I went to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico with my family of 6 instead of going on a cruise. It was more memorable and cost half the price.

Daryl AustinAug 27, 2022, 16:43 IST

The author's wife and three of his four children.Daryl Austin

My family loves to cruise. We've cruised five times with Princess, Carnival, and Disney.
But when we couldn't find good cruise options in Mexico, we tried an all-inclusive resort instead.

My family loves to cruise. But when we wanted to go to Mexico, we were unsatisfied with cruise pricing and availability. We chose an all-inclusive resort instead and it was one of the best vacations we've ever taken.

The author and his family in front of one of the pools and restaurants at the The Royal Haciendas All Suites Resort & Spa in Mexico.Daryl Austin

My family loves to cruise. But when we wanted to go to Mexico, we were unsatisfied with cruise pricing and availability. We chose an all-inclusive resort instead and it was one of the best vacations we've ever taken.

We chose the Royal Haciendas All Suites Resort & Spa because of its affordable price, proximity to the airport, and positive reviews.

The author’s four children relaxing at the beach.Daryl Austin

After checking in, the first thing we noticed was that our room was so much larger than we're used to on cruises.

The author's bedroom, kitchen, and dining area at the resort.Daryl Austin

Unlike many cruises we've experienced, there were no crowds in sight at our resort.

The author’s oldest daughter on one of the balconies of her resort bedroom.Daryl Austin

The multiple resort pools were one of our favorite parts of choosing a hotel instead of a cruise.

The author’s middle daughter standing in front of one of the pools.Daryl Austin

The resort spa was much larger than I've experienced on cruises. I also noticed it cost less and offered more services than I've seen on cruise ships.

A note waiting in the author’s locker at the resort spa.Daryl Austin

Similar to a cruise ship, we were also able to use a kids' club at our resort.

The entrance of the kids' club at the resort.Daryl Austin

I thought the dining options at the resort were much more flexible than any cruise we've been on.

The author’s middle daughter eating pizza by the pool and a view of the buffet offerings on Italian night.Daryl Austin

Entertainment and recreational opportunities at the resort were plentiful, and with greater flexibility and availability than we've experienced on cruises.

The author with his daughters playing volleyball on the beach.Daryl Austin

I liked that I didn't have to worry about seasickness or fear port cancellations.

The author’s children relaxing and talking in hammocks at the resort.Daryl Austin

Resort excursions were similar to those we've taken on cruises, but came with more options, I thought.

The author and his family in front of the El Castillio pyramid at Chichén Itzá.Daryl Austin

Overall, the entire cost of our all-inclusive resort was much cheaper than our most recent cruise.

The author and his wife in front of one of the pools at the resort.Daryl Austin

We compared food courts at Costco and Ikea. Costco was the overall winner, but Ikea's desserts were a game-changer.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

I went to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico with my family of 6 instead of going on a cruise. It was more memorable and cost half the price.

My family loves to cruise. But when we wanted to go to Mexico, we were unsatisfied with cruise pricing and availability. We chose an all-inclusive resort instead and it was one of the best vacations we've ever taken.

We chose the Royal Haciendas All Suites Resort & Spa because of its affordable price, proximity to the airport, and positive reviews.

After checking in, the first thing we noticed was that our room was so much larger than we're used to on cruises.

Unlike many cruises we've experienced, there were no crowds in sight at our resort.

The multiple resort pools were one of our favorite parts of choosing a hotel instead of a cruise.

The resort spa was much larger than I've experienced on cruises. I also noticed it cost less and offered more services than I've seen on cruise ships.

Similar to a cruise ship, we were also able to use a kids' club at our resort.

I thought the dining options at the resort were much more flexible than any cruise we've been on.

Entertainment and recreational opportunities at the resort were plentiful, and with greater flexibility and availability than we've experienced on cruises.

I liked that I didn't have to worry about seasickness or fear port cancellations.

Resort excursions were similar to those we've taken on cruises, but came with more options, I thought.

Overall, the entire cost of our all-inclusive resort was much cheaper than our most recent cruise.