hotwire cruises all inclusive

13 best all-inclusive cruise lines

Editor's Note

All-inclusive cruising sounds alluring — until you realize that this phrase can mean different things to different cruise lines.

Generally speaking, all-inclusive in the cruise world means that the fare you're quoted includes the cost of your room on a ship (based on double occupancy), port fees and taxes, most meals, gratuities, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

The most inclusive cruise lines also offer complimentary Wi-Fi, airfare (economy, chartered or business class), all specialty dining (rather than only at select venues) and shore excursions — pretty much everything short of spa and salon treatments, ultrapremium wines and spirits, and purchases such as cigars.

As you might expect, all-inclusive cruises are typically found on luxury or upscale cruise lines and are priced higher because they include so much.

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Beyond the truly all-inclusive cruise lines, some more affordable lines offer pricing packages that are more inclusive than the average big-ship cruise. You may be able to opt into an inclusive fare package for a higher cruise fare or get one free as a booking perk.

On some cruise lines, the highest-priced suites come with so many amenities as to make those fares all-inclusive. If you're just looking for all-inclusive alcohol, nearly every cruise line that doesn't already include alcohol in its fares will sell you an all-inclusive drink package that lets you have an open bar experience on board.

Here, we share the 13 best all-inclusive cruise lines where you can enjoy your cruise without ever pulling out your wallet.

All-inclusive cruise lines

Five lines stand out for having the most inclusive cruise fares in the industry. With so many things included in everyone's base fares, you'll mainly pay extra for spa treatments, souvenirs, some shore excursions and ultra-premium drinks.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises surely ranks as the most all-inclusive luxury line. Just be warned: With so much bundled into the fare, its prices are usually loftier than its competitors.

If tasteful opulence is your style, you will love Regent. Generously sized, all-suite accommodations feature spacious verandas. The multimillion-dollar art collection (think Picasso and Chagall) onboard the newest ships Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Grandeur astonishes; you will sail amid multiple museum-quality pieces.

This line's cruise fares include nearly every cruise-related travel expense: business-class airfare on intercontinental flights (economy airfare for domestic flights), transfers between your airport or hotel and the ship, all alternative dining (Chartreuse for Parisian-inspired fare and Pacific Rim for Asian-fusion cuisine are standouts), unlimited beverages, valet laundry service, crew gratuities, Wi-Fi and most shore excursions. Complimentary shore excursions are unlimited, so you can join a couple every day you're in port.

Related: Regent Suite: The $11,000-a-night cruise ship suite that's bigger than a house

Guests in Concierge Suites and above can count on a one-night fancy hotel stay pre-cruise, with transfers, breakfast and porterage. Select itineraries also offer two- or three-night land programs for free.

What is extra? Spa and salon treatments, hands-on cooking classes in a state-of-the-art culinary workshop, small group or special-interest shore excursions, the fanciest wines and liquors, cigars and sundries.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, an upscale cruise and tour company known for its luxurious riverboats, now operates two 228-passenger "adventure yachts" — Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II.

These stunning ships are as sleek and sexy as any private yachts custom-built for a billionaire. Think of each as a bliss factory, churning out one mind-blowing complimentary experience after the next. Plus, as ice-class expedition vessels, Scenic's yachts deliver adrenaline-charged activities that adventurous cruisers adore.

Among many inclusions, count on all-suite accommodations with verandas or terraces, butler service for every passenger, up to 10 dining experiences, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, an in-suite minibar restocked daily, Wi-Fi, airport transfers and gratuities, both on board and for excursions ashore.

The included wines and spirits are particularly noteworthy, especially the more than 100 whiskeys. Belly up to one of nine bars and sip your way through the impressive collection.

Related: Luxury adventure cruise ships you have to see to believe

Most exploration toys, such as Zodiacs, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, are complimentary. Scenic Eclipse even carries e-bikes, an inflatable trampoline and water skis. Up to 15 onboard expedition experts (20 in polar regions) lead complimentary adventure and enrichment programs on and off the ship.

You will only pay extra for Scenic Neptune, the ship's six-seater submarine, and for a ride on the two helicopters.

Count on divine dining experiences. Sushi@Koko's skilled chefs cut the finest sashimi, flashing knives as if the fish were an art piece. Lumière prepares meticulous modern French cuisine; linger pre- or post-dinner at its sexy Champagne bar.

Senses Spa is steeped in complimentary offerings. Relax on thermal loungers, awaken the senses in showers delivering aromatherapy and multiple jets, take meditation classes, and work out in the gym and yoga and Pilates studio. Unwind in women's and men's saunas, steam rooms and relaxation lounges, and soak away your cares in three plunge pools. You'll only pay for one-on-one fitness sessions and spa treatments.

Seeking casually elegant — think exclusive, country club-like vibe — for an all-inclusive voyage? Meet the seven Seabourn ships, which play up luxury in a sophisticated yet laid-back style. (Seabourn Pursuit, the line's second expedition vessel, debuted in August.)

Seabourn's cruise fares include oceanfront suites with double vanities and living areas (many with private balconies), premium wines and spirits, Wi-Fi, specialty restaurants, 24-hour in-suite dining (served course-by-course), caviar whenever and wherever you like, and gratuities.

The only major add-ons to your tab are airfare and shore excursions, the fanciest wines and spirits, and spa and salon treatments.

Related: 5 secrets to getting a luxury cruise for less

Fine dining on Seabourn ships includes an array of complimentary gourmet restaurants, including a dedicated sushi spot and an alfresco restaurant focusing on international cuisine with a twist. The line is soon to replace The Grill by Thomas Keller with Solis, a Mediterranean restaurant focused on fresh and healthy cuisine, all made from scratch on board.

Seabourn has created a Mindful Living Program in collaboration with Dr. Andrew Weil, an esteemed pioneer in integrative medicine. The line offers complimentary classes with Dr. Weil-trained practitioners in guided meditation, as well as free Pure-Form yoga and Pilates group workouts.

Silversea Cruises

Interested in nibbling complimentary caviar and sipping fine Champagne on all seven continents? You are not alone. Silversea Cruises delivers that fabulous perk and much more in its impressive inclusions.

This luxurious Italian-inspired line offers two types of all-inclusive travel, "Port-to-Port" and "Door-to-Door."

Port-to-Port includes all-suite accommodations, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, tuxedo-clad white-gloved butlers for all passengers, basic Wi-Fi, gratuities, laundry room usage and meals in most dining venues, including 24-hour room service with dinner served course-by-course. It also includes one complimentary shore excursion per port; the rest are available for purchase.

You will pay extra for spa treatments, cigars and other purchases like the most exclusive wines and spirits.

Related: 7 compelling reasons to book a luxury cruise

Expedition sailings include extra perks in their Port-to-Port fares, such as all in-country economy air travel and pre- or post-hotel night or day use, necessary equipment and gear, and expedition team-led shore excursions.

For all types of Silversea sailings, Door-to-Door travel includes all of the above plus international economy airfare (or an air credit), business-class upgrades and/or in-country flights for select itineraries, pre- and post-cruise hotel nights (depending on flight timing) and airport transfers by private executive car service. This choice aims to eliminate all travel stress, with Silversea handling every detail between your walking out your front door and returning home.

Some other points to note when contemplating Silversea and its benefits: Suites truly are suites, with separate living and sleeping areas. For instance, on the 596-passenger Silver Moon, a spacious entry-level suite rocks a cool 334 square feet. A veranda brings the total square footage up to 387 square feet.

If you book the biggest onboard suites, you are privy to even more freebies, such as valet laundry, unlimited premium Wi-Fi (for faster speed than the included plan) and dinner for two in the fabulous La Dame restaurant.

The ultimate luxury inclusion? Caviar is served whenever you like, wherever you wish to dine, with all the proper accoutrements.

Luxury cruise line Crystal re-launched in 2023, bringing back an all-inclusive onboard experience on two vessels, the 606-passenger Crystal Symphony and 740-passenger Crystal Serenity .

Fares include all ocean-view rooms with butler service for all, fine dining in multiple venues (including one complimentary reservation at Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar and Osteria d'Ovidio per cruise of up to 11 days), in-suite dining, all beverages, Wi-Fi, a youth program on select voyages and crew gratuities (for housekeeping, bar and dining staff).

You'll be wowed by the friendly and intuitive service on board. With a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1:1, you'll feel pampered every moment of your vacation.

Crystal's signature activities are always complimentary, whether that's lounging around the gorgeous pool by day, challenging new friends to a game of pickleball, enjoying afternoon tea in the Palm Court, ballroom dancing with gentleman hosts or attending performances in the evening.

If you have to take out your wallet, it'll be for ultra-premium liquors, gourmet wine-paired meals in the Vintage room, cigars in the Connoisseur Club, spa treatments and shore excursions.

Cruise lines with more-inclusive fares

Four cruise lines cover more costs in their cruise fares than the average line, but not as many things as the truly all-inclusive lines. We refer to these lines as more-inclusive, not all-inclusive.

If you love a port-intensive cruise on a smaller, upscale ship, Azamara might be the cruise line for you.

Cabins on its older ships are compact yet cozy, with a modern look, but you won't spend much time in them. That's because the line prioritizes getting you to multiple ports and spending as much time as possible on land, with longer stays and evenings ashore.

In keeping with the line's destination focus, Azamara offers a complimentary AzAmazing Celebration on board or ashore on nearly every cruise. These exclusive, no-cost events highlight local culture and performers, often with exclusive access to cool locations.

Related: The ultimate guide to Azamara

Also included in every Azamara guest's fares are nonalcoholic drinks (such as specialty coffees and teas, soda and bottled water), as well as an assortment of standard liquors, wine and beer. Crew gratuities and self-service laundry are also included in your fare.

However, you will still have to pay for premium drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, spa treatments and tours.

Azamara does offer several extra-fee packages to make its inclusive fares even more inclusive. Its five "Experience More" packages bundle together extra-fee items (shore excursion credit, Wi-Fi, premium beverages, spa credit, laundry and/or Chef's Table dining) for a roughly 30% discount compared with purchasing those amenities a la carte.

Whether you're sailing Viking 's ocean or river voyages, or the new Viking Expeditions, this cruise line delivers many inclusions for a company that insists it's not a luxury company.

