Is a cruise better than an all-inclusive resort and why?

[jtdl]

Right and I wish he would come back and tell us what he did. I know he didn't hold it, I don't blame him, I don't like that "book this minute" or else. Booking to hold is one thing, having to put the CC down immediately is a bit suspecious to me. NMnita

 

I did not take it. Actually the TA called me back the next two days (don't know where he got my phone number from????) and left a message saying that there were new developments in my favour and to please call him back. I did not call back, figuring that since he originally told me it was only guaranteed for that precise moment and could go up in price by $200 pp within the hour and then is calling me back for the next two days that the deal definitely wasn't up to my standards - I'd rather pay more and deal with someone I trust. Again, this guy was directly from Carnival Cruises, at least that's what his email address and website said! I would like to at least check out the prices of AI's before deciding, but the prices for December don't come out until June or thereabouts I am told.

 

Lukes, thanks for the info, I never thought of sailing out of New York. I'm gonna check that out now.

[compucruiser]

Hi,

 

I thought I'd chime in. It seems that the original poster must be

somewhat web saavy to be on this board. I'd never take a deal

from a travel agent unless I compared the deal to the on-line

quotes I can get directly from the cruise lines. I've been using the

same online TA for 10 years, and while she hasn't always gotten

us the best price, she was able to do so many things for us,

we're very loyal. For example, I may ask her, what's available

for So. Carribean the week of Sept 9 (our anniversary). She'll

immediately "hold" cabins on two or three cruise ships - she knows

what we like - and give me 72 hours to make up my mind.

She also always sends us a bottle of wine or two.

 

On the other hand, we went to our first AI last November.

There was an internet deal we couldn't pass up. It was to

a 5+ AI in Puerto Vallarta for 5 nights including air for 2 - only

$1300 total including taxes. All drinks free (top drawer) and wine with

dinner. 4 fantastic restaurants (plus a grille and buffet). The

food was incredible - Seafood, Italian, Mexican, American.

And, we didn't have formal dress requirement (but they did require

smart casual in the restaurants in the evening).

 

After so many cruises we've taken (esp to PV), we found it

quite a different experience. Being on a beach (right outside

our room), after a few days I got bored - but totally relaxed.

Having your mini-bar constantly refilled with your favorite

drinks was nice. They provided a daily list of activities too,

but they were not as extensive as on the ship. Didn't see

kids activities. But they had several pools. You do have to

take the initiative to book tours - which is often hit or miss.

The cruise lines usually supply first class tour operators. The

ones provided by the conceirge are based on how much

commission they get.

 

It's different. I like the shows, casino, waking up in a new town.

At the AI, we just relaxed on the beach.

 

It just depends on your taste. We'll probably be doing both

many times in the future.

[FionaMG]

With a 16-yr-old travelling I would be inclined to go for the cruise. We did a cruise when our son was 13 and he had a great time because everyone arrives on the same day, the teens meet up on day one, get to know each other and hang out together for the rest of the cruise. The next year we did an AI in DR and he was bored, lonely and miserable because everyone arrives on different days so there wasn't the same opportunity to get to make new friends. He said if we decided to do an AI again either he would want to bring a friend or he would prefer to stay at home. Just another angle to think about.

[caviargal]

No one meant that AI are for drinkers only, most of us, who have done both and look for the nicer AI offering the top line of alcohol, really good restaurants, plus other activities included simply are comparing cruises to AI for price. As a TA, I can guarantee you a really good AI in a desirable location is more expensive than a cruise for those who do not drink. Yes, both activities offer a wonderful experience, the same as Las Vegas offers a great vacation. Each person has to decide what is best for his/her family. I am certain a good AI over the Christmas or NYears season would be much higher than the $3300 the OP got quoted for a cruise. NMNita

 

As a TA and also a fan of high end adult only AIs, IMO the value offered is not just about alcohol. There are so many extras these days on a cruise - optional for some, but not for us as we have to budget them into our vacation - that the ultimate cost can really be quite a bit higher.

 

I like to vacation around the holidays and cruises are totally out because they are simply too packed and have too many kids aboard during these periods. This will never happen at an adult only resort so we are assured of getting th vacation we want.

 

I personally have never been bored at an AI (vacationed at them 25 or so times in various islands) but have been on cruises. It really depends on what types of activities one finds appealing. I much prefer the ocean and beach to a pool, and love the peace and quiet at an AI, something not easily found on cruises.

 

Price is relative if one can get what they want and not have to settle. JMO.

