A Guide To All Inclusive Cruise Packages from Southampton

Looking for all-inclusive cruise packages from Southampton for a quick 3, 5, or 7-day getaway?

This guide breaks down typical prices, what “all-inclusive” really covers, realistic itineraries for each timeframe, where to find the best deals, and which cruise lines are most praised by UK cruisers.

What “All-Inclusive” Typically Includes

By default, cruises include your accommodation, main dining venues, snacks, entertainment, and most onboard activities. An all-inclusive or “bundle” fare usually adds drinks (alcoholic and soft), Wi‑Fi, and gratuities; some lines may also include specialty dining credits or crew appreciation.

On UK-based sailings, popular bundles often mean a drinks package (beer, wine, cocktails, specialty coffees up to a set price), basic-to-premium Wi‑Fi for 1–4 devices, and pre-paid tips. The value of these add‑ons commonly equals £50–£80 per person per day if bought separately, which is why an all-in package can be great value on shorter trips.

What’s usually not included even with bundles: spa treatments, premium dining cover charges beyond any credits, shore excursions, casino play, retail, and some room service fees. Always check what’s included on your chosen line and fare type before booking.

• Food: Main dining room, buffet, select casual venues
• Drinks: Varies by line and price cap (check terms)
• Wi‑Fi: Basic or premium tier depending on package
• Gratuities: Often included in “Plus/All Included/Free at Sea” style fares
• Entertainment: Theatre shows, live music, quizzes, kids’ clubs

Typical Prices from Southampton (3, 5, 7 Days)

Prices fluctuate by season, cabin type, and brand, but these ranges reflect common 2025 UK-market deals for all-inclusive or bundled fares (per person, double occupancy):

3-day mini-cruise

Typical all-inclusive package: £350–£700 pp. Expect lower rates in Nov–Mar and higher on school holidays. Inside cabins trend to the low end; balcony and peak weekends to the high end.

Per-day equivalent: roughly £115–£230. Families of four often see “3rd/4th guest” reductions; solos may face a 30–100% supplement depending on line and date.

5-day short break

Typical all-inclusive package: £550–£950 pp. Shoulder-season bargains appear in late spring and early autumn.

Per-day equivalent: roughly £110–£190. Add £80–£150 total if you prefer a balcony over an inside on many lines.

7-day week-long cruise

Typical all-inclusive package: £800–£1,400 pp for mainstream lines from Southampton (Norway, Western Europe). Peak summer and high-demand itineraries may exceed £1,500.

Per-day equivalent: roughly £115–£200. Premium lines or suites can run much higher; early-book offers and loyalty rates can trim 5–10%.

Sample Itineraries and Daily Plans

Below are realistic, time-efficient routes commonly sailed from Southampton. Always confirm exact ports with the cruise line.

3-Day Mini-Cruise

• Day 1: Depart Southampton mid-afternoon; explore the ship, attend sailaway on deck; book specialty dining if included.
• Day 2: Bruges (Zeebrugge) or Le Havre for Paris/Honfleur. Morning: shuttle or excursion; afternoon: chocolate, beer tasting, or a Seine-side stroll; evening show onboard.
• Day 3: Sea morning with late breakfast and a spa session; arrive Southampton. Self-assist disembark if you’re light on luggage.

Onboard plan: Use the app to pre-book shows; maximize your drinks package with specialty coffees and mocktails by day, wine/cocktails in the evening.

5-Day Short Break

• Day 1: Southampton sailaway; muster drill; sunset walk on deck; pub quiz.
• Day 2: St Peter Port (Guernsey) tender stop: coastal cliff path walk and Old Town; return early to beat tender queues.
• Day 3: Sea day: brunch, enrichment talk, pool time; try included fitness classes.
• Day 4: Cherbourg or La Rochelle: WWII history or market-and-oysters day.
• Day 5: Sea morning; packing, photos, farewell dinner; late-evening arrival or next-morning disembark.

