A cruise vacation is undoubtedly an investment, and you want to make sure you understand what's included and what's not. Fortunately, cruising offers an almost all-inclusive vacation experience, setting it apart from traditional land tours and resort stays.
As a cruise travel agent, I've seen firsthand the joy that comes from all the inclusions of a cruise vacation, and I'm here to guide you through what to expect when you book a cruise.
Booking a cruise is like taking the first step toward turning your dream vacation into a reality. After all the planning and anticipation, it's finally time to relax and enjoy your cruise adventure.
You'll have the opportunity to explore different beaches, countries, and continents while making lasting memories. If you need travel inspiration, don't forget to grab your free traveler magazine here.
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What Is Included When You Book A Cruise?
Food.
Cruise dining is a culinary delight that sets it apart. While the specifics may vary depending on your chosen cruise line, one universal truth is that there is an abundance of food available.
You can indulge all day, every day if that's your desire. Your cruise fare typically covers meals in the free restaurants, and most ships offer a wide range of dining venues, both complimentary and specialty. Some examples of free dining venues include the buffet and the main dining room.
On premium cruise lines like Oceania, renowned for "the finest cuisine at sea," all onboard restaurants are included in your cruise fare. Virgin Voyages takes inclusivity to the next level by offering all meals at all 20 restaurants, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking variety without extra costs.
Basic Drinks:
Your cruise typically includes basic beverages such as hot chocolate, teas, non-specialty coffees, lemonade, and juices during breakfast. However, alcoholic beverages are usually not part of the standard fare.
Some exceptions exist, like Viking Cruise Line, which may offer complimentary wine by the glass at lunch and dinner. Most cruise lines provide the option to purchase beverage packages, often bundled with Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and more, an example of some of these packages is the Norwegian Free At Sea Promotion.
Entertainment.
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney Cruise Line are renowned for their exceptional entertainment options. These cruise lines, which often attract families, offer an array of activities ranging from shows and parties to waterslides and character-themed entertainment.
If you're looking for a cruise with plenty of onboard activities, Royal Caribbean is an excellent choice. Disney Cruise Line offers entertainment centered around beloved Disney characters.
Additional forms of onboard entertainment include port talks, cooking classes, movies, and more, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Cabin Steward.
During your cruise, you'll be assigned a dedicated cabin steward responsible for maintaining your cabin's cleanliness and ensuring your comfort. Their attentive service is a cornerstone of your cruise experience, adding a touch of luxury to your journey.
Special Services.
Cruise lines go the extra mile to make your special occasions memorable. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or graduation, you can request these special services to be added to your reservation through your travel agent or by calling the cruise line.
What’s Not Included When You Book Your Cruise?
Wi-Fi.
In most cases, cruise lines charge extra for Wi-Fi, which is not included in your base fare. To stay connected while at sea, you'll need to purchase a Wi-Fi package. However, some cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages that encompass Wi-Fi, such as Norwegian's Free at Sea or Holland America's Have It All Package. Alternatively, you can opt for Virgin Voyages or a luxury cruise line known for its inclusive offerings.
Shore Excursions.
Exploring ports of call through shore excursions can enhance your cruise experience, but these adventures are generally not part of your cruise fare.
Exceptions include luxury cruise lines like Oceania, which provide shore excursion credits for each guest in your cabin. Some all-inclusive cruise packages, like Norwegian's Free At Sea and Holland America's Have It All package, may offer shore excursion credits as well.
Alcoholic Beverages.
While basic drinks are included in your cruise fare, alcoholic beverages typically come at an additional cost. If you enjoy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, consider purchasing a drinks package through your cruise line's all-inclusive package.
Norwegian's Free at Sea is a prime example. However, Virgin Voyages operates on a bar tab system and does not offer drink packages. On luxury cruise lines like Viking, you can enjoy wine by the glass at lunch and dinner, and on Disney cruise lines sodas are free.
Gratuities.
Most cruise lines automatically charge gratuities to your account, typically calculated per person per day. These fees cover services like dining, cabin steward, and onboard staff. While it's customary to pay gratuities, you have the option to adjust them at your discretion or take advantage of special promotions.
Some travel agents offer promotions with free gratuities, like those available for Oceania Cruise Line, you can call us to check if there is a promotion for free gratuities for your cruise.
Specialty Dining.
While cruise fares include meals in free restaurants, specialty dining experiences often come with an extra cost. However, select cruise lines like Oceania and Virgin Voyages offer all-inclusive dining, ensuring that you can savor gourmet meals at various restaurants without additional charges.
Some all-inclusive promotions like the Norwegian Free at Sea, Princess Plus, and Princess Premier have some free specialty dining included.
Conclusion.
Cruising offers a comprehensive vacation experience, seamlessly blending the wonders of the sea with thrilling onshore excursions. With an array of inclusions, you're guaranteed a remarkable journey. If you're looking to elevate your cruise experience, consider booking a suite. Many cruise lines offer enticing amenities as part of their suite packages.
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To start planning your next cruise vacation, please fill out this cruise travel inquiry form and we will contact you.