First timers! Cruise vs All Inclusive resort

My wife and I are planning on a getaway either later this year (Novemberish) are early next year.

 

If we cruise - it looks like it will be on Carnival.

 

If AI resort - it will be somewhere Mayan Riviera (Cancun? Playa del Carmen?)

 

We are just confused/unsure what is better for us, so with my first post here I am asking for some input. :)

 

I was curious what cost differences there are. We would be flying from Detroit likely, possibly Toronto (there are not many flights out of Windsor Airport yet at the right time). So that is a factor right away.

 

It seems if I look on Expedia - they can give me a price that is all-inclusive, flight included and just select the flight times.

 

Is a travel agent the way to go, or book direct (Carnival or expedia for resort)?

 

We are both happy spending lots of time on a beach.

 

We are not big drinkers, but it's vacation....so..... we would plan on drinking some alcohol.

 

As for shore excursions....the only thing we want to see (mostly me, but my wife will certainly come with me) is Chichen Itza - so that gives options for both cruise or AI. But then again, how do you know that excursion is going to be available, until after you book??? Beyond that, we probably wouldn't do many shore excursions. We would like to see some of the local shops, food places, see some local culture. Mostly relax.

 

Carnival seems interesting because it seems like they are the most casual. I really don't want to "dress up" on vacation, I'm a jeans and t-shirt, shorts and t-shirt and ball cap kind of guy. Do you have to attend the fancy dinner on a cruise?

 

I'd like to take some relax time and read.

 

We are a bit budget conscious, so I want to be aware of things that are extra - like gratuities for example? Are there port charges involved (I've heard something about this)?

 

One thing about resorts I keep reading about is the push for time-shares....uhm..no thanks!

 

Cruise looks neat because see multiplte destinations (Cozumel, Roatan, Grand Cayman) as an example.

 

Sorry about so many rooking questions!

We do both.

Have been on 11 Carnival cruises and 1 Royal. 11 in the Caribbean and 1 to the west coast of Mexico.

We leave tomorrow for an AI in Jamaica.

 

Costs? Basically the same

 

Cruises? Enjoy unpacking, sailing away, entertainment, activities, visiting 3 or 4 different countries in 7 days

 

AI? Enjoy unpacking, staying in 1 location and being able to get a better feel for customs, culture, and foods. Entertainment and activities are also a joy.

 

TA or not to TA?

I used to TA all the time.

Upside? A good TA is hard to find but when you do,,, the service and support is impeccable.

Downside (to include the ,com site you are asking about)?

You are THEIR customer. Not the airlines customer, not the cruise lines customer, not the hotels customer. Any problems, concerns, questions,,, only the TA or .com can help you (by contractual agreement).

You will have to fly to either get to the AI or the port...so check fares for both. Then, compare the cost of the AI to the cost of the cruise. Remember, on a cruise there are lots of extras, excursions being the most costly. With an AI, your food and drinks (alcohol, too!) are included! On the ship, you will pay for anything except: ice water, coffee, tea, milk or juice at breakfast. Sodas and booze are all additional, and NOT cheap!

 

With either an AI or cruise, you will "unpack once"...that's not a factor! A ship's pool is crowded on sea days, if that interests you.

 

As far as the "timeshare" thing goes...simply say "NO"...loudly, if needed! They can't force you to attend, but they are good at wearing folks down, so be harsh right upfront, and they'll get the message.

Welcome to CC!

 

Cost is what you make it. You can book a value all inclusive or value cruise ( Carnival ), or go RCCL etc. that is more. Like many things in life some gain value by spending more and for others it seems like throwing money away.

 

All cruise ships and vacation resorts, dang even your local resturant wants to sell you some drinks. On cruise ships they offer drink packages which if you "drink" can be of value or figure 10 bucks a drink :D

 

As to what you will enjoy. A cruise ship like and all inclusive locks you in for what the "free/inclusive" IMHO the food choice on the ship I perceive to have more choices ( others can correct me ), you also have on many cruise ships to pay a few dollars for better experience.

 

If one tour and just chilling at the beach / pool. I think the resort is better than the cruise. I find cruise experience of getting space on deck in warm weather just terrible ( especially on the value cruise ships ). In a resort getting premium spot also is a rat race but there is just more land to go explore and find a spot. On a ship space is a premium and the hogs are out early.

