Unlike cramped cabins, impersonal dining and hidden fees associated with cruising, all-inclusive resort vacations cover spacious rooms and suites, meals in a private setting, a wide range of activities, exciting entertainment, premium liquor and beverages, non-motorized watersports and, yes, gratuities.
Avid cruisers may want to re-think their vacation options when considering the cost differential between a cruise and a land-based all-inclusive vacation:
Depart May 2 from Philadelphia to Miami for a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on a well known, high-end cruise line. The advertised base price is $849 including a standard lower inside cabin, all meals and daily activities/entertainment. Now add airfare from Philadelphia, taxes, transfers to and from the cruise ship, an upgraded cabin with balcony and outside window, three alcoholic beverages plus a bottle of water and latte daily, mandatory gratuities and a 3 day snorkeling package. The final cost jumps to $2245.
Compare that to a full week at the deluxe, all-inclusive Dreams Palm Beach in Punta Cana. The base vacation package cost is $1099.99, plus $133.80 in taxes and fees. A total of $1234 buys non-stop round-trip air from Philadelphia, airport/hotel transfers, a junior suite with a balcony, hotel taxes and baggage handling, 24 hour room service, all meals at a choice of seven restaurants, unlimited drinks and premium alcoholic beverages, daily activities, non-motorized watersports, nightly live entertainment and all gratuities.
Vacationers save over 40% on an all-inclusive getaway. For travelers who like to visit four or five islands in a week, a cruise is still the way to go. But for those who want to know their total investment up-front and experience their vacation destination at their own pace, more and more are turning to the benefits of an all-inclusive vacation.
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