Disney Cruise or "All Inclusive Resort"?

[SweetSpot]

Great thread! We have been going back and forth about booking another cruise or going to an all-inclusive. Having done 3 DCL cruise with a 4th this year I feel that my kids need to experience something different (even if they don't really want to). I know people who love all-inclusives and I think that a cruise is an idea vacation. We aren't really beach or pool people on vacation because we have a pool and live an hour from the beach. We get sick of both by Nov. which is our vacation time. One of the things I love about the cruise is the ability to do activities during the day on the ship and the shows at night. Do all-inclusives offer cruise type activities and shows or is it just water activities by day and dinner at night?

 

[madisonsmom]

Do all-inclusives offer cruise type activities and shows or is it just water activities by day and dinner at night?

Where we have stayed in Jamaica there were always nightly entertainment. Local bands, shows that involved the guests, skits, etc. There were also beach bonfires at night where they had storytelling and local music on the beach, maybe set up with a dessert bar near by. There were "clubs" to go dancing in. The activities director scheduled many things throughout the day, such as bingo, scavenger hunts, couples newlywed type shows, and you could win resort cash and then goto an auction and try to win things from the gift shop or local artists they would auction off. From my understanding most all-inclusives are setup similar to this. The resort should have an email to contact them and I am sure they could tell you about the daily itinerary.

Good Luck in your search!

 

[TheWog]

Do all-inclusives offer cruise type activities and shows or is it just water activities by day and dinner at night?

Once again I agree with Madisonsmom. Plenty to do at night. Piano bar sing alongs, beach parties, local bands (reggae in our case), comedians, excursions to local tourist attractions.... we went shopping at Island Village at night. It was a lot of fun and plenty to do both night and day. '

our resort was adults only www.couples.com but there are plenty out there that are family oriented. This website will tell you about the properties and activities.

 

[kkana]

Yes I need tokeep track of this thread - we are doing our first DCL in July and are trying to decided on a cruise or all-inclusive next year.

 

[madisonsmom]

Wog...that is where DH and I have stayed when we have gone to Jamaica. We are planning on doing a family resort in a year or 2, after our Cruise in Dec. We have been to both Ocho Rios Couples and Negril! Can't wait to go back and enjoy life caribbean style!

 

[shelly3girls]

Although we love our WDW and DCL trips, Hawaii is an absolutely wonderful trip. There are so many things you can do especially if you spend part of the trip in Oahu. Although the island is quite touristy there are amazing sites and tremendous history. We went twice when I was younger and the trips were amazing. In one vacation we were able to enjoy the beach, experience history (Pearl Harbor is an amazing experience), see beautiful scenery and experience a different culture. I don't think the Caribbean can really compare although I know Hawaii is much more expensive.

 

[vossjemi]

We have only done 1 AI...Cancun Palace in 1999...long before I had a computer and knew how to research this stuff online. Beautiful Resort, Beautiful beach, horrible food. Everything tasted the same; it all had the same nasty spice on it. Everyone in the hotel, including us, got sick...Montezuma you know what. We ended up ordering pizzas and going to local restaurants to eat we couldn't take their food anymore. And, I am not a picky eater. But, that being said, I would do an AI again if it were the right place.

You should check out www.resortvacationstogo.com for a listing of tons of AIs all over the Caribbean and other places.
Also, as a poster above mentioned, check out www.tripadvisor.com.
Other helpful sites are:
http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/
http://www.debbiescaribbeanresortreviews.com/
www.frommers.com

Next time I go to an AI, it will be thoroughly researched.

 

[ksjayhawks]

For the ages of your kids, I would check into RCCL's voyager class ships. DS and I (dh had to work) were on the Mariner of the Seas over spring break and we really liked it. They had two areas--"living room" and "fuel" for the tween/teen group as well as a back deck area for their use. There is miniature golf. basketball/volleyball court, rock climbing, ice skating, inline skating, pools and hot tubs plus tons of activities for their age groups. We really enjoyed the shows, especially the variety and ice skating. My ds12 loved it. We enjoyed DCL, but for him at this age, RCCL was a better fit. The ship is huge, they can get pizza from 11:30a.m. to 3:30 a.m. plus the one cafe is open all night for cookies, sandwiches, fruits, desserts, rolls, etc.

 

[the kabuki]

Really glad I stumbled on this thread. Been going to WDW for past couple years, DH +isn't interested in going back anytime soon, so I thought a DCL would be the way to go. But I've also been thinking about doing something different at an AI.

Two things have me worried...I keep hearing bad things about the food at these all inclusives.