 

Plus of cruise ship is the joy of waking up daily in a new port with new things to see. The downside, only 6-8 hours in port so the leisure beach day still has the disembarkation, transportation, relaxation and the MUST get back to the ship in the schedule. Nights are set with so many dining choices and show and other activities. But the dining choices and show are what you get, no other options as you are locked in :D

 

Why I choose a cruise "sometimes" I want to have formal breakfast, dinner and tea. Want really a no planning vacation and visit a few places with no transportation headaches. Having just come back from a week in paradise I have to say beach / resort is also really sweet, and depending on how you plan equally cost effective and with as much or little entertainment.

In my first post I mentioned Chichen Itza - I will say this is probably not a deal breaker.... I do want to explore some Mayan ruins.

 

It is a tough call - I like the idea of some of "all inclusives" I've researched, yet I like the "waking up at a new port" idea too.

 

LOL - decisions, decisions.

 

For me - airfare is a bummer. But I am sure it can be had for a pretty reasonable cost going to the cruise port.

In my first post I mentioned Chichen Itza - I will say this is probably not a deal breaker.... I do want to explore some Mayan ruins.

 

It is a tough call - I like the idea of some of "all inclusives" I've researched, yet I like the "waking up at a new port" idea too.

 

LOL - decisions, decisions.

 

For me - airfare is a bummer. But I am sure it can be had for a pretty reasonable cost going to the cruise port.

For a better airfare, try a package search.

For a comparison, did you see what apple vacations would offer?

 

One week - All Inclusive(includes flight) @ Royal Solaris

408 Sq Ft, One king bed or two double beds, 21-inch flat screen Satellite TV, Hairdryer, In-room safe, Iron/ironing board, Air conditioned, 2 chair dining set in room, Bathroom with marble, vanity and shower only.

$895.88 per person* includes Govt Taxes and Fees

We've stayed here and liked it. Go on excursions from here!

Edited July 3, 2015 by $hip$hape

For a better airfare, try a package search.

For a comparison, did you see what apple vacations would offer?

 

One week - All Inclusive(includes flight) @ Royal Solaris

408 Sq Ft, One king bed or two double beds, 21-inch flat screen Satellite TV, Hairdryer, In-room safe, Iron/ironing board, Air conditioned, 2 chair dining set in room, Bathroom with marble, vanity and shower only.

$895.88 per person* includes Govt Taxes and Fees

We've stayed here and liked it. Go on excursions from here!

 

Yes, I have seen some good deals with air included on expedia.com (even though I am in Canada, I would use .com, not .ca). I don't want to drive 4hrs to Toronto, when Detroit Metro is 20 minute drive.

 

We are just trying to decide between the cruise or a resort. We've never had a chance to do anything like this, and really need a getaway like this. I'm 42 and my wife is turning 39, so we are still young and want to have a great vacation.

 

It seems there is a lot of extra charges for cruises (booze package as an example, gratuities - are 2 I see as not included) in the price. But you get the benefit of seeing different places. Would want wifi as well.

Edited July 3, 2015 by T&J1014

In my first post I mentioned Chichen Itza - I will say this is probably not a deal breaker.... I do want to explore some Mayan ruins.

 

It is a tough call - I like the idea of some of "all inclusives" I've researched, yet I like the "waking up at a new port" idea too.

 

LOL - decisions, decisions.

 

For me - airfare is a bummer. But I am sure it can be had for a pretty reasonable cost going to the cruise port.

 

 

Oceania includes airfare in cabin price or you can take a credit and make your own arrangements.

Is a travel agent the way to go, or book direct (Carnival or expedia for resort)? If you are going through Carnival, call them directly, and get yourself a personal vacation planner to book it.

 

We are both happy spending lots of time on a beach. Depending on where you cruise to, you can actually get beach excursions that sometimes include an open bar and lunch.

 

We are not big drinkers, but it's vacation....so..... we would plan on drinking some alcohol.

