AI vs. Cruise

[dolphincruiser404]

Okay - Long story short, was booked at Sandals with my fiancee, we've split up and I don't want to give up a weeks vacation to sit at home! So...the question is, what do I do? I'm getting very mixed reviews on MANY of the all-inclusive resorts that I am reading about. Does anyone have any suggestions on all-inclusives! All I want is a nice pool, a nice beach, and a swim-up bar! A few water activities like snorkeling would also be good.

 

Or...I take the other route and do another cruise. I have a Southern booked in December, and have done two Western. The itinerary is another questionable thing then.

[atticus]

Stayed at Ladera resort on St Lucia but had to use the Jalousie Hilton's beach. We would definitely try that resort next time we go - good service, nice uncrowded beach, large pool (but no swim-up bar), good food and a truly beautiful property.

 

Friends of ours stayed at Anse Chastenet on St Lucia and really enjoyed it. We didn't like the beach area as much - too small and the black sand got incredibly hot.

 

I think it would be less expensive to do a cruise though - even with single supplement fees. JMO.

[dolphincruiser404]

Well, I am looking to do something mother/daughter. I am looking at some different cruise options, and it seems like it would come out around the same price for us. By the time you calculate drinks and activities.

[Homeschoolmom69]

Okay - Long story short, was booked at Sandals with my fiancee, we've split up and I don't want to give up a weeks vacation to sit at home! So...the question is, what do I do? I'm getting very mixed reviews on MANY of the all-inclusive resorts that I am reading about. Does anyone have any suggestions on all-inclusives! All I want is a nice pool, a nice beach, and a swim-up bar! A few water activities like snorkeling would also be good.

 

Or...I take the other route and do another cruise. I have a Southern booked in December, and have done two Western. The itinerary is another questionable thing then.

 

Which Sandals? We stayed at the one in the Bahamas last March, and it was very nice. There is plenty to do, too. They have 6 or 7 different restaurants, plenty of bars, (including a swim up) and several of the resorts in the area have casinos. Do you have any specific questions?

[syndyj]

Okay - Long story short, was booked at Sandals with my fiancee, we've split up and I don't want to give up a weeks vacation to sit at home! So...the question is, what do I do? I'm getting very mixed reviews on MANY of the all-inclusive resorts that I am reading about. Does anyone have any suggestions on all-inclusives! All I want is a nice pool, a nice beach, and a swim-up bar! A few water activities like snorkeling would also be good.

 

Or...I take the other route and do another cruise. I have a Southern booked in December, and have done two Western. The itinerary is another questionable thing then.

 

Which islands or destinations are you looking at?

[threeofus]

we were at beaches turks and caicos....it needed a good long soak in clorox bleach - the whole place. All week long I kept wishing for a hose.

 

Otherwise it was fun. Food was ok....drinks were good.

[BobBeaSea]

Superclubs Gran Lido Negril or Gran Lido Braco (Runaway Bay area) in Jamiaca are both excellent. Secrets Capri and Secrets Riviera Maya (both on the Mayan Riviera south of Cancun are excellent, Secrets Punta Cana in the DR is also excellent. All the above are 5*, no young children (I think 16 &/or 18 and up) great a la carte restaurants, premium alcohol watersports etc. all included. Best beach is in Punta Cana down by the Paradisus Punta Cana (another good resort, also the brand new Paradisus in Punta Cana is excellent).

[cruzinjr]

Well, unfortunately I can only give one perspective on this subject as I won't be on my first cruise until Feb 07...but I have been on all inclusives...so I'll fill ya in.

I was a little apprehensive booking a cruise vs AI as I thoroughly enjoy hanging out by the pool or on the beach with a frozen drink and not have to worry about budgets.

First AI was honeymoon @ Sans Souci in Ocho Rios, Jamaica....ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!!! It was adults only, and had a good mix of relaxation with a hint of party (if ya wanted it.) The grounds are absolutely breathtaking. Food was excellent (I'm very picky eater)and service impeccable. Ricardo, Allen, Orlando, Patrick all made a lasting impressionon DH & I. We went 2 1/2 yrs ago after the resort broke away from Grand Lido resorts and got a steal of a deal. This resort has now been taken over by Couples and has rec'd mixed reviews (mostly due to they're no longer offering the included spa services with the AI price :( But we dream of the day we can revisit as it was our most memorable trip yet.

Another AI was last year @ RIU Caribe in Cancun Mexico. This was a family trip with DD and a large group of friends. Very nice...resort was large enough, food was decent, beach and pool prob'ly best I've been to.

