Luxury cruise holidays are popular with those wishing to see a multitude of beautiful locations and sights in onesingle trip. Cruising can save travellers significant money compared to making similar trips using other means oftransport. This is particularly true for passengers who book all-inclusive cruise deals, since the costs related to flights,transfers, food and drink and excursions are lessened, since they are included in the deals sum.
Lets have a closer look at why all-inclusive deals are the ideal choice for those looking to book themselves a cruise…
The estimated savings are conservative
When cruise companies detail how much money can be saved through booking an all-inclusive cruise compared toa standard one, the estimate is somewhat conservative. This is because the figures used are derived from averagepassenger consumptions.
The typical customer might only drink five cocktails during a seven day cruise for example, but all-inclusivecustomers wanting more alcohol will not be denied. One snack and one treat (e.g. an ice cream) per customer, perday might also be expected but passengers can eat as many as they fancy.
The amount of money saved could be even greater should the health of the destinations economy decrease beforeyour trip (i.e. goods and excursion costs increase, but booking in advance saw previous, cheaper rates apply).
No fear of purse loss or theft
No one wants to check their handbag or back pocket for their purse/wallet every five minutes while trying to enjoywhat is supposed to be a relaxing holiday. Those who do not book themselves an all-inclusive holiday are particularlyvulnerable to doing exactly that though, particularly because many travellers carry significant foreign currency ontheir person. This also makes holidaymakers susceptible to theft.
Those who book an all-inclusive cruise will have no such worries. Since all food and drink on-board is included free aspart of such deals, theres no fear of leaving your wallet behind in the bar after a few tipples. Of course, you mightwish to bring a little money with you to buy mementos and/or gifts when visiting your cruises various ports of call,but for the most part you will not need to carry any cash.
The cost of port excursions is included
Many cruises offer passengers the chance to indulge in special experiences as part of their trip. For example, thosetaking an Alaskan cruise may like to embark on the sea otter and wildlife quest in Sitka, or ride the White Pass scenicrailroad in Skagway. All-inclusive cruises cover the cost of these excursions. Those who decide to book a non all-inclusive package are usually welcome to take part in such activities also, assuming there are any places left (someexcursions restrict the number of participants allowed).
It should be noted however, that those who do manage to secure a place on excursions at the last minute mighthave to shell out significantly more advance booking generally sees cruise companies saving a significant sum.
Theres no need to tip ship staff
Many travellers over-tip bell boys and waitresses while on holiday, due to not fully comprehending the localcurrency and/or not wanting to appear rude. This can see more money spent than was initially planned. Thoseembarking on all-inclusive cruises however will not have to tip at all, as this is included in the cost (in mostinstances).
The average tip for restaurant staff is 10% of the total meal cost, but whats 10% of a free dinner? Exactly! Notneeding to tip sees passengers leave the maths at home and truly unwind.
Less organisation and worry
Although holidays are meant to leave people feeling refreshed, they can be very stressful at times. Being in unknownterritory can be daunting enough, but is even more so when navigating to certain points (such as a train station)before a deadline is necessary.
Passengers on all-inclusive cruises, will largely be directed to where they need by the cruise lines excursion staff.Meeting points within ports are clearly defined, but anyone concerned regarding where they need to be have therest of the cruise party to follow.
