Are you a traveler considering trying something different from your regular annual Winter getaway or simply wanting to take in a beautiful sunset another way? Well, if you are, you’re not alone. As a Travel Consultant I often get questions from my long-term travellers, and prospective travellers, about the differences between an All-Inclusive Vacation and Cruising. The question arises often enough that I decided to put together a high-level review of key considerations for when you’re trying to decide if a Cruise or All-Inclusive Vacation is best for you and your family. I’m not going to show bias, because I LOVE both.
All-inclusive vacations and cruises will both offer you unique travel experiences, bringing their own set of pros and cons to consider. Let's take a closer look at each option to help you decide which one is best for your next vacation. We’ll start with All-Inclusive Resorts.
Pros of an All-Inclusive Resort:
- Convenience: All-inclusive resorts offer a hassle-free vacation experience. With all meals, drinks, and activities included in the cost of your stay, you don't have to worry about budgeting for additional expenses. You can choose from such a variety of resorts that there is one that can fit any experience you want for your time away.
- Variety: Many all-inclusive resorts offer a wide range of activities and amenities, such as multiple restaurants, pools, and entertainment options. This gives you the freedom to customize your vacation experience based on your interests. There really is no need to leave the resort to find an activity to suit your needs. Evening theatre shows are always entertaining, while the daytime pool and beach entertainment and activities are always engaging, and participation is always encouraged.
- Relaxation: All-inclusive resorts are designed with relaxation in mind. With everything you need right at your fingertips, you can spend your days lounging by the pool or being pampered at the spa. Most resorts have sections that are adult only, with quiet pools and serenity areas and if they don’t, there are Adult Only Resorts available.
Cons of an
- Limited Excursions: While all-inclusive resorts offer a variety of activities on-site, they often limit the options for excursions and adventures outside of the resort. This can limit the cultural immersion and local experiences that you might have on a traditional vacation. A lot of the resorts are built in remote areas, so shopping areas, cultural sites and other adventures often require a lengthy bus or van transfer and often need to be booked before your trip or early in your stay.
- Crowded: All-inclusive resorts are often popular destinations, which can lead to crowded facilities, long lines at the buffet, limited space available at the à la carte restaurants and going without a pool or beach chair.
- Stale Experience: With everything included in the cost of your stay, you may find that your vacation experience becomes repetitive and stale. Travelers who aren’t looking to sit and relax with a drink in hand for a week will get tired of the routine quickly if there is limited planned activities at the pool or beach.
- Health: Yes, we have all heard about it and have likely experienced it or know someone that has if you travelled to an All-Inclusive Resort previously. No one wants half their trip or a 4hr flight dealing with a sore stomach from simply drinking water. Even with best efforts to avoid tap water, it can unknowingly happen, and your tummy will let you know that it did.
Pros of a Cruise:
- Variety: Cruises offer a diverse range of destinations and experiences. Whether you want to relax on a beach, explore a city, or take part in adventure sports, a cruise has something for everyone. In some cases, depending upon the cruise ship, you don’t even have to leave the ship to experience all those. I’ll admit there is something wonderful about falling asleep in one location and waking in another.
- Convenient: Cruises are a convenient way to travel, with everything you need right on the ship. All within the confines of the ship, you can get near Broadway quality theatre performance, highly skilled musicians, 5 Star Meals, top shelf alcohol, surfing, skating, karaoke, famous comedians, and the list goes on.
- Excursions: Cruises offer a variety of excursions and adventures, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in local cultures and experiences. These can be booked from home or when you get onboard by using your TV, the cruise app or with the onboard excursions team. You aren’t required to book with the cruise line and can simply get off the boat and walk around the port city or take a locally provided excursion.
Cons of a Cruise:
- Limited time in each destination: Cruises often spend limited time in each destination, which can make it difficult to fully experience and appreciate each place you visit. Normally your stay in destination is 6-8hrs and will need to make a choice as to whether you are doing a beach visit, go shopping or immerse yourself in the local culture if you don’t purchase an excursion that includes most of your preferred experiences… or simply book an all-inclusive in that destination in the future.
- Crowded: With thousands of passengers on a single ship, cruises can be crowded and busy, with long lines and wait times for onboard activities, excursions, and buffets. There are ships can hold 10,000 guests in addition to the ship’s crew and staff which can at times be overwhelming during your port disembarkation, especially if you must tender to your destination.
- Hidden costs: While cruises may appear to be a good value, there are often additional costs, such as gratuities, excursions, and onboard purchases, that can quickly add up. Many travelers who are experienced with all-inclusive resort vacations often feel nickel and dimed on cruises.
While all-inclusive resorts and cruises offer you their own unique travel experiences, they each have their own set of characteristics that you will need to carefully weigh against your personal vacation priorities, travel goals and budget. Whether you're looking for convenience, variety, or relaxation, there's a vacation option for you.
If you agree or disagree with any of the points made, want more information or a review of a different topic please let me know at sbosca@travelmakesmemories.com.
Helping Your Travel Make Memories,
Samantha
