One of the best things about cruising is the idea of knowing the total cost of your vacation up front, before you even step onboard. Yet while some cruise lines offer packages you can add to the base fare to make your next vacation more inclusive, only a handful of options are truly all-inclusive cruises. On these lines, everything from specialty dining and drinks to Wi-Fi and gratuities is included in your upfront cost. Some cruise lines even offer extras like airfare and shore excursions in the all-inclusive pricing.
While all-inclusive cruises are often more expensive than the traditional family-friendly lines, many cruisers (myself included) are wowed by the level of service and onboard amenities the up-front pricing affords. Also, since
many all-inclusive cruise lines sail on smaller vessels than the mega cruise lines, nothing ever feels too crowded—and you're able to visit more interesting and off-the-beaten-path destinations, too.
As a frequent cruiser who's sailed with cruise lines across the price and service-level spectrum, here are my picks for the very best all-inclusive cruise lines, as well as details on what to expect when you set off on your voyage.
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National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
If your ideal vacation means getting your hands dirty and learning something new, then you'll love National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. The all-inclusive cruise line sails to destinations like the Mediterranean, South America, the Galapagos, and the South Pacific. I've sailed with the brand to Iceland, and it was easily one of the most educational trips I've ever taken, and the daily activities pushed me outside my comfort zone. One of my favorite parts of the trip was the polar plunge, where I willingly jumped off a floating platform into 45-degree water.
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While the tours and excursions are fun, the inclusions on National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions bring value to the overall cruise cost. With your base cruise fare, you'll get a range of excursions as indicated on the itinerary, use of water gear like paddleboards and kayaks, meals, drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and more.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages brings all-inclusive cruising to a new level with high-end yachts that carry fewer than 400 passengers per sailing. Cruises go around the world, from Africa to Antarctica, allowing you to check something off your bucket list. Because you're sailing on a smaller vessel, you can dock at some of the world's most interesting ports of call and venture on foot or by zodiac. Depending on your chosen itinerary, you'll experience everything from wildlife treks to culinary-based excursions. Atlas Ocean Voyages sailings include meals and drinks, 24-hour room service, gratuities, binoculars and walking sticks, and select cultural experiences onboard and ashore.
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Explora Journeys
With some of the largest luxury ships at sea, Explora Journeys affords more space while upholding highly attentive, personalized service—a hallmark of all-inclusive cruises. Its all-suite ships also feel more relaxed, boasting a home-at-sea feel rather than a large, bustling cruise ship. All ships feature indoor and outdoor pools, an opulent spa where you can be pampered, luxury shopping, and itinerary-inspired entertainment.
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So what's included in the cost? Each ship in the fleet has nine dining experiences, ranging from Italian and Pan-Asian to steakhouses and French fare. You'll also get unlimited drinks, the spa's thermal suites, group fitness classes, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and port shuttles.
Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas is known for its ultra-luxury cruises. As someone who has sailed on Seven Seas Grandeur, I can attest that everything is over-the-top in the best way possible. The moment you step onto the ship, the cruise team greets you warmly and whisks your luggage to your suite as you enjoy a glass of champagne. The onboard spaces are inviting and cozy, with plenty of nooks to enjoy a cup of coffee and a book. While exploring the ship, be sure to look at the art collection. Seven Seas Grandeur boasts three pieces by Pablo Picasso and one of 55 Fabergé eggs.
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The list of always-included amenities is vast, regardless of which suite type you choose. These include unlimited shore excursions, open bar, specialty dining, customizable mini-suite, unlimited access to spa facilities, Wi-Fi, prepaid gratuities, laundry service, and in-room dining.
Crystal
Everyone is treated like royalty on Crystal. The all-inclusive cruise line and its two ships (and one more coming in 2028) have decades of stories and a loyal base of cruisers who return again and again because of the spectacular onboard crew. One of the biggest perks is butler service for every guest in all suite categories. For foodies, Crystal has one of the best dining programs, including the only Beefbar by Riccardo Giraudi and Nobu by Nobu Matsuhisa (called Umi Ama onboard) at sea.
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Your cruise fare includes all dining, plus at least one reservation at each specialty restaurant per cruise. Unlimited drinks, butler service, gratuities, and Wi-Fi come standard.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
If you're looking for an effortless vacation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection may be the perfect fit. Sailings range from three to 15 nights, so you can always find a trip that suits your budget and schedule. The brand currently sails with three vessels, ranging from the smaller 149-suite Evrima to the larger 226-suite Luminara.
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One thing that stands out about The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is that you can use your bank of Marriott Bonvoy points to book your cruise. Your cruise fare includes all meals (except for one restaurant), drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and watersports equipment.
Seabourn
Seabourn's all-inclusive cruises have a distinct country club vibe. Carrying just a few hundred passengers per ship, Seabourn’s all-suite vessels emphasize comfort, intimacy, and perhaps most of all, food. All onboard restaurants—plus caviar and Champagne on demand—are covered. Other included amenities are premium spirits and wine, gratuities, and Wi-Fi.
What I love most about Seabourn is its range of Signature Events, which are also included in your base cruise cost. Signature Events are often food-based, with options ranging from Caviar in the Surf (warm-weather cruises only), where the ship's expert crew serve caviar to you in the water just off a pristine beach, to Caviar on The Ice (cold-weather cruisesonly), where you can enjoy caviar and Champagne on the upper decks overlooking some of nature's most majestic icy landscapes. If caviar isn't your thing, then shopping with the ship's chef in regional markets around the world may be a better option. If you ask me, I'm attending all three.
Silversea
Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to sail with Silversea on the brand's world cruise. While I didn't get to go around the world in 140 days like many other passengers, during my two weeks onboard, I learned just why Silversea is one of the top choices for an all-inclusive cruise.
My journey, and yours if you choose to sail with Silversea, included plenty of upscale amenities, including butler service (mine often made sure I had an afternoon snack in my room after I returned from the pool), fine wines and spirits, and a wide choice of dining. I implore you to check out the S.A.L.T. Bar (Sea and Land Taste), which offers a rotating drink menu based on where the ship is currently sailing. Additionally, gratuities and Wi-Fi are always included.
8 best all-inclusive cruise lines in the world for 2027 originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
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Editor's note: This story contains reporting from Gina Kramer. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com, LuxuryVacationist.com, and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These 8 all-inclusive cruises leave little left to pay for onboard
