7 night Royal Cruise or Grand Occidental All-Inclusive for $4,750 LESS??

[gkbiiii]

This is what I just emailed Royal Caribbean and I wanted to post it for discussion:

 

I feel the quality of service, meals, casino, staff service, and corporate attitude is in steep decline! As a new MSC Black, I will be going on more on them, in the near future.

 

I no longer want to be Diamond Plus and wonder if I should cancel my $7,000+ Owners Suite, booked for 2017.

 

The removal of balcony discounts under 6 months and continual "bogus sales" are driving me away from Royal!!

 

As a Diamond Total rewards/MGM mlife Gold player, I am not satisfied with my casino experiences!

 

I am unwilling to pay $14.00 a drink with a 18% gratuity.

 

 

 

Instead of going on a Christmas Cruise with Royal, I have decided to book a Mexican All-Inclusive: the Grand Occidental Xcaret Riviera-Maya.

 

From Miami, for two people: RT First Class airfare on American, 7 nights in a Junior Suite, with the Royal & Xcaret Park upgrades, plus two tours, including a day at Chitzen-Itza: this all for $3,000. (this is the total price for two people, NOT per person)

 

Now on Royal, the following would apply for a 7 night Caribbean cruise:

JR Suite, for two people $5,000

Adult Premium Beverage $910

Nightly Specialty Dining (2) $630

Gratuities (2) 210

Port Taxes $300

Excursions for (2) $600

 

Total for RC 7 Night Cruise for (2)

All-Inclusive $7,650

VS

Mexican All-Inclusive: the Grand Occidental Xcaret Riviera-Maya.

including FIRST CLASS Airfare from Miami (2)

Total: $3,000 (this is the total price for two people, NOT per person)

 

So my question is, from someone who is about to try my first "All-Inclusive"; for the money (your own money), what would you choose?

 

https://www.barcelo.com/barcelohotels/en_us/hotels/mexico/riviera-maya/hotel-occidental-grand-xcaret-resort/general-description.aspx?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=barcelo&gclid=cnhi6licum4cfduxgqodb8mkog&gclsrc=ds&dclid=cjgu-bicum4cfvcrhwod90ubuw

 

http://www.xcaret.com/?langRedirect=1&_ga=1.197417711.1552487509.1470872389

Edited August 10, 2016 by gkbiiii

[Sand$!]

I would be straight up for the All inclusive holiday - save the money and go on a cruise not in a Junior Suite later

[PH8]

Actually that is a great price for the AIs.... I had to look for myself...

 

I would do that!

[doones2]

I wouldn't think twice about it. Take the all inclusive.

[gkbiiii]

Right, yet Royal Caribbean's whole marketing strategy recently, has been directed at moving people away from All-Inclusives and toward cruising on Royal Ships.

 

For the money, who would do this??

 

At the Grand Occidental there are something like, eight Specialty Dining Rooms, which are included. I have found the quality of meals to be better (depending on resort chosen) as well.

 

As are ALL the staff gratuities (though bringing Dollars is good) which help "the budget".

 

Also, if someone had to fly to cruise, the pricing is even worse!

[setsail]

I hope you included this in your email thanking them for such a great deal

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=50268498#post50268498

[Big_G]

I hope you included this in your email thanking them for such a great deal

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=50268498#post50268498

 

I'm guessing no...

[gkbiiii]

What I posted, is my email to them; about how there continual lessioning of their product, loyalty/casino programs, gross on-board pricing, etc.

[Coralc]

Oooohhh.. Aaah. I want to go there! Bookmarked! :D It looks a lot nicer than cruises have lately. Thanks for the post and link. :D

[Club Disney Chandler]

I'd stick with the cruise, there is just something more relaxing to me when I'm on a ship. When we were in Hawaii last year, I kept thinking we cancelled our Allure cruise for this!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[aubreyc1988]

I feel like comparing a cruise to a land resort isn't truly apples to apples.