 

As for shore excursions....the only thing we want to see (mostly me, but my wife will certainly come with me) is Chichen Itza - so that gives options for both cruise or AI. But then again, how do you know that excursion is going to be available, until after you book??? Beyond that, we probably wouldn't do many shore excursions. We would like to see some of the local shops, food places, see some local culture. Mostly relax.

 

Carnival seems interesting because it seems like they are the most casual. I really don't want to "dress up" on vacation, I'm a jeans and t-shirt, shorts and t-shirt and ball cap kind of guy. Do you have to attend the fancy dinner on a cruise? You don't have to do formal night at all! We didn't do our first formal night, just the second, and even then we didn't wear anything super fancy.

 

I'd like to take some relax time and read. Carnival does have libraries on board, but I would suggest bringing your own. If you want privacy when you read, I would suggest booking a balcony.

 

We are a bit budget conscious, so I want to be aware of things that are extra - like gratuities for example? Are there port charges involved (I've heard something about this)? Everything will be included in your final price (which you can see fully before booking.

 

 

 

Cruise looks neat because see multiplte destinations (Cozumel, Roatan, Grand Cayman) as an example. That is exactly why we decided to keep cruising. You can't beat seeing multiple destinations in one trip for the price.

We normally cruise, but also do AI resorts, in general I much prefer the resorts in the day, normally close to beach with nice pools and no problems getting chairs by the pool ( which can be issue on cruises) . At night we like the cruise much more entertainment and things to do than resort. A/I all are different check reviews for them, we used to do low end but now we do the high end. I like the adult only AI since we have no children, again either is a nice vacation but just to relax I would do the AI, also much less nickel and dimming at AI than on any cruise

I am not overly experienced having only been on one cruise and been to one AI but here are my thoguhts on the cost aspect.

 

The AI resorts seem to be more all inclusive, meaning booze, restaurants, water sports are all included in the price.

 

Cruises on the other hand you can end up having either a $0 balance or $2,000 balance at the end of it. The things that cruises charge for are the booze and specialty restaurants along with gratuities. Of course you could always choose to not drink, and only dine in the main dining room or other free venues, which there are usually a few on every ship. The menu in the main dining room does change daily. The gratuities arent that much. They are around $12 pp/day and you can usually pre-pay those in advance.

 

Things like spa treatments are resort prices both on a cruise line and an AI resort.

 

Both will have entertainment at night, but cruise lines have much more entertainment and better entertainment. Some you can see very good performances of broadway shows. The AI will not have that. They may have a band playing until around 11 or 12 at night, or set up a shopping thing on the beach.

 

There is usually a price difference from the cruise to the AI resort. If you prefer to spend the least amount price it out between the two. You will enjoy either. For the cruise you can figure on about $6 for beer (including tip which may be automatically added) to about $8-$10 for cocktails. Just estimate how much you may drink and add that to the price. If you did a drink package, I know for RCCL their packages are $55 or $65 pp/day which includes the gratuity. For a 7 night cruise you can have an all incluive feel for and additional $800 for the two of you. One of you can always get the package, and you can get the package up until 4 days left. I am not sure about Carnival.

 

As far as formal nights, you do not need to participate. On a cruise you will only have the port days to spend on the beach, but you can spend time by the pool. Most ships I have looked into have an adults (16+) area which is usualy less crowded.

 

If you really wanted to see the ruins it may be tough on a cruise. Some of them are a decent distance from the ports so you will be on the bus for around 3 hours each way (at least from Cozumel when we looked into it). That would only give you like 2 hours or so to tour the ruins. I would recommend booking that through the ship to ensure that they will wait for you if the tour gets delayed.

After that wordy response I forgot a couple of points.

 

Some cruise lines will let you bring some booze on board. RCCL allows 2 bottles of wine per stateroom. You can check Carnival's policy, which I hear is changing for the worse.

 

Cruises will have a ton of stuff to do throughout the entire day and nigth. You can choose to do as much or as little as you want.

If we cruise - it looks like it will be on Carnival.

 

We've only cruise Carnival so far and have loved it!

 

If AI resort - it will be somewhere Mayan Riviera (Cancun? Playa del Carmen?)

 

For an all inclusive - We loved Grand Bahia Principe Sian Kaan (adults only) in the Playa Del Carmen area.

