On the face of it, all-inclusive cruises certainly sound attractive, but are they really a good deal? That will depend on what the individual traveler is looking for in a vacation, the services or amenities that the vacationer expects to use, and of course, the price difference between the traditional cruise and the all-inclusive cruise.
What is Included in a Traditional Cruise?
Cruises include the accommodations and dining, and of course, the travel from port to port. Large cruise ships offer a variety of shipboard activities, both day and night. Some cruise lines offer certain on-shore activities as part of the package; for instance, a popular offering on Caribbean cruises is the use of a private beach, available only for vacationers traveling on the cruise line. A traveler can have a wonderful vacation on a traditional cruise, even without adding extras.
But despite all the amenities that a traditional cruise may offer, there are things that usually aren't included. Some packages do not include beverages outside of meals, and most don't include alcoholic beverages at all. The basic package may offer meals in the dining room, but not in the other on-board restaurants, and may not include snacks. First-time cruisers may expect all activities to be free, but some shipboard activities may have an additional fee, and there are frequently added costs for on-shore activities. These extras can add up quickly, and make all-inclusive deals more attractive.
Compare the All-Inclusive Packages Carefully
When booking any cruise, all-inclusive or not, it's important to know exactly what is included in the package, and then consider what services or amenities will actually be used. A vacationer planning to party the night away every night may find that a package that includes the bar tab in the ship's dance club is an excellent deal. For a non-drinker, there's no advantage to paying extra for a package that includes wine and cocktails, but a package that offers unlimited non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day might be perfect.
Look at the dining options as well. It's not likely that anyone will go hungry on a cruise ship eating "only" in the dining room, but for some, the food is one of the attractions of cruising. Travelers who want to eat every meal in a different on-board restaurant may benefit from looking into cruises that include that option at no additional charge.
Examine activities offered with the same watchful eye, whether it's an on-board or port activity. Someone who doesn't like swimming will let free snorkel lessons go unused, and that tour of the dungeons in an old Spanish prison won't appeal to the claustrophobic. If the perfect day on shore is people-watching in a sidewalk cafe or browsing the local shops, the planned activities offered may be a waste of money no matter the price.
The needs and expectations of the individual vacationer will determine whether an all-inclusive cruise is a good value. Compare carefully, because it's never a good deal to pay for things that aren't needed or won't be used.
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