All-Inclusive vs Cruise? (Book the Best for Your Family Vacation)

Are you thinking of taking a tropical vacation? As the colder weather settles in, planning a warm-weather vacation can be very tempting.

Family cruises and all-inclusive vacations are two popular vacation options. They both offer lots of freedom and can be easy to plan and budget for, making them perfect vacation options.

Some families may wonder whether an all-inclusive resort or a cruise is the best for their vacation. Here are some considerations to help you decide between the two. Keep in mind that some of it will come down to personal preferences.

This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase/click-through of one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you. We've been on some cruises and all-inclusive vacations on media trips and on some at our own expense.

Comparing All-Inclusive Vs Cruise Vacations

While there are cruises and all-inclusive resorts throughout the world, for this post, we are primarily focusing on Caribbean cruises and all-inclusive resort vacations. There are so many different family-friendly options in this region, and the weather and water temperature won't be a differentiating factor.

Keep in mind that hurricane season, however, may result in bad weather, dangerous conditions, and vacation interruptions. We recently had a cruise extended due to a hurricane, although we still had an amazing time.

Both of these vacation types are a great way to know your costs upfront. With many things included, you'll understand exactly what you'll be spending.

Costs

It isn't easy to compare the costs of cruises and all-inclusive vacations directly because there are so many options at different prices. Budget options are available, but so are some fantastic, luxurious resorts and cruise lines.

There are some factors to consider, though. All-inclusive vacations typically include alcoholic beverages, while you'll have to pay extra on a cruise ship for individual drinks or a beverage package.

This can add up if you have several expensive alcoholic drinks per day. Depending on the cruise line, soft drinks may also cost extra.

For those budgeting for their vacation in advance, an unlimited drinks package on a cruise could be a good option. You'll want to ensure you consume enough to make the package price worthwhile.

If you need WiFi for your vacation, it's typically offered for an additional fee on most cruise lines and can be expensive. The streaming quality may also be a little slower than you are used to.

For instance, several different levels and qualities of WiFi are available to purchase on Disney Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean. However, WiFi at an all-inclusive resort is more likely to be included and will probably be of slightly better quality.

On a cruise vacation, you'll also have to pay extra for any meals at the various ports of call. Excursions are an additional cost and can add up, making a longer cruise. If you want to leave your all-inclusive resort, you'll also pay for activities and food.

Many all-inclusive resorts don't include motorized water sports, so keep that in mind as you budget. You may also want to do shore excursions or meals away from the resort at your own expense.

Gratuities are another consideration that is typically not included in cruise fares. Most cruise lines will allow you to charge them to your stateroom account at the end of the cruise, while others let you prepay gratuities.

Gratuities are sometimes included at an all-inclusive resort. If not, you'll usually leave tips as you go. You'll want to research this in advance. Some let you leave tips on your room account, while most prefer cash.

Rooms vs. cruise cabins

Rooms can vary depending on the resort you choose. But in general, standard cruise staterooms are much smaller than traditional hotel rooms.

For both of these vacation types, I'd expect that you won't spend much time in the room, so you probably won't need to worry too much about the specific room you are in. If you're traveling with a baby, you may prefer a larger room with more space for a crib and other essentials.

Activities

Your activities will probably vary quite a bit between all-inclusive resorts and cruises. On a cruise, you'll have very different days depending on whether it's a sea day or a port day.

Cruises also offer a variety of onboard activities, including Broadway-style shows, live music, movies, game rooms, karaoke, trivia, dance parties, and spa treatments. While all-inclusive resorts may offer these, you'll have to check the specific resort to see which activities are offered.

If you want to spend all day at the beach each day, an all-inclusive resort is going to be a better option (assuming it's on the beach). While you may have some beach options on port days, they will probably be more limited, and you'll have to pay extra for an excursion. If you want to roll out of bed and go right to the beach, an all-inclusive beach resort would be a great option.

Cruises often have fantastic kids' clubs, which can be so much fun for your children and a great way to meet new people on your vacation. While some all-inclusive resorts also do, you'll want to check in advance to see the offerings and activities.

A cruise is the best choice for more adventurous travel or a vacation that includes multiple stops and visits to new places. Every day on a cruise can be different, and you can find activities at each port that fit in with what your family enjoys doing.

Zip lining, snorkeling, fishing, beach days, scuba diving, exploring the local culture, and city tours are just some examples of cruise excursions you can sign up for - just remember that these are an extra cost and not part of your cruise fare.

I don't generally feel much motion on cruise ships. However, if you are prone to motion sickness, that is an obvious consideration.

Dining

Depending on the resort you are looking at, you may have more dining options at an all-inclusive. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, offer specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room. However, specialty dining is typically available for an additional cruise vacation fee.

At most all-inclusive resorts, you can dine at different onsite restaurants, including a standard buffet, as part of your stay. There may also be more flexibility in reservations. Most cruises require reservations for specialty dining, while all-inclusive resorts may not.

Getting There

If you plan to go to an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, that will typically involve an international flight (with the timing and cost that come with it). However, many depart from the United States for a cruise, which can be more convenient and often less expensive.

As you compare, keep in mind that these are general comparisons. Depending on the cruise line and resort you are considering, these things may vary and may not necessarily be applicable.

Have you been on a cruise or at an all-inclusive resort? Which do you prefer?