I personally prefer cruising to almost any other type of vacation but as a travel agent I do always want to research all options for my clients.  All Inclusive resorts are a popular option so I have made it a point to get to check out some of them.   Just like cruising there are many different types of All Inclusive resorts and something for all budgets.    There are some that are adult only and others that are family friendly.  

I am on my way to Jamaica for a stay at an All Inclusive resort so I thought this might be a good time to compare going to an All Inclusive vs a Cruise.  Both vacation options offer some similar things.  They both offer accommodations and most meals in your upfront cost.  The pros and cons really vary based on what you are looking for in a vacation.  

You might want to pick a cruise if...
#1 If you want to see more than one destination during your vacation
#2 If you are not a big drinker and don't want to be paying for alcohol to be included.
#3 If you like the idea that if the weather is bad your vacation can change where it is going to avoid the weather.
#4 If you want to avoid flying since many cruise starting points could be within driving distance.  Even if you cannot drive to the starting port you might find cheaper flights for a cruise than flying to an island destination for an All Inclusive.
#5 If you do not have a passport.   While it isn't recommend it is possible to take a cruise out of the United States and not have a passport.

You might want to pick an All Inclusive if... 
#1 If you really want a vacation where you really don't do much at all   Most All Inclusives will not have much scheduled for each day so you can just lay around the pool or on the beach.  
#2 If you want to spend more time in one place and be able to go to the beach at any time (most of the All Inclusive resorts will have some kind of beach even if you can't always swim there).
#3 If you are a big drinker and like a vacation that includes all you can drink in your upfront cost.
#4 If you want to have the option for some water sports that won't cost you extra (most resorts will have some type of water sports like kayaking included)
#5 If you get motion sickness and prefer a vacation that stays on solid ground. 

If you are unsure what might work best for you a good travel (shameless plug) will be happy to help you figure that out.

It used to be that you could earn some VIP perks on cruises by booking a suite or by being very loyal to a particular cruise line.  Now, some cruise lines have come up with a new purchase option for guests that might want a little more of a VIP feeling when cruising but are not in a suite or have many past cruises.

Here is the list of cruise lines currently offering an option to pay for some type of extra perks.  I have put them in alphabetical order but it is good to point out that this list includes all 3 of the Mass Market Cruise lines and just 1 Premium Cruise line.  The Mass Market ships are going always be the biggest ships sailing with sometimes almost 6,000 guests so on those paying to avoid lines sort of makes sense.   Holland American is a Premium so their ships are smaller and offer a bit more upscale cruise so you will see the perks they offer in their program are a bit different.  

Carnival - Faster to the Fun
What it includes - 
1. Priority Security, Check in, and Boarding.  You get to board the ship after Diamond and Platinum guests and those traveling in Deluxe Suites.  You do not get access to the Captains Lounge which is only for the Diamond, Platinum and Deluxe Suite guests.
2. First Access to your Stateroom.   Your room is ready to enjoy as soon as  you board.
3. Priority Luggage.   Your bags will be one of the first that get delivered.
4. Priority Guest Service. Your own line or phone extension to talk guest services onboard.  
5. Priority Dining Reservations.   You get priority assignment for the Main Dining room and specialty restaurant reservations.  Platinum and Diamond get cleared first and does not apply to Your Time Dining.
6. Tender Priority.  When at a port with a tender to get onshore you will get priority times which can get you ashore faster.
7. Debarkation Choice.  At the end of the cruise you can choose either early or late debarkation.

What Does It Cost*
1. The price is per room and not per person so just one guest in the room has to purchase and everyone gets it.
2. It must be purchased prior to the cruise. It is limited to a certain number of guests so best to buy as soon as possible.  
3. Prices vary based on cruise length and sometimes the ship.   Starting at $39.95 on a 2 day cruise up to $119.95 on an 8 day or longer cruise.  
4. Not available on Carnival Journeys, Europe Cruises, or cruises out of certain ports.