 

I was curious what cost differences there are. We would be flying from Detroit likely, possibly Toronto (there are not many flights out of Windsor Airport yet at the right time).

 

We have flown out of Toronto, Detroit and Buffalo. Driving a 3.5 hours to detroit is worth it to us to save money. We have found for an all inclusive, Toronto is affordable but for a cruise (booking flight only)...Detroit or Buffalo is more affordable for us. OVER ALL...the price for cruising Carnival is about the same as an all inclusive.

 

We are both happy spending lots of time on a beach.

An all inclusive will give you more beach time for sure. Chairs around the pool on a ship for Sea days can be hard to find! HOWEVER...you can book excursions to all inclusive resorts. Booking privately will keep the cost down.

 

We are not big drinkers, but it's vacation....so..... we would plan on drinking some alcohol.

Carnival, you can each bring on a wine bottle. BUT you pay for alcohol unless you buy a package. We like to drink on vacation and we plan for only 2-3 drinks each per day and budget for that.

 

As for shore excursions....the only thing we want to see (mostly me, but my wife will certainly come with me) is Chichen Itza - so that gives options for both cruise or AI. But then again, how do you know that excursion is going to be available, until after you book??? Beyond that, we probably wouldn't do many shore excursions. We would like to see some of the local shops, food places, see some local culture. Mostly relax.

Not all cruises to Mexico offer this excursion through the cruise line. You might have to book privately and keep in mind then timing. I've never had an excursion not available months in advance. Well...Half Moon Cay always has the cabanna's booked in advance! Just don't wait too close to the cruise to book your excursions!

 

Carnival seems interesting because it seems like they are the most casual. I really don't want to "dress up" on vacation, I'm a jeans and t-shirt, shorts and t-shirt and ball cap kind of guy. Do you have to attend the fancy dinner on a cruise?

NOPE!! You can get room service or go the buffet.

 

We are a bit budget conscious, so I want to be aware of things that are extra - like gratuities for example? Are there port charges involved (I've heard something about this)?

I THINK all port charges are included in your cruise fees. BUT I could be totally wrong! I've never had an extra cost for port charges on Carnival BUT was reimbursed port costs when our port was cancelled.

Gratuities can be included in your cruise or you can stop at the customer service on the first/second? day and have them removed and administer your own gratuities.

 

Something to consider for the budget conscious...how about driving to the port? We took a great cruise out of South Carolina! About 14 hours for you! AND there's New York City, New Jersey and Baltimore. about 8-10 hours. If you don't mind the drive...it saves the airfare which is one of the biggest costs with cruising for us Canadians. I don't think you'll find Western Caribbean out of these ports but if you plan to continue to travel every year/every few years...you could always think about a lower cost cruise by driving in the future!

 

One thing about resorts I keep reading about is the push for time-shares....uhm..no thanks!

Some do but the resort I mentioned above...there was no push at all. Actually there was an area set up in the lobby but no one approached us.

 

Cruise looks neat because see multiplte destinations (Cozumel, Roatan, Grand Cayman) as an example.

That's what we LOVE about cruising more than all inclusives. I love the ports but husband loves the ship. We love that we are entertained all the time on the cruise ship if we want to be. There's always something to do! AND always time to do NOTHING but read if we should choose!

We love the pools more at the resorts but for our upcoming cruise...we've booked an all inclusive resort in Mexico so we can get our drink on and enjoy the pool!! We found resorts...after the nighttime entertainment ends at say 10pm, there's not much to do unless you like the casino or night club. The cruise ship has the comedy club or movie on the big screen on the Lido deck AND night club and casino until into the early hours. WE LOVE THE OPTIONS!!

We almost always fly from Detroit to the cruise ports just because of the price. If you choose to go on a cruise you can check the prices before you select your cruise date.

 

You can be at the airport in less than 1/2 hr. ...that's great. If you don't want to fly there are port such as Boston, Bayone, Baltimore which are not unreasonable to drive to. I have driven to all these ports and would be about the same distance as you. Just something to consider.

 

Obviously if you are on a cruise you wouldn't be spending as much time at a beach compared to being at an AI. Of course when you are at a port you can go to a beach, but part of cruising is being able to go places you haven't been to before. So you may want to see some of the country and work in a little beach time. A tip would be, if you do choose to try a cruise, for your first time pick one with only 3 stops...don't exhaust yourself.

