The ultimate travel question of late has boiled down into one debate: all inclusives vs. cruises. Which is better for you? Sadly, this cannot be answered with just one direct solution. This is because there are a ton of factors to consider!
Things like destination, price points, accommodations and more can influence your decision. There are similarities to both, such as family-friendly or adults-only options. But there are differences too. This can include paying for extras on cruises, where those amenities may be included at an all-inclusive.
Think these through: am I willing to fly to my destination? Do I want to explore or relax? And what inclusions and price are most important to me? The cruise vs resort vacation debate becomes easier when asking these questions! And here are some more tips to consider as well.
Which Is Better, An All Inclusive Resort or a Cruise
Again, there isn’t one solid answer. This is very dependent on what type of vacation you want. Are you looking for more down time, or do you want more time to explore and participate in adventures. You can also consider prices: most cruises require add ons. For example, drink packages may be included at all-resorts, but not on a cruise!
And then, lastly, do you want to see other locations or are you okay staying on land? And how will you get there? This article is designed to help you consider if a cruise is cheaper than an all inclusive resort or vice versa. So create that pro and con list! We’re here to help you plan your next vacation!
Getting to All Inclusive Resorts
All inclusive respires typically require you to fly to them. This means that you will have to spend money on a flight to get to the destination! And that destination is not guaranteed to be indoor country. Thus, you may have to also invest in a passport.
There are a few all inclusive in the USA (even some in Florida!), but many are out of the country. This takes time and money to get to! And if you don’t like flying, this may not be an option for you. These all-inclusive may offer deals with their lodging, meals, and entertainment, but flights are not included.
Getting to a Cruise
While flying to get to your chosen cruise ship terminal is not always required, it can be an option. But, to avoid this, consider leaving at a terminal that is close to you. Many ships sail from popular places! For example, take the ports in Florida. The cities that have ports include Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Miami and more!
But other than this, you can find sailing ports in other states. Texas and New York just to name a few! Depending on where you live, you can save yourself a flight by driving to a port. Especially if you are close by! This is just one thing to consider when debating all inclusive resorts vs cruises. And remember, some cruises require just a birth certificate. You may not need a passport!
Drinking at Al Inclusive Resorts
This is truly where an all inclusive out shines a cruise. Most resorts offer unlimited liquor, and the price of this is factored into your base price! All inclusives typically offer nearby or on-site attractions liking dining venues, bars and amenities.
This means your easy access to bars and restaurants is a plus! Especially when the drinks are free! Do note that there are some exceptions: wine by the bottle and top shelf liquor, for example, may not be included in the base price. So just ask! And if you’re staying at a semi-all inclusive resort, you may get snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Mocktails can be fun too!
Drinking on Cruises
Most cruises offer liquor at an additional cost, or within a drink package. If you are on a more luxurious cruise, you may have the option of having some of your liquor included, but this is honestly rare. Most all inclusives offer liquor as a part of the standard price, unlike cruises.
Do note that the drinking age is 21 when sailing– even in international waters. And if you’re not getting a package, make sure to pay attention for daily drink specials! Drinks of they day and happy hour can help you save some money. As a friendly reminder: don’t order more than you can handle and tip your bartenders!
Sightseeing At All Inclusive Resorts
You won’t really go far at an all inclusive. You’re staying at the same resort for the whole time, after all. But you do have the option to take day trips or tours! You can purchase them through the resort, or even on your own/by yourself.
These options are valid if you are an adventurer, but the main goal of an all inclusive is to relax. With access to the amenities, doesn’t the spa and pool sound great? Book a massage and linger by the water with a drink. People don’t leave often, and we understand why! That campus is a tropical paradise.
Sightseeing on Cruises
All inclusives vs cruises really divide when it comes to sightseeing. Naturally, a cruise ship is constantly moving and traveling. While you are sleeping you cross miles and miles, thus waking up to something new to see and do. This is nice because in addition to seeing new locations, you also get the amenities of the ship! This is a great way to travel without having to pack up and move between locations.
However, it is important to note that some cruises don’t spend a lot of time in port. So your sightseeing may be limited. And if you are banking on those amenities, they may be crowded compared to the more private approach of an all inclusive.
Dining at All Inclusive Resorts
All inclusives typically offer variety. This means having different dining venues and activities, as well as entertainment options: dinner and a show, anyone? These on-site options are great for easy accommodations and your base price includes all meals and beverages.Most of the bigger resorts have multiple options as well.