Holland America - Club Orange
What it includes
1. Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade.  Upgraded to the best available stateroom within your category at time of purchase.   That means if you have an inside room your upgrade will still be an inside room but a better room.
2. Exclusive Dining Options and Premium in-room Breakfast.  Priority access to specialty restaurant reservations and a premium menu for in room breakfast.  The 2 newest ships have a private dining venue other ships get priority seating with expanded menu.
3. Priority Access.  Priority check in and debarkation.   Also have a priority line for guests services and shore excursions desk.
4. Tender Priority.  When in port with tenders you get priority access times that will get you ashore first.
5. Dedicated Concierge Hotline
6. Upgraded Amenities.   Get a welcome glass of sparkling wine at dinner the first night, premium bathrobes, exclusive Club Orange tote bag and Club Orange key card.
7. Special Event -Invitation to a special onboard event chosen by the ship's captain. These exclusive experiences may include a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship; a private spa and beauty consultation; or a coffee chat with onboard musicians, performers or cooking show hosts.

What Does It Cost*
1. Club Orange cost applies to 1st and 2nd guests in a room but if there are 3rd or 4th guests they receive it at no extra cost.  The price listed is per person for the 1st and 2nd guests and both must purchase.
2. It is available for a limited number of non-suite guests on each sailing.  Guests in Neptune or Pinnacle Suites get all the benefits (except the room upgrade) of Club Orange at not extra cost.
3. Must be purchased prior to the cruise start.
4. Price is $35 per person, per day on the 2 newest ships Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam.   All other ships are $25 per person, per day.

NCL - Priority Access
What It Includes
1. Priority Security, Check in, and Boarding
2. Tender Priority Access.
3. Priority Debarkation
4. Daily Complimentary Standard Room Service Breakfast
5. $50 Spa Discount (per person on port days only)
6. Complimentary Canapes (second day of cruise)

What Does it Cost*
1. The cost is per room
2. Guests staying in the Haven and Owners Suites along with Latitude Guests that are Platinum, Platinum Plus, or Ambassador levels cannot purchase but that is because they already get all of these benefits.
3. Only a limited number of Priority Access is available so best to book as early as possible
4. Prices vary by length of cruise

• 3 to 5 Days - $99 per cabin
• 6 to 9 Days - $179 per cabin
• 10 to 15 Days - $249 per cabin
• 16+ Days - $299 per cabin

Royal Caribbean - The Key
What it Includes
1. Priority Check in and Boarding
2. Exclusive Welcome Lunch in Main Dining room with menu from Chops Grille
3. Carry on Bag Drop off in Main Dining Room.  This means you can bring your carry on when you board and drop it off in the welcome lunch and it will be delivered to your stateroom for you instead of having to carry it around until rooms are  open to guests.
4.Private Hours at Onboard Activities like Rock Climbing and Flow Rider and more
5. Priority Departure at Port from ship to shore
6. Seats in the Exclusive VIP seating section for shows in the Main Theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B, and Two70
7. VOOM Surf and Steam 1 Device High Speed Internet - 1 package per paying guest
8. Exclusive Debarkation Day Ala Carte Breakfast and choice of departure time

What Does it Cost*
1. Must be Purchased Prior to your cruise
2. Price is per person and everyone over age 6 in the room must get it even if just one person wants it.
3. The number sold is limited.
4. Cost is $25 per person per night and must be purchased for all nights of the cruise

*prices and inclusions always subject to change at anytime

I have mixed feelings about these pay for perks options.  As a travel agent I want my client to have the best experience and if avoiding lines or getting some other perks that they are willing to pay for does that for them then I am glad to be able to offer that option.   However as a guest on certain cruise lines that I might have earned some of the perks the hard way I am not so sure I am happy about people being able to jump right to them just by paying more.  If I paid the big bucks for a suite on a cruise which entitles me to a lot of perks I would not like it that someone else can buy their way into those perks.  It doesn't have quite the exclusive benefit feel when you open up to others to purchase.   I am also worried that this will start a new trend of cruise lines adding more to their nickle and dime list that I really do not like.  Personally I always liked the feeling of a cruise being mostly all inclusive but over the years it has changed a lot and now there are a many extras you might have to budget for on top of your cruise fare.  There are still some cruise lines that do offer a more inclusive up front fare however that makes them look a lot more expensive at first glance so my advice on this is to really look at what you are getting for that low up front price.  For example, instead of paying to avoid lines you could just choose a smaller cruise ship where there won't be any lines for anyone.  

