"Along with" suggests independent action, while "with" implies combined action. Jane kissed Bob along with James and Fred. [Three independent kisses] Jane kissed Bob with James and Fred. [James and Fred are involved somehow with the kiss Bob is getting] We hired Ivan along with Hosni. [We hired two people] We hired Ivan with Hosni. [Ivan and Hosni are working together, and come as a package deal.] Their meaning is really very similar, though.

Same meaning.