 

I mean, that is a great deal for the resort, don't get me wrong, but there's a different feeling of being on a cruise vs land resort, just vastly different experiences, and I prefer the cruise

 

If you are JUST fed up with prices and the "Sales", why not try doing a cheaper room on a cruise other than an owners suite. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with sailing in a suite, but a balcony is just fine as well, and infinity cheaper than an owners suite. But then again, I choose to travel in lower category rooms so I can travel more throughout the year.

 

I too am looking into doing a Christmas cruise, and it's just the holidays that are SO pricey, I will probably end up only doing an inside (which is fine, im rarely in my room, and if it gets my on the ship I'm happy)

 

Ok, I will shut up now and let you vacation away haha

Edited August 11, 2016 by aubreyc1988

[kac911]

I'll bite; having done several cruises (including 2 RCCL) and having been to that Occidental resort a few times (maybe 3-4 times).

 

It really depends on what you want. Pros of the resort - it really is all inclusive, including drinks. That is a beautiful resort, with great location to some fun activities (Private entrance to Xcaret park). The resort is a bit more casual. I'd say the food at the resort is a wider spectrum from fair to great, vs the cruise I find it good to very good. the resort is so much more spacious it never has felt crowded. Pros of the cruise- assuming you get off ship in the ports you do get more variety. Included activities are better on the ship (shows at the resort are fair, activities throughout the day so so). So if you are wanting to DO I might recommend the ship, but if you are wanting to relax, drink in hand, at the pool I'd do the resort. Not that you can't do a day "port excursion" from the resort, they just don't have the variety of activities throughout the day. For that kind of money thought, I'd do the Resort and either stay 2 weeks or plan to go back in 6 months and STILL have money leftover!

Edited August 11, 2016 by kac911

[Pipo]

Mexican Resorts are famous for their service. I'd take the Mexican Rivera.

[gkbiiii]

I have met Royal executives on my trips: the general concensious being, that they are actively pursuing land based vacationers.

 

I used the JR Suite example, because that is what I am getting at the resort and normally have the JR or Balcony cabin on Royal. For roughly the same money as Royal,

 

Here are some of the rather grand features at top level Sandals Resorts and the total pricing, for a week in their top Luxury level.

 

http://www.sandals.com/main/montego/mo-butler/

 

http://www.sandals.com/news/article/id/774/

 

Here is a sample pricing (Sandals Montego Bay, with First Class Air for 2, on Delta) for a Luxury Butler Suite for the week of December 4th-11th. Tours and Airport Lounge has been added, to try and max the pricing.

 

 

Trip Summary:

 

Flight from Miami to Montego Bay

2 Tickets: Roundtrip First Class

Sun, Dec 4

MIA 7:00pm 7:00PM to MBJ 12:00pm 12:00PM

Arrives Mon, Dec 5

17h 00m , 17 hours 00 minutes , 1 stop: ATL

Delta 8

Delta 317

Sun, Dec 11

MBJ 1:00pm 1:00PM to MIA 10:00pm 10:00PM

9h 00m , 9 hours 00 minutes , 1 stop: ATL

Delta 360

Delta 2191

 

Sandals Montego Bay - All Inclusive

1 Room: Beachfront, Royal Butler Villa Suite

Mon, Dec 5 - Sun, Dec 11

 

Zipline Adventure Tour

2 Travelers : Zipline with pick-up from Montego Bay hotels

Tue, Dec 6

 

Club Mobay VIP Airport Departure Lounge

2 Adults : Mobay Departure Lounge

Mon, Dec 5

 

Dolphin Encounter

2 Adults : 11:30 AM Dolphin Encounter

Mon, Dec 5

 

Cruise to Dunn's River Falls

2 Adults : Half-Day Cruise with Pickup from Montego Bay Hotels

Tue, Dec 6

 

Bobsled & Sky Explorer Tour at Mystic Mountain

2 Travelers : Bobsled Ride & Admission with Hotel Pickup in Montego Bay

 

Mon, Dec 5

 

Flight + Hotel $5,051.36

Your savings -$207.72

Activity $810.00

Total: $5,653.64

$5,653.64

(Average per person: $2,826.82)

Edited August 11, 2016 by gkbiiii

[Iluvmypuggle]

I was really into cruising from the time I was a teenager until late 20s. In my later 20s, I decided to try all-inclusives and I'm definitely hooked. I can still appreciate cruises, but the AI value and benefits outweighs a cruise for me overall.

