Cruise or AI?

[Tinwoman]

We did Dreams Resort and Spa in Mexico this spring and it was wonderful. The food was wonderful, much better then any cruise food I have eaten. Tons of activities on site and very romantic.

That said, I did miss the feel of the ocean, and the fresh air. Plus a different port every day, so I think we are going to alternate AI's with our cruises.

But just like cruise lines check out your AI very well, some are good, some are great, and some like Dreams are outstanding.:)

[jt1120]

We've done AI's a couple of t imes, basically once to try it out, and another time because it was such a good deal, but my money is better spent on a cruise. I like waking up in a different port. I just have to watch my bar tab a little better.

[Giorgi-one]

I have been to two AIs in Riviera Maya and planning to go again in May 2009. With AIs, you have to go to the very top ones. Food quality drops off very quickly with price. Food was about equal to cruise at one and better at the other. If you are interested in adults only, I would consider the two new Secrets resorts opening this August in Riviera Maya. Food and service are top notch at Secrets resorts. Drawbacks are entertainment and no casino (which is a blessing for me - save lots of money).

 

IMHO, AIs are more relaxing. No need to fly a day early, no embarkation / debarkation, no worries about being late for the ship or getting up early because the ship leaves port at 4 PM, eat whenever you want, all drinks included, some water sports included, etc. One suggestion - book very early. There are very few direct flights to Cancun or other islands and they fill up quickly, even at today's high prices.

[TRadle]

I have read a report from an extensive traveler about DR. She says that some of the most beautiful beaches can be found there;however there is a high incidence of illness. She thinks this may have to do with sub-par drinking water standards. She did extensive research when she published her findings. I'll post the link to the study only if a moderator tells me it is okay do do so!

 

Also, we've done the AIs and cruise and we do prefer the cruise. While the resorts we were at were beautiful the beauty was superficial. Everything was poor quality. The rooms in the photographs were beautiful and looked that way when we got there; however the furniture was like Sauder build it yourself stuff and very flimsy.

 

The food was a much lower quality than on the ships and the drinks were small and except go to the beach or the pool. Now, when we do land vacations that is all we want to do!:D

 

The other thing I will add is that Royal Caribbean does large ships very well. We have sailed the Voyager and Freedom Class ships and never had a problem with the number of passengers. In fact, I'd say the best tendering was on Freedom of the Seas. Solstice looks like a great ship and while we don't want to sail on Freedom again (announcements) we are looking for the right itinerary to sail on the Solstice!

 

Please don't let the ship size sway you on this decision!

[bellagirl]

We are staying at an AI on the Mayan Riviera. Hopefully it isn't yours! We are staying at the Royal Hideaway Playacar. While we are there we are planning on visiting Tulum (again), Chichen Itza, and maybe take a trip to Isla Mujeres, and go to Playa de Carmen. So there's lots to do at least for us rather than sitting around the pool all day. That was the reason why we decided on that area. We've been there before on cruises and it looked nice, so we decided to stay there for a week.

 

With air, for 7 days it will be the same for what we would normally spend on a 7-day cruise, Concierge Class cabin.

Nope, we stayed at the Bahia Principe Tulum. I think what bothered me the most was the fact that the eating areas were not a/c so I never had a chance to cool off. I hate eating when I'm dripping in sweat:p. And, you're right about the cost-we always go with a CC cabin as well,and our trip cost about the same price.

Live and learn, I guess! Shelly:)

[BuyYourWineHere!!]

With all the upcoming changes, we're not sure what to do anymore.

 

We have a cabin booked on the Solstice transatlantic next spring. Given all the changes, not to mention that we're nervous about a ship with that many people, we're thinking of changing to another vacation type.

 

I found a 2 week 4 1/2 star AI in the Dominican Republic for less than the cost of the cruise/air... and we generally run up a pretty big onboard bill.

 

AI experts, please help! What would you pick and why? We'd do the AI in February if we go.

 

 

Without going into too much detail, and taking into account many stays in D.R., it is a fantastic place to go to. Definitely agree with OP on making sure that "high-end" hotel chain is booked. People are very friendly. Some of the scenery you find there is fantastic. There are plenty of excursions to get you "out n about", two of my favourites are the Outback Jeep Safari where you will see some of the "real" D.R. and the Catamaran trips aboard Freestlye.

So, the choice is yours!! It really is a totally different holiday compared to a cruise.

