All Inclusive versus a cruise

[smtcan]

We love All Inclusives for a winter get away week. The package deals, with air fare included are considerably cheaper than a cruise in comparable accommodation. Most up-scale resorts offer room service breakfast and have specialty restaurants at no extra cost (although you may be limited in how many reservations you can have in a week). I have never stayed at a resort where all the restaurants were outdoors, and we have been to Palace Resorts in Mexico, Superclubs and Sandals in the Caribbean as well as Sol Melia Resorts in Cuba. We are not casino fans, so do not miss that in the least. We never use the casino on board ship.

 

The best part of cruising for us is visiting different places - the ship is not a destination for us. I would prefer an AI to a Caribbean cruise, but for the Mediterranean, Asia or Baltic give me a cruise any day.

 

Sheila

[Sky Sweet]

Are the sandals all inclusive resorts basically for very young couples?

[BobBeaSea]

Are the sandals all inclusive resorts basically for very young couples?

 

No, resorts like these are for everyone. Sandals resorts are more upscale and consequently more expensive. Very young couples (not all, mind you) will probably choose less expensive resorts with tons of action and activities going on :D.

[Sky Sweet]

No, resorts like these are for everyone. Sandals resorts are more upscale and consequently more expensive. Very young couples (not all, mind you) will probably choose less expensive resorts with tons of action and activities going on :D.

 

Hi BobBeaSea :)

 

Thank you for answering my question :)

 

I know they are expensive because my daughter and son in law went to a Sandals all inclusive resort for their honeymoon five years ago, and I was very surprised that it cost as much as it did. In fact, at the time I suggested that they take a cruise instead because it would have cost a lot less.

[smtcan]

At Sandals we found a few young honeymooners, but the majority were 40 plus, with a number in our age group, late 50s, early sixties. This is common in upscale resorts. There are many AIs in lower price ranges that attract a younger group who are not really celebrating an occasion.

 

Sheila

[FinelyCruising]

Aruba is another prime location for very nice AI's with air conditioning and casinos. The weather is usually predictably good and there are some good sights to see on Aruba, and there are also excursions to Curacao as well.

[jerseygirl3]

I said that I would post the pros and cons of an all inclusive versus a cruise. We have cruised Celebrity 25+ times, usually Concierge Class and mostly 11+ day cruises or 7 day back to back. We decided to try an all inclusive and chose an all inclusive in Playa Del Carmen in the Playacar area, a 5 star hotel. We were there for 7 days.

 

What was the same: excellent meals. All the dining was a la carte, at 5 restaurants. We had the option of a la carte for breakfast or buffet.

They served cold drinks (booze or non-booze) at the pool, came around with cold towels, and offered fresh fruit all the time.

On check in we were greeted with champagne, and our bags were taken to our room.

 

Cons: no waffles. It’s been so long since we were shown to our room and our bags taken upon boarding. The menus at the restaurants remained the same.

 

Pros: I would say that the service at the all inclusive was much better than Celebrity. They were extremely attentive.

We did a couple of tours through the hotel: Coba, and Chichen Itza. They were much cheaper than through Celebrity and I would say much better. I can only judge what Celebrity has done for Tulum tours and ours through the hotel was lots better. We’ve done Tulum through Celebrity 3 times.

No worry about arriving a day early.

 

That’s about it in a nutshell. Any questions and comments?

 

There are a couple of factors not mentioned.

 

First of all, the cost. There are AI's and then there are AI's. To stay at a good one, you're going to pay.

 

Secondly, I find that unless you drink a fair amount of alcohol, the AI is not a real bargain.

 

Thirdly, if the weather is bad, you're stuck there. At least on a ship, they have some room to maneuver to find better weather.

 

We did AI's years ago, but the prices for the really nice ones have gone up so much they aren't appealing to me. That, and I used to be able to drink a lot more alcohol in my younger years!

[Cruise Junky]

There are a couple of factors not mentioned.

 

 

See my comparison above, the Royal Hideaway isn't that far off the cruise price.

[Breezey]

We decided to try an AI a couple of years ago. 5 star in Mayan Riviera. Had tons of wonderful reviews (Grand Palladium Resort).

 

Yes the resort was gorgeous, beautiful outdoor space and beach was lovely. But...

 

Food/Restaurants - daily meals are buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner except for 3 dinners you receive vouchers for in their specialty restaurants. Buffets got very boring, food was pretty average and repetitive. Specialty restaurants were pretty good, not great and service was all over the place.

 

Beach -being a week during winter break, saving seats was a major problem there too. We had to get up earlier and earlier to put our books, towels and other stuff down just to save some lounge chairs and palapas near the beach like every other single person there. Crazy. If you are not lazing at the beach people than I dont think AI's are the way to go.

