all inclusive resorts vs cruising

[bccruiser2007]

We have done both AI and crusing. It really comes down to personal preference. Some of our friends enjoy AI while others prefer cruising.

For us, we like to explore different locations. AI was fine, but for us, tended to become monotonous, especailly with the food after 4-5 days of the 7 day vacation.

[Leafpeeper]

Some actually people book excursions to an all inclusive resort at different ports on their cruises.

 

DH does not enjoy staying on an island for more than a couple days. He gets restless and wants to move on. We enjoy all the various restaurants on NCL ships because we can dine at a different venue each night or return to our favorite ones all within a short walk of our cabin.

 

I like the entertainment on cruiseships and seeing a different island each day, and DH enjoys the casino.

 

Until you try everything, you'll never know what you like. We spent a week in March in Hawaii and DH couldn't wait to get to Vegas on the way back home. It's all about having fun, so I suggest trying as many different types of vacations as possible so you will know what you enjoy. We are staying at a Dude Ranch (with a golf course) for the first time during our winter vacation this year. However, we are taking a Bahamas cruise before heading home. Marriage is always about compromise.

[Zeno]

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 have been on about 6 cruises (3 on NCL) and been to a number of AI resorts ranging from 3* to 5* - The following are just my opinions and observations:

 

1. The two types of vacation are actually QUITE different

2. Both are enjoyable

3. Generally (in MY experience) the cruises were more expensive because of the extra charges BUT not so much more expensive that it bothered me

4. Every AI I went to was part of a package deal including airfare - this kept the price down. Our non-NCL cruises were also package deals and included airfare - they were more expensive than comparable AIs. For our NCL cruises, our airfare was separate. Our NCL cruises + air were actually cheaper than the non-NCL cruises with included airfare. Total AI costs were generally less than total cruise costs.

5. AIs really are pretty much all-inclusive. It is possible to not spend an additional cent (except on tips which really are up to you and some AIs are "no tipping")

All drinks (alcoholic and non) are included except that at some resorts really high-end liquor can cost extra (at other resorts even that is included). Most activities are included (motorized water sports are usually not included and spa services are not included). Occasionally one may encounter an AI with a pay-extra restaurant.

6. Cruiseships charge for alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. Pay-extra restaurants are not unusual. On NCL (and on some other cruiselines) service charges will be added to your bill. On ships that don't have service charges tipping is expected and pretty unavoidable (unless you are a really cheap jerk (in my opinion anyway).

7. Food - In my experience (and in my personal taste) food is generally better on cruiseships in the dining rooms and restaurants. However the buffets at AIs are far better than the buffets on any cruiseship I have been on.

8. Accomodation - obviously bigger and better rooms at AIs

9. Entertainment - in general I found the entertainment better on cruiseships and especially on the NCL ships I have been on.

10. Activities - in general - more "sporty" activities at an AI but more entertainment related activities on a cruiseship

 

Why go on a cruiseship as opposed to an AI?

At an AI - except for excursions one generally stays at the resort nice if you just want to relax at a beach or pool, and drink and eat a lot. On a cruiseship you get to see several different places and you get to experience the whole ambiance of actually being on a ship at sea.

 

For me personally - if I want a vacation where I see and do a lot - I take a cruise. If I just want to lie on a beach for a week - I go to an AI.

[BobBeaSea]

As some have mentioned, AI's and cruising are two very different types of vacations, we like them both. Coming from the Toronto area, AI's are hands down less money and better value, its not even close. This assumes a choice between a 5* minimum property and a mass market line, RCI - junior suite cat., both for 7 nights.

 

The ships do have better entertainment IMHO.