all inclusive resorts vs cruising

[Deaf Dude]

Paul, I think you are referring to the Palace group, am I right. I know some of them are very nice, but others need to be renovated. The idea of eating at any of them has to be attractive...

 

Nita

 

Hi Nita. Yes, it is the Palace Resorts. While we were "allowed" to use them all the only ones we did use were the Sun Palace where we booked our room, and the Moon Palace. The Sun Palace was older, but very nice. Our room had a very large Jacuzzi in it. The moon palace was really nice with a swimming pool almost half a mile long. It's been about 5 years since we went there. Would be nice to go again.

 

Paul

 

Pic of the room

[newmexicoNita]

Hi Nita. Yes, it is the Palace Resorts. While we were "allowed" to use them all the only ones we did use were the Sun Palace where we booked our room, and the Moon Palace. The Sun Palace was older, but very nice. Our room had a very large Jacuzzi in it. The moon palace was really nice with a swimming pool almost half a mile long. It's been about 5 years since we went there. Would be nice to go again.

 

Paul

 

Pic of the room

It's always fun to go back just to compare. I do think you might be surprised at the prices today....lol

 

Nita

[barbpatter]

I agree that the cost of airfare can make huge difference in the costs. But just to compare costs...

 

In November 07 we took our family of 5 (kids were 18, 14 and 11) to the Dominican to Iberostar Bavaro for 8 days. We had 2 junior suites which are VERY large, including the bathrooms, full wall of closets and shelves, patio with couch, tables and chair...everything included and very good food. Without excursions, it cost us $6000 for all 5 including airfare from New York.

 

Hubby and I are flying to Seattle in less than 3 weeks for Alaska cruise for 7 nights. Airfare and a BA balcony is costing us $3700 for 2 people. If you add the alcohol that we drank and the specialty (virgin) drinks for the kids, I dont even want to think about the additional costs. We wont be that free with drinking on the cruise.

 

This is our first cruise, so I really cant compare the vacation yet, but cost-wise, so far, I am betting on a LOT less money for the AI.

[newmexicoNita]

There is no really right answer to this; price wise, you need to conpare the destinations and the vacation time. Of course all vacations are going to cost more if one is doing it during summer, Thanksgiving week, Christmas or Spring break. From mid Sept to just before thankgiving resorts are at low season as are cruise ships. The Caribbean resorts are at their peak, price wise from the week before Christmas until the week after Easter. Some places are always less than others. Alaska cruises are the most expensive cruises (normally) and from about the end of June until the first week of Sept are at their peak.

 

For those who want to get the biggest bang for their buck: cruise in the fall or the 2 or 3 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, followed by the first week in January and from mid April to mid May.

 

As for AI, choose places that are not as popular, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and some of the less popular smaller Caribbean Islands.

 

Nita

 

ps; again when you vacation will have a lot to do with prices. Some of the top AI like Sandles will set you back a fortune regardess as to when you choose.

 

Nita

[Hockey19]

We have done both and they offer totaly different experiences. Cruises with their ports of calls, local treasures in different stops, the joy of breakfast or late afternoon drinks on a balcony. Many of the subtle pleasures of cruising can be balanced against the the sacrifices of living in a floating hotel vs. a beachfront villa with evening breezes and midnight walks on a beach. Being in the same locale for 7 days, unlimited food and drinks, no "nickel and diming" offset sometimes having to live on "the reservation". Think Jamaica. I wish I had these choices at a gaming table-Your choice is truly one of the few win wins in life.

[Sally Forth]

I agree completely that if you live anywhere in the area of a departure port you can get some good cruise deals. Ditto for those in So Cal flying to Mexico to AIs. DH asked me if we could do a Christmas cruise out of Vancouver to save money.

 

As Canadians, we can also go to Cuba and that is a bit less expensive, too. This was a tough decision back and forth for us. Having that $250 credit from onboard booking last time helped tip the scales.