[Dremac373]

I personally have never been bored at an AI

 

I agree, yes it is noce to meet new people but I dont plan a vaction and spend hard earned money just for the possibility of spending that time with these new friends. Thats the joy of the AI IMO...Come and go when you want enjoy your excursion as long as you want, I alway book with my TA and when we arrive we go directly to our Go-Go Tours rep to decide our vacations, which gives the same options as if you were booking excursions thru the cruise line and you will still get to meet new people as well. We have never been bored, but to each their own, your vacation is what you make of it

[harveysalva]

With a 16-yr-old travelling I would be inclined to go for the cruise. We did a cruise when our son was 13 and he had a great time because everyone arrives on the same day, the teens meet up on day one, get to know each other and hang out together for the rest of the cruise. The next year we did an AI in DR and he was bored, lonely and miserable because everyone arrives on different days so there wasn't the same opportunity to get to make new friends. He said if we decided to do an AI again either he would want to bring a friend or he would prefer to stay at home. Just another angle to think about.

 

I could have written this post. My 16 y/o DD fought hard for a cruise this year over an AI and this was her exact reason. Our last AI, she met someone she really enjoyed hanging out with and then 2 days later found out she was leaving the next morning. This doesn't happen on a cruise. Ofcourse, this is not a reaon to book a cruise, but something to consider.

Shelly

[packercruising]

This is an interesting topic! :) I know next to nothing about AIs but we travel as a group and after several years of East/West with a Southern thrown in our TA is thinking about an AI in Cancun.

 

Where's a good place to begin a search to check this out?

[caviargal]

tripadvisor dot com

[Jim Gallup]

There are about 250 Cruise Ships at sea every week, each carrying an average of about 2,000 passengers. Most of these passengers had the same choice you had; All Inclusive Resort or Cruise Ship?

 

Are there 250 All Inclusive Resorts around the world, catering to 2,000 guests each, every week? No.

 

Why not? Because the majority of those who had a choice decided that a Cruise Ship was the better deal.

[senior lady]

I think it really depends on the "deals" you get.

Last yr we got a 10 day Mexican cruise on Celebrity for $700 ea. Even with our air and bill at the end of the cruise we couldn't have gotten a AI for the same price. Also most AI are for 7 or 14 days. It would be nice if they started offering pkg of 10 days.

 

I love the idea of just going and relaxing on the beach. Not having to get dressed for dinner if you don't want to.

 

Love cruising and seeing all the different places!!! Also enjoy all the great stuff to do on board.

 

We love both, and depending on price will book either.

[packercruising]

tripadvisor dot com

 

Thanks!:D

[kimanjo]

Our family of 3 (Dad, Mom, and 14 year-old teen girl) just cruised over Christmas on the Canrival Liberty. We booked 1 month before sail date--short notice--and the price was $649 per person including tax and port. This was for an inside cabin, 8 nights (9 days)

 

Total price paid? $2250 including cancellation insurance.

 

Just to let you know, Carnival's (cruise line agents) prices are almost always higher than good, reliable agents in the field, such as bestpricecruises, *****, i-cruise, hotwire, etc. You can look on various sites and look up the specific cruise you want to sail on and 99% of the time a deck plan will show you the exact location of all available cabins and all prices will be displayed.

 

Do a little more research before you book--it will be very easy to log-on to any cruise site to check out how many cabins in the category you want are still available. That rep was pressuring you too much.

[wannacruisemore]

Here is my opinion...... I love to cruise, hubby does it cuz of me! We have been married 37 years....High School sweethearts...(yes, I am proud! ha)

We have a beautiful motorcoach....he loves to travel by land and I go with it!! We have been to all exclusives resorts, flown to Cabo, but anytime I can cruise I am there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[newmexicoNita]

NewmexicoNita I agree also...I get weekly e-mails sometimes twice a week offering me some sort of "book within 5 days and get this great deal" like who reall has the time and the disposable income to book a cruise and maybe a flight within 5 days based off an e-mail agent??? if you know of any ask them are they looking to adopt?? I am partial potty trained and can not eat with my hands :p But seriously not to knock the online travle agents I personally will not use one, btw NIta being an ta, have you book any of your clients to the Palace Resorts in Mexico?? I got maried at the Aventura Spa Resort and loved it, alread made plans to go back..I wont feel bad if you or any of your clients have not :p

Yes, many times I have booked the Palace resorts; the best part, access to the others. I do have another resort I prefer to book, but Palace is very close to the top. As for on line agents, I am sure many are fine, but some just order takers. Everyone has to do what is best for them. Even if I wasn't an agent, I think I would book with one and not on line. Just my humble opinion.

 

jtdl: I am glad you haven't booked with him: I can't stand over Zealous sales people.

