Disney Cruise or "All Inclusive Resort"?

[marycaym]

kabuki, we stayed at the beaches resort in jamaica.

yes, safety is an issue - however the resorts are guarded and the beaches are private in jamaica & mexico, i felt safe at the resort and other than going to/from the airport we did not leave the resort. especially with children, i don't think i would have felt comfortable going into town on my own.

 

[TheWog]

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!

wasn't it great? It really was a lot of fun and I felt very safe there.

 

[madisonsmom]

wasn't it great? It really was a lot of fun and I felt very safe there.

It is a beautiful resort and we look at our pictures all the time..DH and I were married there, at Ocho Rios. When I told him about this thread and that some people are scared to goto Jamaica because of crime he couldn't believe it. His first reaction was like mine, after having been there several times and obviously having great experiences and several friends we have known to go as well.

As the locals in Jamaica repeatedly told us..."just don't go to Kingston that is where the problems are"...that is where the majority of the crime happens..as it would in any large/capital city. There were many people in the markets that were pushy..but hey, they are trying to make a dollar..and when you look at their homes on the road as you drive in a nice bus to goto your resort, you can understand why. But a nice "no thank you" and they would go onto the next tourist that was lingering around. Most would stand around and talk to you if you intiated conversation and were very kind, even after the "no thank yous". Maybe it was because we were in smaller towns.

Having said that...I think I would wait till my dd(4) was older to take her to Mexico, after having friends that have been there and trusting their judgement about such things(they also travelled to Jamaica with us twice). But I would not hesitate to take my dd now to Jamaica. I think it would be a wonderful vacation.

Anyone that has been to an AI have any of you been to one in Puerto Rico? Have been thinking about going there as well... ....

 

[LissafromSJ]

Having spent a week in Ocho Rios and more recently, an all-inclusive week at Radisson Cable Beach in Nassau, I'd say go Disney if you don't want to play the odds. By that I mean that anything that isn't Disney, in my opinion, is just not guaranteed. With Disney, at least in my two trips there with the family, it is more rare that things go wrong or to have a guest really be unhappy with something. Both the all-inclusives I went to were really nice, but had many things that would cause me not to return. At almost $5,000 for five of us, the Nassau resort was a bit dingy, the food was really hit or miss (and some nights were unedible), and other than a beach, you had to search out things to do. Plus, all inclusive didn't mean good - it just meant it was paid for! We found that having some restaurants closed certain nights, or most water sports dependant on perfect weather, we really just paid a lot to have a beach vacation. Either way, have a wonderful vacation! Melissa

 

[kcashner]

We've done 12 cruises on the Magic, and number 13 is booked. DD has been in the Club, Lab, and Stack. She chose to have her 13th birthday on board so that she could be in the Stack...and has done one other cruise as a teen.

Her opinion of people who think that Disney is just for little kids is that they don't know what they are talking about and have probably never done the cruise. We're going to WDW later this year, and inviting a friend along. Disney changes as the ages change, but you never outgrow it.

I've never done the all-inclusive you're considering, but we love the cruise.

 

[the kabuki]

Having spent a week in Ocho Rios and more recently, an all-inclusive week at Radisson Cable Beach in Nassau, I'd say go Disney if you don't want to play the odds. By that I mean that anything that isn't Disney, in my opinion, is just not guaranteed. With Disney, at least in my two trips there with the family, it is more rare that things go wrong or to have a guest really be unhappy with something. Both the all-inclusives I went to were really nice, but had many things that would cause me not to return. At almost $5,000 for five of us, the Nassau resort was a bit dingy, the food was really hit or miss (and some nights were unedible), and other than a beach, you had to search out things to do. Plus, all inclusive didn't mean good - it just meant it was paid for! We found that having some restaurants closed certain nights, or most water sports dependant on perfect weather, we really just paid a lot to have a beach vacation. Either way, have a wonderful vacation! Melissa

Yep, that "you know it's gonna be good" thing is definetly on disney's side. I'd almost want to go down first without the kids and check it out. Would hate for it to turn out crummy when I had my 3 kids with me. Hmmm...maybe a vacation for DH & I???