 

Viv

[herb]

 

As for AI, choose places that are not as popular, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and some of the less popular smaller Caribbean Islands.

 

Nita

 

We went to the Dominican Repulic (Punta Cana). Not quite sure why it's not popular with U.S. tourists but it's a mecca for Canadian tourists. In any case, we stayed there at Bahia Principe Resort and it was absolutely FABULOUS. Beautiful hotel and spectacular beachfront :D

[buzzor]

I just did a cost comparison - high end all-inclusive we've stayed at before in Mayan Riviera versus balcony cabin on the Spirit. We will drink, but not a lot. Please note that this is over Christmas and we are flying from Canada. Final costs were about $3000 cheaper on the Spirit over an all-inclusive with airfare included. Even putting booze and excursions into account, we will save about $1000. Some of the charter flights were full, and flying from Canada, there aren't a lot of choices into Cancun, and they were running $500 higher than to New Orleans if we booked airfare separately.

 

One of my main considerations was safety issues several of my friends have had in Mexico, including an armed robbery at a family wedding at one of the most luxurious resorts in the Mayan Riviera. I realize that cruise ships and excursions are not immune to violence, but with two university-aged sons, I want to hear more proactive responses from the police in Quintano Roo.

 

Even with norovirus outbreaks, I also believe cruise ships adhere to higher hygiene standards. I am a fairly adventurous traveler (just did a fabulous independent trip across Europe by train with DH) but for this trip, I don't want to worry about bathrooms and bad food. I'm not a princess at all, but for this trip, a cruise works better.

 

Viv

 

Since you are in Vancouver, you should check out rates from Seattle. Canadian airfares are a rip off. I bet you could save a couple of grand just flying out of the US.

[newmexicoNita]

We went to the Dominican Repulic (Punta Cana). Not quite sure why it's not popular with U.S. tourists but it's a mecca for Canadian tourists. In any case, we stayed there at Bahia Principe Resort and it was absolutely FABULOUS. Beautiful hotel and spectacular beachfront :D

Actually I need to re-word that: I listed DR because it is the least expensive island for AI, not necessarily not popular. When I added less popular I was referring to some of the smaller islands.

 

It is beautiful, other than on cruises, we have only done the island once, but we had a wonderful time. I think the crime rate in the major cities causes some concerns thus the prices are less. Hopefully as years go by DR will be the hot spot of the Caribbean....

 

Nita

[Philly Steve]

We've done a few all inclusives (Sandals/Jamaica, Breezes/Bahamas) and about a dozen cruises. I like to think of a cruise as more activity/action oriented. If you're just looking for a string of great relaxing beach days, an all inclusive may be the best bet. One can always check out the night life "outside the gates."

 

Watered down drinks and declining food options/quality were the downside of the all inclusives. On the other hand, if there is "motion in the ocean" you won't get seasick!

 

Cruising has been a no brainer for us, given that the Philly Cruise Terminal is a 15 minute cab ride away. We love to spend a little time in a paradise without the hassle and expense of flying. :)

[starkarlis]

We have stayed at Riu Palace in Playa del Carmen 5 times and had an absolute perfect vacation every time. This is why we were so concerned with cruising. But I have always wanted to do the Alaska cruise thing I hear such great things about it. We are booked on the Star for next June. This trip does have big shoes to fill. Being at an AI for us is perfect. We are moderate drinkers, not wine but mixed drinks, so a bar bill here is kind of scaring me. Just a couple of drinks per night at $5/drink times 2 (me and my husband) times 6 days easily over $100. Plus we are flying into Seattle a day early, so that's sightseeing, hotel and food there as well. The food at Riu Palace is awesome and they even have 3-4 speciality restarants that do not charge extra, great entertainment and the staff is sooo friendly. Many have remembered our names from one visit to the next! The resort is beautiful and super clean.

So far, the AI is my route but we'll see after next June!

