All-Inclusive vs. A La Carte: How to Get the Best Deal on Your Cruise

24 July 2025

Cruising is one of the best ways to travel—unpack once, visit multiple destinations, and enjoy an all-in-one vacation experience. But when booking a cruise, you'll often face a big decision: Should you go all-inclusive or pay for everything à la carte?

Each option has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your travel style, budget, and what you want to get out of your cruise. In this guide, we'll break down the key differences between all-inclusive and à la carte pricing, so you can make the best decision for your next adventure on the high seas.

What’s the Difference?

Before diving into the comparison, let's clarify what each option offers.

All-Inclusive Cruises

An all-inclusive cruise typically bundles most of your vacation costs into one upfront price. This usually includes:

✔️ Accommodation
✔️ Meals (buffet and sit-down restaurants)
✔️ Non-alcoholic beverages (some lines include alcohol)
✔️ Entertainment and onboard activities
✔️ Some excursions (on premium all-inclusive lines)
✔️ Gratuities (on certain cruise lines)

All-inclusive cruises allow you to relax without worrying about unexpected expenses—everything is paid for upfront.

A La Carte Pricing on Cruises

On the other hand, an à la carte cruise offers a lower base fare, but everything beyond your cabin and basic meals comes at an extra cost. You'll likely need to pay separately for:

❌ Alcoholic and specialty beverages
❌ Specialty dining
❌ Shore excursions
❌ Wi-Fi
❌ Gratuities
❌ Onboard activities like spa treatments or fitness classes

With à la carte pricing, you pay only for what you use. This can be great for budget-conscious travelers or those who don’t plan to indulge in premium extras.

Comparing Costs: Is All-Inclusive Really Cheaper?

The biggest question travelers ask: “Will I save more money by going all-inclusive, or should I pay as I go?”

All-Inclusive: The Predictable Budget Option

If you want to know exactly how much your trip will cost before you even board, all-inclusive is the way to go. There's no sticker shock at the end of your trip when you see your final bill.

However, all-inclusive pricing can sometimes be misleading. If you don’t drink alcohol, skip paid excursions, or prefer casual dining over specialty restaurants, you might not get your money's worth.

À La Carte: Pay Less Upfront, But Beware of Hidden Costs

With à la carte pricing, your upfront cost is lower, but you may end up paying more throughout your trip. Cruise lines are experts at upselling, and once you're onboard, it’s easy to get carried away with extra purchases.

For example:
- A cocktail can cost $12-$15
- A specialty dinner could be $50+ per person
- Wi-Fi packages range from $10 to $30 per day
- Shore excursions can be $100+ each

If you plan on indulging in many of these extras, your à la carte cruise can quickly add up to more than an all-inclusive option.

Who Should Choose All-Inclusive?

An all-inclusive cruise is best for:

✔️ Frequent drinkers – If you enjoy cocktails, wine, or specialty coffee daily, the beverage package (often included in all-inclusive deals) can save you a lot.
✔️ People who love specialty dining – If you're a foodie who enjoys fine dining experiences at sea, all-inclusive can be a better value.
✔️ Cruisers who want a stress-free vacation – No need to track spending or worry about unexpected charges.
✔️ Luxury travelers – Some premium cruise lines, like Regent Seven Seas or Silversea, include almost everything in the fare, making the experience truly stress-free.

Who Should Choose A La Carte?

An à la carte cruise is best for:

✔️ Budget-conscious travelers – If you’re looking for the cheapest way to cruise and don’t need the extras, this option is for you.
✔️ Light drinkers – If you only have a drink or two throughout your trip, paying per drink is cheaper than purchasing an unlimited beverage package.
✔️ Independent explorers – If you prefer planning your own shore excursions rather than joining expensive cruise-organized tours, à la carte could be more affordable.
✔️ Minimalists – If you don’t need Wi-Fi, spa treatments, or specialty dining, why pay for them?

Tips to Get the Best Cruise Deal

No matter which option you choose, here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

1. Book When Cruise Lines Offer Free Perks

Cruise lines often have promotions where they throw in free drink packages, Wi-Fi, or onboard credits. Booking during these promotions can give you the best value—sometimes making an à la carte cruise feel all-inclusive without the added cost.

2. Compare Package Deals vs. Paying Separately

Before booking, do the math. Compare the cost of an all-inclusive package vs. paying for what you plan to use individually. Sometimes, bundled deals are overpriced.

3. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs

Frequent cruisers can earn perks like discounted drink packages, free Wi-Fi, and priority boarding. If you cruise often, sticking to one cruise line can pay off.

4. Purchase Packages in Advance

Wi-Fi, drink, and dining packages are often cheaper when booked before embarkation. If you know you’ll use them, pre-booking can save you money.

5. Consider Repositioning Cruises

These are one-way sailings (often between continents) that tend to be cheaper and sometimes include more perks. They can give you an all-inclusive experience at a fraction of the price.

Final Verdict: Which One is Right for You?

If you love the idea of indulging without worrying about the bill at the end of your trip, all-inclusive might be the best fit. But if you’re a budget traveler who doesn’t need all the extras, à la carte could be the smarter choice.

At the end of the day, it’s all about knowing your travel habits, understanding what’s included, and doing some quick calculations to ensure you're getting the best deal.

### So, are you more of an all-inclusive traveler or an à la carte adventurer? Let us know in the comments!