Onboard plan: Schedule one specialty dinner if a credit is included; use Wi‑Fi for maps and messaging when in port to avoid roaming charges.

7-Day Week-Long

• Day 1: Southampton departure; ship tour; book sauna/thermal suite passes if desired.
• Day 2: Sea day: trivia, dance class, mixology demo (great use of drinks package).
• Day 3: Bergen: funicular to Mount Fløyen; fish market lunch.
• Day 4: Flåm or Eidfjord: fjord railway or Trolltunga-view hikes; photo ops on sail-in/out.
• Day 5: Stavanger: old town and Norwegian Petroleum Museum; coffee by the harbour.
• Day 6: Sea day: spa, afternoon tea, formal night photos.
• Day 7: Return to Southampton; early breakfast and smooth disembark.

Onboard plan: Alternate active port days with restful sea-day routines so you don’t “over-schedule” the week.

How to Save and Find Deals

• Travel off-peak: Late autumn and winter mini-cruises often price best from Southampton.
• Compare bundles vs buying add-ons: Check the price difference between cruise-only and “Plus/All Included” fares—if you plan 4–6 drinks/day, a bundle may win.
• Watch price drops: Set alerts on Cruise Critic price alerts and compare reviews on Cruise Critic.
• Use UK cruise specialists: Check bundles and onboard credit offers at Iglu Cruise, Cruise Nation, and Bolsover Cruise Club.
• Pick guarantee cabins: If you’re flexible on exact location, “GTY” categories can be cheaper.
• Loyalty discounts: Enrol with your chosen line; past-passenger rates and extra onboard credit are common.
• Target shoulder dates: 5- and 7-day sailings that start midweek can be hundreds cheaper than Saturday departures.
• Mind parking vs transfers: Driving? Check official cruise parking at ABParking Southampton and compare with rail to Southampton Central.
• Book early, then re-price: Some agencies will honour lower fares before final payment if prices fall—ask up front.
• Insure smartly: Buy cruise-cover travel insurance when you book; compare options via MoneySavingExpert.

Highly Reviewed Cruise Lines with All-Inclusive Options from Southampton

• P&O Cruises (UK): Regular Southampton departures; add a drinks bundle like P&O Drinks Packages for an all-inclusive feel. Strong value and British-style onboard experience.
• Princess Cruises: “Princess Plus/Premier” bundles typically include drinks, Wi‑Fi, and gratuities—easy, transparent pricing.
• Celebrity Cruises: Sells “All Included” fares on many sailings covering drinks, Wi‑Fi, and tips. Modern ships and foodie-friendly dining.
• Royal Caribbean: Family favourite with big-ship entertainment; create your own bundle with a Deluxe Beverage Package and VOOM Wi‑Fi.
• MSC Cruises: Frequently sharp pricing ex-Southampton; check MSC Drinks Packages for simple all-inclusive add-ons.
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): “Free at Sea” offers drinks and Wi‑Fi as selectable perks; good for flexible dining and lively nightlife.
• Cunard: Classic ocean liners with regular Southampton departures; add beverage packages for an elevated, near-inclusive experience.
• Port info: New to the terminals? See official berths and facilities at ABP Southampton Cruise.

Before You Sail: Practical Tips

• Arrival timing: Book an early check-in slot to enjoy lunch onboard and maximize day 1 value.
• Documents: Bring valid passports (even for Channel ports), insurance proof, and any required visas.
• Budget buffer: Even with all-inclusive, budget £10–£30/day for specialty coffees, gelato, or tips for exceptional service.
• Excursions: Compare ship tours with DIY options; for Bruges, pre-book a shuttle from Zeebrugge to save time.
• Seasickness prep: Pack remedies; midship, lower decks move less.

Whether you’ve got a long weekend or a full week, all-inclusive cruise packages from Southampton make planning effortless—set your budget, pick your route, and sail. With the right bundle and a smart booking strategy, you’ll lock in great value without surprise costs.