Cruise vs. All-Inclusive Resort: What’s the Difference?

Over the years, we’ve enjoyed vacations at all-inclusive resorts and countless cruises, and we’ve come to appreciate what each has to offer. Each type of getaway offers its distinct appeal and advantages. In this article, we’ll explore the differences and similarities between cruises and all-inclusive resorts, helping you decide which vacation style suits you best.

What are Cruises?

Cruising involves traveling on a large ship to various destinations. You’ll have the chance to explore each port for a day or two before sailing to the next location. Generally, cruises include meals, entertainment, and basic beverages; however, be aware of potential additional costs for specialty dining, excursions, and premium drinks.

What are All-inclusive Resorts?

All-inclusive resorts, on the other hand, are typically situated in tropical destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean. Here, your stay includes the resort’s meals, drinks, and entertainment, offering a more relaxed experience. However, excursions or spa treatments may incur additional charges.

Cruise vs. All-Inclusive Resort: Key Differences

Pricing Insights

Cruises

Cruise prices can vary, but I’ve found that, in general, they tend to be more budget-friendly than all-inclusive resorts as long as I’m not looking to live the suite life. The cost can depend on several factors, like the cruise line, the type of cabin you choose, the time of year, and the type of traveler you are.

From my experience, you can snag some amazing deals on interior cabins and enjoy any cruise’s standard amenities. Remember that items such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, drinks (excluding regular coffee, tea, and juice), spa treatments, and specialty classes typically incur additional charges. It’s worth considering these additional costs when budgeting for your cruise, as many of these perks are already included at all-inclusive resorts.

Additionally, some cruise lines, like Virgin Voyages, offer almost an all-inclusive options that provide great deals on their pricing.

Read more: How Does Virgin Voyages Stand Out

All-Inclusive Resorts

All-inclusive resorts offer a wide range of pricing options, varying by destination and amenities available. Typically, the more luxurious the resort, the higher the price. Most standard features, including meals, drinks, and certain activities, are included; however, premium amenities such as spa services, excursions, and Wi-Fi may incur an additional fee.

Transportation Options

Cruises

Cruise ports are located worldwide, and if you’re lucky, you might live near one, making it super easy to plan your cruise and save some money on travel in more ways than one. But you may need a flight to reach your cruise departure point if you’re not near a port city.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Most all-inclusive resorts are found in popular destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, so you’ll likely need to fly to your resort. This can increase your overall travel costs. Plus, the few all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. tend to be quite pricey, so that’s something to keep in mind.

Accommodation Choices

Cruises

Cruise ships offer a variety of accommodations to suit different types of travelers, ranging from interior cabins without windows to luxurious suites complete with balconies and butler service. While the standard layout of cruise cabins can feel cramped, they’re designed with comfort in mind. We prefer cabins with balconies for that added enjoyment, even if they come at a higher price.

All-Inclusive Resorts

All-inclusive resorts offer accommodations from standard hotel rooms to spacious villas or bungalows. Typically, resort rooms are larger than cruise ship cabins, giving you more relaxing space. Your choice will ultimately depend on the level of comfort and amenities you’re looking for.

Setting and Atmosphere: Land vs. Sea

Cruises

One of the main differences between cruising and all-inclusive resorts is that cruises take place on the water. A cruise is like a floating resort; being out at sea is therapeutic. The endless blue water creates a calming yet exhilarating atmosphere, offering a unique experience that can’t be found on land. Sea days can be a highlight for many cruisers, allowing time to unwind and enjoy the ship’s amenities. However, cruising may not be the best option if you’re prone to motion sickness.

All-inclusive Resorts

On the other hand, all-inclusive resorts are mostly found on land in stunning tropical locations. Unlike cruising, where you’re constantly on the move, all-inclusive resorts offer a stationary experience. If the thought of being on the water isn’t appealing, an all-inclusive resort might be a better fit. You can soak up the sun, relax by the pool, and explore the local area without the ocean’s sway. The atmosphere is generally more laid-back, focusing on relaxation and leisure.

Dining Comparisons

Cruises

The dining experience is a major highlight of any cruise. There’s always an abundance of choices, ensuring you’ll never go hungry. Cruises are renowned for their extensive buffets, and you also have the option to dine in the main dining room or order room service. The main dining room typically offers set times for breakfast and dinner, occasionally featuring special lunch options. Cruises also have specialty restaurants; these come at an extra cost but usually offer a dining experience that’s well worth the expense.

