Resorts or Cruises?

Question

My fiance and I are getting married on June 7, 2008 and are thinking of ideas as to what we'd like to do. We live in MD and are thinking of going on a cruise in NY to Bermuda. Yet, we were wondering if an all out resort would be better or even just as nice. Also, money-wise which would be the best choice. I would prefer going somewhere tropical so I can be nice and warm and such.... and I LOVE the beach!

We'd like our honeymoon to also be around at least a week and perhaps leave for it on the 8th (day after.)

Answer 1

I have been on cruises before and I have been to Bermuda before - but not on a cruise. I'd say there are negatives and positives to both options.
(1) cost: from a cost perspective I'd say a cruise is likely the less expensive option as the higher end all inclusive resorts in Bermuda are very expensive. You would also be saving on the cost of the flight - as the departure from NY or Boston are accesible by car for you. Remeber that the drinks on board the ship are not included in your price, but an all-inclusive resort they are. So if you are big drinkers, factor that into your calculations.
(2) time: If you're looking for a beach holiday (lounging on the beach and drinking rum punches all day) - the cruise option would cost you 2 to 3 of your 7 days (assuming a 7 day trip) in the travelling to and from Bermuda. You would simply be substituting lounging on deck instead of the beach. And you'd have to pack your own drinks for your day at the beach.
(3) convenience: once in Bermuda, you can rent 2-seat scooters (tourists are not allowed to rent cars) for a reasonable cost (at dock side in Hamilton or St Georges). You can travel the length of the island in under an hour at a moderate speed. So all the beaches are easily accessible, no matter where the ship docks. We stayed just outside Hamilton and rented a scooter when we were there. We found accessible beaches very easily, and found ones very private (an advantage over the crowded resort beach). You could easily have breakfast on board, pack a lunch and find a beach for the day - then head back for dinner. The evenings could be spent on shore or on board.

If 7 days on a beach is the goal, with all you can drink included, you would likely find all-inclusive resorts all over the Carribean that would be less expensive than either a cruise or non-cruise holiday in Bermuda - even with the flights included.

That said, Bermuda is beautiful. We plan to go back sometime in the next 3-4 years, and it will likely be via a cruise next time.

Answer 2

We went on a cruise for our honeymoon, but I've never been to a resort. So I can only tell you about the cruise.

It can get pricey. The cost of the cruise isn't too bad (compared to hotels) - ours was $1500 for a 7-day Carnival cruise. But, that only includes your room, meals and most entertainment, you have to pay extra for your alcohol, pop, shore excursions, and souvenirs, which can add up really fast! We spent around $1500 on all those extras. Plus you have to figure airfare is going to be an extra $300-500.

The nice thing about a cruise is being able to see different places vs. being in the same place all week. Plus being on the boat is like being at a resort - multiple options for meals, lots of entertainment, games, pools, water slides, workout rooms, bars/lounges, and lots of deck space around the pool or overlooking the ocean/sea.

But, if what you really want to do is spend lots of time at the beach, a resort might be better. If you're on a 7-day cruise, you'll probably only make 3-4 stops, which usually last around 6-10 hours each stop. Every stop on our cruise had a beach excursion available, but you can't go to the beach every day - some days are "fun days at sea" where you are traveling to your next stop.

So I guess the big differences are - do you want to be on a boat, and on the boat's schedule for when you can do certain things (like, you can only go to the beach on days the ship is in port) or do you just want to lay on a beach all day? Do you want to see one tropical island or 3-4 islands?

Do some research, check out cruises and what shore excursions are available and check out resorts and see what kind of excrusions they have. And check prices. I have no idea what a resort costs and what is included in the price.

Answer 3

I have been to and/or photographed almost 250 weddings. I would recommend the resort. One of my brides did this last year in the Bahamas, and it was a HUGE hit with all of the guests, family and friends. Some had to fly in and/or leave at different times so it was convenient. Also, it was much easier to plan because everything was right there where she needed it. I know some people have motion sickness, so the cruise sounds like it might be more of a honeymoon idea for you and your fiance. Plus, do you really want a whole bunch of strangers at your wedding? I have seen weddings on cruises and all of the people on the boat have access to the wedding. It depends on how private you like to be.

Either way, your idea is awesome and I'm sure you'll have a blast. Happy planning and best of luck to you both. Congratulations!

Answer 4

I have been on a cruise, but my husband and I went to an all inclusive resort in Mexico for our honeymoon. The resort is definitely better. We were not at all restricted. I don't like how on a cruise you are only on the island for a day. Also, the rooms are incredible at resorts. I know you don't stay in the room lots, but it is nice to have a beautiful room on your honeymoon. There is so much to do at the resort. You can also go to different islands with a taxi ride. The food is great and all of the drinks are included as well. It is absolutely wonderful. The staff at these resorts are so polite. We went to Aventura Spa Palace in the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. Go to www.travel-center.com for a huge amount of all inclusive resorts in many different locations. Good luck with the wedding and the honeymoon. Wherever you go will be wonderful.
www.travel-center.com

Answer 5

If you are thinking which is better money-wise, go with the cruise. If money isn't an object, go with the resort. You will have a lot more fun as well as more flexibility and freedom. Even when you stop at places on a cruise, you have practically no time to really see the destination, so that would cancel beachtime on a cruise. Either way, have fun!

Answer 6

Luren....I've been on a cruise and been to a resort....by far the best time was at a resort in Cabos San Lucas Mexico...My wife and I both felt our experience on a boat was ok but after a few days you run out of things to do..the boat gets real small and doesn't change..same people, food, stores, etc...At the resort we had a great time..it helped our marriage a lot....we have plans to go back....Cost wise it was cheaper to fly to the resort for 7 days then it was for a 4 day cruise....also at the resort you can leave and see the local sights, bars, etc...your stuck on the boat until it docks somewhere.....good luck in marriage.

Answer 7

I do not like cruises. I feel stuck and confined on a big boat most of the time, in a cramped room and tons of people everywhere. The boats dock for about a day at each port of call, and that's only enough time to do a few activities.

I am a much bigger fan of all-inclusive resorts. You can eat and drink as much as you want, there's a beach there all the time, and no restrictions on what you can do on what days. Much more relaxing for me.

Answer 8

An all-inclusive resort will be less expensive in the long run to a cruise.
Although food is included in a cruise, drinks are not.
At an all inclusive, the food is better and your drinks are included. You also get to be at a destination for the entire time, vs being couped up on a ship at sea most of the time.

Answer 9

An all inclusive resort is a god choice..on a cruise you are STUCK..with the meal schedule, dress codes, all the other kids out looking for love( unless you go with a very high end like the QE2), at a couples resort at least you will know that everyone else there wants a bit of privacy as well..and you can set your own schedule!
happy wedding!

Answer 10

I have been on a cruise to Bermuda and it is great! I guess it depends on your type of interest. However I love cruises. It is a great deal for getting all your food, room, ect. Bermuda is def beautiful, the beaches are so clean and pretty! Call a travel agent, they can help you with the best deals!