[newmexicoNita]

We have stayed at Riu Palace in Playa del Carmen 5 times and had an absolute perfect vacation every time. This is why we were so concerned with cruising. But I have always wanted to do the Alaska cruise thing I hear such great things about it. We are booked on the Star for next June. This trip does have big shoes to fill. Being at an AI for us is perfect. We are moderate drinkers, not wine but mixed drinks, so a bar bill here is kind of scaring me. Just a couple of drinks per night at $5/drink times 2 (me and my husband) times 6 days easily over $100. Plus we are flying into Seattle a day early, so that's sightseeing, hotel and food there as well. The food at Riu Palace is awesome and they even have 3-4 speciality restarants that do not charge extra, great entertainment and the staff is sooo friendly. Many have remembered our names from one visit to the next! The resort is beautiful and super clean.

So far, the AI is my route but we'll see after next June!

you will find cruising a totally different experience, not better, not worse just different. Have a great time.

 

Nita

[*Wink*]

We are moderate drinkers, not wine but mixed drinks, so a bar bill here is kind of scaring me. Just a couple of drinks per night at $5/drink times 2 (me and my husband) times 6 days easily over $100.

 

Hi Starkarlis.. I just wanted to suggest that you two would do well to order a bar set up in your cabin. You'd save on cost, and you could still enjoy maybe one drink from the bars on board for ambiance. You can also mix a drink in your cabin and take it to other places on the ship. There are many threads pertaining to bar set up.

 

I think you'll love your cruise.

 

A.

[ChicagoCruiser86]

just curious if any of you have ever compared the two ? If so what are you favs at both? How do they compare to one another?

 

My husband and I love all inclusives with the family as we don't have to hand out the $$$ every minute, and lots of activities. Our first cruise is on the Sky in two weeks and we are anxious to see if cruising is as fun as all inclusive vacationing, actually we are hoping its more fun so we can see more islands.

 

 

I compare the two all the time when I am figuring out what to do for my next trip. I love both; I have been to three all inclusives and am going on my third cruise in a couple weeks.... I went on my first cruise in May 2007 and have not been to an all inclusive since. The funny part is, the only reason I even tried a cruise was because it was last minute and you didn't need a passport for the cruise at the time, but you needed them for all inclusive locations. I still will go on more all inclusives, but I'm not sure when. Here's my comparison of the two:

 

Destinations: This is obvious.. You get to go to multiple destinations in one trip. You wake up in a new country. There is something very special and exciting about that to me. For someone who wants to travel the world this is very convenient. You can also see if you like a particular port enough to go back for a longer stay.

 

Time: It is sometimes disappointing when you have to leave some ports. I have felt rushed at times and it can sometimes be stressful to fit everything into a day.

 

Activities: Cruise wins hand down. I never get bored because I can always find things to do. If it rains there is still plenty to do inside on the ship, can't say that about all inclusives, at least the ones I've been to.

 

Entertainment: There wasn't much at the all inclusives I have been to, and when there was, I found it less professional than on a cruise. Cruises have some excellent shows!

 

Dining: From the places I have been to, I had better food on cruises overall. Never had lobster at all inclusives, but the fruit was usually better at the all inclusives. Plus alot of the all inclusives seem to have the same food all the time. With most cruise lines I do not like traditional dining: I am not big on sitting with other people and do not like having a set dining time, but this is not a problem with NCL:D I love freestyle!

 

Drinks: There seems to be more selection on cruises, but the price is high! All inclusives have free drinks. I know many drinkers who wont cruise because of this. Luckily I am not a big drinker, but $10 for a pina colada is ridiculous

 

Pools: All inclusive are better! They have the room to make them a lot bigger and designed nicely. The ships I have been on have had small and basic pools, but I don't expect them to fit huge pools on a ship

 

Beaches: I love waking up and walking directly onto the beach which you obviously don't have on a cruise. There are plenty of beach excursions for most cruises, but beach time is limited. :(

 

Casinos: The all inclusive ones I have seen were a joke! I love the casinos on cruise ships. They have everything, and I have won here and there. I love to gamble, so this is a big plus.

