tried an all inclusive/1st time

[ccletzgo]

we went to Cancun for the weekend and tried our first all inclusive. Of course I spent the weekend comparing it to a cruise.

 

Price. no comparison. We were at a 5 star, fantastic AL, and still the price was considerably lower.

 

The only thing neg. I could say, is that It would be hard to spend an entire week there. :eek: and I missed the change of scenery off my balcony on a cruise.

 

pluses:

nicer pool

nicer room (no such thing as an inside) all balcony's, and all bathtub & shower.

always on a beach

No signing & charge for drinks, no tips, makes the value far out weigh a cruise.

mini bar (fridge) always stocked and free of charge. (hard to get used too):D

No rush at the end of the day to get to dinner, or meet the ship

Very relaxing. (eat at anytime.)

NO lines. No lines.... for anything.

Best of all, check out at noon. No early call, and YES<room service available on last morning. Also use of all inclusive after check out while waiting for transportation.

Just being honest here. ALOT less, way... over weight people.:o No flames, just being honest. The Scenery at the pool was very easy on the eye.;)

 

 

BUT, like I said. couldn't spend a week there. We didn't do anything excursion wise because we were only there 3 days, but you would absolutely have to find some adventurous things to do. Every type of excursion was available through the hotel.

 

Cruising and all inclusive are Very different. I have read alot of comparisons on these boards, but its hard to compare them. And because they are so different, I wont even bother spending time comparing them again. I will just enjoy BOTH.... MY curiosity has been satisfied.

[ncamy]

I have never been to an AI and I'm not a very experienced cruiser either. We are looking to explore our options because we don't ever like to do the same thing twice (Williamsburg one year, Caribbean the next, then Europe...you get the picture.) Where did you stay? I understand that some places are adult and some are appropriate for children.

[kenandlaura06]

Thanks for the info!

[carbon]

We have been on 6 cruises but never to an all inclusive. I would like to try it sometime. Where did you stay?

[ccletzgo]

WE stayed at the "Gran Carib Real" in Cancun. I cant say enough about the place. Gorgeous, and the service was out standing.

Management also made the comment that they did not attract the riff Raff during spring break time. (as some of the all inclusive do).. They are too upscaled for the "Girls gone Wild" scene.. (if you know what I mean)

[Firefighterhoop]

I have tried both. I don't like the all inclusives for one reason that you said. SAME SCENERY EVERY DAY! I like that I get to spend one day somewhere, then I get on the ship for dinner (With several choices) and shows, and other entertainment, and the next day, poof, we are in a different city if not country! The food at the resort in MX I was at was all about the same every day, got old.

 

When I cruise, I just opt for the cheapest interior room I can get. (Except for Changing, Sleeping, and showering, I don't spend time there), Therefore, a lot of the nicer All Inclusives are pushing the same price.

 

The only downfall is the alcohol. Free at all inclusives, Money on the ships. I am not that heavily of a drinker on the ships, I may have a few cocktails each night, but thats about it - I can see it being spendy though if you like to have a drink in your hand from wake up to fall asleep!

 

Just my thoughts, Scott

[bragstarr]

Funny, I've just floated over to the Royal Carib board for the first time in a while and find a topic I can chime right in on.

 

I pretty much agree with ccletzgo on all of it. Hubby and I spent 5 days/4 nights at Couples Negril in Jamaica in December. Great place, adults only, ages ranged from honeymooners to couples in their 70s. Beautiful property, wonderful mix of vacationers, nice activities, marvelous beach, and the staff was delightful. Also always wanted to go to an all inclusive--we actually won this trip, so we did it! But I do agree--although wonderful and relaxing, by the time we left on day 5, I was beginning to get bored with all of it. Have to say we drank a lot more than we ever do on a cruise, just because it was included! I would also comment that had we had friends on the trip with us, although we appreciated the alone time, it might have been more fun. We noticed a lot of couples there in groups with their friends, with the unwritten understanding that they spent some time alone and some time together. Am I cruising again? Darn sure. Am I doing an all-inclusive again? For sure--but I think next time I'd love to bring a crowd along with me!

