Honeymoon - All-Inclusive Resorts vs. Cruises

[lingpanda01]

Hello All!

I am planning our honeymoon - it will either be a 5 day all-inclusive resort or a 4 day cruise and money is a big factor.

From websites I've read, it feels like people are saying with all the extra costs of a cruise, the two are actually pretty much equal in terms of price. Although it looks like both have lots of additional costs (especially the need to constantly tip for anything and everything).

Can someone go into any tips or detail concerning the cost between the two?

I found 4 day cruises on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, & Norwegian for about $300 pp, with round trip airfare to Florida for about $150 pp. We like to drink - maybe 4-5 drinks a day during vacation. One thing I worry about is having to deal with millions of kids running around everywhere - we'll be doing our cruise/resort on Monday, May 30th - which I think is when all the Florida schools finish. When all is said and done, I figure it should be about $600 pp + extra for excursions.

I also found some random all inclusive deals in Mexico for about $700 pp including airfare from DC. But I'm not so sure about the quality of these resorts.

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[amc80]

I love cruising...but I've heard less than wonderful things about the shorter cruises. They tend to be more of the "party" itineraries and are generally pretty crowded. I think I would go for an all inclusive if I were in your situation. Not to mention that 4-5 drinks per person, per day, for 4 days would be an additional $160ish per person...might as well go to an all inclusive where alcohol is included, and you're more likely to enjoy some ::ahem:: quiet time.

 

[lingpanda01]

Yeah. Perhaps you're right. Only thing I worry about is that I hear a lot of people paying well over $1000 pp for a 5 day all-inclusive. But I'm looking at deals for around $700. I just don't want to end up at a terrible resort. Although I guess even with a crappy resort, we'll still have fun with the unlimited drinks and the beach.

 

[vc10um]

Sandals is still having their huge sale...up to 65% off their resorts...it may be worth it to check out. They have an option where you can include airfare and price it out. My FI and I were talking about going sometime for a long weekend, but we may have nixed that idea since we think an extra trip to Kansas City for wedding planning is going to be necessary. But I would also suggest an all-inclusive. Check cheapcaribbean.com as well. They often have a lot of great deals. And don't forget about travel agents! They are kind of like wedding planners in the sense that there may be a fee, but they often have access to some great deals you can't get on your own.

I'm sure whatever you choose, you and your hubby will have a great time!

 

[wannaBMrsH]

We've done both and I can tell you that it really IS a wash! Expecially when you include the automatic housekeeping tips (those will be charged to your stateroom upon embarkation), alcohol, and excursion charges if you choose to leave the boat when it docks at your destination (and why would you stay on the boat if you traveled all that way?). Most excursions are between $50-90 per person. In addition, you will still have to buy souvenirs and will only have the ships stores to choose from.

I would definitely recommend the all-inclusive vacation as it includes your alcohol consumption and you will already be at your destination if you want to leave and do something off the resort. Also, you will be able to shop around for both excursions and souvenirs instead of having to use the ones the ship has contracts with.

Good luck and Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!

 

[Pushin40]

HI lingpanda01

I have travelled around the carribean extensitvely ,and have been on 3 or 4 cruises. I dabble it travel, and like to consider myself an expert.

I recommend you go for an all inclusive. The end of May is a pretty good time to travel price wise, and if you are on a budget the "cheaper" places that have lots of AI's are Jamaica. Mexico (Cancun or Playa Del Carmen) and Punta Cana, DR. I like to cruise, but I would NEVER want an inside room, and the rooms are TINY. WHen you are at sea there isn't much to do besides drink or go to the casino. Or eat. If you go to a resort at least you are not totally confined. The extra charges for tips and drinks and excursions really do add up.

Definitley check out Cheapcarribean.com to get an idea about prcing, but keep looking around at different websites to find the best package deals. I have heard Sam's Club has some good bargains too, but not from personal experience.

My strategy is to narrow down WHERE first, then start checking prices on different websites including air, then when you find a hotel you like, log onto tripadvisor and read the trip reports to make sure the place isn't a dump. Then I take it a step further and price out room only on the resort's website, then search for my own airfare on travelocity (it compares all airlines).....then I go directly to the airline website and see if air is less or if they offer packages too....

