cruising vs. all inclusive . . . thoughts?

[surfsup]

I've been on several cruises and love it. I've booked an all inclusive in Cancun in July just to try something different. Drinks (alcohol too), entertainment, beach, pool, shows at night, several different types of restarants including Japaneese, everything a cruise has except going to the different ports which is a HUGE plus if you've never been to some of them.

 

Since we only travel in the Carribbean and sometimes don't get off in port, I thought we might try this.

 

Anybody ever try an all inclusive and what did you think compared to a cruise?

[Stircrzy]

Apples and oranges...can't make this comparison, imo.

 

I've done both, and enjoyed both...especially in Playa area and South of there...

 

Have a wonderful time!

[JackieL]

I love both. Went to the Moon Palace in Cancun in Jan 2005, prior to hurricane damage. It was gorgeous, luxurious, and a great week. I booked this trip as a time share exchange, and I selected carefully from the Cancun time shares. Picked this one because it was south of the hotel zone and had a shuttle bus up to the zone, along with exchange privileges at the other Palace resorts. My only negative comment would be that I found the food tiresome after three days, and wished for some quality American beef. The trip to Tulum was great...shorter distance than Chichen Itza, and beautiful...on a cliff next to the beautiful sea. It was terribly hot up there in January...beware in July!

 

I prefer cruising, though, because it combines the all-inclusive feel (except alcohol!) along with varied ports of call. It's great to experience different ships, and I think the social life is better onboard than at a resort.

 

As far as the cost, I'm not sure...can't recall what I paid there to upgrade to the all-inclusive resort.

 

Anything's better than staying home! Good luck.

[blackwing]

I've never done an all-inclusive, and was thinking of doing one for our next vacation. Again, just to try something different.

 

For me, the obvious major benefit would be the all-inclusive drinks. Onboard, at least you have your wallet to try and keep you in check.

 

But I'm wondering about the social aspect as well. On the ship it seems like there would be more camraderie and it is easier to make friends. Just by virtue of being on a cruise, you have something in common. You all got there the same day, go to the same ports, see the same shows, eat the same food, and all leave at the same time.

 

Seems like at an all-inclusive, with people coming and going whenever, you might lose the common bond?

[Kaki321]

Have done both within the past year. In fact, we like to do more land-based vacations. But don't prefer the all-inclusive that much.

 

Last April, we stayed further south of Cancun in the Riviera Maya (Xcaret). I am not a big fan of all-inclusive resorts though, as I have found the food to be mediocre. Yes, they had several restaurants, but one was just as average as the next. It was, however, nice and convenient with the two kids. Probably won't ever do it again though. Found myself wanting to get off the resort too much, wanting to spend more time in town.

 

Next time we go back, we will stay in a boutique hotel or villa right in Playa Del Carmen. There are so many wonderful dining choices! Can stock up the kitchen too with staples like beer, wine, milk, bread, etc....and go out to eat. Everything is walking distance.

 

To each his own though, I know some people who swear by all-inclusives. While the alcohol included tends to be a big draw for some, and I can see why, it just made us sick! We drank too much the first 3 days and didn't wanna drink at all after that. I think when you are paying as you go (like on a cruise), there is a certain amount of organic "pacing" that goes on...so, I guess I am presenting an opposite viewpoint -- maybe all-inclusive drinking isn't for all. I kinda like being self-policed a little more, LOL!

 

There is a great PDC message board too - http://www.playa.info/index.html

 

Not sure where you are staying, but if it's indeed south of Cancun (not right "in" Cancun) chances are there are reviews on this site.

[GoinCruisin]

I agree with Stir, you can't compare the two. Two completely different vacations. I prefer cruises... some prefer AI's... I've had fun at AI's, just not at the same level. You'll be able to decide for yourself soon! Have fun, you can't help but to have fun!!

[perkyblue]

I agree. It's hard to compare the two. I wish someone would come up with a truly all-inclusive cruise--it would be my ideal vacation! I loved not having to worry about money while vacationing at the AI. Everything you mentioned, plus excursions--even beginner's scuba diving!--was included!

 

But with the cruises you have more to do and you get to visit different places. On the other hand, you don't feel rushed at an AI because there's no deadline to get back to the ship! Both have their own advantages & disadvantages. If I had to choose only one to do for the rest of my life, it would be cruising, but I enjoyed my stay at an AI, and plan to do that again sometime too.

[Astronomer]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe there is one all-inclusive Cruise line.

 

Silversea

[big_duck]

One thing to consider. You are going in the middle of hurricane season. Whilst, a cruise ship can move out of the way of a hurricane, a resort cannot.

[cruisecastle]

I've been on several cruises and love it. I've booked an all inclusive in Cancun in July just to try something different. Drinks (alcohol too), entertainment, beach, pool, shows at night, several different types of restarants including Japaneese, everything a cruise has except going to the different ports which is a HUGE plus if you've never been to some of them.

 

Since we only travel in the Carribbean and sometimes don't get off in port, I thought we might try this.

 

Anybody ever try an all inclusive and what did you think compared to a cruise?

