Acruise was originally very much an all-inclusive holiday, but it seems that thetrend is moving increasingly towards more and more extras to be paid for, thatare not included in the original price of the deal. Therefore if you want yourcruise to be genuinely all-inclusive, you have to look carefully at what isincluded and check that the magic words "all-inclusive" are actuallyused.

Goingall-inclusive frees you from the hassle of paying for everything when you getit. You don't have to constantly reach for your wallet. This does generallymean a more relaxing holiday experience, and if you have paid for everythingup-front, there are fewer extras to add to the cost of your holiday, giving youa clearer control over your budget. Having paid one price you can relax andenjoy your holiday. It is for this reason that all-inclusive holidays arebecoming increasingly popular.

Howeverit seems that, despite the current trend towards all-inclusive holidays, mostcruises nowadays are not all-inclusive. Most cruises include the meals and theon-board entertainment, but generally drinks, shore excursions, and snacks arepaid for separately.

Forexample, Norwegian include in the cruise fare accommodation, meals andentertainment on board ship, but some of their speciality restaurants havecover charges, and in addition to the standard dining programme, there are someà la carte items that are only available at a surcharge. Alcoholic and softdrinks, spa treatments, indoor pool relaxation areas, some speciality exerciseclasses, laundry, internet access, and shore excursions are not included.

WithVivid Cruises there is more emphasis on the all-inclusive aspect, with cruiseswhich include the connecting flights to get you to your ship and home again,any hotel accommodation that will be required on shore, all drinks, includingselected wines and spirits, all on board gratuities and tips, all port chargesand transfers. The only time you have to reach for your wallet is when you goshopping.

Anothercruise line which specialises in the allinclusive cruises is Hebridean International Cruises, a company thatruns two small luxury cruise ships. A cruise with Hebridean includes flights toand from the ship, all shore excursions including entry into the sights, allmeals and snacks on board, including picnics and barbecues, fresh fruit, housewine and spirits, champagne, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Use of onboardfacilities, such as the gym and steam room, is also included. Port andpassenger taxes are included, as are all on board gratuities, with the companyactively discouraging tipping.

Thomsonalso offers all-inclusive cruising, and so does the Italian cruise line CostaCruises.

Itis worth bearing in mind that even if a cruise is advertised as all-inclusive,there may well be some things that you still have to pay for, such as spatreatments, and drinks to be consumed in your own cabin or state room. Sobefore booking your allinclusive cruises, it is worth taking a good look at what is and whatisn't included, and then you won't get any surprises.