Crystal Cruises will go all-inclusive next year

Crystal Cruises recently announced some sweeping changes. Starting with spring sailings next year, the luxury cruise line will take a new “all-inclusive” approach to cabin pricing. That means free wine and bar services, free dining in specialty restaurants and prepaid tipping (you won’t have to) for housekeeping, bar and dining staff.

The cruise line operates just two ships, which are smaller in scale than many: the 922-passenger Crystal Symphony and the 1,070-passenger Crystal Serenity. The cost of the cruise includes airfare from Los Angeles and other major U.S. gateways.

All-inclusive fares start with a 10-day cruise from Miami to Lisbon on March 19, 2012. Crystal is offering 2-for-1 pricing, which brings the cost of that trip down to $3,360 per person plus tax. The sale prices, based on double occupancy, apply to 2012 sailings.

“As many lines throughout our industry have itemized their services for additional charges, Crystal is maximizing the guest experience by eliminating additional transactions,” President Gregg Michel said in a statement.