All Inclusive Resorts Vs. Cruises - which do you prefer?

[JamesDouglas]

I guess one reason why I've always been attracted to cruises is because I love sightseeing and touring the world. An ideal vacation for me is jam packed with activities, I don't go on vacation to sit on a beach all day and drink, I go on a vacation to see as much of the world as possible so that when I come home I need a vacation from my vacation.

 

[checks]

I have been on two cruises and have but one recommendation: Make sure you get an outside cabin. Inner cabins are very claustrophobic, and you feel like you are in a prison cell.

 

[Malibook]

I like all inclusives that are close to towns with restaurants, beaches, massage parlours, whore houses, and bars with freelancers.
I have no desire for an isolated AI where people just basically stay on the resort or do an odd excursion.

I have never been on a cruise.
I`m sure I would have a great time but it seems kind of confining to me unless I am with a girlfriend or mistress.

 

[james t kirk]

That's true, I've only ever been on Royal Caribbean, Princess and Celebrity, I've had great experiences on all 3 cruiselines. I've always heard bad things about Carnival, how it's the McDonald's of cruising, so I'll stay away from it. I've heard Crystal is really great but expensive, I also heard the average age of the cruisers is 75 or so, so nowhere near my age bracket, I'll stay away for now.

yeah, but doesn't Carnival own Royal Caribbean, and Cunard, and Costa and Princess???

 

[james t kirk]

the most enjoyable vacations are when you just go somewhere and wing it....AI and cruises are generally safe, phony and silly.

True.

I'd sooner go to Europe any day any time and just wander around and check things out rather than sit on some beach somewhere.

The ONLY thing about a cruise that intrigues me is the SHIP. I'd LOVE to explore the guts of the Queen Mary 2 and or Oasis of the seas and do a comparison between the two (the Queen Mary being a true Ocean Liner, and Oasis being a cruise ship)

The only time I'd like to go to an AI resort is about the end of February when you are just SICK of winter. Other than that, I'd never go.

If you gave me the choice of a single free trip to Europe or 5 free trips to an AI - I'd take the trip to Europe every time.

 

[spankingman]

We ALWAYS cruise now.We find it very relaxing.As far as all inclusive goes the Cruise Line we use HOLLAND AMERICA doesn't have AI I buy a drink card or two for the week as I don't drink anywhere near I used to. We cruise the same ship WESTERDAM and get the same room each time a veranda suite on the stern of the ship.NEVER had a bad experience on board or on land. We always go to the Carribean east one year west next soth the next Would recomend it to anyone.
Prices have been GREAT the last few years as well.

 

[JamesDouglas]

Precisely. I have not been back to an AI since starting cruising several years ago. I am a drinker, but I find every day at an AI blends into the next. Most of them are isolated islands of luxury surrounded by poverty. Many friends perceive cruising as old people sitting around on the deck of a ship all day. To me it is a floating hotel that takes me somewhere different every day. As soon as we dock, I bail out and go exploring, sometimes just wandering a town, sometimes renting a car, sometimes jumping on a local tour. I am kind of bored with Caribbean cruises now because most ports are the same and they are lacking in cultural experiences -- I go for the more exotic stuff. A cruise is also a great way to find places you would like to return to for extended land vacations.

My measure of cruising versus AIs is that I can vividly recall what I did every day on the last three cruises. The last three AIs are just a drunken blur!

Cruises are amazing, I think I'm due for another one. The Caribbean is alright if you go on a ship like Oasis of the Seas, but it gets boring very quickly. My favourite cruises have been to Europe, Alaska, and Australia & New Zealand. I also did a New England cruise that started and ended in NYC and went to Boston, Maine, Rhode Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, it was fantastic, I saw so much in the span of a week, I highly recommend it.

 

[Richard.TO]

I have done both and I like the AI over a cruise. That said, I prefer long vacations to an area where I can explore over an AI. I am planning to go to SE Asia for a month soon. Then perhaps explore Eastern Europe for a month.

Been on about 8 or 9 cruises and many more AI's, given a choice between the two, I would prefer AI. IMHO cruises do not allow enough time for exploration, I'm adventurous and like to mingle with the locals and learn about their culture etc. AI's offer this flexibility to a certain extent, but I have to agree with OLF that over the years I've tended more towards booking a flight and hotel deal without the AI stuff as I like to experience the local cuisine instead of the "one day blending into another" and "north americanized" food which I find at AI's.

 

[wetnose]

That's true, I've only ever been on Royal Caribbean, Princess and Celebrity, I've had great experiences on all 3 cruiselines. I've always heard bad things about Carnival, how it's the McDonald's of cruising, so I'll stay away from it. I've heard Crystal is really great but expensive, I also heard the average age of the cruisers is 75 or so, so nowhere near my age bracket, I'll stay away for now.

And in recent news...

http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/0...bathrooms-now-wont-reach-land-until-thursday/

 

[Rockslinger]

And in recent news...

http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/0...bathrooms-now-wont-reach-land-until-thursday/

So far, nobody died like that ship in Italy.

