Most cruise ships offer all-inclusive plans that cover meals at most on-board restaurants and some of the small boutique dining and snack shops. You will need little cash during your cruise; most purchases will be charged back to your room. When considering the many options available on a cruise ship--from cocktails to excursions--plan on spending an additional $400 per person during a week-long trip. Boston is home to three cruise lines offering trips up and down the Atlantic coast as well as to Europe.
Carnival Cruise Lines, owner and operator of the Holland America Line, offers several all-inclusive trips out of Boston, most on the MS Maasdam, a large comfortable ship with a two-tiered dining room and an impressive art collection. Meals at most of the ship's restaurants, room service, movies, shows and youth activities are free of charge. Exceptions include alcoholic beverages and a few upper-tier restaurants that charge a seating fee. In addition, fees apply for excursion trips. Holland America cabins include DVD players and flat-screen TVs. Trips from Boston include a 7- or 14-night New England tour as well as 17- and 35-night transatlantic cruises.
Holland America Line
300 Elliott Ave. West
Seattle, WA 98119
206-281-3535
http://www.hollandamerica.com/main/Main.action
Miami based Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines offers Boston-area service primarily on the Jewel of the Seas, a 2,500-passenger ship. All meals and room service are covered in this all-inclusive trip, as are beverages during the meals. Also included are the pools, gyms, entertainment, special events and youth programming as well as activities like the rock climbing wall and the flow rider (a surfing simulator). Royal offers a seven-night New England cruise and a 13-night Caribbean cruise.
Royal Caribbean International
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
866-562-7625
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/home.do
Norwegian Cruise Lines created the freestyle cruising concept, which allows for informal dining times and arrangements. The success of this easygoing structure has started a trend that most cruise lines are now following. The Boston area is primarily served by the Norwegian Spirit. Built in 1998, the ship houses a 1,000-seat theater, a disco, a movie theater, bars, lounges and a casino. Norwegian Cruises are all-inclusive; your fare covers your accommodations as well as all meals and entertainment while on the ship. In addition, childcare and child/teen activities are included. The ship does offer few a specialty restaurants that are not inclusive and charge a seating fee. In addition, alcoholic beverages and spa treatments are not included. Cruises offered include a seven-night trip to Bermuda, a seven- or 14-night New England cruise, a 15-night Caribbean cruise and a quick "one-night cruise to nowhere."
Nowegian Cruise Line
7665 Corporate Center Drive
Miami, FL 33126
305-436-4000
http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/home.html