Here's what Viking includes on ocean and expedition sails: one complimentary shore excursion in each port; Wi-Fi; alternative restaurant dining; 24-hour room service; thermal suite spa access; beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunches and dinner; specialty coffee, tea and bottled water; and self-service launderettes. If you purchase airfare through Viking, ground transfers are also complimentary.

River cruising also includes the above, except it does not offer alternative restaurant dining, thermal suite spa access, 24-hour room service or self-service launderettes on board.

Cabins are a notch above what you'll find on other premium ships. They come with upscale amenities, such as king-size beds rather than queens, and bathrooms with spacious glass-enclosed showers, heated bathroom floors and anti-fog mirrors.

Perhaps what passengers rave about the most is complimentary access to the Nordic Spa and that awesome thermal suite mentioned above. Breathe deep in the steam bath or sauna, freeze your you-know-what off in the Snow Grotto to wake up every cell (including those you never knew you had) and take a whirlpool, cold-water splash or plunge pool dip. Alternating hot and cold therapies invigorates your mind and body in the best ways.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

The complimentary alternative dining inclusions are mighty fine, too. Little feels better than sitting down to an incredible meal in Manfredi's Italian restaurant and not signing a room charge at the end. No corners are cut here for a complimentary meal. Pastas are excellent, but by all means, order the signature bistecca alla Fiorentina , a Florentine-style porcini-and-spice-crusted ribeye steak that makes meat lovers swoon.

The overstuffed house-made bread basket, served with aged Parmesan chunks and high-quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil, is worth the price of admission alone — if there were one in the first place.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises sails smaller, upscale ships with a focus on fine dining and restaurant variety. It has recently made its cruise fares more inclusive with the introduction of Simply More pricing.

All cruise fares now include free round-trip airfare plus transfers, a shore excursion credit of $600 to $1,600 per cabin to use on the guests' choice of tours in port and a beverage package that covers a selection of wine, beer and Champagne at lunch and dinner.

Oceania already includes nonalcoholic drinks (soda, specialty coffee and tea, smoothies, juice), specialty dining (including meals by celebrity chef Jacques Pepin), Wi-Fi (two devices per cabin), fitness classes and shuttles into town in port.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages ' goal is to reimagine the cruise experience, which means that it doesn't follow the typical rules of cruising. You'll find tattoo parlors, drag shows, balcony hammocks and a novel approach to fare inclusions.

Onboard Wi-Fi and crew tips — typically extra charges on most mainstream cruise lines — are included in everyone's cruise fare on Virgin. All of its ships' 20+ eateries are complimentary, from the vegetarian restaurant to the Korean barbecue joint, though you may have to make reservations in advance. Select nonalcoholic drinks (including soda, non-pressed juices and sparkling water) also do not incur extra fees. The line's creative and energetic fitness classes are also fee-free; other lines charge $15 to $20 for these.

Virgin does not offer an all-inclusive beverage package add-on and instead claims it offers fair prices for drinks. However, if you purchase a Bar Tab (essentially prepaying for drinks) , the line will throw in extra free money you can use on your bar bill.

Related: Too hip or just right? Here's what it was really like sailing on Virgin Voyages

Cruise lines with all-inclusive fare classes

A relatively new addition to the all-inclusive cruise fare world is the all-inclusive add-on package . Select cruise lines allow guests to opt into higher-priced fares that include more perks or purchase fare add-ons that grant them extra inclusions. The cruise lines claim that the extra fees are a savings on the a la carte price of the included amenities.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises aims to be the cruise line for Gen Xers, and its newest ships are filled with dining variety, resort-worthy bars and plenty of places to grab a seat and gab with your girls, guys or significant other. Innovative cabins let fresh air in without creating under-used outdoor space. The line has also gotten creative with options for more inclusive fares.

Celebrity lets cruisers choose from two fare types: Cruise-Only or All Included. Cruise-Only fares get you the standard cruise amenities, such as meals in the main dining room and buffet, a short list of nonalcoholic drinks (drip coffee, iced tea, juice from a machine at breakfast) and traditional onboard entertainment.

Upgrade to the All-Included fare, and you'll pay more but get more inclusions. (Prices vary by ship, itinerary and sail date.) These fares cover a Classic Drinks Package and Celebrity's Basic Wi-Fi plan. The fares used to cover crew gratuities, but that perk has been phased out.

Alternatively, if you book upper-category cabins and suites, your base fares will include additional perks. Passengers in AquaClass accommodations receive exclusive access to the Blu restaurant, a complimentary thermal suite pass, free fitness classes and discounted spa packages.

Related: Everything you want to know about Celebrity cabins and suites

Suite guests receive a premium drinks package, premium Wi-Fi, 24-hour in-suite dining and specialty coffees, and exclusive access to the Luminae restaurant and suites-only lounge and sun deck. These fares include concierge and butler service, as well.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises ' hallmark is casual luxury, so the line lets guests choose how inclusive they want their fares to be.

The line's base prices get you a nicely appointed stateroom, dining in multiple venues with menus by James Beard Foundation-affiliated chefs, and nonalcoholic beverages (such as soft drinks and specialty coffees). Take your pick from small, luxury cruise ships with spacious suites to motorized sailing yachts with gorgeous sails.

If you want one-and-done pricing, passengers can choose All-Inclusive Fares for an additional $89 per person per day. With this plan, guests receive complimentary Wi-Fi, prepaid hotel and beverage gratuities, and an unlimited beverage package, which includes all beers, 33 different wines by the glass, 40 house and select brands of liquor, cocktails made with the included liquors and minibar items.

Princess Cruises

The Love Boat cruise line explores the world on big, but not too big ships, with a particular focus on Alaska sailings . It welcomes everyone from families with kids to retired couples with a variety of onboard offerings and inclusive fare options to suit a variety of budgets and preferences.

Princess Cruises offers its guests two ways to make their cruise experience more inclusive. The Princess Plus Package costs $60 per person per day and includes a Plus Beverage Package (covering drinks priced up to $15 each), Wi-Fi on one device per passenger, two meals at casual extra-fee restaurants, two fitness classes, two premium desserts, unlimited juice bar drinks, free room service delivery and tips for the crew.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess ship

For a more all-inclusive experience, guests can purchase the Princess Premier Package at $80 per person per day. With this elevated program, passengers receive a Premier Beverage Package (covering drinks priced up to $20 each), Wi-Fi on up to four devices per passenger, tips for the crew, two meals per guest in the line's extra-fee specialty restaurants, unlimited meals in the extra-fee casual restaurants, unlimited premium desserts and juice bar drinks, free room service delivery, a photo package of three prints plus unlimited digital files and reserved theater seating.

Holland America

Holland America is Princess Cruises' sister line and Alaska rival. It sails midsized ships around the world, catering to a mature cruiser who loves live music, fine dining and a classic cruise experience.

The cruise line also has a similar all-inclusive add-on to its sister. The line's Have It All fares include a shore excursion credit of $100, $200 or $300 per person (based on length of sailing); a Signature Beverage Package covering alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks priced up to $11 per drink; one, two or three comped meals in the line's specialty dining restaurants (based on length of cruise); and a Wi-Fi Surf Package, HAL's basic Wi-Fi package.

The cost to make your cruise all-inclusive is $55 per person per day, added to your cruise fare, and applies only to the first and second guests in each cabin.

Related: The 4 classes of Holland America ships, explained

Cruise lines with all-inclusive promotions

A few cruise lines take a different approach to all-inclusive cruising and offer inclusions as booking promotions . Depending on the current offer, you are entitled to a slew of included amenities or your choice of only a few.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its anything-goes attitude: Eat where you want, dress how you like, enjoy the ship as you see fit. Its megaships are known for their variety of dining and drinking venues, as well as onboard attractions that include Broadway-caliber entertainment, go-kart tracks , laser tag, VR game rooms and crazy water slides. Many of the attractions come with fees, so it's easy to find yourself pulling out your wallet again and again on board.

To combat that, NCL has been running some version of its Free at Sea promotion for years, which offers complimentary amenities to make your cruise fare a little or a lot more inclusive. Depending on the current offer, you might be eligible for all the amenities or you might get a choice of some number of them depending on the type of cabin you book.

The included perks vary, but are usually an Open Bar beverage package (covering drinks up to $15 each), one to three free meals for two people in specialty restaurants on board (depending on type of cabin and length of cruise), a $50 shore excursion credit for one person in each port, 75-300 minutes of free Wi-Fi each for two people (based on length of cruise), and complimentary or $99 third and fourth guest fares on select sailings. Sometimes free airfare (buy one ticket and the second guest flies free) is part of the promotion, as well.

Note that guests must pay a 20% gratuity on the value of the Open Bar beverage package and the specialty dining package.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian also offers a paid upgrade to the Free at Sea perks called Free at Sea Plus. This add-on would upgrade your perks to a Premium Plus beverage package (including all top-shelf liquors, beer and wine plus unlimited still or sparkling bottled water, Starbucks coffee and energy drinks), two extra specialty restaurant meals, a $50 excursion credit for two guests in every port (versus one) and an unlimited Wi-Fi package (no streaming).

The additional cost is $49 per person, per day, for adults and $29 for children; solo adult travelers pay $42 per person.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Plan an all-inclusive vacation.

All-inclusive vacation guide.

Sometimes it's best when a vacation comes together in one simple, cheap, all-inclusive vacation package. An all-inclusive vacation deal offers you the convenience of a single payment for airfare, hotel rooms, meals, and resort activities. The logistics are easy and with fewer decisions to make, you can just concentrate on having fun at the resorts. Head for the popular white-sand beaches of the Caribbean on your all-inclusive vacation. Whether you want the luxury of being a beach bum or that of being pampered to the extreme — or both — you can easily plan the tropical island vacation you dream about. From the famed diving regions of Cancun and Cozumel, to laid-back Jamaica, to kick-up-your-heels Punta Cana, there are many varied resorts to choose from that will match your personal travel style. So pack your sandals and plan your escape today. Take advantage of Hotwire's discounts to make your all-inclusive travel reservations.

Need ideas for a great all-inclusive vacation? Check out our destination ideas below. Then, enter your details into our FareFinder to find value travel options.