 

Robin

[LindaandJeff]

We've done several trips to the sandals in Negril. First time stayed for 7 days ...after that we have always stayed for 9 or 10 days. Absolutely, no boredum. Tennis, water skiing, several pools, massages, gym, etc. Many of the same types of activities as cruise ships. Shows are poor to bad unless they bring in a local for a night. But you can always walk the beach in the moonlight. We LOVE the service we get without a tipping (They get fired if they accept a tip.) Room service 24/7...unlimited shrimp cocktails...unlimited full fridge...empty a full size bottle of booze and they replace it. Drawbacks...no excursions...but if you just want to kick back, relax, be active when you want to be, it's the best. Main dining room is good to very good but I am not much of a buffet person. The specialty restaurants are awesome. Similar to a cruise ship I told our waiter I couldn't decide between 2 entrees and he brought both. We booked a cruise this time because it was cheaper for a last minute deal but with all the add on charges, it will probably come out the same in the end anyway.

[biledo]

We've done Disney, Carnival, and now (in March) we'll have move on up to RCI. We love cruising because of the variety in each itin, and seeing new places.

 

That being said, we've also done AI (Grand Lido in Jamaica) and the Iberostar (Paraiso Beach and Maya) both in the Riviera Maya.

 

The posters above hit it - the AI is great for soaking in the sun, and just relaxation with no rush. There is lots of sightseeing (Tulum, Xaret, Dolphin swims, etc) in Mexico, so you dont have to just sit at the beach or pool.

Yes, we drank more because it was "included", and the advantage of knowing there is no card to balance out when we left was kind of nice.

 

The AI we went to had the lazy river, wave pool, archery,tennis, blah blah blah...and shows.

The cruise we're going on (and are excited) has mini golf, ice skating, rock wall, and shows...

 

Pretty much neck and neck. I would recommend the Iberostar chain for those who ask - we were treated great and the 24 hr room service was a bonus....

 

My family (wife, son 14 and daughter 10) agree that whats most important is being in 'vacation mode' whereever you go - stuff happens, but just enjoy it. It beats being at work! :)

 

I have to throw in a quick thanks for the hints, tips, tricks, and suggestions I'm getting from this board. Every day I read something or pick up some idea that just gets me more excited for my upcoming spring break cruise.

 

Caribbean Travel Links

[stalco]

I am very happy to see some comments on all inclusive resorts. We travel with a small group and have cruised serveral times and have just started looking for a AI, a good place to go for a week that won't cost us all of our travel money for years.... We live in the State of WA so airfare always kills us before we even get anywhere. I always enjoy everyones comments. We want to find a place for the "boys" to play golf. I understand that is inclued at some resorts (tip for caddy extra) as well. Any suggestions would be great.

[caviargal]

I have done quite a few AI vacations and enjoyed most of them. I only book adult only resorts and they have to have a great beach and a great fitness facility. I prefer a bit of luxury as well.

 

Swept Away is my favorite and I also have enjoyed Grand Lido Negril. Le Sport in St. Lucia was nice overall but the rooms were old and dated.

 

I used to go to Sandals often but IMO the quality has declined.

[Giorgi-one]

Tried first AI last year - Iberostar Paraiso Maya in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Stayed four nights. Agree with most comments above - more relaxing - no lines, no tenders, no chair saving, etc. Celebrity food is better but this was also good. No Casino - saved me about $100 per night. Miss the entertainment, but other AIs do have better entertainment. Like the idea of being able to go for four or five nights over a holiday weekend - uses less vacation. Service better than most cruises. Going to brand new Riu Palace Rivier Maya this year. Also have two cruises booked. Don't have problem with boredom since we also don't leave the ship in some ports which are too crowded or hard to tender. I can easily take seven days doing nothing.

[syndyj]

Great topic, I have been on one cruise and three all-inclusive resorts; from 3 star Jolly Beach in Antigua,4 star Almond Morgan Bay in St. Lucia to 5 star La Source in Grenada (sister to Le Sport St. Lucia). I had an AMAZING time at the all-inclusive resorts, I honestly don't think you can be bored as there are many excursions available at all destinations and I do not spend all my time at the resort.

