All Inclusive Debate

[SOShrink]

I know this topic has been bantered around before, but am I the only one with mixed feelings about "all inclusive" cruises? First of all, I feel that tipping is personal and is earned by staff who either do a good job and even more by staff who stand out for making your trip more memorable. In addition, I have heard that people are tipping anyway. Even though I rarely drink, I have no problem with alcohol being all-inclusive for the reasons discussed on a different post. But if that is the case, then all excursions should be included as well using the same philosophy. Anyway, I will be on an all-inclusive trip in April and can report first hand how it is received. Would anyone who has been on an all-inclusive care to comment on how it was received?

[LHT28]

I know this topic has been bantered around before, but am I the only one with mixed feelings about "all inclusive" cruises? First of all, I feel that tipping is personal and is earned by staff who either do a good job and even more by staff who stand out for making your trip more memorable. In addition, I have heard that people are tipping anyway. Even though I rarely drink, I have no problem with alcohol being all-inclusive for the reasons discussed on a different post. But if that is the case, then all excursions should be included as well using the same philosophy. Anyway, I will be on an all-inclusive trip in April and can report first hand how it is received. Would anyone who has been on an all-inclusive care to comment on how it was received?

 

We did an semi inclusive on Scenic a few years ago drinks were extra at that time

Excursions were included even the optionals that other lines charge for

 

The crew were great

Last night/disembarkation day there was a push on to tip extra if you wanted to ...a lot of people did but you could have just walked off the ship without doing so

[cruiseryyc]

I'm not sure I understand you when you say "how it was received" - how what is received?

 

I have been on Scenic which is all-inclusive, drinks, excursions, tipping (inlcuding tipping port tour guides) and absolutely loved it. Walked off the boat at the end with nothing charged to my room and nothing extra to pay. We were not pressured to tip extra, but had we felt the need certainly would have done so.

[Ozjohnno]

I've traveled all-inclusive with Tauck and it was everything I wanted it to be.

 

In Australia we have consumer laws that prohibit companies claiming something then not delivering. In a case recently on these boards where a company claimed an all-inclusive cruise but then had optional tours that could be purchased could not be advertised down here as all-inclusive as it would breach the Act. In a company forum a very well respected company told us that "they were mainly inclusive". To me that's like being just a bit pregnant.

 

I like the all-inclusive concept because it eliminates "tipping" (it's included in the price) because "tipping" is totally foreign to me and I never want to embarrass myself or my Country by tipping incorrectly. I like it that Scylla staff are doing all that fine work because that's the way they're trained and not because they expect a tip. It's been our custom to give staff a small Australian token of either a small Koala or an Australian animal pin. I have many photos of the genuine smiles.

 

I like the fact that except for Laundry costs I don't have to put my hand in my pocket at cruise end to pay for "optional extras". If my wife and I feel like a pre-dinner drink we can order what we like. There is no optional Top Shelf items in a Tauck Bar. I was impressed that the wines served on my cruise was very good quality from very well recognised vineyards of the area and not a generic cruise company brand and they changed every day. Food and service on-board is very personal and subjective but I appreciated the time taken by Scylla staff to explain the food and wine make-up.

 

I appreciate the Tauck transfer system that picks you up and delivers you to either the airport, train station or a hotel whether you used Tauck air or not. I like the all-inclusive feature of being given a free night at a five star hotel either before or after the cruise. I like all that Tauck offers but I realise I may be in the minority here.

 

I've read many posts that do not like all-inclusive costing because it inhibits their freedom to be independent and do their own thing. To have the choice of how much they tip. To arrange their own transfers. Those people correctly believe that all the things I spoke about and more are included in and thus inflating the cruise price. No one should argue against that but in planning my holidays with Tauck I, as many do, research, research and research and I challenge those who do not like all-inclusive to do an honest after cruise costing and you'll be surprised, as my sister was, that the "optional extras" add up and in the end your cruise and mine were not that far apart in the end price.

 

I have no problem with those who prefer not to take an all-inclusive cruise because all cruises are the "best holidays in the World" irrespective of your favourite cruise line but please remember that as an old retired Australian media guy I will always argue that if some cruises by some companies have "options" then they are not all-inclusive. Down here, I repeat, you can't be a little bit pregnant.

 

My thanks to the OP for the opportunity to post in what should be an interesting topic. I look forward to the differing opinions.

