The benefits of an all-inclusive resort versus a cruise?

All inclusive is better for relaxation because in a cruise, you are in a new place every day and because of this you will want to come out and see everything. Whereas the all inclusive, you stay put and is more suited for lazy people who don;t like to do stuff and don't care about broadening their horizons as far as seeing new and different cultures.

I have done both and believe me, you will never get me on a cruise ship ever again. First, the rooms are small. When you are in a port they shut down the casino and all the shops to try and get you off the boat and shop in the tourist traps that they own. The food is not very good either. I felt trapped. I have stayed at the Riu Palace in Playacar right next to the Yacatan.It is a very nice area. This is one of the best beaches and perfect water that I have ever seen. Their food was excellent. It is not far from Tulum which is very interesting. Any by the way, All Inclusive resorts dont sink.

Done both. All inclusive is the way to go. On a cruise you are stuck with 3,000 people on a big boat. You eat when they do, you tour an island when they do (for only 8 or less hours), and you pay dearly for drinks (soft drinks or liquor), plus tipping. We went to Couples Negril in Negril Jamaica. There was no tipping. All drinks are included. Food is served at most times. You can lay on the beach and do nothing. Or you can water ski, scuba, sail, catamaran cruise, shopping trip, etc. and it's all included. You can sleep all day or get up with the sun. There is no schedule other than entertainment. You won't regret it.

Go with the resort. A Carnival cruise on spring break is going to be a madhouse- full of kids on spring break. Way too crowded. At least with resorts you are more spread out and don't have to ever leave the beach. Besides, with a cruise you're going to pay extra for things like drinks, speciality restaurants, or even have to pay to SEE the beach when you dock, as at most ports you dock in little towns and there aren't great beaches right there to play on. My suggestion would be to go to a resort, where everything is included in the room price, and you will be able to relax, enjoy the beach, and go on excursions in your free time instead of sitting on a ship all day, finally docking and having to choose between hanging out on a nice beach or going on an excursion.

An all-inclusive resort is usually more expensive than the average cruise. So if price is your main consideration, go with a cruise. If the main goal is relaxation and you can afford the resort, go that way. Riviera Maya has OK excursions. A cruise will usually get you to better excursions depending on where you take it. Cruises and resorts are usually pretty equal with good and safety. If you have never been to the Caribbean before, a cruise will give you more exposure to more places and some insights on what you really want the most.