 

I agree with all the "pros" for the all inclusives, however the prices for both are comparable for me as I live in the Caribbean, I get significant discounts on Caribbean hotels. And my upcoming cruise on the Freedom is actually cheaper than one week at an all-inclusive in Mexico (airfare is a killer).

[stalco]

Gosh I am hearing names I have never heard before....... How many AI resorts are there? Now I have no idea where to begin looking. I had just recieved a Couple Only and Sandals brochure. Yikes. :eek: I am looking for one that the "guys" can play golf (hopefully included in price) and the "gals" can sit around the sand and enjoy the days.

[syndyj]

stalco,

I think the best thing to do is to decide which destination you are interested in visiting, for me the next place I would like to visit is the Rivieria Maya because of all the things to do (Tulum, Xcaret,Xel Ha etc.) plus the beaches!

 

Then start looking at all-inclusive hotels that meet your criteria such as adults only, golf inclusive, spa etc. and decide the lowest category you can live with, 3 star, 4 star or 5 star.

 

There are several well known chains of all-inclusives such as Iberostar, Riu, Palladium, Barcelo and Bahia which are very popular in the Dominican Republic and Mexico.Riu also has hotels in Ochos Rios and Negril Jamaica, and Iberostar is building a hotel in Montego Bay expected to be completed at the end of this year.

 

In the Caribbean the popular all-inclusives are Sandals, Couples, Super Clubs, Beaches, and Breezes. You will find Almond resorts in Barbados and St. Lucia, Allegro in the Dominican Republic, Antigua and Aruba and Rex Resorts in St. Lucia and Grenada.

 

Additionally, there are other all-inclusive hotels on several islands that are not part of a chain, such as Le Sport, La Source,Galley Bay,Turtle Beach and many others.

 

Just do a search for all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean or for each island.

 

Good luck in planning !

[Giorgi-one]

The rating system for all-inclusives is very arbitrary. I would not consider any AI lower than a 5*. The biggest problem will be the food. Up until a few years ago, most AIs only had one buffet for all meals. The better ones now have ala carte restaurants (no charge). You can check out all AIs on Trip Advisor reviews by people who have been there.

[Jerimiah]

All inclusive resorts are attractive for the reasons you've mentioned, and all inclusive cruise lines offer the best of both land and sea.. Suggest a seven day cruise on Silverseas ships to test the water. It's a very good experience.

[dolfinmusic]

Just being honest here. ALOT less, way... over weight people.:o No flames, just being honest. The Scenery at the pool was very easy on the eye.;)

 

 

 

I understand that you are saying that there were a lot of nice people to look at and you enjoyed doing so during your AL. Ummm - but overweight people are humans too - we are no different than anyone else. Yes - I am overweight - otherwise I wouldn't have responded. I am not flaming you - you could have just worded it a little different. This is just me being honest.

[lschrage]

Hi there-

 

Hubby and have done both as well. We did the Ibersotar Paraiso Lindo (Mexico's Riviera Maya) and thought it was great. If I had to choose right now between a RCL cruise and the Iberostar again, I'd choose the Iberostar.

 

First of all, I think your enjoyment of an AI is totally dependant on the location you choose, and what there is to do in the surrounding area.

 

Our trip to Mayan Riviera was wonderful, as there were so many things to do. We stayed for 7 nights and could easily have stayed another week, since there was so much to do. There was a rental car location right at our resort, so we rented a car for a few days and hopped around. We visited Tulum and then stopped at Akumal for some snorkeling and a wonderful lunch at this bar/restaurant called La Buena Vida. We also left the resort to do a catamaran excursion that left out of Akumal and visited a couple of remote snorkel locations. It was an awesome excursion that we booked on our own. We saw so many sea turtles and the sailing was great. And we didn't once look at our watch to see how much time until the ship was leaving!

 

In addition to those excursions, hubby and I also did some scuba diving excursions through our resort. One excursion took us over to Cozumel for a 3-tank dive at the Iberostar Cozumel (so we were able to use our resort priviledges there). We left our resort at 8:00 am and returned at 7:00 pm. It was a great day, and the scuba diving was fantastic. We also did a 2-tank cenote dive a few days later. We never did have a chance to do the Xel-Ha park or the Aktun Chen park like we had wanted to do since there just wasn't enough time.

