Sharing is caring!

If you ask many long time cruisers, they would likely say that cruises used to feel close to “all-inclusive”. However, over the years, cruise lines have scaled back on what’s included and started charging extra for activities, restaurants, and more.

Although cruising is still a great value and an excellent way to travel, there are some reasonable things that cruisers wish were included.

We asked the community over at Life Well Cruised, and this is what they wish was included on a cruise. Beyond crew gratuities, there were some excellent suggestions!

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

8 Things Cruisers Wish Were Included on a Cruise

1. Wi-Fi / Internet

There is an overwhelming consensus among cruisers who want included basic Wi-Fi connectivity throughout their cruise vacation. In a time where staying connected is valued and free internet is the norm at most hotels, many cruise travellers wish cruise lines included free cruise ship wifi.

Whether you’re using it to keep in touch with family or answer business emails, it’s reasonable to want free Wi-Fi on a cruise ship. Furthermore, by cruise lines offering complimentary Wi-Fi they are getting free promotion, as passengers often share their experiences on social media.

2. Crew Gratuities

Crew gratuities has been a controversial topic among cruisers in recent years. Most major cruise lines charge automatic daily gratuities (sometimes known as crew appreciation).

Some people don’t like this system, and prefer to remove gratuities once onboard. Of those cruise passengers who do, many say they prefer to tip the crew members who directly impact their cruise.

However, doing this takes away potential income from those crew members who are behind the scenes. Instead, avid cruise passengers recommend cruise lines include gratuities in the price of the cruise fare to ensure fair compensation for all crew members.

This move could eliminate debates over gratuity removal and allow passengers to offer additional tips as they see fit.

Related: 7 Gifts Cruise Crew Members Really Want & Need

3. Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Non-alcoholic beverages like fountain sodas and bottled water are commonly featured on cruise passengers’ wish lists. While it makes sense for cruise lines to charge for alcoholic drinks, many cruisers agree that non-alcoholic beverages should be included.

Including bottled water and fountain sodas in the price of the cruise fare is a great way for passengers to stay hydrated, and it improves the overall cruise experience.

In my 20 years of cruising with several major cruise lines, soft drinks and bottled water have never been included. However, this is something that many cruisers wish was included!

Related: 13 Big Drink Package Mistakes Not to Make on a Cruise

4. Free Room Service

When I began cruising, room service was included, and it was one of my favorite parts of a cruise vacation!

However, cruise lines have recently been changing their offerings and several are now charging for this convenience. Many long-time cruise passengers are not happy with this, as room service was one of the reasons that cruising was such a good value.

Furthermore, some passengers highlighted the necessity of accessing food late at night for medical purposes, without incurring additional fees.

Unfortunately, included room service is a thing of the past on many contemporary cruise lines. However, a few cruise lines still offer complimentary room service breakfast, and others offer free room service throughout the day.

5. Port Fees and Taxes

Although port fees are technically included in the price of the cruise, many passengers wish there was upfront clarity to avoid surprises when booking.

Oftentimes, cruises will be advertised for a certain price that does not include port fees and taxes. This is extremely misleading and frustrating for cruise passengers, as the port fees and taxes can make the cruise significantly more expensive.

Unfortunately, cruise lines will always use this tactic as it’s a great way to create enticing offers. So, when booking a cruise, expect to pay extra for taxes and port fees.

Related: 10 Things Not included in the Price of a Cruise

6. Shuttle Service

Cruise passengers wish all cruise lines offered complimentary transportation from cruise ports to city centers. This service would be a valuable convenience, especially in cruise ports where the city centers are far away.

On our recent Mediterranean cruise, Princess offered a free shuttle from the cruise port to the city center during our time in Chania, Crete. Although this may be less common for Caribbean itineraries, we have seen Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line offer a free shuttle in certain Mediterranean cruise ports.

7. A Shore Excursion

Many cruisers stated that they would love to have one complimentary shore excursion included in the price of a cruise. Now, this may be wishful thinking. However, it is a great idea for a promotion.

Although cruise lines will probably never include shore excursions in the cruise fare, this is still a fun idea. Shore excursions are a great way to improve your cruise vacation and visit ports of call.

8. All Main Dining Room Food

Many cruise passengers say they want to avoid seeing any cruise extras in the main dining room menu. Since cruise lines already offer many specialty dining options, it’s understandable for cruisers to want an all-inclusive experience in the main dining room.

Whether it’s lobster tails or filet minions, many cruisers would rather not see it on the menu for an extra price. If cruise passengers want to spend money on dinner, they can go to a specialty restaurant instead of the main dining room.

One Cruise Line Responds

The social media team at Virgin Voyages actually responded to our original Facebook post. When we asked our community of cruisers what they wished was included on a cruise, Virgin Voyages responded, “Do we have to choose only 1?”

As a reminder, Virgin Voyages includes Wi-Fi, specialty dining, crew gratuities, fountain soda, and fitness classes. When we sailed with Virgin, having so many included extras onboard was a breath of fresh air.

Although Virgin Voyages may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they really do a great job of being different from all other major cruise lines. So, if you’re looking for a more “all-inclusive” cruise experience, you may want to check out what Virgin Voyages has to offer!

Related: Why Virgin Voyages Is The Ultimate Cruise Line For Young Adults

Counterpoint

While many cruisers preferred more inclusions, some cruise passengers like things as they are. They pointed out that more inclusions would likely mean higher prices for all.

Those who don’t like to have internet during their holidays, or drink specialty coffee, don’t want to pay for things that they are not using.

Related & Popular Posts:

• 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
• 25 Cruise Wardrobe Essentials Every Women Should Pack for Vacation
• 21 Things to Never Do in Your Cruise Cabin (safety, rules, etiquette)
• How to Keep Your Belongings Safe on a Cruise Vacation
• 60 Cruise Packing Tips & Hacks All Cruisers Need to Know
• 10 Foods to Avoid Eating on a Cruise
• 50 Cheap Cruise Travel Hacks to Cruise More Often
• 15 Cruise WiFi Tips, Secrets & Mistakes to Avoid

Final Thoughts On Things Cruisers With Were Included on a Cruise

Although cruise lines have changed their offerings in recent years, cruising is still a great value and an amazing way to visit multiple destination in one trip.

Please note that what is included and what’s not included will vary depending on the cruise line.

Are you willing to pay more for a cruise that offers more included options? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Ethan

If you enjoy this post please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please feel free to share on Facebook or Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!