Cruisers...Have you ever been to an AI?

[tracey980]

Has anyone ever been to an all inclusive resort? I think my boyfriend and I will be going to one in August instead of cruising. Can anyone present pros and cons against one or the other?

While I love cruising, I think I need a different type of vacation this time around.

Disney Magic 08/13/99
Carnival Triumph 01/05/02
Carnival Paradise 01/05/03
Carnival Fascination 05/09/03
Norwegian Sea 9/14/03

[eerbeek]

We stayed at a stunning one in the Dominican Republic. If you are a big eater or drinker, this is a great plan, as it's all included.

There are some really fabulous ones out there. Try www.sunvillagebeachresort.com (http://www.sunvillagebeachresort.com) for one of the best!

Lido Deck Linda



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Fantasy 2/6/2000
Victory 3/23/2003
Destiny 4/25/2004

[bhardy1]

I have been to AI's and on cruises.
They are different, but both are fun.
I like the AI on an island, so you really get to enjoy the island feel, and you don't have to worry about signing anything....
Cruising however is fun too, although I get tired of signing for drinks, and would like to stay alittle longer at ports. You have done cruising, try a island resort, so you see for yourself and compare - Have fun!!

Beth

Carnival - Sensation
4/00
RCC - Sovereign of the Seas
12/02
RCC - Majesty of the Sea
11/03

[Jeepers385]

DH & I have done several AI's and like them too. For some reason the past 4 yrs have been mostly all cruises but DH is mentioning doing another AI in the fall. We've stayed at AI's in Bahamas, Cozumel, Cancun, Costa Rica and loved all of them. The one thing DH likes is that everyone is included, including the liquor he likes to drink including top shelf and a lot of water activities.

Debbie

Carnival Destiny 2/8/04
Grand Princess 7/6/03
RCL - Nordic Empress 2/03 & 4/02
Crown Dynasty 7/00
Queen of Bermuda 7/87
Carnival - Mardi Gras 11/75

[derf5585]

What is included in an All Inclusive vacation?
from
http://www.allinclusiveconnections.com/faq%27s.htm

USS Chilton APA-38 1966-1968
USS Guam LPH-9 1968-1970
Pacific Princess Oct 21 2001 Bermuda
Golden Princess Dec 7 2002 "Eastern Caribbean"
Coral Princess Dec 9 2003 "Panama Canal"

Carnival Miracle 17 Oct 2004

NOT UPDATED again 25 Feb www.geocities.com/fsbsdel (http://www.geocities.com/fsbsdel)

[robcool]

Years ago my DW and I were at Couples in Jamaica. It was all inclusive. Very much like a cruise, always something going on, lots and lots of food, lots to drink. The main difference was that you did not have to pay for drinks and they did not seem to find as many ways for you to spend more money (but the overall cost was higher also).

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"Semper Gumby" - Always Flexible
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2/04 - Fascination (Fascination Review (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=969097554&m=55610437&r=91010067#91010067))

It's a Miracle! Cruising on the Miracle 12/12/04!
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[txadmin2]

We have been to several AIs (2 in Cancun, 1 in Playa del Carmen 1 in Aruba, and 5 in Cozumel). We really enjoy being in Cozumel. The AIs that we have been to have been cheaper than cruising simply because once you get there you really don't have any expenses although we always do tip the employees. Nothing like the tips on a cruise.

When we go to Cozumel now, we usually don't go AI. We like to rent a car and be able to get around on the island on our own.

It's a different kind of vacation. We like both.

Judy

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On the beach in Cozumel in...
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Elated to be on the Elation on 11/14
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[tracey980]

I would be interested in hearing more from those of you who have been to an AI, especially from robcool as Couples was the main chain that we were focusing on. We are still undecided though as it seems it will cost us almost $1800 to fly to Jamaica.

Please feel free to email me with more information on the AI that you have been to in the past. tmoscola@hotmail.com

Disney Magic 08/13/99
Carnival Triumph 01/05/02
Carnival Paradise 01/05/03
Carnival Fascination 05/09/03
Norwegian Sea 9/14/03

[cuevogirl]

EERBEEK...Just went to the website for that all inclusive resort in the DR and it looks like heaven..just wondering how $$$ it was?...just curious ....Thank You Bonnie

[Bungalow Bill]

An interesting topic. I'm coming from the other end as we've done lots of AI's with our first cruise in 9 days (Miracle). I'm expecting better food and better entertainment. I'm trading off great pools and the ability to really explore an area.

AI really makes sense if you are into drinking more than fine dining. I've never had a problem with the quality of food at an AI, but some might. Also make sure the AI you select has the brands and quality of liquor you desire. Some only serve local beer (Dos XX in Mexico, Red Stripe in Jamaica), and many do not include top shelf hard liquor. In fact, some "all-inclusives" only include beer and wine in the base price. If you happen to choose a resort where AI is an option, you will likely still be having to sign something every time you order a drink.

IMO, Jamaica lends itself to AI's since it's not the kind of place I want to explore on my own and I don't think the local food is anything spectacular. If you're going to do any excursions, pick a resort within reasonable distance of the things you want to see. Be aware of proximity to airports (no Montego Bay for me) and cruise docks. OTOH, it's good to be in an area that has some good offsite restaurants/clubs nearby to break up the monotony if you're going for a week. Your AI may even offer reduced price excursions to area clubs on given nights.

If you've done several cruises, I'd pick an AI in an area you liked, but seemed to have much more to offer than you had time to see. For instance, we've been to Cancun/PDC over 5 weeks in the past six years and still haven't seen all of the stuff I want to, whereas a few days in Aruba were more than enough to see everything.

[Beerman]

went to the Palladium in Riveria Maya area of Mexico last Sept. It was fantastic. But we are also looking forward to our Cruise on the Triumph in Sept. 2004 Yes it is probably cheaper as drinks are included at AI but both have there plusses and minuses.

[Cotton]

I can give you my niece's take on AIs. She and her DH honeymooned at SANDALS Royal Bahamian, Cable Beach, Nassau last year. They had some kind of deluxe arrangement, and altho quite pricey, included many extras, over and above the usual food in 8 restaurants, drinks everytime their glasses were empty, 7 pools, hot tub on their private lanai, fresh flowers in room every day, chocolates & strawberries every day, 2 massages, etc. etc. etc.

They also rec'd 5-pc. set of luggage, set of Mikasa china (comp shipping), plush robes and beach towels to keep, other things I can't recall.

I've seen their videos and photos, and OH MY...everything was so perfect. (Sure made me wish I was part of a couple again!) http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Something I thought was very nice is the "Hurricane Guarantee". If a hurricane hits the island, they will replace the entire vacation, including airfare.

Oh...He had proposed to her on a cruise six months earlier...how romantic! Although they both loved their cruise, she says they've already started saving for another SANDALS vacation - for their 5th anniversary.



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