All Inclusive

:DWe are looking ahead to 2020 and we’re thinking of trying an all inclusive cruise. We’ve looked at Regent, Crystal, Azamara Silversea etc and looking for advice. We enjoy good food and relaxing with a cocktail listening to a pianist or vocalist. Not really into the big stage shows. We’ve enjoyed Cunard mostly and Princess too. Any hints welcome

I would look at the reviews of each line

Also see what is included that ticks your boxes

AFAIK Regent is all inclusive with drinks, excursions etc

the others will include a lot more than Princess

3 of the 4 you mention are Luxury lines

Azamara is a premium line as is Oceania & Viking

Oceania: best combo of food/flexible options and, of course, FOOD.

Yeah, but doesn't include alcoholic beverages, does it?

You can select the basic dining booze package as your complimentary "O Life" perk and add unlimited booze "prestige package" for $20/person/day once onboard.

The flexibility to choose your "free" item (OBC or excursions or booze) is very appealing to many passengers.

Also, if you add every option cost to a Oceania fare, you will pretty much have the same deal as all-inclusive Regent but for several thousand dollars less.

Suggest you check out the individual Boards for each of the Lines you mentioned, adding Viking Ocean & Oceania.

We booked a 2020 WC with Viking and with the time limited perks provided it is all-inclusive. Shorter cruises receive comp beer and wine at lunch/dinner. The perks on our cruise include:

- Transfers to/from ship

- Luggage forwarding to the ship

- Business class airfares

- Free drinks package

- Gratuities included

- Viking hires company to supply all Visas

- Excursion in every port

- Unlimited wi-fi

- Free laundry machines

- Free use of spa facilities, except treatments

- No charge specialty restaurants

- Resident historian

What they don't have is a casino and the ultra annoying ship photogs

Suggest you check out the individual Boards for each of the Lines you mentioned, adding Viking Ocean & Oceania.

 

We booked a 2020 WC with Viking and with the time limited perks provided it is all-inclusive. Shorter cruises receive comp beer and wine at lunch/dinner. The perks on our cruise include:

- Transfers to/from ship

- Luggage forwarding to the ship

- Business class airfares

- Free drinks package

- Gratuities included

- Viking hires company to supply all Visas

- Excursion in every port

- Unlimited wi-fi

- Free laundry machines

- Free use of spa facilities, except treatments

- No charge specialty restaurants

- Resident historian

 

What they don't have is a casino and the ultra annoying ship photogs

Most of those perks are just for the world cruisers

regular segments will not have most of those perks

Your posts are misleading

Of the lines you mentioned, only Crystal, Regent and Silversea (also Seabourn should be on this list) are "all inclusive" cruise lines. That said, only Regent is inclusive for some, but not all, shore excursions. All four are inclusive for gratuities (except spa staff), alcoholic beverages (except some high end drinks such as JW Blue), specialty coffees (and sodas, fresh juices, etc), bottled water, unlimited internet, specialty restaurants (with some limitations on number of visits and very high end dinners such as Vintage Room on Crystal), self-service laundries, and more.

The differences between the "all inclusive" lines and the premium lines are much more than what is included in the cruise fare and what is paid a la carte. The level of attention to detail, personal service, quality of ingredients and presentation in all the restaurants - it's all at a much higher level. (Yes, I have cruised all four mentioned all-inclusives as well as several premium lines.) I have three upcoming cruises booked on Crystal and one on Regent. On Crystal we hang out pre-dinner at the Avenue Saloon. It's a great place for my favorite cocktail and easy listening piano.

So, OP, give an all-inclusive a chance in 2020. You won't regret it. :)