By: Cruise Scoop Team
Cruising offers an enticing way to explore the world while enjoying luxury and convenience. When booking a cruise, travelers often face a key decision: Should they go for an all-inclusive experience or choose an à la carte pricing structure? Both options have their merits, but the real question is whether an à la carte cruise provides better value. Let’s compare the offerings and pricing of four different cruise lines to help you decide.
A La Carte Cruises
Cruise lines that follow an à la carte model allow guests to pay for only what they use. These cruises often start with a lower base fare, but additional costs—such as beverages, shore excursions, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and gratuities—are charged separately.
Pros of A La Carte Cruises:
- Lower upfront costs: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers or those who prefer to pay only for selected amenities.
- Flexibility: Tailor your experience by skipping extras you don’t need.
- Personalized experience: You can choose specific upgrades like premium dining or private tours without committing to an all-inclusive package.
Cons of A La Carte Cruises:
- Hidden costs: Extras can add up quickly, often making the total cost comparable to or more than all-inclusive cruises.
- Time spent budgeting: Managing expenses onboard can feel restrictive.
All-Inclusive Cruises
All-inclusive cruises, as the name suggests, bundle almost everything into one upfront price. These often include meals, beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and even shore excursions in some cases.
Pros of All-Inclusive Cruises:
- Ease of planning: You can budget your vacation without worrying about hidden costs.
- Luxury experience: Often includes high-end amenities and services.
- True relaxation: Once onboard, you don’t have to worry about additional charges.
Cons of All-Inclusive Cruises:
- Higher upfront cost: May seem expensive initially, even if it offers better overall value.
- Limited customization: You may pay for amenities you don’t use.
Let’s compare the lineup!
Regent Seven Seas Grandeur
Built: 2023
(Ultra-Luxury)
Passengers: 744
Crew: 548
Complement Dining: 8
Specialty Dining: 0
Pools: 1
Hot Tubs: 2
Oceania Allura
Built: 2025
Premium
Passengers: 1200
Crew: 800
Complement Dining: 6
Specialty Dining: 0
Pools: 1
Hot Tubs: 2
Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas
Built: 2022
Mainstream
Passengers: 5610
Crew: 2350
Complement Dining: 13
Specialty Dining: 12
Pools: 7
Hot Tubs: 9
MSC World America
Built: 2025
Mainstream
Passengers: 6762
Crew: 2138
Complement Dining: 13
Specialty Dining: 6
Pools: 6
Hot Tubs: 14
Typically, prices for cruises will vary depending on various factors that we will highlight here below. For the purpose of comparison, we have chosen those cruises that align as closely as possible to minimize pricing differences.
Factors Affecting Price:
1. Duration: 7 Night cruise
2. Time of Year: late November 2025
3. Itinerary: Each cruise has 4 port visits and 2 sea days.
4. Destination: 3 of the 4 ports are the same: Costa Maya, Mexico, Cozumel, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras
5. Ship age: Ships were all built 2022 or later
6. Cabin type: we have selected balcony cabins with ocean views for each cruise
7. Cruising style: Luxury, Premium and mainstream
Regent Seven Seas Grandeur
Departing Nov 24, 2025 for Costa Maya,Mx, Cozumel,Mx, Roatan,Hn, Harvest Caye,Bz
Inclusions
- Balcony – Veranda Suite H
- European King Size Elite Slumber™ Bed
- Living Room With Sitting Area
- Private balcony
- Luxurious Bath Amenities
- Interactive Flat-Screen Television and Direct-Dial Satellite Phone
- Vanity and Hair Dryer
- Regent Plush Bathrobes and Slippers
- Personalized In-Suite Mini-Bar Set-Up
- 1 Marble and Stone Detailed Bathroom featuring a glass-enclosed shower instead of bathtub
- Built-in Closet With Safe
Oceania Allura
Departing Nov 28, 2025 for Costa Maya,Mx, Cozumel,Mx, Roatan,Hn, Belize City,Bz
Inclusions
- Veranda Stateroom
- Tranquility Bed, an Oceania Cruises exclusive, with 1,000-thread-count linens
- Private teak veranda
- Complimentary soft drinks replenished daily in your refrigerated mini-bar
- Complimentary still & sparkling Vero Water
- Bulgari amenities
- Twice-daily maid service
- Oversized rainforest shower
- Belgian chocolates with turndown service
- Interactive television system with on-demand movies, weather and more
- Wireless Internet access and cellular service
- Writing desk and stationery
- Plush cotton towels, thick cotton robes and slippers
- Handheld hair dryer
- Security safe
Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas
Departing Nov 29, 2025 for Costa Maya,Mx, Cozumel,Mx, Roatan,Hn, CocoCay, Bahamas,Bs
Inclusions
- Ocean View Balcony
- Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa
- Full bathroom
- Shower with bench
- Dedicated stateroom attendant
- Daily cleaning service
- Exclusive bedding collection
- Stateroom climate control
- Ample closet and storage
- In-room HD-TV
- In-room safe for valuables
- Hair dryer
- Deluxe toiletries: shampoo, conditioner & body wash
MSC World America
Departing Nov 22, 2025 for Costa Maya,Mx, Cozumel,Mx, Roatan,Hn, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bs
Inclusions
- Deluxe Balcony with ocean view
- 24-hour room service (free delivery)*
- Comfortable king bed that can be converted into two single beds on request
- Balcony
- Spacious closet
- Bathroom with shower and hairdryer
- Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar
- Wi-Fi access available ($)
Are You Really Saving with A La Carte?
For budget travelers who only want the basics, an à la carte cruise may be the best choice. However, if you’re planning to enjoy drinks, specialty dining, and shore excursions, the cost of these extras can quickly rival or exceed an all-inclusive cruise.
Travelers seeking convenience and luxury will often find better value with all-inclusive options, especially when you factor in premium perks like specialty tours. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your travel preferences, how much you value an all-inclusive experience, and whether you’re disciplined about sticking to a budget.
What’s your ideal cruising style—pay-as-you-go or all-inclusive bliss?