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After the Big C, all-inclusive resorts became one of the most desired forms of vacation due to their cost-effectiveness and, generally, ease of booking. Cruising took a back seat for a short while during that time but has made a huge comeback and is more than ever in 2023. Evenings on a Carnival ship comes with lots of possibilities without having to venture very far. Beautiful islands like St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Aruba and Curaçao offer unique charms including landscape, people, cultural influences, history, shopping and local cuisine. Once you’ve added up all your chosen extras for both all-inclusive resorts and cruises, you will clearly see which is the best option for you. But if it’s a big resort you may find yourself spending a lot of time walking from one end to the other.
Setting and Atmosphere on Cruises and at All-inclusive Resorts
"Both cruising and all-inclusive resorts offer wonderful experiences," Lovell said. "You can do a budget-friendly cruise and have a wonderful experience and you can do the same thing at an all-inclusive." High-priced luxury cruise lines will typically also include a large selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, gratuities for the crew, Wi-Fi access and meals in smaller, themed restaurants.
Transportation to Cruises and All-inclusive Resorts
Cruise ship cabins, although incredibly well organised, are still much smaller than rooms you’d usually find in resorts on land. Accommodation does vary but it’s very unlikely that you’d ever find a room within the building without any windows as you would on a cruise ship. Sometimes purpose-built all-inclusive resorts are miles from anywhere, so options for exploring are limited. On most cruises, the cruise ship will be docked from around 8/9 am until 5/6 pm. On other cruise lines, the dining will be flexible and you are free to eat whenever you’re hungry. It can be difficult to find a sun lounger on some ships on sunny days due to the number of other guests.
Staffing on Cruises vs. All-Inclusive Resorts
Are cruises all-inclusive? What's actually included in your cruise fare - The Points Guy
Are cruises all-inclusive? What's actually included in your cruise fare.
Posted: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If you think a cruise is the best option for your next vacation, Windstar Cruises provides an unrivaled immersive experience. Sail with us and enjoy a relaxed, intimate atmosphere featuring excursions selected specially to give you an authentic glimpse into the local life of your destination. Enjoy service from a crew who cares, and delight in menus prepared by renowned chefs.
Is an all-inclusive resort better than a cruise, or is a cruise better than an all-inclusive resort for your trip? If you’re having trouble deciding, you may want to reach out to a travel agent to help you decide. Our trusted travel partners have a ton of experience booking both cruises and all-inclusive resorts, and can advise you on the best vacation for you. Dining on most cruises is not completely all-inclusive, as it is at most all-inclusive resorts. You will generally need to choose a dining package, as well as a drinks package.
The Liberty Travel Experience
Most people will need to book flights for both cruises and all-inclusive resorts, unless they live close enough to drive to a departure port for a cruise or a resort in the U.S. For a cruise, depending on what time it departs, you may also need to book a hotel room for the night before. And you will need to find a way to get from the airport or hotel to the port.
There are drinks packages available to purchase but whether these are worthwhile depends entirely on how much you like to drink. You can expect to pay around $20/£16 per person per day for gratuities on a cruise. The price is based on two sharing and not selecting the specific cabin location. For the majority of the time, you won’t feel as though you are with many other people as they are spread out across the ship. The number of fellow guests at an all-inclusive resort can vary but in my experience, most do not feel too crowded. All-inclusive resorts usually have bigger rooms and always have at least a window if not a balcony and outside space.
Your ship docks, and you venture into the location of the day, learning more about a different culture and undertaking exciting adventures. When you return to your ship, you rest up while your vessel sails to a new location, where you’ll experience wonders anew all over again. Many parents also noted they enjoyed all-inclusive resorts for their kid-free getaways, such as special anniversary trips. Taking all of these, and environmental considerations into account, all-inclusive resorts are often the better option if you can afford to stay at one.
Understanding All-Inclusive Resorts
From stand-up paddleboards to kayaks, from Hobie Cats to waterskiing; you’ll be able to enjoy these activities and more, for free, anytime during the day. The lucky few who do live in a city with a cruise terminal will be able to save money in this area, but generally, most people will have to catch a domestic flight to get there. Flights can make your overall vacation more expensive, especially if travelling in a group. The other is that modern-day cruise ships are packed to the gills with onboard activities. The newest ships sport rope courses, water parks, mini-golf, movie screens and rock climbing walls and crazy attractions like ziplines, bumper cars, surfing and skydiving simulators and other thrill rides. While both cruises and all-inclusive resorts offer a variety of dining options, there are a lot of differences between the two.
On the other hand, an all-inclusive resort provides an exclusive and luxurious experience, with a focus on relaxation and top-notch amenities. Regardless of your choice, both options promise to create unforgettable memories and cherished moments for you and your travel companions. I’d recommend a cruise to those who want to see multiple destinations in a short period of time. All-inclusive resorts are great for guests who want to be able to explore the local area in depth and those who want to hang around by the pool with a drink and some food. The average price of a 7-night Caribbean cruise visiting Mexico in April is around $616 (£493).
All-inclusive resorts, while more stationary, can also have significant impacts on local communities and ecosystems. As a responsible traveler, weighing these factors and choosing operators prioritizing sustainability and positive community engagement can make a difference. Additionally, all-inclusive resorts offer a high level of convenience and comfort. With accommodations, dining, and activities in one location, the need for planning and logistics is significantly reduced. This setup is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxing, worry-free getaway to unwind and recharge without the hassle of constant decision-making.
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