Royal Caribbean versus Sandals

[Mywildlove]

Hey friends,

 

First off please don't bite my head off, I know that this is a cruise forum but I have to ask, can anyone give a comparison of a Royal Caribbean cruise to a vacation at a Sandals resort?

 

My husband and I did the Mediterranean holy land tour and it was awesome. We got to visit 4 different countries and a lot of historic sites and we never had to pack up and waste time traveling from one place to the other. Now we're doing Alaska for the second time and we're not even planning to get off the ship there are not any excursions we're interested in doing.

 

Since our travel plans are moving more towards laying around and relaxing and less about traveling to see different sites I'm wondering if we might be better off going to an all-inclusive resort like Sandals versus going on a cruise?

 

I was looking at Sandals website and their prices seem to be better than Royal Caribbean when you include all the add-ons that Royal Caribbean now has you purchase such as unlimited beverages including alcoholic beverages, 24 hour room service, free WiFi, their advertising $64 travel protection per-person and they give up to $1000 flight credit which is a great incentive for my husband and I since we have to fly from Seattle. Plus they're offering one night free for every seven nights on most of the rooms. Not to mention they can be booked at anytime for any length of time.

 

I'm just wondering if this is one of those situations where the grass looks greener on the other side and/or it's too good to be true. I'm just wondering since all we know is Royal Caribbean cruises has anyone been to Sandals and can you share your experience and can you compare it to Royal Caribbean cruise?

 

Thank you.

[Bootman4U]

I'm sorry, but I'm not aware that you "have" to purchase anything once on board a ship. You may CHOOSE to purchase all kinds of things. If what you are actually saying is that you feel the NEED to purchase various things once on board in order to more fully enjoy yourself, that is a different thing entirely IMO.

 

Your proposed destination is just that: a destination which unlike the ship does not move anywhere. Since you say you are moving toward "laying around and relaxing" which you obviously did on the Alaska cruise then I suggest you definitely take the Sandals offer. Only YOU can decide if it is "better" and I don't care how many people tell you that the cruise is a better deal. If and when they DO, ask them if THEY have ever been to Sandals and that's who I might listen a little more to. But how will you know if their standards and expectations are really just like yours?

 

What have you got to lose by trying it out? You can always take another cruise.

[sky0000547]

I'm sorry, but I'm not aware that you "have" to purchase anything once on board a ship. You may CHOOSE to purchase all kinds of things. If what you are actually saying is that you feel the NEED to purchase various things once on board in order to more fully enjoy yourself, that is a different thing entirely IMO.

 

 

That is true that you do not have to purchase anything onboard but the OP is comparing like for like then you will have to add the extra costs to be comparable.

[xxHadleyxx]

I haven't done an all inclusive land resort yetm but our firends just got back from one in the Maldives and they adored it---said they are likely done with cruising now (after many years of avid cruising on Disney and a few more recently on RCI). They also tend to want to lay around and not sight see so much.

 

That is true that you do not have to purchase anything onboard but the OP is comparing like for like then you will have to add the extra costs to be comparable.

This, exactly.

 

Yes, prices can vary widely, however Bootman4U, as was just explained on the Disney thread, if you are trying to price compare you do that by looking at the most similar possible sitaution (which, in the case of this OP is incuding many extras which would be included in the baseline Sandals price and which OP presumably enjoys having).

[spookwife]

for us, an AI is not something we would get value out of. sure a ton of stuff is included, but quite frankly, none of it we would actually partake in. he's a redhead, , skin cancer is prevalent in my family so beaches are right out. don't do water sports, I'd ride a horse maybe once before remembering that the next day you pay for it in spades if you are not a regular rider, I have zero desire to sit by a pool all day and drink. and no nightlife for us either.( yes we are old and boring)

 

furthermore the actual locations of most of them are nowhere we are interested in visiting.

 

we do not drink that much, a few glasses of wine in the evening, so paying extra up front for something that we would get very limited benefit out of is a downside. I would call dining a wash since the options are similar as far as I can tell.

[matj2000]

Definitely try the Sandals, Secrets, or Couples.

Especially if you are a beach/pool person.

I would much rather do AI however with school aged kids it rules it out for a while.

