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Cruises vs. All-inclusive Resorts: Which Is Best for Your Next Vacation?

These easy-to-plan vacation options have many similarities — here’s how to decide which one is right for you.

versus travel cruises

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While many people book vacations for relaxation, the process of planning them can get quite stressful, particularly if you’re booking a trip with a lot of moving parts. And that’s why many travelers turn to two very easy-to-plan types of vacations: cruises and all-inclusive resorts.

At first glance, it might not seem like a ship and a land-based property have much in common, but when you dig into a comparison, you might be surprised to find there are more similarities between the two than you think. For starters, both have rates that include accommodations, meals, and entertainment. Then there’s the fact that if you want to plan extra activities outside what’s included, there’s a concierge or guest services associate ready to help you out. And finally, there’s a cruise and an all-inclusive resort for everyone, from small ships and boutique properties to a mega-ship or expansive resort packed to the brim with onboard or on-resort activities. Plus, both types of trips can command similar nightly rates across all budgets.

So, which type of vacation should you pick? Here’s what you should consider before booking a cruise or all-inclusive resort stay.

Why You Should Pick a Cruise

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The main differentiation between cruises and all-inclusives is the fact that ships move and resorts do not. For some, that’s a huge plus — you can visit a new place every day on a cruise ship. And while getting off the ship every day might seem exhausting to others, you can always pick an itinerary that includes several leisurely days at sea, which will allow you to enjoy the ship’s amenities, whether that means plunking down on a lounger beside the pool, hitting up the spa, or trying out amenities like a water slide, go-kart track, or a skydiving simulator.

Cruises might also be ideal for travelers who don’t want to fly — many cruises depart from major U.S. cities, so if you happen to live near one with a cruise port, you can simply drive to the dock. And some cruises don’t require passports , depending on the itinerary, which benefits travelers who don’t have passports (or have accidentally let theirs expire ). All-inclusive resorts, on the other hand, are primarily located abroad in destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean , which typically require both flights and passports.

Something to consider about cruises is that only some cruise lines are truly all-inclusive. Many charge extra for alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, spa treatments, and excursions in port. You may want to factor those costs into your budget before picking a cruise, but even with the added expenses, cruising can still be an affordable option. 

Why You Should Pick an All-inclusive Resort

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If you prefer to spend more time immersing yourself in a single place, an all-inclusive resort might be the better choice for you. While many all-inclusives feature locally inspired programming on property, you can always choose to leave the property to explore the destination more deeply. Of course, that will likely cost extra. And if you choose to stay on the property, you can expect your days to be filled with sunning by the beach or the pool, as most all-inclusive resorts are located in beach destinations. But all-inclusive resorts, like cruises, usually have a slew of other amenities and entertainment options, from spas to sports courts to kids' clubs to nightly performances — and they often have those amenities spread out over wider areas than cruise ships, leading them to feel a little less crowded.

On the pricing front, most all-inclusive resorts are slightly more inclusive than cruises — namely, alcoholic beverages are typically included in the rate. So whether you’re interested in having wine with dinner or a few drinks at the nightclub, an all-inclusive resort might trump a cruise. Like cruises, however, some amenities and activities may cost extra, such as the spa or motorized water sports.

One other thing to consider is the fact that there are more adults-only all-inclusive resorts than there are adults-only cruises — the only adults-only cruise lines are Virgin Voyages , Viking, and Saga. So if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an all-inclusive resort can easily provide a kid-free environment.

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Cruise vs. All inclusive Resort: Which One Is Right for Your Next Family Vacation?

Boy Playing With Toy Boat on Beach; Courtesy of LeManna/Shutterstock.com

Apr 12, 2019

See recent posts by Cynthia J. Drake

When you’re looking for an easy vacation that requires minimal hassle, planning and decision-making, your two best options are a cruise or all-inclusive resort .

Both of these vacations roll the cost of food, activities and entertainment into one easy price, making it easy to budget for your trip without a lot of hidden costs; they also shift the burden of planning every detail away from the de facto family vacation planner (hint: usually, it’s mom).

Both vacations offer a variety of family-focused activities exclusively for children in kids’ clubs, for parents in adults-only spaces, and for families to enjoy together. For these reasons, both cruises and all-inclusive resorts are ideal options for families.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of these options to help you choose which vacation is right for you and your kids.

Kids on MSC Cruise; Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Cruising Pros 

Unlike so many family vacations that feel like a lot of work in the end, a family cruise can actually feel restful for parents, while also providing the fun and excitement that kids desire.

For Kids:  Kids’ activities on cruises are time-honored, and they have evolved over the years to suit kids’ needs, including video games and arcades, hands-on science experiments, fun dress-up parties, superhero training and themed spaces—not to mention the increasingly bigger and better waterslides, pools, ice skating rinks and even race tracks.

For Adults: Parents can enjoy the adults-only spaces on the cruise ship, from the pool or hot tub to the nightclub, while their children are looked after in the nursery or kids’ club. Often, the best thing a parent will do on a cruise is find a lounge chair in the sun and take a nap—it’s one of those small luxuries you don’t get to enjoy very often with little ones around.

For the Whole Family: Cruises are a great way to explore multiple destinations as a family without the hassle of unpacking, repacking and transporting everyone from city to city. They also are a great option for multi-generational families, with plenty of options for all ages. The most family-friendly cruise lines schedule family-focused activities throughout the trip, like trivia, scavenger hunts and other challenges for families to enjoy together.

Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean , offer My Family Time dining, allowing kids and parents to eat together for the first part of dinner, followed by the kids’ club staff whisking the kids away just as they are starting to get antsy, allowing parents to enjoy the rest of their meal in blissful peace.

Cruising Cons

Crowds: The biggest drawback of a cruise (as opposed to an all-inclusive resort or other type of vacation) is that you will generally be dealing with big crowds, particularly during the most popular times of year for family travel: school breaks, holidays and summer vacation. Most cruise ships have enough going on that they don’t seem overwhelmingly crowded at any given time, but our family has experienced long lines and at-capacity kids’ clubs during peak travel season—a bummer for the whole family.

Beverages: Another downside is that, unlike an all-inclusive resort, you will pay extra for drinks. Of course that means alcohol is extra, but also soda and juice on almost all cruise ships will cost you an extra fee. With kids, that can add a significant amount to your final tab.

All-Inclusive Resort Pros 

All-inclusive resort vacations are ideal for families in many of the same ways cruises are. Daycare is included; you typically have your choice of both casual and elegant restaurants; and even better news for parents: your drinks are included!

For Kids: At an all-inclusive resort, your kids will enjoy drop-off care at your leisure in kids’ clubs, where they’ll find a variety of options waiting for them, from crafts to game rooms and special themed nights, all organized according to their age group. Resorts often have special kids’ pool areas and playgrounds, too.

At select Club Med resorts, kids can learn new skills through offerings such as Club Med Punta Cana ‘s CREACTIVE, a program that offers kids dozens of activities inspired by Cirque du Soleil, including acrobatic bungee and trapeze.

For Adults: All-inclusive resort vacations are ideal for adults, given these beautiful beach or ski resorts provide plenty of space to stretch out and relax in a shaded cabana or sip a frosty drink poolside, followed by a specialty spa treatment or something more active, like windsurfing, paddleboarding or skiing.

For the Whole Family:  The biggest advantage of an all-inclusive resort compared to a cruise ship will be the size of your room. Resort rooms are at minimum as large as a standard hotel room (double the size of an interior cruise cabin), with villa and suite options that offer private pools, verandas and other features. These are practically unheard of on cruise ships, except for the highest price suites.

If seasickness is an issue for anyone in your party, or if the idea of just staying in one place is better, an all-inclusive resort is your best option.

All-Inclusive Resort Cons

Though it varies based on the location, resort and time of year, you will generally pay more for an all-inclusive resort versus a cruise. Though there are some all-inclusives in the United States, most are located in Mexico, the Caribbean and throughout Europe, so you will also need to factor in the cost of getting to your destination, as opposed to cruises, which leave from various U.S. ports. Also, families who crave a lot of variety may not be satisfied by staying put at a resort, where you’re usually somewhat insulated from the outside culture.

Cruise vs. All Inclusive Resort: Which One Is Right for Your Next Family Vacation?

Most parents we spoke to who had taken both types of vacations preferred cruises for the variety of offerings for families and value for the money.

“I personally prefer cruises,” says Karen Dawkins, a travel blogger for Family Travels on a Budget . “The daily change of scenery allows us to do different things each day: adventure excursions one day, history and culture another day and a relaxing beach the third. The schedule on cruise ships is a bit more structured, though with lots of freedom to do nothing, so we can plan family activities easily. And for us, dinner in the main dining room with familiar servers means we get spoiled by week’s end.”

Many parents also noted they enjoyed all-inclusive resorts for their kid-free getaways, such as special anniversary trips.

Ultimately, the cruise versus all inclusive resort decision should be based on your family’s unique needs and interests. If you can’t decide, try both to determine which one your family truly likes best! Here are a few resources to get you started:

  • 11 Best All Inclusive Resorts for First Timers
  • 9 All-Inclusive Resorts Where Kids Stay Free
  • 5 Major Cruise Lines That Offer Short Cruises
  • 4 Cruise Lines That Let Kids Sail Free

Cynthia J. Drake is a travel writer based in Austin, Texas, where she lives with her husband and two sons. Since becoming a mom, she’s been stranded at sea with her family, gotten lost in the Rocky Mountains, dealt with more than her fair share of public vomiting, and still can’t wait for the next trip. She writes regularly for AAA magazines, Austin American-Statesman, Texas Highways and Cruise Critic. Follow her on Facebook  and  Twitter .

Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission.