Being a major tourism destination means there's much to do and see while on an all-inclusive vacation in Cancun . This Mexican Caribbean city offers something of interest to every type of traveler. Take a quiet, early morning stroll on the beach. Enjoy year-round deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving in waters with an average temperature of 80°F. Golfers can hit the links at a number of beautiful and challenging courses. Partiers can barhop on land. Stay in an all-inclusive resort, five-star hotel, or rent a rustic bungalow right on the beach. No matter where you choose to stay, you'll be close to some of Mexico's most glorious beaches, archaeological sites, and nature reserves. Visit the impressive Mayan ruins at Tulum. Tour the caves of the nearby 988-acre ecological park, Aktun Chen, and learn about the Maya's relationship with the caves. The smaller eco-adventure park, Tres Rios, offers outdoor recreation and the option of a package entrance fee that includes featured activities and meals. Return to Cancun's spirited nightlife and dance until dawn.

An all-inclusive vacation package to Jamaica is an absolute treat, mon. Jamaica's rich culture and tropical climate has something for everyone, in the cities and in between the cities. Its landscape provides opportunities for a unique travel getaway. Go tubing or rafting through the rainforest and spelunking in the popular Green Grotto Caves. Chukka's Horseback Ride 'N Swim is a three-hour horseback tour for riders of all skill levels and provides an unparalleled riding experience: A guide will lead a group on horseback through a tropical rainforest, the Jamaican countryside, along a cliff above the coastline, and finally into the Caribbean Sea for a refreshing swim for both riders and horses. Writers and artists have favored Port Antonio over the years, where you can swim in the spectacular, deep waters of the Blue Lagoon, and surf in Boston Bay. Climb the famously beautiful Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios, go parasailing above the bay, and swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cove. Bob Marley fans will enjoy a tour of Marley's former home in Kingston, now a museum honoring the legendary musician. And, of course, there's the food — from traditional Jamaican fare like saltfish and jerk chicken to restaurants that serve a wide variety of gourmet cuisine.

Choosing the right, all-inclusive vacation resort for you is the most important decision you'll make when traveling to Punta Cana. The region on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, is one of the top Caribbean destinations and is particularly popular with European travelers. Europe's influence is present in the architecture and elsewhere. Punta Cana is ideal for travelers who are seeking the ultimate all-in-one, spare-no-amenities resort experience. Vacation at luxurious facilities where the activities are focused on fun and pleasure and everything is within convenient reach. To many, Punta Cana is a "paradise found", where daytime rainfall is rare, and white sand beaches with coconut palm trees meet clear, shallow ocean and marine pools. Golf courses, casinos, spas, and restaurants are plentiful. And it's easy to find someone who can show you how to dance the Merengue.

Book an all-inclusive vacation package to beautiful Cozumel. Off the coast of Riviera Maya, Cozumel is part of the Great Maya Barrier Reef, the world's second largest reef. This amazing reef has made Cozumel one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world; but even if you're no swimmer, the resorts and getaway spots are fantastic. The lovely white sand beaches are popular for beach bumming, and the rocky, limestone beaches are great for snorkeling close to shore. Deep-sea fishing, horseback riding, boating, swimming, and bicycling are among the many available activities for the energetic tourist. Fly and bone fishing tours in incredibly clear, shallow lagoons include all necessary equipment, lunch, beverages, and fishing guidance. A day trip to Chankanaab National Park is a must for anyone vacationing in Cozumel. The park features various species of marine animals, and opportunities for visitors to dive, snorkel, swim, and explore. A walk through the park's botanical and archaeological gardens eventually leads to a replica of an ancient Mayan village, complete with artifacts. Cozumel is charming and safe and the people are friendly. Locals and tourists pack the town square every Sunday evening to hear live bands and dance late into the night. Fresh and delicious Yucatecan and Mexican cuisine is easy to find and even easier to eat. You can also learn the secrets behind this authentic cuisine by taking a cooking class from local chef Josefina Gonzales Luigi.

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The 9 Best Sites to Book a Cruise

Avital Andrews

Avital Andrews, SmarterTravel's editor-at-large, is a travel and lifestyle journalist who is also a contributing editor for AAA's Via magazine. Her stories have been among the 10 most emailed or viewed on the Los Angeles Times, Outside, Sierra, and SmarterTravel websites, and have also appeared in USA Today, HuffPost, Apple News, Business Insider, and many other nationwide outlets. Her travel book , sold at bookstores and on Amazon, is in its fourth edition, and her journalism gets national media attention, including from The New York Times , The Atlantic , Time , NPR, and MTV. She's currently working on her first children's book. Follow her on Twitter @avitalb .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: My laptop—the lightweight and stylish HP Spectre x360—since I'm almost always on deadline.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: A round-the-world cruise that makes stops to experience Aurora Borealis, the Olympics opening ceremony, Borneo, Madagascar, the Jerusalem Festival of Light, the Bolivian salt flats, Kenya's Giraffe Manor, the Galapagos, the Maldives, Bora Bora, the Seychelles, and every Disney park. (That itinerary definitely exists, right?)

Travel Motto: I'll steal Saint Augustine's: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: Window, always. For the views and also the naps.

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Booking a cruise isn’t always simple. It can be a complicated, time-consuming process that involves dozens of open tabs and maybe a spreadsheet or two. But knowing the best site to book a cruise can help a lot.

And while would-be travelers are accustomed to clicking around on travel search engines to find the best deals on flights , hotels , and rental cars , many people don’t realize that they can use these same types of sites to book cruises, too.

But is there one best site to book a cruise? That depends on what you’re looking for. Sometimes the best cruise website is actually a cruise line’s own site—since technically, cruise booking websites aren’t allowed to undercut the prices that the cruise lines set.

Often, though, the best cruise search engines are indispensable for locating incredible deals, including ones that throw in booking incentives worth hundreds of dollars—in Amazon gift cards, complimentary shore excursions, onboard freebies, and so on.

To save you the hassle, SmarterTravel investigated the glutted space of cheap cruise sites to determine which are worthy of listing as the best cruise websites; below are a few that come highly recommended.

The Best Sites to Book a Cruise

• Expedia (including Travelocity and Orbitz )
• TripAdvisor

Avoya Travel

Cheapcaribbean.com, cruisedirect, cruise critic, costco travel, cruisewatch.

Expedia is an obvious first mention in a list of the best cruise booking sites, in part because it’s an absolute juggernaut (Expedia also owns Travelocity and Orbitz ). Its cruise-booking interface is simple and straightforward, only requiring you to enter your preferred sailing destination and date range, as well as how many passengers you’ll be bringing along. Then Expedia does the heavy lifting for you, with comprehensive results that make it one of the best cruise search engines.

On Expedia, it’s common to find bookable cruises for 70 percent off face value, with the ability to sort by price so the best cruise deals come up at the top of the list, saving you the scrolling. A sample search for a mid-June cruise to Alaska, for example, quickly came up with a seven-night itinerary starting at $389 per person—that’s less than $56 per person, per night for a mostly inclusive weeklong vacation.

Expedia’s cruise deals tend to come paired with other enticing offers, including steep discounts on pre-departure hotels when you book both your cruise and hotel through Expedia. There’s also a dedicated 800 number that lets you speak to Expedia’s cruise experts and, often but not always, a generous amount of onboard credit thrown in for good measure.

Best feature: Sheer search power. Expedia’s easy-to-use cruise search engine generates a useful and well-ordered list of the best cruise deals, without much effort required from the user. Also, Expedia’s prices frequently match what the cruise lines themselves offer.

Check out Expedia

Priceline is another powerhouse among cheap cruise websites. The initial interface comes off a bit clunkier than, say, Expedia’s or Kayak’s, but the tradeoff is that you can quickly search by cruise line, both standard and luxury, as well as by cruise length and departure port.

Using the seven-night Alaska example, Priceline brought up an itinerary aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas that starts at just $374 for the full week—roughly $53 per night. Hard-to-believe cruise deals like this show up on Priceline with regularity, which is part of what solidifies it as one of the best cruise websites.

Also adding to the appeal: deals exclusive to Priceline, plenty of bonus amenities (examples include $50 in onboard credit, third and fourth guests sailing free, and free specialty dinners for two), no money down to book certain sailings, frequent onboard credit sales, an 800 number to call should you need assistance while booking, and a loyalty club that’s ties in with every cruise line’s loyalty program. Priceline also lets you click a “senior discount” box if that applies to you.

Best feature: Priceline’s “ 110% Best Price Guarantee ” promises that if you find your cruise listed at a lower price on another website within 48 hours of booking, then Priceline will refund you 110 percent of the cost difference, including port charges.

Check out Priceline

Tripadvisor

Many people think of Tripadvisor mainly as a travel review site, where you go to get real talk on hotels and attractions, and to see non-glamorized photos of places as seen through actual travelers’ eyes. But Tripadvisor is also an excellent site for travel deals, including on cruises.

Tripadvisor Cruise , which launched in April 2019, is among the best websites for cruise deals—it lets you nab the lowest price by comparing more than 70,000 ocean and river cruises from some 60 of the best cruise websites. It’s got an attractive, inspiring landing page, and its newest function, “Explore Ship-tinerary pages,” lets you browse full ship profiles, details, photos, and itineraries.

Though Tripadvisor is technically a meta-search site for cruises, which means that it will send you elsewhere to actually book, its search engine lets users sort by destination, length, cruise line, and month of travel. The default search results are ordered by “best value”, unless you specifically click that you’d rather see the results organized by price, cruise length, departure date, or cruise ship. Even when you click on “price,” the lowest-priced offering doesn’t always come up first, though it only takes a few seconds of scanning to determine which itinerary has the lowest price—that seven-night Royal Caribbean International trip to Alaska came up on Tripadvisor starting at $365.

Best feature: What makes Tripadvisor one of the best sites to book a cruise? In addition to having one of the best cruise search engines, Tripadvisor lets you read other cruisers’ candid reviews of the cruise that you’re considering, so that you get the non-sugarcoated truth about each sailing.

Check out Tripadvisor

7 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise Ship

A rarity on the internet, Avoya Travel is a family-owned company that has been dealing in travel for more than 55 years. Avoya is one of the best sites to book a cruise in part because of its patented technology that lets travelers search cruises by destination, date range, cruise line, and last-minute status—and then get matched up, in real time, with one of Avoya’s expert vacation planners, who use that algorithm to customize a cruise booking to your specific preferences. (From Avoya’s website: “…we combine the ease of online search, with the expertise and personalized service of Independent Vacation Planners, plus secure exclusive deals and extras so you get more out of every vacation.”)