What are your feelings on these pay for perks options?

 Ok so I admit when our ship is about to leave port I would head up to the upper deck and see if I can catch any last minute runners that are close to missing the boat.   I would also laugh when I hear the announcement over the speaker looking for certain guests that are not showing as back onboard as the time to depart approaches.  However I don't think I will do that anymore since I was almost one of those people.  

 It was on our Alaska cruise in the Juneau.  If you have been there before you have probably ridden or at least seen the Mt Roberts tram to the top of the mountain.   Depending on where your ship docked you could have been almost parked right in front of it.  On this visit our ship was right there so we thought why not take a ride since we hadn't done it on our previous Alaska cruise.   We rode to the top and got out to walk around a little and then it started raining, which wasn't a big surprise since it is part of a rainforest, but then we heard thunder and saw some lightning which seemed very odd.   We headed back inside to catch a ride back down only to find that the tram wasn't running due to the storm.   At that point the line was already pretty long and no idea when it would start running again.   We asked about walking down and were told it was about 2 and half miles so we thought that isn't too bad and might be faster than waiting.   We stated walking and were enjoying the trek despite a little rain but then it just seemed like we were walking forever and never getting any closer to the end.  We passed a few people walking up and ask how much further and each time they said about a mile even though we passed them about 15 minutes apart.  It is pretty wooded so you couldn't get an idea of where you were until we finally got to a spot where we could see out to the water and realized we were still very high up and only had about an hour to make it back to the boat.   We picked up the pace and finally came out of the trail but realized that it came out a bit out of town and no where near the ships.  Panic started to set in as we realized we had about 30 minutes to get back to the boat.  Luckily a car was driving by and we flagged them down and they thankfully didn't mind giving us a lift back to the ship.   Even with the ride we still were cutting it close.  We were so grateful to have made it back on the ship that we didn't even realize that things were a little off and then we heard the announcement that the power was out.   We found out that the same lightning strike that stopped the tram also knocked out port to the port.  That caused the ship to leave port a bit later so we might have made it if we hadn't found a ride back to the boat but I won't take that chance again.  

There were a few things running through my head as I thought we might miss the boat and I realized I really was not prepared.   Since that was a close call I was sure to look up what what happens if you miss the boat. I learned that the ship will make a couple attempts to be sure you are not already onboard including check in your room.  If  you are not onboard they will try to collect a few of your things to leave with the port agent for you.  It is then up to you to either get to the next port or home. 

Here are my tips for being prepared when you get off the ship:

#1 - Be sure to take a copy of your passport with you when you get off the ship.  You don't want to take your actual passports as you really do not want to lose those.

#2 - Know where your passports are in the room   If you are pretty sure you are going to miss the boat you can call the ship and have guest services go into your room and get your passport to leave with the port agent.  They can also grab other important things like medication.  If you are not able to call the ship to let them know you are not going to make it someone from guests services will go to your room and attempt to find your passports anyway.  If they can easily find them they will get them to the port agent.  
  

#3 - Book with a travel agent (yes I know it sounds like a shameless plug but your agent really is your best advocate).   You might not have the ship phone number handy on your excursion but my guess is your travel agent phone number should be in your phone somewhere so call and then your agent can take care of helping you make your plan for what comes next.  

