Q. What's best for me? A cruise or a resort vacation?
It's a question asked by a lot of vacation travelers!
How to decide?
The most helpful way to 'sort out the differences' is to talk with an experienced travel agent. At Rainbow Travel, we'll educate you on both types of vacations, ask a lot of questions about your like and dislikes, as well as what your expectations are while on vacation. We'll answer all of your questions, too!
We'll help you sort through the endless vacation options, to find just the right vacation for you!
Here are some of the main differences between cruising and a resort vacation. This information will be a helpful first step in planning the vacation of your dreams!
A cruise vacation is wonderfully relaxing. Everything is done for you. There are no major decisions to make. You'll receive 'pampered service' on board, from your cabin steward to your waiter. The entire cruise staff jumps to please your every request - it's not everywhere you can find that kind of service!
A cruise is a great way to sample several different islands, all in one vacation! And how simple it is to visit each island - the ship just pulls into port, and off you go on your way to explore the island for the day! Shore excursions, such as snorkeling, shopping, sightseeing and many more, can be purchased from the cruise line, or you can grab a taxi and head out on your own!
On the days you are "at sea", there are lots of activities on board the ship to keep you busy, or you may choose to find a quiet chair by the pool, relax in the sun with a book, and have a waiter serve you! For the active traveler, there are swimming pools, full work-out facilities, exercise classes, sports contests, dance contests, backgammon, bridge, organized deck activities, casino and more. To relax and be pampered even further, each ship offers spa treatments, sauna, a beauty salon, facials, manicures, and much more. These treatments are by appointment only, and have an additional charge.
A cruise is 'all-inclusive', meaning that your cruise price includes all meals and entertainment on board. There's a variety of choices for all meals, from sit-down wait service the dining room, to a piece of pizza, a burger or a buffet on deck.
What's not included are alcoholic and carbonated beverages, shore excursions and tipping. Tipping is done at the end of the week, to your cabin steward, busboy, waiter, and anyone else you felt has given you exceptional service. Customary amount is approximately $150 per couple for the week.
There are usually two formal nights on a 7 day cruise, requiring a jacket and tie for men and dress or slacks for women. For dinner in the dining room all other evenings, men must wear slacks - no shorts allowed. Attire is casual at all buffets, pizza parlor, or burger grill on deck.
Cruises are available in 3 day, 4 day, 5 day, 7 day, 10 day, 11 day, or 14 day itineraries for the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Alaska or Hawaii. Many European or other international cruises offer longer itineraries.
A resort vacation allows you to choose your destination based on things you like to see and do while on vacation. It allows you more time to explore the island and experience the culture, as well as get to know the natives and their customs. You can take day trips and visit nearby towns or neighboring islands. You have a chance to find new restaurants, night spots and out of the way places on the island.
On a resort vacation, you'll be able to find solitude, whether it's on a walk down a deserted beach, or in a lounge chair in the sand under an umbrella, or tucked away on the balcony of your room overlooking the ocean or pool. You can sit on the beach and leisurely watch the gorgeous sunset, or take long walks in the glittering moonlight.
On an island, you'll be able to enjoy a variety of water sports just steps away from your resort, and swim in freshwater pools.
Casual attire is standard in Mexico and the Caribbean, however at all-inclusive resorts at the ala-carte restaurants, men are required to wear slacks and a collared shirt, and women slacks, skirt, or sundress. No shorts are allowed in these restaurants. Ask your agent for clarification when picking up your travel documents. Even at the nicest restaurants, "Caribbean casual" is appropriate - cotton pants or sundresses for women, slacks or walking shorts for men. There's no need to take dressier clothes unless you want to.
Service throughout the Caribbean and Mexico is much slower than what you may be accustomed to - you'll soon find it's necessary to quickly adapt, and learn to be patient while you wait!
When you're ready to plan your next vacation, please give us a call, we'd LOVE to help you!
How to decide?
The most helpful way to 'sort out the differences' is to talk with an experienced travel agent. At Rainbow Travel, we'll educate you on both types of vacations, ask a lot of questions about your like and dislikes, as well as what your expectations are while on vacation. We'll answer all of your questions, too!
We'll help you sort through the endless vacation options, to find just the right vacation for you!
Here are some of the main differences between cruising and a resort vacation. This information will be a helpful first step in planning the vacation of your dreams!
A cruise vacation is wonderfully relaxing. Everything is done for you. There are no major decisions to make. You'll receive 'pampered service' on board, from your cabin steward to your waiter. The entire cruise staff jumps to please your every request - it's not everywhere you can find that kind of service!
A cruise is a great way to sample several different islands, all in one vacation! And how simple it is to visit each island - the ship just pulls into port, and off you go on your way to explore the island for the day! Shore excursions, such as snorkeling, shopping, sightseeing and many more, can be purchased from the cruise line, or you can grab a taxi and head out on your own!
On the days you are "at sea", there are lots of activities on board the ship to keep you busy, or you may choose to find a quiet chair by the pool, relax in the sun with a book, and have a waiter serve you! For the active traveler, there are swimming pools, full work-out facilities, exercise classes, sports contests, dance contests, backgammon, bridge, organized deck activities, casino and more. To relax and be pampered even further, each ship offers spa treatments, sauna, a beauty salon, facials, manicures, and much more. These treatments are by appointment only, and have an additional charge.
A cruise is 'all-inclusive', meaning that your cruise price includes all meals and entertainment on board. There's a variety of choices for all meals, from sit-down wait service the dining room, to a piece of pizza, a burger or a buffet on deck.
What's not included are alcoholic and carbonated beverages, shore excursions and tipping. Tipping is done at the end of the week, to your cabin steward, busboy, waiter, and anyone else you felt has given you exceptional service. Customary amount is approximately $150 per couple for the week.
There are usually two formal nights on a 7 day cruise, requiring a jacket and tie for men and dress or slacks for women. For dinner in the dining room all other evenings, men must wear slacks - no shorts allowed. Attire is casual at all buffets, pizza parlor, or burger grill on deck.
Cruises are available in 3 day, 4 day, 5 day, 7 day, 10 day, 11 day, or 14 day itineraries for the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Alaska or Hawaii. Many European or other international cruises offer longer itineraries.
A resort vacation allows you to choose your destination based on things you like to see and do while on vacation. It allows you more time to explore the island and experience the culture, as well as get to know the natives and their customs. You can take day trips and visit nearby towns or neighboring islands. You have a chance to find new restaurants, night spots and out of the way places on the island.
On a resort vacation, you'll be able to find solitude, whether it's on a walk down a deserted beach, or in a lounge chair in the sand under an umbrella, or tucked away on the balcony of your room overlooking the ocean or pool. You can sit on the beach and leisurely watch the gorgeous sunset, or take long walks in the glittering moonlight.
On an island, you'll be able to enjoy a variety of water sports just steps away from your resort, and swim in freshwater pools.
Casual attire is standard in Mexico and the Caribbean, however at all-inclusive resorts at the ala-carte restaurants, men are required to wear slacks and a collared shirt, and women slacks, skirt, or sundress. No shorts are allowed in these restaurants. Ask your agent for clarification when picking up your travel documents. Even at the nicest restaurants, "Caribbean casual" is appropriate - cotton pants or sundresses for women, slacks or walking shorts for men. There's no need to take dressier clothes unless you want to.
Service throughout the Caribbean and Mexico is much slower than what you may be accustomed to - you'll soon find it's necessary to quickly adapt, and learn to be patient while you wait!
When you're ready to plan your next vacation, please give us a call, we'd LOVE to help you!
