Cruises or All-Inclusive Resorts: Which Vacation Option is Right for You?

These easy-to-plan vacation options have many similarities – here’s how to decide which one is right for you.

While many people plan vacations for relaxation, the planning process can often become quite stressful, particularly if you’re organizing a trip with several moving parts. Consequently, many travelers gravitate towards two very easy-to-plan types of vacations: cruises and all-inclusive resorts.

At first glance, it may not seem like a cruise ship and a land-based resort have much in common. However, upon closer examination, you may be surprised to discover that they share more similarities than you might think. To begin with, both options typically include accommodations, meals, and entertainment in their rates. Moreover, if you wish to plan extra activities beyond what’s included, a concierge or guest services representative is available to assist you. Finally, both cruises and all-inclusive resorts cater to a variety of travelers, offering everything from intimate small ships and boutique properties to large mega-ships or expansive resorts replete with activities. Therefore, both types of vacations can accommodate various budgets and preferences.

Why You Should Pick a Cruise

The main differentiation between cruises and all-inclusive resorts lies in the movement of ships as opposed to the stationary nature of resorts. For some travelers, this fluidity is a significant advantage—it allows you to explore a new destination each day aboard a cruise ship. Nevertheless, for those who might find disembarking every day exhausting, there are itineraries designed to include several relaxing days at sea, providing ample time to enjoy the ship’s amenities, whether by lounging by the pool, indulging in spa treatments, or experiencing recreational options like water slides or go-kart tracks.

Cruises may also appeal to travelers who prefer to avoid flying. Many cruise itineraries depart from major U.S. cities, making it convenient if you reside near a cruise port. Furthermore, some cruises do not require passports, based on the itinerary, which is advantageous for those who may not possess one or whose passports have expired.

However, it’s essential to note that only a select number of cruise lines offer all-inclusive experiences. Numerous cruise lines charge extra for amenities such as alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, spa treatments, and shore excursions. Therefore, it’s wise to factor these potential additional costs into your travel budget. Yet, even with these extra expenses, cruising can still represent an affordable vacation option.

Why You Should Pick an All-Inclusive Resort

If you prefer immersing yourself in a single location, an all-inclusive resort may be the more suitable choice. While many all-inclusive properties offer locally inspired programming on-site, there is also the opportunity to venture beyond the resort for deeper exploration of the destination—albeit typically at an additional cost. Alternatively, remaining on the premises allows you to spend sun-soaked days either by the beach or the pool, as most all-inclusive resorts are situated in desirable beach destinations.

Moreover, like cruises, all-inclusive resorts typically offer numerous amenities for guests, including spa services, sports facilities, children’s clubs, and evening entertainment. Notably, these amenities are often spread across larger areas than those of cruise ships, which can help create a less crowded experience.

From a pricing perspective, all-inclusive resorts often cover more ground than cruises; notably, alcoholic beverages are usually included in the overall rate. Therefore, whether you wish to indulge in wine with dinner or savor cocktails at the nightclub, an all-inclusive resort may prove advantageous over a cruise. However, similar to cruises, some activities and services may carry additional charges, particularly for motorized water sports or spa treatments.

Lastly, it’s worth considering that there are more adults-only all-inclusive resorts than there are adults-only cruises. The limited offerings of adults-only cruise lines, such as Virgin Voyages, Viking, and Saga, make all-inclusive resorts a more accessible option for those seeking a romantic getaway without the presence of children.