Even though I love to cruise, I know some people prefer life on land. For some, the risk of motion sickness is just not worth the cost of attempting a cruise. Others fear being out on the water with no land in sight. I cannot imagine missing out on such vast beauty. Still others are afraid something might go wrong.
So, to provide options to the land lubbers out there, I asked Raye Hayden at Triple R Travel to help me with this post. She compared cruises and all inclusives to help us understand the two better.
Cruise or All Inclusive?
Which offers the better value, a cruise or all inclusive resort? Raye explained that cruises, though not all inclusive, offer the best vacation per day value for vacationers. A cruise vacation includes most food (specialty restaurants require an extra fee), entertainment and accommodations. Most include some type of childcare. Depending on the cruiseline, the kids’ club may be included in the price or it might require an add-on fee. Generally, the convenience of having everything in one place and being able to pick and choose add-ons helps vacationers cruise within their budget.
But wait, you say… Don’t all inclusive resorts offer the same?
Yes, they do, but all inclusives include alcohol and all-you-can eat dining. If you’re not a big on drinking alcohol, maybe an all inclusive isn’t the best option. On a cruise ship, you pay for alcohol and soda if you drink it, but you don’t pay for it if you don’t.
Also, all inclusives do not include everything. So much for the title “all inclusive.” Motorized watersports, off-resort excursions, spa treatments and some other specialty services are not included in “all inclusive pricing.”
Which is safer, a cruise or all inclusive resort? A significant number of all inclusive resorts are built in third world countries. While the resorts are safe, with walled entrances, surrounding areas might not be. Cruises are perceived to be quite safe, particularly since the only people on board are the passengers and crew. Earlier this week, I shared that ship recommended shore excursions are the safest for cruise guests. Guests at all inclusive resorts should use similar safety precautions: stay on the resort. If you do want to leave the resort, ask the concierge for assistance so that you don’t put yourself in an unsafe situation.
To answer the question, which is safer, a cruise or all inclusive resort, the answer is — both! As long as you use common sense, both are very safe.
How do you decide between a cruise or all inclusive vacation?
The best way to determine whether a cruise or all inclusive vacation is best for you, talk with a travel agent who understands both, like Raye. An agent can help you appreciate the value of cruise and all inclusive vacations to help you decide which is best for you. Besides helping you decide whether a cruise or all inclusive is best, a travel agent can help you get the best room (cabin) for the price you want to pay. Also, a travel agent will help you prepare for the trip, making sure you understand things like passport requirements, when to arrive at the airport and what to pack.
A cruise or all inclusive, which is best? Why don’t you tell me?
Special thanks to Raye Hayden of Triple R Travel for sharing her time and helping me understand how all inclusives work. Share your insights by leaving a comment below or by joining the conversation on Facebook. I can’t wait to read your thoughts!
Kelsey H. says
May 8, 2014 at 8:50 amThis is slightly misleading and seems to be geared towards cruises- are spa treatments, motorized watersports, and off-boat excursions included in the cruise fee?? You make it sound like those costs are only present at an all-inclusive, when you have to pay for that stuff on a cruise as well. They have all-inclusives that include a few excursions, some even include a certain number of spa treatments per stay. Also- you didn’t do much research on the safety of cruises. People go missing every year, and the cruise lines keep it a secret because it would be bad publicity. Since they’re not obligated to follow American law, they can handle the investigations however they want. Check out http://www.internationalcruisevictims.org/.
Karen Dawkins says
May 10, 2014 at 6:24 pmKelsey, I apologize if I am unclear. I never stated that shore excursions ARE included on a cruise vacation. They are not. BUT, all-inclusives are misleading in that not all activities are included in that “all inclusive” price. There’s more flexibility in a cruising budget, because alcohol and soda are not included. For light/non-drinkers and those who avoid soda, this might keep expenses down.
Secondly, I stated that when people use common sense, both cruises and all inclusives are safe. The reality is, both involve third world countries outside the U.S. and vacationers should be smart about the choices they make either place.
I hope that clears up the confusion.
Madilyn says
May 23, 2014 at 4:26 pmI agree with the previous commenter. No one would assume all-inclusive includes excursions, spa treatments, etc. It’s all-inclusive in contrast with just staying at a resort. All meals and drinks are not included in a resort stay. Every couple I’ve asked who has both cruised and stayed at an all-inclusive resort prefer the all-inclusive. I’m looking forward to one soon in D.R.
Karen Dawkins says
May 23, 2014 at 6:26 pmThank you for sharing your opinion, Madilyn. I don’t think the which is better debate will ever end!
Shannon Brummer says
March 2, 2013 at 9:46 pmSince I don’t drink, I sure don’t want to pay for alcohol when I’ll never have any. Thanks for explaining the difference.
Lexie Lane says
March 2, 2013 at 1:42 pmReally hard to make a decision between the two as I love both, but now that I’ve got a family, we definitely have to consider the costs. You’re right, travel agents are definitely helpful. I do love the idea of free food though!
These are great tips. Definitely something to read back on next time we have to make a choice!
Jodi says
March 1, 2013 at 7:04 pmI love cruises. The all inclusive I did in Mexico, and I loved that too. Maybe I just love vacation.
Kathy Radigan says
March 1, 2013 at 1:16 pmKaren thanks so much! I have never done either, but I have often thought that they would be a good option for my family. Thanks for the breakdown.
LuAnn Braley says
March 1, 2013 at 1:04 pmOutside of out-of-state trips to visit extended family, our next family vacation will probably involve some kind of Disney destination for the kids.
Roz K. Walker says
March 1, 2013 at 12:22 pmMy husband and I are planning a get-away trip for this summer and we were talking about taking a cruise. This is great information and will help us ultimately decide . Thanks for sharing this!
Frugalistablog says
March 1, 2013 at 12:08 pmI’ve never done either, but really want to! Thanks for the break-down.
Karen Dawkins says
March 1, 2013 at 12:11 pmFrugalista, selecting a port closer to home so you can drive helps keep cruise costs down. For all-inclusives, if you can drive to Mexico or a Florida all inclusive, you save on airfare to the Caribbean. Not sure where you live, but that’s my frugal tip for you. I hope you get to do one sometime soon.
Crys Wiltshire says
March 1, 2013 at 12:04 pmThis has been a big discussion in our household lately, as we haven’t been 100% on what we want to do, now that we have a toddler. Great list of points on each! I think we’re leaning towards cruise as a family…hopefully within the next year! I could use a vacation 😉
Karen Dawkins says
March 1, 2013 at 12:10 pmWe are happy cruisers! After talking with Raye, I do think an all inclusive with just the hubby might be nice one day!