All-Inclusive Alaska Cruises Are They Worth It

All-inclusive Alaska cruises typically cover accommodations, meals, entertainment, and basic amenities, but often exclude alcohol, specialty dining, excursions, and gratuities. They’re worth it for travelers seeking convenience and budget predictability. However, standard cruise fares already include substantial amenities, so carefully compare what’s truly “all-inclusive” versus regular packages before deciding.

Quick Facts: All-Inclusive Alaska Cruise Breakdown

Want to know more about planning your perfect Alaska cruise itinerary and choosing the right ship? We’ve got you covered with comprehensive guides.

Decoding “All-Inclusive” in Alaska Cruise Language

Here’s the thing that trips up most first-time cruisers: “all-inclusive” doesn’t mean the same thing to every cruise line. It’s kind of like how “organic” gets slapped on everything at the grocery store. Some cruise lines are genuinely generous with their inclusions while others are just rebranding what used to be standard cruise fare.

Traditional cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian offer what most people would call a “cruise-inclusive” package. You get your room, meals at main venues, entertainment, and access to pools and fitness areas. That’s actually pretty fantastic when you think about it – three meals a day plus snacks, Broadway-style shows, and floating hotel accommodations all rolled into one price.

Then you have the luxury Alaska cruise options from lines like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea. These are what I’d call “actually all-inclusive” because they throw in premium alcohol, gratuities, WiFi, and sometimes even shore excursions. The sticker shock is real though – we’re talking three to five times the cost of a standard cruise.

What Premium Lines Actually Include

• Top-shelf spirits and wines: Not just the house wine that tastes like it came from a box, but actual good stuff you’d order at a nice restaurant
• Specialty dining without reservations fees: Want Italian tonight and steakhouse tomorrow? Go wild
• Prepaid gratuities: No awkward envelope-stuffing or surprise charges on the last day
• Shore excursions: Some luxury lines include at least one per port, though premium experiences often cost extra
• WiFi that actually works: Because Zoom calls don’t take a vacation even if you do

The Math You Need to Do Before Booking

Let’s get practical here. The average cruiser spends an additional $50-100 per person per day on extras during an Alaska cruise. Over a seven-day sailing that’s $350-700 per person added to your base fare. Now compare that to what you’d pay for a genuinely all-inclusive package.

Here’s my insider trick: Make a honest list of what you actually want. Not what sounds good in theory but what you’ll genuinely use.

Your Personal All-Inclusive Calculator

• Drinks: Planning to have 3-4 cocktails daily? That’s roughly $60-80 per day. Wine with dinner adds another $30-50. Beverage packages run $50-90 per person daily
• Specialty dining: Most ships charge $25-50 per person for upscale restaurants. Foodies might dine out 3-4 times during the week
• Excursions: Budget $150-300 per person per port. Popular activities like helicopter glacier tours or whale watching expeditions sit at the higher end
• Gratuities: Expect $14-16 per person per day on mainstream lines
• WiFi: Packages run $15-30 per day depending on speed and data limits

Understanding the total cost of an Alaska cruise including hidden expenses helps you make an informed decision about whether all-inclusive makes financial sense.

Hidden Fees That Aren’t So Inclusive

Even on cruises marketed as all-inclusive there are sneaky charges that’ll appear on your bill like uninvited guests. I learned this the hard way when my “included” shore excursion didn’t cover the national park entrance fee. Oops.

Watch Out For These Add-Ons

• Port fees and taxes: These government-mandated charges appear separately and can add $200-400 per person to any cruise
• Premium excursions: Even luxury lines often exclude high-adventure activities like flightseeing or fishing charters
• Spa services: That massage you desperately need after hiking? Not included anywhere
• Photos: Professional photographers are lurking everywhere and those glacier backdrop shots cost $15-30 each
• Retail therapy: The onboard shops don’t care what package you booked
• Medical services: Seasickness patches and doctor visits hit your credit card

When All-Inclusive Actually Makes Sense

I’m not here to talk you out of all-inclusive packages because for some travelers they’re absolutely brilliant. The key is knowing if you’re that traveler.