 

Rod

[jklc123]

Our last two cruises have been all-inclusive, on Regent Seven Seas and Uniworld. We did wonder if included tips would affect the attitude of the crew and especially the guides in port. On both cruises, on lines that pride themselves (justifiably) on service, we experienced a uniformly high quality of sevice. We did tip our cabin attendants a little at the end of each trip but there was certainly no pressure to do so. We don't mind a charge for the optional special tours. The included tours offered enough choice that we so far have taken only one optional tour. Previously, it seemed we were among the few pax who tipped guides and drivers in port, and at first it seemed strange not to do so, but we got used to it quickly! It was nice not to have to try to have local currency available for the tips.

[Ozjohnno]

Our last two cruises have been all-inclusive, on Regent Seven Seas and Uniworld. We did wonder if included tips would affect the attitude of the crew and especially the guides in port. On both cruises, on lines that pride themselves (justifiably) on service, we experienced a uniformly high quality of sevice. We did tip our cabin attendants a little at the end of each trip but there was certainly no pressure to do so. We don't mind a charge for the optional special tours. The included tours offered enough choice that we so far have taken only one optional tour. Previously, it seemed we were among the few pax who tipped guides and drivers in port, and at first it seemed strange not to do so, but we got used to it quickly! It was nice not to have to try to have local currency available for the tips.

 

So what you're saying is that Uniworld is not really all-inclusive but it was all-inclusive enough for you?

[jklc123]

So what you're saying is that Uniworld is not really all-inclusive but it was all-inclusive enough for you?

 

Yes, it was. And we did know up front what wasn't included. I totally get your not quite pregnant analogy.

[papa B me]

SOS,

Thanks for starting this thread. I initially struggled with all inclusive or not. When I first started researching River Cruises like many I began looking at Viking brochures. I finally went to a local TA and she recommended I look at Uniworld for my 2014. I certainly appreciate our Australian friends view of Uniworld not being fully inclusive. Personally I don't share the same view since there are excursions offered at every port(often multiple) that are included. As I mentioned on your previous thread the optional excursions are offered for trips of longer distance, more physical, etc.. that if they offered these excursions as the normal included one many may not be able to participate. But for me, I truly considered Uniworld all inclusive.

 

I found I truly enjoyed having everything provided from a car picking us up at the airport and getting us directly to the pre cruise motel, a Uniworld guide on site the entire time at the motel until she escorted to the ship for embarkation, never having to sign a check for a drink, and all tips included on and off the ship. Like the review of Tauck it was refreshing seeing the staff so eager to please knowing that it wasn't for the tip. I feel it also gives them confidence of what they are going to make and not worrying whether a passenger is a good, bad, or no tipper.

 

We were blessed to have a suite which also includes butler service. With this service even laundry service is provided by them. The self service laundry is included(even detergent) for all room categories and for return Uniworld customers one load a week is provided for you by the staff.

 

There was absolutely no pressure for any additional tips. There didn't appear to even be an expectation.

 

When I did a line by line comparison before booking my cruise with Uniworld I found that they were within a few hundred dollars comparing suite to suite. I decided I was willing to pay the extra for the convenience and to sail on a line that many consider a luxury line in regards to ship, food, and service. After my trip I looked back and decided it was a decision well made.

 

What a great thing that there are so many quality river cruise lines to choose from with various degrees of inclusiveness so that each of us can find what works best for us. Going on my second Uniworld cruise in Dec for a Christmas Market cruise on the Danube and am booking the Venice/Italy trip for 2016 as soon as they release the itineraries.

[Hoyaheel]

Down here, I repeat, you can't be a little bit pregnant.

 

So, it's ok for laundry charges not to be included in an "all-inclusive", but optional tours at an additional charge are not acceptable? Where/how do you draw those lines?

 

To me, it's all semantics, and I appreciate a company (any company) putting out a price they will charge me and a list of what is included. Then I can compare apples to apples on my own and make up my own mind about what the value to me is....

 

To me right now, all-inclusive river cruises in general are more money than I wish to pay for the services I would receive. Never say never and all that, but for now, no....

[Ozjohnno]

So, it's ok for laundry charges not to be included in an "all-inclusive", but optional tours at an additional charge are not acceptable? Where/how do you draw those lines?

 

To me, it's all semantics, and I appreciate a company (any company) putting out a price they will charge me and a list of what is included. Then I can compare apples to apples on my own and make up my own mind about what the value to me is....

 

To me right now, all-inclusive river cruises in general are more money than I wish to pay for the services I would receive. Never say never and all that, but for now, no....