Even your pickiest of eaters will be happy at all inclusive resorts! But make sure to do your research and compare: some resorts are well known for their food while others aren’t. And make sure they offer things you enjoy. If the resort is famous for seafood and you hate seafood… that’s probably not a good sign.
Dining on Cruise Ships
Dining on cruise ships is always a blast because, just like at all inclusives, there’s options for everyone. You can eat at a different location every night of your cruise! And, honestly, some of the best food I have ever had has been on a cruise ship.
Overall, to compare dining on cruise ships vs dining at all inclusives, neither stand out as better. Always research food if it is important to you, or if you have dietary restrictions just to make sure. And taking advantage of services like room service while on vacation!
Prices For All Inclusives
A cruise vs resort vacation can be hard to chose from… but let’s consider the big factor. Money. You have to look at what is included in the nightly rates at resorts. Things like accommodations, gourmet dining, snacks, and premium liquor may be included at base rates. At other resorts, your rate may also include entertainment, airport transfer, or even water sports.
Extra fees are usually applied for spa treatments and day excursions. This is just our long winded way to telling you to do you research. Resorts have great perks and can offer a good deal. Some even offer kids to stay for free! Planning for resorts is also great because you will know the cost of the trip from the get go. You won’t be spending more unless you decide to add personal expenses!
Prices for Cruises
Similarly to resorts, cruises are great for knowing your price from the get go if you are trying to budget. If you don’t get extra packages– whether that be drinking, tours or dining– you can keep your cruise cheap! So is a cruise cheaper than an all inclusive resort? Possibly! It depends what you want!
Do note that inexpensive bas fares can be misleading. Research and pay attention to other costs for taxes, fees, port charges and more. And then add in the fun things like beverage packages and Wi-Fi! Luxury lines allow you to cover more with your fares, but again, it is dependent on what you want!
Demographics at All Inclusive Resorts
Are all inclusives worth it? Yes! Especially when considering what you are traveling for, and who you are going with. The demographics at resorts are typically couple-heavy. And make that adult-only! Especially when compared to cruises.
Now, it is true that there are family-friendly resorts. So if you want to travel with kiddos, you still can! Beaches is a prime example fora. resort for families! You just have to see what you need. But really, the break down of the demographics can range from singles to multiple-gneration families, to foodies, to honeymooners, to wedding parties and more!
Demographics for Cruises
Caribbean cruises vs all inclusive resorts is a tough debate. But who is going with you? There are fewer adults only options for cruising when it compares to resorts. However, there are options! Those options tend to be more luxury based, and therefore will cost some more money. But maybe there is peace in adult only options?
All inclusives for adults tend to be more affordable compared to the all adults cruises. But if you want to travel with big parties, families, friends, and even meet a range of new people, cruises are for you. The average curse goer is 46 years old! But truly, cruise travelers vary in age, ethnicity, and more.
Room Sizes at All Inclusive Resorts
Hotel rooms will offer you more room, it’s as simple as that. Being back on land ensures that your accommodations have more square footage. This way you can spread out! Even the “smaller” sides of resorts tend to be the average space of a typical hotel room.
The type of room also varies: you can book cozy cottages, separate rooms for kids and adults, sprawling suites, and more. Now note that you are paying for every person who stays, not just how many rooms you are staying in!!
Room Sizes on Cruises
I’m sorry to say that rooms on cruises are quite small. And they feature even smaller bathrooms! But think of it this way: on a cruise, your accommodations are mainly being used to sleep. You don’t want to spend all your time in a tiny room! They want you to go out and use the amenities!
Plus, if you want more space, you can splurge on a suite. Also consider if you want an interior or exterior room. Balconies… are they important to you? Do you want connecting rooms to stay with your party? Again, research is key!
So Which is Better, Cruise Ships or All Inclusive Resorts?
I truly cannot tell you the “correct” answer. It is all dependent on you, your wants, and your needs for your vacation. What you value is vital for your enjoyment of your vacation, and so I suggest always doing research. Cruises aren’t for people who get motion sickness, for example, and resorts may not be for people who are more prone to exploring and adventure. We’re hoping these notes on all inclusives vs cruises help you find out what is best for your next vacation! So read, think, and book away!
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