If you've never been AI, I highly recomend it as it can be a very fun, relaxing...whatever you make of it, plus the added benefit of not worrying about extra expenses when it comes to drinks...

Sorry for the length, (I love remembering our wonderful vacations!)

Feel free to email me with any questions: shamrock4883@aol.com

 

whatever you decide, HAVE FUN!!!!

 

-Jennifer

 

PS use Tripadvisor.com to review resorts! Great site, with different perspectives. I swwear by it, just as I swear by CC to get me ready for my cruise!

[Travel luv]

I've also done both. I like both AI and cruising. Pros of AI are the included waters ports and unlimited alcoholic breverages if you drink. Cruising of course allows you to visit several ports. I have visited Sandals in Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Secrets in the Rivera Maya.

[CruisingYiayia]

After 15 cruises, we have decided to try an all-inclusive. We will be going to the Grand Palladium in Riviera Maya the last week of April. It is rated 5 golden apples by Apple Vacations, and everything I have read online sounds like it is a very nice resort. I can let you know how we liked it when we return.

[johnjen]

DO THE CRUISE!

 

I never could understand why anyone would want to go to any of these all-inclusive resorts. They don't attract me at all. I'd rather go on a cruise and go to different places.

[syndyj]

I have been to 3 all inclusives and one cruise and have my second cruise booked for this year.I have visited La Source Grenada in 2001, Jolly Beach Antigua in 2002 and Almond Bay Resort and Spa St. Lucia in 2003.I did my first cruise on Adventure of the Seas in 2004.I don't have a preference for either,I choose mainly depending on which destination I want to visit next. I enjoy all types of vacations, even indpedent stays at budget hotels.

 

Here is my comparison of the two (sorry it is so long but I took the excerpt from my blog, funny enough I wrote this on Monday!).

 

PROS:

Even the smallest room I have stayed at an all-inclusive was nicer than my cabin on the ship, all had balconies and views of the ocean and a bigger bathroom. No need for elevators to get from one floor to the next.

 

The pools are nicer and bigger than on the ship,some all inclusives have several pools and hot tubs, plus they are fresh water(ships' pools are salt water) and no hogging of pool chairs.Hotels that have swim up bars are also very, very nice since you don't need to leave the pool to get a drink.

 

All the all-inclusives I have visited had a buffet plus at least one speciality restaurant (at Jolly Beach there were 3) plus a poolside grill serving snacks during the day and there was no extra charge to dine at any of the speciality restaurants, however reservations were required.

 

Any and all drinks are included, even alcoholic drinks and cocktails. The 4-star hotels had premium drinks and Jolly Beach had smoothie machines where you can add rum and make a daquiri.

 

The beach is literally at your doorstep which is a pro for a beach lover like myself.You don'thave to pay for a beach chair or umbrella and at La Source,waiter service extended to the beach.

 

No sea-pass card to swipe when leaving the resort or to pay for anything.

 

Tipping is included in the price of your all-inclusive stay, you have to tip extra on the ship.

 

The mini fridge in your room (if there is one)can be stocked free of charge,on the ship you have to pay for items used from the mini fridge.

 

There is no set time to return from exploring and excursions and no time set time for dinner,in fact you can eat at anytime you choose.On the cruise you have to be back on the ship by a certain time and are assigned seating at the same time every night.

 

You don't have to choose just ONE tour or excursion on the island, you can visit different sites and places, since you are not limited by a set time as you would on a cruise. Sometimes it is hard deciding which one excursion you want to do epecially at a destination with many choices.

 

All watersports are included,like kayaks, pedal bikes, hobie cats,snorkeling and some hotels even include water-sking.When visiting private islands owned by the cruie ship you have to pay extra for these facilities.

 

No waiting to check in or check out like the wait to get on and off the ship.If you arrive early some hotels allow you to check in right away and even after checking out at noon,if you have a late flight you are allowed to use the facilities and a complimentary room to change until it is time to depart.

 

Very, very relaxing vacation at the resort, most days all you feel like doing is having a drink and relaxing on the beach.On the cruise you tend to want to do it all and there is always some activity taking place, it is not as restful as spending every day relaxing on a beach.

 

 

CONS:

The scenery does not change at the all-inclusive,on a ship you have different views as the ship sails in and out of port. And you visit a different country almost every day of your cruise.

