. Three 20-passenger adventure ships under the Relais & Chateaux brand standards offer an intimate adventure for all ages.
What’s included:All meals, open bar, twice-daily guided shore excursions, Wi-Fi, access to two zodiacs and a glass-bottom boat, kayaks and paddleboards, port transfers
Family-friendly features:Special ship enrichment and shore excursions for families are designed for children under 5 years old.
7. Silversea Cruises
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive cruise that takes care of every detail from the time you leave home to the time you return, consider Silversea. Features like private door-to-door transfers to and from your home and butler service in every suite make for a truly convenient experience. Choose from slow-paced, luxury oceangoing ships and more adventurous itineraries.
What’s included:All meals, unlimited beverages, butler service, shore excursions, international round-trip airfare, domestic flights (if necessary), pre- and post-cruise hotels, private chauffeur service, gratuities, and standard Wi-Fi
Family-friendly features:None, although babies at least 6 months old (1 year old for Silversea Expeditions) are welcome
More from FamilyVacationist:
- Kids sail free on these 8 family cruise lines.
- 5 cruise ships that know how to keep the young ones happy.
- 9 best tour companies that cater to travelers over 50.
- 15 best guided tour companies that offer tours around the world.
- How to board a cruise ship like a pro: 5 easy steps to avoid losing your mind