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μόνο στο versus off road εμπειρία στην έρημο καλούτ σαχντάντ | 01.05.2024 (πάσχα), τα διαμάντια της νότιας γαλλίας από τη νίκαια και τις κάννες, στη μασσαλία και τη νιμ | 23.03.2024, ανθισμένες ελβετικές & γαλλικές άλπεις με τη μαγευτική βέρνη και διαμονή στη λωζάνη | 02.05.2024 (πάσχα 2024), 10, 11 ημερεσ, το νεπάλ και οι φυλές του, σαφάρι άγριας ζωής, αρχέγονα μονοπάτια στο πρώην βασίλειο των ιμαλαΐων | μάρτιος - πάσχα - ιούνιος 2024, η μαγική πορτογαλία του versus με απευθείας πτήσεις προς λισαβόνα και επιστροφή από πόρτο - πτήσεις με aegean | ιούνιος - σεπτέμβριος 2024, η μαγική πορτογαλία του versus με απευθείας πτήσεις προς λισαβόνα και επιστροφή από πόρτο - πτήσεις με aegean | 20.04.2024 & 14.05.2024, μπαλί - το νησί των θεών | αύγουστος 2024, 8,12 ημερεσ, η μαγική ανοιξιάτικη πορτογαλία του versus, με προέκταση του ταξιδιού στην νότια πορτογαλία - πτήσεις με aegean | 27.04.2024 & 30.04.2024 (πάσχα 2024), νεπάλ - γιορτή βέσακ: κατμαντού – ποκάρα – πάρκο τσιτουάν – σαφάρι άγριας ζωής | 20.05.2024, η ελβετία από άκρη σε άκρη, με σπάνια διαμονή στη λουκέρνη, περιλαμβάνεται το αλπικό τρένο | μάρτιος - πάσχα - μάιος 2024, 8, 9 ημερεσ, μομπάσα: σαφάρι και εξωτικές παραλίες | μάρτιος - απρίλιος 2024, εκτεταμένη ανδαλουσία – γιβραλτάρ – πτήσεις της aegean | καλοκαίρι 2024, εκτεταμένη χώρα των βάσκων σαν σεμπαστιάν με μπούργκος | 04.05.2024 (πάσχα 2024), εκτεταμένη ανδαλουσία – γιβραλτάρ – πτήσεις της aegean | μάιος - ιούνιος 2024, η άλλη καππαδοκία και εκτενής γνωριμία με τα μικρασιατικά παράλια, τελική τιμή με φόρους | μάρτιος - πάσχα - ιούνιος 2024, αλσατία – ρήνος με διαμονή και στη χαϊδελβέργη | 04.05.2024 (πάσχα), η ανοιξιάτικη πορτογαλία του versus, με πτήσεις προς πόρτο και επιστροφή από λισαβόνα | 21.05.2024, οι ρωμαίοι και ο μεσαίωνας στις όχθες του ροδανού ποταμού - από τη μασσαλία στην αβινιόν και τη λυών| 03.05.2024 (πάσχα), 11,12, 13,15,16 ημερεσ, μπανγκόκ - πουκέτ - σιγκαπούρη | ιούλιος - αύγουστος 2024, τα διαμάντια της νότιας γαλλίας: από τη μασσαλία και τη νιμ, στη νίκαια και τις κάννες | καλοκαίρι 2024, σαρδηνία – κορσική: ταξίδι στα μαργαριτάρια της μεσογείου | καλοκαίρι 2024, η άλλη καππαδοκία και εκτενής γνωριμία με τα μικρασιατικά παράλια, τελική τιμή με φόρους | ιούλιος - σεπτέμβριος 2024, η μαγική πορτογαλία του versus με τη μεσαιωνική έβορα - πτήσεις με aegean | καλοκαίρι 2024, 8,10 ημερεσ, νορβηγία, ο δρόμος του ατλαντικού - το versus εξασφάλισε διαμονή σε φιόρδ (σπάνιες πτήσεις για μπέργκεν και επιστροφή από όσλο) - πτήσεις με klm | ιούλιος - σεπτέμβριος 2024, αυθεντικό αποικιακό μεξικό με πουέμπλα και ημιδιατροφή | μάρτιος - ιούνιος 2024, 7, 9 ημερεσ, τα απόκρυφα μυστικά του ομάν με διανυκτέρευση στην έρημο, ο δρόμος του λιβανιού, με δυνατότητα επέκτασης του ταξιδιού στη σαλάλα | μάρτιος - απρίλιος 2024, η ανοιξιάτικη πορτογαλία του versus, με πτήσεις προς πόρτο και επιστροφή από λισαβόνα | 02.05.2024 (πάσχα 2024), μπαλί - το νησί των θεών - πτήσεις με emirates | 22.06.2024, 9,10,11,12 ημερεσ, η 5* κούβα του versus με διαμονή μέσα στην παλιά πόλη της αβάνας | μάρτιος - πάσχα - ιούλιος 2024, νορβηγία, ο δρόμος του ατλαντικού - το versus εξασφάλισε διαμονή σε φιόρδ και πτήσεις aegean από και προς όσλο | μάιος - ιούνιος 2024, λανθαρότε το εξωτικό νησί της ευρώπης - κανάριοι νήσοι - πτήσεις με lufthansa | ιούλιος - αύγουστος 2024, νορβηγία, ο δρόμος του ατλαντικού - το versus εξασφάλισε διαμονή σε φιόρδ και πτήσεις aegean από και προς όσλο | ιούλιος - σεπτέμβριος 2024, 7, 8 ημερεσ, ξεχωριστή ιταλία: κρυφές ομορφιές της τοσκάνης – ούμπρια κρεμαστά χωριά τσίνκουε τέρρε – πορτοφίνο – ιταλική ριβιέρα, με προέκταση του ταξιδιού στην μπολόνια – πτήσεις με aegean | 29.04.2024 & 30.04.2024 (πάσχα 2024), ferias de andalucia – οι μεγάλες γιορτές της άνοιξης: ανδαλουσία – γιβραλτάρ – πτήσεις με aegean | 02.05.2024 ( πάσχα 2024), ferias de andalucia – οι μεγάλες γιορτές της άνοιξης: εκτεταμένη ανδαλουσία – γιβραλτάρ – πτήσεις με aegean | 29.04.2024 (πάσχα), μαλαισία – σιγκαπούρη, ζούγκλα ταμάν νεγκάρα | μάρτιος - απρίλιος 2024, 13, 14 ημερεσ, πανόραμα βόρειας ταϊλάνδης - μπανγκόκ με διανυκτέρευση σε resort στον ποταμό κβάι | απρίλιος - ιούλιος (πάσχα & αγίου πνεύματος 2024), η μεγάλη ιρλανδία του versus με κρουαζιέρα στα νησιά αραν | πάσχα 2024, το πλήρες ουζμπεκιστάν με την ημιαυτόνομη περιοχή της νουκούς - γιορτή νοβρούζ | 17.03.2024, πλήρες ουζμπεκιστάν – επτά λίμνες (τατζικιστάν) με επιπλέον νύχτα στην θρυλική μπουχάρα | ιούνιος - σεπτέμβριος 2024, κανάρια νησιά - με τα ηφαιστειογενή μαργαριτάρια τενερίφη και γκραν κανάρια | ιούλιος - αύγουστος 2024, πλήρης βόρεια ισπανία με τη χώρα των βάσκων | 03.05.2024, μομπάσα: σαφάρι και εξωτικές παραλίες | ιούνιος - οκτώβριος 2024, η μεγάλη ιρλανδία του versus με κρουαζιέρα στα νησιά αραν | 03.05.2024 (πάσχα), οι κρυμμένες ομορφιές της σκωτίας - νησί σκάι (εσωτερικές εβρίδες), χάιλαντς με αμπερντίν | ιούλιος - σεπτέμβριος 2024, μπαλί - το νησί των θεών με διαμονή στο ούμπουντ - πτήσεις με emirates | 28.06.2024, νορβηγία, ο δρόμος του ατλαντικού - το versus εξασφάλισε διαμονή σε φιόρδ (πτήσεις για όσλο και επιστροφή από σταβάνγκερ) - πτήσεις με lufthansa |20.05.2024, μογγολία – nότια έρημος γκόμπι | καλοκαίρι 2024, φεστιβάλ χόλι, ινδία - χρυσό τρίγωνο με βαρανάσι και κατζουράχο, πτήσεις με emirates | μάρτιος 2024, φεστιβάλ χόλι, ινδία - χρυσό τρίγωνο με βαρανάσι και κατζουράχο - εθνικό πάρκο πάννα - πτήσεις με emirates| 14.03.2024, 11,12 ημερεσ, μπανγκόκ - σιγκαπούρη αγιούταγια, ποταμός κβάι - ταξίδι πίσω στο χρόνο | ιούλιος - αύγουστος 2024, μπαλί - το νησί των θεών με διαμονή στο ούμπουντ | 19.07.2024, πλήρες ουζμπεκιστάν – νούκους – επτά λίμνες (τατζικιστάν) | 29.05.2024, ferias de andalucia – οι μεγάλες γιορτές της άνοιξης: ανδαλουσία – γιβραλτάρ – εστρεμαδούρα | 28.04.2024 & 30.04.2024 (πάσχα 2024), βαλεαρίδες νήσοι: ίμπιζα, μαγιόρκα, μινόρκα - ένας εξωτικός προορισμός στη μεσόγειο | 03.05.2024 (πάσχα 2024), ανδαλουσία σε βάθος - εστρεμαδούρα με τη γιορτή feria de abril στη σεβίλλη | 17.04.2024, βιετνάμ 5* και σιγκαπούρη - με διανυκτέρευση εν πλω στο χαλόνγκ μπέι και διαμονή στην αυτοκρατορική πόλη χουέ | 01.05.2024 (πάσχα 2024), μπαλί- μαλαισία - πτήσεις με emirates | 09.08.2024, ferias de andalucia – οι μεγάλες γιορτές της άνοιξης: ανδαλουσία – γιβραλτάρ – εστρεμαδούρα | 29.04.2024 ( πάσχα 2024), βιετνάμ 5* μι σον – φυλές κοιλάδας μάι τσάου με διανυκτέρευση εν πλω στο χαλόνγκ μπέι και διαμονή και στην αυτοκρατορική πόλη χουέ | aπρίλιος - πάσχα 2024, βιετνάμ 5* και σιγκαπούρη - με διανυκτέρευση εν πλω στο χαλόνγκ μπέι και διαμονή στην αυτοκρατορική πόλη χουέ | φεβρουάριος - μάρτιος 2024, 11, 12 ημερεσ, σενεγάλη-γκάμπια, μια νύχτα κάτω από τα αστέρια στην έρημο της δυτικής αφρικής | 01.03.2024 & 01.05.2024 (πάσχα), 10,11,12 ημερεσ, περού – exploring machu picchu, ιερή κοιλάδα των ίνκας – rainbow mountain αρχαία αλατωρυχεία στο μάρας | απρίλιος - ιούνιος 2024, νέα υόρκη... για ψαγμένους ταξιδιώτες, μπρούκλιν με διαμονή και στην ουάσιγκτον | μάρτιος - απρίλιος - πάσχα 2024, η ανεξερεύνητη σκωτία και λίμνες αγγλίας | 30.04.2024 (πάσχα), νέα υόρκη, διαμονή πάνω στην times square…για ψαγμένους ταξιδιώτες - πτήσεις με emirates| ιούλιος - αύγουστος 2024, 9, 12 ημερεσ, νέα υόρκη, διαμονή πάνω στην times square… για ψαγμένους ταξιδιώτες | μάρτιος - πάσχα - ιούνιος 2024, απόκοσμο τουρκμενιστάν – γιορτή νοβρούζ | 18.03.2024, απόκοσμο τουρκμενιστάν – αρχαίοι δρόμοι και άγνωστοι νομαδικοί λαοί | 06.08.2024, το βιβλίο της ζούγκλας σαφάρι στα εθνικά πάρκα της κεντρικής ινδίας - πτήσεις με emirates | φεβρουάριος 2023 - μάρτιος 2024, ινδία – νεπάλ 5* με ματούρα – βρινταβάν και το φεστιβάλ χόλι - πτήσεις με qatar| 17.03.2024, κούβα – μεξικό σίτι 5* με το versus | 02.05.2024 (πάσχα 2024), καζακστάν - κιργιστάν: εθνικά πάρκα και φουτουριστικές πόλεις | 01.08.2024, περπατώντας στο ορατό «μονοπάτι» της ολικής έκλειψης ηλίου στο μεξικό | 01.04.2024, 12,13 ημερεσ, κούβα – μεξικό σίτι 5* με το versus | 08.07.2024 & 13.08.2024, βιρμανία – μπανγκόκ | 29.04.2024 & 13.05.2024 (πάσχα), η μεγάλη κούβα από άκρη σε άκρη... μέχρι την μπαρακόα | 10.03.2024, βόρειο σέλας (aurora borealis) – από την ισλανδία απομονωμένοι στο εθνικό πάρκο σκάφταφελ | 25.02.2024, ανατολικές ηπα - καναδάς, νέα υόρκη, ουάσιγκτον, νιαγάρα, τορόντο | 05.08.2024, πανόραμα μεξικού - ιστορικό μεξικό, κανκούν, μάγιας με το τουλούμ τον μοναδικό αρχαιολογικό χώρο των μάγιας στην καραϊβική | μάρτιος - πάσχα - ιούλιος 2024, περού – exploring machu picchu, ιερή κοιλάδα των ίνκας – rainbow mountain αρχαία αλατωρυχεία στο μάρας | 13.08.2024, ανατολικός καναδάς, παρατήρηση φαλαινών, με επιλεκτική διαμονή στο ιστορικό κεμπέκ | 23.07.2024, δυτικές ηπα - σαν φρανσίσκο με εκδρομές στο σαν ντίεγκο και στο μοντερέι | 21.08.2024, σρι λάνκα - μαλδίβες, διαμονή και σαφάρι 4x4 στο εθνικό πάρκο yala και διαμονή στην μπερουβέλα | 24.02.2024, παναμάς - κολομβία με διανυκτερεύσεις στην μαγευτική καρθαγένη | 29.06.2024, ανατολικές ηπα - καναδάς, νέα υόρκη, ουάσιγκτον, νιαγάρα, τορόντο - απευθείας πτήση για νέα υόρκη και επιστροφή από τορόντο | αύγουστος 2024, άνοιξη και πάσχα στις ανατολικές ηπα - καναδάς, νέα υόρκη, ουάσιγκτον, νιαγάρα, τορόντο | απρίλιος - πάσχα - μάιος 2024, ανατολικές ηπα - καναδάς, νέα υόρκη, ουάσιγκτον, νιαγάρα, τορόντο - πτήσεις με emirates | ιούλιος - αύγουστος 2024, 13,14 ημερεσ, περού 5*, αμαζόνιος, άνδεις αρχαία αλατωρυχεία των ίνκας - στους δρόμους των ίνκας | φεβρουάριος - πάσχα - mάιος 2024, ανατολικός καναδάς, παρατήρηση φαλαινών, με επιλεκτική διαμονή στο ιστορικό κεμπέκ | 07.07.2024, μαδαγασκάρη – ο δρόμος των φυλών και το εξωτικό νησί νόσι μπε | 31.07.2024 & 14.08.2024, παναμάς-κόστα ρίκα-αρχιπέλαγος μπόκας ντελ τόρο | 15.08.2024, κόστα ρίκα-παναμάς-αρχιπέλαγος μπόκας ντελ τόρο | 05.06.2024, κυνηγώντας το βόρειο σέλας (aurora borealis) στα νησιά λοφότεν και στη νορβηγική και σουηδική λαπωνία | φεβρουάριος - μάρτιος 2024, δυτικές ηπα - σαν ντιέγκο με εκδρομές στο μοντερέι - πτήσεις με lufthansa | αύγουστος 2024, νότια αφρική | ταξίδι εμπειριών: σαφάρι - εξωπραγματικά φαράγγια - οινογνωσία - παρατήρηση φαλαινών | καλοκαίρι 2024, 12, 13 ημερεσ, βραζιλία - μπαϊα: o παράδεισος των εναλλαγών - φυσικές πισίνες και καταρράκτες στο εθνικό πάρκο τσάπαδα διαμαντίνα | 03.08.2024 & 14.08.2024, πακιστάν - με τη φυλή των καλάς και τη γιορτή ουτσάλ | 11.08.2024, κούβα – μεξικό σίτι 5* με κανκούν και ριβιέρα μάγιας | 01.07.2024 & 11.08.2024, σαφάρι πολυτελείας στην τανζανία-ζανζιβάρη, νγκορονγκόρο, κιλιμάντζαρο | ιανουάριος - πάσχα 2024, περού 5*, αμαζόνιος, άνδεις αρχαία αλατωρυχεία των ίνκας - στους δρόμους των ίνκας - πτήσεις με klm | αύγουστος 2024, 14, 15 ημερεσ, περού 5*, αμαζόνιος, άνδεις αρχαία αλατωρυχεία των ίνκας - στους δρόμους των ίνκας - πτήσεις με iberia | ιούλιος - αύγουστος 2024, παναμάς-κόστα ρίκα αρχιπέλαγος μπόκας ντελ τόρο | 20.06.2024, δυτικές ηπα με νέα υόρκη - σαν φρανσίσκο με εκδρομές στο σαν ντίεγκο και στο μοντερέι | 11.07.2024, εξερεύνηση: γαλλικές αντίλλες, γουαδελούπη – μαρτινίκα – μαρί γκαλάντ – ιλ ντε σαιντ | 29.04.2024 (πάσχα), περού 5*, φεστιβάλ ίντι ράιμι, αμαζόνιος, άνδεις, αρχαία αλατωρυχεία των ίνκας – στους δρόμους των ίνκας| 14.06.2024, βραζιλία: το ρίο ντε τζανέιρο στην καρδιά του καρναβαλιού, ιγκουασού – αργεντινή 5* με ολοήμερη εκδρομή στην κολόνια (ουρουγουάη)| 08.02.2024, εκουαδόρ - κολομβία με το ξεχωριστό μεντεγίν | 02.07.2024, καθολικό πάσχα σε γουατεμάλα – ονδούρα – μπελίζ – ελ σαλβαδόρ και το ανεξερεύνητο σεμούκ τσαμπέι| 02.04.2023, μαδαγασκάρη - λεωφόρος των μπαομπαμπ, εξωτικό νησί νόσι μπέ | 18.08.2024, δυτικές ηπα με νέα υόρκη - σαν φρανσίσκο με εκδρομές στο σαν ντίεγκο και στο μοντερέι | 07.08.2024, εκουαδόρ - νησιά γκαλάπαγκος: από το «σημείο μηδέν» και τα αρχαία μονοπάτια των ίνκας μέχρι τα «μαγεμένα νησιά» του δαρβίνου | 11.08.2024, ζάμπια – μαλάουι σαφάρι και εξερεύνηση στη ζεστή καρδιάς της αφρικής | 16.08.2024, αυθεντικό βόρειο μεξικό - γκρίζες φάλαινες - με φαράγγι του χαλκού και μπάχα (κάτω) καλιφόρνια | 06.02.2024, περού 5* – βολιβία – αμαζόνιος – αρεκίπα, πτήσεις με iberia | 05.08.2024, νότια κορέα - ιαπωνία - πτήσεις lufthansa | ιούλιος – αύγουστος 2024, νότια κορέα - ιαπωνία με τις ιαπωνικές άλπεις - πτήσεις με emirates | 12.08.2024, καθολικό πάσχα στη γουατεμαλα με τα περίφημα χαλιά απο λουλούδια, μεξικό - ονδούρα, ο δρόμος των μάγιας | 17.03.2024, γροιλανδία: μια συγκλονιστική ταξιδιωτική εμπειρία-ζωής στο βόρειο άκρο της ευρώπης | 20.07.2024, βολιβία - αργεντινή με κόρδοβα | 12.08.2024, κένυα - τανζανία: η μεγάλη μετανάστευση των ζώων | 23.07.2024 & 13.08.2024, αποστολή στην γροιλανδία - μεγάλη ισλανδία: πάγος, φωτιά και παρατήρηση φαλαινών | 13.07.2024, παπούα-νέα γουινέα, εξερευνητική αποστολή - φεστιβαλ του μαουντ χαγκεν | 12.08.2024.