 

I have to buy in on your first sentence because there was a hidden challenge there somewhere. Up until recently, I believe as a part of a loyaly system, laundry charges were always considered personal similar I also believe as to whether you might buy something in the gift shop. That is why I mentioned laundry in my post. IMO there is no line to draw here. If you pay for a cruise that does not include all the trips or tips or anything else doesn't make that cruise bad at all it just means it is not all-inclusive.

 

I would suspect that everyone chooses a cruise based on their holiday budget but it's hard to agree that when you add in all the optional extras that all-inclusive cruises are that much more expensive particularly is you take all the extras.

 

You and I might and probably hundreds of others not agree with me on the definition of all-inclusive but neither type of costing should deter anyone from experiencing a river cruise.

[SOShrink]

Cruiseryyc, now do you understand what I meant by "how it was received". We sure are finding out with these detailed and educated responses (much appreciated)! So, the conclusion is that everyone seems happy with their cruises having researched what they want out of a trip, and that perhaps, as well-meaning as it is, the term "all-inclusive" may not be the best way to describe it. I can live with that......

[caviargal]

 

To me, it's all semantics, and I appreciate a company (any company) putting out a price they will charge me and a list of what is included. Then I can compare apples to apples on my own and make up my own mind about what the value to me is....

 

To me right now, all-inclusive river cruises in general are more money than I wish to pay for the services I would receive. Never say never and all that, but for now, no....

 

I agree that educating oneself is the best approach to choosing a line that is the best fit. Since there are things included on the all inclusive lines that we would not use and are not interested in (we are DIY type travelers) we prefer not to pay more for these components. I have always found the rates for these lines substantially higher than the lines that are not inclusive.

 

Therefore, the best overall value for us is to pick and choose what we are willing to pay extra for. YMMD.

[papa B me]

It seems to me that the hospitality industry has used the term "all inclusive" to cover a wide range of inclusivity. For instance we are going next month to an AI resort in Antigua. Yet the spa, excursions, some premium brands of alcohol, etc.. are extra charges. So for them it primarily means all food, tips, basic alcohol, and resort entertainment are all inclusive. In the Ocean cruise arena you have lines such as Regent which is considered by most all inclusive and yet they do have premium excursions where it is an upcharge. So I do agree with SOS that maybe the industry would be wise to come up with better terminology. Since I doubt that is likely, let the buyer beware and do the due diligence with brochures, company websites, reviews, and the valuable information found here on CC. When I took my first River Cruise in July(that I had researched for 18 months) I was shocked that I didn't talk to one person who had even heard of CC. Several people didn't even know in advance there was a pool on the ship. So I think much of the negativity from cruisers often flows from unrealistic expectations due to a lack of research. I often say I never get upset from the unexpected happening when I travel. It often provides some of the funniest stories and memories. But I really get upset with myself if something happens I didn't know about but should have had I just taken the time to check it out in advance. Just on man's opinion

[caviargal]

We often go to AI resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. The primary reason we chose these over other resorts is that we are guaranteed a kid free vacation. There are a range of inclusions offered but we stick with the higher end adult properties and very rarely encounter an upcharge for anything. Some of the more moderate resorts do charge for premium brand liquors, decent wines, some menu items.

[papa B me]

Great example of how to view all inclusive, mostly inclusive, or DIY.

If the cruise/vacation will provide what you need for an enjoyable and memorable trip then it is right for you. As I said in an earlier post it so great having so many choices

[Hoyaheel]

Great example of how to view all inclusive, mostly inclusive, or DIY.

If the cruise/vacation will provide what you need for an enjoyable and memorable trip then it is right for you. As I said in an earlier post it so great having so many choices

 

I absolutely agree (and am thankful this thread is helpful & informative :p) I too am often stunned by how many people travel without doing any sort of research at all....Not me. I work hard for my money and I'm not opposed to spending it, but I sure as heck want to make sure I know what I'm getting for what I spend:D

 

(and my reasons for tending to avoid "all-inclusives" mirror caviargal's - I want to do it on my own and in most cases I can do it more cheaply on my own....)

[caviargal]

 

(and my reasons for tending to avoid "all-inclusives" mirror caviargal's - I want to do it on my own and in most cases I can do it more cheaply on my own....)

 

Just as important as saving money is being in control of my experience. I know what is important to me and what I will choose to splurge/save on. And I don't mind the extra work to get what I want.