 

Entertainment - yikes!! I likened this to overnight camp when the counselors come and entertain the kids. Each night there was one show performed by the day staff and they lip synched (or sank?). It was beyond terrible. Other than that, night life was pretty boring.

 

Activities - not much. Although we LOVED daily aerobics in in the sea.

 

Rooms - unless you want to pay very big bucks, the view from your room is usually a pathway to other parts of the large resort.

 

Sightseeing - We stayed put the entire week.

 

Drinks - sure you can drink as much and whenever you want "for free" but if you are not a mega drinker, who cares.

 

Costs - we could have gone on a cruise for the same price that week but wanted to try an AI.

 

I missed sitting on a balcony overlooking the sea.

I missed not having to worry about whether I would get sick from the water, ice, fruit.

I missed arriving at a different port each day

I missed feeling special during sit down meals

 

Will I try an AI ever again? Only if I can find one that has fantastic food and entertainment. Frankly we have been to Mexico before doing time shares and much prefer that option. We have friends that love the AIs in the Domincan Republic and go yearly. My brother says Secrets are the best that AIs have to offer and is not a fan of cruises. So different strokes for different folks. In the end, any vacation is better than none.

[Mary El]

Aruba is another prime location for very nice AI's with air conditioning and casinos. The weather is usually predictably good and there are some good sights to see on Aruba, and there are also excursions to Curacao as well.

 

I was thinking of Aruba as possibly our next AI. Do you have a recommendation?

 

I am happy that we did try the AI, and from reading everyone's posts there are always pros and cons to both cruises and AIs.

 

Maybe after Aruba then it's off to the Dominican Republic. But poor place, what with it getting hit with hurricanes this season.

[caviargal]

I absolutely prefer a 5 star AI to any cruise that is not a luxury line. Over the past 18 months I have stayed at Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun, Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiaso in Playa Paraiso, Excellence Playa Mujeres, El Dorado Royale in the Riveira Maya, Beach Palace Cancun. I have also stayed at most of the Sandals properties in Jamiace, one in St. Lucia, one in Antigua and several of the Couples and Grand Ldio Resorts over a 20 year period.

 

There is as much difference in AIs as there are in cruise ships in terms of food quality and service, amenities. At the high end properties, there are 4-5 options for ala carte dining, and yes, they are air conditioned. I would compare the quality of the better properties to the specialty restaurants on Celebrity and other mass market lines.

 

I enjoy dining when and where I please, having a nice selection of wines included, luxurious accomodations superior to most cruise ship accommodations in all but the most expensive categories and last but certainly not least, the ability to enjoy an adult only vacation.

 

We enjoy daytime activities far more than evening shows of average quality such that is found on most cruise lines. Lots of activities during the day, a choice of pools with no chair hogs, a large stretch of beach and a wonderful spa are also hallmarks of the more deluxe resorts.

 

I have not stayed at RH due to the level of beach erosion but have heard that all else is stellar.

 

For my vacation dollar when planning a warm weather getaway, an adult only 5 star gets my vote every time. We'll be back at LeBlanc in November and hope to check out the newest Secrets next year in the spring.

 

As for Sandals, IMO and IME, they have declined in quality over the past 6 years or so. I prefer Couples overall when in Jamaica.

[FinelyCruising]

I was thinking of Aruba as possibly our next AI. Do you have a recommendation?

 

 

Grand Occidental, food is very good.

[Tinwoman]

We have stayed at Secrets in Mexico locations, it is a wonderful resort.

We stayed at Puerto Vallarta secrets last spring, it had 4 restaurants, and 5 bar/dancing clubs. There were activates every night on the beautiful beach.

We released baby sea turtles one night, had a dance on the beach, there was a live band at one of the three pools every night, fireworks etc. lots to do.

Plus since Puerto Vallarta if one of my fave cities to visit, retaining lots of old style building and spirit of Mexico.

One day we went sailing, one day zip lining, one day snorkeling, one day on a tour of the old city, and one day spent visiting a site were tequila was made, with dinner included. Don't get me wrong there are tons of site seeing places to visit, but we are very active in our 50's, zip lining was the most strenuous because we had to walk up the mountain. All these tours were quite affordable and we had a wonderful time. There are too many things to do to mention, and tons of shopping in the markets, loved it.

I find AI's very comparable to cruises as we usually book a suite.

If I find a port while cruising that I want to spend more time at then we try to go with a AI for a longer visit.

[jerseygirl3]

I absolutely prefer a 5 star AI to any cruise that is not a luxury line. Over the past 18 months I have stayed at Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun, Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiaso in Playa Paraiso, Excellence Playa Mujeres, El Dorado Royale in the Riveira Maya, Beach Palace Cancun. I have also stayed at most of the Sandals properties in Jamiace, one in St. Lucia, one in Antigua and several of the Couples and Grand Ldio Resorts over a 20 year period.