Μεγαλειώδης παράσταση στο Μέγαρο Μουσικής

Expeditions 2024 | Είστε σίγουροι ότι τα έχετε δει όλα;

Μερικά από τα εξερευνητικά ταξίδια μας – ειδικές τιμές για τους 11 πρώτους, αρμενία - γεωργία, ένα ταξίδι στα μέρη που τα σκιάζει ο καύκασος - με απευθείας πτήσεις της aegean | ιούλιος - οκτώβριος 2024, αρμενία - γεωργία, ένα ταξίδι στα μέρη που τα σκιάζει ο καύκασος - με απευθείας πτήσεις της aegean | μάιος (πάσχα) - ιούνιος 2024, τα «πετράδια» της περσίας με τα εξωπραγματικά νησιά στα στενά του ορμούζ και τις μασκοφόρες γυναίκες | φεβρουάριος - μάιος - πάσχα 2024, ρατζαστάν – γκουτζαράτ, έρημος αλατιού του κούτς, δρόμοι των καραβανιών και χωριά των φυλών της βορειοδυτικής ινδίας - πτήσεις με emirates | 15.03.2024, ειδική αποστολή: καμερούν - πυγμαίοι, ένα εξερευνητικό ταξίδι στην κεντρική αφρική | 21.02.2024, πλήρες ουζμπεκιστάν & τατζικιστάν - τασκένδη, νουκούς, χίβα, μπουχάρα, σαχριζάμπς σαμαρκάνδη, επτά λίμνες, πεντζικέντ, ντουσάμπε | 10.04.2024 & 19.06.2024, νορντέστε, βορειοανατολική βραζιλία, αμμόλοφοι, ο δρόμος των ονείρων και των συναισθημάτων | 02.05.2024 (πάσχα), απόκοσμη ισλανδία - 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Μαγικά Ταξίδια στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες Αμερικής & Καναδά

Eκδρομές στην Ελλάδα | Άνοιξη - Καλοκαίρι 2024

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Μοναδική εμπειρία. Χωριά του Άτλαντα και αρώματα Μαρόκου! - Τσιώλη Κατερίνα, Αθήνα

Πολύ καλοί ξεναγοί, με διάθεση να εξηγήσουν τα πάντα. Είδαμε πολλά από το Μαρόκο, αποκομίζοντας μια καλή εικόνα για την χώρα και τον τρόπο ζωής των ανθρώπων της. Πολύ καλή ξενάγηση στα ιστορικά μνημεία...

Υπέροχο ταξίδι, υπέροχη η αρχηγός μας. - Γ.Β., Αθήνα

ΠΛΗΡΗΣ ΒΑΡΚΕΛΩΝΗ 6 ΗΜΕΡΕΣ 29/12/23

Πολύ καλή εικόνα. Άριστη η αρχηγός. - Χ.Ε., Αθήνα

Η τοποθεσία του ξενοδοχείου, η ποιότητα των υπηρεσιών του και, ιδιαίτερα, η αρχηγός, δημιούργησαν θετικότατη εικόνα. - Μ.Ι., Αθήνα

Όλη η πόλη ήταν τέλεια, μαγευτική. Είναι μια πόλη που είναι λες και ζεις μέσα σε πίνακα· τα χρώματα και τα σχήματα των σπιτιών είναι τόσο όμορφα και φωτεινά. Η πιο ωραία εμπειρία ήταν στο...

ΜΕΓΑΛΟ ΜΑΡΟΚΟ ΜΕ ΤΑΓΓΕΡΗ - 11 ΗΜΕΡΕΣ 26/12/23

Ένα ενδιαφέρον ταξίδι στο Μαρόκο. - Ν.Κ., Βριλήσσια

ΜΑΔΑΓΑΣΚΑΡΗ - O ΔΡΟΜΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΦΥΛΩΝ 24/12/23

Απροσδόκητα υπέροχο ταξίδι. - Μ.Π., Άλιμος

Συγκλονιστικό ταξίδι. Θα μας μείνει χαραγμένο στην καρδιά! νιώθουμε πολύ τυχεροί που ζήσαμε αυτήν την εμπειρία. Τελικά, τα ταξίδια είναι όντως επένδυση ζωής. - Π.Δ., Αθήνα

ΠΑΡΙΣΙ - 7 ΗΜΕΡΕΣ 31/12/23

Ένα ταξίδι με πολλές όμορφες στιγμές και υπέροχους αρχηγούς! - Α.Χ., Λευκωσία

Στοχευμένη ξενάγηση και επιλογή από το γραφείο των σημαντικότερων αξιοθεάτων του Παρισιού! Πολύ καλή η free day, λόγω του ότι κάποιος μπορεί να επισκεφθεί οποιοδήποτε άλλο μέρος, μνημείο, αξιοθέατο...

ΜΑΡΟΚΟ ΕΡΗΜΟΣ 8 ΗΜΕΡΕΣ 05/01/24

Τα χρώματα, οι γεύσεις και τα τοπία του Μαρόκου μας μάγεψαν. Εξαιρετική η αρχηγός μας. Πολύ καλή παρέα όλο το γκρουπ μας. - Κ.Μ., Αθήνα

Πολύ καλή εμπειρία. Σωστός προγραμματισμός. Άριστη Ελληνίδα αρχηγός· ευγενική· μετέτρεψε άνα γκρουπ ανόμοιο σε μια ομοιογενή ομάδα. Συγχαρητήρια! - Γαλήνη Συρίγου, Πειραιάς

Η αρχηγός μας ήταν εξαιρετική· με μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον για την καλύτερη εξυπηρέτησή μας. Ήταν πάντα δίπλα μας για να ικανοποιήσει όλες τις επιθυμίες μας, με ευγένεια και χαμόγελο. - Πόθου Αγγελική,...

ΒΙΕΤΝΑΜ - ΚΑΜΠΟΤΖΗ 16 ΗΜΕΡΕΣ 21/12/23

Εξαιρετικό ταξίδι. Υπέροχη εμπειρία. Αξέχαστο. - Β.Δ., Χαλάνδρι

Ολοκληρωμένο ταξίδι, με διαφορετικές εικόνες. - Ανώνυμος

ΜΟΝΑΧΟ - 6 ΗΜΕΡΕΣ 29/12/23

Πρώτο ταξίδι οργανωμένο, πρώτη φορά με Versus. Οι εντυπώσεις είναι εξαιρετικές. Ξεκούραστο, πληροφόρηση τόση όση χρειάζεται, όποια δυσκολία μετατρέπεται με χιούμορ σε συνηθισμένη κατάσταση·...

Η αρχηγός με το κατάλληλο, φιλικό mood, ο χρόνος ικανοποιητικός σε κάθε επίσκεψη, ο οδηγός εξαιρετικός. - Κ.Μ, Πειραιάς

ΜΟΝΑΧΟ - 6 ΗΜΕΡΕΣ 23/12/23

Ένα ταξίδι πολύ πλούσιο, με πολύ καλή οργάνωση και πολύ καλή αρχηγό. - Τσινάρη Ευαγγελία, Αθήνα

Ένα εκπληκτικό 6ήμερο ταξίδι, με πλούσια ξενάγηση, υπέροχχα τοπία, πολλές πόλεις με περιπατητικές ξεναγήσεις και εκπληκτική αρχηγό. - Περβανάς Λεωνίδας, Αθήνα

Η αρχηγός ήταν ευγενέστατη και πολύ φιλική! - Μ.Ι., Άρμα

Πολύ ωραίο ταξίδι! - Β.Α., Αθήνα

Καλοί συνταξιδιώτες. Άριστη συμπεριφορά αρχηγού. - Μουστάκας Στυλιανός, Αθήνα

Όλα καλώς οργανωμένα. Άριστη αρχηγός. - Ντρίτσα Ηλέκτρα, Αθήνα

Αυτό το ταξίδι με γέμισε πολύ ευχάριστες εμπειρίες. Η αρχηγός μας ήταν πολύ καλή μαζί μας και ήταν εκεί για ό,τι χρειαζόμασταν. Επίσης, επισκεφθήκαμε πολλά μέρη, όπου γνωρίσαμε την ιστορία τους....

Όλα άψογα. - Κυριάκος Λειβαδάς, Αίγιο

Ήταν όλα εξαιρετικά. Η αρχηγός πολύ φιλική, κατατοπιστική και γνώστης όσων χρειάζονταν για το ταξίδι. Με μια λέξη, εξαιρετική. - Σ.Ν., Αθήνα

Υπέροχο ταξίδι. Γέμισα με υπέροχες εικόνες που θα θυμάμαι πάντα. Οι υπηρεσίες τέλειες και η αρχηγός του group άψογη. Νιώσαμε όλοι μας απίστευτη ασφάλεια. - Ρ.Σ., Θήβα

Ένα εξαιρετικά καλά οργανωμένο ταξίδι, σε πληθώρα όμορφων τοποθεσιών, γοητευτικές πόλεις, εκπληκτικά φυσικά τοπία και παραμυθένια κάστρα. Η αρχηγός μας, πραγματικά, πολύ καλή!!! - Αθανασία Καραχρήστου,...

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Home » Cruise Tips » Cruise Vs. All-Inclusive Resort: Which is Better?

Cruise Vs. All-Inclusive Resort: Which is Better?

Cruise Vs. All-Inclusive Resort: Which is Better? We compare the pros and cons of each to help you pick the perfect vacation.

Cruise Vs. All-Inclusive Resort: Which is Better?

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If you aren’t familiar with all-inclusive travel, you might assume that a cruise is like a floating resort or that a resort is just a cruise on land. While those notions aren’t actually too far off from the real thing, there’s a lot more nuance to these two vacation styles than that.

To start, what does “all-inclusive” really mean? How does the term apply to resorts versus cruise ships? Apart from considering your travel budget , which vacation style is the right one for you and your family?

We answer those questions and more by comparing the pros and cons of a cruise vs. an all-inclusive resort.

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Are cruises really all inclusive?

Cruises are widely considered to be a great value vacation , but what does that really include? To begin with, the level of inclusivity does depend on the type of cruise you are booking. When you book most cruises, you are paying for your room on a per-person basis. This individual fare covers the cost of your accommodation. Plus, all meals in at least one or two dining venues; entertainment and activities onboard; kids clubs. And of course, access to an itinerary of destinations, with port taxes and fees bundled in.

There are generally more room categories to choose from on a cruise ship than at a resort. These include smallish rooms with a porthole window to sprawling suites with a wraparound balcony. Prices — and even inclusions — vary depending on your accommodation level.

Norwegian Prima Balcony Cabin Review

Some cruise lines, like Virgin Voyages , include fitness classes, tips, all dining venues, and most nonalcoholic beverages in their cruise fare, regardless of room type. Many river cruise lines include wine and beer at lunch and dinner, specialty coffee at any time, as well as one included tour in each port. The essentials are part of any cruise fare — your room, your meals, some basic drinks and of course transportation. However, pay careful attention to what is not part of that fare, as well.

A business at the end of the day, many cruise lines get you onboard but also upsell you on various experiences. Perhaps drinks being the biggest differentiator between a cruise and all-inclusive resort. You must purchase a beverage package on most cruises to save on daily alcohol consumption. Otherwise, you are spending for each cocktail or cold beer a la carte.

Other standard extras on cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean are shore excursions ; specialty restaurants (bundle packages are available); Wi-Fi access. Some activities like arcade games, laser tag, or a wine tasting are additional costs as well. Further, sweets shops or premium ice cream and sometimes access to an exclusive, adults-only sun deck area are extra too.

Top Things to Do on Norwegian Encore

Some aspects of cruising would also carry an additional charge at a resort. For instance, spa treatments; shopping; casino play; or that vintage bottle of wine for a special occasion.

If you book with a luxury cruise line, such as Silversea, just about everything is part of your cruise fare. This includes premium spirits to butler service, gratuities , specialty restaurants, and more. However, you are understandably paying much more up front for the luxury of that inclusivity.

Are all-inclusive resorts really all inclusive?

Not every all-inclusive resort is created equal. But generally speaking, there is quite a lot included when you book a room at one of these resorts. Based on our time at Excellence Riviera Cancun, a resort in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico, I was pleasantly surprised even as a longtime cruiser.

First of all, drinks are widely included at all-inclusive resorts. If you like to wind down with a tropical drink on the beach or poolside, or have a glass of rose at lunch, it’s not a problem. Not every brand of wine or beer is always available. But I felt there was a good selection and an impressive list of creative cocktails at various bars around the resort property. This can depend on the resort brand, so if you are picky with your spirits, do a little research.

Cruise Vs. All-Inclusive Resort

As for meals, I wasn’t sure what to expect being spoiled for choice on mega-ships. Though, Excellence resorts have various restaurants around the property. None of them require an extra fee or often even a reservation. From a steakhouse or hibachi to Indian, Spanish tapas, or Mexican, the venues spanned international cuisines. And interiors matched the mood.

However, not every restaurant is open every night. So, pay close attention to the schedule when you arrive to get to your preferred dining venue during your stay. Some are more popular than others, and the downside of not having a reservation is that you might have a long wait.

There were complimentary activities around the resort each day, like hat-making or a margarita demo. Unlike large oceangoing ships, there isn’t a ton of choice when it comes to evening activities at the resort. Each night there was a different show on the main outdoor stage. These were typically preempted by some live music and followed by a DJ dance party or karaoke session. However, we felt the offerings were varied enough for a stay of a few nights.

Obviously your resort isn’t moving, so your excursion options on the property are limited. Still, day trips to go fishing, snorkeling, or biking switch it up from simply lazing in the sun. (No judgement if that is all you want to do). Many of these excursions do cost additional, especially if you book a tour off the property to a nearby town or another city like Tulum. Although some resorts do not charge for use of nonmotorized watersports like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

Cruise Vs. All-Inclusive Resort

Similar to cruise ships, upgrading to a suite comes with its own added perks and inclusions. At the resort I visited, a suite came with access to its own private concierge, lounge, bar and restaurant, as well as a pass for one hydrotherapy session at the spa. In the spacious room, there was a Jacuzzi tub, a balcony, and a welcome amenity. If you weren’t already imbibing enough, the suite has impressive, full-size bottles of premium spirits and a fridge full of replenishable snacks and drinks.

Kids clubs are onsite only at resorts that cater to kids and families. Though, programming is not always as comprehensive as it might be on the most family-friendly cruise lines. MSC Cruises, for example, boasts a partnership with LEGO and other industry-leading programming for littles.

For those who can’t imagine disconnecting, these days the majority of all-inclusive resorts provide free Wi-Fi throughout the resort property.

Which is cheaper: a cruise or all-inclusive resort?

This is a tricky one to answer. But of course, a key factor for many in determining which vacation option to choose might be whether a cruise or an all-inclusive resort is cheaper. The entry-level price point at an all-inclusive depends on the resort. Like cruise lines, some all-inclusive resorts are cheap and cheerful to attract a fun and young crowd. Others are more oriented to couples-only romantic escapes or luxurious spa retreats. Don’t compare crackers to caviar.

While prices for both cruises and adults-only resorts are typically based on a two-person room occupancy, resort prices are a per-night cost whereas cruise prices are a per-person, per night cost. That doesn’t mean one is necessarily more than the other. Though, pay attention to this differentiation if comparing the total price of a week on a ship to a week at a resort.

Cruise Vs. All-Inclusive Resort

For those who like to pull out all the stops and spend on vacation, resorts and cruises will be more than happy to take your money for every extra. That being said, there is less to splurge on at a land-based resort. Simply because you are stationary, and your thirst is well quenched.

An entry-level fare on a cruise line like Carnival is typically for an inside cabin (room with no window or view). Further, the price does not include drinks or tours. Part of the thrill of a cruise is that you might wake up in a different place every other day. While independent exploration is possible, some experiences require you to book a shore excursion. These are one of the expenses you will have to factor into your cruise vacation in order to compare it to a resort stay.

It’s for these reasons that on the whole, I would consider an all-inclusive resort to be a cheaper vacation option. You can choose the number of days that you stay (sometimes there is a three-night minimum), but generally you can choose to get out of town for a long weekend if you wish. Cruises offer sailings of just a few nights, but standard voyages are about a weeklong commitment.

One consideration is airfare. Depending on where you are in relation to the resort, steep flight prices might be unavoidable. On the other hand, cruise ships depart from a number of U.S. cities. So, it might be very possible to find a departure to Bermuda within driving distance of your home in Boston.

Bermuda Cruise Packing List

Tempting though it may be to book anything based on price alone, don’t base your special getaway only on a number figure. A travel advisor can help navigate which is the best vacation option for you — not only between a resort or cruise, but also between which type of resort and which type of cruise ship.