All-Inclusive Resorts

All-inclusive resorts offer a wide variety of dining options. Typically, you’ll find a buffet and several restaurants; however, reservations may be required for some. The variety of food available can vary significantly depending on the specific resort. For example, during our stay at Hilton La Romana, I found the daytime options somewhat limited—sandwiches, pizza, and burgers didn’t offer much variety. However, booking a premium room gave us access to additional restaurants for lunch. Conversely, a resort we visited in Costa Rica offered a fantastic selection of lunch options, which enhanced our overall experience.

Drinks and Alcohol Offerings

Cruises

On most mainstream cruise lines, your fare doesn’t automatically include specialty coffee, drinks, and alcohol, so you must consider this when planning your budget. Most offer drink packages that might be worth considering if you enjoy a cocktail or two. These packages can be great if you consume more than a few drinks daily, but it’s smart to do the math first. There’s usually a good selection of bars on board, serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

All-inclusive Resort

On the flip side, all-inclusive resorts typically include alcoholic drinks as part of your stay. You can savor everything from sunny poolside cocktails to wines without fretting over the tab. Remember, though, that premium alcoholic beverages might be available for an additional charge. Including vacation cocktails in the rate is one of the standout perks that truly enhances the all-inclusive experience.

Activity Highlights

Cruises

There’s never a dull moment on a cruise unless doing nothing is what you want to do. With so many activities offered, you might find it tough to decide what to do next. Every ship comes decked out with pools and hot tubs, plus there may be various fun options like shows, dance classes, basketball, rock climbing, waterslides, ice skating rinks, and even carousels, depending on the ship’s size and the cruise line.

All-Inclusive Resorts

All-inclusive resorts are activity havens, too. Similar to cruises, they typically feature pools as a standard amenity. Beyond that, you can engage in water sports like snorkeling and paddleboarding, join fitness activities like Zumba classes, or enjoy the fun at the resort’s waterpark (if they have one).

And for those moments when parents need a little break, all-inclusive resorts offer kids’ clubs that are just as engaging as those found on cruises, giving parents some well-deserved adult time.

Itinerary Options

Cruises

One of the key attractions of cruising is the varied itineraries. On a cruise, you’re constantly on the move, visiting various port destinations. Each cruise itinerary details the ship’s arrival and departure from each port, allowing you to plan your adventures ashore. The excitement of exploring different places each day and returning to the comfort of your cruise ship at night is a unique aspect of cruise vacations.

Sometimes, you might even have the chance to spend a day on one of the cruise line’s private islands—an exclusive experience not available with land-based vacations. Additionally, cruisers can opt for day passes to local resorts in some ports, blending the best of both cruising and resort stays.

Entertainment Features

Cruises

Cruises are renowned for their vibrant entertainment options. Onboard, you can enjoy various shows, including Broadway-style productions known to rival those on land—Norwegian Cruise Line, for instance, hosts actual Broadway shows. Additionally, there are movie nights, trivia contests, game nights, and dance parties. The variety ensures there’s always something happening to keep everyone entertained.

All-Inclusive Resorts

While all-inclusive resorts have fun moments with dance parties, trivia nights, and live bands, they just don’t quite hit the same excitement you find on cruises. Some of these resorts add an extra touch with casinos and nightclubs for evening entertainment. But from what I’ve seen, the overall entertainment scene at resorts doesn’t quite stack up to the diverse and lively shows and activities you get on a cruise ship.

Staffing and Service

Cruises

One of the standout features of cruise vacations is the exceptional staff. The ratio of staff to guests on cruise ships is impressively high, ensuring that every guest feels thoroughly taken care of. Each cabin is assigned a steward who looks after you throughout your stay, often going above and beyond to attend to every little detail.

You’re guaranteed to feel well cared for on your cruise. The crew is skilled, super friendly, and always ready to assist with a smile.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Staffing at all-inclusive resorts can vary quite a bit, depending on factors like the season and the local economic conditions. Sometimes, there might not be enough staff to meet everyone’s needs adequately. From my travels, I’ve noticed that cruise ships generally seem to have more staff per guest compared to all-inclusive resorts, which can make a big difference in the level of service.

Despite this, the staff at most resorts are typically very friendly and do their best to accommodate guests, ensuring a pleasant stay.

Your Cruise & Resort Questions, Answered

Cruises may be cheaper than hotels because they include almost everything in one price

Cruises often provide more value than hotels when you consider what’s included. Most fares cover accommodation, meals, and entertainment, making them surprisingly affordable compared to hotel stays, where food and activities usually cost extra.