 

Much better entertainment on the ship. The shows at night are outstanding, the disco always has people,there are parades, pool parties, love and marriage game show, quest and lots of bars around the ship with entertainment.At the all-inclusive the entertainment was okay, at best, usually some type of variety show or a live band and the disco never had much people.

 

There was much more variety in the food available on the ship,the quality was generally better than at the all-inclusives,you can get something to eat 24hrs a day, room service is available and you can order many different dishes as you like from the a la carte menu.

 

Since the resort is all inclusive there isn't need to leave for anything, if you choose a destination where there isn't much to do outside the resort, you tend to want to stay at the hotel to enjoy the facilities and it can get boring doing the same things all week.It never gets boring on a cruise, in fact you tend to want to make the most of your time in port and do much more than you would normally do in one day, by the end of the cruise there are things that you still haven't had the time to do.

 

The cost generally is either comparable or cheaper to cruise. For instance, we are paying $213.00US a night for a 7 night cruise in a balcony cabin, a supersaver (read TINY) room at Jolly Beach Resort rated 3-stars, is $260.00 per night.Taking in to consideration that the cruise visits different destinations and offers a superior level of service and amenities to a 3-star hotel, to me it is a better value.

 

Daytime activites abound on the ship,at the all-inclusives there were activites during the day like pool games, tennis, archery,etc. But on the ship there were even more things to do like cinema,ice skating,art auctions,wine tasting,basketball, mini-golf, inline skating, in fact so many different activities that it was impossible to do it all.

 

Gym and spa facilities were superior on the ship with a nice sauna and hot tub at the spa, though the free spa treatments at La Source gave it an edge.

 

Some all-inclusives limit the amount of visits you can make to the speciality restaurants and you might not alway get a reservation at one, so although they might be free the possibilty exsits that you might not get to eat at all of them.

 

Service all around on the ship was much better than at the hotels,at the dining room the waiter and assistant waiters are exceptional and the room steward attended to our room everytime we left the cabin. At the resort house keeping generally came once a day and since we had different waiters every night there wasn't a chance to get to know each one as well as our waiters on the ship.

 

Unless you smuggle your own booze or don't mind the very high bar bill, there is less chance of waking up with a hangover on the cruise since you pay extra for drinks. At the resort, since drinks are included you are more inclined to over-indulge.

 

Mosquitoes were never a problem on the ship,at some of the hotels you tend to get bitten by these seemingly "invisble" insects.I have seen some people with some very severe looking bites.

 

Finally, the decor on the ship is exceptional,lots of artwork,sculptures,tiles,wood and brass. Public spaces, lounges, bars, dining rooms are decorated and furnished beautifully.You can get views of the ocean from different places all over the ship, and there is nothing like stepping on the ship for the first time and exploring all the nooks and crannies.The resorts are also beautiful, with lovely landscaped grounds, pools, and nothing can beat waking up to a view of the ocean. Apart from Jolly Beach, which really was a standard 3-star hotel, the rooms, public spaces, resturants and bars at the other hotels were alo well decorated, so I think it is a tie.

 

If you are thinking of trying an all-inclusive hotel,by all means go ahead.Do your research so you know what type of hotel would best suit you and the type of vacation you are looking for. There are all-inclusives where you can just relax on the beach all day and do nothing,couples only resorts where you can get away from the kids,spa resorts where you can get pampered,all-inclusives with water parks and kids clubs for a family vacation and if you want to do lots of tour and excursions choose a destination where there is lots to do outside the resort, like Playa del Carmen Mexico.

[johnjen]

DO THE CRUISE!

 

 

I caluculated everything. For our 9 day cruise on Explorer, compared with an 8 night stay at Grand Bahamia Sandals resort with airfare, they want $2332 more. I did this online at sandals.com. Swim up bar? Big whoop!

 

The room at Grand Bahamia is on the main floor and doesn't have a porch or a balcony. you don't go anywhere except on local excursions. We've done the Bahamas before for a long weekend and it was tediously boring. I forget the name of the place, but it was very nice. Still, I'd do the cruise. Look at the cash you would save. Those "all inclusive resorts" are a ripoff.

 

DO THE CRUISE!

[dolphincruiser404]

Well, after careful consideration and calculating I've made my decisions. We're doing th AI at theIberostar Lindo in Mexico.

 

I looked at several cruise itineraries and just couldn't find one that I liked for under $1000pp. By the time you figure in drinks, parking, gas to get to the port, etc...it came out the same.

 

I think my main decision was that I really want to RELAX on this trip. I don't want to be tempted by the games, activities, and all night events. I don't want to have to get up at the crack of dawn to get a good spot by the pool. Also not having to get so dressed up or show up to dinner at the same time each night is a plus.

