So you’re thinking of hosting a group trip. You’ve got your guests in mind—whether it’s an organization, family reunion, company retreat, or anything in between—and you’re ready to start planning.
While it may seem daunting, this is actually the fun part! One of the easiest ways to host a group trip is with an all-inclusive package, so the question becomes, should you choose an all-inclusive resort or an all-inclusive cruise? There is no right or wrong answer and it will be group-dependent, but we’ve outlined some similarities and differences between each to get you started.
All of our dedicated agents are well-versed in each option so let us know what appeals to you and we can take out the guesswork and make the process seamless!
All-Inclusive Resort vs. Cruise
Food and Beverage
One of the most important aspects of any event is food and beverage. Everyone’s got to eat and everyone’s going to want to enjoy what they’re eating and drinking!
This is the beauty of an all-inclusive package. All meals and drinks are included for each guest so there’s no need to worry about menu selection, individual meal planning, etc. The resort or cruise takes care of it all!
When looking at an all-inclusive resort vs. cruise, food and beverage are quite similar. Most resorts and cruises will offer a daily buffet, late-night snacks, room service, multiple bars, and a wide selection of specialty restaurants. However, unlike all-inclusive resorts, some cruises may have an upcharge for certain restaurants. The quality of food will vary from resort to resort and from cruise line to cruise line so it is important to have a budget in mind that will suit the needs and tastebuds of your group.
Additionally, many cruises have separate beverage packages ranging from including just soft drinks to all premium alcohol. There are pros and cons to this model. The pro is that the overall package may be less expensive for those that don’t drink because they are given the option to not take the separate beverage package. The con is that this requires extra planning and prices that will vary across the entire group. Now, of course, this is where we come in. Extra planning is our forte and we handle all of the reservations so you don’t have to!
If your group requires banquet services, this is not a problem for cruises or resorts. Most resorts and cruises have venue space for larger gatherings and banquet services are common and easily arranged. Both options will have upcharges based on the size of the group and the services required.
Activities, Entertainment, and Excursions
Entertainment offerings are another important factor in deciding between an all-inclusive resort vs. cruise. We have all heard of the big cruise ship productions that are put on nowadays—it’s a floating Broadway! So when it comes to large-scale shows, cruises win out.
However, we can’t deny that resorts offer their fair share of great shows and entertainment. From beach parties and themed nights to live shows and piano bars, the entertainment at an all-inclusive resort will not disappoint. Both resorts and cruises will have bars open late if you’re interested in dancing the night away. And, of course, each option will generally have multiple pools, a spa, and a fitness center. Some resorts and cruises also offer waterparks for all to enjoy.
As for water sports, many resorts offer all sorts of activities such as kayaking, snorkeling gear rental, jet skis, windsurfing, etc. Cruises offer plenty of water sports as well, however, these are usually set up as separate excursions in certain ports. Staying in one place at a resort gives guests the opportunity to try out plenty of different watersports whenever they want.
Lastly is the matter of excursions. Cruises offer countless different shore excursions for every type of traveler. From city tours to cultural experiences to adventure activities, every group member will be able to find something that works for them. Many shore excursions are an extra add-on expense depending on the experience.
While most all-inclusive resorts don’t include excursions, we can arrange various tours for the group such as a day trip to Chichen Itza or a sunset catamaran cruise. Both shore excursions and tours available in resort destinations are bookable on an individual or private basis—excellent for team-building or family bonding!
Meetings and Events
As mentioned previously, resorts and cruises are able to cater to a wide range of groups with their meeting and event space options. If you are hosting a large group and want to get everyone together for one event, most resorts and cruises have ample space for guests to get together (resort and cruise-dependent).
Audiovisual and banquet services are also available and simple to arrange at an added cost. Additionally, many resorts and cruises have unique venue spaces such as rooftop terraces, lounges, outdoor restaurants, etc. that are available for rental. As your group travel agents, we will give you all of these options and help to arrange everything from seating to menus to event itineraries. And if you are planning a large meeting we can even be there on-site to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Insider tip: If you really want to think outside of the box, how about renting out an entire ship? No, we aren’t talking about those big-ship cruises you see sailing the ocean. We are talking about a river cruise that sails the rivers of Europe. Talk about a wow-factor!
Destination Options
If you’re looking to host your group trip in a warm-weather destination, you have quite a few options to choose from, for resorts and cruises!
All-inclusive resorts are scattered throughout the Caribbean with large numbers centered in destinations such as Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Most cities with large airports fly non-stop to these destinations making it easy for many groups to get there. There are no all-inclusive resorts located within the United States.
Some of the most popular cruise lines sail most parts of the Caribbean. The beauty of a cruise is that most Caribbean cruises depart from U.S. cities such as Miami, Galveston, or Fort Lauderdale. This means that flights may be less expensive with more options for non-stop schedules. Ease of travel is important for group travel and flying everyone domestically can sometimes contribute to that ease. There are other destinations available via cruise ship including Alaska and the Mediterranean. And again, small ship river cruising has really opened Europe up to travelers, especially groups.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere of a resort vs. a cruise can vary widely and is based largely on the brand and budget.
Even with cruise lines sailing some of the largest ships ever made, it can still feel somewhat confined. You are on a boat after all. Resorts tend to offer more space to spread out and find your own little oasis.
Additionally, there are adults-only resorts available for those looking for a quieter setting. Currently, there is only one cruise line offering adults-only sailings.
Of course, with both options, there is a range from the less expensive brands all the way up to top-of-the-line luxury. Naturally, the atmosphere and amenities will vary based on which level of luxury you choose.
Group Perks
Most all-inclusive resorts and cruises will offer exclusive group perks depending on the size of your group. This could include complimentary rooms and/or upgrades, a welcome drink upon arrival for each guest, discounted spa services, complimentary cocktail reception or party, private group check-in, late check-outs, and much more. These perks will depend on the resort/cruise brand, amount of rooms/travelers, and the time of year.
At Onward Travel, we will make sure that you are getting the most for your group including any and all available perks!
Price
Naturally, the big question is, how do all-inclusive resorts and cruises compare in price? And, of course, the best answer we can give is… it depends.
When factoring in domestic flights and accommodation, some cruise lines will likely come out on top, price-wise. There are always special promotions, savings, and deals, especially with cruises. However, many times, you get what you pay for and guests may find some amenities lacking.
Additionally, when a cruise line is offering a special group price, many times, it doesn’t include added charges such as beverage packages, excursions, gratuities, etc. These can add up quickly. All-inclusive resorts are almost always truly all-inclusive.
In both cases, rest assured that our agents will not sell you a package or destination that we would not personally recommend. We will work closely with you and your budget to come up with a suitable option that will make everyone in your group happy.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Clearly choosing between an all-inclusive resort vs. cruise is not always an easy decision, but our agents are available to ensure you make the right decision for your group.
As specialists in both options, our agents are your trusted resource and experts. Whichever type of group trip you choose, we will work diligently to make sure all of your guests enjoy their exciting adventures!
