Hero Image

All Inclusive Philadelphia Cruise Packages Guide

Planning All Inclusive Philadelphia Cruise Packages just got easier.

This guide explains what “all inclusive” really covers, where you can sail from the Philly area, and ready-to-use 3-, 5-, and 7-day package blueprints with realistic price ranges and insider deal-hunting tips.

What “All Inclusive” Means for Philadelphia Cruisers

On cruises, “all inclusive” usually means your stateroom, most onboard dining, entertainment, kids’ clubs, and basic activities are covered—plus popular add‑ons like alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, Wi‑Fi, and prepaid gratuities. Some bundles also include specialty dining, shore excursion credits, bottled water, and fitness classes.

Each cruise line defines its bundle differently, so compare what’s truly included rather than chasing the label alone. For example, one fare might include drinks and Wi‑Fi but not tips; another may add shore excursion credits but cap Wi‑Fi speeds. For most travelers from Philly, the sweet spot is a fare that bundles drinks, Wi‑Fi, and gratuities.

Remember: government taxes/port fees, daily service charges (gratuities if not included), travel insurance, and transportation to the pier are usually extra. If you’re driving to the port, factor parking; if you’re taking Amtrak or a shuttle, include transfers in your total trip budget.

Where You Can Sail Near Philadelphia

While true, year‑round departures from the city of Philadelphia are limited, you have four convenient, drive‑able homeports with robust schedules:

Typical destinations from these ports include Bermuda, the Bahamas/Caribbean, Canada & New England (including leaf‑peeping fall itineraries), and occasional repositioning or transatlantic voyages.

Who Offers All‑Inclusive‑Style Packages

3‑Day, 5‑Day, and 7‑Day Package Plans With Prices

Below are example blueprints to help you price and plan. Fares fluctuate widely by date and cabin type; ranges below reflect recent, publicly advertised deals from nearby ports. Always verify inclusions and taxes/fees before booking.

3‑Day Weekend Sprint (Depart: New York or Bayonne)

Availability note: True 3‑night sailings in the Northeast are limited and pop up on select spring/fall dates; if your weekend is firm, be open to 4–5 nights with a similar plan.

  • Sample itinerary: Day 1 embark and sailaway; Day 2 sea day with spa or specialty dining; Day 3 port call (often Bermuda on select short runs) or another sea day; disembark next morning.
  • Inclusions to target: Drinks, Wi‑Fi, prepaid tips; 1 specialty dinner; $50–$100 shore credit (if a port is included).
  • Estimated package price (pp, double): $600–$950 before taxes/fees and transfers. Expect taxes/port fees of $80–$180 pp depending on itinerary.
  • Good fits: Norwegian (select short sailings), MSC (occasional weekend runs), Royal Caribbean (limited short getaways).
  • Add‑ons: Round‑trip transfer from Philly (~$40–$80 pp via shared shuttle or Amtrak regional fare to NYC), travel insurance.

5‑Day Bermuda or Canada Sampler (Depart: Cape Liberty or Manhattan)

  • Sample itinerary: Day 1 embark; Day 2 sea day; Day 3 Bermuda or Saint John, NB; Day 4 sea day/second port; Day 5 return.
  • Inclusions to target: Drinks, Wi‑Fi, tips; 1–2 specialty dining nights; $100 shore credit total.
  • Estimated package price (pp, double): $900–$1,400 before taxes/fees. Add $120–$220 pp for taxes/port fees on many 5‑night routes.
  • Good fits: Celebrity (All Included fares), Princess (Plus), Norwegian (Free At Sea), Royal Caribbean (add packages via Cruise Planner).
  • Add‑ons: Transfers or parking; consider a Manhattan hotel with “park & cruise” the night before to reduce stress.

7‑Day Caribbean or New England Classic (Depart: Baltimore or Bayonne)

  • Sample itinerary: Day 1 embark; Days 2–3 sea days and/or Port Canaveral; Days 4–5 Nassau/Perfect Day at CocoCay or Bermuda overnight; Days 6–7 sea days/return. New England variants hit Boston, Portland, and Bar Harbor.
  • Inclusions to target: Drinks, Wi‑Fi, tips; 2 specialty dining nights; $150–$200 shore credit; fitness classes or photo package if offered.
  • Estimated package price (pp, double): $1,200–$2,000 before taxes/fees. Plan $180–$280 pp for taxes/port fees on most 7‑nights.
  • Good fits: Royal Caribbean (Baltimore/Bayonne), Celebrity (Bayonne/NYC), Holland America and Princess (seasonal New England/Canada from NYC).
  • Add‑ons: Parking at the terminal (budget $20–$35/day, varies by port) or Amtrak from 30th Street Station to NYC/Baltimore.