Avoya’s team of staffers and wide network of independent agencies make for a cruise booking website that’s a bit different from the rest. Its front page shows the “Best Travel Deals,” which might include half-off cruise fares, onboard credit, prepaid gratuities, and free or reduced airfare.

Like several of the other best cruise websites, Avoya offers a low-price guarantee; if you book a cruise with Avoya and then find a lower rate on another website within 24 hours of booking, Avoya will refund the difference.

Best feature: Avoya offers free membership, and members get exclusive deals and discounts, access to unpublished fares, first dibs on promotions, the ability to save favorite searches, and the right to book, change, or cancel travel without incurring any Avoya fees.

Check out Avoya Travel

When looking for the best site to book a cruise, don’t be put off by CheapCaribbean.com ’s overly specific moniker. Despite the site’s name, it offers cruises all over the world. The site’s vibe is beach-oriented and a bit cheeky, with a front page that can overwhelm—but click on the “Cruises” tab, and a cleaner interface appears. There you can search by cruise line, ship, destination, departure date, and departure port.

CheapCaribbean.com offers refunds on 24-hour cancellations (within certain parameters) and a “ 110 percent best price guarantee, ” a promise that if you find a lower price on the same cruise within 48 hours of booking, the company will refund you 110 percent of the difference. The site also lists traveler reviews about each cruise ship (as supplied by Cruiseline), though the reviews often include comments about the ship’s destinations other than the one you’re considering, which isn’t entirely helpful. There’s also a live chat widget if questions come up while booking.

Best feature: Helping to make CheapCaribbean.com one of the best cruise search engines is the fact that it lets you check boxes for additional discounts, including a senior discount, discounts by state (just enter your ZIP code), and past guest discounts if you’ve previously sailed with, say, Princess, Norwegian, or Disney.

Check out CheapCaribbean.com

Its front page is clunky and sort of in your face, but CruiseDirect is still one of the best cruise sites for a variety of reasons. As a cruise-only company, CruiseDirect doesn’t deal in flights, hotels, or rental cars, allowing it to focus its full capacity on helping you find the best cruise deal possible. On the site, you can search by destination, departure port, month, length of cruise, and cruise line. There’s real-time online chat and a contact number for support from a cruise expert. If you aren’t quite ready to buy, you can “heart” cruises to save them as favorites to refer back to later.

CruiseDirect offers perks on most sailings, like onboard credit, free drinks, free Wi-Fi, free gratuities, free travel insurance, or a free specialty dining experience—check out the “Bonus” box on the cruise listing you’re considering to see what extras it comes with.

Best feature: Like some of the other cruise websites on this list, CruiseDirect offers a “ best price guarantee ,” which means that if you find a lower price on another cruise booking website within 24 hours of your initial booking, you’ll get refunded the difference. But one key difference between CruiseDirect and the other cruise sites is that you don’t have to pay the cost of your cruise up front, just a deposit—and then if your cruise fare drops before you’ve made your final payment, CruiseDirect will readjust your rate accordingly.

Check out CruiseDirect

5 Crazy Themed Cruises You Can Take in 2022 and 2023

A subsidiary of Tripadvisor, Cruise Critic has similar search results to that site, but it offers a bit more comprehensive information for seasoned cruisers who want more details before they book. Cruise Critic has tons of filters and sort options to help you find what you want, including everything from cruise line to cruise style (family cruises, luxury cruises, cruises for the disabled). Each itinerary clearly lists what is and isn’t included in the fare; Wi-Fi, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, and port taxes and fees are among the common exclusions.

Certain itineraries are marked with graphics declaring that the ship has won one of the site’s “Cruisers’ Choice” awards, denoting vessels that Cruise Critic members declare to be the among the best in categories such as cabins, entertainment, and family-friendly features.

You can sign up for price alerts, which will notify you by email when the fare on your selected itinerary drops.

Once you’re ready to book, Cruise Critic shows you a variety of offers from some of the best cruise booking sites, including bonuses such as onboard credit and prepaid gratuities. Then you click off to the site of your choice to make your purchase. Prices generally match what’s advertised on Cruise Critic.

Best feature: Under each search result is a tab for “reviews” where you can read reviews from Cruise Critic members who’ve previously traveled on the ship. On certain cruises you can click over to a full-length write-up of the ship by one of the experts on the Cruise Critic editorial team, including detailed information on dining options, cabins, entertainment, dress code, and more.

Check out Cruise Critic

When you think of Costco, you probably think of bulk food and toilet paper. But the next time you’re booking a cruise, it’ll be worthwhile to pull up Costco Travel , which is, unexpectedly, one of the best cruise websites.

The site doesn’t look fancy—it’s pretty bare-bones, visually—but the upside of going with a no-frills cruise-booking website is that Costco Travel offers extremely competitive prices, as well as some of the most attractive incentives, usually in the form of Costco Cash delivered to you after you get home from your cruise.

Though there’s no single point of contact if you need to call and discuss your cruise booking, Costco Travel’s call center is staffed with helpful agents from early morning until evening, seven days a week, and passengers can rest assured that Costco won’t go out of business before they set sail. Note that a Costco membership (starting at $60 per year) is required to book with Costco Travel, and that Costco doesn’t accept American Express.

Best feature: Rock-bottom prices—plus lots of cash back if you play your cards right: Costco Citi cardholders earn 3 percent cash back on cruise purchases, which can combine with the 2 percent Costco Reward for Costco Executive Members for a total of 5 percent back on Costco Travel’s already super low cruise rates.

Check out Costco Travel

Pondering which is the best site to book a cruise? Keep Cruisewatch in strong consideration—more than a typical cruise booking website, Cruisewatch bills itself as a “digital cruise advisor” that couples data power with personalization.

As an artificial intelligence cruise advisor, Crusewatch created technology that makes searching and booking a cruise more efficient—the first, it calls “Cruise Price Prediction.” In short, Cruisewatch collected and stored the daily price for each ship and cabin over a span of five years, resulting in millions of data points—and a massive database that informs exactly when cruise prices are lowest, and when the greatest saving potential exists.

Thanks to this comprehensive price history, Cruisewatch can predict cruise prices and drops with an accuracy rate of around 80 percent. Using the site’s cruise price prediction alerts, travelers can save up to 71 percent just by booking at the right time.

In addition to being able to predict prices, Cruisewatch tailors user search results to match their established preferences through customizable profiles and other similar features. This means you won’t waste time wading through cruises that may be cheap but don’t align with your vacation goals.

Best feature: Cruisewatch’s easy-to-set price alerts, based on tons of data, allow users to be notified in real time of the best new cruise deals the minute they come online.

Check out Cruisewatch

Book a Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

Need a place to stay the night before you set sail? Search SmarterTravel Hotels for great accommodations in your port of call.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Follow Avital Andrews on Twitter  @avitalb  or on  Facebook .

Editor’s note: Sarah Schlichter contributed to this story.

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The Best Ways to Book a Cruise

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Not all cruise sites are created equal. While you may find comparable prices on different sites, each site has its own benefits, offers and cancellation policies. 

So, what's the best way to book a cruise? From our findings, here are the top cruise booking sites for your next vacation, plus the pros and cons they offer travelers.

The best cruise websites and how they sweeten the deal 

For sailings across the caribbean, mexico or central america: cheapcaribbean.

CheapCaribbean.com is the best cruise website for the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America. It offers a best-price guarantee plus limited-time offers and discounts.

If you find a better deal within 24 hours of booking, CheapCaribbean will price match and beat it by $25. The company's customer service is available seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

Best-price guarantee.

Customer service is available seven days a week.

Charges a $24.99 processing fee on reservations.

Must provide an email address to receive the best deals and promos.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

For reviews from other cruisers: Cruise Critic

Cruise Critic is an independent website that encourages community members to post reviews and share tips.

Its message boards offer ways for website visitors to ask questions and share feedback with others based on their personal experiences and opinions. The site also acts as a metasearch for cruise deals, pulling in prices from multiple cruise websites.

Read cruise reviews from travelers who've been on that itinerary before.

"Deal Score" ranks deals to find the best value.

Price tracker shows 90-day trends for cruise prices.

Must click through the deal to book your cruise on other websites.

Prices are not guaranteed and can change before booking due to fees and restrictions on the sites where the cruises are being sold.

To review several cruise prices at once: CruiseDirect

CruiseDirect is the best cruise website when all you want are cruise prices. It doesn't offer hotels, flights, rental cars or other reservations you may want for your next vacation. CruiseDirect does, however, offer bonuses for travelers booking through its site.

Travelers can filter search results by destination, cruise line or departure port on various ships. This site offers cruises for every type of traveler, from budget to luxury, and every type of ship, from riverboats to mega-ships.

Bonus offers on every reservation provide extra value.

Best-price guarantee and free reservation holds.

Buy now, pay later financing options.

Promos offered by cruise lines aren't exclusive to CruiseDirect.

Customer service can be unfriendly.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

For budget-friendly options: Priceline

Priceline was originally known for its "Name Your Own Price" promotions, but has grown into a full-service online travel agency offering flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises, saving consumers more than $1 billion dollars per year.

Travelers who book a cruise with Priceline receive up to $2,000 to spend at sea, plus waived deposits on their reservations.

Up to $2,000 to spend on board.

Waived deposits of up to $500 when booking your cruise.

110% best-price guarantee within 48 hours of booking.

Ability to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more from the same site.

Must call Priceline to get exclusive offers and unpublished fares.

Restrictions make the best-price guarantee harder to benefit from.

» Learn more: Tips for getting the best cruise deals

For booking travel experiences beyond the cruise: TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is an online reviewer community where travelers share their experiences, pictures and ratings of hotels, suggested activities and more. This honest feedback and travel inspiration also make it one of the best websites to book a cruise.

Search over 70,000 cruise deals from more than 60 sites at once.

Dedicated ship pages share details, reviews, photos and itineraries.

Too many search results make it harder to narrow down your choices.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

To match with a vacation planner: Avoya Travel

Avoya Travel is a family-owned website that matches travelers with a vacation planner based on their preferences. It's the best way to book a cruise using a travel planner because it offers a low-price guarantee without charging extra fees for the planner.

