In my last post, I discussed All Inclusive Honeymoons vs. Cruise honeymoons. You can read more here. Let’s continue this same idea and expand it to vacations in general. Both of these options can be appealing to those looking to get more value for their money. So which one do you choose? This blog may help you decide.
But first, let’s compare the similarities of both types of vacations.
All-Inclusive Vacations
What does it include? It depends upon the resort but most all-inclusive resorts include accomodations, alcoholic drinks and food, usually buffet style as well as resort water and land activities. Some may or may not charge extra for the speciality restaurants or certain activities. It really depends upon the resort. Be sure to thoroughly research the options at your chosen resort.
What is included in a cruise vacation?
All cruise lines include a room, food, shipboard activities and entertainment, and basic drinks such as water, tea, coffee, lemonade. Cocktails and other alcoholic beverages including soda and virgin cocktails have to be either purchased by the glass or as a separate drink package, on most major cruise lines.
Rooms
One of the best things about both types of vacations is that you only have to unpack once and repack at the end of the trip once. However, most resort rooms are larger than cruise cabins. In a resort room you are able to spread out. You can book both a resort room and a cruise cabin with a balcony, but the cruise cabin most likely will still be smaller, except for maybe the top tier cruise cabin.
Both resort and cruise have different categories of rooms. At a resort room categories can include swim out, oceanfront, oceanview, pool view, garden view, resort view just to name a few. Some resorts even have butler rooms and villas for groups and large families. On a ship you get your choice of Balcony, Interior, Oceanview. Within each of those categories there are smaller sub categories listed by location on the ship. The higher the deck the more desirable the location. This is true for a resort as well, location matters.
It is important to note that there is a subtle difference between room types on both a cruise and and resort. You need to research this thoroughly before you book so you won’t be disappointed, or use a travel advisor, they know the differences.
Food And Drinks
As mentioned above, both cruise lines and All-inclusive resorts have plenty of cuisine options for meals and snacks. Most of it is amazing. You can find something for everyone at the buffet restaurant of the resort or on the lido deck. You can try a lot of new food as well if you desire.
Don’t care for the buffet? If you love fine dining then try one of the main dining rooms on the cruise ship. This is also included in your fare. The dining room is like a fine dining restaurant on land, it includes full table service, several courses, and a wide variety of upscale dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t want to eat in the dining room? Many cruise ships have a wide variety of restaurants on board. Be aware however, that these are an extra cost.
Dining at All-inclusive resorts is a little different. It varies from resort to resort. Some restaurants may be included in the price, some may be an extra charge. Some restaurants require reservations and some do not. It is extremely important to research this before you depart. You can always call the resort and ask, or ask your travel advisor if you booked through one.
Activities And Entertainment
Resorts and cruises both have on-site and on board activities and entertainment for their guests, that are included in the trip cost. The difference here is the type of activity.
Family- friendly resorts and cruises lines have activites designed for all ages, including supervised kid’s activities by trained staff so the adults can do their own thing for the day. Both family resorts and cruises lines have things such as waterslides, sports courts, movie theaters, swimming pools, sports equipment you can use at the beach, games, arcades, spas ,casinos, nightlife. These can vary be resort and ship. Something to keep in mind: some of the activities may charge you extra.
Adults-only resorts have activities geared more towards adults. They have things such as spas, adult entertainment, yoga, classes, water sports, swimming pools, adult themed pool parties, poolside lounging, nightlife.
There is only 1 Adults-only cruise line, Virgin Voyages. On this cruise line adults can enjoy fitness classes, spa services, meet-ups, drag shows, nightclubs, adult-themed pool parties, casinos, stage shows, just to name a few.
It is important to remember that not all adult-oriented resorts and cruise lines carry the “adults-only” label. Some cruise lines and all-inclusive resorts simply cater to an older crowd through their programming and atmosphere. This can leave younger guest feeling bored.
This is where a professional travel advisor like myself, comes in, I help people look beyond the bells and whistles of marketing and do a deep dive to identify those subtle differences, ensuring you book a vacation that is a perfect fit for everyone.
Exploring A Destination
Both vacation styles allow you to explore the destination. Some resorts that offer unique destination experiences are Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Sandals and Beaches,Hyatt Ziva and Zilara. They usually charge extra however. There are also many tour operators to choose from that offer excursions to explore a destination.Viator, Project Expedition, Living Dreams Mexico, Island Routes just to name a few. These are extra and are not included in the trip price.
On a cruise, you will wake up everyday in a different destination. Cruise lines offer many wonderful shore excursions suitable for all ages and abilities. It is best to book these ahead of time so you don’t get disappointed if the one you want is sold out. They will also ensure that you will return back to the ship in time.
You may also choose to explore on your own. If you choose to do so, please be mindful of the time so you don’t miss the ship. Although, cruises only give you a brief look at each destination, you can use it as a scouting expedition for your return land-based trip in the future.
If you are staying at an all- inclusive resort and you want to explore on your own off- site, please select the resort carefully as many resorts are in isolated locations. If you wish to rent a car or need a taxi please contact the resort Concierge or front desk.
Beaches And Pools
There are beach resorts and there are pool resorts. Some all-inclusives are on a beautiful beach but the pool is meh and some resorts have no beach at all, only a rocky area for swimming. Even the beach conditions can change daily. You need to decide which is more important to you.
As for cruises, most cruise lines offer beach days as an excursion. This is awesome because you can do both. You can hit the pool on the cruise line during a sea day and then go to the beach on a shore day. Some cruise lines have private islands with something for everyone, including beach time and pool time. Some cruise ships have water slides and hot tubs as well as pools. I can’t think of a more relaxing end to the day, then sitting in a deck chair watching the sun sink below the horizon on the open ocean.
Value Vs. Price
Which one is a better value? The answer is that it depends on you. Value does not necessarily mean price. Price is the amount you pay, value is the perceived worth or benefit. For example, if you book a lively resort but you want relaxation, that would not be a good value. If you are a foodie, but you book a resort where the food is meh, you will be disappointed. If you have respiratory issues and need smoke- free environment but you book a hotel/ destination where everyone smokes or a smoking room, that would not be a good value for your money.
Both types of vacations price competitively with other. They both include meals, activities and entertainment. So how do you decide? Start with the obvious like round trip airfare. Then consider extra things like drinks. Do you want to pay for your drinks as your go,( like at a non-all inclusive resort) or would you prefer to pay a set amount for a package like on a cruise or would you like drinks already included in the price you pay? You should also consider things like tipping, activities both on and off the resort. Do you want to visit a different destination each day or do you want to stay at the same resort? Decide what is a deal-breaker for you and what is a must- have. Value does not necessarily mean price. Price is the amount you pay, whereas value is the perceived worth or benefit to you. Most of my clients that choose value over price have better vacations.
As you can see, there are many things to consider when deciding on what type of vacation you want. You need to consider food, libations, room category and location, what you value vs what you pay, and more. Another thing that is important to remember is the purpose of the trip and the destination.
Are you still overwhelmed? I would love to help you gain some clarity. I can help you navigate the subtle differences that make a trip go from good to great.
Just tell me what matters the most to you, maybe it’s a great view, a little extra space, activities for all ages, getting the most bang for you buck, I’ll take care of the rest so you can just enjoy the trip and make great memories. Let’s set up a time to talk today!