cruise vs. all-inclusive resort

[Ohiogirl]

We have been on a few cruises, but never to an all-inclusive resort (such as in Mexico or numerous places in the Caribbean). Can those who have done both comment on which they prefer, and why? Seems like they cost about the same.

[mac9]

Having been on cruises, I can honestly say that I prefer the all-inclusives. While on the cruise, I enjoyed the on-shore time so much more. The all-inclusive is very relaxing without all the time constraints of a cruise. We've been to all-inclusives in Aruba, Bonaire,Curacao, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, St. Martin, Martinique, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Guadalupe, Trinidad, St. Thomas, St. Croix, the Caymans, and several in different parts of Mexico. Some were not as nice as others, but, all in all, there isn't one that I wouldn't repeat.

[laryb]

We like both. The cruise has the variety of islands and ports, so you'll see a lot of the world. We use the cruise as a way of finding something we like, and then try to find an all-inclusive there and spend an extended amount of time there. For us, the all-inclusive is a much more relaxed and laid back vacation with less regimentation, so it would nose out a cruise slightly.

[jackz]

Definetly a cruise person at heart. I enjoy packing and unpacking only once but being able to see a variety of places as opposed to spending 7 days or more in one place. That said, I have vacationed at 2 Club Meds, one in Turks Caicos Islands that was fantastic and had a great scuba diving program and one in Tahiti that was more laid back. Each has its own merits but given a choice, cruises win out for me.

[swrinfla]

jackz hits the nail on the head, I think.

It's definitely a case of what you like. The cruise offers you an "all-inclusive" adventure with many different ports, at none of which you'll spend more than a few hours.

An "all-inclusive" resort will offer you a lengthy pampered stay, with many entertainment/sporting options which you won't likely get whilst cruising!

They're really two wholly different lifestyles! If $$$$ is an issue, do as much research on-line as you can seeking out those inevitable costs that won't be a part of the "all-inclusive!"

Good traveling!

SWR
:beer3:

[Larry Wilson]

Having been on cruises, I can honestly say that I prefer the all-inclusives. While on the cruise, I enjoyed the on-shore time so much more. The all-inclusive is very relaxing without all the time constraints of a cruise. We've been to all-inclusives in Aruba, Bonaire,Curacao, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, St. Martin, Martinique, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Guadalupe, Trinidad, St. Thomas, St. Croix, the Caymans, and several in different parts of Mexico. Some were not as nice as others, but, all in all, there isn't one that I wouldn't repeat.

Agree. All-inclusive give us a chance to be much more active. Often go with friends and when the drinks are all FREE-great party time. Also, we always snorkel, go diving etc. and the people who cruise have to pay while ours is included. Plus we shop on days the cruise ships don't come in as we get better deals. It's funny how the prices go up for the Cruise Ships.

[teachnmo]

The drinks being free would be my husband's favorite part of all inclusive places to visit. We just never could figure out why the USA doesn't offer them. Also your bedroom/bathroom would be bigger in the all inclusive unless you get the upgraded suites on a cruise.

[tippyclubb]

We have been on a few cruises, but never to an all-inclusive resort (such as in Mexico or numerous places in the Caribbean). Can those who have done both comment on which they prefer, and why? Seems like they cost about the same.

We have done both and prefer the all inclusive. I loved our cruise but I did not like the time restraints as there was so much to explore on all islands and our time was limited. I missed being able to walk on the ocean in the evenings. Our cruise was rather expensive and cocktail prices were outrageous. I feel you get more for money with all inclusive and stayed at several of them in Mexico.

Have you ever used Trip Adviser? It's a great site and they rate all the hotels and have a travel forum and you can talk with people about their experiences traveling.

[Campbell soup]

Cruises hands down :highfive: I just love meeting all the new people and being spoiled.

[Ohiogirl]

Am thinking we need to try an all-inclusive resort next time, although we have a cruise booked for January. Still time to cancel, so we shall see.

I do use Trip Advisor, and got some great advice before our trip to England earlier this year, very helpful. For those that don't know, you can post questions on the forums and get very good answers.