Should I choose a Caribbean cruise or an All inclusive Resort?

When planning your next vacation, two popular options often emerge: Caribbean cruises and all-inclusive resorts. Both provide unique experiences filled with relaxation and adventure. But which one is right for you? Let’s explore a detailed comparison of these fantastic options across several categories: food, activities, nightlife, accommodations, adventure, and relaxation.

Food

Princess cruises Main dining

If you love a rich selection of delicious meals, cruising might have the edge. Most cruise ships feature several dining venues open around the clock. You'll find options ranging from gourmet meals crafted by notable chefs to decadent desserts that are artwork on a plate. For instance, the Carnival Cruise Line offers over 20 dining options, including free 24-hour pizza and exquisite steakhouse meals for a reasonable extra cost.

While five-star resorts may offer fantastic dining options—like beachfront seafood shacks and fine dining with stunning views—they often do not provide the same level of day-to-day variety as a cruise. That said, resorts like Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica deliver exceptional culinary experiences that could rival cruise dining, especially with their specialty restaurants.

In conclusion, if a diverse culinary adventure is your goal, a cruise may reign supreme, but high-end resorts have impressive offerings to savor as well!

Activities

River rafting in Costa Rica

In terms of activities, cruises excel. A Caribbean cruise often includes ports of call that change daily, providing varied excursion options. For example, you can snorkel in Cozumel's clear waters, zip-line through the jungles of Costa Rica, or explore the ancient ruins of Tulum in Mexico.

While many all-inclusive resorts also provide excursions—like exploring cenotes in Playa del Carmen or visiting reggae bars in Jamaica—some visitors may still find themselves longing for more options after a few days. For example, at a resort like the Grand Bahia Principe in Punta Cana, you might love the activities but could Kayaking in the Bahamas feel limited by the options after a while.

If you thrive on constantly changing scenery and activities, a cruise may be your best bet!

Nightlife and Entertainment

When the sun sets, the fun doesn't stop! Cruises win hands down in this category, offering a myriad of entertainment options. Picture Broadway-style productions, live music at various bars, and vibrant nightclubs where guests dance the night away. For instance, Royal Caribbean’s ships feature full theatrical productions and live bands that perform nightly.

On the other hand, many all-inclusive resorts tend to have a more relaxed nightlife vibe. While some resorts, like the Rui Santa Fe during spring break, can be lively, you might find entertainment options more limited overall compared to what you’d experience on a cruise.

With unlimited shows and events, cruises provide an immersive entertainment experience that sets the bar high.

Accommodations

Now, let's discuss where you'll be resting each night. Unless you choose a suite on a cruise, all-inclusive resorts generally provide larger accommodations with better views. Most resort rooms are often just steps from the beach, allowing you easy access to those gorgeous shorelines.

On a cruise, standard interior cabins can feel cramped. The average cabin size on cruise ships is typically around 150 square feet. While cruise ship cabins can be cozy and comfortable, they often do not match the spacious layouts found in resorts. If roominess and ocean views are priorities for your stay, the all-inclusive resort may suit you better.

Adventure

For adventure enthusiasts, cruises are hard to beat. The itineraries encourage passengers to explore new places, each offering exciting excursions. You can try tubing through hidden caves in Belize or diving in Cozumel's colorful coral reefs.

While resorts offer select activities as well—such as zip-lining or horseback riding—the options can be more localized. If you choose a resort in Mexico, for example, you may find great backyard activities, but a cruise often presents broader opportunities across several destinations.

Being a huge diver, I love the idea of getting to experience different dive locations and sample each one. Typically you can get a two tank boat dive at each destination and still have some time at port left over. You can also experience more expensive destinations for cheaper since you will only be there one day.

For those who crave adventure, cruises typically have the upper hand.

Relaxation

After a day full of excitement, it’s essential to unwind. In this area, all-inclusive resorts can take the win! With their serene beaches, couples’ spas, and peaceful ambiance, these resorts are a haven for those looking to relax.

Beach in Bonaire

Picture yourself lounging beside a tranquil pool with a cool drink or indulging in a relaxing massage with a view of the sea. While cruises do offer pools and spas, the busy schedules and abundance of activities often create a faster pace that may not facilitate relaxation as effectively.

Cost

When it comes to vacation budgeting, all-inclusive resorts often offer better value compared to cruises. While cruises may seem affordable at first glance, additional costs quickly add up—especially when it comes to alcohol. Unlike resorts, where unlimited drinks are typically included, cruise passengers often pay premium prices for cocktails, wine, and beer, or must purchase expensive drink packages to keep costs predictable.

Another advantage of resorts is the last-minute deals that frequently pop up, allowing travelers to snag incredible discounts as departure dates approach. Families also benefit from all-inclusive pricing, as kids often stay for free or at significantly reduced rates, making resorts a more budget-friendly option for those traveling with children.

While cruises offer the excitement of multiple destinations, resorts provide a stress-free, all-in-one experience with fewer surprise expenses—making them the smarter financial choice for many travelers.

Ease of Planning

When it comes to vacation planning, simplicity is key—and that’s where all-inclusive resorts often have the edge over cruises. While both options offer a seamless getaway, the ease of booking and logistics can make a big difference in your overall experience.

One of the biggest advantages of an all-inclusive resort is the ability to book everything in one package—flights, transfers, accommodations, meals, and entertainment—all bundled together. This means no extra research, no worrying about transportation, and no hidden costs. Resorts often partner with airlines and travel agencies to offer discounted package deals, making it easy to find a great price without the stress of piecing together separate bookings.

Planning a cruise requires more thought and coordination. While cruise lines do offer packages that include flights and transfers, these tend to be more expensive than booking flights separately. Many savvy travelers opt to book their own airfare and transfers to save money, but this requires extra effort and careful timing.

One major consideration is disembarkation logistics. Unlike resorts, where you simply check out and head to the airport, cruises require time to unload, clear customs, and travel to the airport. Depending on the final port, you may need to stay an extra night to ensure a smooth departure.

There usually is more thought put into which excursions you would like to do at each port. Unlike an all-inclusive resort, where activities are conveniently available on-site, cruises require more careful planning when it comes to choosing excursions at each port. With limited time at each destination, passengers must decide whether they want adventure-filled tours, cultural experiences, or relaxation by the beach.

Another factor to consider is timing—passengers need to be mindful of how long each tour lasts to ensure they make it back to the ship before departure. These added layers of decision-making make excursions one of the most thought-out aspects of a cruise experience, compared to the ease of waking up at a resort and choosing activities on the fly.

Your Ideal Vacation Choice

In choosing between Caribbean cruises and all-inclusive resorts, the best option truly depends on what you want from your vacation.

If you're a foodie who enjoys diverse choices, packed itineraries with constant activities, and vibrant entertainment, a cruise might be perfect for you. However, if you value spacious rooms, direct beach access, and a focus on relaxation, an all-inclusive resort could be a better fit.

For my husband and I we have preferred cruising because of the unique destinations we have been able to visit that may otherwise have been out of our budgets. Some of our favourites in the Caribbean have been Roatan, Dominica, Bonaire and the Bahamas. Some of our favourite resorts have been in Tulum, Mexico and Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

Both vacation styles possess their unique charms and can create unforgettable memories amid the Caribbean's beauty. Whichever you choose, you're sure to enjoy an experience filled with sun, fun, and new adventures!

Start planning your travel today!