How to Secure the Best Deal

  • Sail shoulder seasons: For Bermuda and Northeast, late April–May and September–early November are value sweet spots with milder crowds and better pricing.
  • Book early, then watch for drops: Lock in 6–9 months out to get your cabin choice; set fare alerts via Cruise Critic and ask your agent to reprice if a sale hits.
  • Use bundled fares wisely: Compare the cost of buying drinks/Wi‑Fi/gratuities separately vs. an “included” fare—choose whichever is cheaper for your habits.
  • Leverage member rates: Check AAA, past‑guest/loyalty, resident, military/first‑responder, and teacher rates.
  • Shop multiple channels: Try cruise‑line direct, a warehouse club like Costco Travel (often adds gift cards), and a cruise‑specialist agency such as Vacations To Go.
  • Consider repositionings and odd‑lengths: 5‑, 9‑, or one‑way itineraries can be cheaper per night and still pair well with Philly‑area transfers.
  • Mind total trip cost: Add parking, gas/tolls, or Amtrak, one pre‑cruise hotel night, and insurance to compare apples to apples.

Best Time to Depart and Find Deals

  • When to sail: Bermuda and Canada/New England shine from late spring through fall. Caribbean runs year‑round; late August–October is hurricane season, bringing volatility but also discounts.
  • When to book: Big wave‑season sales often run in January–March; summer and Black Friday bring strong promos. For holiday sailings, book 9–12 months out.
  • Best days to depart: Mid‑week embarkations (when available) can be cheaper and less crowded than weekend departures from NYC/NJ.

Practical Booking Tips for Philadelphians

  • Transfers & timing: Plan to arrive in the port city the night before in winter or if using public transit; a modest hotel can save you from weather and traffic surprises.
  • Getting there: Drive and park at the terminal (budget $20–$35/day), book a shared shuttle, or take Amtrak from 30th Street Station to NYC or Baltimore and a short cab/rideshare to the pier.
  • Documents: A passport book is strongly recommended even on closed‑loop cruises; check processing times via the U.S. State Department’s passport page.
  • Insurance: Protect your investment with trip insurance that covers medical, evacuation, and trip interruption; compare plans at Squaremouth.
  • Cabin choice: Inside cabins can dramatically lower your per‑night cost. If you spend most time on deck or ashore, funnel savings into an inclusive bundle.
  • Excursions: Use included shore credits for lower‑cost experiences; DIY walking tours in Bermuda or Boston can be free and fantastic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do any cruises depart directly from Philadelphia?

Regular, mainstream ocean cruises from Philadelphia are limited; most travelers use nearby ports (Bayonne, NYC, Baltimore). Small‑ship and seasonal sailings may visit or embark near the region—check American Cruise Lines for regional options.

What’s typically not included in “all inclusive” cruise packages?

Taxes/fees, daily gratuities (if not covered), spa treatments, casino play, some specialty dining, premium excursions, and internet upgrades beyond the plan’s allowance.

Are beverage packages worth it?

Do the math: multiply your average daily drinks (including specialty coffees and bottled water) by menu prices and compare with the per‑day package cost. If you’ll use it, bundling into the fare simplifies budgeting.

Can I get group or family discounts?

Yes—many lines offer reduced third/fourth‑guest fares and group amenities starting at 5–8 cabins. Ask an agent to quote these alongside public promos for a true apples‑to‑apples comparison.

Next Steps

  • Pick your nearest port (Bayonne, NYC, or Baltimore) and ideal length (3, 5, or 7 nights).
  • Choose a line whose inclusive bundle matches your habits (drinks, Wi‑Fi, tips at minimum).
  • Price out your total trip including taxes/fees, transfers, parking/hotel, and insurance—then book with a refundable deposit during a sale.

With the right plan, All Inclusive Philadelphia Cruise Packages make budgeting simple and the sailing sweeter—so you can spend more time enjoying sea days and less time crunching numbers.