[njm5378]

I just got back from Secrets Royal Beach in Punta Cana. As a cruise person, here is my take. Cruises are opulent, nice carpet, polished brass rails, and art on the walls. Secrets was nice but still a concrete hotel with tile floors. Materials are chosen to minimize hurricane damage. It did not feel as welcoming to me. The grounds at Secrets were beautiful. The pool was a pool. The beach was one of the best we have ever been on. The food was not nearly as good as a cruise. Veggies and fruit were good, beef was terrible. Reminded me of a Windjammer, with slightly less quality. Liquor is different, its not unlimited top shelf. They have one bottle of top shelf for the day, the rest is whatever cheap liquor they can find. Staff in Punta Cana was the best of any where we had been. On a ship we feel scheduled (excursions, dinning), at Secrets we did not. One reason I cruise is to see different places, cannot do that with a AI. The two options are hard to compare as they are very different vacations. For me I still prefer a cruise, but would do an AI again. To me vacation is vacation and I always have a good time. If you like to relax I don't see a mistake with either choice.

Edited March 30, 2017 by njm5378

[setsail]

Interesting, people here spend thousands to just lay around. We can do that at home, when we travel it's about seeing and doing lots of things.

[laura85]

I went to Sandals in Antigua about 10 years ago for my honeymoon. We had a fantastic time. It was so nice to put our wallets in the safe, and never need them (or need a sea pass card)! There were several restaurants to choose from, beautiful pools and grounds, nice beach. The staff was mostly good. The food, was not as good as cruise food (even with the decline of cruise food quality over the years!), but we certainly didn't starve!!

 

Because sandals is all couples, it can be a nice romantic getaway. Calm, slow paced, very relaxing. And it's very nice to have no kids there! (I love my DS, but a break is always nice)

 

At that time I was new to wine and alcoholic beverages, so I was more than happy with everything they had. Not sure if it was top shelf, but you can probably check the website if you're in to that.

 

So I'd definitely recommend Sandals, especially since you've never been!! It sounds much more up your alley than a cruise, especially if you guys enjoy the beach and pools.

 

 

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[KG1924]

We've done a few all inclusives in Mexico and most recently in Aruba. We generally enjoy them mostly because you actually get to explore multiple parts of a particular area rather then just a few hours on a cruise. We actually aren't lay by the pool/beach types of people (we are hardly go go go all the time either...we like a little of both) I've always wanted to try a Sandals as it appears that they are much nicer than most all inclusives, at least the ones we've been at (RIU, Secrets, and Occidental) I would think it would be a great option for you guys if you truly want a relaxing vacation.

 

I also don't think it's fair to compare a Secrets in Punta Cana to a Sandals resort in Turks and Caicos or some other more "exotic" type location. I've never been to Punta Cana, but EVERY single person I've talked to that has been there has complained that the food is bad. These are all different resorts and all different types of people. Now, we don't go on vacation for food and can definitely get by with basics. What's more important to us (don't judge :p) is the drinks. The reason we like cruising more then the all inclusives we've been to is because when you order a Tanqueray and tonic or a Captain and diet, you get exactly that, whereas at more mid range all inclusives it's a toss up. Now I have no idea if Sandals would have a better selection, but I would imagine that it would given the price point.

 

Good luck with your decision-I would be happy to try pretty much anything once since you really don't know until you try it for yourself.

[KG1924]

Interesting, people here spend thousands to just lay around. We can do that at home, when we travel it's about seeing and doing lots of things.

 

Yes, but when I lay around at home there is nobody cleaning up after me, feeding me, serving me drinks by the pool, sun shining down on my face w/ waves crashing in the distance, and, most importantly, there is no "real life" bothering me ;) Now I also like to explore new things but I don't think there is anything wrong with someone paying to have a week of true relaxation...cheaper then therapy...

