All Inclusive Cruises Including Alcohol
Posted by cruisevacationsexpert on November 19, 2009 under all inclusive cruises | 
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All inclusive cruises including alcohol are a major misconception among people who book cruise vacations. The simple answer to this question is no. However, there are few cruise lines that offer their passengers an all you can drink cruise package but you should read this before you decide to buy one of these packages. You might be wondering why cruise lines state that their cruises are all inclusive, when in reality, they do not give you everything with one cruise package.
So what exactly is included with a cruise line package? All inclusive cruise packages include your basic amenities such as a cabin room, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), on-ship entertainment, tips, and some off-shore activities. Airfare may or may not be included on your cruise depending on the type of package you select. Typically, you will get a cheaper cruise if you talk with a cruise line agent and negotiate a sea and air cruise package.
So what isn’t included in a typical cruise? As stated above, all cruise packages include meals and snacks, BUT if you want private dining or fine dining, then you will have to pay extra. Most cruise lines have special restaurants that cater to people who decide that they want some peace and quiet and would like to sample 5 star cuisines, instead of the meals that are provided to the rest of the public. These restaurants tend to have 5 star service, better wine selections, and better ambiance. The thing about the “free” meals on board a cruise ship is that you will have to eat in an open style dining facility with many strangers. This type of dining is fine for some, but other people do not like to talk with strangers and do not like to eat amongst loud and noisy establishments. If you are the latter person, then you can choose to eat in the restaurants stated above, however, make sure to make your reservations early. Also, you will need to pay for a reservation, which typically costs around $15 per person. On an all inclusive cruise, alcohol is not included and neither are soft drinks. However, there are a few cruise lines that offer alcoholic beverages with your meal and you can choose from a limited wine selection on many European cruise lines.
Here’s the deal, if you are looking to get sloshed and drink every day, then a cruise isn’t probably the best thing for you. If you are a heavy drinker, then I suggest you go to an all inclusive style resort in Cancun, Mexico. This way you can drink every night, party, and go clubbing to your heart’s desire. Usually people are older in age, or go with families on cruises and if you are a party animal, make sure to select the right kind of cruise. There are alcohol inclusive cruises, but you will have to pay a lot of money in order to partake on one of these cruises. Think of it this way, how much will you actually drink and will you get your monies worth? If you are a light drinker and cannot handle your alcohol, one night of heavy drinking is going to knock you out for your whole vacation and you definitely won’t be getting your value if you do not drink everyday on an all inclusive cruises including alcohol cruise. Instead, just pay as you go as alcoholic beverages tend to be cheaper on most cruise lines and you can have one binged filled night and still save more money than you would if you paid for an all inclusive cruise that includes the cost of alcohol.
Cruises with drinks included typically do not charge for soft drinks and coffee beverages. If you are with little ones, then you will get your value from these types of cruises because kids tend to drink a lot of soda and the price of soft drinks can add up over time.
Simply put, there is no such thing as alcohol inclusive cruises. The reason why the majority of cruise ships do not offer these types of packages are because they would end up having too many drunk patrons on board their cruise ships, or they would have to charge an unattractive fee in order to supply enough free booze to their customers.
There are some all inclusive cruises with alcohol. Crystal Cruises offers wine and champagne with their meals. Regent Seven Seas and Silver Seas also offer wine and alcoholic beverages with their dinner meals. However, expect to pay a premium for these luxury cruise lines and do not expect to get free mixed drinks.