 

Rooms: I am having trouble judging this, because I have never had a suite on a cruise, but have had a two-floor presidential suite with its' own pool on the balcony at a AI, so I can't compare. However, it seems like they would have more space to make larger rooms at an all inclusive.

 

Price: For the way I like to vacation, an AI is cheaper. However, it depends on the hotel or how much you spend on a cruise. I could have went on an all inclusive for 7nts for the same amount as a 4nt cruise, but that's just because I spend a lot while on the cruise (excursions, gambling, drinks, specialty restaurants, bingo, souvenirs).

 

Overall: I fell in love with cruising! There are a few all inclusives I will eventually visit. They are very different types of vacations and at this point in my life I like being more active and going on cruises.

 

 

 

Overall: There is just something

[Deaf Dude]

It's always fun to go back just to compare. I do think you might be surprised at the prices today....lol

 

Nita

 

I just checked online and I can get a 5 day/4 night at the Riu Palace for $850 which is less than my last NCL cruise (inside room) cost me, or at the Moon or Sun Palace for $1100 each. This includes air, rooms and transfers. The dates I chose are 3 weeks from now which is my birthday. I don't think that's too bad. We paid $535 each last time for a 4 day/3 night (one less day) trip. That was the first site I looked at. I think I could get it less if I searched more.

[newmexicoNita]

I just checked online and I can get a 5 day/4 night at the Riu Palace for $850 which is less than my last NCL cruise (inside room) cost me, or at the Moon or Sun Palace for $1100 each. This includes air, rooms and transfers. The dates I chose are 3 weeks from now which is my birthday. I don't think that's too bad. We paid $535 each last time for a 4 day/3 night (one less day) trip. That was the first site I looked at. I think I could get it less if I searched more.

If you can get the Palace for $1100 per person including air, it sounds darn good to me.

 

actually I just checked Iberastar and it is just a few $$s more, but it is also the end of one of the high seasons due to the heat and school will be starting for most kids in the next couple of weeks.

Nita

[Deaf Dude]

If you can get the Palace for $1100 per person including air, it sounds darn good to me.

 

actually I just checked Iberastar and it is just a few $$s more, but it is also the end of one of the high seasons due to the heat and school will be starting for most kids in the next couple of weeks.

Nita

 

The last time we went was for my birthday also. Same week. the Riu Palace in Playa Del Carnmen is only $850 and I could still use the other properties. This is from New Orleans. could be higher from other places. I just read that we have a tropical storm in the gulf coming this way. Mabe I should fly to the Palace now !! :) :)

[newmexicoNita]

The last time we went was for my birthday also. Same week. the Riu Palace in Playa Del Carnmen is only $850 and I could still use the other properties. This is from New Orleans. could be higher from other places. I just read that we have a tropical storm in the gulf coming this way. Mabe I should fly to the Palace now !! :) :)

 

Go for it< I don't think the storm is supposed to affect Mexico..LOL

[weltek]

For us, there are two factors:

1. What you can see for the money. On a 7 day cruise vs. 7 days at an all-inclusive, the cruise usually wins for variety. On a 4 day cruise vs. 4 day AC, the AI would probably win.

 

2. The cheapest cabin on a cruise is ok with us. If we can find a super-cheap inside cabin and figure what we'll spend in drinks and excursions, then we compare it to an AI price.

 

We always have enough FF miles, so airfare is a non-issue with us. The nice thing about AIs is that you get bigger rooms for a cheaper price, generally speaking. If you plan to sleep late and spend time in-room during your vacation, AI would win over a cruise in most cases for that factor.

 

There are just so many factors to compare and so many variables, especially when trying to compare the blanket cost of a cruise to the blanket cost of an AI.