You’re a Great Candidate If:

• You’re a big drinker: Not judging but if you enjoy multiple cocktails daily plus wine with dinner, beverage packages pay for themselves quickly
• You hate budgeting on vacation: Some people find tracking expenses stressful and would rather pay more upfront for peace of mind
• You love specialty dining: Foodies who want to try every restaurant onboard benefit from unlimited access
• You’re celebrating something special: Honeymoons and milestone anniversaries deserve the splurge
• You’re booking a suite anyway: Premium accommodations often come with inclusive perks automatically so you’re already partway there

Standard Packages Work Better When:

• You’re a casual drinker: Paying $15 for an occasional cocktail beats a $700 beverage package
• You prefer main dining: The included restaurants serve excellent food and huge variety
• You’re selective with excursions: Booking independently or choosing just one or two tours keeps costs manageable
• You’re traveling with kids: Children don’t need drink packages and often eat free or cheap already
• You enjoy exploring ports independently: Walking around town and finding local spots beats organized tours for many travelers

Check out our guide on comparing budget and luxury Alaska cruise experiences to see what matters most for your travel style.

Smart Strategies to Maximize Value

Whether you go all-inclusive or standard here are some insider moves that’ll make you feel like a cruise veteran.

Before You Book

• Read the fine print obsessively: I mean every word. “Complimentary beverages” might only mean drip coffee and tap water
• Ask specific questions: Email the cruise line and get answers in writing about exactly what’s covered
• Compare apples to apples: Run the numbers on identical cabins with and without inclusive packages
• Look for promotions: Cruise lines frequently offer free beverage packages or specialty dining as booking incentives
• Book early for better deals: Our tips on the best time to book Alaska cruises can save you serious money

Onboard Money-Saving Tricks

• Bring your own wine: Most cruise lines allow one or two bottles per person with a small corkage fee that’s way cheaper than buying onboard
• Skip the soda package: Ask for a cup of ice water then hit the lemonade or juice at the buffet
• Attend the art auctions: Free champagne even if you’re not buying anything
• Room service breakfast: It’s included on most lines and beats paying for specialty breakfast venues
• Happy hour specials: Many bars offer drink discounts during slow times

Looking for more ways to save? Check out our comprehensive guide on cutting costs without sacrificing your Alaska cruise experience.

The Shore Excursion Dilemma

This is where all-inclusive packages get really interesting because shore excursions are often the biggest variable expense on an Alaska cruise. Some luxury lines include them while others charge extra even at premium price points.

Cruise Line vs. Independent Excursions

Here’s something most people don’t realize: you’re not required to book excursions through the ship. Independent operators often charge 20-40% less for identical experiences. The trade-off? The ship won’t wait if your independent tour runs late.

Cruise Line Excursion Advantages:

• Guaranteed ship will wait if the tour is delayed
• Vetted operators with insurance and safety standards
• Easy booking through your cruise account
• Refundable if the ship can’t dock

Independent Tour Benefits:

• Significant cost savings on popular activities
• Smaller group sizes for more personal experience
• More flexible timing and customization
• Support local businesses directly

Beverage Packages: Math That Matters

Beverage packages are the most common add-on people consider and they deserve their own calculation. Most cruise lines require everyone in the cabin over 21 to purchase the same package which can get expensive fast.

Break-Even Points

A typical unlimited drink package costs $50-90 per person per day. With cocktails averaging $12-15 and specialty coffees around $5-7 you need to consume about 5-7 drinks daily to break even. That includes your morning latte, afternoon beer, cocktails before dinner, wine with your meal, and nightcap.

Here’s the kicker: Most people overestimate how much they’ll actually drink on a cruise. You’re exhausted from excursions, you’re eating constantly, and early morning glacier viewing doesn’t mix well with hangovers. Be honest about your consumption patterns.

The Luxury Line Reality

Since we’re being transparent here, luxury all-inclusive cruises to Alaska offer an undeniably superior experience. The staff-to-guest ratio is higher, the cabins are larger, and the whole vibe is more refined. But you’re paying for that refinement.

A weeklong Alaska cruise on Regent or Silversea runs $5,000-12,000 per person depending on cabin category. Compare that to $800-2,500 on mainstream lines. Even adding $1,500 in extras to your budget cruise doesn’t match luxury pricing.

However if you were already planning to book a suite on a premium ship and add all the packages anyway, the price gap narrows considerably. That’s when luxury all-inclusive starts making mathematical sense beyond just the pampering factor.

Explore various all-inclusive cruise options and what they truly offer across different cruise lines and destinations.

Timing Your Booking for Maximum Value

The cruise industry plays pricing games that would make airline revenue managers jealous. Understanding these patterns helps you snag better deals on all-inclusive packages.

When Inclusive Packages Go on Sale

• Wave season (January through March): Cruise lines offer their best promotions to fill ships for upcoming Alaska season
• Last-minute deals (within 90 days): Deeply discounted fares pop up but cabin selection is limited
• Repositioning cruises: Shoulder season sailings when ships move to/from Alaska offer steep discounts
• Group bookings: Traveling with 8+ people often unlocks free amenities or onboard credits

Discover the best current Alaska cruise deals and promotions to maximize your budget.