If you are a family, an adults-only resort or ship will obviously not work for you. If you are a couple celebrating an anniversary, it might be best to avoid very family-friendly options unless you want screaming kids interrupting your intimate dinner for two.

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Which is better: a cruise or all-inclusive resort?

Unlike price, “better” is entirely subjective. Similar to the advice on selecting a wallet-friendly vacation, advisors can also help pick the type of vacation experience that is best for you as a traveler.

The very sober elephant in the room is if you or someone in your travel party (apart from children) don’t drink very much or at all. Given the default inclusion of alcohol in the price of an all-inclusive resort, you could be paying a huge premium on drinks that you’ll never even have. At least on most cruise lines, the decision to buy a drink package or only have one or two drinks a day is optional, as it is not part of your cruise fare. Mocktail options were virtually nonexistent during our all-inclusive resort experience; it was typically soda, juice, or water.

Cruise Vs. All-Inclusive Resort

If your idea of the ultimate holiday is an island in the sun —napping or reading with an umbrella drink in hand — then you will easily find your bliss at an all-inclusive resort. If you like to explore new places and experience new things, the dynamic appeal of a cruise ship that travels from port to port will better satisfy that wanderlust.

While the masses might assume that all resorts or most cruises are in Mexico or the Caribbean, nothing could be farther from the truth. There is a Club Med resort in Quebec. There are cruises that sail around Japan or venture up into the Arctic Circle.

Something to consider is weather. For example, hurricane season normally affects the Caribbean from May to November. If you are staying at an immobile resort and the weather kicks up, you are likely out of luck — there is nowhere else to go. Despite viral videos online of cruise passengers braving stormy season, this is by far the exception. Advanced weather technology allows the captain and crew of cruise ships to do their very best to avoid inclement weather at all costs. Sometimes they even have the ability to skirt a storm entirely.

Service is another all-important aspect of any resort or cruise vacation. While I experienced stellar service during my time at an Excellence resort, service across all-inclusive resorts as a whole might be more inconsistent than crew who receive training across an entire cruise line’s fleet of ships. Read reviews.

Cruise Vs. All-Inclusive Resort

“Better” is all about where you see yourself at peak vacation happiness. For some, that is pure and total relaxation. Others like to fill their days with tours of historic capitals or a thousand-and-one classes and activities.

This might sound obvious, but are you adverse to sandy beaches? Maybe don’t shack up at a resort on the beach. Are you anxious about being at sea? Consider these preferences before booking time away that you’re meant to totally enjoy.

Which is a better deal: a cruise or all inclusive?

To me, a deal is about getting the most bang for your buck. In this case, I might be biased toward cruising. Not only are you taking part in the vacation experience that is your “floating resort,” but you have the added bonus of visiting new countries or taking in the salty air of three different white-sand beaches in just one week. There is something about the blend of port days and sea days that combine to create an ideal combination. You can do as much or as little as you want.

Cruise Vs. All-Inclusive Resort

Cruise ships have sailed far from visions of crowded buffets and a lack of sun loungers by the pool. Modern ships feature cutting-edge technology in the form of Disney first-run productions or Broadway-style stage performances. There’s also state-of-the-art waterparks; go-kart tracks; entire skating rinks at sea; multi-level spas; even restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs.

The best deal is going to be the money you paid for the vacation you truly wanted. Do a little digging. With resources like this article, hopefully you are on the path to the perfect escape for you.

Which vacation do you prefer, a cruise vs. all-inclusive resort? What are your pros and cons for each type of travel? Drop us an anchor below to share your vacation experiences.

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Cruises hands down. A friend and I find 7+ day cruises – for under 100.00 a night – per cabin -not per person!! You can’t get a decent meal in a restaurant for 100.00 !!! We just came back from a 14 day No.European cruise out of Southampton for under 90.00 a night and saw 4 countries -a total amazing experience. Plus, we didn’t have to deal with any currency exchanges and was a totally stress-free vacation! We’re going to Alaska next month for about 75.00 a night (7 nte cruise) per cabin with a few perks thrown in. Cabins range from balconies to inside cabins. We don’t mind inside cabins as we’re never in the cabin -always doing something around the ship –

Cruise Vs. All-Inclusive Resort: Which is Better?

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Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian

Royal caribbean, norwegian cruise line, norwegian vs. royal caribbean recapped.

Whether it’s your first time cruising or you’re a veteran at this type of travel, it can be difficult to decide which cruise line is the best fit for you.

With so many different companies to choose from — each with its own ships, entertainment, destinations and personality — finding the cruise experience that fits your needs can take some research.

Let’s compare two of the most popular cruise line options, Norwegian Cruise Line versus Royal Caribbean, to see how they stack up against one another. 

Just looking for the facts? Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line. 

» Learn more: Tips for getting the best deal on your next cruise

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Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Here’s what you need to know about Royal Caribbean, from ship and room size to the activities you can expect on board.

Royal Caribbean doesn’t just have more ships — it has bigger ones, too. The cruise line’s largest ship, the Wonder of the Seas, has room for 5,734 guests. The Icon of the Seas, a new ship that will launch in 2024, will carry a maximum of 5,610 guests across its 20 decks.

Suffice it to say that if you want big, you can have it with Royal Caribbean.

Of course, there are also options to sail on smaller ships, such as the Grandeur of the Seas, which caps out at 1,992 guests. 

When comparing NCL versus Royal Caribbean, you’ll want to also think about room types. Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, for example, you can expect to find varying levels of accommodations, including suites, balcony rooms, virtual balcony rooms, ocean view rooms and interior rooms. 

You won’t get the option for a virtual balcony on every ship, so in general expect to choose between suites, balcony rooms, inside rooms and ocean-view rooms when cruising with Royal Caribbean. 

Food and drink

Royal Caribbean allows guests to either choose an assigned dining time or to eat whenever they like — you’ll make your selection during the booking process. 

The cruise line offers guests a wide variety of dining options aboard its ships. On the Wonder of the Seas, for example, there are 21 outlets from which to choose, including the main dining room, 11 specialty restaurants, a variety of cafes and casual spots.

Be aware that specialty restaurants charge an extra fee. 

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Royal Caribbean’s ships are big for a reason. They’re built to host a whole bunch of amenities, including pools, live entertainment, spas, fitness centers, casinos, lounges, bars, clubs, shops and more.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m at sea and the only thing I wish I could do was go zip lining,” Royal Caribbean has heard your plea. The Wonder of the Seas has this option, along with mini golf, waterslides, karaoke, arcades, surfing, ice skating and rock climbing. 

Who Royal Caribbean caters to

Royal Caribbean offers a slightly more upscale experience than Norwegian, as well as higher-end options when it comes to suites and dining.

Still, there will be a lot of overlap between clientele. If you like to have things to do while cruising — whether with family or friends — Royal Caribbean is a cruise line to consider. 

» Learn more: What to know about the Royal Caribbean credit card

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The Norwegian Encore at sea. (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Just like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian has a variety of offerings for its passengers. Find out more about its ships, rooms, dining options and activities.

Norwegian Cruise Line has varying sizes of ships across its fleet. This means that you’ll get to experience different activities, cabin types and dining options depending on which ship you’re aboard. 

The Norwegian Encore, built in 2019, is one of the cruise line’s newer ships. It can hold a maximum of 3,998 guests, and although there are some ships that can hold more guests, none are as large. 

The Norwegian Sun, meanwhile, holds a maximum capacity of 1,936 guests — the least of any ships in Norwegian’s fleet. 

Again, the types of rooms you can expect to find will vary, based on which ship you’re sailing.

Aboard the Norwegian Encore, for example, you’ll find seven different room types, including several different types of suites, ocean view and interior rooms and studio rooms for solo travelers. 

» Learn more: What to know about the Norwegian Cruise Line credit card

Norwegian is known for its casual approach to cruising.

Unlike other cruise lines, Norwegian has done away with assigned meal times and tables for guests. Instead, you can choose to have your fill at the buffet or sit down in a dining room whenever you’d like. 

There are also options for specialty restaurants aboard these ships, though these come with an additional fee. 

Like other cruise lines, you can expect to find a plethora of pools, fitness clubs, spas, bars, dance clubs, shops and casinos aboard Norwegian ships.

The activities available to you are going to depend on your ship, but the state-of-the-art Encore includes options like go-karting and waterslides, as well as a virtual reality gaming zone and live entertainment. 

Who Norwegian caters to

No comparison of Norwegian Cruise Line versus Royal Caribbean is complete without talking about who should take these cruises.

We already mentioned that Norwegian has done away with the traditional dining setups you’ll see on other cruise lines. It also has some of the newest ships among North American carriers, which means those looking for a variety of activities and a casual setup will want to consider Norwegian. 

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

We’ve broken down the differences between these two cruise lines, including what you can expect on board and who might enjoy these types of cruises.

In the end, a true comparison between Royal Caribbean versus Norwegian has less to do with how the pair stack up — after all, they’re both focused on activity-loving, younger crowds — but which option works best for you. 

Royal Caribbean has more ships and can carry far more passengers, but its destinations are limited compared with Norwegian.

Deciding where to go and what kinds of activities you enjoy will help you choose the best cruise line for your situation. 

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Cruises Vs All-Inclusive Resorts: 20 Reasons To Choose One Over The Other

If the sand, sea, and fresh air are calling your name, you're probably struggling to choose a cruise versus an all-inclusive resort.

While planning your own vacation and setting up the flights and hotel stays is totally doable, it's pretty nice to hand over the responsibility and let someone else do it.

If the sand, sea, and fresh air are calling your name, you're probably debating the all-important vacation question: should you go on a cruise... or is an all-inclusive resort the way to go?

Both of these are great options for a magical and wonderful trip by the beach. They both allow you to take a step back and really enjoy yourself instead of constantly shelling out money for yet another meal or wondering what to do next.

Wondering if you should go on a cruise or a book a stay at an all-inclusive resort ? Here are some reasons to choose one over the other.

20 Cruise: You Can Meet New People

Abcnews.go.com   says that the benefit of going on a cruise is meeting new people. If you have family members who love to cruise, you've probably heard them say that they have a ton of new pals from their holidays. People are into mingling and chatting with strangers, especially at mealtimes.

19 All-Inclusive Resort: You Can Pick Exactly What You Want

The cool thing about booking an all-inclusive resort is you can get the kind of vacation that you really want.

USA Today  says that there are resorts that are perfect for children or for you and your significant other. It's really nice to be able to pick what will work for you.

18 Cruise: You Can Get Off The Boat And Explore Many New Places

While you would be in the same area during your stay at an all-inclusive resort, a cruise means that you can get off the boat and explore new places.  Abcnews.go.com  mentions that this is a highlight of a cruise experience.

Since you'll be moving around, this is great if you have wanderlust and want to experience a lot of new things.

17 All-Inclusive Resort: You Can Organize Your Hotel, Plane Rides, And Food All In One Go

According to  USA Today, an all-inclusive resort allows you to organize it all in one go. You spend money on your hotel, plane rides, food, and anything else that is included, and that's it. Your vacay is set up.

While some people love planning their own trips, most people would like to just get that done quickly and then relax.

16 Cruise: You Don't Have To Take A Plane

According to  Travelpartners.com.au , "Depending upon where you are cruising, sometimes it means you can even board the ship from your hometown, making it perfect for those who love to travel but prefer not to fly."

15 All-Inclusive Resort: It's Much More Affordable Than A Regular Beach Vacay

Sure, you can definitely stay in a regular hotel that isn't part of an all-inclusive resort or rent your own condo. But those nights would add up quickly, not to mention the cost of all of the food and anything else that you would be paying for.

According to  Expedia , an all-inclusive is going to be much more affordable than a regular beach vacation.

14 Cruise: It's Perfect For A Family With Different Interests

As  Cruise Critic  puts it, "One of the biggest plus points to a cruise holiday is the ability to keep everyone happy on one holiday."

A cruise would work for a family with different ages. For example, you could sit and read, your kids could enjoy the activities, and your parents or siblings could enjoy the entertainment at night.

13 All-Inclusive Resort: You Can Stay Active

Go Globe Hopper  mentions that an all-inclusive resort is good for people who want to stay active. You can get in the water and surf or do some snorkeling, or use the gym.

It seems a lot easier and more convenient to work out at a resort than on a cruise since you have a lot more space to move around.

12 Cruise: There's No Stress At All

Insider.com  says that booking a cruise means that there isn't going to be any stress involved. It's really great that you can pay for it and then know that you don't have to even think twice about anything else. You just show up, go on the ship and have fun.

11 All-Inclusive Resort: There Could Be A Super Nice Spa

According to  Expedia,  there could be a spa at your all-inclusive resort, which is definitely great news. Just imagine how relaxed you will be because after spending some time lying on the beach, you can then head to the spa and chill out even more. If this sounds good to you, then you can make sure that the resort that you're interested in has one.

10 Cruise: There's A Lot To Do

Travelpartners.com.au  says that there can be comedy shows and music on a cruise. This is perfect if you don't want to just sit by the pool all the time (even though that does sound like a perfect vacation). It's cool to have some options, and the fact that there's a lot to do makes a cruise sound amazing.

9 All-Inclusive Resort: Many Have Golf As Well Which Could Be A Bonus

Go Globe Hopper  says that many resorts have golf. This might be something that you're interested in, and even if you don't play golf yourself, chances are that someone you're traveling with will love this idea and want to make it part of their trip. That's another point in favor of staying at an all-inclusive resort.

8 Cruise: You Won't Be Glued To Your Phone All Vacation

Even if you tell yourself that you won't look at social media during a stay at a resort on the beach, it might be tough to practice that.

Insider.com  says, "If disconnecting is something you want and something your job will allow you to do, a cruise is the perfect option." The publication says that the Wi-Fi isn't going to be very good.

7 All-Inclusive Resort: You Can Ask The Staff To Schedule Activities For You

Did you know that you could ask the staff at the resort to schedule some activities in the area that you're staying in?

According to  Endless Vacation , "A person visits an average of 38 websites before booking, turning research into practically a full-time job. Instead, let the concierges and directors at your all-inclusive plan your outings."

6 Cruise: It's Great If You Love To Eat

Cruise Critic  says "cruises are known for being foodie holidays." If  food  is super important to you and a big reason that you love to travel, then it definitely sounds like booking a cruise is the way to go. There is going to be a ton of different food and you will always a lot to pick from.

5 All-Inclusive Resort: Everyone Can Sleep In The Same Area

According to Endless Vacation , everyone can sleep in the same area at an all-inclusive resort, which is really good news for families who are traveling together. Your hotel rooms could be connected or you could get a villa that is bigger. This is going to be better than a cruise where you sleep in small rooms.

4 Cruise: You Get An Awesome Deal

Cruises are going to be amazing deals, and that's a really huge reason that a lot of people love going on cruise vacations so much.  Ncl.com  says, "You’ll pay one flat fee which maximizes your hard earned vacation dollars."

3 All-Inclusive Resort: It Feels Fancy But Your Bank Account Won't Suffer Too Much

Travel Away  says that all-inclusive resorts are great for people who want a really nice, fancy vacay but who want to be able to look at their bank account after and know that they didn't spend too much.

You can totally book a stay at a resort and feel like a celebrity...

2 Cruise: You Can Really Pick Your Own Cruise Adventure

Cruise Critic  says that there are tons of different cruises to choose from. You can go for one that has famous people on it or you can go for something elegant and sophisticated.

This is nice, and it's good to hear that not all cruise ships are a one-size-fits-all type of deal.

1 All-Inclusive Resort: You Have Peace Of Mind Staying There

According to Travel Away,  "There are plenty of beautiful and exciting destinations out there, but not all of them may be safe." An all-inclusive resort will give you peace of mind.

