Caribbean Cruises Versus All-Inclusive Resorts
January 6, 2010 by
Filed under all inclusive retreats
If you want to travel to the Caribbean, you will soon learn that you have many travel options. Two popular choices among travelers just like you include Caribbean cruises and Caribbean all-inclusive resorts. Which is your best choice? How should you vacation? Continue reading on for the pros and cons of each.
The Ability to Move Around Freely
Although cruise ships do port and allow guests to explore the area, you are limited in time. Cruise ships are on tight schedules. You may have a few hours or an afternoon at most to explore. You will spend most of your trip aboard the ship. This is okay, but not if you consider yourself to be an on-the-go person. All-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are designed so that you never need to leave. There is so much to do and see right onsite. However, you can leave and explore local attractions if you wish. You can do so when you want and go where you want. Want to eat at an offsite restaurant or visit a local museum? Go right ahead and do it!
The Crowds
It is no secret that both Caribbean cruises and all-inclusive resorts are popular. For that reason, regardless of where you go, you will find crowds. However, the key is to avoid them in large numbers. With cruise ships you are confined. Although the area in which you confided to is large, it may still be too much for you to get the utmost level of privacy. At an all-inclusive resort, if there are too many people at the pool, you can opt for a walk along the beach instead. Of course, you can also retreat back to your room too, but on cruise ships your room is much smaller in size. In fact, it is actually referred to as a cabin. If planning a romantic getaway or honeymoon, you may want to avoid large, clustered crowds.
The Costs
For the most part, you will find that Caribbean all-inclusive resorts and cruises are comparable in costs. They are very similar. If on a budget, you could opt for either and still walk away with extra money. The key is to focus on extra costs. How much of that extra money will you need to spend? Not all cruises are all-inclusive. This means you may need to pay to eat, drink, and snack. Some forms of on deck entertainment may cost extra too. With all-inclusive resorts, there is a long list of inclusions. When something is labeled as an inclusion it means it does not cost extra. Although inclusions vary from resort to resort, you can find a lot to do onsite without paying extra.
Who Is Allowed
All-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are classified based on guest allowances. For example, there are family resorts or resorts where guests of all ages are welcomed. You will also find singles, couples, and adult only resorts. The same is true for cruises too. Some cruises are known as family cruises and others, known as adult cruises, prohibit children from being onboard. It is a lot easier to plan a special all-inclusive Caribbean vacation. Resorts, regardless of the classification, are always there. On the other hand, your cruise options are limited.
The Spread of Illness
Although Caribbean cruises are safe to take, it is common to hear reports of illness spreading. Why does it seem to spread so easy? You are in close corridors. While cruise ships are large, you regularly come into contact with others and their germs. All-inclusive resorts have the same risks, but they are much less. Also, with cruise ships, you must consider your ability to withstand motion sickness. Those prone to it usually find the best luck vacationing on land. Don’t let your fear of getting sick hold you back, but consider how it may impact your trip.
As you can see, Caribbean cruises and all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are pretty comparable. Both have their pros and cons. Which choice you should make? If you like sailing on the open waters, opt for a cruise. If you like the thought of having the world at your fingertips, stay at a resort. If you decide on an all-inclusive vacation, visit Breezes.com to make your travel plans.