[Hoyaheel]

When I choose to splurge on an expensive bottle of wine, I'll go to my favorite wine store and buy it for $100 and cook a fabulous meal at home to go with it. Others would choose to go to a restaurant and have someone else do the work, paying twice as much for the wine and a meal on top of it. Both options make people happy. Most of us just prefer one or the other:D

 

Looking back, many of my posts make it appear I'm cheap. In many ways I am. I want to get the most for my money. But I will spend it, if it's a good value to me to do so ;-) But I'll spend more money on a piece of clothing or shoes that will last a long time if I'm going to wear it/them all the time - price per wear is an important metric to me. I will choose a nice® hotel or apartment because being able to sleep comfortably is important to me. But I'll eat street food for lunch because I travel to experience new things and especially local food & drink....

Edited January 20, 2015 by Hoyaheel

[caviargal]

When I choose to splurge on an expensive bottle of wine, I'll go to my favorite wine store and buy it for $100 and cook a fabulous meal at home to go with it. Others would choose to go to a restaurant and have someone else do the work, paying twice as much for the wine and a meal on top of it. Both options make people happy. Most of us just prefer one or the other:D

 

Looking back, many of my posts make it appear I'm cheap. In many ways I am. I want to get the most for my money. But I will spend it, if it's a good value to me to do so ;-) But I'll spend more money on a piece of clothing or shoes that will last a long time if I'm going to wear it/them all the time - price per wear is an important metric to me. I will choose a nice® hotel or apartment because being able to sleep comfortably is important to me. But I'll eat street food for lunch because I travel to experience new things and especially local food & drink....

 

I agree.:)

 

I will splurge on a meal at a wonderful restaurant and order a good bottle of wine. Or I will splurge at the wine store on a great bottle and cook a wonderful meal at home.

 

Comfort, safety and location are all important to me when choosing accommodations. A good quality king bed is high on my list. We avoid B&Bs because they are not our style and have developed a preference recently for apartment hotels where available.

 

I really don't want to leave the details to someone else. And I don't care to travel as part of a group as a preference.

[papa B me]

I was actually more surprised then anyone that I was willing to spend the money for Uniworld and especially a suite. My wife and I have been very blessed as we have raised our 4 children(now 2 grandchildren which is why like Caviargal I like the no children policies of AI-ha). But as I've built my own business and raised this family I have had to make wise decisions with our funds. But it has allowed me to CHOOSE to take one or two trips a year to reward us for the choices we have made.

 

So I certainly don't think it is cheap to make educated decision in how to spend your vacation dollars in the way that best fits your desires, dreams, and needs. I'm too cheap to buy that $100 bottle of wine-ha

[Ritabob]

We're not cheap...we're frugal :)

[SOShrink]

Despite all that has been discussed on this issue, I still feel it would be nice if an "all-inclusive" trip included all excursions. I know some excursions are more expensive to run, but then again, some people don't drink, or some people eat double portions, others may skip meals and eat in town, and on and on.....therefore why should it matter if some excursions are worth more than others? And why pick on the museum goers in Venice? Other than a wine tasting excursion in Verona, the two museum tours are the only ones that are are optional and will cost guests 30 or 40 euros. Museum entrances fees are typically around 8 to 10 euros, and, at least in Venice, transportation is not necessary because the group walks from the ship. How can that cost more than a full day trip to Bologna with lunch which is an included excursion? And why is it that in other cities, the museum tours are included? For example, on my Parisian Winter Holiday cruise, the Musee Du Louvre and d'Orsay excursions were included. I am really not complaining and by the way, will gladly pay to join both museum tours. I was just curious how these things are decided. And I still feel that an all-inclusive trip should give you a variety of choices that you can sign up for without being concerned if they are "optional" or not, except in rare cases of egregious expense.

[Ozjohnno]

From my and my sisters experience (she cruised with Scenic) the two cruise companies that give you choices of tours that others may charge you for, are Tauck and Scenic thus making them both all-inclusive.

[TasKaz]

From my and my sisters experience (she cruised with Scenic) the two cruise companies that give you choices of tours that others may charge you for, are Tauck and Scenic thus making them both all-inclusive.

 

And APT as well, as far as I can gather, but more for the Aussie market :D

Edited January 25, 2015 by TasKaz

[keenmolly]

And APT as well, as far as I can gather, but more for the Aussie market :D

 

 

We did an APT river cruise 14 nights (2 seven night cruises starting in Amsterdam to Basel then Lyon to Ex En Provence on AMA ships) this was definitely all inclusive. We did not need to put our hands in pockets at all. ( of course in some of the little towns on the way we had a coffee and some local pastries etc.) We really enjoyed our cruise and when we disembarked our ship board account was €9.00. This being a little bit of laundry. We had great included tours excellent dining and entertainment of a night. Plenty of dancing and singing. Yes there were a lot of Aussies on board but gosh we had great fun.

 

 

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