So what do you think? A cruise or an all-inclusive resort? They both sound like the perfect way to enjoy a chill vacation.

Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

Fran Golden

Going online to book an airline ticket or hotel stay is a familiar and fairly easy transaction. When you book a cruise, however — particularly your first cruise — you might want to reconsider the impulse to handle the transaction yourself through a cruise line website or an online advertiser with cheap prices. This DIY approach might not be the best way to find your dream vacation at sea.

In reality, it's not that simple to book a cruise. You will likely run into a lot of questions to which you have no ready answer.

That's where specialized cruise travel agents come into play. Their expertise can help you avoid mistakes, whether you are a first-timer or a repeat cruiser checking out a brand you have not tried before.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Why you should book through a cruise travel agent

You should consider booking a cruise through a travel agent because a knowledgeable agent can help you understand the nuances of a cruise purchase and help you make the best decisions for your vacation preferences.

When you book a cruise, you are making a vacation decision that goes way beyond a flight or hotel nights. Which ship you choose determines your dining and evening entertainment choices for the duration of your vacation. Which itinerary you choose impacts which destinations you'll visit and which shoreside activities will be available to you. It can be overwhelming to evaluate the options on your own if you've never cruised before.

versus travel cruises

In addition, cruise fares can be hard to understand and compare. You might, for instance, see a fare listed online without the port charges, taxes and fees, which you only see after you give your personal details.

Plus, the price of your cruise includes accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities — and in some cases drinks, tips, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and other extras. There's a lot bundled into some fares and not as much with others. A travel agent can help you determine what your cruise fare gets you. The cheapest base cruise fare does not always provide the best value or best overall vacation deal.

Related: 4 scenarios when you should use a travel agent

You aren't just booking general passage on a ship, either, as you will be asked to pick a specific cabin and when you prefer to dine. Making a mistake in these categories can ruin your cruise experience, as there are such thing as "bad" cabins and dining times (think noisy or claustrophobic cabins, dinner at 8 p.m. with cranky children, etc.).

With cruises, you typically don't pay for your whole vacation upfront but rather put down a deposit, with final payment due at a later date. A cruise travel agent can ensure you don't miss any due dates.

Remember, you might be a DIY type when booking airlines and hotels, but booking a cruise is more complex. If you enjoy doing your own research, focus on what to do and see in the ports of call. Read about different ships, cruise lines and itineraries. However, when it comes to booking the cruise, we recommend you still contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you learn a few tips and avoid any rookie mistakes.

Travel agents can get better deals on cruises

If you're concerned that working with an agent will make your cruise more expensive, don't be. Cruise travel agents receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines. Their service to you is usually free, though some might charge first-time clients a minimal fee. It's worth it.

In addition to sharing their expertise, the agent may have negotiated group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which could save you money on the cruise fare. The agent might also have first access to sale prices because the cruise lines notify their agent partners and loyalty club members first before they announce a sale to the public.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Some cruise travel agents even throw in booking perks , such as a complimentary bottle of Champagne, awaiting your arrival in your cabin.

How to find a travel agent for a cruise

Cruise lines prefer that you use a travel agent rather than going online and booking directly. They have small in-house reservation teams, and when you have a question while making a booking, good luck in getting an expert on the phone in a timely manner.

Companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line provide online directories to help you find an experienced cruise travel agent near you.

versus travel cruises

You can also find experienced and certified cruise travel agents through CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association , which is the industry's main marketing group. Asking friends who have cruised to recommend a travel agent is another good idea.

Related: 5 unexpected places that sell cruises

You might get more personalized care from smaller agencies than from the huge online agencies, though websites such as icruise.com, Cruise.com and Cruise411.com also have experienced cruise agents. These larger online travel agencies can be a good option for those who prefer to make decisions and ask questions via chat. Just make sure you get the name and phone number of the representative for any follow-up questions.

Questions to ask a cruise travel agent

In choosing a cruise travel agent, you will want to tap into the person's specific expertise about the cruise line and ship you are considering. Anyone can read a ship deck plan outlining ship spaces (which you can find online), but you are looking for people who really know their stuff.

Look for travel agencies that are cruise-only or a home-based agent who specializes in cruises. If you are using a full-service travel agency, ask for the cruise desk.

Here are some questions to ask a travel agent to determine their expertise:

  • How often do you cruise?
  • Have you cruised on the line I am considering?
  • Have you cruised on the ship that I am considering, or do you have clients who have cruised that ship and provided a review of their vacation?
  • Do you have firsthand knowledge about the cruise destination? The itinerary?

You will also want to ask the travel agent if they have a preferred relationship or negotiated agreement with any specific lines that could lead to special perks for you.

Be aware that not all agents work with all cruise lines; some represent only a few preferred suppliers or specialize in higher-end cruises. They get bigger commissions from their preferred lines.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, but be aware if the agent seems to be putting you off the line you were originally considering, as this could be the reason. On the plus side, an agent who is a preferred supplier might have negotiated rates with the cruise line and be able to call in favors, such as that bottle of Champagne or a cabin upgrade .

versus travel cruises

You should also ask if the travel agency offers 24/7 assistance (usually an 800 number) in case you have last-minute questions or something goes wrong before or during your trip.

The cruise travel agent should have questions for you as well, to better understand your dream vacation desires. If you are calling a cruise agency for the first time, the agent should be interviewing you as much as you are interviewing him or her. The agent should be focused on helping you choose the cruise line , ship and cabin that is right for you. Making the correct choices is very important to your overall cruise experience.

Bottom line

Booking a cruise is a complex enterprise. A cruise travel agent will guide you through choosing your cabin and dining times, deposits and final payment, and options for shore excursions and specialty dining. If you need to cancel the trip, the agent will also help you through the refund process. You'll have a lot less stress before and during your vacation if you book with an experienced agent.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Cruzely.com | Everything Cruising

Carnival vs. MSC: 11 Major Differences Between the Two Cruise Lines

When it comes to value, anyone searching for cruises is likely to run across two lines that offer some of the least expensive trips: Carnival and MSC.

Carnival Cruise Line comparison to MSC

And while Carnival is arguably the most well-known cruise line anywhere, MSC isn’t exactly a household name here in the United States. As a result, many people see the two lines offering some similar trips and wonder how they compare.

Having sailed both multiple times, we have insight into what you can expect onboard the cruise lines, including some of the major differences that you should know before you choose one over the other.

Cruise Fleet in the U.S.

If you live in the United States, you might be surprised to learn that MSC actually has a fleet that’s comparable in size to Carnival. Both lines offer more than 20 ships, with Carnival’s fleet being slightly larger overall than MSC.

The difference is that MSC isn’t near as focused on the North American market — although it continues to make a strong push. As a result, the number of ships you can sail from U.S. cruise ports on MSC is far fewer than Carnival.

For example, in 2025 we found seven ships from MSC sailing from U.S. ports. Carnival offers trips aboard 27 vessels according to its schedule.

Bottom line, if the ship you sail is important to you, then you’ll have a lot more options on Carnival than MSC.

Departure Ports

Carnival Jubilee docking in Galveston

Similar to the number of ships sailing in the United States, there are major differences between MSC and Carnival when it comes to departure ports. Make no doubt, Carnival is a U.S.-focused line. MSC is much more global in nature.

In fact, MSC sails from only three U.S. ports — Miami, Port Canaveral, and New York. Galveston will be added in 2025 . Carnival sails from countless ports, including the same ones as MSC plus spots like Seattle, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Tampa, Baltimore, and more.

If you don’t live in Florida and New York and want to be able to drive to a port instead of fly, then Carnival will be your best bet.

Types of Passengers Onboard

While both lines aim to appeal to families and vacationers hunting for value, there is a lot of difference in passenger base.

Specifically, while the difference seems to be narrowing in our opinion, Carnival’s passenger base seems much more American than MSC. Being a line with a major presence in other parts of the world, we’ve found that the passengers on MSC seem to have more people from Europe and South America sailing on the trips we’ve taken. In fact, announcements were in five different languages on our first cruise with the line to make sure everyone understood.

We will say that a more recent cruise saw less of a difference as the cruise line establishes an identity in the United States and gradually appeals to more Americans. But we wouldn’t say that the passenger groups on Carnival and MSC are the same.

Evening Entertainment

versus travel cruises

The entertainment on a cruise is a major part of the experience. Here, there is a big difference between Carnival and MSC.

On Carnival, you have a lot of classic-style shows and game shows. For instance, a recent cruise included live Family Feud with passengers as contestants. There’s the “Love & Marriage” game show (a take on The Newlywed Game), and large scale production shows with lots of singing and dancing.

We’ve loved MSC programming, but it certainly has a different feel to us. At least on the ships we’ve been on, the shows have a more “acrobatic” feel that focus less on Broadway-style performances and more on amazing performers similar to Cirque du Soleil. We also have to especially mention a Michael Jackson tribute show that featured the songs of the King of Pop and an impersonator that was a dead ringer for the late singer.

Ocean Cay (MSC’s Private Island)

View of MSC's Ocean Cay from cruise ship

Both cruise lines offer private destinations. Carnival in particular has quite a few, including private areas in The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Roatan. To be sure, any visit to these spots will be a good time as they are tailor-made for cruise passengers.

We do have to give special mention, however, to MSC’s Ocean Cay . The cruise line spent hundreds of millions developing this island in The Bahamas. It’s an enormous spot with tons of space for everyone, beautiful beaches, and gorgeous water. While many cruise line islands are essentially theme parks, Ocean Cay is a much more relaxing and subdued. If you’re wanting a chilled-out beach day, this is it.

One other perk? MSC often has extended stays at Ocean Cay, including some that stay overnight. The ability to enjoy the island at night is something unique to the cruise line.

We will say that Carnival’s upcoming Celebration Key will be a game-changer for the cruise line, but that’s not until 2025.

Food & Included Restaurants

Guy's Burger Joint on Carnival

What’s a cruise without food? It’s a major part of the overall experience and also a difference between the two lines.

To us, Carnival is one of the most generous cruise lines around when it comes to food. Yes, there are paid options like the steakhouse and high-end dining, but there are plentiful free options included. Of course, there is the buffet and main dining room. Carnival also offers Guy’s Burger Joint, a pizza spot, a deli, BlueIguana (Mexican) and on some ships Chibang! (Asian/Mexican) and Big Chicken.

MSC (at least on the ships we have sailed) has far fewer options. There is the buffet and dining room, and then everything else offered was a specialty restaurant. As well, we noticed that in general there were just fewer restaurants overall.

Venues on the Ship

versus travel cruises

One difference we’ve noticed sailing both MSC and Carnival is one that’s actually a little hard to explain but it has an impact on the feel of your cruise.

Every cruise line has their own venues. For instance, Carnival has areas like Guy’s Burger Joint, or the RedFrog Bar. Royal Caribbean has Lime & Coconut, Sorrento’s, and Playmakers. These areas have their own theme, style, and menus.

We’ve noticed that MSC feels more “generic” in their venues. Yes, the bars and restaurants have different names, but the vibe and theme isn’t as unique from spot to spot on the ship.

For instance, on a recent trip aboard MSC Seaside, we stopped and enjoyed some time in the ship’s sports bar, which is aptly named… Sports Bar.

Gratuity Charges

If traveling with children, then a little-known way that you can save money on MSC versus Carnival is when it comes to gratuities.

First off, both cruise lines charge the same rate currently — $16 per person, per day for most rooms. And if you’re traveling with infants or toddlers, then both have no gratuities for passengers under two years old.

But if taking a family vacation, MSC may offer a nice value. Carnival charges the same gratuity rate for all passengers over two years old. MSC, however, charges $8 per day for kids from 2-12 years.

A family of four with two kids under 12 years old would end up paying $336 for gratuities on a 7-day MSC cruise, but $448 on Carnival. That’s a decent chunk of change that you can save with MSC.

Drink Package Options

Drink packages are a popular item for some passengers. For one set daily price, you don’t have to worry about a bar tab and just get what you want.

Carnival, however, has a much simpler offering. They offer only one package for alcoholic drinks . The price varies depending on the length of the cruise, with one price for cruises under six days and another price for trips six days or longer. There is also a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day.

MSC offers three different packages — Easy, Easy Plus, and Premium Extra. These three packages provide drinks at different price points. That can make things more complicated for cruise passengers as they need to do some analysis to compare the differently-priced packages with what’s included.

Fans of the Cruise Line

If you’ve ever sailed Carnival, then you know that there are people that treat the cruise line like a religion. They have high status (with cards that show it off), pins showing off their past cruises, Carnival clothing, and they love to talk about what ship they’ve been on and which ship they are headed on next.

In fact, we’d argue that no other cruise line quite has the loyalty that Carnival seems to endear. These superfans eat, sleep, and breathe Carnival.

MSC, however, is much more low key. You’ll see far fewer people flashing their loyalty status or wearing clothing emblazoned with MSC. Part of this is the fact that the cruise line is relatively small compared to Carnival here and doesn’t have the history in the United States. There hasn’t been the ability to build as deep a fanbase as Carnival. But more than that, there’s just something about Carnival that makes its passengers love the line.

Global Sailings for MSC

versus travel cruises

We mentioned how MSC is making inroads into the United States, but is still a relatively small player compared to Carnival. Well, one difference between the lines is that you can flip that status in other parts of the world.

MSC is truly a global cruise line with major operations in Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere. If you’re wanting to sail somewhere other than the Caribbean or The Bahamas, then it would offer way more options.

Carnival is focused on the U.S., some cruises in Australia, and a few dotted in Europe. There are sister brands elsewhere around the world (such as Costa), but not Carnival.

More on MSC & Carnival:

  • 11 Important Differences Between MSC Cruises and Other Major Lines
  • Worth It? 15+ Questions & Answers About the Carnival CHEERS! Drink Package
  • Ocean Cay: Complete Guide, Tips, & Things to Know

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

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The 9 top river cruise lines for 2024.

Sail through Europe, Asia, the U.S. and more on one of these exquisite river cruise lines.

The Top River Cruise Lines

Top River Cruises

Courtesy of Viking River Cruises

Not one for the high seas? Explore the world along its rivers instead.

If you'd like to take a cruise but aren't interested in the hustle and bustle of a massive ocean liner, consider a river cruise. River cruises offer the chance to visit lesser-known ports around the world, thanks to the small size and maneuverability of the vessels. These sailings are known to provide exceptional, personalized service, as most welcome fewer than 200 guests at a time. On top of that, you'll spend the majority of your trip exploring a different port each day, as most destinations along the waterways are fairly close together.

Read on to discover the best river cruise lines around the world, with details about where they sail, the number of passengers you can expect onboard, a snapshot of amenities and experiences, and sentiment from recent travelers.

Viking River Cruises

Uniworld boutique river cruises, american cruise lines, amawaterways, avalon waterways, emerald cruises.

  • Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

CroisiEurope Cruises

Viking Longship Idun on the Main River in front of Johannisburg Palace, Aschaffenburg, Germany.

Number of passengers: 75 to 250 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa, U.S.

Viking's 60-plus ships – known as longships – traverse major rivers across Europe, including the Danube , the Rhine, the Douro and more. Other popular routes sail Egypt's Nile River as well as the Mississippi River , and newer options include a series of Great Lakes itineraries.

What to expect: Travelers may be familiar with Viking Ocean Cruises , which operates larger ocean voyages with an emphasis on opulent accommodations and diverse enrichment activities. Viking's river cruises follow a similar road map, with meals, daily walking tours and Wi-Fi access (where applicable) included in the base fare. Other amenities and activities span guest lectures, cooking demonstrations, musical performances, libraries, outdoor decks and more. Select Viking riverboats are also equipped with swimming pools, while cabins feature minibars, premium toiletries, purified water and TVs.

