An all inclusive cruise – it’s up to you.

Norwegian Cruise Line are the latest major cruise operator to offer a new all inclusive package. Unlike other operators though, who offer all inclusive drinks or all inclusive drinks and tips, Norwegian Cruise Line have taken this one step further.

Available for 2015 sailings from three to 14 days in length NCL will now provide guests with the option of buying a comprehensive package which includes signature dining, alcoholic beverages, unlimited soda, shore excursions, internet access and tips. This offer is only available for a limited time for bookings made until 29 August but I would imagine this is something they would be looking at introducing permanently assuming sales go well. Guests can simply choose whether or not to buy the package for their chosen cruise.

This kind of all inclusive cruising isn’t necessarily a new development, some of the high end, luxury cruise operators have always offered this kind of package (included in the price too), but this is the first time one of the mainstream, mass market operators has given it a go. The price of the package, $899 on a 7 nights cruise may seem prohibitive to some but many would argue it represents great value for money.

We all know the majority of spending money on a cruise holiday is attributable to the bar bill, tips and excursions so in my opinion one flat fee to cover the lot would be a great idea. Too often now are cruise lines all inclusive drinks packages confusing, there is the ‘select package, the ‘premium package’, the ‘allegro package’, the ‘standard package’, the ‘allegrissmo package’, the ‘I have no idea what’s actually included package’. I think a one time, one price fee would make life easier for everyone.

I know you can’t please everyone all the time, and these individually tailored variations are designed to try and cover the individual needs of all guests but lets face it – that isn’t ever going to happen, so I think Norwegian Cruise Line have got it right in trying to simplify the process. Everyone budgets for spending money when evaluating the cruise holiday options available so with this, clients can work out approximately what they would spend on drinks, tips, speciality dining and excursions and decide to buy the all inclusive option or not – simple.

They say the best ideas are the simple ones, is it just me or does that seem like a very good idea?