 

There is as much difference in AIs as there are in cruise ships in terms of food quality and service, amenities. At the high end properties, there are 4-5 options for ala carte dining, and yes, they are air conditioned. I would compare the quality of the better properties to the specialty restaurants on Celebrity and other mass market lines.

 

I enjoy dining when and where I please, having a nice selection of wines included, luxurious accomodations superior to most cruise ship accommodations in all but the most expensive categories and last but certainly not least, the ability to enjoy an adult only vacation.

 

We enjoy daytime activities far more than evening shows of average quality such that is found on most cruise lines. Lots of activities during the day, a choice of pools with no chair hogs, a large stretch of beach and a wonderful spa are also hallmarks of the more deluxe resorts.

 

I have not stayed at RH due to the level of beach erosion but have heard that all else is stellar.

 

For my vacation dollar when planning a warm weather getaway, an adult only 5 star gets my vote every time. We'll be back at LeBlanc in November and hope to check out the newest Secrets next year in the spring.

 

As for Sandals, IMO and IME, they have declined in quality over the past 6 years or so. I prefer Couples overall when in Jamaica.

 

What would you compare Le Blanc to in the way of cruises? Le Blanc is very upscale and pricey, so I don't think you can compare it to a mainstream cruiseline.

[retired1998]

If there is no airconditioning, that would be the end of the discussion for my DH. No airconditioning, no deal.

 

8/99 Alaska Celebrity

8/01 Scandinavia/Russia Princess

1/05 Western Carribean Celebrity

10/05 Hawaii Norwegian

1/07 Panama Canal Celebrity

8/07 Hawaii Norwegian

1/08 South America – Celebrity

[Cruise Junky]

If there is no airconditioning, that would be the end of the discussion for my DH. No airconditioning, no deal.

 

 

I have no idea where the no air conditioning comment came from, but there is definitely air conditioning in most decent All Inclusives. There are however some outdoor restaurants that do rely on the breeze, but rooms and restaurants are air conditioned for the most part.

[BrendaJ]

I was the one that mentioned the air conditioning. Although I've never been to a resort that didn't have air-conditioned guest rooms, I have been at some where only the specialty restaurants, shops and guest rooms are air-conditioned - everything else is outside, including the main restaurant. I have never been to a resort where the evening entertainment was inside. Has anyone visited a resort where they have a large, indoor showroom where most guests watch a professional-style show? At all the resorts I've been to, the shows were, to say the least, amateurish and starred activities staff rather than full-time musicians or comedians.

 

Most of the time we visited AI's (December to March), the evenings weren't too hot, and other than the bugs, we didn't mind being outside for dinner. However, a couple of times we went in September and March, and the heat and humidity was so oppressive, even at night, that we spent a lot of time hiding in our room as it was the only place to really get away from the heat.

[Texed]

Cons: no waffles.

 

Well, I guess I will stick to Celebrity. ;)

[caviargal]

What would you compare Le Blanc to in the way of cruises? Le Blanc is very upscale and pricey, so I don't think you can compare it to a mainstream cruiseline.

 

I would compare it to Regent except with even higher levels of service.

 

LeBlanc is $500/day on average which is what we paid for a CC class on Century, our last cruise on X. At LeBlanc, we wanted for nothing and the only bill at the end was for my absolutely outstanding spa services.

 

We had a butler who prepared our jacuzzi and saw to our ironing, etc., pool butlers who served food, water, etc., beach butlers, a choice of excellent open seating restaurants with wonderful food and a very nice included wine list. On Century, we had quite a bill for wine, cocktails, bottled water, specialty dining, fitness classes, coffees and tips so the cost was actually higher. Sure, you cannot compare a 5 star AI to an inside or outside cabin so if that what you generally book, a high quality AI will be more $$$. But LeBlanc was also less expensive than our last three HAL cruises so yes, one can compare to the mainstream lines depending on category booked.

[Giorgi-one]

So glad you said that, BrendaJ -- for a while there, we thought maybe we were too picky or high-maintenance. Glad to see there are others who feel the same way. DW says one has to be an 'outside' person in order to fully appreciate all-inclusive resorts. We like our comforts, and not sweating and/or itching through a meal is a nice thing.

 

Having said that, Chichen Itza is on our list, so a land vacation in the area would be the way to go... when we find a 5-star (or greater) resort with air conditioned facilities at a decent price in the winter, maybe that trip will happen. Until then, we're quite happy cruising.

 

Have never eaten a meal outdoors in Riviera Maya except maybe for ice cream. Check out Iberostar (Grand, Lindo, Maya) and Secrets in Riviera Maya.

