Here’s a bold statement: the all-inclusive cruise experience you thought you were booking might not be as inclusive as you imagined. Cruise lines are increasingly turning their private destinations into premium playgrounds, and the fees are stacking up faster than deck chairs on a sunny day. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some travelers see these charges as a way to elevate their experience, others feel nickel-and-dimed by what was once promised as an all-in-one vacation.
Take Ryan and Kala Lambert, for example. This travel-savvy couple from Ottawa, Canada, who document their adventures on their YouTube channel, had one destination in mind during their recent cruise: Royal Caribbean International’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. They sailed aboard the Wonder of the Seas specifically to visit this new private club, which opened in December 2024. As their tender boat pulled up to the island, Kala, 39, couldn’t contain her excitement. ‘Every time we’ve cruised into Nassau, I’ve always thought that little strip was an unused gem,’ she said. But this gem came with a price tag.
The Lamberts arrived at the private club around 8 a.m. and left shortly before 4 p.m., enjoying amenities like beaches, cabanas, and swim-up bars across three distinct areas: Family Beach, Chill Beach, and Party Cove. However, this exclusive experience didn’t come cheap. The couple spent a total of $930 on a bundle that included day passes to the Royal Beach Club, alcoholic drinks, a Deluxe Beverage Package onboard, and access to Hideaway Beach—an adults-only area at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. ‘On a four-day cruise, that’s a big chunk of change,’ Ryan, 36, remarked.
And this is the part most people miss: cruises are often marketed as all-inclusive vacations, but the reality is far more nuanced. Just as onboard add-ons can inflate the overall cost, passengers are now encountering additional fees at land-based destinations too. Is the cruise industry quietly shifting away from all-inclusive models? Or are these charges simply the price of exclusivity?
Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel, explains that there’s a clear distinction between private destinations and private excursions. At private destinations, basic amenities like a complimentary buffet and pool access are typically included, but anything beyond that—think premium food, drinks, or exclusive areas—often comes with an extra fee. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line’s upcoming Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay will have an upcharge, much like Royal Caribbean’s Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day. Even drinks are becoming a point of contention. While some destinations, like Perfect Day, honor onboard beverage packages, others, such as Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key, do not. Norwegian recently confirmed that its onboard drink packages will no longer apply to Great Stirrup Cay starting March 1, 2026, though complimentary beverages like water and iced tea will still be available.
But here’s the real question: Are these fees a necessary evil for maintaining high-quality experiences, or are cruise lines simply capitalizing on their guests’ desire for exclusivity? Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure analyst with Truist Securities, argues that these upgraded private islands are a relatively new development, with Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day leading the charge after a $250 million renovation in 2019. ‘They’re giving guests the basics, but if you want something above and beyond—like escaping the crowds—they’ve found customers are willing to pay for it,’ he said. And for cruise lines, these add-ons are incredibly profitable, with margins often exceeding 70% or 80%.
Royal Caribbean’s president and CEO, Michael Bayley, boasted during a recent earnings call that the Royal Beach Club has already become the top-rated experience in Nassau for the company’s guests. A survey by Arrivia of over 4,500 U.S. adults found that 55% consider a stop at a private island when booking a cruise, and nearly one in four would switch cruise brands for access to one. So, are private islands the new battleground for cruise line loyalty? Or are they just another way to squeeze more money out of passengers?
For the Lamberts, the experience was a mixed bag. While they enjoyed the vibrant decor and friendly staff at Paradise Island, they were underwhelmed by the food options, especially given Kala’s dietary restrictions as a vegetarian with a gluten allergy. ‘Is it worth it?’ she asked. ‘It depends.’ And that’s the crux of the issue: whether these fees are worth it is entirely subjective, depending on your budget and priorities.
Royal Caribbean has since updated its menus to add more variety and emphasizes that it strives to accommodate dietary restrictions. But the question remains: Are these changes enough to justify the rising costs, or are cruise lines risking alienating their guests in the pursuit of profit?
What do you think? Are these fees a fair price for exclusivity, or is the all-inclusive cruise experience becoming a thing of the past? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this evolving trend.