I literally do this all the time,
What dates do you want to go? Let me take a look and see if I can find you any good deals from DC! I love doing this....

 

[Pushin40]

I just did a quick search (travelocity)for air and land packages from DC to The Dominican Republic and there are LOTS of AI places to choose from for about $750 PP. That is leaving Monday 5/30 and retrugning Friday 6/3 (4 nights). This includes air.

FWIW, Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to!

 

[Pushin40]

I jsut did a quick search for air and land packages from DC to The Dominican Republic and there are LOTS of AI places to choose from for about 750 PP. That is leaving Monday 5/30 and retrugning Friday 6/3 (4 nights). This includes air.

And it's about $50 more PP to stay for 5 ngihts.

Plug in your dates and look at Travelocity for packages.

 

[Pushin40]

OK I am on a roll! One last comment:
Looks like Jamaica is (surprisingly) more expensive. Especially Sandals (and not worth it based on my experience with Sandals)
LOTS of AI's in the Cancun area for $600-700 per person, including air for 5 nights (Mon - Sat.)

Good luck and please let me know if I can help!

We LOVE Mexico - that is where we are having our DW in November - in Playa Del Carmen which is an hour south of Cancun.

Have fun looking!

 

[lingpanda01]

Thanks everybody. Especially Pushin40. I guess that settles it then - All-inclusive it is.

And I guess you guys think $700-$800 (including airfare) from DC is doable for a quality All-Inclusive? As long as I go to Mexico or Dominican Republic?

And stay away from the big names - Sandals, Excellence, Couples, etc? Those are way above my budget, right?

One thing I need to make sure is that the resort is adults/couples only. I'm actually the FH. My future wife really, really hates the sound of children playing or crying. haha

So...Dominican Republic or Mexico. I decided to plan to go from Tuesday, May 31st for 5 days. Need Monday to return tux and tie up loose-ends since the wedding is on Sunday.

Thanks again! I might contact a travel agent, too. Just to see what they can do with what I give them.

 

[Pushin40]

Thanks everybody. Especially Pushin40. I guess that settles it then - All-inclusive it is.

And I guess you guys think $700-$800 (including airfare) from DC is doable for a quality All-Inclusive? As long as I go to Mexico or Dominican Republic?

And stay away from the big names - Sandals, Excellence, Couples, etc? Those are way above my budget, right?

One thing I need to make sure is that the resort is adults/couples only. I'm actually the FH. My future wife really, really hates the sound of children playing or crying. haha

So...Dominican Republic or Mexico. I decided to plan to go from Tuesday, May 31st for 5 days. Need Monday to return tux and tie up loose-ends since the wedding is on Sunday.

Thanks again! I might contact a travel agent, too. Just to see what they can do with what I give them.

I'm glad I could help. This is myTHING!!!!!

There are no Sandals in Mexico or the DR, so that is out of the quesiton, but your best bet is to find good a TA to work with, give them you dates of travel and your budget, and tell them you are open to suggestions for an good AI. There are always lots os specials going on. If you wnat no kids (and I don't blame you!) tell them that as well.

I wouldn't necessarily say no large chains - that may be where the best savings are.
Again, as your TA gives you optins, go to triopadvisor and read some reviews.

You need to keep your expectations in check if food is extremely important to you - AI's are not ususally known for fabulous food. Depends on how picky you are. I just try not to set myself up for disappointment and keep my expectaions low. Hey - there is almost alwasy a salad bar!

I feel confident with your budget you will find a great resort for your honeymoon! One more thing - when you get your quote, ask thet TA how much more to say one more night or tow......its usually not much more. When you fly home on days other than Sat or Sun your airfare is typically less. You may find that a 5 night trip costs abotu the same as 6 or 7 nights.

Good luck and please update us when you make a decision!

Kelly

 

[amc80]

I would check out the RIU resorts. I stayed at one in Playa Del Carmen and it was amazing.