 

We did have some lazy days at the resort as well, and spent quite a bit of time in the pool's lazy river, as well as the swim up bar. I even spent a few hours one day painting pottery on the beach.

 

Overall, it was a fantastic trip. The food was good. Dinners at the specialty restaurants on property were about as good as dinners on the cruise ship. Lunches in the buffet were better than what you'd get at the Windjammer. The breakfasts were also better. The fact that the alcohol was included made it that much better.

 

The things that I really did enjoy were:

- not having to rush back to the ship after your excursion

- scheduling dinner times at different times thoughout the trip (for example, one day we ate an early dinner and then the day we went to Cozumel, we scheduled a late dinner)

- not having to get up as early to get off the ship to maximize the "port" days

- having a much bigger room and much much bigger bathroom (with a tub)

- having a wonderful beach and enormous pool available when ever you wanted to use it

- not having lines

- having the ability to go into Playa del Carmen anytime we wanted either by free resort shuttle or by taxi

- having the ability to enjoy Playa del Carmen nightlife if we wanted

 

The thing that I did miss about the cruise was the closeness to the water and the feeling of being on a ship. While we had an enormous balcony with our room, it wasn't the same since we didn't see the ocean like on the ship.

 

We still like to cruise (we're doing the Mariner in March), but we really enjoyed the AI experinece that we had at the Iberostar much more and can't wait to go back after the area has had a chance to heal from Wilma. Perhaps next year.

[KKeeganS]

Hmm, I would love to try an AI, but it always looks so much more expensive than cruising. I was just looking at prices and it was about $1k per person for THREE DAYS at an AI while a 7 day cruise was slightly less than $1k per person. Am I missing something?

[ssca]

We stayed at the AI Moon Palace in Cancun,which is a chain of Palace Resorts so you can go to any of their propertys and eat and drink for free.There are time restrictions but it was a nice bennifit. The Moon Palace has a golf package also. Most tours are included in your package price and there is not a bill at the end of your stay like cruising,but my teenage boys prefer cruising. We did the AI first and cruised then next year and they will not go back to the AI. Their reason is there is more for them to do on a ship.They are teen agers now 16 & 19 and they meet kids the first few days and they are there the entire week. At an AI or any other vacation people come and go and it is harder to hang with a group once you meet. As far as cost I think the AI is less but,we now are cruisers.

[Jeepers385]

Depending on when you go and where you stay can impact the cost of an AI but normally when we factor in the liquor, tips, etc. the AI's are normally either just a little higher or a little lower. We love doing both cruising and AI's and we normally go to an AI that has things to do so we don't get bored with just the beach all the time. But everyone has different tastes. We normally cruise 1 or 2 times a year and at least every other year we do an AI. As for shows, every AI we've stayed at always had 1 show per night some places were better than others but we always find something to do.

Debbie

[emilygrace]

"Just being honest here. ALOT less, way... over weight people.:o No flames, just being honest. The Scenery at the pool was very easy on the eye.";)

 

 

Yes, God forbid an overweight person should walk across your line of sight and ruin your whole vacation!

[syndyj]

emilygrace,

maybe the OP was enjoying the topless scenery at the pool :D

[caviargal]

Hmm, I would love to try an AI, but it always looks so much more expensive than cruising. I was just looking at prices and it was about $1k per person for THREE DAYS at an AI while a 7 day cruise was slightly less than $1k per person. Am I missing something?

 

I find the AIs to be about the same as a balcony cabin on a ship, during non holiday periods.

 

It is truly all inclusive, where a cruise is not. If you dive, waterski, play tennis, golf, etc. these are included at an AI. And the food in the specialty restaurants at the better AIs, wine included, is very good.

 

I also really like that there are adult only AIs. For me, that is a big factor in my enjoyment of a vacation. Where it is located matters, as I like to explore and not stay on property. It is also kind of nice to have reciprocal privileges at sister properties.

 

As I am active and into a resort that offers lots of fitness options and food that is in line with my tastes, I choose accordingly. I do not like high rise hotels so I stay away from the large AIs, like the ones in Cancun.