Cruise packages, all-inclusive vacations, package deals – which ones offer the best values? The short answer is: they all offer values depending on the type of cruise vacation you choose. Some offer deals on airfare while others offer everything you need for one price. So whether you’re cruising the Caribbean or sailing to Spain, chances are, there’s a cruise package deal that will fit your budget.
Types of Cruise Packages
There are several types of cruise packages available to accommodate a variety of travel needs and to fit a variety of budgets including airfare packages, pre-cruise packages and post-cruise packages.
Airfare packages are perfect for passengers that do not live near a cruise departure port. This is the most common type of cruise package and it typically includes roundtrip transfers between the airport and the cruise port. An added benefit to opting for an airfare package, besides convenience and avoiding shuttle fees, is in some cases a flight can be delayed, meaning it’s possible for passengers to miss their cruise departure time due to flight delays. In most cases cruise lines and airlines will work together to get passengers to departure port on time.
Pre-cruise and post-cruise packages may offer options to add a variety of attractions or sight-seeing tours and most involve hotel stays either several days before a cruise or even after. Hotel stays are typically in or near the departure city.
There are several types of cruises that generally offer pre-cruise and post-cruise package options such as Alaskan cruises and European cruises. Keep in mind that pre-cruise and post-cruise options are not limited to these cruises only.
All-Inclusive Vacations
All-inclusive cruise vacations are perfect for passengers who don’t want the hassle of handling all of the minor details associated with a cruise vacation. An all-inclusive vacation is basically a cruise package that includes all of your basic cruise amenities for one price. An all-inclusive cruise combines your dining, entertainment, accommodations and much more into one single price. Spa services, drinks, gratuities and gambling may be extra depending on the cruise line. To enjoy a true all inclusive vacation, the following cruise lines offer just that: Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas and Silversea Cruises. Not only do these cruise lines offer everything for one price, passengers may even pay gratuities prior to departure on these all inclusive cruise vacations.
Booking All-Inclusive Vacations and Purchasing Cruise Packages
When booking a cruise, whether it’s directly through the cruise line or through an agent, they will let you know if the cruise vacation is all-inclusive. If you’re interested in purchasing a cruise package, simply contact a cruise travel agent to go over the different package options available.