Inclusive vs A La Carte Cruises
Two honest pricing models for two kinds of cruiser.
Get an All-In Cruise QuoteInclusive vs A La Carte Cruises: Side by Side
Both pricing models are honest; they just suit different travelers. This side-by-side view helps you decide which one fits the way you cruise, before you compare individual lines.
The Comparison
| A la carte | Inclusive | |
|---|---|---|
| Fare | Lower headline fare | Higher headline fare |
| Drinks | Pay as you go or buy a package | Bundled, to a level set by the line |
| Gratuities | Usually added daily on board | Often included or prepaid |
| Wi-Fi | Usually a package | Often included |
| Specialty dining | Usually extra | Often included on luxury lines |
| Excursions | Extra | Included or credited on some lines |
| Ship style | Often larger ships with more activities | Often smaller, quieter ships |
| Budget control | Flexible, but easy to overspend | Predictable |
Inclusions change. Lines revise what their fares include, sometimes by market and fare type. We describe what each line publishes at the time of writing; always confirm the inclusions on your own quote before you book.
Who Each Model Suits
A la carte suits families, light drinkers, independent port explorers and travelers who want the biggest choice of ships and itineraries. You pay for what you use, and many of the best experiences on board — shows, pools, the main restaurants — are included anyway.
Inclusive suits travelers who enjoy wine with dinner and a drink at sunset, who want specialty restaurants without counting, and who prefer not to see a bill at the end. It also suits anyone who values knowing the total before they leave home.
The Middle Ground
Bundled fares on mainstream lines sit between the two: big-ship variety with the drinks and Wi-Fi question settled in advance. They are worth pricing against buying the same packages separately, because the answer varies by sailing and by who is in the cabin. Our sister site Ask the Cruise Specialists explains individual packages, and the Official Cruise Directory and Official Travel Directory list cruise and travel businesses if you are researching more widely.
Whichever model you choose, ask for a written list of inclusions and compare the total cost, not the fare.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- How many alcoholic drinks would I really have each day, if I were paying for each one?
- Do I need to be online every day, or only now and then?
- Will I eat in specialty restaurants, or am I happy in the main dining room?
- Will I book an organised tour in most ports, or explore on my own?
- Do I prefer a big ship full of activities, or a smaller, quieter one?
- Would a final bill on the last night spoil the trip for me?
Answer honestly, and the right model usually becomes obvious. If it does not, price both; the difference is often smaller, or larger, than people expect.
Families deserve a special note. Children rarely need a drinks package, many family activities are included on big ships, and some bundles apply only to adults in the cabin. A la carte often wins for families, with one or two chosen packages, but run the numbers for your own group.
Not Sure Which Model Fits?
Describe your perfect cruise day. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will price an inclusive and an a la carte option side by side. Free.
Get Both Options