 

If we are talking about value, I think the AI is a better value, even if the OP spent more than the $3K. That's a great price, but I do think the higher end AI's cost more than that.

 

Here are my thoughts on some of the differences, and obviously these are the ones important to me.

 

CRUISE

• Awesome entertainment/shows
  
• Great nightlife with bands, the club, etc.
  
• A lot of activity options
  
• Everything in one spot
  
• Perks of visiting the ports
  
• Sailing with 1 group of people all week - I think this is fun!
  
• *To get all of these perks, I feel like there is a sacrifice involved, including the headache (actually migraine when it comes to RCCL) of trying to schedule your dinners around shows, dealing with cruise planner not working, and activities & dinner times being unavailable.
  

 

 

ALL INCLUSIVE

• Amazing pools and room to float
  
• Lounge chairs near the pool even if I don't wake up at 7am
  
• Sit down restaurants that don't require reservations
  
• More flexibility in your daily 'schedule' overall
  
• Service is way above the cruise ships - I know the restaurant servers are great on cruises, but at the AI hotels, they get your lounge chairs ready, deliver lunch to your lounge chair, open umbrellas for you, etc.
  
• Option to book adults only
  
• *What is missing for me at the AI resorts is the nightlife we would like; I know they bring in comedians, bands, etc. but I don't see them really get the party started like the cruise ships do..
  

 

 

DH & I are going on 5 night Bermuda cruise in Sept to party for a few days, and then we go to Mexico in November to an AI to relax and float for a week. We feel like they are 2 very different types of vacations and before you make a decision to cancel one for another, you need to decide what you want to spend your time doing.

 

OP, please keep us posted on what you decide!

[Jeremiah1212]

For that kind of deal, especially around the holidays...go for the AI. We just paid far more than that to stay at a Secrets for 5 days in June.

 

The overall concept is similar, but I agree that AI's and cruises can't really be compared as one in the same.

 

I think All Inclusives are more relaxing. It's one stop shopping for me. Find the resort you want. Book it. You're done. No need to travel a day early, arrange pre-cruise hotels, no waiting around all day for check-in and sailaway. No pre-arranging dinners, entertainment, tours, etc. Accommodations are obviously larger. More personal space. You can choose an adults only or have more flexibility in the level of luxury and price point you're looking for. I do get a little bored (even on a cruise) which is why we typically limit AI stayed to 5 days.

[Arzeena]

This is what I just emailed Royal Caribbean and I wanted to post it for discussion:

 

I feel the quality of service, meals, casino, staff service, and corporate attitude is in steep decline! As a new MSC Black, I will be going on more on them, in the near future.

 

I no longer want to be Diamond Plus and wonder if I should cancel my $7,000+ Owners Suite, booked for 2017.

 

The removal of balcony discounts under 6 months and continual "bogus sales" are driving me away from Royal!!

 

As a Diamond Total rewards/MGM mlife Gold player, I am not satisfied with my casino experiences!

 

I am unwilling to pay $14.00 a drink with a 18% gratuity.

 

 

 

Instead of going on a Christmas Cruise with Royal, I have decided to book a Mexican All-Inclusive: the Grand Occidental Xcaret Riviera-Maya.

 

From Miami, for two people: RT First Class airfare on American, 7 nights in a Junior Suite, with the Royal & Xcaret Park upgrades, plus two tours, including a day at Chitzen-Itza: this all for $3,000. (this is the total price for two people, NOT per person)

 

Now on Royal, the following would apply for a 7 night Caribbean cruise:

JR Suite, for two people $5,000

Adult Premium Beverage $910

Nightly Specialty Dining (2) $630

Gratuities (2) 210

Port Taxes $300

Excursions for (2) $600

 

Total for RC 7 Night Cruise for (2)

All-Inclusive $7,650

VS

Mexican All-Inclusive: the Grand Occidental Xcaret Riviera-Maya.

including FIRST CLASS Airfare from Miami (2)

Total: $3,000 (this is the total price for two people, NOT per person)

 

So my question is, from someone who is about to try my first "All-Inclusive"; for the money (your own money), what would you choose?

