Planning Your Cruise Vacation - #1: Decide You Actually Want to Go On a Cruise (vs. An All-Inclusive Resort, or Something Else)

Carnival Dream

Now, now, I know what you're thinking - 'I wouldn't be reading this blog post if I wasn't seriously considering taking a cruise.' But think about it - are you really sold on taking a cruise? What about visiting an 'all-inclusive' resort? What about just going to a country and 'winging it'?

Before I start talking about cruises and resorts, I want to (briefly) discuss the whole 'winging it' option. This requires a whole lot of tolerance for the unknown, and a great sense of adventure. You're completely on your own in a foreign nation. You're finding your own meals, and making your own plans. You can completely immerse yourself in the culture of the place you're visiting. On a cruise, you're only getting superficial 'slice of life' based on the excursions your choose while in port (and you change ports frequently - mostly getting 'day trips' as opposed to spending real time in a location). Most resorts do offer excursions, but their main attraction (in my opinion) is the resort itself.

My thoughts are going to (primarily) center on the differences between taking a cruise and visiting a resort - so let's get started:

(Also, as a side note - all of my cruises have been through Carnival. If anyone has info to add from other cruise lines, or resorts - let's hear them!)

1. When you think about it, a cruise ship *IS* an all-inclusive resort...to a certain extent. Certain things are not included in the cost of your cruise. Generally, if you want liquor or soda (on most cruises) you'll pay extra for those. (Beverages like iced tea, coffee, water, hot chocolate, hot tea, lemonade and milk are always available, and are a part of your meal package. Juices are available during breakfast - afterwards, they're available at additional cost.) There are plenty of dining options available on all cruise ships - some of which have an 'upcharge'. Example: Carnival has a few specialty restaurants available on their ships (some ships have more of these than others) - specialty restaurants like the Steakhouse, or JiJi's Asian Kitchen or Cucina del Capitano - and others. The 'upcharge' for the Steakhouse is $35 per person, and for JiJi's or Cucina, the upcharge was $15 per person. (There are other restaurants in the Carnival fleet - these are just the ones I have experience with. To see more dining options available on Carnival, click here.)

Generally, in an all-inclusive resort, all your meals (and I mean ALL) your meals, are covered in the cost of your stay. The same with liquor, soda and juice. (The only problem with that, is with the cost of the resort, you may be paying to cover someone's excessive alcohol consumption - whereas, with a cruise, you cover only what you drink.)

2. Do you like to gamble? Take a cruise. Most resorts don't have casinos - most cruise ships have casinos on board.

3. Do you like visiting a variety of places on your vacation? Take a cruise. Sure, you can explore the area surrounding the resort, but on a cruise, you're guaranteed a new experience in each port of call.

4. Do you want to go somewhere and STAY THERE until you leave? Go to a resort. Sure, you can argue that you're making the choice to get off the ship while in port - but one of the attractions of a resort is to get to the place and stay there, relaxing all the way. No time tables to worry about at a resort, either (you have to be mindful of the time while on a cruise, lest you get left behind in port).

5. Do you want as much beach time as possible? Go to a resort. I mean, usually, at a resort - that's one of the main attractions: beach time any time you want it. While on a cruise, you have to be in port, and that port has to have a beach...plus, not to get too snotty, but if you're at a resort, you're probably on a private beach. Depending on what arrangements have been made, if you go on a beach excursion with your cruise line, you might end up at a public beach, complete with locals hawking their wares (and harassing you until you buy something).


Still confused and unsure about which to pick? Talk to some friends and ask about their experiences at resorts and cruise vacations. You can also talk to a Travel Agent or Vacation Planner - they can give you excellent information that can help you in your decision making process.

Or, you can ask me. Leave a reply on this message, or use the contact form.