The downside is that online pricing is not "live." Therefore, you must speak with a travel planner to get the latest prices and book your cruise.

Match with cruise planners according to your needs.

Does not charge Avoya fees for booking, changes or cancellations.

Get a low-price guarantee and the expertise of a vacation planner without extra fees.

Must become a member to unlock the best deals.

Pricing on the website is not "live" pricing, so actual cost may vary.

Cannot book a cruise online. You must speak with an independent vacation planner.

» Learn more: The best cruise insurance right now

To book a vacation package with an airline or hotel

American airlines cruises.

American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn airline miles when booking cruises at BookAACruises.com . All members earn one mile for every dollar they spend on cruise reservations, up to 10,000 miles. Some cruise specials offer up to 100,000 miles based on your selected cruise.

If you have an American Airlines credit card, you'll earn 2x miles, up to 20,000 miles. These miles and Loyalty Points count toward airline elite status. Additionally, trips booked through this site are eligible for promotions offered by the cruise lines.

Earn miles and Loyalty Points toward travel and elite status.

Cardholders earn 2x miles, up to 20,000 miles on cruises.

Cruise experts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cruise reservations are offered by a third party, so customer service issues can be a challenge.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Delta SkyMiles Cruises

Delta Air Lines is another airline that allows members to earn airline miles when booking cruises through its portal. Booking through SkyMilesCruises.com helps you earn Delta SkyMiles on your purchase.

Members get up to 10,000 miles on most cruises and up to 100,000 miles on luxury cruises. Plus, the site waives deposits on eligible cruise reservations.

Can earn up to 100,000 miles when booking a cruise.

Waives deposits when booking eligible cruises.

110% price guarantee within 48 hours of booking.

Most cruise awards are capped at 10,000 miles.

Miles earned are based on the length of the cruise, not the amount spent.

United Airlines Cruises

United Airlines MileagePlus members can earn up to 25,000 miles when booking a cruise through United at Cruises.United.com .

When you have a United Airlines credit card, you'll earn up to 45,000 miles. By offering up to 4x miles per dollar spent (or 7x as a cardholder), this site is the best way to book a cruise and earn airline miles on your purchase. If you have Premier status, you receive additional perks on select cruise lines, like wine and onboard credits.

Earn up to 7x miles on cruises.

United MileagePlus Premier members receive additional perks.

Can redeem miles to pay for some or all of your trip.

Not all cruises can be booked online.

Prices do not include a nonrefundable $24.99 processing fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Cruises

If you want to earn hotel points on your cruise, Marriott Cruise with Points is the best cruise website for you. You'll earn up to 6x points on your cruise purchase, or you can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points to pay for your trip.

Plus, Marriott cardholders can earn an extra 2x points when they use that card for their purchase. While most cruises max out at 25,000 Bonvoy points earned, some luxury cruise lines offer up to 250,000 Marriott points.

Earn up to 6x points on your cruise, up to 250,000 Marriott points.

Marriott cardholders receive an extra 2x points when paying with their cards.

Can use Bonvoy points to pay for your cruise.

Redemption value of Bonvoy points is only 0.4 cent.

Must call to book cruises using points.

Processing fee of $24.99 per reservation.

» Learn more: Airline credit cards vs. hotel credit cards

For cruise package deals: Costco Travel

Costco is a retailer that offers exclusive products and pricing to its members. Through its Costco Travel website , members receive exclusive prices and benefits when booking hotels, rental cars, cruises and travel packages.

Executive Members earn 2% back on Costco Travel purchases and receive additional benefits on select packages. Plus, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cardholders earn 3% cash back rewards on Costco Travel purchases.

Earn 2% rewards and extra perks with Executive Membership.

Some cruises offer Costco gift cards or onboard credit.

Must be a member to book reservations with Costco Travel.

Directly with the Cruise Line

In some cases, booking directly with the cruise line can be best because it eliminates a third party. If there's a problem with your reservation or you need to make a change, you don't have to worry about the booking site and the cruise line pointing fingers at each other.

This may be the best approach if you know which cruise line you want to book and which cities you want to visit. However, you may miss out on promotions offered by third-party sites.

Simple search functions.

No hassles with third parties for problems, changes or cancellations.

Less likely to get scammed by fraudulent sites.

Miss out on deals offered by third-party sites.

Harder to compare prices, benefits and routes from multiple cruise lines.

Comparing cruise prices across websites

Without being able to compare prices, it can be a challenge to determine the best site for booking a cruise. To make it easier to compare, we priced out a 7-night Caribbean cruise for two adults. 

We selected the lowest-priced balcony room on Royal Caribbean departing from Miami in August 2023. Here are the results:

Mitigate cancellation policy risks with travel insurance

If you're worried your trip plans being disrupted by bad weather or a change of plans, travel insurance might help. This optional standalone insurance can be purchased separately from your cruise bookings.

But you might not even need to pay out-of-pocket for trip insurance because many credit cards offer travel insurance as a built-in benefit to customers who pay for travel expenses on that card.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for cruises

Booking a cruise recapped

When looking for the best way to book a cruise, the price is virtually the same on every website. The difference lies in how each seller sweetens the deal.

Several cruise booking sites set themselves apart from the competition by offering additional benefits to encourage booking through them. Additionally, being able to book other parts of your trip — like flight and excursions — on the same site, or offering access to a travel agent, distinguishes some of the best cruise websites. 

When prices are the same, we recommend cruise bookers compare the perks being offered, then book on the site with the most appealing bonuses, like onboard credits, airline miles, hotel points or cash back.

If you're searching for cruises on a third-party website, you may question the legitimacy of that site. This is especially true if the site doesn't look professional or some of the information is outdated.

For this reason, you should stick with one of the best cruise booking sites on this list because they've been vetted for legitimacy and have a good track record with travelers.

Yes, last-minute deals can be the best way to book a cruise. If your travel plans are flexible, these deals can save you a lot of money. Keep in mind that you may not be able to book your preferred destination or routing if it is sold out.

Unfortunately, most cruise lines do not offer free cancellations or changes to take advantage of price drops after you book. Passengers can always negotiate with a booking site or cruise line, but they aren't obligated to refund the difference. Instead, they may offer you onboard credit, complimentary excursions or credit toward another cruise booking.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Protect Your Trip »

How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals

With the rising cost of hotels and airfare, cruises are still one of the most affordable ways to travel.

Getty Images

Cruising on a budget? There are many resources available for travelers looking to save money.

Cruising is back – in a big way – after all the turmoil and shutdowns in the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Cruise Lines International Association's 2023 State of the Cruise Industry report, the intent to cruise is higher now than it was in December 2019, before the pandemic. About 85% of travelers who have been on a cruise will cruise again, which is 6% higher than it was pre-COVID.

John Lovell, president of the Travel Leaders Group division of Internova Travel Group, tells us, "Cruising has roared back since the pandemic and the lifting of sailing restrictions. It's a true success story! That means that we will see (and are seeing) full ships, even more so than pre-pandemic." He adds, "While Caribbean cruises remain popular, travelers are embracing river cruises, expedition cruises, smaller ships and off-the-beaten-path ports. There really is a cruise for everyone."

CLIA's report also states that passenger volume for 2023 is projected to reach an astounding 31.5 million passengers – 106% of the volume in 2019. In addition, the cruise industry is seeing higher numbers of solo travelers and people with mobility challenges – and there are more Gen X and millennials booking cruise vacations.

Chris Gray Faust, the executive editor of Cruise Critic, says that cancellation policies have also returned to normal with cruise bookings back to pre-pandemic levels, particularly for mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line . You also probably won't find many deals on sailings in high season and on the most anticipated new ships .

With more demand for cruise travel – one of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism – how can you find a last-minute cruise deal in 2023? Read on to find out how to book your dream cruise vacation for less.

When to find the best cruise deals

Scoring a great cruise deal depends on several factors, including the type of experience you're looking for ( adults-only or family-friendly , for example), the destination, the length of the sailing, the time of year and your flexibility to travel.

Lovell recommends booking early for the best pricing. "For many cruise lines, especially the expedition products and with some luxury lines, the best time to find deals is when they open new sailings," he says. "The cruises fill up quickly, so usually the best offer is the first offering in terms of pricing. Some of the larger cruise lines will have pricing and value-added promotions on sailings that still have open space about 100 days prior to sailing."

Summer 2023

If you're planning on traveling within the next few months, you may be able to score a last-minute cruise deal to some destinations, such as Alaska . According to Bob Levinstein, CEO of CruiseCompete.com, "There are still some great deals for the summer, especially in Alaska, which is particularly soft right now."

A representative from Priceline notes that the travel agency is also offering great deals for summer cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

When you're looking at pricing for cruises, be sure to compare fares that include the same costs, Levinstein advises. Some advertised fares that seem like an incredible deal don't include the port taxes and fees, which can substantially raise the price of your vacation.

Within 90 days of sailing

Gray Faust says the window for finding last-minute cruise deals is within 90 days of a sailing. "That three-month mark is when final deposits are due on a cruise, and historically the last point you could cancel your cruise without financial penalty," she says. "At that point, cruise lines try to fill those vacant cabins, usually in the form of slashed fares to entice people to book."

Levinstein agrees. "While the market has heated up, the closer-in the sailing the more likely you will find a bargain." He adds, "But as last-minute deals are based on how full a particular sailing on a particular ship might be at a given time, shopping around is often rewarded regardless of overall market conditions."

Fall or spring

You may find cheaper cruise fares if you're able to book a last-minute cruise departing in the spring or fall when most families with children in school can't travel. As such, cruise lines typically have more availability and lower pricing during these times.

Wave season

If you're willing to book a cruise during the promotional period known as "wave season" – which spans early January through the end of March – you may be able to find a last-minute cruise deal that fits your budget.

Hurricane season

Planning a last-minute cruise during hurricane season in the Caribbean and Mexico – from June 1 to Nov. 30 – is another option. These months coincide with the shoulder season in those regions, so it can be a great time to find cruise savings. If you do book a cruise during hurricane season, consider investing in a travel insurance policy that has trip interruption and trip cancellation benefits. You'll also want to make sure that all of your prepaid and nonrefundable expenses are covered in the policy.