 

[Aardvark154]

So far, nobody died like that ship in Italy.

However, I'll bet a fair number of them wish they were dead: Three heads (which I presume means public washrooms with several heads in each) for several thousand people. Sewage running into the carpeting on several decks, waiting in line for up to three hours for what meals can be served.

Frankly these people deserve vouchers for two free cruises from Carnival.

 

[fun-guy]

I've never been on a cruise and I've done the AI several times. From the people I've talked to the rooms on a cruise ship are really small. The showers in most you can't turn around in without bumping your elbows on the walls. A staff member at my gym just got back from his first cruise, he loved it, his girlfriend didn't. She turns out to have sea sickness. One thing to keep in mind, is that while your cruise cost will be attractive, you also have to factor in getting their via plane. At least at an All Inclusive, everything is included in the one price.

So the advice for those that have never done a cruise, start with a short 3 - 4 day one as a test run, before you book that 2 week cruise of the Mediterranean or Alaska.

Cheers

Brian

I have been on two cruises and have but one recommendation: Make sure you get an outside cabin. Inner cabins are very claustrophobic, and you feel like you are in a prison cell.

I used to think that but realized after taking numerous cruises I only use my cabin to sleep. I'm never in my cabin unless I sleep, shower and change clothes. I used to get outside rooms, suites and then realized what a waste of money. Unless you have a condition there's nothing wrong with cruise cabins, unless you plan to hold parties in them.

 

[fun-guy]

The price varies, it depends where you go, for how long, whether you want an inside cabin, an outside cabin, a cabin with a balcony, how much you drink, which excursions you take, how many pictures you buy onbard etc. It can be as little as $400 for a weeklong Caribbean cruise with an inside cabin, to more than $30,000 for a 3 and a half month world cruise in a balcony suite. The average cost is probably around $700-$800 for a weeklong cruise.

What? Those are the advertised sales prices. Don't forget the excursions at each port, unless you plan to go it alone, difficult to do in every port. There's also daily taxes and tips that can add several hundred dollars as well. Costs can really add up if you don't plan your trip well. With that said, I still prefer cruises to AI, mainly due to the fact I don't drink, I love the mystery of visiting different places around the world, and I've yet to meet an unhappy cruiser, they're all wonderful on the ship and we meet interesting people from all over the world. If you really like one port so much you can always plan a trip there and spend more time.

 

[fun-guy]

I've only been on one cruise (9 days) but have attended plenty of AI resort vacation spots.

I prefer the AI ... biggest reason was boredom. I'm a bundle of energy and walking laps around that cruise ship for 9 days just about near killed me. I was almost ready to jump off and swim for shore lol ..

I've always had my heart set on the cruise up the west coast from Vancouver past the Queen Charlotte Islands and Haida Gwaii to Alaska ... but I've been doing my research and its primarily booked by a more mature group so I know its not for me ... not right now. I'll save it for my retirement

What kind of cruise is that? Did you do a cross Atlantic trip or something? All the cruises I've been on we're at a port virtually every day and never on the ship until the evening to shower, dress, have dinner and get entertained. During the day we're out and about off ship.

 

[Petzel]

I did a cruise once and never again. I thought I'd be okay because I'm fine in small boats on a lake but those ocean swells really got to me. I was sick as a dog! None of the seasick remedies I tried worked for me so I am out!

 

[SchlongConery]

I did a cruise once and never again. I thought I'd be okay because I'm fine in small boats on a lake ...

Yeah, canoes or restaurants our people never tip!

 

[rubirosa]

The thought of being confined to a large ship does not work for me. I've been tempted to try a Mediterranean cruise though for another visit to Italy, etc. Still on the fence about it.
Love the all-inclusives! Bacardi Island in the Dominican is my new fav, even over Hawaii and definately over Mexico & Cuba.

 

[Petzel]

The thought of being confined to a large ship does not work for me. I've been tempted to try a Mediterranean cruise though for another visit to Italy, etc. Still on the fence about it.
Love the all-inclusives! Bacardi Island in the Dominican is my new fav, even over Hawaii and definately over Mexico & Cuba.

I did a cruise of the Greek Islands and the sights and islands were beautiful but I was so sick! Man, I'll never forget it.

 

[erotq]

I've been on 5 cruises and stayed at 4 all inclusive resorts
I much prefer the cruise. I just feel like there is less boredom on a cruise.

 

[Curious36]

Never been on a cruise but many AI's. I like cohorting with the locals and the hotel staff can be VERY friendly. Many great memories, and as mentioned before, some were just a blur. I am particularly fond of Cuba. Love the people, LOVE the women. Just typing this makes me want to book another trip soon. One thing I do that I dont think has been mentioned is I rent a scooter for the week and am able to visit nearby towns/shopping centers. If ANYONE does this you will have your pick of hot (make that very hot) young ladies wanting to hitch a ride Anyhow, for the previous reasons I dont think I would have as much fun on a cruise. But will give it a go when I get older.....much older