 

[Miss Eeyore]

....just because its Disney it is no guarantee to be "good" or "safe". DCL has no more control over crime than does any other cruise line. I would hate for folks going on DCL because they thought they would have no "safety" issues on board DCL. Both the good, the bad, and the ugly can and will happen on DCL just as it happens everywhere. Take this from a loyal DCL cruiser that endured fire aboard the Magic.

 

[missstcroix]

I love this thread ! Iberostar seems to be the resort of choice...but its sold out for Christmas week...anyone out there have a second choice recommendation??? (3 kids Boy-14, Girls 12 and 8)

 

[KayakDaddy]

I'll address the original poster's concern about the children being bored. I would be much more concerned about them being bored at a resort.

My wife and I did several all inclusive resorts before kids, and some quick anniversary trips without kids. We really enjoyed each of these trips and enjoyed the lounging, swimming, reading, and an excursion or two. They were very relaxing and laid back vacations. Perfect for without kids.

In our only DCL experience so far (w/ kids, 7&3), it was wide-open action and fun. With everything going on, there was not much time to relax and read. It was perfect for the kids.

I feel like if we took the kids to an all inclusive, we wouldn't get to lounge and there wouldn't be as much action for them. I think it would be OK for a short trip, but they'd be bored if you stayed a whole week. Another thing to consider is if your kids would like to meet new friends and play with other kids their own age, there don't seem to be very many at the all-inclusives. There will be plenty of people their own age to hang with on the cruise.

 

[libpetersen]

Check out Tripadvisor.com. We have been looking at the Iberostar Tucan South of Cancun. It gets excellent reviews, but I don't personally know anyone who has actually gone there.

I have stayed there. If you are used to high quality food, service and rooms, you will not like it at all. There was a big walk to everywhere. The room floors were tile, and not cleaned well, so you are constantly walking on dirt. The focus appeared to be on drinking. Most of the food was not even edible, except the upscale steak place was on par with an average place. The entertainment was embarrassing. You are literally trapped there, because you cannot walk anywhere else to eat. The clientele is mostly European.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

We've only done one Sandals vacation years ago in Jamacia. It was relaxing but the food and drink was like Old Country Buffet every day. Edible but not what says "vacation" to me.

If you are worried about safety, other opinions won't do a darn thing to ease the fears. There is only so much you can do to control your emotions and a vacation shouldn't be an emotional struggle.

 

[mmouse37]

A few people have recently told me about an all exclusive company called EXCELLENCE.....it is only for 18 and older so not an option for the OP but I just wanted to post the website in case someone wanted to check it out

We are looking at it for a vacation next summer....

http://www.excellence-resorts.com/

We are looking at the Riveria Cancun location.....

 

[chipscinderelly]

We've done DCL and many all inclusives and I wanted to give you some background on us before I provide suggestions:

*We're in our 30s and pregnant with our 1st so no kids yet
*My Brother in Law is Jamaican (born and raised)
*As a child from age 7 - college my parents were able to take us several times to different all inclusive resort in the Islands and because we were lucky I have fabulous memories and have seen many wonderful islands and learned their history - Thanks Mom and Dad

Jamaica can be dangerous yes, but so can NYC or Chicago... would you take your kids there? One of Jamaica's #1 businesses is TOURISM - do they want to hurt their business? no, they want you to "come back to Jamaica". Kingston can be very dangerous (think NYC on the wrong block) - but that's not where the resorts are so I would not worry as much. Resorts throughout the islands have security - at least the big names do - and do just about anything to protect their clients. TripAdvisor is full of nasty comments about any resort for some reason. Read with a grain of salt is my advice.

I'd recommend you consider what type of family vacation you are looking for. When we (my DH and I) do Disney or DCL we do not seem to relax as much or get as much sleep I should say as when we go to an all inclusive.
So what are you looking for - more relaxation, more adventure, drinks included/not included?