The second is actually going to Mexico itself. Have 3 kids (11,7,3) and call me a worry wart, but I've been hearing some bad stories about the police there, and robberies. SIL went down there, and one of her friends was almost raped by a taxi driver, but escaped. I know there's crime and problems everywhere, but for some reason I hear more about Mexico than anywhere else.

Oh, and what about the water? Afraid one of the kids will get sick from that or the food?

 

[madisonsmom]

Two things have me worried...I keep hearing bad things about the food at these all inclusives.

I have only been to Jamaica, but friends of ours that travelled with us there(they are frequent international travellers) and got "hooked" on the AI bug decided to try Mexico the year after Jamaica. They were VERY disappointed with the resort in Mexico that a TA recm'd after being to Jamaica. They said the staff was not friendly, wouldn't help with special requests, food was not good, BUT on a positive note they did love being able to explore the history of Mexico(ruins), they just wish they hadn't spent the extra $$ on an AI and just went on their own they felt they could have had a better experience. They only goto Jamaica now for AI because the hospitality is incredible.(as someone who has worked in the hospitality/restaurant industry for over 16 years{in the south where we are known for hospitality} I was amazed at how well we were treated) Also, the food in Jamaica was wonderful, they had local chefs, but chefs from America and Europe as well. They had a mix of restaurants from Fine Dining(jacket required) to the casual beach stand and everything in between. We have had family that has stayed at Sandals in Negril and they said the food was wonderful as well. None of us are picky eaters, but we do cherish good food and frequent nice restaurants, so it is not like we are going from eating at Waffle House everyday and comparing the food!

If you do enough research and go with a reputable resort you will pleased I am sure. Best thing is word of mouth, find a resort or 2 you are interested in and try to find people that have stayed there, that is the best way to know. I know Sandals/Beaches and Club Med have a good reputation. We stayed at Couples in Jamaica(adults only though), there are several others in Jamaica that have a good reputation...word of advice though...Montego Bay is very touristy, so if you want a little more low key vacation without the T-shirt shops and the Myrtle Beach like atmosphere go with Ocho Rios or Negril. Much more of a locals town and not so busy, but then again some like all the touristy stuff or it wouldn't be there and survive

 

[KKB]

Friends who went to Riu Palace Las Americanas Cancun felt there was little to do besides water activities. Research carefully! ( I don't think they did)
Plus AIs tend to be very self-contained and affected little by the crime and problems of the area--as long as you stay on site.
Happy vacation!
Kristin

 

[DIS NURSE]

I am glad someone has brought up the safety issue....call me a worry wart too (actually my mother mostly! )...but you do hear stories...and they are true...of people's children being kidnapped, raped, robberies and they all seem to be in Mexico or more recently the tourist who got butchered to death on a beach in Jamaica.

Really aweful stuff...I know...and certainly there are safer areas than others...but what is the bottom line about these countries (traveling as "rich Americans") is that you have NO rights outside your USA boarders and when bad things happen it is scary!

My mom's words just keep ringing through my head when I told her yesterday morning about our possible plans to do the all inclusive 1 hour south of Cancun....,"someone could kidnap Abby or Will and YOU WOULD NEVER SEE THEM AGAIN!" The thought of that makes me sick to my stomach that we could have possibly set ourselves up for that situation just because, "we wanted to go on vacation".

Yes, I know there are people who think this is an over reaction...but TAKING SMALL CHILDREN TO THESE PLACES IS A WHOLE LOT DIFFERENT THAN JUST GOING AS A COUPLE OR AN ADULT GROUP! The MOST worrisome thing about if we went is that my husband and I WOULD want some time to ourselves and with all the built in "kids' clubs".....I would worry myself sick about leaving them somewhere on the area/beach out of our site! Is it worth it?

 

[chrisn]

**** happens everywhere! Haven't you read the stories about the rapes, kidnappings, disappearances etc aboard cruise ships? Kids getting kidnapped out of their own bedrooms then raped and brutally murdered here in our own back yards? You know what?, I'm an overprotective mom and a worrywort too. Their is no way to protect your kids from some of life's unfortunate circumstances. My kids are my life and I want them to live life. Experience new things and different cultures. Safety rules apply everywhere. We're not immune because we live in America. I take safety seriously. My kids DD-17 and DS-7 don't leave my sight when we're on vacation. When we take a family vacation, it's just that. A family vacation. I want my kids to be with us. I can be alone with DH at home in bed and if I wanted to be just with him then I wouldn't take my kids with us but DD is almost grown now and soon these special times we share will be pretty memories and I'm thrilled to have them. My best advice is to always have three things with you. Travel Insurance, your best judgement and an open mind.

 

[the kabuki]

Yep, with little ones the good ole' USA looks better and better.

Oh, and what about medical facilities down there. God forbid something should happen, what kind of hospitals, doctors, etc are there?

