Am I just spoiled or prejudice?
So recently I was treated to a three night stay at an All-Inclusive Resort (AIR) on the beautiful island of Jamaica. I love Jamaica and it aqua blue waters, great coffee and flowing clear waterfalls.
We stayed at an all adult resort called Jewel Paradise Cove in Montego Bay which is a Curio Resort, owned by Hilton. The property itself was gorgeous and well kept. The staff was extremely polite and very good. The resort buildings and amenities were good but not perfect and I will write a separate review on this next.
Okay...so here we go...and yes, I realize that I may just be spoiled and opinionated...but that is why this is my Blog!
Item/winner:
FOOD/ Cruise
This is one of two items I will vote for Cruise without thinking twice. The resorts generally have multiple choices for food just like a ship...casual, buffet, pizza, burger grill, etc. However, the food is not the same quality. It is good but not the same as on a ship. I think one of the main issues are the meats that are available locally. Ships load up on product in the US and have a vast array afforded to them. They also have more executive chefs, fleet-wide menus that have been designed, tested and taught.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES/ Cruise
Surprised? Me too! Okay so here are my reasons- I would rather pay for my drinks and get what I want without settling. I like higher end brands, I like professional bartenders and I like better glassware...told you...I am just a spoiled B*%$H. Okay so I know the price includes the alcohol and it maybe a savings at the AIR but I like by bottles to at least come from the "middle shelf" if not the top shelf :) The top brands were Gordon's Gin, Smirnoff Vodka, Jim Beam Bourbon, etc. and the main problems was there wasn't a choice. Now maybe there are better resorts with better booze...I get that. But still......I think the training of the bartenders and the variety of the liquids will still be won by a cruise....unless you are paying way too much for the AIR you are staying at. We will get to this later when we get to the VALUE section.
ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS/ All Inclusive Resort
This wasn't a surprise! Resort rooms are nice, much bigger and more amenities. There was a real king sized bed, a dressing bench, two nightstands and a dresser. Large walk-in closet with an ironing board and iron too and also an in-room safe. Large sitting area with couch, chairs, coffee tables, lamps and more. Balcony over looking the bay and pools. Let's not even get me started on the bathroom difference: jacuzzi tub, vanity, etc.
To get even close to this room you would have to book the Captains Suite on a ship.
DRESS CODE/ Well.......both
There really isn't a dress code at an AIR and cruises have gotten more relaxed. Do you just want to lounge around in your bathing suit all day or do you want to get dressed to go to dinner? This one is totally up to the traveler.
CLIENTELE / another one where both win.....
I have to admit that I surprised that the variety of guests are about the same. There were young and old, newly married and those celebrating many years together. Everyone had about the same idea in mind: getaway...no decision making....relaxation....and not having to worry about spending too much. There may be a bit more "upper class" on a ship but the ratio all works out to be about the same.
SPACE (Chair hogging, lines, etc.)/ All Inclusive
Even though I was told the resort was running at only 37%, it is safe to say there is more personal space. We already have said the room is big but there is something to be said for a buffet feeding 500 guests instead of 1500. There were actually some beach lounge "chair hogging" however....lol. You know, where people get up early and place their crap on a poolside chair to save it. This resort has three pools and they seemed adequate but I do wonder what it would be like if the resort was full. I would imagine booking an AIR during it's peak time would cause a little congestion. Also, there was a group at the resort during our visit. This could cause alarm if they overtook the resort.
ENTERTAINMENT/ Cruise
The resort did have some nightly entertainment each night consisting of a house band with a different singer each night. It was good but they didn't have much variety. The afternoon "games" by the pool were horrible and obnoxious. The guy at the Piano Bar saved the day, I only wished he was there every night. There were not a lot of choices like on a cruise. One of my favorite things when travelling on a ship....Vegas type show one night, comedy another, etc. There was NOT a Casino at this resort.
SIGHTSEEING/ Cruise
Although you can venture out beyond the walls of an AIR...it is more work. I will say I do like the fact that on a cruise you usually visit different places within your journey. After three days of the same pools and beach I was ready to move on. The resort did offer a few excursions and we did enjoy one but it was much harder to schedule. We wanted to golf one day, waterfalls, another, waterpark, etc. but you never know what is being offered and when. It was impossible for us to schedule it all in because the day we wanted to go to the waterfall, the tour was not going from the resort. At least on a cruise you are pretty much in control of that.
VALUE/ Cruise for me......but what about you?
So bottom line here: The resort for 7 days in September would cost me a base rate of $1700.....then you add the flight of $800 so about $2500. A balcony cabin on Carnival from Tampa for 7 nights the same week would be $1500. That would leave me $1000 to either purchase the "Cheers" alcohol beverage program for two...or buy as I go. On a cruise you are charged gratuities of about $16 per day, per person. At the AIR we did tip as we went but probably not at $32 per day. Even so, I think you break even, dollar for dollar.
So in the end it is about the same...so again...it depends on what you want for YOUR time away. I will most likely choose a cruise but am always willing to do just about anything. I would definitely try an AIR again.
It was interesting when I asked guests if they had ever tried a cruise. Most said NO and most thought it would cost much more. 90% of people I asked were 90% happy with the resort.
- What is your expected capacity for the dates I am choosing
- What brands of alcohol do you serve
- Can I plan my schedule/excursions in advance
- Are all of the property's listed amenities operating
- What is the expected entertainment schedule during my visit
- Are you expecting any large groups/weddings during my stay
What about you and yours? Have you done both? Would you like too?
Let me know!
