Thankfully, there are cruises that buck this trend. All-inclusive cruise deals are designed to carry the entire onus of holiday planning and cost, leaving time for nothing but fun and not having to dip into your wallet from time to time.

Having said that, finding the perfect deal can pose a challenge, as some cruise lines offer all-inclusive fares as an add-on option, which further complicates things, as you don’t know exactly what you are getting.

What exactly is an all-inclusive cruise package

On an all-inclusive voyage, everything you need is covered in the cost of the cruise, like drinks, WiFi, specialty dining and gratuities in order to offer a more predictable package rate to the guest.

While what is included varies significantly, the main benefit is reducing surprise add-on costs, as many onboard activities and amenities are covered upfront.

When to shop for a good all-inclusive cruise deal

As with any other cruise deal, the wave season is the best time to shop for all-inclusive cruise deals which is between the months of January to March. This is when the biggest deals are offered on the cruise line’s website.

The other good time to look for an all-inclusive cruise package is 90 days before the sailing, when the cabin rooms are nearing capacity.

The only drawback is that these bookings get snapped up fast, as most people tend to book such discounted trips sooner rather than later.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

Another affordable all-inclusive cruise option could be in the shoulder season. For instance, cruises to Alaska will be cheaper in May, September and October.

If you are planning to cruise the Caribbean, look for all-inclusive packages in April and October. Check for Caribbean deals in early spring and late fall as well.

What to look for when booking an all-inclusive cruise

Here are a few specifics to watch for that could make or break the all-inclusive deal experience:

● Airfare, excursions, transfers and insurance can add to the costs

● Some cruise lines have deals with alcohol limits, on specialty dining and excursions. When in doubt, ask the bartender if a drink is part of the package

● If your cruise leaves from a port where you can book airfare, you can save hundreds of dollars if you take an all-inclusive package without airfare

● Most excursions are not a part of your cruise fare, so before booking, know which is included and which costs extra

● Make sure the taxes and port fees are included in the listed price, as they can add up to hundreds of dollars or more

● Choose a mainstream cruise line as they offer loyalty programs which can lead to a few free drinks per day on future cruises with them

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

How to snag the best all-inclusive cruise deal

● Never miss an opportunity by putting your name on the price-alert list of the cruise lines you have chosen

● Check money-saving tips from fellow cruisers on social media groups

● Interior staterooms can save you a bundle on a premium all-inclusive cruise

● Caribbean cruises with all-inclusive fares are generally cheaper than any other region in the world

● Contact a travel advisor for pricing and specials because they have access to some great deals which are not listed on their website. A travel agent can also get you a fare at a lower rate, even after you have booked the cruise, should there be a price drop