Read: The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Early December

Levinstein says the first two weeks of December are also a great time to take a cruise. Early December is typically when families are preparing for the holidays at home or getting ready to travel at the end of the month for Christmas and New Year's, so it's an ideal time to go on a cruise for less.

Book a last-minute cruise deal on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

How to find last-minute cruise deals

Cruise line sites

If you're internet-savvy and don't mind perusing the cruise lines' websites individually, check out their advertised discounted fares, included amenities and special bonus exclusive offers. These special fares often include free upgrades, airfare and credit for onboard spending. The types and level of perks may increase depending on the stateroom category.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a number of Free at Sea offers. These deals include unlimited open bar, shore excursion credits, dining at specialty restaurants, complimentary Wi-Fi and discounted rates for the second guest. Third and fourth guests staying in the same stateroom even get to sail for free with some deals.

In addition to the Free at Sea offers, Norwegian features CruiseFirst, a special bonus offer that essentially allows cruisers to earn free money. For example, if you purchase a $150 CruiseFirst certificate today for a six-day or longer voyage, it will double in value and you'll have $300 to spend on a cruise that you can take as early as 120 days from the purchase date. The certificates expire within three years.

If you're looking for reduced fares on a luxury cruise, it'll likely be more challenging to find a last-minute deal, with even lengthy – and expensive – world cruises selling out within hours. Levinstein explains this is because there's more demand than supply, when compared with the entry-level market.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Cruise deal aggregator sites

If you prefer to use cruise deal aggregator sites, you can find last-minute cruises across the industry all in one place. Simply sort your findings by the month you'd like to travel, the length of your intended trip and where you wish to cruise. These are some of the best resources for finding cruise discounts:

• Cruise Critic
• Tripadvisor
• Cruise Compete

"Some lines began steering away from last-minute fare drops a few years ago, so keep an eye out for value-add deals as well," Gray Faust says. "While you might not get a super cheap base fare, things like free gratuities, drink packages and/or shore excursions could actually save you even more than you'd save on a slashed price."

'Kids sail free' fares

Some cruise lines allow kids to sail free , greatly reducing the total price of and/or adding value to your cruise. MSC Cruises allows guests ages 17 and younger to cruise for free year-round when they're the third and fourth passengers in the same stateroom with their parents. If you're considering a family cruise, check out the other cruise lines that offer similar promotions where children sail free, including Holland America Line and Norwegian.

Book a family cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Cruise line loyalty programs

Consider joining your preferred cruise line's loyalty and membership programs for free upgrades. These are some of the best options:

• Carnival Cruise Line's VIFP Club:  This program features up to 40% discounts off fares, up to $50 in onboard credits, access to exclusive deals and other perks. Carnival VIFP members receive a loyalty number and can watch their points and rewards accrue online.
• Viking Cruises ' Explorer Society:   Viking's program offers past cruisers travel credits to use on future voyages, as well as members-only cocktail parties on the ship. Members are also privy to new itineraries and limited-time offers.
• Princess Cruises ' Captain's Circle:  Benefits with the Captain's Circle are based on the number of cruises you've taken. Some perks include early access to new itineraries, discounts for the onboard retail shops and excursions, complimentary minibar setups, priority disembarkation, access to the Platinum and Elite lounges, complimentary wine tasting events, and more.
• Norwegian Cruise Line's Latitudes Rewards:  This tiered program allows cruisers to earn discounts on select Norwegian products and services, such as beverage packages and signature spa treatments. You also get priority check-in, an exclusive cocktail party while on board, laundry service and more.

Cruise deal aggregator loyalty programs

You can also find loyalty programs through sites such as Expedia. An Expedia Rewards membership is free and offers discounts on travel; depending on your level (Blue, Silver or Gold), there are additional perks and benefits. You also earn rewards points to use toward booking future trips.

"On the Expedia website and through nearly 300 Expedia Cruises retail locations across North America, Expedia offers Member Prices, saving travelers up to 10% on last-minute deals, along with exclusive promotions on a variety of cruises," a company spokesperson says. "Expedia also secures special rates in advance on the most popular itineraries and cruise lines through the Expedia Exclusive Staterooms program. Most of all, travelers can reach out to one of Expedia's Vacation Consultants who can help navigate the current environment, answer any questions and help find the best value on their ideal vacations."

Read:  The Best Travel Rewards Programs

Travel advisors

Enlisting the help of a knowledgeable travel advisor can make planning easier – and it's one of the best ways to find last-minute cruise deals. Advisors, especially those specializing in cruises, usually have unique access to perks and discounts for big savings with cruise lines that can further enhance the value of your vacation and/or lower the total price.

Lovell agrees with this tip. "Demand for cruising is very high. I would always recommend booking early and working with a travel advisor," he says. "While there are lots of new ships, they often fill up quickly since travelers are eager to try out the latest and greatest the cruise lines have to offer."

Some aggregator sites also have their own travel advisors to assist in your search. Head of Priceline Cruises Denise Bialek says, "We highly recommend calling one of our Priceline Cruise advisors, as they are the most knowledgeable about the best rate options, know how to combine promotions to get the best deal and will save you time navigating the plethora of cruise lines, cabin categories, pricing, port charges and more." She adds, "An advantage of booking with one of our Priceline Cruise advisors is access to all cruise line offers and loyalty perks, in addition to our many Priceline exclusive deals, all supported by 24/7 service."

Additionally, keep in mind that travel advisors have insight into additional restrictions and the condition of each cruise line.

All-inclusive cruises

Though it may seem counterintuitive, you may be able to score a better value by booking an all-inclusive (or mostly all-inclusive) voyage than a budget cruise with a cheaper base fare. While these options are primarily in the luxury cruise line category, some fares are especially attractive thanks to included airfare costs, transfers to the ship, meals at all dining venues, premium wines and spirits, Wi-Fi access, and more.

When you book one of these cruises, you'll know the total cost upfront, and there won't be any unwanted surprises when you close out your shipboard account at the end of the cruise. Some of the traditional extras on noninclusive cruise lines – like bottled water, snacks, specialty coffee, gratuities or even beach equipment rentals on the line's private island – can add up quickly, diminishing the impact of your original fare savings. These are some of the all-inclusive cruise options:

• Viking Ocean Cruises:  On  Viking Ocean Cruises , travelers enjoy veranda staterooms; all meals (including alternative dining); beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; one complimentary excursion in every port; and more, all in the base fares.
• Silversea Cruises:  Silversea Cruises  boasts door-to-door all-inclusive fares that encompass private transfers, gourmet meals, butler service, beverages and at least one complimentary excursion in every port.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises:  Regent Seven Seas Cruises  offers two-for-one all-inclusive fares that also feature business class airfare on international flights, free two- or three-night land programs, a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, free unlimited beverages and open bars, complimentary dining in specialty restaurants, unlimited Wi-Fi, shore excursions, prepaid gratuities, and more.

These lines also offer other discounts, and you may be able to combine them with exclusive offers that your travel advisor can access. Book an all-inclusive cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Short cruises

Three- to five-night cruises generally equate to instant savings since they have lower fares than voyages lasting a week or longer. You may also be able to drive to the port, saving on airfare and other travel expenses. If you sail from ports in Florida or Texas, you can visit destinations in the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico; ports of call may include stops at private, cruise line-owned islands like Royal Caribbean International's Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

If you're in the northeast U.S., you can book a short sailing to Bermuda  aboard a few different lines. Bermuda sailings with Carnival Cruises depart from New York City and Norfolk, Virginia, while Royal Caribbean sails to the nearby island from New York City and Baltimore .

From Los Angeles , embark on four-night Royal Caribbean cruises to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. With Celebrity Cruises , passengers can book six-night voyages that call on select California cities and Vancouver . The line also offers six-night, round-trip sailings from Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Shorter itineraries are less expensive not only because of their length, but also because they typically don't use the cruise lines' newest, largest vessels. Still, some ships have been updated, including Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, which underwent a $116 million amplification in 2020. Its upcoming itineraries make short trips between Miami and the Bahamas.

Repositioning cruises

Repositioning cruises are another option for booking a great cruise deal. The price on these voyages is less expensive since most of the days are spent at sea as the ships move from one region of the world to another. The itineraries are longer, so you'll need to have a flexible schedule for extended travel.

One of the pros of booking these cruises is that you'll get to see incredible destinations like Hawaii, Australia, Fiji, Portugal, Spain and Italy – with considerable savings. If you enjoy spending time on board the ship and don't need a port of call to explore every day, then this may be a great cost-saving option to consider.

For example, Celebrity has a 16-night Mediterranean Passage Transatlantic sailing from Rome to Tampa, Florida , in November 2023. The sailing includes eight ports and nine sea days, with fares starting at $899 per person.

Want to plan a cruise? See the top cruises on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Email alerts

Sign up for email alerts to receive updates on discounted pricing through the cruise line websites, travel aggregators or your travel advisor. That way, you'll be the first to know about limited-time offers, last-minute deals or value-adds that may make the price just right.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts and traditional masted sailing ships. Most recently, she traveled on a small expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• How Much Does a Cruise Cost?
• The Trick to Finding Cheap Flights

Cheap Tropical Vacations

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Travel Tips , Budget Travel

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Your All-inclusive Vacation

Movie night or cocktail hour? Gelato or gourmet meals? Spa days or water sports? Why choose! All-inclusive vacations have it all … it’s in the name! Get the thrills, chills, and water spills all for a single price thanks to all-inclusive vacation deals designed with you in mind. You can curate your dream all-inclusive escape right here and relax knowing you’re heading for a hassle-free vacation. With many all-inclusive deals including flights, too, you can put your wallet away from the moment you click book.

Where can I find all-inclusive vacations?

As a family you can pick up cheap all-inclusive Mexico vacation packages , leaving you spare dollars to spend on the local attractions. Or you and the kids could plan a luxury once-in-a-lifetime all-inclusive trip to Thailand for sun, temples, and delicious cuisine. As a couple, you can fan those romantic flames at an adult-only all-inclusive hotel in the Caribbean or plan a honeymoon on an all-inclusive beach vacation in Fiji . We also have last-minute all-inclusive vacations ready to go at a moment’s notice. Whatever your style or budget, you can wrap all the accommodation, meals, snacks, and entertainment into a neat one-price parcel ready to unwrap on arrival. The bow on the top is knowing you’ve landed an amazing deal on Expedia.

