A Guide To All Inclusive Cruise Packages from Belfast

Dreaming of an easy escape at sea without the faff of planning every detail?

This guide breaks down all inclusive cruise packages from Belfast for 3, 5, and 7 days—including typical costs, what’s included, sample itineraries, smart ways to save, and the best cruise lines sailing from or near Northern Ireland.

Typical costs for 3, 5 and 7-day all inclusive packages

While prices vary by season, ship, cabin, and inclusions, here are realistic per-person guide prices (based on two sharing an inside or oceanview cabin):

3-day mini-cruise: £299–£599 pp (shoulder season) | £449–£799 pp (summer school holidays)
5-day getaway: £549–£999 pp (shoulder) | £799–£1,199 pp (summer)
7-day week-long: £799–£1,499 pp (shoulder) | £1,099–£1,899 pp (summer)

These ranges assume an “all inclusive” style fare or bundle (e.g., drinks, Wi‑Fi, gratuities). Luxury lines with truly all‑inclusive fares will cost more; mainstream lines with a drinks package add‑on can be less. Prices also fluctuate with school holidays, last‑minute availability, and whether you sail from Belfast or take a short flight or ferry to join ships in Dublin or Southampton.

As a rough rule, ex‑Belfast departures (when available) can be priced at a small premium due to demand and fewer sailings. If you’re flexible to sail from nearby ports, you’ll often find better value and more ship choice—especially if a package includes transfers or flights.

What “all inclusive” typically includes

Exactly what’s included depends on the cruise line and fare type. Expect some combination of the following:

Accommodation and meals: Stateroom, main dining room, buffet, and casual eateries included.
Drinks: House wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffees (scope varies by package).
Wi‑Fi and gratuities: Many bundles include both; if not, look for “Plus” or “All Included” fares.
Entertainment and activities: Theatre shows, live music, kids’ clubs, pools, gyms.
Taxes and port fees: Typically included in final pricing.
Extras sometimes included: Specialty dining credits, shore excursion credit, airport transfers or flights on fly‑cruise bundles.

Quick examples: Celebrity’s All Included adds drinks and Wi‑Fi to the fare; Princess Plus includes drinks, Wi‑Fi, and gratuities; mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and MSC offer drinks packages you can bolt on to make your trip feel all inclusive.

Sample itineraries from (or near) Belfast

These example itineraries show what a 3, 5, or 7-day cruise could look like from Belfast or a nearby embarkation port (e.g., Dublin or Liverpool/Southampton with a short flight or ferry). Check the Belfast Harbour cruise calendar for the latest seasonal departures.

3-day mini-cruise

Day 1: Depart Belfast in the afternoon; evening at sea with welcome show.
Day 2: Call at Greenock (for Glasgow) or Liverpool; enjoy city sightseeing or a whisky tour.
Day 3: Morning at sea, return to Belfast.

Typical cost: £299–£799 pp depending on inclusions and season.

5-day getaway

Day 1: Depart Belfast; sail south along the Irish coast.
Day 2: Dublin or Cobh (Cork) with time to explore Trinity College or Blarney Castle.
Day 3: Day at sea—spa, cooking demo, and deck party.
Day 4: Liverpool or Holyhead (Anglesey) for North Wales scenery.
Day 5: Return to Belfast.

Typical cost: £549–£1,199 pp depending on ship and package.

7-day week-long

Day 1: Depart Belfast; sail the North Channel at sunset.
Day 2: Greenock (Glasgow) for museums and Merchant City dining.
Day 3: Oban or Stornoway (Hebrides) for rugged landscapes and distilleries.
Day 4: Kirkwall (Orkney) or Invergordon for Highlands excursions.
Day 5: Day at sea—wine tasting and specialty dining night.
Day 6: Dublin or Cobh (Cork) for a final city stop.
Day 7: Return to Belfast.

Typical cost: £799–£1,899 pp, higher for luxury lines with excursions included.

How to save and find deals

Cast a wider net: If ex‑Belfast dates are limited, compare nearby departures from Dublin or Southampton. A short flight or ferry can unlock more ships and prices.
Look for inclusive fare bundles: “All Included,” “Plus,” or “Drinks & Wi‑Fi” fares often price better than adding items separately.
Sail shoulder seasons: Late spring and early autumn typically bring lower fares than peak summer or school holidays.
Check line offers pages: See current promos at Ambassador Cruise Line, Fred. Olsen, and P&O Cruises.
Use UK deal aggregators: Compare offers across lines on Cruise Critic Deals, Iglu Cruise, Cruise Nation, and Planet Cruise.
Consider guaranteed cabins: A “guarantee” fare can shave 5–15% off if you’re flexible on exact cabin location.
Last‑minute vs early saver: Early bookings often get added value (onboard credit, upgrades). Last‑minute deals can be cheaper but have fewer cabin choices.
Group and loyalty perks: Booking multiple cabins or using a line’s past‑passenger programme can unlock extra discounts or amenities.

Highly reviewed cruise lines near Belfast

Several lines offer seasonal departures from Belfast itself, with many more sailing from Dublin or Southampton (easy to reach from Northern Ireland). Here are well‑reviewed options and how to make them feel all inclusive:

Ambassador Cruise Line (ex‑Belfast): Value‑focused British line with regional departures; look for drinks‑included promos.
Fred. Olsen (ex‑Belfast): Smaller, destination‑rich ships; occasional drinks packages or tips‑included offers.
P&O Cruises (nearby ports): British favourite; add a drinks package for an all‑inclusive feel.
Celebrity Cruises (Dublin/Southampton): “All Included” fares bundle drinks and Wi‑Fi; modern ships and strong reviews.
Princess Cruises (Dublin/Southampton): Princess Plus adds drinks, Wi‑Fi, and tips—excellent value on week‑long sailings.
Royal Caribbean (Liverpool/Southampton): Big‑ship fun; drinks packages and frequent UK deals.
MSC Cruises (Liverpool/Southampton): Competitive pricing with optional “Easy” drinks packages.
Azamara (Dublin): More‑inclusive fares with many drinks and gratuities covered; destination‑focused itineraries.
Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn (Dublin): Ultra‑luxury, truly all‑inclusive (premium drinks, fine dining, many excursions).

Putting it all together

If you want the utmost convenience, look for a Belfast round‑trip date with a line that bundles drinks, Wi‑Fi, and tips—great for 3–5 day breaks. For maximum choice and value on 7‑day itineraries, consider sailing from Dublin or Southampton and pick an inclusive fare type. Always compare the total package price (fare + add‑ons + transfers) rather than chasing the lowest base fare.

Finally, check the Belfast Harbour schedule early, shortlist a few ships that match your style and budget, and set price alerts with a trusted UK cruise agent. With a little timing and flexibility, an all inclusive cruise package from Belfast can be both blissful and brilliant value.