[George C]

We cruise every year sometimes twice a year, but also love Sandals , we did Sandals Thanksgiving week in 2012, 2013 and 2014, we also did Hard Rock Punta Cana in 2015. Sandals is truly all inclusive , no tipping is allowed, all drinks are included , food is much better than MDR on RCCL. WE love the Sandals Whitehouse huge resort with miles of beach, 6 restaurants , 3 large pools, 2 of them have swim up bars. Every room is ocean front ( which is very unusual) , lots of choices of things to do. Also love you can go when you want do 6, 7 8 or 10 days. Can always find a pool chair or beach chair. But I prefer cruise ship for evening , like the casino, and entertainment is much better on cruise compared to Sandals. Let me know if there are any other questions ( Hard Rock Punta Cana was not as good as Sandals)

[goneclear]

Sandals is great. I am sure you would not regret it. We do both cruises and All inclusive vacations.

Been to Sandals 5 times and really enjoyed it. Our favorite is the Sandals la Toc in St Lucia. The great thing with Sandals depending on which one you choose you can eat and use all the facilities and restaurants and the other Sandals close by. They supply the transport to and from.

[aenglish1609]

Having done both, for me personally it's not even close. I would do an AI every single time over a cruise if the prices are similar. The food is much better, with a much better variety. The drinks are actually top shelf, and the service is truly amazing. At most nice resorts, the smallest rooms are still fantastic.

 

Now not all resorts are like this, but some of the top ones, Sandals, Secrets, Excellence, etc. are. They can also be significantly more expensive, if you are comparing them to a cheap inside room on a cruise.

[fabby50]

We have been alternating between cruises and Sandals for a few years now - went to Sandals Antigua last year, have stayed at La Toc twice, and we're going to Grenada LaSource this year. We love to cruise and we love Sandals!

A couple of things to keep in mind when booking Sandals:

1. Check what your selected room category includes - it varies greatly. For example, some include a stocked fridg, some do not. Some rooms have booze, some do not. I see lots of reviews on tripadvisor where people complain about what their room included and didn't include. To me, this is the buyer's problem - it is very well spelled out in the room category descriptions. Sandals website is pretty good - sample restaurant menus, spa menus, excursion lists, etc. If you scuba dive or snorkel, it's included which is a good bargain (my husband dives and I snorkel - it's a big savings).

2. Sandals often has sales where they will include an excursion in the price (sunset sail, for example). Their excursions aren't too pricy, but they are an extra cost.

3. We liked St. Lucia because they have the "stay and play" program - there are 3 resorts and they run a shuttle bus to the three properties. All three have a different atmosphere and this is included. They do this in Jamaica and will be doing in Barbados once the new property is completed.

4. No kids (adults only). However, like cruising, some people don't act like adults - beware spring breakers. Lots of Europeans in the winter - we enjoyed all the Brits in Antiqua.

4. Lots of reviews on tripadvisor and videos on youtube. Like all review sites, you'll find people who think Sandals can do no wrong and those that think it's terrible, but they are good places to get a general feel.

[CruisinCrow]

Sandals is amazing. My husband and I prefer it over cruises - fewer people and crowds, not so scheduled (although cruises have become less scheduled over the years with MTD and such), a variety of restaurants, alcohol included, watersports included, no kids.

 

The Sandals properties are all different though so be sure you do your research to see which ones suit you. Some are large, some smaller and more intimate.

[George C]

Yes I had forget one of my favorite parts on Sandals ADULTS only, also agree with previous post not all Sandals are the same , same as RCCL not all ships are the same

[Fouremco]

We frequented Sandals for a good number of years before taking our first cruise. For us, the free diving was a big draw and one we took full advantage of. We continue to love cruising, but are now thinking that perhaps we should go back to Sandals and see if we enjoy it as much as we did. Some have mentioned La Toc in St. Lucia, and I have to say that it was both our first and favourite Sandals and have been back twice.

[wolfganghowell]

We haven't done Sandals but we have stayed at Sunset Beach in Cabo a few times. As many have said, research the resort. The big difference I noticed is that there is not a lot of options for nightlife at an AI. Now that may have simply been our place since it's also a timeshare not just a resort. Didn't bother us since we were with friends and we made our entertainment! I don't think an AI will give as much variety as a cruise does but we still had a blast hanging at various pools all day every day. :)

[ZimmCouple]

We have cruised and stayed at Sandals. We really enjoy both both they really are two totally different experiences. Sandals is great because it is adults only, there are no extra add-ons to your fees (unless you shop or take a tour). At Sandals you can do as much or as little as you want - you can pay to go on a tour or just stay at the resort lay on the beach/sit by the pool or participate in any number of ongoing activities throughout the day/evening. Cruising is great because you get to see multiple destinations. I would say you should atleast try Sandals and find it if it is for you or not.... I don't think you can go wrong either way!