 

Both are great! I do a couple of each every year.

[Caribbean Buckeye]

I'm going to weigh in on this one but you might not like what I have to say. After doing a cruise a few years ago, we decided to change it up and do an all-inclusive resort in Cancun. I think we ended up choosing Cancun b/c the prices were cheaper the all-inclusive places in Jamaica and the Virgin Islands.

 

I'm sad to say we did not like the all inclusive in Cancun. We were right on the main strip and the hotel accomodations were very nice but the food and beverages included were poor.

 

First of all, the included beverages were low grade. The beer was Corona (worst of the Mexican beers) on tap. No bottles or cans were offered and Corona / Corona Light were the only 2 choices. The liquor was well liqour. No Crown Royal or Jack Daniels or Grey Goose. They didn't even sell it at the hotel bars.

 

The food was also lower quality. There was a 24 hour buffet place you could go to and get a few decent things but certainly no prime rib or lobster tail. The themed restaurants were available by reservation and they too offered small portions and generic entrees. The best place was the Italian Restaurant which was very difficult to get into. We made reservations for that one our first day and finally ate there on our last day. It was not too good either but it's kind of hard to screw up lasagne.

 

We ended up going to bars and restaurants and paying for better quality food and beverages. By mid-week, I was Jonesing for a Crown and Coke and a nice steak. We figured next time we'll go to a place that's not all-inclusive and then we won't feel pressured to eat at the hotel.

 

Don't get too scared though. There's a very good chance that the place you're going is better. I've heard many good reviews of all-inclusive places but they've always been in Jamaica and St. Thomas. My assessment of Cancun is of only one place and it's doubtful you're going to it. Cancun is very beautiful though, and I did manage to buy some Modelo for our hotel room at a local carryout.

 

Be ready to bargain though. Everything in Cancun is negotiated. It started when we checked into our room. The guy at the front desk said we can have our current room or one with a hot tub and a better view for a "tip." It caught me off guard at first but I ended up giving the guy a $20 and he slid it in his pocket and gave me a great room. Big balcony, huge hot tub, etc.... The shopping is the same way. You pretty much have to walk away before they drag you in and deeply discount their price. Kind of like Europe in that regard.

 

Anyway, I'm sure you'll have fun. I'd just call and get a clarification on the "included" beverages. If you're going to an all-inclusive resort, I'm guessing drinks are important to you. Not a good deal for non-drinkers you know. Great snorkeling and water sports.

 

The end result: We're booked on another cruise later this month.

[CruisinCrow]

The disadvantage of an all-inclusive is that there's no formal night. The advantage of an all-inclusive is that there's no formal night. :-)

 

I think cruises are a little cheaper but it's nice not to have to pay for drinks at an all-inclusive. All-inclusives are less crowded, generally. You don't see as more ports but you have more time to enjoy the one country you are visiting. The food isn't as fancy but on the other hand, you don't have to pack as many fancy clothes.

 

We started going to all-inclusives because my sister's husband wouldn't cruise (he gets sea sick). We ended up liking them even better than cruises. But there is something very special about being on a ship.

[romauibabe]

We have done both and I love them both.But,I feel the all inclusive is way less expensive,over all,than the cruise. We just got back last week from the Barcelo Maya Tropical Resort, in Playa Del Carmen, and found it to be a wonderful vacation with a total bill at the end of 100.00 for internet use! That was it! Where as when we get our final bill on a cruise it is usually much bigger due to drinks, tips,pictures, bingo, casino, shops etc etc..

 

Also went to the Riu in Cabo in October and went out to dinner every night , because I found the food horrible and buffet was not maintained well and always looked dirty to me. This time I checked tripadvisor carefully before making my choice and was very pleased with the Barcelo. The buffet, snack bars and specialty restaurants were all free and good,free drinks(even free slushy machines),shows were good,beautiful resort with free activities like water aerobics,hobie cats, kayaks, snorkeling,and water bicycles.

 

But, we still love cruising and will be going on another one next month. Hope this helps and have a great time, whichever one you chose.

[zqvol]

I've been on several cruises and love it. I've booked an all inclusive in Cancun in July just to try something different. Drinks (alcohol too), entertainment, beach, pool, shows at night, several different types of restarants including Japaneese, everything a cruise has except going to the different ports which is a HUGE plus if you've never been to some of them.

 

Since we only travel in the Carribbean and sometimes don't get off in port, I thought we might try this.

 

Anybody ever try an all inclusive and what did you think compared to a cruise?

We have done both. Usually with the kids we are at Beaches TCI because there are about 10 restaurants, alcohol is included, scuba is included, tips are included, etc. In other words except for pictures and souveniours it is all paid for up front.

 

Crusing has its great points too. We like a different port every day but hate signing for anything. When DW and I cruise together we are usually on Sea Dream or regent which are all inclusive so there is not a lot of difference except that on the crusie we pay for the scuba.

 

When I travel alone I will take one of the mainstream lines and they are great values too.