 

https://www.barcelo.com/barcelohotels/en_us/hotels/mexico/riviera-maya/hotel-occidental-grand-xcaret-resort/general-description.aspx?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=barcelo&gclid=cnhi6licum4cfduxgqodb8mkog&gclsrc=ds&dclid=cjgu-bicum4cfvcrhwod90ubuw

 

http://www.xcaret.com/?langRedirect=1&_ga=1.197417711.1552487509.1470872389

 

WOW what a deal! TAKE THE AI!

[Iluvmypuggle]

For that kind of deal, especially around the holidays...go for the AI. We just paid far more than that to stay at a Secrets for 5 days in June.

 

Secrets is pricey sometimes, but I'm a huge fan. I'm going to Akumal in November (my second trip to the same resort) and I can't wait. I am sure other AI's deliver a great product, but haven't ventured into too many other brands.

[baileymouse]

I haven't been to an AI in Mexico since 2000 and I miss it. After seeing these prices I'm considering it!

[Peachy59]

Secrets is pricey sometimes, but I'm a huge fan. I'm going to Akumal in November (my second trip to the same resort) and I can't wait. I am sure other AI's deliver a great product, but haven't ventured into too many other brands.

 

Oooohhh, love Akumal! We've stayed in that area twice, but not at Secrets.

 

Op, for those prices, I would do the AI.

[Jeremiah1212]

Secrets is pricey sometimes, but I'm a huge fan. I'm going to Akumal in November (my second trip to the same resort) and I can't wait. I am sure other AI's deliver a great product, but haven't ventured into too many other brands.

 

That's where we stayed! Great resort. Our 'budget' last minute trip turned into a Preferred Club Oceanfront swimout so that 'budget' part didn't quite work as planned :eek: I do feel like we would have to spend a lot more on a cruise to get the same experience as we had there. Maybe even would have to go to one of the premium lines (which I feel would be a little too stuffy for us). Secrets has the understated service down to an art. You never feel suffocated or that it's over the top but they are a step ahead of you 99% of the time.

[gkbiiii]

This is a good point, as there is both a special "Concierge Class/Exrat Class & a Royal Level at the resort, with its own private dining and special pool & lounge.

 

Also people who have bought into the Occidental timeshares, can have First Service as part of their contract. This level gets you a private lounge and upgraded services. The top option is a Royal Club membership which gets you the top suites and private dining.

 

Like Royal Caribbean they have a frequent guest program (which is valid two years) that gives upgrades and other key options.

 

Lastly, the Founder's Club is for those whom have owned for 10+ years, which give you increased free weeks and upgraded resort experience.

 

So many options to choose from, depending on your wants and needs.

[waterbugohio]

OK, we have done both also. Has been quite a few years since the last AI.

 

Got hooked on cruising in 2008 and hard to break the habit.

 

Now we are wanting to take the whole family on vacation. Daughter is a school teacher, so the only month we can go is June.

 

Looking into cruise. It has been my dream for the last couple years to give them all the whole cruise experience. Just starting to get some prices for both Royal and NCL for second week of June. Would be paying for 3 cabins. Ours would be the only balcony, the other three would be OV. The really kicker is the three grand daughters (age 1,4,&6) Prices we have found so far are looking like we would spend $13000-15000. And that is without any excursions or any precruise hotels. (airfare will be with miles)

 

I really really really want my kids to all experience a cruise. But I am like the OP. I think it is time to start looking at AI's again.

 

Will look at the link you provided for Barcelo. Need to find something little kid friendly.

[gkbiiii]

What is odd to me, is that for a long time, I was under the impression that AI resorts; were much more expensive and a lessor quality than cruising. Thanks to royal's management, I started looking into it and found that i was wrong, in many cases. Why knew??

[shippmates]

We have done both cruises and AI and we prefer to continue to cruise. We are not drinkers do paying for alcohol bothers us. The food was better on most of our cruises. It is still exciting to wake up in a new port most days. Several of the resorts we stayed have know started to sell timeshares. Enjoy whatever vacation you decide.