[BBJJTJ]

Before cruising 5 years ago, we only went to AIs. We went to Mexico, Jamaica, Barbados and the Bahamas. They had good food, drinks included often, beautiful locations and mediocre entertainment.

 

The big difference for us is that you are NOT on the sea. This, for us, is why we enjoy cruising over land vacations.

 

It is so beautiful to sit on the balcony and watch the sea...so relaxing. I love to open the curtains in the morning and see a new port. There is a sense of adventure that everyone seems to share on a ship.

 

Our days of sitting by the pool, or on the beach, all day are finished. On a cruise, we have options of other things to do during the day besides beach sports etc.

 

Give me a cruise any day...especially a Transatlantic.:D

p.s. I do consider Club Med the first AI in the World

 

 

AMEN to that! Our thoughts exactly:)

[Giorgi-one]

Hi BobBeaSea :)

 

Thank you for answering my question :)

 

I know they are expensive because my daughter and son in law went to a Sandals all inclusive resort for their honeymoon five years ago, and I was very surprised that it cost as much as it did. In fact, at the time I suggested that they take a cruise instead because it would have cost a lot less.

 

We spent a day at Sandals St. Lucia. What a dump! Food was the pits and drinks were watered down. On a scale of 1 to 10, Sandals was about a 3 compared to Iberostar Paraiso Maya (8) and Secrets Riviera Capri (9).

[Giorgi-one]

I absolutely prefer a 5 star AI to any cruise that is not a luxury line. Over the past 18 months I have stayed at Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun, Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiaso in Playa Paraiso, Excellence Playa Mujeres, El Dorado Royale in the Riveira Maya, Beach Palace Cancun. I have also stayed at most of the Sandals properties in Jamiace, one in St. Lucia, one in Antigua and several of the Couples and Grand Ldio Resorts over a 20 year period.

 

There is as much difference in AIs as there are in cruise ships in terms of food quality and service, amenities. At the high end properties, there are 4-5 options for ala carte dining, and yes, they are air conditioned. I would compare the quality of the better properties to the specialty restaurants on Celebrity and other mass market lines.

 

I enjoy dining when and where I please, having a nice selection of wines included, luxurious accomodations superior to most cruise ship accommodations in all but the most expensive categories and last but certainly not least, the ability to enjoy an adult only vacation.

 

We enjoy daytime activities far more than evening shows of average quality such that is found on most cruise lines. Lots of activities during the day, a choice of pools with no chair hogs, a large stretch of beach and a wonderful spa are also hallmarks of the more deluxe resorts.

 

I have not stayed at RH due to the level of beach erosion but have heard that all else is stellar.

 

For my vacation dollar when planning a warm weather getaway, an adult only 5 star gets my vote every time. We'll be back at LeBlanc in November and hope to check out the newest Secrets next year in the spring.

 

As for Sandals, IMO and IME, they have declined in quality over the past 6 years or so. I prefer Couples overall when in Jamaica.

 

Cariargirl:

 

How are you - have not seen any posts from you in a while. Your experience about the same as mine but I have not been to nearly as many places as you. We enjoyed Secrets Riviera and Iberostar Maya. Looking at Secrets Silversands next Spring but the early reviews have been bad - beach, odors, etc. Iberostar Grand Paraiso looks awesome and you have the entire Iberostar complex to use. I have seen your posts on Trip Advisor.

[YOW]

I find AI's very comparable to cruises as we usually book a suite.

 

This, I believe, is more the crux of the equation. Those who cruise in balcony-or-better accommodations can likely find a favourable cost comparison at AIs, especially if the bar bill comes into play. From there it's just a matter of personal preferences. Of course, AIs and cruising are not mutually exclusive. And this is Cruise Critic, after all, so the opinions here may skew towards cruising. But visit Debbie's or another AI board, and you'll find people who dislike and/or would never consider cruising.

[caviargal]

Cariargirl:

 

How are you - have not seen any posts from you in a while. Your experience about the same as mine but I have not been to nearly as many places as you. We enjoyed Secrets Riviera and Iberostar Maya. Looking at Secrets Silversands next Spring but the early reviews have been bad - beach, odors, etc. Iberostar Grand Paraiso looks awesome and you have the entire Iberostar complex to use. I have seen your posts on Trip Advisor.

 

Hello, Giorgi-one:). I don't visit this forum much anymore as I am done with cruising for the time being, at least until I have the time and budget to enjoy a luxury line, small ship experience.

 

The Grand is stunning for sure and though we ventured to the rest of the complex occasionally, we did not stay for long. I did not care for the need to have a dinner reservation though and found the food and service at LeBlanc to be a step up but we all know how subjective food is.;)

 

I visited Silversands a few months ago and it looks pretty sterile with a lousy beach. Maroma OTOH looks to be lovely and the beach is awesome! After the initial shake out, we will head down and check it out.

 

Happy travels.:)