Another reason to cruise European

European cruise lines are finally following the trend set by Yachts of Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, SeaDream and lately Regent Seven Seas Cruises in the provision of all-inclusive cruises, but they’re doing it in a slightly different way – by offering packages that cruise passengers can purchase before the cruise or on embarkation.

Thomson Cruises, for example, offers an all-inclusive drinks package that includes draft beer, spirits, aperitifs, house wines, soft drinks and a range of cocktails.

Louis Cruise Lines’ drinks package includes drinks from the bar and wine in the restaurant.

MSC Cruises offers an unlimited drinks package that includes a selection of bottled wines, mineral water, beer and soft drinks, and a second package that includes soft drinks and mineral water.


And starting in 2011, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will be offering a new and attractive price structure for its premium ship, the MS Columbus. With the “Columbus all-inclusive package,” extras on board will become a thing of the past. For anyone booking a “Columbus all-inclusive package,” all 81 drinks on the beverages list – from soft drinks to exotic cocktails – all tips on board and even a package of two to four shore excursions per cruise are included in the price.


The larger cruise lines plying the waters of the Caribbean seem reluctant to follow the trend - though some cruise lines, like Celebrity Cruises are offering wine packages and will be offering more elaborate drinks packages in the future.

For the moment - it’s just another reason to cruise European.

For more information about all-inclusive cruises visit the ALL INCLUSIVE CRUISES page at Prow’s Edge Cruise Magazine