[DancerOT]

I havent done an AI, but I have done land based vacations in Mexico in the Riviera Maya and Mazatlan. It is a different experience and you need to know that going in. One of the things I love is going to different restaurants, especially the small ethic ones. On our last trip, we went to Chichen Itza, which was amazing. Personally, I prefer Playa del Carmen to Cancun (more authentic) as our resort was in the middle. I have also stayed at the Pueblo Bonita (as another poster mentioned) and it was great. I thoroughly enjoyed Mazatlan - it was a lot less expensive than Cancun and had great food. Their 2:1 happy hour was delish!

[Mary El]

I havent done an AI, but I have done land based vacations in Mexico in the Riviera Maya and Mazatlan. It is a different experience and you need to know that going in. One of the things I love is going to different restaurants, especially the small ethic ones. On our last trip, we went to Chichen Itza, which was amazing. Personally, I prefer Playa del Carmen to Cancun (more authentic) as our resort was in the middle. I have also stayed at the Pueblo Bonita (as another poster mentioned) and it was great. I thoroughly enjoyed Mazatlan - it was a lot less expensive than Cancun and had great food. Their 2:1 happy hour was delish!

 

Looking forward to our trip. We are staying close, within walking distance, of Playa Del Carme and are planning to visit Tulum and Chichen Itza while we are there.

 

I've been thinking about doing the Mexican Pacific coast next, but not Acapulco. Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Ixtapa are on my short list.

[SusieV]

Has anyone done a Palace resort in Cancun? We're specifically looking at Aventura Spa Palace and Xpu-Ha Palace.

[usha]

My older daughter & her husband have gone to Moon Palace several times, and have nothing but the most wonderful things to say about it.

[SusieV]

That makes me feel better!

 

I think we're just going to try it to see if we like it. I hate leaving the formalwear at home and having no wine list to speak of, but the price is attractive and we are thinking that the cruise we picked may stretch the budget a little too far.

 

Kind of makes me sad not to be on a cruise next year though!

[curiouscat]

:D Le Blanc, Valentin Maya... all adult. The palace resorts are just ok...

 

Paridissus,Dream resorts.....

 

Go onto Trip Advisor.....

 

Curious Cat

 

 

PS what about Aruba???? I like it better than mexico.

[lvtotrvl1]

Has anyone done a Palace resort in Cancun? We're specifically looking at Aventura Spa Palace and Xpu-Ha Palace.

 

Palace Resorts are great resorts.....a couple things though....Aventura is a beautiful resort, but the beach is not the greatest...If you are going for a beach, I would consider another Palace Resort. Also, these are not "technically" in Cancun...Aventura is about 20 minutes outside, but has transportation to their Cancun Resorts where you will have exchange priviledges. Xpu-Ha is quite a ways away....about an hour by bus. Cancun Palace,Beach Palace, Sun Palace and Le Blanc are all located right in the heart of Cancun. Hope this helps!

[smtcan]

We stayed at the Aventura Palace some years ago before the spa section was added. It is a beautiful resort, with good accommodation and food, but as a previous poster mentioned the beach is not great. My DH loves to sail, and although Hobie Cats were available, the water conditions were only suitable twice and the beach was small and crowded. (I think it was artificially created, but not sure.)

 

For our choice, the resort was too big and impersonal even before the addition. We enjoy a winter week in an AI, but prefer smaller resorts. There is a big difference in quality in any country, and a top resort is pretty close to a cruise ship in food and service and better in facilities. We are itinerary cruisers and prefer an AI on an island to a Caribbean cruise.

Sheila

[BrendaJ]

Hi Susie

 

Before we got hooked on cruising, we visited several all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, St. Maarten, Mexico, Spain and Cuba. I have many friends who absolutely love all-inclusive resorts and would never consider a cruise. Of course, these people are all avid beach lovers and can spend hours and hours just sitting in the sun. These people are also not picky eaters.

 

Although we enjoyed our land vacations, I generally found a week just a bit too long; I get bored sitting in the sun all day, even with a good book and an open bar. In the Caribbean, it's usually too hot for me to want to play tennis except for really early in the morning. Watersports can maybe occupy a few hours, but then what? As for evening entertainment, the shows at most resorts are pretty pedestrian, and other than watch the one show or hang out at the bars, there isn't much to do. Only meals in the very best resorts I've been to have come even close to cruise cuisine. Most resort meals tend to be at buffets.

 

My main problem with Caribbean land resorts, other than boredom if the location isn't close to any sights, is the heat. Often, your room is the only place you can escape it. Most, if not all, meals take place in open air restaurants, and a lot of places in the Caribbean can be pretty darn hot and humid.