Here are a couple tips for how to best avoid missing the ship -

#1 - Book a shore excursion through the cruise line or a 3rd party that offers a back to ship guarantee as that is your best protection since it is more likely the ship will wait for a ship sponsored  excursion.  If for some reason the ship leaves without you the cruise line or tour provider will take care of the arrangements to get you to the next port.  If you do choose a 3rd party be sure you research and know what their policy is for a late return to port.

#2 - If you do go off on your own in port be very mindful of the time you need to be back on the ship and account for the time needed to get back to the port and go through any possible security. Some of the bigger busier ports could have multiple ships in at the same time and they might leave around the same time so there could be lines.   Also remember that the time ships leaves and all aboard is not the same thing.   The all aboard time is earlier than the actual depart time.  Another thing to be sure of is that your watch is set to the correct time since sometimes on your cruise you might cross time zones.  

#3 - Make sure you really know where your ship is docked.  If there are multiple ships in port with you there could be multiple docks being used so just saying to your taxi take me back to the port might not work out as easy as it sounds.  

My biggest tip is for those of you that choose to cruise without a passport - WHATEVER YOU DO YOU CANNOT MISS THE BOAT!   Without a passport you really could be in trouble if you miss the boat. 
​

Celebrate your independence!  Solo traveling is becoming more and more popular as people realize the freedom to do your own thing on vacation is really nice.   I have traveled solo a few times and I will admit the first time I was really nervous but then I realized you are never really alone when traveling.

  There are a lot of pros and cons to traveling alone and here are a few that I ran into and how I dealt with them:
Pros

• 1. You get to pick where and when you will travel without having to compromise with anyone else.  It was nice not having to work with around else's schedule.
• 2. While on vacation you can choose what you want to do.   It is just nice to be able to decide I want to walk over here and look at this right now and not have to drag anyone else or have to skip it because the others don't want to see it.  
• 3.  You only have to keep track of your own things.  As a mom I loved not having pack for someone else or be responsible for carrying anyone else's stuff while exploring.  
• 4. Sometimes there is only room for one more.    There can be advantages especially while visiting a theme park solo where you can get in a shorter line as a solo.   You might also be able to score last minute tickets to a show or on an excursion because there was only one seat left.  
• 5. Meet new people.  You are more likely to talk to strangers when traveling alone just because you don't have anyone else to talk to.  

Cons

• 1. It can get a little lonely.  Sometimes you might just wish you had a certain someone with you to share in this special moment.  I was usually most lonely when it is bedtime and you are in a strange room alone.  I would usually call someone or just keep TV or Music on so that it wasn't too quiet.
  
• 2. It can sometimes cost more.  Certain suppliers might charge a single supplement which means you end up paying almost as much as being 2 people when you are just 1.   You can shop around to look for deals or options that do not charge a single supplement.  Many cruise lines now even offer studio rooms where they are designed for just one person.  Some tour suppliers might even offer to match you up with a roommate if you want to save money that way (personally I cannot see myself ever going for that option but some people don't mind).  
• 3. Eating alone can be awkward.   I admit I never like eating out alone and will do whatever I can to make myself look busy while eating.  If you are part of a tour group or on a cruise you are usually seated with others for meals so that can help.
• 4. You have to remember everything because there is no one else to remind you if you forget.   I am very good at forgetting things like how to get back to the hotel or where I parked so without someone to ask it can be a little challenging.  
• 5.  May not always get the best photos with you in them.  I stink at taking selfies and also really don't like asking strangers to take my photo so my solo trips just don't have as many photos with me in them.

​My favorite travel options for going solo are a tour group, cruise, and theme parks.   In a tour group there will usually be a bunch of people and not everyone will know each other but you will all be going to the same locations throughout your vacation. Tour guides are usually very good at making the group all feel like they know each other really well after the first day and you will never feel alone.  On a cruise you won't get as personal with all your shipmates as on a tour group, but there is always plenty to do and others doing the same things that you feel like part of a group.   In theme parks there is just so much to do where you are always on the move so being solo is actually super easy.  

If you have ever thought about traveling solo go for it - you won't regret it!