How can I convince my friend...

[Poxy]

My friend and I have decided that we are going on a vacation in June, because she's pregnant and wants to go before she gets too big. We figure we'll go for about 7ish nights. She wants to go to an All Inclusive out of the country or something, and I want to go on a cruise (if it's not to late to book for June!). She's the stubborn sort...does anyone have an ideas to convice her that a cruise is a better value? She says she just wants to lay on a beach and relax the whole time and that's not the experience she gets on a cruise. Here's what I have so far:

 

1. At least in my experience, a cruise is more cost efficient than an all inclusive. I've experienced each once...for a 4 day stay at an all inclusive I paid about the same as an 8 day cruise.

 

2. The food is better on a cruise, IMO.

 

3. At the all inclusive a lot of what you are paying for is the alcohol which she won't be drinking because she's pregnant!

 

4. She can just lie on a beach in the US

 

5. AI's can get monotonous after more than a couple days

 

It may all fall on deaf ears though because she has been to both as well! I won't push too hard though because this is probably her last vacation for a while. I just think she should get the most out of it. I can't understand why anyone wouldn't want to go on a cruise over an all inclusive unless they hate boats or go for the alcohol!

 

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

[montgomeryfamily]

There may be nothing you can do to convince her if she's made up her mind and won't listen to any optons.

 

But if she will at least listen to some options, you could suggest you go on a cruise on the Caribbean Princess. There is still availability on the ship for June. I suggest June 3 or June 17 (with June 17 being the cheapest date), as on this itinerary there are four port stops at islands where there are a number of beaches: Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Ocho Rios, and Princess Cay (the Princess private island). So out of a seven day cruise, you could "beach it" four of those days.

 

If you email me, I can give you some beach options for all of the islands, including for Ocho Rios and the name of the private tour company we used in Ocho Rios to keep from being hassled by the vendors in Jamaica. Plus Princess Cay is beautiful and the only people there are from the ship.

 

A comparison of the pricing of the all inclusive vs the Caribbean Princess may help, especially the cheaper June 17 date. Airfare is likely cheaper for the cruise too. Plus I can give you some possible ways to save money for the Caribbean Princess, making it even cheaper.

 

The Caribbean Princess has a wonderful Lotus Spa, with thermal heated benches and special saunas/showers. You can get a pass for the two of you for about $109 for the week. Its not the beach, but she can relax and there is no sand. And the Princess pools, including the spa pools, are freshwater.

 

The Caribbean Princess has great food. If she does't want to dress up, the Carib Cafe is a fantastic option--no fee. It is a buffet, but with tablecloth covered tables and waiters for beverage service. The serve lobster on embarkation day and both formal days there.

 

Since she is pregnant, the cruise ship may be more sanitary and safer. The water is purified through a water plant and the ship must pass US health inspection codes. There is a medical facility onboard also.

 

I've been on the Caribbean Princess plus we have a group going this August. I would be glad to answer questions or provide you with more information about the ship or the other things I mentioned above. Just email me at kacruiser@ev1.net.

 

Good luck in persuading her--I really think that you both would enjoy the cruise.

[caviargal]

I have done both and enjoy both.

 

I agree that for a real beach vacation, an AI is a better bet. No getting on and off a ship, taxi to a beach to find it jammed with other cruise ship visitors, etc. And I live in FL where we have many beautiful beaches but the water in the Caribbean is really something special.

 

I do not agree that food is better on a cruise. I have stayed at AIs with great food and been on cruise ships with great food. It's a crapshoot.

 

I think for relaxation and AI is a very good choice. It is self contained without being confining. The beach and pool are right there. You can book an adults only AI and be guaranteed that no kids will be runnning around screaming. And there are some excellent values out there.

[joelmarj]

I have to agree with Caviargirl - I've done both and there are some great AI's to go to. I'd probably avoid the ones in Jamaica but that just a personal opinion. There are some great ones in many different places. I've experienced some great food at the Almond Beach Club in Barbados. Aruba had some great options as well.

 

A cruise is definitely a good option, but shuffling around with tenders or docking to get to a beach can be a hassle for a pregnant women. Waiting in lines in the heat can be taxing on her. I've traveled pregnant and believe me all she will want to do is find a lounge chair and an umbrella.

 

I say indulge her, do your homework and try to find one that is more upscale so that you can enjoy good food and great atmosphere.

[Texas_Diver]

If your friend doesn't want to go on a cruise and you ONLY want to go on a cruise, I would consider going with someone else.

 

D.

[wraithe]

If your friend doesn't want to go on a cruise and you ONLY want to go on a cruise, I would consider going with someone else.

 

D.

 

I have to agree with the above. I've done one all inclusive, and one cruise, up to now, I'm going on my second cruise April 2nd, and will book my 3rd cruise for Jan '07. I think you can tell which one I liked better. If she's too stubborn, and isn't paying your way, I'd just tell her that I was going on a cruise, and she could either acquiesce, or you'd find someone else to go with you. Prove that you can be stubborn, too. LOL

[Laurba99]

I can't understand that--ESP when she can't drink!!! I think the beach days are a good sell and the food is typically better on a cruise and also all you can eat and more often available than in an all-inclusive that has limited meal times :) I think it would be boring after a few days on the beach-at least you would get to see different places, have the casino at night, etc--shows--Definitely go on a cruise with someone else next year if you can't get her to switch--but pricing both are a good idea-!

[Poxy]

Thank you to everyone who responded! Especially Kathy - I'm going to check prices and if we choose to go on that cruise I will definately email you! It sounds like a great choice.

 

I read every word of all the replies...I reallly appreciate everyone's input...I think what I'm going to do is prepare a little persuasive presentation that includes the points mentioned as well as quotes from a travel agent...and then ultimately leave the decision up to her. Normally I would want to have some say in what we do, but I figure I will be able to go on other vacations throughout the next few years and she won't.

 

If anyone else has any other comments anything...I'm still taking suggestions!

[wraithe]

Thank you to everyone who responded! Especially Kathy - I'm going to check prices and if we choose to go on that cruise I will definately email you! It sounds like a great choice.

 

I read every word of all the replies...I reallly appreciate everyone's input...I think what I'm going to do is prepare a little persuasive presentation that includes the points mentioned as well as quotes from a travel agent...and then ultimately leave the decision up to her. Normally I would want to have some say in what we do, but I figure I will be able to go on other vacations throughout the next few years and she won't.

 

If anyone else has any other comments anything...I'm still taking suggestions!

 

Excellent points and very kind of you. I hope she realizes what a great friend you are.

[montgomeryfamily]

Poxy, if you decide to go on a cruise, then please feel free to email me. I encourage you to email me before you book, as some of the information I have will be helpful to you in making your booking.

 

This information also includes cost information and suggestions re travel insurance and may be too late for you to utilize after you book. Since she is pregnant, you need to get travel insurance, even if you go to the AI.

[jerseygirl3]

The biggest reason NOT to do an AI is the fact that the price includes alcohol, and your friend will not be able to drink. That alone would steer me toward a cruise.