If you had to choose one, would you do an all-inclusive or a cruise?

[emer95]

I am surprising my husband with a trip for our 15th anniversary this August. I can't be flexible with the dates because of child care issues, so August it is. I sat with a travel agent yesterday and she showed me brochures about all-inclusives such as Sandals and Breezes. I nixed Sandals because of the cost. We're only going for 4 nights and it was $2500. I thought that was really high. Breezes Bahama was $1900 for everything. A Celebrity cruise was $800 (this is without airfare- I had to leave before she had a chance to figure that out, but it's only Buffalo to Orlando so it won't be too expensive). But I know there are additional costs with a cruise, such as drinks and excursions.

We've cruised before but never done the all-inclusive. Is there anyone who has done both who can give a little advice?
Thanks so much!

 

[Ohiodislover]

I've never cruised, but I can tell you I LOVE all-inclusives. You get to the resort...no muss no fuss. Some $1s for tips and you are good to go.

Just be sure to pick a place w/ dining options, and not all buffets

 

[chisnpeke]

I love cruises. I've never done all-inclusive.

I think if you drink alcohol an all-inclusive might be a better option as drinks can add up quickly on a cruise.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I would pick an all-inclusive, because I like to relax on vacation. No special time for dinner, breakfast. No special time to get off the ship etc. Just bask in the sun with a tropical drink or better yet at the swim up pool bar.

DH and I love Sandals. We have been to at least 8 different ones. But I agree they are pricing themselves out of the competition. There are 2 new Secrets resorts opening in Montego Bay in March. They look awesome. DH and I are seriously considering one of them for our upcoming anniversary trip and foregoing Sandals.

Make sure you check reviews on Tripadvisor before booking anything. The brochure pictures can be very deceiving.

 

[Pakey]

I've done a few cruises and my husband and I are really not fans. Plus I think a Carnival cruise in August would be very unromantic.

I'd go all inclusive.

 

[Meriweather]

I have never done an all inclusive.
But, I LOVE cruises!! I would always choose that.

 

[Angelhalo]

Cruise.

All the way, hands down without a single doubt.

We get bored at all inclusives. TONS to do on cruises!

 

[quentina]

100% Cruise! Depending on where you live, you may be able to drive to a port within a reasonable amount of time.

 

[Tina]

Having just done my first cruise, I would say All Inclusive. I liked the idea of cruising, but we were on a crappy Carnival ship. Never again.

 

[golfgal]

In August I would do a cruise mainly because of the threat of hurricanes. A cruise ship can steer around and change their itinerary where a piece of land cannot. I agree that there is probably a LOT more to do on a cruise than and all-inclusive-with the possible exception of Cancun. Some of the island all-inclusives you really don't want to leave the resort as the towns around them are not safe. You should also price out a resort but not the all-inclusive pricing. Unless you are big drinkers or eaters often the all-inclusive is much more expensive than paying for your meals as you go--but it is sure a heck of a lot easier to show a wristband then it is to fill out the bill charges, etc.

No matter where you go, get trip insurance for that time of the year.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Cruise.

 

[MinnieMe87]

Cruise.

All the way, hands down without a single doubt.

We get bored at all inclusives. TONS to do on cruises!

 

[dislaney]

I would prefer cruising but I have never cruised that line.

 

[crz4mm2]

I love cruises. I've never done all-inclusive.

I think if you drink alcohol an all-inclusive might be a better option as drinks can add up quickly on a cruise.

Agree completely.

 

[bicker]

We're kind of cruised-out, quite frankly, but I think even if we weren't I'd still aim for an all-inclusive. While hurricanes can wreak havoc regardless, I personally would rather be based on land to start, during hurricane season.

For me, the only reason to go on a cruise is for the novelty of visiting different ports, and doing something special in each port that is somewhat unique to that port. If you're just going to have fun and relax, why bother with the lesser square footage and the artifacts of an earlier age of cruising that Celebrity still engages in? Such seems like a waste to me.

 

[chisnpeke]

Having just done my first cruise, I would say All Inclusive. I liked the idea of cruising, but we were on a crappy Carnival ship. Never again.

That's why you pick a company that keeps their ships in good shape.

 

[chisnpeke]

We're kind of cruised-out, quite frankly, but I think even if we weren't I'd still aim for an all-inclusive. While hurricanes can wreak havoc regardless, I personally would rather be based on land to start, during hurricane season.

For me, the only reason to go on a cruise is for the novelty of visiting different ports, and doing something special in each port that is somewhat unique to that port. If you're just going to have fun and relax, why bother with the lesser square footage and the artifacts of an earlier age of cruising that Celebrity still engages in? Such seems like a waste to me.

What do you mean an earlier age of cruising? I'm kind of confused? Do they do things that they did a long time ago on ocean crossings? Or are you talking about set dinner times, etc. I've never been on Celebrity but have been on their sister line RCCL, so I am honestly interested.

 

[powellrj]

Having done both, I would pick the all-inclusive. I love all-inclusive because they let you eat when you want to and do what you want. Its much more flexible than a cruise.

 

[emer95]

I really appreciate all of the advice- thanks!
I was mistaken when I said Celebrity- it's actually Royal Caribbean. I priced out flights myself on Southwest and it came to under $500, so the cruise would be around $1300. The ports are Coco Cay and Nassau.

 

[bicker]

What do you mean an earlier age of cruising? I'm kind of confused? Do they do things that they did a long time ago on ocean crossings?

Yeah, not that much earlier.