On board, you can expect to find mostly English-speaking passengers. Viking's price point generally attracts older crowds in the 55-plus age group, and travelers must be at least 18 years old to cruise on the line.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers thoroughly enjoyed their experience with Viking, praising the scenic shore excursions, top-notch service and comfortable rooms. Some, however, expressed disappointment with the service as well as the food.

Book a Viking River Cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Pool and pool chairs on a Uniworld Boutique River Cruises ship.

Courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Number of passengers: 32 to 159 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa, South America

Uniworld offers luxurious sailings in historic cities across central Europe, France , Italy , Portugal , India, Egypt and Peru.

What to expect: Its 17 ships aim to create the feel of a boutique hotel with stylish decor, antique artwork and specialty restaurants. The ships hold an average capacity of 120 cruisers, and the company boasts one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the industry: about one crew member for every two travelers.

Stateroom amenities vary by vessel but may include marble bathrooms, Egyptian cotton linens, French balconies, iPod docking stations, Nespresso coffee machines, rainfall showers and more. The line's all-inclusive rates cover meals, alcoholic beverages, select excursions, gratuities, onboard fitness classes and Wi-Fi access, on top of entertainment and enrichment classes. Uniworld prides itself on its top-notch cuisine, which is made with local ingredients sourced from the ports on your itinerary and also includes vegetarian and vegan options.

Uniworld's typical clientele tend to be in their 50s or 60s and reside in North America, the U.K. and Australia . The river cruise line has select itineraries aimed at families, LGBTQ cruisers and solo travelers.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers offered abundant praise for Uniworld's voyages, complimenting the stylish accommodations, attentive staff and fascinating excursions. Though complaints were few and far between, a handful of past travelers felt the experience was not worth the high price point.

Compare Uniworld Boutique River Cruises on GoToSea.

 American Cruise Lines ship on river during sunset.

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

Number of passengers: 90 to 180 Sails to:  U.S.

As the name suggests, American Cruise Lines sails exclusively on the rivers and coastlines of the United States. Popular cruises visit destinations along the Mississippi River, on the Hudson River, throughout New England , and lining the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The line also tours Alaska , the Southeast coast including Florida , and the Puget Sound between Washington state and the Canadian border.

What to expect: American Cruise Lines operates 19 relatively new small ships and river vessels (the average ship is about 5 years old), ranging from modern riverboats to small coastal ships to authentic paddlewheelers. Comfortable cabins can accommodate up to three people per room, and all ships offer single staterooms designed exclusively for solo travelers . Each room boasts picture windows, a spacious bathroom and – in some cases – a private balcony. In the ships' public spaces, cruisers can enjoy daily onboard entertainment like jazz and blues performances, as well as presentations by historians and area experts.

The line promises an all-American experience. As such, you can expect to find American staff aboard the American-built ships as well as food that pays homage to the destinations you will visit, from New Orleans -style andouille sausage gumbo to New England-inspired seafood boils. Complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are served every night prior to dinner; all meals, snacks, and wine and beer are included in the base fare. Shore excursions are not typically included in the rate.

Passengers on American Cruise Lines tend to lean North American and are typically mature retired travelers.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers enjoyed their experience, particularly on the line's themed cruises.

Read:  Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Next Cruise

AmaWaterways cruise ship on river near town.

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

Number of passengers: 28 to 196 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa, South America  

Consider a river cruise with AmaWaterways, whether you're looking to sail through the heart of Europe or seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure touring destinations like Vietnam, Egypt, South Africa or (beginning in 2024) Colombia. A family-owned business founded in 2002, AmaWaterways operates 29 river cruise boats that welcome 150 passengers on average.

The cruise line aims to provide excursion-rich experiences and offers unique themed sailings for passengers with certain interests. Wine-themed voyages are perfect for oenophiles wishing to explore some of Europe's most popular wine regions, while a concierge golf program will transport passengers from one famous golf course to the next. Or, opt for a holiday river cruise to visit magical Christmas markets around Europe. In 2024, AmaWaterways will offer three new Black history-themed itineraries.

What to expect: On board, guests can expect cabins suitable for couples or single travelers, as well as a set amount of connectible rooms designed for multigenerational families. Staterooms are spacious, with perks like bathrobes, slippers and plush bedding. Cabins can feature up to two balconies with AmaWaterways' twin balcony design, which allows for a full, step-out balcony alongside a French balcony with sliding glass doors. In-room Wi-Fi is complimentary, and guests will have access to movies and music on demand.

Outside of their cabins, passengers can enjoy amenities spanning small pools, sun decks, fitness equipment, a hair salon, massage services and more.

AmaWaterways primarily attracts North American travelers in their 50s who enjoy taking part in active shore excursions that involve walking or cycling. Passengers from the U.K. and Australia sail on this river cruise line as well. You can expect to find a mix of couples, families and solo cruisers – including a growing number of millennial travelers – on your vessel, thanks to AmaWaterways' diverse cabin offerings. Adventures by Disney charters AmaWaterways ships for select sailings each year as well.

What travelers say: Recent travelers say AmaWaterways exceeded their expectations, with many noting it was especially enjoyable for families. Still, some were disappointed, particularly with the food.

Find AmaWaterways cruises on GoToSea.

Interior of guest cabin on an Avalon Waterways river cruise ship.

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Number of passengers: 16 to 166 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa, South America

Avalon Waterways sails 19 riverboats along popular thoroughfares like the Danube, the Rhone, the Seine, the Nile, the Rhine, the Moselle, the Mekong, the Ganges and more. In 2024, it will also sail the Douro River in Portugal.

What to expect: Launched in 2004, Avalon stands out for its spacious vessels – known as Suite Ships – which feature some of the largest rooms in the river cruise industry and beds that face wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows, providing panoramic views. Additional stateroom perks include complimentary breakfast in bed, L'Occitane toiletries, sitting areas, ample storage space and mattress toppers.

Across the ship, passengers can enjoy amenities like a sun deck with lounge chairs, whirlpools and a game area, in addition to numerous restaurants and bars and a 24-hour self-serve coffee station. You will also have your pick of Classic, Active or Discovery shore excursions – ranging from standard tours with a local guide to hiking outings along a hilltop castle – depending on your interests and physical abilities.

Avalon Waterways attracts English-speaking cruisers from a variety of countries, typically in their 50s and 60s. However, children ages 8 and older are welcome on board (though there are no designated kids clubs), and some voyages draw younger or older passengers.

What travelers say: Most recent reviews are positive, with travelers highlighting the friendly, knowledgeable staff and tasty food.

Explore Avalon Waterways cruise deals on GoToSea.

Dining area on Tauck river cruise ship.

Courtesy of Tauck

Number of passengers: 84 to 130 Sails to:  Europe

Travel company Tauck wears multiple hats: It operates small-ship voyages around the world, land tours across seven continents, small group journeys for an average of 24 travelers at a time, family tours and – finally – European river cruises. Six new river itineraries in Europe are on the docket for 2024. Take your pick from nine river vessels to explore popular waterways like the Douro, the Moselle, the Rhine, the Danube and the Rhone.

What to expect: All-inclusive fares cover shore excursions, onboard activities and entertainment, gratuities, beverages and more. Plus, Tauck offers exclusive access to unforgettable experiences like wine tastings at private vineyards and gala dinners in historic castles.

More than 80% of the staterooms feature French balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for excellent views. Other in-room amenities may include adjustable climate controls, satin linens, pillow-top mattresses, terry cloth robes and more. Outside of your cabin, you'll find perks such as a sun deck, a putting green, enrichment programs like cooking demonstrations, a fitness center and complimentary bikes for onshore exploring.

Tauck caters to affluent, English-speaking cruisers – primarily Americans in the 55-and-older age group – though you may also find families with adult children on board. The line appeals most to travelers who prefer all the details of their trip to be taken care of for them, versus those who like to plan activities independent of the cruise line.

What travelers say: Recent passengers generally speak highly of their Tauck river cruise experiences, pointing to the exceptional level of organization and spacious, luxurious accommodations. Others said they were underwhelmed for the price.

Aerial of Emerald Cruises river cruise ship on river in Urbar, Germany.

Getty Images

Number of passengers: 84 to 180 Sails to:  Europe, Asia

Previously known as Emerald Waterways, Emerald Cruises transports travelers across some of the most popular rivers in Europe and Asia, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Douro and the Mekong.

What to expect: The cruise fare covers all meals, beverages with lunch and dinner, daily shore excursions − which include more physically rigorous options called EmeraldACTIVE – Wi-Fi access and gratuities.

Emerald operates nine river vessels, all of which boast luxurious public spaces and accommodations with en suite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. Common-area amenities span heated indoor pools, sun decks, spa and wellness facilities, and a variety of eateries. Onboard fitness classes are available, as are other forms of entertainment. On shore, cruisers can borrow bicycles to explore historic city centers.

Typical clientele aboard Emerald Cruises' voyages includes American and British passengers around retirement age, though some younger travelers may make an appearance as well. Children 12 and older are permitted on board and on tours, but there are no kids clubs or designated activities for younger cruisers. Special rooms and dinner reservations are available for solo travelers.

What travelers say: Cruisers on recent sailings – especially first-time sailors – enjoyed their experiences on Emerald Cruises. High points included the attentive crew members and the stress-free booking and planning process. However, some felt that customer service and communication were subpar.

Interior of guest cabin on Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours river cruise ship.

Gillies Zaiser | Courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

Number of passengers: 68 to 163 Sails to: Europe, Asia

From the Danube to the Mekong, Australian travel company Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours offers lavish, all-inclusive river sailings with an emphasis on customization. The more upscale sister brand of Emerald Cruises, Scenic affords travelers the opportunity to do as much or as little as they want while on board and ashore.

What to expect: Enrichment activities are hand-picked by the line's "Journey Designers," and vessels provide a top-notch level of service thanks to their high crew-to-passenger ratios. In fact, each passenger receives a designated butler who can complete nightly turndowns and make laundry arrangements, among other tasks.

Spacious suites on board are larger than those on most other riverboats (ranging from 160 to 510 square feet). High-tech balcony controls allow lodgers to let in as much air as they'd like with the touch of a button. Cruisers will also enjoy special in-room touches like pillow menus, slippers and robes.

When it comes to dining, Scenic sources local ingredients and culinary inspiration from the ports visited on the itinerary to provide an authentic experience. All meals are included in the base cruise fare, along with beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi access, shore excursions and electric bicycle usage in select destinations.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers were pleased with their experiences aboard Scenic's vessels, praising the spacious cabins, pampering butler service, and knowledgeable crew members and tour guides. However, some travelers were particularly disappointed with the food.

Side view of CroisiEurope Cruises river cruise ship.

Helwin Goetzinger | Courtesy of CroisiEurope

Number of passengers: 22 to 200 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa

CroisiEurope is a family-run French cruise line that has been in business since 1976. This line has more than 50 ships and barges that sail to countries around the world, including Egypt, Cambodia and Spain . Unusual in river cruising, the line operates two custom-built ships that sail on Lake Kariba in southern Africa. Additionally, CroisiEurope has a division that sells barge cruises throughout France on six different canals, such as Burgundy or Provence.

What to expect: CroisiEurope is known for its wide range of destinations and is one of the only river cruise lines that operates custom-built ships on Germany 's Elbe river, the Guadalquivir and Guadiana rivers in Spain and Portugal, and Venice 's canals. Onboard accommodations are relatively basic, which keeps the cruise fare to a budget-friendly minimum. The cruise line aims to provide the best value for money in the cruise industry. Cuisine is focused on French food with some local flair in the main dining room, which is included in the cruise fare.

The passenger mix on a CroisiEurope cruise is relatively international, featuring large contingencies from France, Germany, the U.K. and North America. Announcements are typically given in both French and English. The cruise line sees a mix of older couples and groups as well as younger families, depending on the itinerary and time of year.

What travelers say: Several cruisers echoed that some of CroisiEurope's river ships are due for a refurbishment and that internet connectivity leaves a lot to be desired, while others maintain that the experience was superb.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Size: River cruise ships are smaller in size and the number of passengers they can accommodate, with one lounge and one main dining room being a typical setup.
  • Atmosphere: The overall vibe on a river cruise is more relaxed and far less busy than that of an ocean liner.
  • Onboard entertainment: River cruising is notoriously sleepy at night, with a focus instead on local enrichment like cooking demonstrations or liqueur tastings. Due to the busy schedule of port calls and excursions, most passengers are tired after a long day of sightseeing and don't mind a lack of nightlife.
  • Excursions: Most of your time on a river cruise is spent out exploring the destinations, which can sometimes be two stops in a single day. Passengers can choose from a variety of activities in port – including biking, kayaking and hiking – or explore the destination at a leisurely pace.
  • Cuisine: Cuisine tends to be focused on local specialties but is prepared to accommodate predominantly American tastes. Not every river cruise line offers unlimited drinks, but the majority include beer and wine at lunch and dinner, often showcasing regional varieties.
  • Price: River cruising typically comes at a much higher price point than ocean-based itineraries.
  • American Queen

Note that inclusions can vary by cruise line. For example, Viking rates – while not fully all-inclusive – cover beer and wine at meals and one tour per day, while gratuities and other drink packages are left to the discretion of the guest.

Avalon Waterways, on the other hand, offers a number of included tours in every port on select itineraries that range from cultural or culinary-focused to active.

In terms of inclusions and service ratios (the number of crew on board to guests), the following river cruise lines are considered the most luxurious:

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top Cruises on Small Ships
  • The Top Adults-Only Cruises
  • The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
  • The Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans
  • The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

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Work from a cruise ship: Virgin Voyages launches season pass aimed at remote workers

versus travel cruises

Virgin Voyages will help take remote work to the next level later this year.

The adults-only cruise line will offer a Scarlet Summer Season Pass on its Scarlet Lady ship, allowing guests to take four back-to-back cruises – without using all their vacation days. Travelers can book consecutive Mediterranean sailings between June and September at a discounted rate.

“No longer does working from home mean being tied to a desk or home office and eating leftovers for lunch,” Virgin Voyages CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu said in a news release. 

What is the best time to take a cruise? We broke it down by region.

“With our latest WiFi upgrades, Virgin Voyages can now offer our Sailors the chance to see the world while working from a daybed at The Dock (outdoor lounge) and sampling Mediterranean mezzes, then hopping off the ship in between calls to make the most of our incredible ports of call.”

Wi-Fi is already included in the fare on Virgin cruises, but passholders will get the line’s Premium Wi-Fi at no additional cost (though passengers don’t have to be working to take advantage of the pass).

What are the terms of the Scarlet Summer Season Pass?

Travelers can choose from one of four predetermined windows, each made up of four cruises:

  • June 9-July 7
  • July 7-Aug. 4
  • Aug. 4-Sept. 1

There are no blackout dates, and the cruises will feature stops in Cannes and Ajaccio in France; Civitavecchia, Italy; Ibiza and more, though exact itineraries vary by sailing date.

How much does the Scarlet Summer Season Pass cost?

The pass starts at $9,990 for two passengers in a cabin. The price is a “savings of up to 30% compared to travelers booking four independent voyages,” Virgin said in the release.

The pass is good for a Central Sea Terrace cabin, and the cost also includes food from more than 20 eateries; gratuities; wash and fold laundry service; a daily $10 coffee credit per cabin; priority booking for dining and shore excursions; access to Richard’s Rooftop – normally only accessible suite guests – and more.