[hunahpu]

If you are looking to lounge for hours staring at the waves rolling in on a sandy white beach, sand between your toes, sitting under a thatched umbrella, while the wait staff brings you drink after drink after drink with umbrellas them, then quite frankly the all-inclusive is for you. All-inclusives are all about being outdoors in the sun, lounging like you are in a Corona commercial. It is not a bad thing.

 

Cruises are all about eating and eating and eating, and maybe going dancing or a show at night. Your are indoors most of the time. It is like spending your vacation at a mall, with an occasional outing in cool places.

 

 

They are apples and oranges.

[weltek]

Cruises are all about eating and eating and eating, and maybe going dancing or a show at night. Your are indoors most of the time. It is like spending your vacation at a mall, with an occasional outing in cool places.

They are apples and oranges.

 

I disagree...I spend most of my onboard days (which are either one or two days of the whole week) out on the pool deck or otherwise outside reading and having drinks served to me. The only time I'm inside is during dinner. I eat breakfast and usually lunch outside, too.

 

And for me, and many others, cruises are about the ports and exploring different places each day.

[storm15]

Wow I cant believe the responses to this thread. I didn't realize so many cruisers were also AI fans. :)

 

 

What we love about AI....unlimited frozen drinks at the bar all day long, not having to hand over cash to the kids every five minutes, long days on the beach and the endless blue waters, hubby likes sunrise at the beach with a Sudoku puzzle and a cup of coffee. Walking to Playa Del Carmen to shop and people watch.

 

After I get back from my first cruise I will tell what I think of cruising. Although I think it may be hard to judge on a 3 day cruise what the 7 day would be like. Esp since alot of the bigger ships offer more activities. but we will at least find out if the hubby can handle the motion and if we can book a longer one next time!! :)

[newmexicoNita]

If you are looking to lounge for hours staring at the waves rolling in on a sandy white beach, sand between your toes, sitting under a thatched umbrella, while the wait staff brings you drink after drink after drink with umbrellas them, then quite frankly the all-inclusive is for you. All-inclusives are all about being outdoors in the sun, lounging like you are in a Corona commercial. It is not a bad thing.

 

Cruises are all about eating and eating and eating, and maybe going dancing or a show at night. Your are indoors most of the time. It is like spending your vacation at a mall, with an occasional outing in cool places.

 

 

They are apples and oranges.

Well, I don't think anyone here is saying which is the better vacation as they are quite different, but if you or anyone else thinks cruising is about eating all the time, maybe going to a show or dancing one night you certainly know nothing about the real cruise world and you are missing so much. To me, that is more what an AI is about; lots of sun time, eating, maybe a few activities and a little sight seeing. It make for a wonderful 3 or 4 day escape.

 

Cruising offers pool time, visiting several different locations in a short period of time, day time activities, from lectures to trivia, cooking classes, golf clinics, movies and yes, nightly entertainment, piano bars, plus food.

 

Nita

[newmexicoNita]

Wow I cant believe the responses to this thread. I didn't realize so many cruisers were also AI fans. :)

 

 

What we love about AI....unlimited frozen drinks at the bar all day long, not having to hand over cash to the kids every five minutes, long days on the beach and the endless blue waters, hubby likes sunrise at the beach with a Sudoku puzzle and a cup of coffee. Walking to Playa Del Carmen to shop and people watch.

 

After I get back from my first cruise I will tell what I think of cruising. Although I think it may be hard to judge on a 3 day cruise what the 7 day would be like. Esp since alot of the bigger ships offer more activities. but we will at least find out if the hubby can handle the motion and if we can book a longer one next time!! :)

A three day cruise certainly isn't like a 7 day one, but it will give you just a little taste. Please do let us all know.

 

Nita

[starkarlis]

Bottom line--A BAD vacation is still better than the BEST day at work!!:D