To Cruise or Not to Cruise…
It’s no secret our family loves cruises! Even still, one of the most common questions we get asked is ‘why would you choose a cruise over an all-inclusive or some other specific destination vacation?’ While that is a hard question to answer comprehensively, we can compare a cruise to an all-inclusive.
Cruises
A lot of people who are on the fence about going on a cruise are worried about being stuck on a ship for 7 days. Let us put that complaint to bed right now. Some of our favorite days while cruising are the at sea days where you don’t stop at a port. The new cruise ships have plenty to keep you entertained and these are days you can simply relax and enjoy vacation. We often hear about “vacation hangover” where you come home from a vacation more tired than when you left it. We think these at sea days help to prevent that phenomenon and allow you to return from your vacation feeling rested and relaxed.
There are, however, definitely some cons of a cruise vacation. One day in port is often not enough time to really experience a place. This can definitely make port days more stressful, trying to pack in as much as possible.
Another problem is while most everything is included on the ship, nothing is included in port unless it is a ship’s private island. This means you still have to plan your excursions and pay for those on top of the cruise fees.
All-Inclusive Resorts
These function basically the same as cruises with a few caveats. Pretty much everything is included in an all inclusive. You get all of the activities, all of the restaurants, and even spa time depending on the resort.
You are free to come and go as you please meaning you can spend as much or as little time as you like exploring the destination outside the resort. All-inclusives typically will have excursions similar to a cruise that you can book through them or you can plan on your own.
The downside of the all-inclusive is that it is basically just a cruise ship on land. It doesn’t take you from destination to destination so your exploration is limited to a single local. Also if you don’t want to plan any excursions, the resort is all you are going to see. But for those who get seasick, this landlocked cruise can be just the ticket!
Another potential dealbreaker is that there is currently only 1 all-inclusive in the United States, ClubMed in Florida. Otherwise you’re going to need to head out of the country to find an all-inclusive. This drives up travel costs significantly which can certainly put a damper on visiting an all-inclusive.
Pros of a Cruise:
- Cruises are usually less expensive because they expect most people will spend on extra excursion activities like, site seeing, kayaking or snorkeling.
- Cruises depart from several US cities. Travel may be less expensive or more convenient
- During a one week cruise, you can visit multiple destinations without worrying about figuring out transportation logistics or packing your bags several times.
- Newer ships have several on-board activities like rope courses, water parks, mini-golf, movie screens, and rock climbing walls. Other attractions like ziplines, bumper cars, surfing, ice skating, and skydiving simulators may also be on board.
- Broadway-style entertainment at night. Resort entertainment, when there is some, tends to be more low-key, showcasing local acts, or centered around discos and nightclubs.
- If mobility is a concern, the nature of a cruise ship is more contained versus a resort, which can be spread out across a huge property. Cruise ships also have elevators conveniently located throughout the ship, as well as larger room options and dining options for mobile accessibility needs.
Pros of an All-Inclusive Resort:
- All-inclusive resorts include more activities in the price
- Meals at all onsite restaurants
- All drinks (soda, non-alcohol speciality drinks)
- Beach and pool access
- Daytime activities like beach sports challenges
- Fitness classes
- Some spa amenities
- Non-motorized water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and water bikes.
- Other activities such as tennis, golf, pickleball and even trapeze instruction at some resorts.
- It’s incredibly relaxing. You can spend the entire day in the pool if you’d like — sometimes even ordering food and drink without leaving the water.
- You can take out a kayak or go snorkeling if you like, but it’s a lazy venture on or close to the property, not an all-day excursion.
- If you love the beach, you can head into the waves whenever you want, rather than waiting for a ship to dock.
- At some you can hang out in a bathing suit all day. Most cruise lines make you put on a cover-up to grab a buffet meal.
- Resorts have more space than compact cruise ships. Standard rooms will be larger than cruise cabins, and some resorts might have options for overwater bungalows or casitas for more space and more privacy.
- You can walk on the beach at sunrise or sunset … or any time you want. With a cruise, you’re restricted to hours in port; at a resort, the beach is right out your front door.
Either Way is a Ticket to Paradise
No matter which style of vacation you choose it will be just that, a vacation. Both options allow for relaxation galore in a variety of beautiful locations. Give us a call or shoot us an email to tell us what kind of vacation you’d like to book. We are always getting notified of deals for both cruises and all-inclusives!
