If you’re planning a relaxing getaway and torn between a cruise and an all-inclusive resort, you’re not alone. Both options offer pre-paid meals, entertainment, and the promise of no surprise expenses. But they cater to different travel styles and come with their own costs and perks. So which one gives you more bang for your buck?
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown to help you decide.
Cost Comparison: What’s Included and What’s Not
Both cruises and all-inclusive resorts offer bundled pricing, but inclusions vary.
Cruises typically include:
- Lodging
- Meals in main dining rooms and buffets
- Onboard entertainment (shows, pools, fitness centers)
- Transportation between destinations
Additional cruise costs may include:
- Alcohol and soda packages
- Internet access
- Shore excursions
- Gratuities ($14–$20 per person, per day)
- Specialty dining
- Port taxes and fees
All-inclusive resorts generally include:
- Lodging
- All meals and snacks
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Non-motorized water sports (e.g., kayaking, paddleboarding)
- Resort entertainment and activities
- On-site gratuities
What to consider:
If you plan to drink frequently or value round-the-clock food access, resorts often offer better included value. However, cruises give you multiple destinations in one trip, which resorts cannot replicate.
Destination Variety
Cruises shine in destination diversity. You can visit multiple countries or cities in a single week, with minimal effort.
Popular cruise regions:
Resorts are fixed in one location. While this offers immersion and full relaxation, it lacks the variety cruising provides.
Accommodations and Ambience
Cruise cabins are typically smaller than resort rooms. Balcony cabins and suites offer more space but can get expensive. Resorts tend to offer larger rooms with easier access to amenities like pools, beaches, and restaurants.
Cruises provide a more compact, bustling environment, while resorts offer more room to spread out—great for families with small children or guests seeking solitude.
Entertainment and Activities
Cruises are known for Broadway-style shows, casinos, trivia nights, game rooms, and themed parties. Some ships feature rock climbing walls, surf simulators, and even ice skating rinks.
Resorts focus on beach access, local culture, and wellness activities such as yoga, cooking classes, and live music. Adults-only resorts may also offer spa credits and romantic dinners.
Saving More with Cashback and Rewards
Whichever route you choose, you can still lower your total cost by using cashback platforms. Booking your cruise using discounted gift cards from Fluz can yield instant savings. You can often buy a Carnival gift card or get a Royal Caribbean gift card depending on availability at Fluz.
For all-inclusive resorts, cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta may reward bookings through travel partners like Expedia, Hotels.com, or Booking.com.
Who Should Choose a Cruise?
- Travelers seeking to visit multiple destinations
- Those who enjoy structured activities and entertainment
- First-time international travelers who want built-in travel logistics
Who Should Choose an All-Inclusive Resort?
- Couples or families wanting pure relaxation
- Travelers uninterested in changing locations
- Guests looking for a beach vacation with fewer moving parts
The Bottom Line
Cruises and all-inclusive resorts both offer incredible vacation experiences, but the better value depends on your travel goals. If you love variety and motion, a cruise may be the perfect fit. If you prefer to stay in one place and enjoy unlimited access to food and drink, a resort could offer more comfort and simplicity. Either way, using cashback tools like Fluz or Rakuten can help stretch your budget and make the most of your investment.