 

The resort looks beautiful, it is four hotels combined on one resort with like 20 bars and 16 specialty restaurants. It looks beautiful. I am really looking forward to it, but also looking forward to my cruise in December!

[jetlady]

WE have done both, first was the cruise Grandeur out of Baltimore, then AI in Punta Cana Bavaro princess. Both have their pluses, But the food and service on the cruise was much better. Not paying for alcohol was a very big plus in Punta Cana. Did not like hardly any of the food in Punta Cana.

[piercetc4]

dc404- sounds like you made a good choice based on the facts presented- good job- let us know how you like the iberostar - would love to do that one day- we have done sandals in jamaica and several cruises- love them both-

you are going to have a wonderful trip!

[ckrobyn]

My DH keeps saying after every cruise that he wants to go back to the all inclusive resort vacation. Within 2 weeks of returning he is bugging me to book another cruise :rolleyes: I don't think we will be doing a land based vacation for a long time.........suits me just fine ;)

[PEBBarney]

dolphincruiser404,

 

You will love the Lindo. The pools (lazy river, wave pool and main pool) are awesome and the grounds are gorgeous. We went last May and had a great time. We were upgraded to the Maya, which shares the pool with the Lindo. They have a really good variety of restaurants to choose from, and the food was pretty good. The place is very relaxing. They have a free shuttle that runs into Playa del Carmen. The entertainment is not that great and there is not that much to do at night, but the bars are open and the drinks are already paid for. We would go back in a heartbeat.

 

Enjoy

[PEBBarney]

dolphincruiser404,

 

You will love the Lindo. The pools (lazy river, wave pool and main pool) are awesome and the grounds are gorgeous. We went last May and had a great time. We were upgraded to the Maya, which shares the pool with the Lindo. They have a really good variety of restaurants to choose from, and the food was pretty good. The place is very relaxing. They have a free shuttle that runs into Playa del Carmen. The entertainment is not that great and there is not that much to do at night, but the bars are open and the drinks are already paid for. We would go back in a heartbeat.

 

Enjoy

[dolphincruiser404]

dolphincruiser404,

 

You will love the Lindo. The pools (lazy river, wave pool and main pool) are awesome and the grounds are gorgeous. We went last May and had a great time. We were upgraded to the Maya, which shares the pool with the Lindo. They have a really good variety of restaurants to choose from, and the food was pretty good. The place is very relaxing. They have a free shuttle that runs into Playa del Carmen. The entertainment is not that great and there is not that much to do at night, but the bars are open and the drinks are already paid for. We would go back in a heartbeat.

 

Enjoy

 

Great! I'm not looking for five star food, I'm looking for a clean room and five star relaxation (the pools, etc)! I could care less about the nightly entertainment, or lack there of! In fact all the more time to curl up with a good book and call it an early night! Thanks for the info, I can't wait!

 

\Vacation is about doing things you don't do at home...I don't see bed before 1:00 am at home, and on a cruise it's even worse! I want to do nothing but sit by the pool or on the beach! I am thrilled with the thought of not needing to wip out a seapass card (or carry it around all the time) when I want something!

[rrshinn]

We just went to the Iberostar Quetzal/Tucan in Playa del Carmen and would highly recommend it. You can see mutiple reviews at tripadvisor.com on this and any other resort you may consider.

[syndyj]

Well, after careful consideration and calculating I've made my decisions. We're doing th AI at theIberostar Lindo in Mexico.

 

I looked at several cruise itineraries and just couldn't find one that I liked for under $1000pp. By the time you figure in drinks, parking, gas to get to the port, etc...it came out the same.

 

I think my main decision was that I really want to RELAX on this trip. I don't want to be tempted by the games, activities, and all night events. I don't want to have to get up at the crack of dawn to get a good spot by the pool. Also not having to get so dressed up or show up to dinner at the same time each night is a plus.

 

The resort looks beautiful, it is four hotels combined on one resort with like 20 bars and 16 specialty restaurants. It looks beautiful. I am really looking forward to it, but also looking forward to my cruise in December!

 

Very good choice, I read lots and lots of reviews of AI hotels in the Riviera Maya as it was a potential destination for our next vacation, but the cruise won over the AI because the cost of airfare from Trinidad to Cancun was just too expensive.

 

The Iberostars, Barcelo and Palladium are rated pretty high so you picked well. Have fun, relax and enjoy!