 

On the plus side, a resort room is bound to be a lot bigger than a standard cruise cabin, and if your resort is close to sight-seeing, you don't have to rush back from a place you're enjoying at any particular time. If you're a big pool or beach person, you might prefer relaxing at a resort.

 

I guess it all depends on how you like to spend your days. Personally, I like the idea of a new port to explore nearly every day, excellent dining and lots of entertainment options in air-conditioned comfort. Although you might really enjoy a week at a resort, I'd be careful about planning two weeks for your first time, just in case you decide it's not your cup of tea.

[Giorgi-one]

Hi Susie

 

Before we got hooked on cruising, we visited several all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, St. Maarten, Mexico, Spain and Cuba. I have many friends who absolutely love all-inclusive resorts and would never consider a cruise. Of course, these people are all avid beach lovers and can spend hours and hours just sitting in the sun. These people are also not picky eaters.

 

Although we enjoyed our land vacations, I generally found a week just a bit too long; I get bored sitting in the sun all day, even with a good book and an open bar. In the Caribbean, it's usually too hot for me to want to play tennis except for really early in the morning. Watersports can maybe occupy a few hours, but then what? As for evening entertainment, the shows at most resorts are pretty pedestrian, and other than watch the one show or hang out at the bars, there isn't much to do. Only meals in the very best resorts I've been to have come even close to cruise cuisine. Most resort meals tend to be at buffets.

 

My main problem with Caribbean land resorts, other than boredom if the location isn't close to any sights, is the heat. Often, your room is the only place you can escape it. Most, if not all, meals take place in open air restaurants, and a lot of places in the Caribbean can be pretty darn hot and humid.

 

On the plus side, a resort room is bound to be a lot bigger than a standard cruise cabin, and if your resort is close to sight-seeing, you don't have to rush back from a place you're enjoying at any particular time. If you're a big pool or beach person, you might prefer relaxing at a resort.

 

I guess it all depends on how you like to spend your days. Personally, I like the idea of a new port to explore nearly every day, excellent dining and lots of entertainment options in air-conditioned comfort. Although you might really enjoy a week at a resort, I'd be careful about planning two weeks for your first time, just in case you decide it's not your cup of tea.

 

 

Definitely different strokes for different foldks! However, I do not generally agree with your comments. You are definitely correct about lack of entertainement. However, on RCL ships, most of the entertainment for late seating is before dinner, so I never get to see it anyhow. As far as AC and food quality, the top AI resorts are as good or better than cruise lines. Most of these resports are located in the same cruise ports in the Caribbean and have the same excursions available. They will pick you up at your hotel and bring you back and price is about half what they charge on a cruise.

 

We love cruising and have two booked right now, but we also enjoy AIs - much more relaxing, no enbarkation / debarkations, no worries about missing the ship, etc.

[YOW]

Hi Susie,

 

I think you're on the right track with the let's-try-it-and-see-if-we-like-it approach.

 

We did an AI last year and were not impressed, but then (a) it was summer and (b) it was in Cuba. We still say let's try another AI someplace, but probably not in the summer as we want our comfort -- many AI restaurants are open-air with no A/C, so buffet meals in 30c+ temps, high humidity, and flies are not our idea of a holiday... and more likely in Cancun/Mayan Riviera than the DR as there's more to see and do.

 

Just try to choose a locale from which you won't actually see cruise ships, otherwise it's tough not to compare. ;)

[BrendaJ]

As far as AC and food quality, the top AI resorts are as good or better than cruise lines. Most of these resports are located in the same cruise ports in the Caribbean and have the same excursions available. They will pick you up at your hotel and bring you back and price is about half what they charge on a cruise.

quote]

 

As far as excursions go, I guess I just haven't visited any islands that had enough excursions for me to do something interesting every day, particularly on repeat visits. We've been to Jamaica several times, and other than Shaw Park Gardens and Dunns River Falls, none of the available excursions really appeal to me. However, the beaches are lovely.

 

And, although we've stayed in 5 star resorts, to me, the food and service really don't compare to Celebrity, although I'd love to hear the names of resorts that have that type of dining without requiring reservations or standing in line.

 

And I forgot one of my favourite things about cruising - you can eat and walk outside without having to deal with flies, mosquitos and assorted other bugs. Heaven. :)

[SusieV]

I was told that the Palace resorts included unlimited free tours to the ruins and the cenote and all over the place as well as a free dolphin swim which really intrigued me. I know how expensive those are booked through a cruiseline!