[derf5585]

Since Derfette an I have one drink a day it wouldn't pay for an all inclusive

[krazy4kruisin]

I agree. It's hard to compare the two. I wish someone would come up with a truly all-inclusive cruise--it would be my ideal vacation! I loved not having to worry about money while vacationing at the AI. Everything you mentioned, plus excursions--even beginner's scuba diving!--was included!

 

But with the cruises you have more to do and you get to visit different places. On the other hand, you don't feel rushed at an AI because there's no deadline to get back to the ship! Both have their own advantages & disadvantages. If I had to choose only one to do for the rest of my life, it would be cruising, but I enjoyed my stay at an AI, and plan to do that again sometime too.

 

Ditto on the Ai on a cruise. I wonder why the cruise line do not offer such a thing? I guess that is a silly question, they are make a killing off of adult beverages.

[Bran8778]

We have a Villa booked for the end of the year. Does anyone have any insight on this. We just wanted to try something different. Gonna miss being on that ship!!!

 

Cruise vs Villa.....thoughts?????

[swatts1]

My daughter went to an all inclusive in Playa last year - the Riu Palace. I would say that 5 nights was about the same price as a 7 day cruise. They talked to a lot of people who swear by the all-inclusives who say never to go to a resort that offers both American and European plans, because the guests who pay for food are given preferential treatment. The Riu Palace was completely all-inclusive (one plan only) and they had a number of restaurants. All liquor was included and my daughter said it was top shelf (I'm guessing top shelf dispensers with cheap booze). She said the buffets were on par with the buffet on Conquest the year before. The restaurants weren't as good as a supper club but were possibly better than dining room fare. They thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

[sashapoo]

I love them both and do both a couple of times a year. The last time I was in Cancun I stayed at the Sun Palace at the end of the hotel strip and adored it!!! The people were great, food, middle of the road, some better than others, and the drinks were top shelf. The only thing I really noticed was the Coke tasted a little different and when I asked, I was told that it was because of the water used to bottle it. The only warning I have is not to eat or drink off the resort unless you go to your doctor first and get medication to prevent getting ill from the water used. I learned that tip the hard way.

[Hopefulwith2]

Both are wonderful but definitely two totally different experiences that you just can't compare the two.

[Kaki321]

We have a Villa booked for the end of the year. Does anyone have any insight on this. We just wanted to try something different. Gonna miss being on that ship!!!

 

Cruise vs Villa.....thoughts?????

 

Depends, Where??

[Duck Down]

We have just gone through the Cruise vs. All Inclusive debate prior to booking our February 07 Victory Cruise (will be our 5th cruise in 4 years).

 

It comes down to you get what you pay for with the all inclusives. If you go with a 3 star or less property, then you have a better chance of running into food and alcohol quality issues. Many of the lower star propertys have less dining choices and evening entertainment options. With the 4 and 5 star properties, you get the top shelf alcohol and bottled beer. There will be dine around options and evening shows.

 

We priced out the 5 star resorts around the same price as a cruise when you consider all the surrounding cruise costs (tipping, travel, drinks, etc.). If you are a big drinker, than the all inclusive resorts are the better value.

 

We decided to stick with a cruise because of the evening entertainment options (shows, music, comedy, karaoke), as well as a variety of ports.

[beachrus4]

I prefer the all-inclusives in the Mayan Riviera. No seasickness, no medications, and a better value from my comparisions. I'm a beach person and prefer to experience it all day long not just on an excursion. I actually don't drink much so the value is not about the alcohol. With charter flights, no port charges, and taxes and tips included, the packages are great values.

 

The Iberostar Resorts are excellent. I know lots about the Mayan Riviera resorts but this wouldn't be the place to communicate. Feel free to email me at beachrus4@yahoo.com if you have particular questions. www.tripadvisor.com is not a bad place to see reviews on resorts too.

 

This is just my opinion - everyone has individual feelings regarding the differences. Best wishes!

[Mrsosci]

We did an all inclusive last year at Iberostar in Playa Del Carmen. We won't do it again. They guarantee 4 nights at a sit down restaurant, but they get to choose. We were there 8 days and the only reservations we could get were for Mexican and the time was also there choice. Each day we spent 2 hours in line trying to get a different restaurant or time to no avail. Gave up and just ate the buffet each night. It was good, but prefer being served. They shows and night time entertainment were bad. We like to dance and there wasn't anything for adults.

 

As others have said everyone has their own preference. We will continue to cruise or non inclusive place. We prefer the special treatment of service and not standing in line balancing a plate.

 

Mrsosci

[beachrus4]

I've found I stand in line more going on a cruise than the all-inclusive which is another reason we like AI better.;)

 

We prefer not to dress up for dinner and still get great food at the Iberostar buffet. I agree on getting the reservations can be tough at some all-inclusives. The Iberostar Lindo has concierge desk at each building for reservations and no waiting in line. So, the experience can depend on what resort you go to also - just as in which cruise line you select.

 

Some AI resorts lack air-conditioning in restaurants so summer can be hot. That's an advantage the cruise lines have. The best AI have all air conditioning dining options, but it's something to consider if you like to eat in a comfortable temperature.