Top destinations for All inclusive Vacations

Enjoy an all-inclusive Hawaiian vacation

Hawaii offers relaxing all-inclusive vacation experiences at beaches with tropical flair. You can enjoy tranquil accommodations just steps away from the shore with room for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and more. Plus, you can even go island hopping for a more inclusive experience to see what each Hawaiian island has to offer.

Find fun in an all-inclusive vacation to Mexico

Head south of the border to find all-inclusive vacations in Mexico that offer an endless array of things to do, including a thriving nightlife, inviting beaches, and fascinating historical sites. With all-inclusive package deals, you can find relaxation and luxury whether you choose to stay in the city or the countryside.

Relax with an all-inclusive vacation in Cancun

Live the dream with an all-inclusive vacation to Cancun, where you'll find spectacular white-sand beaches and inviting shores. You can enjoy international cuisine, shopping, and golf courses in addition to the vast array of water activities along the beach, like swimming, surfing, and even diving if you're looking for something more unique.

Discover an all-inclusive vacation to the Bahamas

Vacationing in the Bahamas is one of the most popular pastimes for travelers from all over the world. This Caribbean paradise was once a haven for pirates but now serves as a relaxing destination for people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. All-inclusive vacations make it all easier than ever to enjoy.

Explore all-inclusive Caribbean vacations

The Caribbean is heralded worldwide for its white, sandy beaches and turquoise-blue waters. You'll find plenty of opportunities to relax or go for a swim if you want to take it easy. More adventurous types will enjoy surfing and diving. Whatever your tastes, an all-inclusive vacation makes it easy to enjoy it all.

Go on an all-inclusive vacation in Florida

Head to the Theme Park Capital of the World or the numerous sandy beaches on the coast. Wherever you go in Florida, you'll never have to look very far to find something incredible, and an all-inclusive vacation package lets you enjoy it all easier than ever before. It's not an accident that Florida is among the top vacation destinations for Americans anywhere in the country.

Experience an all-inclusive vacation in Las Vegas

Visit the Entertainment Capital of the World for an unforgettable adventure that includes far more than world-class casinos. You'll find fine dining, shows, and unique experiences like race car driving. With an all-inclusive vacation in sunny Las Vegas, you can get a taste of it all easier than ever before all day and all night.

Everything you need to know about all-inclusive vacations

What are some of the benefits of booking an all-inclusive vacation.

From the moment you book your all-inclusive vacation package you can kick back knowing everything from your room to your cocktail choice is covered in your one-off fee. Indulge in a bounty of local and international foods, try new activities, and put away your purse on the ultimate stress-free vacation.

How can I find an all-inclusive vacation for adults only?

Use the ‘all inclusive’ filter, then look for hotels listed as ‘adults only’. Many adults only resorts are also all-inclusive, like Excellence Punta Cana - Adults Only All Inclusive on a stretch of private soft sand, with a swim-up bar. Narrow your choice further by choosing amenities like ‘gym’ or ‘spa’ and discover places like the gorgeous Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya All Inclusive - Adults Only resort, which has a stunning spa on palm lined shores.

Are there all-inclusive vacation spots in the US?

Yes, enjoy a US all-inclusive vacation where no passport is needed. From ski resorts and city breaks to the beaches of Florida and islands of Hawaii —find your perfect vacation from an abundance of impressive all-inclusive packages in the USA .

What are some of the best destinations for cheap all-inclusive vacations?

For a choice of all-inclusive vacation packages that won’t break the bank, Expedia’s latest deals on all-inclusive vacations in Mexico include budget-friendly resorts packed with impressive amenities on pristine beaches. Or enjoy Caribbean charm with competitive prices when you choose one of the many Jamaica all-inclusive vacation packages .

Do all-inclusive vacations include airfare?

You can choose all-inclusive vacation packages with airfare included by clicking the ‘packages’ button, or book all-inclusive hotels without flights by clicking on the ‘stays’ button. You’ll discover big savings on Expedia when you bundle flights with your all-inclusive hotel, so take a look.

How can I find the best deals on all-inclusive vacations?

Simply enter your travel details, click, and feast your eyes on incredible, ready-to-book all-inclusive vacation deals. Different times of year can affect prices, so try alternative dates if your travel plans are flexible. It’s also important to check exactly what is and isn't included in your all-inclusive hotel deal to ensure you choose the right one.

What are some of the best destinations for an all-inclusive Caribbean vacation?

Caribbean all-inclusive vacations are hard to beat, but each place has its own unique vibe. Taste spiced delicacies and hear that reggae beat with a Jamaica all-inclusive vacation package . Dominican Republic all-inclusive vacation packages offer gorgeous beaches and great value resorts. For never-ending beaches along the Caribbean coast of Mexico, head to Cancun .

Can I book an all-inclusive package with free cancellation and/or flexible dates?

Many all-inclusive hotels and resorts offer free cancellation, so you won’t be out of pocket if your plans change. Some hotels are less flexible, and all have a cancellation deadline—so check the hotel’s policy before you book.

Why should I book an all-inclusive package with Expedia?

At Expedia it’s easy to find and book your dream all-inclusive vacation package so you can experience what makes all-inclusive vacations the ultimate stress-free escape. See an incredible selection of destinations and deals with a few clicks.

Beach Vacations

Kid Friendly Vacations

Golf Vacations

Luxury Vacations

Romantic Vacations

Ski Vacations

LGBTQ Friendly Vacations

Adventure Vacations

Where to go when

Top all inclusive vacation destinations.

• Caribbean All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Puerto Rico All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• USA All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Maldives All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Fiji All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Aruba All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Thailand All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Bahamas All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Cancun All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Mexico All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Bora Bora All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Hawaii All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Jamaica All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Florida All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Costa Rica All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Las Vegas All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Punta Cana All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Cabo San Lucas All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Dominican Republic All Inclusive Vacation Packages
• Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive Vacation Packages

All-inclusive resort or cruise – which is best?

“Club Tropicana, drinks are free… Fun and sunshine, there’s enough for everyone,” so sang George Michael in Wham!’s famous 1980s paean to the nascent all-inclusive. In the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, ‘free’ booze and no bill sounded and looked – if you were anywhere near a pool in Ibiza with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley – like holiday utopia. 

Drinks weren’t really free, but the idea that you could pay up-front to eat and imbibe, and be assured that you wouldn’t be presented with a terrifying bill at the end, was a novel concept, particularly for budget-conscious families and sun-seeking partygoers. 

It still offers considerable appeal in our cash-strapped times, which may explain why all-inclusives have had something of a renaissance. Cruising offers similar peace of mind and plenty to do with kids clubs, waterslides and Disney princesses on board – though alcohol isn’t always free. During both types of holiday, the entertainment comes to you and you’ll never have to flinch at the prices on the menu. 

But which type of holiday is best? Our writer put them both to the test.

Destination

Children’s clubs, food and drink.

• Hidden costs 

All-inclusive

Club Med founders Gilbert Trigano and Gérard Blitz, who dreamt up the all-inclusive concept in the 1950s, had beaches and sunshine in mind. But skiers also favoured the all-in pricing model. Europe’s slopes were a win-win for the brand, which opened its first Alpine village at Leysin in Switzerland in 1956 ( clubmed.co.uk ).

Traditional sunshine strongholds Mexico and the Caribbean – where Butch Stewart picked up the mantel with his Sandals brand – still account for a big slice of the all-inclusive pie, but the net has spread further to include Cuba, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Montenegro, Cape Verde and the Azores. Further afield there are all-inclusive resorts in Kenya, Thailand (mostly Phuket) and the Maldives and Mauritius. Turkish-owned Rixos ( rixos.com ) has recently opened resorts in Qatar and Doha, while Tui ( tui.co.uk ) and First Choice ( firstchoice.co.uk ) offer several resorts in Costa Rica. 

Cruise 

An average week or 10-day ocean cruise can tick-off several different destinations in one country, or across several countries in one trip. If you have a bit longer, it can take you round the world. Three-month world cruise itineraries cross continents, sail several seas and oceans, visit scores of capital cities and offer hundreds of excursion opportunities. 

And let’s not forget off-grid but accessible by water destinations such as the Galapagos, the Pitcairn Islands and Antarctica. River cruises follow the course of most navigable rivers, from the Amazon to the Zambezi. The Mekong, the Mississippi and the Ganges are among their more adventurous destinations. 

Whether beach or mountain-based, most all-inclusive resorts feature an activities element. Sandals comes up trumps, with free scuba at its Caribbean dive resorts and multiple rounds of golf and green fees at top courses in Jamaica, St Lucia and the Bahamas. 

Meanwhile, guests at Rixos resorts in Turkey have free daily access to The Land of the Legends Theme Park in Antalya – which means big savings in peak periods. This Easter, there are also egg hunts as well as giant egg-painting: a week at Premium Tekirova costs from £2,390 for four adults and two children, departing on March 30.

Watersports not your bag? Ikos Oceania in Halkidiki can provide a Tesla Model 3 at no extra cost for one day’s exploration as well as a culture pass to local museums. At Ikos resorts ( ikosresorts.com ), spa access is free between 8am to 8pm. 

If you’re after more than a typical beach holiday, check the activities part of a hotel website to find out what’s included. The adults-only Sanctuary Cap Cana ( sanctuarycapcana.com ) in the Dominican Republic offers Spanish classes and, at the House of Aia on Mexico’s Riviera Maya ( thehouseofaia.com ), a ‘personal growth’ programme includes 20 classes, ceremonies and rituals from visiting guides.

If you have adventurous teens in tow, the US offers some interesting options. At the historic Castle Hot Springs in Arizona ( castlehotsprings.com ) there’s axe-throwing, cruiser bikes, geothermal hot springs and creekside hammocks for lazing in, while, further north in scenic Wyoming, Scott Dunn has stays at Brush Creek Ranch, set in 30,000 acres of sage-bush prairie where you can ride, fish or take to the landscape by ATV ( scottdunn.com ).

With distractions ranging from rock-climbing walls and ropes courses to simulated surfing, via encounters with Star Wars, Marvel and Disney Pixar characters, cruising sets a high bar for activities. And on land, there are excursions – sometimes included – for every type of passenger. 

