Hidden Costs or Hidden Value ?
Silversea-A ratio of nearly one devoted crew member for every guest
Have you ever returned from a "budget-friendly" vacation only to find your credit card bill was anything but friendly? A client recently shared their shock at spending over $3,000 in extras on their "affordable" cruise – from specialty dining fees to shore excursions, drinks, and gratuities. That's when I knew it was time to share cruising's best-kept secret: luxury all-inclusive cruising often offers better value than their mainstream counterparts.
Let's Break Down the Real Math of Cruising
Picture this: You book a 7-night Caribbean cruise for $899 per person. Sounds fantastic, right? Now add:
Premium beverage package: $89/day ($623)
Specialty dining: $45/meal × 4 nights ($180)
Gratuities: $16/day ($112)
Basic Wi-Fi: $20/day ($140)
Average shore excursions: $129 × 3 ports ($387)
Airport transfers: $50 per person each way ($100)
Total added costs: $1,542 per person
Suddenly, your $899 cruise actually costs $2,441 – and that's before you consider spa treatments, fitness classes, or those irresistible onboard purchases.
Verandahs are larger and more luxurious on premium all inclusive lines
Now, Let's Look at Luxury All-Inclusive
That same week on a luxury line might start at $3,999, but includes:
All premium beverages, including fine wines and craft cocktails
Gourmet dining in ALL restaurants
Gratuities for everyone
High-speed Wi-Fi
Curated shore excursions in every port
Butler service
Round-trip airfare and transfers
Onboard credit for spa services or boutique purchases
The Hidden Value Goes Beyond Numbers
Crystal cruises has added amenities like pickle ball courts rather than water slides.
What price would you put on:
Never signing a check during your entire voyage
Having a butler unpack your luggage while you enjoy champagne on your veranda
Dining at Michelin-level restaurants every night
Joining intimate shore excursions with no more than 12 guests
Enjoying rare wines that would cost hundreds per bottle on land
Sleeping on linens that cost more than most people's entire bedding set
Paul Gaugin Cruise Line only sails in Tahiti delivering unmatched service.
The Luxury Difference in Real Life
Meet Sarah and John, who recently switched from premium to luxury cruising. "We used to think luxury cruises were out of reach," Sarah told me. "Then we added up what we spent on our last 'regular' cruise and realized we could have had a truly luxurious experience for just a bit more. Now we're spoiled for life – the service, the quality, the peace of mind of knowing everything's included... we'll never go back."
Ready to Discover True Value?
Seabourn brings more value than comparable “budget friendly” lines.
The Bottom Line
Sometimes the best value isn't about finding the lowest price – it's about getting the most for your investment. Let's talk about finding the perfect luxury cruise experience for your travel style and budget.
Ready to explore the world of all-inclusive luxury cruising? Reply to this email or call me to discover current offers that might surprise you.
Matt Wolfe, has three degrees. Graduate of St. Pete Junior College, A.A. Mass Communications, B.F.A. University of S. Florida, Art & Photography, Therapist A.S., Walter’s State.
Carol Birkner, holds a B.S. East TN State, as an educator, IT technology specialist.
We are members of Coastline Travel Group, Virtuoso Consortia, CLIA cruise membership. World Travelers with many countries left to explore with you our clients and future guests.
Certified Travel Specialist with AMAWaterways, Viking River Cruises & Seabourn Ocean