 

I don't know if you are looking for someone to convince you that you will enjoy a cruise. The thing is, a lot of people really enjoy cruises, you may or may not like it, but if you don't go on one you will never know. The good thing is that if you go on a cruise and don't like it you don't have to do it again.

 

If you take the time to research ( check out this web site as well ) you will find very competitive prices compared to AI. Since you are not big drinkers the additional cost for alcohol will not be great, don't forget tips are not included in pricing.

 

Hopes this helps....wish I was 1/2 hr. from airport:)

We do both. 26 cruises and have sailed Carnival, Royal and Princess. They are all basic casual today compared to years ago.

Cruise cost determines who we cruise with.

 

If you are heavy drinkers on vacation-- AI is the way to go. Most drinks on a ship are about 10. each.

 

Do you have passports-- you need those for an AI but not needed for a cruise.

 

We also head to vacation (Aruba) and rent some ones time share and go out to eat each night. Aruba- no worries about the weather as its the same all year.

 

We have done AI in Mexico (Cozumel) Punta Cana, Aruba.

Flight costs determines where we go

...it's like asking which is better, a blond or a brunette? :)

 

Ok, seriously...try both...a cruise and then an AI later...or an AI first then a cruise later...then you'll find out what we found out...........................we enjoyed both. :)

 

One significant difference no one's mentioned yet: On a cruise, your cabin will be relatively small. Inside, Outside, Balcony, or Suites...they can only go so big.

 

Your room in an AI will be substantially bigger...perhaps even a king size bed, a dining area, a large tub and an oversized shower.

 

And yes, if you plan on drinking (a lot), then an AI is your better choice...at least until you become a "frequent cruiser" and get the perks of free alcohol.

 

You can be as casual as you want at either place. Cost will be the same, although you'll be tempted to spend more on a ship. Note: Every cruise line will lure you into a low price cruse. They are betting that you'll spend more money once onboard....photos, internet, drinks, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, casino, shops, spas, and of course gratuities.

 

IMHO, the food, service, and entertainment are noticeably better on a cruise. Activities are similar.

 

If you decide to go to Cancun/Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen areas...Chichen Itza is a wonderful place to visit. You also have Tulum and Coba nearby.

 

Ultimately, it will be your choice...stay in one location and get to know the area and it's people pretty well........or see several ports and get a "taste" of each one. You'll have a great time either way. Have a wonderful vacation. :)

Edited July 17, 2015 by bonsai3s

There are caribbean cruises out of new York, not that far from toronto that you may want to look into

In my first post I mentioned Chichen Itza - I will say this is probably not a deal breaker.... I do want to explore some Mayan ruins.

 

It is a tough call - I like the idea of some of "all inclusives" I've researched, yet I like the "waking up at a new port" idea too.

 

LOL - decisions, decisions.

 

For me - airfare is a bummer. But I am sure it can be had for a pretty reasonable cost going to the cruise port.

 

We have done 50+ All Inclusive all over Dominican, Mexico, Cuba. We recently started cruising and think we have found a new passion in cruising also. Although two different types of trips they do have many similarities.

 

If you want to fly cheap from Detroit to Fort Lauderdale for Caribbean cruises... Check http://www.spirit.com.

 

Looking right now there are dates in beginning of November for $53 each way. A checked bag is $30 each way. Total for two of you with a checked bag each would be $332.36 if you got it at the $53 price.

 

Then you can choose a cruise either departing from Port Everglades or Port of Miami.. and within a 3 hour driving range from lauderdale you can get to Port Canaveral and Tampa.

 

If you prefer doing an all inclusive the cheapest place to fly from is booking a complete package and leaving from Toronto airport. You can try exitnow.ca for prices or more detailed prices on tripcentral. For all inclusive you don't have any other fees to pay for like on a cruise. When you book your package it covers your flight, resort for the week, all you can eat and drink, and transportation to and from airport to resort. Any additional money you would be required is if you wanted to give some tips to staff, shopping and if you want to leave resort to do excursions or taxis / cabs to walk around the town.