 

For those who like AIs, I am not knocking them: I think they have their place, like time shares, hotels, cruises, condos, whatever, I still think,for many $$ for $$ cruising is probably a better vacation. As always, I am generalizing.

[jtdl]

you just may find out that you like them both, what ever you decide be sure to make the decision for yourself and have a GREAT time never mind what we have to say :p

 

I have been to several AI's and enjoyed myself each time. One resort was a 3*, one was a 3.5* and one was a 5*. Alot of people were sick at the 5*, and when I read the reviews there appear to be an awful lot of people sick every year at this particular resort. The 3* had really good food. The 3.5* was absolutely horrible in all aspects. So my main concerns are

1)Food and 2)Fun for the kids. My 16-year-old daughter will bring a friend if we go to an AI but that option is much too expensive on a cruise since we will need 2 rooms. I'm taking into consideration all the opinions I've received on this thread and am still weighing my options. So I will continue to appreciate any opinions/tips anyone cares to share :cool:

[iamgolden]

To the original OP, I stayed at the AI Excellence (formerly Secrets) Punta Cana, DR in January, it was adults only, so I didn't bring my kids. I take one vaca a year without my kids at an AI, and one a year w/my kids on a cruise. It seems to work out great, there is always plenty for my kids to do, and like a previous poster stated, they get to know kids on the ship as we are all there for the same period of time. When I'm at an AI I like to veg out for the week and relax.

[newmexicoNita]

I have been to several AI's and enjoyed myself each time. One resort was a 3*, one was a 3.5* and one was a 5*. Alot of people were sick at the 5*, and when I read the reviews there appear to be an awful lot of people sick every year at this particular resort. The 3* had really good food. The 3.5* was absolutely horrible in all aspects. So my main concerns are

1)Food and 2)Fun for the kids. My 16-year-old daughter will bring a friend if we go to an AI but that option is much too expensive on a cruise since we will need 2 rooms. I'm taking into consideration all the opinions I've received on this thread and am still weighing my options. So I will continue to appreciate any opinions/tips anyone cares to share :cool:

though I am not certain you will get any better deal at an AI, if you can get by with one unit and your daughter can bring a friend that might be the best way to go. It is always fun for kids, especially teens to be able to have a friend traveling with them. NMnita

[Dremac373]

tripadvisor dot com

VERY GOOD site i have posted aquite a few reviews there myself :D

[Dremac373]

I think it really depends on the "deals" you get.

Last yr we got a 10 day Mexican cruise on Celebrity for $700 ea. Even with our air and bill at the end of the cruise we couldn't have gotten a AI for the same price. Also most AI are for 7 or 14 days. It would be nice if they started offering pkg of 10 days.

 

I love the idea of just going and relaxing on the beach. Not having to get dressed for dinner if you don't want to.

 

Love cruising and seeing all the different places!!! Also enjoy all the great stuff to do on board.

 

We love both, and depending on price will book either.

Really?? what AI's did you reasearch that only allow you to stay a certain amount of days???

[senior lady]

Most of us Canadian west coasters go on All Inclusive packages. They are usually 7 or 14 days. I realize that if you book everything seperate you can go for as long as you want. I wish that they'd offer 10 day packages. One of the reasons we don't do 7 day cruises anymore. Just to short. You start to unwind and relax and it's time to pack and head home:(

[Sandytoes]

I am trying to plan a vacation over Christmas and/or New Years this year but I keep bouncing between an AI in the Dominican Republic or a Caribbean cruise departing from Florida (we are about a 24 hour drive and wouldn't have to fork out the money for flights unless we could get a really good deal). There will be 4 of us, 2 adults, a 16 year old girl and a 6 year old boy. My main concern with an AI is the food quality and I know that isn't a concern with a cruise. But alcohol would be a big expense for us on a cruise. Besides having the opportunity to visit several different islands on a cruise, what other benefits does a cruise offer as compared to an AI resort? Thanks for helping me decide:confused: !

 

I did an AI in DR.

The food was good. But the choices are very limited.

The entertainment was performed by the day waiters.

The drinks ordered had to contain no water....Do drink anything with ice in DR. Stomach issues if you know what I mean.....

 

We like AI's but we feel a cruise offers more.

[caviargal]

There are many levels of qualiy in AI just as there are cruises.

 

I have always stayed at the better AIs and been very pleased with the food quality and choices, as well as drinks. I find them to be above that of any cruise line in these areas. Healthy options, gourmet restaurants (with enforced dress codes), plenty of beach and pool chairs, etc.

 

I do think the adult only properties are more upscale than the family properties as a rule.

 

Then there are the large and well appointed rooms, with views to die for.

 

Just like cruises, you get what you pay for!:)