All inclusive cruise

[kellogs100]

Perhaps a stupid question but are they all all inclusive?

[blackcat77]

My OH and I have done two Egyptian cruises up the Nile and also around 5 Caribbean islands, both on inclusive terms. The meals are free (and nice food on both!) but you have to pay for drinks (alcoholic or soft - and water) and obviously any trips you take and money for food and drinks when you are on a trip. Also tips when you leave the boat at the end of the cruise.
What type of cruise are you considering? We enjoyed the cruises we have done and may go again sometime.

[lesblue]

My wife and I took our first cruise in the Summer. We were not all-inclusive, but our friends paid (I think about �300 p.p for two weeks) to upgrade to the all-inclusive facility. Their drinks on board (and of course all meals) were then free, while my wife and I had to pay for our drinks.

The only extras incurred by our friends were for special drinks (i.e. cocktails or "top of the range" spirits), otherwise, yes, everything except excursions was FREE.

I suppose it just depends on how much you are thinking of spending on drinks.

[jno]

Read the fine print. On Ocean Village the proce includes not just the cabin but the flight, all meals and tips too. Not incuded: drinks, excursions (this is where they make their real money) and a modest surcharge to eat in the fancier restaurant. Some upmarket lines include drinks too but they're generally more expensive lines anyway.

[kellogs100]

Thanks. It's so confusing. We were thinking of going on a caribbean cruise.

[auntiebertie]

OK, they are generally all inclusive regarding your food and entertainment. Normal extras on board are alcoholic beverages, tipping, casino, spa treatments, speciality coffees and teas, icecreams, and shore excursions. Yes there are lines where booze is included, such as Seabourn and Silverseas but to be honest you have to drink your own bodyweight every day to justify the prices they charge. If you are looking for a Caribbean cruise all the major lines go there, so you need to get yourself all the brochures and look through them and decide for yourself what sort of ship you want - 200 passengers up to 3600 passengers. The BEST site in the world for cruisers is http://boards.cruisecritic.com/ and from here there is a link to each individual line, and to the various Ports of Call. My suggestion is to read read read the various reviews of the ships to see what one you like best, or what line best suits you. You can do this at www.cruisecritic.com and then click on the link half way down that says 'read members reviews' - then just select your ship. Finally if you are asking for a recommendation (which you didn't!!) I would say go for the newer larger lines with more bling factor - Royal Caribbean are generally considered to be the best. I would avoid the old tug-boats such as Thomson or Island cruises....hope that helps.