 

It gets difficult to say which trip would be more suitable for you since your beach people. An AI resort that is what you do beach by day, join in on activities, swim up bar, etc, night time drinks, shows, games, bars, etc....You have all the time in the world to sit out on the beach where on a cruise you are limited to how long the ship is in port. Then if you want to visit other places while in port you then get even more limited time at the beach as apposed to an AI resort where you have 7 days on the beach.

 

If your interested in an AI use trip advisor forums and post all the wants and needs you want out of a resort. Like big or small resort, multiple restaurants, pools, lively resort or quiet. Things of those nature and those that travel often will point you in the right direction on what resorts to look into.

 

Example price on spirit for November

 

 

Hopefully this helps you out a bit!

Edited July 18, 2015 by jb456

My wife and I spent our honeymoon at an AI in Playa Del Carmen (Riu Palace Riviera Maya) and it was amazing. We went in sept 2011, and spent about $1650 including airfare from DC for 5 nights. There are cheaper ones available, but this place was worth the money.

 

We are embarking on our first cruise this year, so I can't compare. Overall it seems easier to control costs with AIs because you really can just go and not spend any additional money if you want. The beach is amazing and you will definitely get to relax as much as you want. If you decide to go to PDC, the bus is about $10/pp/one way (at that time). After the one hour ride, we took a taxi to the actual hotel but that cost very little (we didn't want to walk it).

 

I find the best package deal on bookit.com. you may want to check it out to see how it compares to the deals you find on expedia.

My wife and I spent our honeymoon at an AI in Playa Del Carmen (Riu Palace Riviera Maya) and it was amazing. We went in sept 2011, and spent about $1650 including airfare from DC for 5 nights. There are cheaper ones available, but this place was worth the money.

 

We are embarking on our first cruise this year, so I can't compare. Overall it seems easier to control costs with AIs because you really can just go and not spend any additional money if you want. The beach is amazing and you will definitely get to relax as much as you want. If you decide to go to PDC, the bus is about $10/pp/one way (at that time). After the one hour ride, we took a taxi to the actual hotel but that cost very little (we didn't want to walk it).

 

I find the best package deal on bookit.com. you may want to check it out to see how it compares to the deals you find on expedia.

 

bookit will not work at this time as the OP is from Canada. When our Canadian dollar was stronger it was more favourable using USA booking sites like bookit, orbitz, etc for flight/hotel packages and booking transfers seperately. Unfortunately with our sinking CAD dollar this is not an option at the moment.

 

At this moment in time those from the USA seeking AI resorts can likely save a few extra hundred from their bill booking on CAD sites. Example travelocity has both USA and CAD site. A person from the USA could price out the same package on both sites and even after booking in CAD currency while dealing with their card converting it back to USD funds will save anywhere between $200-600 on their trip. When our CAD dollar climbs again (if it ever does lol) then it would be vice versa and we would end up saving by using the USA sites.

 

On a more personal note always found bookit to be more expensive then other sites...especially when orbitz, travelocity and cheaptickets usually offer $150 discount promo codes for flight/resort bookings.

My husband and I have been to many Mayan site over the years, via both cruise excursion and on our own by land. Both ways can be very enjoyable but I recommend that either way you go, do a little reading in advance so you know what to look for, what is unique and special. Guides can be hit or miss and I've heard some factually questionable (or, you know, completely false) information from guides. If you are a casual enthusiast that just wants to get a feel of things? Just go, have fun, check it out. If you are a history buff...buff up.

 

If you want to see Chichen Itza via cruise excursion I highly recommend doing so from Progresso. Depending on port times it is conceivably feasible from Cozumel but a real rush and awkward travel. If you want to do ruins from Cozumel, I would recommend Tulum. They aren't extensive and it wasn't a very important locale, but they are very, very pretty and there is a small beach if you feel like dipping your toes. Belize is an excellent choice for ruins. Lots of options, all good. Bigger/more complex sites are a long bus ride away but, in my opinion, so, so worth it. If you end up on a cruise that makes port in Costa Maya or Puerto Quetzal there are nice choices there as well.

 

Hope you find the right vacation for you!

Well, it looks like a 7 day cruise....either late Nov (29), or early Jan (10)....Western Caribbean