All-inclusive Cruising: Economical Or Extravagant?

There has been a strong uptake in all-inclusive cruise packages among South Africans as they seek out more comprehensive experiences that remain within budget.

However, cruise experts note that it is important for travel agents to understand that there are two types of all-inclusive cruise fares those that require passengers to buy premium alcoholic beverage packages and additional experiential excursions over-and-above the bundled fare, and those that include these in the fare.

Gaynor Galbraith Neill , CEO of Cruise Vacations, explains that South African cruisers are affected by the weak rand, provoking a preference for all-inclusive packages that have beverages and experiences included, as they are perceived as offering more value for money.

With the rand, if cruisers are signing for drinks and buying tours and doing this and that, their credit cards get charged and, because of the rate of exchange, they can get a bit of a surprise, says Neill.

She says this all-inclusive model benefits clients, as they know upfront how much they have paid for their cruising experience and that it will stay within their budget.