Cruise or All Inclusive: Which is best?

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. Still others are afraid something might go wrong.

If you’re unsure whether a cruise or an all inclusive resort is best for you, these considerations might help.

Which is a better value, cruise or an all inclusive?

Cruises, though not all inclusive, generally 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 cruise line, 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 an 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.

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.

If you don’t want to work with a travel agent to book your all inclusive vacation, check out these recommendations for the best all inclusive resorts in Mexico. With affordable airfare and quick flights, a trip to Mexico might be the best start for an all inclusive vacation.