A top notch all inclusives for families that we recommend is BEACHES resorts - WOW, I cannot wait to take our baby to a Beaches resort! We've been to the one in Negril Jamaica for dinner (you can stay and play and we were at Sandals) and it's beautiful. A huge plus for us is being able to eat/drink/do whatever we want each day as it's paid for. Beaches also has resorts throughout the islands so you can select the one you like the best. The ones in Jamaica come very highly recommended but we also want to check out their other resorts.

A plus on most of the all inclusives (even when we were growing up) is the age appropriate "kids clubs" where your kids can make friends and hang out and you can enjoy your day as well. We often did the kids clubs during the day but always spent days with mom/dad and each evening we ate together and did the evening activities together.

We've heard amazing things about RCCL cruises and do plan to check them out once our kids are older. They are probably a great suggestion for your family.

We absolutely love DCL and will cruise again in the future (not sure when yet - due to baby we had to cancel Repo this year) and fully recommend them to anyone who asks.

Have a fabulous vacation - what an amazing opportunity!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

The family "did" WDW four years ago (kids were 9 & 7) and spent 10 wonderful days there (Contemporary Resort). Because we went in the off season, lines were short or non-existent and there was never a wait for anything (except the Dumbo ride!)

We are contemplating another "once in a lifetime" vacation thanks to the family coming into some unexpected money. Wife has suggested a Disney cruise (7 day sea, no WDW visit). The kids (who will be 14 & 12 when we go next year) are somewhat cool to the idea, even after reading about activities for teens and 'tweens. Their reason is the "little kid" stigma attached to anything Disney by their respective peer groups.

All four of us agree this next vacation should be somewhere sunny, warm and with tropical beaches. We have the luxury of not having to worry too much about the cost (within reason, of course).That means Hawaii, Carribean, FLorida or a Cruise are all potential winners.

Frankly, I am leaning toward one of the all-inclusive resorts (possibly in Turks & Caicos or Jamaica) instead of a cruise. The costs are about the same as a Disney cruise and virtually everything is provided, including transfers from airport to resort, drinks, meals, tips, etc.... The only difference is the cruise exposes the passengers to more places to go and things to do.

I know most people on these boards love anything Disney, but any add'l commentary would be appreciated regarding pros and cons of crusing vs. an all-inclusive resort.

We all have our own reasons for doing the vacations we do (as just this thread is an example of LOL) but honestly? If it were me? If I were you?
I'd go on the disney cruise- they will enjoy it more than they think at that age. their respective peer groups are probably just jealous. LOL Seriously- Disney is not just about the kids! Around here all the kids are JEALOUS of our eldest (now 14) and they say so. LOL Not one has said that's for little kids- especially a cruise!

With that said- after this cruise we will most likely make our next vacation to an all-inclusive resort, that is kid-friendly, in Jamaica. We've gone before without the kids (and to a resort that didn't allow kids) but we could see it really being fun for the kids. We preferred not to go when the youngest was "too young" (in our opinion- and even with the nanny provided I couldn't see leaving our youngest with someone responsible for her especially near the ocean/etc. But now they are getting older AND we're not so keen on the idea of our kids being so young teens in with the older teens up to age 18.... so we'll probably do that next and see how it goes.
(agree with some others that said there are tons to do in Jamaica- but we also felt they were mostly things that OLDER children would enjoy doing- which would work out well for us say summer of 2009 or 2010. not really things a toddler or kindergartener, that we had at the time, would enjoy as much)

They'll probably have fun no matter what you decide..... so you probably can't lose no matter what you choose- but I say go for the Disney cruise- they'll be surprised how much they enjoy it and you can't go on vacations based on what their peer groups thinks is "cool"- yanno? You have to base it on what you want, how much your family will enjoy it, etc.

 

[tinkerone]

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...s_Caicos-Providenciales_Turks_and_Caicos.html

check this link on beaches reviews, it looks really really cool to me.
Dont let one person not liking it sway you. Not everybody will like it.

We are considering this for next summer as well.

good luck in your decision. I know it is hard to feel like you can beat
a Disney vacation.

wow, i'm going to have to look into that. thanks!