[FishOn55]

Like many of the previous posters, my husband and I have stayed at many of the Sandals Resorts and have also cruised extensively. We just recently booked Harmony for a sailing in September. Before booking the cruise, I spent several hours pricing several different Sandals properties and room locations. Although I really wanted to go back to Sandals Royal Bahamian where we were "re-married on our 25th wedding anniversary", the prices to me have become almost prohibitive for us to ever plan on going back.Even with the air credit, first night free, etc. promotions, the nightly rates that they price these discounts from are outrageous. I would go to their website and do a sample booking and see how the prices compare with a cruise of the same length. That may help you decide. The Sandals properties we have stayed at in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua and the Bahamas really have very quiet evenings. There are no entertainers or shows even remotely equivalent to those you will find on cruise ships. I wish you well on whatever decision you make.

[A&L_Ont]

We have been to Sandals in Nassau and Antigua once over the last 3 years. We had a butler suite and the price point it was comparable to what our suites cost while cruising. I found it hard to sit still at the beach all day for 7 days under a lounger. I love to flow ride and like to get out and about. Since we don't actively golf that doesn't play an advantage either. We just hung at the beach or the pool at Sandals. DW would sit in the sun and read all day long, where as I need to be mindful of the sun.

 

Since we aren't heavy drinkers the free booze wasn't a big advantage. The restaurants were equal to MDR and buffet depending on the venue. Their pizza was amazing compared to RC, which should be no surprise. Some of their resorts look really nice but we don't want to travel in a van for an our or more after the flight to get there. When we go next we might try Nassau Grand Exuma, the beach looks amazing.

 

EDIT: Sandals always has a sale, just like RC. Just because they say it is doesn't mean it is.;)

[mjkacmom]

Yes, but when I lay around at home there is nobody cleaning up after me, feeding me, serving me drinks by the pool, sun shining down on my face w/ waves crashing in the distance, and, most importantly, there is no "real life" bothering me ;) Now I also like to explore new things but I don't think there is anything wrong with someone paying to have a week of true relaxation...cheaper then therapy...

Not only that, but you have much more time to,really explore an island if you wish. When we honeymooned at Sandals Saint Lucia, we weren't envious of the cruisers having to scurry back to their ships and their tiny cabins. However, life (and 5 kids) got in the way, and we find cruising to be much more affordable.

[mjkacmom]

We have been to Sandals in Nassau and Antigua once over the last 3 years. We had a butler suite and the price point it was comparable to what our suites cost while cruising. I found it hard to sit still at the beach all day for 7 days under a lounger. I love to flow ride and like to get out and about. Since we don't actively golf that doesn't play an advantage either. We just hung at the beach or the pool at Sandals. DW would sit in the sun and read all day long, where as I need to be mindful of the sun.

 

Since we aren't heavy drinkers the free booze wasn't a big advantage. The restaurants were equal to MDR and buffet depending on the venue. Their pizza was amazing compared to RC, which should be no surprise. Some of their resorts look really nice but we don't want to travel in a van for an our or more after the flight to get there. When we go next we might try Nassau Grand Exuma, the beach looks amazing.

 

EDIT: Sandals always has a sale, just like RC. Just because they say it is doesn't mean it is.;)

I think they've had the same sale for at least 20 years! On our honeymoon, we paid for a helicopter to take us to and from the resort (small airport next door) from the farther airport. It was awesome!

[Florida_cruisers]

Interesting, people here spend thousands to just lay around. We can do that at home, when we travel it's about seeing and doing lots of things.

 

I am not sure where you live but in Florida just about everyone has a pool and the beaches are not far away, so laying around for me feels like what we do at home. Like you, when I travel is to see different places. However I understand that someone from Illinois or Idaho would not have the same opportunities as someone from Florida, so the prospect of laying by the pool or the beach is an attractive vacation.

 

I've been on both and I find AI boring. Their quality of food and entertainment much lower than a cruise and never feel as pampered as a cruise. I still go on land trips but not all inclusives, more to get to know the area and wonder around.