Travelers can fill out a form on Virgin’s website or contact their travel advisor to book.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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PONDER WITH US THE PROS AND CONS OF JAPAN LAND TOURS VS CRUISES IN OUR LATEST BLOG!

When planning out your first (or next) group tour of Japan, no matter the season, it can be difficult to decide what kind of tour to take. Whether to explore the rich culture, history, and splendid landscape of the Land of the Rising Sun by train and bus on a land tour, or whether to survey the azure Sea of Japan, hopping from port to port from the deck of a cruise liner: it’s a common travelers’ dilemma. A cruise can be a fun way to travel around the country (provided you aren’t one of those travelers who struggle with seasickness), and you’ll be sure the trip is designed entirely with your comfort and convenience in mind. While you debate with your travel group the merits of taking a land tour of Japan vs. taking a cruise around various port cities, here are some points for you to consider before booking your travel package.

THE PROS AND CONS: JAPAN CRUISES VS. JAPAN LAND TOURS

While you contrast the pros and cons that come with taking a cruise or a land tour, I hope you’ll consider the following points.

versus travel cruises

PROS OF TAKING A CRUISE

1. easily see multiple countries on one trip..

One of the best things about seeing Japan by cruise is its often bundled together with ports in other countries. A cruise liner might spend most of the tour visiting top travel ports in Japan, but then will wind its way over to Korea, Taiwan, or China. You would find yourself exploring the most eccentric city districts of Tokyo one day and the traditional markets of Seoul the next. Considering you’re paying primarily to cruise around Japan, it feels almost like getting a bonus trip!

2. ZERO HOTEL HASSLE

This is one of the biggest perks of cruise travel: you don’t have to worry about changing hotels. Upon entering your cabin, you can take out your classy evening wear and colorful Hawaiian shirts, get them ironed, hang them up, then you don’t have to worry about putting them away until the last day of the trip. Only unpacking and repacking once for the entire trip is certainly one of the most convenient things about taking a cruise.

3. TRAVELING CHIEFLY AT NIGHT

This is a cruising convenience that travelers might not consider right away. You come back from your evening in Osaka, having spent an enriching day at the Osaka Aquarium, eat dinner, and turn in for the night. It seems like you’ve scarcely closed your eyes before opening them to find that you’re now in Hiroshima and can look forward to a wonderful day strolling the stately Peace Park. You didn’t have to take a train and/or bus on a multi-hour trip while you tried to fall asleep in your seat. Traveling in comfort while you sleep on a cruise liner is one of the things those who choose this option look forward to the most.

4. ALL THE STAFF SPEAKS ENGLISH.

The most reputable cruise lines that travel around the ports of Japan know how important English-speaking communication is to their guests, so you can bet that all of them staff their luxury liners with a full complement of fluent, English-speaking staff. Difficulties with communication may still arise while in port (although most cruises staff the shore excursions with bilingual local guides), but at least you’ll never have to worry about troubles making yourself understood while on a cruise ship.

CONS OF TAKING A CRUISE

1. no chance to experience japan’s nightlife.

The need to return quickly to the ship at night cuts you off from any possibility of the glittering nightlife of Japan’s major cities. There are countless possible restaurants, bars, nightclubs, izakaya, karaoke clubs, and gaming arcades, where you can hobnob with locals while tasting delicious comfort food and alcoholic drinks. But all this is missed while on a cruise! The rigidity of the cruise schedule means that any hopes of experiencing the vibrant city nightlife are spoiled as you grudgingly return to the ship in the evening.

2. NO REAL OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY THE LOCAL CUISINE

You can’t get a taste of authentic, homegrown Japan cuisine while on a cruise. Because cruises provide all the meals during your tour, the chances you’ll have for tasting Japan’s exceptional foods will be almost non-existent, even within the port cities. The cutesy themed cafes of Tokyo, the street food Osaka’s Dotonbori is known for, the yatai stalls in Fukuoka – all off the radar of the average Japan cruise. This doesn’t mention local foods outside the port cities – regional delicacies that are part of the cultural fabric of each small town. Cruise itineraries most often leave these towns and their delectable cuisines untasted.

3. CRUISE SHIPS CAN’T REALLY TAKE YOU OUTSIDE PORT CITIES

For all the convenience of cruise ships, they are severely limiting to their travelers by what port cities they visit. These cities are the major tourist hubs of Japan, so while you might be sightseeing in major cities, a cruise excursion doesn’t immerse you in the real Japan. To get a look at a more native, intimate Japan, you would have to plan a pre or post-cruise land tour to really get the most out of your favorite destinations. You could then take a trip into the interior of the country for a more culturally immersive Japan experience.

versus travel cruises

PROS OF TAKING A LAND TOUR

1. experience japan more in-depth..

By far the best thing about a land tour is a more in-depth kind of tour. While on a cruise, you’re hopping from one port to the next. You just landed in Kobe with barely a day to explore the city before you’re whisked away to Yokohama or Tokushima. It’s like that for the entire cruise, and although the port cities are a lot of fun, you might reach the last day feeling like you never quite got to experience the REAL Japan. Instead, imagine that same scenario, where your land tour of Kobe started off on a hike around the trails of Mount Rokko, followed by a meal of marbled Kobe beef. Proceeding to a local ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn), you enjoyed your own onsen hot spring bath! Then, if you wanted to continue to Tokushima, you could travel across the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (the longest suspension bridge in the world) to Awaji Island, which sits right between the two cities. You could take some time while there to behold Tadao Ando’s gorgeous Hundred Steps Flower Garden at Yumebutai and see the famed whirlpools of Naruto churning beneath you as you pass over the bridge to Tokushima. This is just one of countless ways you can explore Japan in-depth on a land tour.

2. REGIONAL TRAVEL TO SMALLER COMMUNITIES, WITH MORE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET LOCAL PEOPLE.

Even if you take a land tour by private coach bus, you’ll have plenty of time included to stop and take in the sights from one destination to the next. The best itineraries will stop in smaller, local communities to give their guests a more authentic Japan experience. This not only gives you a native vision of Japan that cruises can’t match, but it also offers you the chance to contribute to the smaller communities as you shop for souvenirs and dine in their restaurants. And while I’m sure any reputable Japan cruise line could find you a cup of delicious matcha tea, how can that possibly compare to a cup of locally sourced matcha that a smiling, talkative shopkeeper whisked by hand in front of you as you sat in her little tea shop that her family has owned for generations? You’ll have a greater opportunity to chat with the local people while on your land tour itinerary.

3. A BETTER-DESIGNED, MORE FLEXIBLE TOUR ITINERARY, CUSTOM-FIT TO YOUR DESIRES

While on a land tour, an itinerary can be tailored precisely to fit your vision, so you can spend as long as you want in a given destination. Most often cruise stops are for a single day, two at most, per port city. Even if you are given time to explore by yourself, your timing is limited to whenever your cruise ship departs for the next destination. Private land tour itineraries can be planned with your preferences in mind for how long you want to stay in a given destination. Also, a land tour can give you perfect control over where you go on your itinerary. As a cruise hops from port to port, its only natural you encounter destinations that you have no interest in. On a land tour itinerary, you can avoid wasting your travel time visiting destinations that don’t fascinate you.

4. MORE DIVERSE TRANSIT, WITH A WIDER RANGE.

Although you have more room to move on a cruise ship, you definitely see more of the country on a land tour, and in a greater variety of ways. Many land tour operators have private coaches to service their group tours, but those looking for more of a transit adventure has myriad possibilities available. For one, the train system of Japan is so well known that one might say you’ve really missed out if you’ve not traveled by rail there. Their bullet train, or “Shinkansen”, is world famous, and every traveler should experience how speedy, smooth, and comfortable it is. There are also luxury trains that take travelers on a mesmerizing adventure through the countryside. Within the big cities there is the convenient bus system, and their taxi cabs are courteous and clean. For more eccentric modes of transit, you can also travel by ropeway in an airborne gondola, be pulled through traditional stone-flagged streets on a rickshaw, cross a river a little wooden boat the size of a washtub, and hike the numerous trails throughout the country.

5. THE SAME GUIDE FOR THE WHOLE TRIP.

A good native guide can be one of the best parts of a land tour. While cruises often employ a legion of local guides to help you navigate these port cities during shore excursions, you only really get to see each one for a day or so before you’re off to the next port. Guided land tours will keep the same guide throughout the whole tour, even if you’re traveling from one end of the country to the other, so there are more opportunities to get to know them, their sense of humor and stories, and enjoy a more consistent tour experience from beginning to end.

6. POTENTIALLY GREATER VARIETY IN DINING OPTIONS.

This one is largely dependent on the type of tour you take. Many land tours have all your meals planned out for you, just like a cruise, and this option is understandably preferrable to those with more demanding dietary needs. But for those who take pleasure in eating adventurously, a wider variety of cuisine becomes available if you take a land tour that includes some free time to choose your own meals. If, while exploring one of Tokyo’s small market streets, your nose is captivated by an aroma coming from a small hole-in-the-wall ramen shop, free time on a land tour affords you the opportunity to enter that shop and order that tantalizing tonkatsu tanmen. And most of the restaurants you go to, especially in the larger cities, have English menus, menus with pictures, and even miniature plastic displays of their food in the front window, to help you know what you’re getting.

7. GREENER TRAVEL OPTIONS.

The massive luxury cruise liners may be convenient in many ways, but it is well known that they guzzle a lot of diesel fuel getting you from one port to the next. Land tours to Japan have more options for eco-friendly travel. The country is on the cutting edge when it comes to environmental concerns like using less petroleum and controlling carbon emissions. Travelers can travel at ease on Japan’s more eco-friendly buses and trains. In addition, Japan has well-maintained walking, hiking, and cycling routes for travelers looking to stay in shape while protecting the environment.

8. LESS CHANCE YOU’LL GET SICK WHILE TRAVELING.

Did you know there is actually less chance of getting sick while taking a land tour? Setting aside obvious seasickness, the thought of ruining the vacation with a flu or stomach virus is a real worry for travelers. While reputable cruise companies are sure to do their best in putting health and safety first, large luxury cruise liners unintentionally serve as viral incubators, causing sickness to easily spread across the whole ship during a two-week or three-week cruise. On a land tour, you will usually be only in a group of 25-35 people, with less chances for possible sickness, and much of the tour will be spent outdoors enjoying the fresh air. Add to that the fact that few countries are more concerned with cleanliness and sanitation than Japan, where they commonly wear facemasks in public even when they aren’t sick and work hard to maintain cleanliness in public facilities and transit systems.

9. A MORE PERSONAL TRIP.

A land tour can be as enriching and personal as you would like it to be. You might encounter a few activities on a cruise that are in line with your interests, but on a land tour you can plan your entire itinerary to cater to the specific hobbies of your travel group to be found in Japan. Beyond seasonal tours for cherry blossoms or autumn leaves, there are small group tours that feature gardening, tea, pottery, birdwatching, anime, and countless other interests. You could also plan a private group tour that is designed entirely to what you and your group want it to be. This facet of land tours is truly what sets them apart from cruises; the limitless possibilities for customization for a way to make a vacation to Japan entirely your own.

CONS OF TAKING A LAND TOUR

1. changing hotels more often.

The primary drawback of a land tour is the fact that you will have to move from one hotel to the next as you progress through destinations on your travel itinerary. While how often you must change hotels depends on itineraries, part and parcel with the thrill of arriving at your itinerary’s newest must-see locale (or departing for the next one) is the admitted chore of repacking your luggage and getting it ready to go for the next trip. The good news is that most group itineraries offer expert assistance in getting it from one hotel to the next, so you won’t be burdened with luggage as you travel.

versus travel cruises

THE BEST OF BOTH OPTIONS – A PRE-CRUISE / POST-CRUISE LAND TOUR

There is a third option for those who are still unsure of which is more right for their group. You could always plan an additional week or two before or after your cruise, to get that more local experience in addition to the comfort of a cruise. Perhaps you intend to book the cruise around the various ports of Japan, beginning (or ending) in Tokyo. Tokyo also makes for the perfect departure / ending point for a land tour and can be an excellent travel hub to visit the Japan’s fascinating mountainous interior. The same could be said of Osaka, which provides easy access to Japan’s gorgeous southern regions. Consider adding a pre or post-cruise land tour to get the most out of a trip to Japan.

Every well-planned trip to Japan, cruise or land tour, leaves you with the same thought: “Is it over already? Just one more day!” With a cruise, you’ll travel in comfort, with good meals, an English-speaking staff, and good customer service. But with a land tour, you have a chance to travel deeper into the heart of the country, visit smaller locales, with more time spent in each destination, more options for travel (including more eco-friendly ones), and a richer, more in-depth Japan experience.

CONTACT US TO PLAN A PRE OR POST CRUISE TOUR IN JAPAN

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Cruises: Expectation vs Reality

Posted: January 11, 2024 | Last updated: January 11, 2024

The apparent appeal of the cruise ship experience is what drives millions of people to book reservations each year. Whether it is a quick weekend trip from a nearby port or a weeklong journey overseas, most first-time travelers have high expectations before the big day arrives.

Expectation: Boarding the Ship is a Dream Come True

A first-time passenger typically does not have much to pull from when imagining their cruise vacation besides what they saw in the movies. Therefore, they will likely picture boarding the cruise ship as being a luxurious highlight of the trip. Quite a few movies make it seem as if it is a peaceful, private and pleasant experience. Perhaps you may even picture a crowd of people waving you off as the ship pulls away from the dock.

<p>Think of when you are boarding a plane or even a train. There are typically several hundred other people making their way through the same path as you, right? This is especially the case with the latecomers running behind schedule that simply do not want to miss their ride. Keep in mind that the average cruise ship holds several thousand people - not several hundred. Therefore, the boarding experience can quickly become like animals in a stampede instead of the private luxury experience you may imagine.</p>

Reality: Battling the Crowd of Other Passengers Can Be a Nightmare

Think of when you are boarding a plane or even a train. There are typically several hundred other people making their way through the same path as you, right? This is especially the case with the latecomers running behind schedule that simply do not want to miss their ride. Keep in mind that the average cruise ship holds several thousand people - not several hundred. Therefore, the boarding experience can quickly become like animals in a stampede instead of the private luxury experience you may imagine.

<p>The phrase "live entertainment" may immediately generate a list your favorite award-winning singers, songwriters, and musicians. You may check the cruise itinerary to see exactly which celebrities (if any) will be performing during our specific trip dates. In some cases, there is a headlining act designed to draw a crowd and compel more travelers to book reservations.</p><p>Even if their names are not listed, you may even still hold out the hope that a surprise performer will make an appearance.</p>

Expectation: Award-Winning Entertainers Will Perform Onstage

The phrase "live entertainment" may immediately generate a list your favorite award-winning singers, songwriters, and musicians. You may check the cruise itinerary to see exactly which celebrities (if any) will be performing during our specific trip dates. In some cases, there is a headlining act designed to draw a crowd and compel more travelers to book reservations.

Even if their names are not listed, you may even still hold out the hope that a surprise performer will make an appearance.

<p>As mentioned, there are some cruises that draw a lot of interest by advertising an A-list celebrity or Grammy-winning performer as the headlining act. What most people forget, though, is that the headlining act is not the only performer. Even in a typical concert experience on land, the lineup is filled more with opening acts and lesser-known performers than the crowd-creating acts. The same is the case with cruise ships. The quality of the "live entertainment" for most of the trip will basically match the same quality you may enjoy during a local karaoke night at your local bar.</p>

Reality: You Are More Likely to See Karaoke Stars Instead of Billboard Artists

As mentioned, there are some cruises that draw a lot of interest by advertising an A-list celebrity or Grammy-winning performer as the headlining act. What most people forget, though, is that the headlining act is not the only performer. Even in a typical concert experience on land, the lineup is filled more with opening acts and lesser-known performers than the crowd-creating acts. The same is the case with cruise ships. The quality of the "live entertainment" for most of the trip will basically match the same quality you may enjoy during a local karaoke night at your local bar.