It’s not just families who benefit. Swan Hellenic ( swanhellenic.com ) has teamed up with Deepak Chopra to offer wellbeing voyages, while adult-only ships offer films under the stars or in theatres, lectures from wildlife experts and historians, opportunities for citizen science, celebrity speakers, casinos and activities ranging from dance lessons to art and photography classes. Virgin ( virginvoyages.com ) also puts on DJ sets and pool and dance parties. And let’s not forget the main event – a new place to explore every day.

Newer resorts have really lifted the bar. At its properties along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, Rixos rolls out the red carpet for families with a Rixy Kids Club that has cooking and pottery lessons as well as football and dance academies. At Rixos Sungate, where the kids’ club is set around a splash park in a forest, children can learn to code using Lego robotics.

At Ikos Resorts’ collection of luxury properties in Spain and Greece, kids’ clubs are run in line with UK Ofsted standards. Meanwhile, Tui’s family-friendly resorts come with kids’ clubs and a seven-day line-up of activities including creative sessions. Mini Club Med offers trapeze lessons, introductory water-skiing, horse-riding, cooking classes, games and nature discovery activities. For older kids (11-17), there’s film design, DJ sessions and dedicated areas in which to hang out. 

If you’re travelling with very small children or have ambitious activities in mind, check the small print: like lots of childcare for babies and toddlers, Petit Club Med and Baby Club Med both cost extra. Motorised water sports often incur a fee at all-inclusives while some resorts impose limits on the number of windsurfing or other tutored lessons.

Cruise ships do a stellar job when it comes to children’s clubs, with all ages well catered for. Most resort ships divide clubs into four age groups and some, including P&O Cruises ( pocruises.com ), offer free babysitting. Royal Caribbean ( royalcaribbean.com ) has an adventure science lab for budding junior scientists as well as baby and tots programmes for those aged six to 36 months. Celebrity Cruises has a STEM at Sea partnership with The Frost Science Museum (Equinox and Edge-class ships; celebritycruises.com ).

P&O Cruises is particularly well set up for those with kids in tow, with round-the-clock children’s clubs on its family-friendly ships and family-oriented shore excursions. MSC Cruises ( msccruises.co.uk ) has baby, mini, junior, young and teen clubs. The latter offers Xbox and PS4 tournaments, a Drone Academy, flash mobs and dance offs. Disney Dream ( disneycruise.disney.go.com ) has some imaginative offerings too, including the Jedi Training Academy and the opportunity to hang out with characters from the Toy Story trilogy.

You get what you pay for. If that’s sun and sea and a good four-star family resort, expect two or three bars and a standard buffet: a week at the Iberostar Bellevue in Montenegro costs £1,562 in mid-May ( iberostar.com ). Pay a bit more and you’ll be rewarded with more imaginative menus. At Ikos Porto Petro in Majorca, five à la carte restaurants serve meals inspired by Michelin-starred chefs (from £2,470pp with Sovereign; sovereign.com ).

Ikos also has curated “dine out” programmes that encourage guests to eat at local restaurants – including a rustic tapas joint in Estepona, an agriturismo in Ibiza and a buzzy beachfront spot in Marbella. Sandals ( sandals.co.uk ) has similar in Curaçao and Nassau. Caribbean all-inclusives generally offer three or four restaurants – and maybe a pop-up beach venue or barbecue night.

Think cruise, think buffet, right? Wrong. Standards are high, with new ships offering a plethora of cuisines, dining styles and venues along with healthy options and dietary alternatives. You’re as likely to find vegan muffins and bee-pollen at the breakfast buffet as a Full English. 

Silversea and Virgin have ditched the buffet altogether. Partnerships with chefs including Marco Pierre White and Eric Lanlard (P&O Cruises), Relais & Chateau (Silversea; silversea.com ), Jacques Pepin (Holland America Line; hollandamerica.com ) and Thomas Keller (Seabourn; seabourn.com ) have also made a difference. Crystal ( crystalcruises.com ) has a Japanese restaurant masterminded by Nobu while wine presenter Olly Smith helms the Glasshouse on some P&O ships. 

Silversea, Holland America Line and Oceania ( oceaniacruises.com ) are highly regarded among foodies and Regent Seven Seas ( rssc.com ) offers some stylish settings while Celebrity’s newer ships have roof-top gardens and over-the-sea dining. Fine dining can cost extra, depending on the ship, but expect to pay around £15 on top for three courses, which might just include one of the finest steaks you’ll ever eat. 

All-inclusive 

It’s a broad-brush summation but for something established, refined and ‘old-school’ romantic – think castaway beaches, palm fronds gently buffeted by warm trade winds, knock-out views and honeymoon havens – the Caribbean is a safe bet. The likes of Jumby Bay ( oetkercollection.com ), Spice Island Resort ( spiceislandbeachresort.com ), Necker ( virginlimitededition.com ) and Curtain Bluff ( curtainbluff.com ) are famous for a reason. 

The Maldives attracts a discerning international clientele while, in Europe, there are affordable package resorts where screaming kids are well tolerated. At the stylish new kids on the block (think Ikos and Grecotel Luxme; grecotel.com ), Poppy and Miles only scream in the privacy of the rooms however. 

Skiers are too busy skiing, too knackered or too busy partying to care about trifles like the vibe. If in doubt opt for Club Med, where most people speak French. 

It varies enormously across ships. River ships are tranquil, geared to sightseeing and generally follow an up-early and early-to-bed routine. Large resort ships can feel like theme parks, with entertainment into the wee hours; smaller ships go out of their way to leave passengers alone and provide impressive libraries and spaces for quiet contemplation. Viking ( vikingcruises.co.uk ), Silversea and Seabourn excel at this. Then there are the tall ships such as Sea Cloud ( seacloud.com ) and those in the Star Clipper fleet ( starclippercruises.co.uk ), where you’ll spend most of your time on deck watching the wind make the sails dance. 

Some liners take a ship-within-a-ship approach, with exclusive areas, pools and services – at a cost. MSC has the Yacht Club while Norwegian Cruise Line ( ncl.com ), Royal Caribbean and P&O have premium areas with pools and separate menus. Cunard ( cunard.com ) has the Grills Suites. 

If you’re after a more intimate, house-party atmosphere (complete with Surrey types, ex-boat owners and ‘non-cruisers’), opt for a yacht-style cruise ship from Ponant ( uk.ponant.com ), SeaDream ( seadream.com ), Scenic Eclipse ( scenic.co.uk ) or one of a handful of Windstar ships ( windstarcruises.com ).

Hidden costs All-inclusive

Do question the headline price, especially if booking via a third party. In January 2024, a Which? survey of 2,000 holidaymakers revealed key omissions from some operators, including soft drinks. Those who booked with the cheapest provider, lastminute.com , were forking out an extra £367 per week on average for extras. 

Operators take different approaches to inclusions. BA Holidays says: “Expect your holiday to include flights and accommodation, all three meals and snacks in between. Drinks are included too but expect house wine and local spirits unless otherwise stated.” EasyJet’s small print states: “What’s included in the all-inclusive package varies vastly between hotels. When booking your holiday be sure to look at the board description.”

Premium restaurants often cost more, but at the Oaks IBN Battuta in Dubai for example (where a week costs from £989pp through loveholidays.com ) the price includes à la carte restaurants and in-room breakfast. In all cases the two-clicks-away small print was clear. Read it. If in doubt, use the chat function, talk to a travel agent or pick up the phone.

All cruises include accommodation, dining, entertainment and access to pools and the other fun facilities, but Wi-Fi, drinks – alcohol and soda – and tips and room service might not be included. Tips are automatically added to cruise bills on a per passenger, per day basis. Expect to pay for service on spa and beauty treatments and bar drinks.

If you plan on drinking every day, pay for a drinks package (there are alcohol-free packages, too). Celebrity Cruises alcoholic drinks packages start at around £55 per day and Cunard’s soft drinks package starts from around £8.50 per day. Princess Cruises’ Wi-Fi, tips and drinks bundle costs £50pp per day ( princess.com ). 

Though you’ll still pay extra to tip for beauty services, some truly all-inclusive lines also include Wi-Fi, limitless premium drinks, a free mini-bar, most service fees and some excursions. Some also include airfares and a pre- or post-cruise hotel night. Take a look at Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Viking, Crystal and Seabourn. 

Which wins?

The all-inclusive concept has evolved – there’s no room for holiday snobbery in 2024. If all you want is a hassle-free place to relax by a pool or on the beach and forget about daily expenses, this is as good as it gets. But if you intend to stay longer than a week or haven’t been to the destination before, do some research. You may tire of the same sand, sun loungers and restaurants while venturing out to drink and dine makes little financial sense.

If you’ve a thirst for new places, a cruise offers all of the above plus the bonus of a new port of call most days – without the need to unpack. You’ll never get bored of the changing views and, as for feeling claustrophobic, you can disembark every day (though you don’t have to). Plenty of ships overnight in port, so you can dine ashore too. 

Cruises score bonus points for once-in-a-lifetime experiences too. Unless you own a boat, how else do you experience the romance of a dawn arrival in Manhattan, a sunset sail out of Sydney or your first glimpse of porpoising penguins in the Galapagos?

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This expedition cruise line will move to all-inclusive pricing later this year

Planning an expedition cruise with HX just got simpler.

The brand is moving to an all-inclusive model beginning this fall, bundling more experiences and amenities in its base fares. Regular-grade cabins will include breakfast, lunch and dinner with house wine and beer; Wi-Fi; gratuities; daily expeditions and activities; expedition gear guests can take home and more (a full list can be found here ).

Most of those already come at no extra charge, but the change brings them under one umbrella and expands the inclusions with alcoholic beverages outside of meals.

“We want our guests to fully embrace being curious travellers when they’re with us,” HX’s Chief Commercial Officer, Alex Delamere-White, said in a news release. “By making things as easy as possible, they can focus on exploring remote parts of the world and learning from our expert team. We believe adventure should be all-inclusive, which is why our daily expeditions, talks and access to the science centre come at no extra cost, alongside delicious food and drink.”

Are cruise drink packages worth it?: Not always

HX made the change following feedback from passengers and partners, he added. The new model will be implemented first on voyages to Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands departing in October before being rolled out to the whole fleet and all destinations the following month.

The news comes after the operator rebranded from Hurtigruten Expeditions in December.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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