What each line actually includes
One table per line, one column per fare, read from the line’s own terms. The date we checked is on every table, because the terms change and a table without a date is a guess.
- Celebrity CruisesPremium
The premium arm of the Royal Caribbean Group. Sells the same sailing at several fare levels, cruise-only up to All Included, which is where the confusion about what is in the fare comes from. The Edge-class ships are the ones people upgrade to.
- MSC CruisesMainstream
The largest privately owned cruise line and the fastest-growing, with a fleet that runs from 2001-era ships to the biggest afloat. Fares are keen; most of what is advertised is an add-on, and the Yacht Club is a ship within the ship.
- Royal CaribbeanMainstream
The largest ships afloat. The fare covers the cabin, main dining and the pools; most of what is advertised is an add-on.
- VikingPremium
Adults-only, no casinos, one shore excursion included in every port. The line most people upgrade to first.
- Virgin VoyagesPremium
Adults-only. Gratuities, wifi and every restaurant are in the fare; shore excursions are not.