All inclusive resort vs a cruise that also stays overnight in Cabo?

[halfmonkey]

We just came back from a RCL cruise that stopped in Ensenada and then Cabo overnight. My oldest son is 18 so he enjoyed the "legal" drinking in Cabo and my wife and I actually had a great time bar and club hoping. I especially enjoyed the weather and the fact that I was able to go out in flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt. lol. We're planning a future trip when my second son will be 18 as well and we've never been to an All Inclusive resort so hoping to get some feedback vs doing a another cruise that also stays overnight in Cabo.

I heard many people describe an All Inclusive (AI) resort as basically a cruise but on land and had some questions that I'm hoping someone can clarify? One of the things that my kids love is being able to meet other kids on a cruise and then hang out with them for the rest of the ship. This includes doing activities with them such as treasure hunts, dodgeball, playing in the pool, hanging in the hot tub, eating late night snacks, etc. Is it like that at an AI where they have scheduled activities scattered all throughout the property and basically you can select which activity you want to participate in or do they just have kid clubs for the kids to hang out in and that's basically it?

Any feedback or clarification is greatly appreciated as I've been watching youtube videos and most don't really go into very much detail about the activities available for kids and what they have access to other than saying they have kids clubs and beach activities.

 

[sam_gordon]

I think it all depends on the AI. I know that's not much help. I *THINK* Sandals is an "active" one (one with lots of activities), but not sure.

Here's what AI suggests:

 

[Mle8308]

I'd stick with a cruise. I don't trust the safety in Mexico. Staying on the resort you should be fine, but if leaving...American tourists can be a target. Cruise. Plus you can visit other ports of call.

 

[sam_gordon]

I'd stick with a cruise. I don't trust the safety in Mexico. Staying on the resort you should be fine, but if leaving...American tourists can be a target. Cruise. Plus you can visit other ports of call.

There are AIs on islands (and even in the US) that are NOT "Mexico".

 

[HeiHei2018]

The answer may be complicated by the “kids” being legal adults. I know some of the more active resorts have teen activities, but you’ll definitely want to check if 18 and 19 year olds are included.

 

[LoveDaisy]

I like both but quality of AIs can vary so you’ll want to do some research. I don’t think you will find activities for adults at AIs like cruises and some AIs offer for kids. They often offer water sports and other activities but you would need to sign up and it wouldn’t be limited to other young adults or even guaranteed anyone else signed up.

 

[mjkacmom]

The answer may be complicated by the “kids” being legal adults. I know some of the more active resorts have teen activities, but you’ll definitely want to check if 18 and 19 year olds are included.

I’ve been on cruises with young adult kids (under 21), way harder to meet others than when they could go to the teen club. At AI’s there are promote their age because some will be there without parents.