Understanding Cancellation Policies

All-inclusive packages often come with stricter cancellation terms than standard bookings. Since you’re prepaying for more services the cruise lines want commitment.

Most mainstream lines allow cancellations up to 75-90 days before departure with minimal penalties. Luxury all-inclusive cruises might require 120+ days notice. Always purchase travel insurance if you’re booking far in advance or have any health concerns.

Learn about Alaska cruise deposit requirements and cancellation policies before you commit.

Bonus Tips From a Cruise Insider

These are the things nobody tells you until you’ve done a few cruises and figured them out through trial and error (mostly error).

• Set your onboard account to cash only: Prevents accidental overspending when you sign for things without thinking
• Download the cruise line app before boarding: Many apps let you make dining reservations and book activities before the wifi gets congested
• Bring a highlighter for the daily schedule: Old school but effective for marking must-do activities
• Pack a small power strip: Cruise cabins never have enough outlets for everyone’s devices
• Request a mini-fridge: Usually free if you ask in advance, perfect for storing leftovers or drinks
• Tip your room steward early: Not required on all-inclusive packages but a $20 bill on day one gets you exceptional service
• Bring magnetic hooks: Cabin walls are metal and hooks create extra storage space for bags and clothes
• Screenshot your boarding pass: Because your phone will die at the most inconvenient moment

Common Questions and FAQ

Can I add an all-inclusive package after booking my cruise?

Usually yes, but you’ll typically pay more than if you’d booked it initially. Cruise lines reward early commitment with better pricing. Contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly to add packages, but do it as far in advance as possible for the best rates.

Do all-inclusive packages cover my travel companions differently?

Most cruise lines require all adults sharing a cabin to purchase the same beverage package, which frustrates couples where one person drinks significantly more than the other. Children’s packages are separate and usually include soda and specialty drinks but not alcohol. Some luxury lines automatically include packages for everyone regardless of cabin arrangement.

What happens to unused portions of my all-inclusive package?

They vanish into thin air. There are no refunds or credits for excursions you don’t take or drinks you don’t order. This is why it’s crucial to be realistic about what you’ll actually use rather than what sounds good when booking.

Are gratuities really included or will I be pressured to tip more?

On luxury lines where gratuities are truly included, additional tipping is not expected though always appreciated for exceptional service. On mainstream lines that offer all-inclusive packages, gratuities might still be extra or you might encounter situations where additional tips are suggested (spa services, room service delivery, etc.).

Can I mix and match components like choosing just the beverage package?

Absolutely. Most cruise lines sell their packages a la carte so you can pick only what makes sense for you. This is often the smartest strategy because you’re not paying for inclusions you won’t use. Add just the beverage package and specialty dining plan while skipping excursion packages if you prefer independent exploration.

How do all-inclusive packages work with loyalty program benefits?

This varies by cruise line but generally your loyalty status applies regardless of package choice. You’ll still earn points and maintain your tier benefits. Some cruise lines actually offer all-inclusive perks as loyalty rewards once you reach elite status, which is another reason to stick with one cruise line family.

Do all-inclusive packages include travel to and from the port?

Almost never. Airfare and hotel stays before or after the cruise are separate expenses. A few ultra-luxury lines include business class airfare from select cities as part of their top-tier suites, but this is rare and usually only applies to intercontinental flights, not domestic US travel to Alaska ports.

Personal Experience

I’ll be honest – when I first started looking into Alaska cruises, the “all-inclusive” options seemed like the obvious choice. I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of not worrying about bills piling up while you’re supposed to be relaxing? But then I actually dug into what “all-inclusive” means for Alaska cruises, and it’s not quite as comprehensive as you might think. Most of the time, you’re getting your meals, basic entertainment, and your stateroom included, but things like specialty dining, drinks beyond water and basic coffee, excursions, and gratuities are still extra. Those shore excursions in particular can add up fast – we’re talking $100-300 per person for popular activities like whale watching or glacier hikes.

After doing my homework on the Alaska Cruise Planning page, I realized that whether it’s “worth it” really depends on your travel style. If you’re someone who’s happy eating at the main dining room, skipping the fancy cocktails, and maybe doing just one or two excursions, then a standard cruise package makes total sense and keeps costs predictable. But if you want the premium experience with all the bells and whistles, those truly all-inclusive packages can save you money in the long run – you just need to do the math based on what you actually plan to do. For me, I ended up going with a regular cruise and budgeting separately for the excursions I really wanted, and it worked out great.