<p>One of the most exciting parts for most first-timers is planning out the daily itinerary. You may have done the research of what cuisines are available in the buffet line or all the activities available on the ship. They may even make sure that they pack "stretchy pants" just so they can make room for all the wonderful foods and beverages that they will store in their bellies. Those who enjoy creating schedules for themselves may even map out everything they plan to do and eat - expecting there to be an abundance of new and exciting options added to the list daily.</p>

Expectation: Delicious Food Galore and New Activities Daily

One of the most exciting parts for most first-timers is planning out the daily itinerary. You may have done the research of what cuisines are available in the buffet line or all the activities available on the ship. They may even make sure that they pack "stretchy pants" just so they can make room for all the wonderful foods and beverages that they will store in their bellies. Those who enjoy creating schedules for themselves may even map out everything they plan to do and eat - expecting there to be an abundance of new and exciting options added to the list daily.

<p>Just because there are a lot of options available in the buffet line does not mean you'll get to stuff your belly with all of them. Keep in mind that there are thousands of other passengers onboard along with you. This means that, at any given time, you may be in a crowded line of likeminded foodies ready to stuff their bellies as well.</p><p>In addition, you may find yourself burning through the available options on the activity list much quicker than you expect. This typically leaves you wanting more towards the middle of your trip but having to settle on reruns instead of brand new episodes.</p>

Reality: Overcrowded Buffet Lines and Relatively Short Activity List

Just because there are a lot of options available in the buffet line does not mean you'll get to stuff your belly with all of them. Keep in mind that there are thousands of other passengers onboard along with you. This means that, at any given time, you may be in a crowded line of likeminded foodies ready to stuff their bellies as well.

In addition, you may find yourself burning through the available options on the activity list much quicker than you expect. This typically leaves you wanting more towards the middle of your trip but having to settle on reruns instead of brand new episodes.

<p>The phrase "all-inclusive" can mislead more first-time travelers than you may realize. It creates the illusion that everything is covered and paid for as soon as you come aboard the ship. You may even consider keeping your wallet with your belongings and "living it up" as you believe everything your heart desires is included within the initial cost of your purchased travel package.</p>

Expectation: All-Inclusive Means You Can Leave Your Wallet at Home

The phrase "all-inclusive" can mislead more first-time travelers than you may realize. It creates the illusion that everything is covered and paid for as soon as you come aboard the ship. You may even consider keeping your wallet with your belongings and "living it up" as you believe everything your heart desires is included within the initial cost of your purchased travel package.

<p>It is true that the "all-inclusive" label may cover a lot of your meals and drinks during the trip. However, there are still plenty of other enticing things that do not come with that label. For instance, gratuity for your service and housekeepers is not included. The cost of premium beverages and first-class entree upgrades may come with an additional price tag as well. In addition, there are the casinos, activity packages, and even gift shop souvenirs that will require you to at least have your payment information handy.</p>

Reality: 'All-Inclusive' Has More Fine Print Than You Realize

It is true that the "all-inclusive" label may cover a lot of your meals and drinks during the trip. However, there are still plenty of other enticing things that do not come with that label. For instance, gratuity for your service and housekeepers is not included. The cost of premium beverages and first-class entree upgrades may come with an additional price tag as well. In addition, there are the casinos, activity packages, and even gift shop souvenirs that will require you to at least have your payment information handy.

<p>The dream scenario for most first-time travelers consists of using their room key to unlock the door to a luxury suite with expensive linens, quality furnishings, and a substantial amount of living space. Some travelers even pack a little more than they initially planned just to take full advantage of the ample closet space that they imagined will be provided in their luxury cabins. You may even picture the high-count Egyptian cotton sheets on a California King bed and feel right at home.</p>

Expectation: You Will Have the Luxury Cabin of Your Dreams

The dream scenario for most first-time travelers consists of using their room key to unlock the door to a luxury suite with expensive linens, quality furnishings, and a substantial amount of living space. Some travelers even pack a little more than they initially planned just to take full advantage of the ample closet space that they imagined will be provided in their luxury cabins. You may even picture the high-count Egyptian cotton sheets on a California King bed and feel right at home.

<p>The reality is that most of the cabins on a standard cruise ship are much smaller than you may realize. A major misconception is that a huge cruise ship automatically means that each of the cabins within it are huge. You must remember that there are several thousand passengers on a fully-booked cruise ship - which means there is nowhere near enough space available for every cabin to be a luxury suite. You will more than likely have to settle for a king-sized food dish long before you enjoy a king-sized mattress in your cruise ship cabin.</p>

Reality: You Will Only Have a Luxury Cabin in Your Dreams

The reality is that most of the cabins on a standard cruise ship are much smaller than you may realize. A major misconception is that a huge cruise ship automatically means that each of the cabins within it are huge. You must remember that there are several thousand passengers on a fully-booked cruise ship - which means there is nowhere near enough space available for every cabin to be a luxury suite. You will more than likely have to settle for a king-sized food dish long before you enjoy a king-sized mattress in your cruise ship cabin.

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Champions League soccer is back for the round of 16! Europe's premier club competition returns with two high-stakes matches on Tuesday, providing exciting matchups, top talent and drama.

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Paige Bueckers and No. 10 UConn women cruise to Big East Tournament crown

UConn guard Paige Bueckers smiles while scoring 27 points in the Big East championship game.

UNCASVILE, Conn. — Paige Bueckers scored 27 points and had five blocks to help No. 10 UConn beat Georgetown 78-42 on Monday night to win its 22nd Big East Tournament title.

It was the 29th title overall for the Huskies, who haven’t lost in a conference championship game since 2013, when Notre Dame beat them for the Big East title.

UConn (29-5), which has been in 20 consecutive conference tournament championship games, has won all four titles since rejoining the Big East in 2020-21 after taking seven straight during its run in the American Athletic Conference.

Georgetown was making its first appearance in the championship game in school history. The Hoyas (22-11) already have the most wins since the 2011-12 team had 23. That was the last time the school made the NCAA Tournament. Despite making the title game, they are a long shot to make the NCAAs with a very weak non-conference schedule.

Members of the Georgetown staff wore pink for the championship game in honor of Tasha Butts, the Hoyas coach who died of breast cancer on Oct. 23 . Her 42nd birthday would have been Sunday.

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UConn has been playing stellar defense in the tournament. The Huskies held Marquette without a point for the final 14:49 of the semifinal win. Georgetown didn't score for the first 4:09 and trailed 11-0 before getting on the board.

Live with the Champions! https://t.co/dtVvuVSBl6 — UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) March 12, 2024

It didn't get much better for the Hoyas. Bueckers, voted the most outstanding player of the tournament, had a four-point play with 1:24 left in the opening quarter that gave UConn a 25-9 lead.

On the next possession, the Huskies swung the ball around the perimeter with all five players touching it before freshman KK Arnold hit a 3-pointer from the corner. UConn led 28-11 after one quarter.

The Huskies extended the lead to 44-15 midway through the second quarter before the Hoyas scored 10 straight over the next four minutes to cut their deficit to 19.

Ashlynn Shade finally ended the Huskies scoring drought with a 3-pointer from the wing and UConn was up 47-25 at the half.

Georgetown never really threatened to close the gap in the second half. Mya Bembry and Graceann Bennett each had 12 points for the Hoyas.

Wait till the end 😉 pic.twitter.com/hm9AeZ8Nc4 — BIG EAST WBB (@BIGEASTWBB) March 12, 2024

Accidental shots to the face of both Bueckers and Bennett on a rebound briefly stopped play in the third quarter. Both had bloody noses and when they returned, the pair played for a few minutes with gauze hanging out of their left nostrils to stop the bleeding.

UConn could ill afford another injury. The Huskies once again only had seven healthy players suited up to play. Injuries have already put five Huskies players out for the season .

One of those sidelined for the game was post player Aaliyah Edwards, who broke her nose against Providence in the quarterfinals.

Georgetown was playing with out Brianna Scott, who hurt her knee with 1:13 left in the semifinal win over Creighton. She was on crutches and had a giant brace on her right knee.

Cleveland State vs. Wright State women’s basketball: Top-seeded Vikings start fast, cruise into Horizon League championship game

  • Updated: Mar. 11, 2024, 6:50 p.m. |
  • Published: Mar. 11, 2024, 2:36 p.m.

Cleveland State Vikings logo.

Cleveland State logo as of Aug. 22, 2007. The Plain Dealer

  • Robert Fenbers, special to cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio – It didn’t take long for top-seeded Cleveland State to separate itself from the competition Monday afternoon in the Horizon League women’s basketball tournament semifinals. The Vikings used a massive haymaker to cruise past the fourth-seeded Wright State Raiders, 83-50, at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis.

The Vikings (29-4) advance to face Green Bay in the HL Championship game on Tuesday at noon. It marks Cleveland State’s third consecutive trip to the title game.

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COMMENTS

  1. The Pros and Cons of Cruises

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  2. The Best Ways to Book a Cruise

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  3. Cruise vs. all-inclusive resort

    Cruises vs. all-inclusive resorts: The travel adviser perspective. To truly compare these two similar-yet-different vacation options, TPG turned to John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group. Lovell has more than two decades of experience as a travel industry executive and not only advises others on travel, but is an avid traveler himself. ...

  4. Cruises vs. All-inclusive Resorts: Which Vacation Should You ...

    Cruises might also be ideal for travelers who don't want to fly — many cruises depart from major U.S. cities, so if you happen to live near one with a cruise port, you can simply drive to the ...

  5. Cruise Versus All-Inclusive Resort: Which Is the Better Deal?

    The top-of-the-line, all-suite Grand Velas Resort with a similar focus on the culinary experience costs $6,500 per couple ($928 per night) for a weeklong stay in a non-oceanview suite. Again, the ...

  6. Cruise vs. All-Inclusive Resort: Which One Is Right for You?

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  7. Do cruises beat resorts on value? The huge price gap says yes

    Comparison-shopping a seven-day NCL sailing from Miami to the Caribbean against a four-star resort stay in the Caribbean and a four-star hotel stay in Miami Beach, NCLH found the price was 44% ...

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    Cruise ships often have more than 4,000 passengers plus crew on board, and the fact you're all occupying the same mass of space means you'll endure a lot more crowds. All-inclusive resorts tend to have a smaller number of rooms vs. cruise cabins, and you're also able to spread out across an entire property.

  9. Cruise vs. All-Inclusive Resort: Which Is Best For You?

    Cruise vs all-inclusive resort: Impact on the environment Cruise. It has long been reported that cruises have a severe impact on the environment, dumping tons of waste into the ocean. Even some of the cruise ships which promote themselves as being environmentally friendly are known to pollute the ocean and air.

  10. Cruise vs. All inclusive Resort: Which One Is Right for Your Next

    Crowds: The biggest drawback of a cruise (as opposed to an all-inclusive resort or other type of vacation) is that you will generally be dealing with big crowds, particularly during the most popular times of year for family travel: school breaks, holidays and summer vacation. Most cruise ships have enough going on that they don't seem overwhelmingly crowded at any given time, but our family ...

  11. Ταξιδιωτικό Γραφείο

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  12. Cruise Vs. All-Inclusive Resort: Which is Better?

    The entry-level price point at an all-inclusive depends on the resort. Like cruise lines, some all-inclusive resorts are cheap and cheerful to attract a fun and young crowd. Others are more oriented to couples-only romantic escapes or luxurious spa retreats. Don't compare crackers to caviar.

  13. Norwegian vs. Royal Caribbean: How They Differ

    The Norwegian Encore, built in 2019, is one of the cruise line's newer ships. It can hold a maximum of 3,998 guests, and although there are some ships that can hold more guests, none are as ...

  14. Best Way To See Alaska

    This requires more planning, but you'll have a more richly rewarding vacation. Here are five tips to see the real Alaska: 1. If You Cruise, Make It A Means to an End. Cruises are a great way to see Alaska's coastal mountains, glaciers, marine wildlife, and towns. But you don't want to miss our highest mountains, "Big Five" land ...

  15. Cruises Vs All-Inclusive Resorts: 20 Reasons To Choose One ...

    According to USA Today, an all-inclusive resort allows you to organize it all in one go. You spend money on your hotel, plane rides, food, and anything else that is included, and that's it. Your vacay is set up. While some people love planning their own trips, most people would like to just get that done quickly and then relax.

  16. Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

    Travel agents can get better deals on cruises. If you're concerned that working with an agent will make your cruise more expensive, don't be. Cruise travel agents receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines. Their service to you is usually free, though some might charge first-time clients a minimal fee.

  17. Cruise Travel Agent vs. Online Booking

    Travel Agent vs. Online Booking: Bottom Line. You should book your cruise with a travel agent if you're a first time cruiser, have a lot of special requests or want to get the best deals. At ...

  18. The Pros and Cons of Cruising in Europe

    The per-day base cost for mainstream cruises beats independent travel by a mile. For a weeklong European cruise, a couple can pay as little as $100 per person per night — that's less than most hotel rooms in London or Paris. To link all the places on your own — with hotels, rail passes, boat tickets, taxi transfers, restaurants, and so on ...

  19. Carnival vs. MSC: 11 Major Differences Between the Two Cruise Lines

    Make no doubt, Carnival is a U.S.-focused line. MSC is much more global in nature. In fact, MSC sails from only three U.S. ports — Miami, Port Canaveral, and New York. Galveston will be added in 2025. Carnival sails from countless ports, including the same ones as MSC plus spots like Seattle, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Tampa, Baltimore, and ...

  20. What sets these four river cruise lines apart from the others?: Travel

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  21. Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Quick Comparison Chart

    Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category. Carnival Celebration (7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise in January 2024) Royal Caribbean ...

  22. The 10 Top River Cruise Lines for 2024

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  23. Back-to-back cruise deal: Virgin Voyages launches season pass

    The adults-only cruise line will offer a Scarlet Summer Season Pass on its Scarlet Lady ship, allowing guests to take four back-to-back cruises - without using all their vacation days. Travelers ...

  24. Japan Travel: Land Tours vs Cruises

    1. EASILY SEE MULTIPLE COUNTRIES ON ONE TRIP. One of the best things about seeing Japan by cruise is its often bundled together with ports in other countries. A cruise liner might spend most of the tour visiting top travel ports in Japan, but then will wind its way over to Korea, Taiwan, or China.

  25. Cruises: Expectation vs Reality

    The apparent appeal of the cruise ship experience is what drives millions of people to book reservations each year. Whether it is a quick weekend trip from a nearby port or a weeklong journey ...

  26. Better Cruise Line Stock: Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean Cruises

    Carnival and Royal Caribbean are the No. 1 and No. 2 cruise lines, respectively. ... Carnival (CCL-1.12%) and Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL 0.64 ... total debt has fallen to just over $31 billion ...

  27. Champions League matchday live updates: Bayern vs. Lazio

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  28. UConn women cruise to Big East Tournament championship

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  29. Cleveland State vs. Wright State women's basketball: Top-seeded Vikings

    The Vikings used a massive haymaker to cruise past the fourth-seeded Wright State Raiders, 83-50, at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis. The Vikings (29-4) advance to face Green Bay in the ...