I think I'm catastrophizing ( http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=791240&page=1&pp=15)

 

[marycaym]

We have done both of the options you are suggesting - 2, 7 day disney cruises & 2, all inclusives, 1 in mexico - occidental resort and a trip to beaches resort. My kids are 6 & 8.

I think it depends on what you are looking for, disney is more of a trip -there is more today and things to see, all inclusive is more of a vacation - laying on the beach, swimming, etc. I have enjoyed both, personally if it were more, I would probably choose the disney cruise, my past disney cruises have always been alot more expensive than our all inclusives (4,000 for mexico w/air from philly vs. almost 6,000 for disney cruise). You might also want to consider a Royal Carribean cruise, I have heard that the teens and tweens LOVE them.

Either way whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[the kabuki]

We have done both of the options you are suggesting - 2, 7 day disney cruises & 2, all inclusives, 1 in mexico - occidental resort and a trip to beaches resort. My kids are 6 & 8.

I think it depends on what you are looking for, disney is more of a trip -there is more today and things to see, all inclusive is more of a vacation - laying on the beach, swimming, etc. I have enjoyed both, personally if it were more, I would probably choose the disney cruise, my past disney cruises have always been alot more expensive than our all inclusives (4,000 for mexico w/air from philly vs. almost 6,000 for disney cruise). You might also want to consider a Royal Carribean cruise, I have heard that the teens and tweens LOVE them.

Either way whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful time!

What beaches resort did you stay at?

 

[madisonsmom]

I am glad someone has brought up the safety issue....call me a worry wart too (actually my mother mostly! )...but you do hear stories...and they are true...of people's children being kidnapped, raped, robberies and they all seem to be in Mexico or more recently the tourist who got butchered to death on a beach in Jamaica.

Really aweful stuff...I know...and certainly there are safer areas than others...but what is the bottom line about these countries (traveling as "rich Americans") is that you have NO rights outside your USA boarders and when bad things happen it is scary!

My mom's words just keep ringing through my head when I told her yesterday morning about our possible plans to do the all inclusive 1 hour south of Cancun....,"someone could kidnap Abby or Will and YOU WOULD NEVER SEE THEM AGAIN!" The thought of that makes me sick to my stomach that we could have possibly set ourselves up for that situation just because, "we wanted to go on vacation".

Yes, I know there are people who think this is an over reaction...but TAKING SMALL CHILDREN TO THESE PLACES IS A WHOLE LOT DIFFERENT THAN JUST GOING AS A COUPLE OR AN ADULT GROUP! The MOST worrisome thing about if we went is that my husband and I WOULD want some time to ourselves and with all the built in "kids' clubs".....I would worry myself sick about leaving them somewhere on the area/beach out of our site! Is it worth it?

Several years ago when I was on vacation in Orlando our hotel was turned upside down and I was woken up at 8am by the police looking for a young 6 or 7 year old girl that had been missing for an hour or two. They never did find her and I have family that lives in Orlando, she still to this day has not turned up...bet those people were hoping for a nice "Disney" vacation but they didn't get what they came for... I was at WDW this past February(2005) and a teen girl turned up murdered behind her hotel in Kissimmee, not the "Disney" trip her parents were planning for either....it can happen ANYWHERE, even at the "happiest place on earth"! There is someone on the local news almost nightly that is murdered or raped. You have to be smart when you are travelling to the best of your ability. You have to research where you are going and plan ahead, as they say in the Scouts..be prepared!

 

[DIS NURSE]

I fully agree with being prepared...and I WOULD research these a la Mexican resorts...because your are 100% right...bad things CAN happen....even in our good ol' USA! Believe me, I am not immune to that being in the neonatal/pediatric nursing career that I am.

No one can convince me though, that an out of country vacation to say, Jamaica or Mexico, is NOT INCREASING THE ODDS that if, GOD FORBIB, something were to occur.....the circumstances would be as user friendly as being on US SOIL!


....DON'T GET ME WRONG....we will probably one day take the kids outside the US to Mexico or beyond....but it doesn't mean that in the back of my mind I won't be worried and cautious...or "prepared".

 

[the kabuki]

That's what I meant by going to Mexico or Jamaica or somwhere like that. Just increasing the odds of something happening, & the response if something does.

 

[232271]

there was show that listed the 10 most dangerous places to visit as an American tourist and Jamacia was on the list. IT was very high up. We visited there 14 years ago and it was scary then. BUT if you do not venture off the AI property and the locals cannot venture on , you should be fine.

here is a website with pointers on staying safe and what to look for when you travel

http://www.comebackalive.com/df/tourists/dp4trist.htm