Thinking of booking a Royal Caribbean cruise?
If so, you probably want to know; is Royal Caribbean all inclusive?
Royal Caribbean cruises are some of the most popular ones on the market, so it’s a fair question.
However, no — it is not all-inclusive.
But that doesn’t mean you don’t get a lot for your money.
The base fare alone covers a lot of great features and inclusions, like food, lodging, and entertainment.
Here’s what’s included, what costs extra, and how you can get the most value from your cruise.
What’s Included in the Base Fare?
Every Royal Caribbean cruiseincludes your room, meals at select restaurants (plus drinks) and most onboard activities, like pools and rides.
You’ll also get free shows, music, trivia games, and movies by the pool.
Some ships even have cool extras like zip lines, rock climbing walls, mini golf, and surf simulators.
These additional entertainment and recreational activities don’t cost a thing, either.
Then there are free kids’ programs that families can enjoy.
These include games and activities for kids and teens, all supervised by trained staff.
So even though the cruise isn’t fully all-inclusive, there’s still a lot covered by the base price.
What’s Not Included?
So, given that food, lodging, and entertainment are covered, is Royal Caribbean all inclusive?
No, because there are still a few features and opportunities on the cruise that cost extra.
For instance; drinks.
You’ll pay more for drinks like soda, bottled water, specialty coffees, and alcohol.
Specialty restaurants also charge extra unless you buy a dining package.
Wi-Fi is not included either; you’ll have to buy an internet package if you want to stay connected.
If you want to take a tour at a port stop, you’ll need to pay for a shore excursion.
Spa treatments, fitness classes, and some onboard games like bingo come with added costs too.
Gratuities are another thing you’ll have to pay for every day, unless you prepay them when you book your cruise.
Regardless of what type of cruise you’re going on or for how long, it helps to know these details upfront.
What Dining Options Are Free?
As mentioned earlier, Royal Caribbean includes several dining options in your fare.
The Main Dining Roomoffers table service meals with rotating menus.
Windjammer Caféis a buffet with lots of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sorrento’s Pizzais a crowd favorite for late-night snacks.
Café Promenadeand Park Caféoffer quick bites like sandwiches and fruit.
El Loco Freshserves tacos and burritos, and the Dog House has hot dogs and toppings.
These options give you variety without extra cost.
Specialty restaurants likeChops Grille or Izumiwill cost extra more unless you buy a dining package.
Are There Packages That Make a Royal Caribbean Cruise Feel More Inclusive?
Yes, Royal Caribbean offers packages that help you include more in your cruise to make it feel like you’re getting more.
These packages can even help you save money on your trip.
Royal Caribbean’s drink packages are a good example.
You can choose from three types: soda-only, non-alcoholic drinks, or a full package that includes cocktails and wine.
By paying a set price per day, you can have unlimited specialty drinks.
This is a great deal if you drink a lot of coffee.
Dining packages, on the other hand, let you enjoy all the specialty restaurants onboard without paying per meal.
There are also Wi-Fi packages you can purchase so you can stay connected at sea.
If you want to make your cruise feel closer to all-inclusive, buying one or two of these add-ons can help.
What About Star Class? Is That More Inclusive?
Star Classis Royal Caribbean’s highest level of service.
It’s available on select ships for guests staying in the top suites.
If you book Star Class, you get a lot more included in your base fare.
Inclusions could be drink packages, specialty dining, daily gratuities, and Wi-Fi.
You also get help from a Royal Genie, a personal assistant who helps you plan your time onboard.
But note that even with all these perks, some things – like spa treatments and shore excursions – will still cost extra.
However, if you’re looking for a cruise that feels more all-inclusive, Star Class is the best option Royal Caribbean offers.
So, is Royal Caribbean all inclusive if you purchase Star Class?
Not quite.
But it comes pretty close.
How Does Royal Caribbean Compare to Fully All-Inclusive Cruise Lines?
Luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven SeasorSilverseainclude almost everything in the base price: food, drinks, tips, internet, and even shore tours.
Royal Caribbean doesn’t go that far unless you book a top-tier suite.
But Royal Caribbean offers bigger ships with more fun features like water slides, surf machines, and Broadway-style shows.
If you’re traveling with kids or teens, you might find Royal Caribbean more exciting than a luxury cruise.
So while it’s not all-inclusive, it may offer better entertainment for families.
Can You Enjoy a Royal Caribbean Cruise Without Spending Extra?
Yes, you can.
Even if you don’t buy any of the extra inclusions on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you can still have a great time.
Stick to free dining spots like the Main Dining Room orWindjammer Café.
Drink the free water, tea, and lemonade offered instead of buying a drink package.
Use free onboard activities and enjoy the shows without paying extra.
If you want to explore on land, you can skip paid tours and walk around the port city instead.
You don’t have to spend a lot more than your base fare to enjoy a fun and relaxing cruise.
The Bottom Line
So, is Royal Caribbean all inclusive?
No, but it offers great value and plenty of ways to customize your trip.
You can cruise without spending much beyond the base fare.
Or you can easily upgrade with drink and dining packages to make it feel more like an all-inclusive experience.
If you want luxury, fun activities, and options that fit your budget, Royal Caribbean is a strong choice.
Let RSC Vacations Help You Cruise Your Way
Now that you know the answer to, is Royal Caribbean all inclusive?, you can better plan your budget, itinerary, and so on.
But if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with the booking and planning process, let RSC Vacationshelp you out.
We’ll help you understand what’s included, choose the right packages, and create a cruise plan that matches your travel style.
Want to enjoy Star Class?
We’ll walk you through the perks.
Need help picking the best dining or drink package?
We’ll break down the options and handle the bookings.
Whether you’re traveling with family or looking for a romantic escape, we take care of the details—so you can just enjoy the trip.
Contact RSC Vacations today!