 

I wouldn't just want to lay on a beach all day. We really do like to do things but my husband would prefer more time exploring than the few hours in port.

 

We have decided to go for only one week just to try things. I think I will definitely miss cruising but the budget this year won't stretch that far given our onboard proclivities!

 

We like casinos in the evening. Wonder if there are any close at hand to resorts.

[Giorgi-one]

As far as AC and food quality, the top AI resorts are as good or better than cruise lines. Most of these resports are located in the same cruise ports in the Caribbean and have the same excursions available. They will pick you up at your hotel and bring you back and price is about half what they charge on a cruise.

quote]

 

As far as excursions go, I guess I just haven't visited any islands that had enough excursions for me to do something interesting every day, particularly on repeat visits. We've been to Jamaica several times, and other than Shaw Park Gardens and Dunns River Falls, none of the available excursions really appeal to me. However, the beaches are lovely.

 

And, although we've stayed in 5 star resorts, to me, the food and service really don't compare to Celebrity, although I'd love to hear the names of resorts that have that type of dining without requiring reservations or standing in line.

 

And I forgot one of my favourite things about cruising - you can eat and walk outside without having to deal with flies, mosquitos and assorted other bugs. Heaven. :)

 

I have been to Iberostar Pariso Lindo and Secrets Capri in Riviera May. Food a Lindo was about 5X better than food on my last RCL cruise - maybe slightly below Celebrity of a few years ago. Food at Secrets was better than any cruise ship. Lindo was reservations - all made by your concierge the first day you arrive and can be changed at any time. Secrets gave you a beeper but who cares the drinks are free and max wait was about 15 minutes.

[SusieV]

Well, there is no turning back... we cancelled Solstice and booked a week at the Aventura Spa Palace in Cancun. It gets great reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

I hope we like it!

[Giorgi-one]

I know there have been some discussions here comparing price of AIs versus a cruise. In my experience, the top AIs are more expensive, particuarly if you are comparing an inside or OV cabin on a cruise with an AI. We are making plans to go to one of the new Secrets resorts in Riviera Maya next May. So far cost is as follows:

 

Round trip air from Phila to Cancun on US Air - $1006 per person (current price)

 

All-Inclusive Hotel - Junior Suite - $550 per night which includes 30% discount.

 

Total price for 6 nights - $5312 not including any extras.

 

I assume I could do lots of cruises for that price - probably even in a suite. One of the problems now is that airfare to Caribbean and Mexico is very expensive. Although fares inside US have increased, it appears that Caribbean fares have increased even more.

[YOW]

Round trip air from Phila to Cancun on US Air - $1006 per person (current price)

 

All-Inclusive Hotel - Junior Suite - $550 per night which includes 30% discount.

 

Total price for 6 nights - $5312 not including any extras.

 

I assume I could do lots of cruises for that price - probably even in a suite. One of the problems now is that airfare to Caribbean and Mexico is very expensive. Although fares inside US have increased, it appears that Caribbean fares have increased even more.

 

For Canadians, the math becomes a bit different. A number of companies run charter flights from several Canadian gateways to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, etc. These tour-ops buy blocks of rooms and thus the packages they sell can be at significant savings. Many Canadians like the idea of direct flights (albeit at odd hours sometimes), transfers included, basically everything covered under one umbrella. At that point it comes down to what one is looking for in a holiday.

 

Susie I hope you two have a great time! :)

[lvtotrvl1]

I was told that the Palace resorts included unlimited free tours to the ruins and the cenote and all over the place as well as a free dolphin swim which really intrigued me. I know how expensive those are booked through a cruiseline!

 

I wouldn't just want to lay on a beach all day. We really do like to do things but my husband would prefer more time exploring than the few hours in port.

 

We have decided to go for only one week just to try things. I think I will definitely miss cruising but the budget this year won't stretch that far given our onboard proclivities!

 

We like casinos in the evening. Wonder if there are any close at hand to resorts.

 

Was this a special with unlimited tours? Normally you get three tours free for a 7 night vacation. I think you will enjoy Palace Resorts.....I just saw that it now does include unlimited tours for 3 or more nights...great deal! It also includes transportation to the Cancun Resorts, so you have the use of all the restaurants...Have a great time!

[soraya]

Hi, Would you do a review for us when you get back, a compare and contrast type of thing on how it worked out quality, price etc?