Caribbean cruise vs all inclusive Bahamas

[interstatelovesong]

Dh and I have been considering either a Caribbean cruise or AI in the Bahamas . but I've been asking around about cruises and I've heard some stuff that's put me off .
Like that they're mega crowded and there's long queues at ports etc and you don't get long off the boat, massive queues for food etc

I'm really keen on going the Bahamas I've always wanted to go. The one I've found it's a sandals resort in Nassau and all inclusive and seems a fab deal but dh won't be convinced as it is "just a beach holiday"

Has any one done either of these trips ? How was it ?

Probably depends on your boat. But I expect you get what you pay for. I hated the only cruise I've been on, constantly anxious about getting back before the boat left, queuing to get on and off...

It all depends what kind of holiday you want and the age you are. Big ships (2000+) tend to busy busy and noisy. They make vast amounts of money with on board activities, drinks and 'extras'. Smaller ships have fewer people and may have a better crew-passenger ratio, or slightly bigger, better equipped cabins. More facilities may be included (such as gratuities which on bigger ships get added to your end of cruise bill and can be quite a shock)Also, smaller ships can get into smaller spaces which is usually an advantage. Cruises provide a more varied holiday experience and you really don't see the same people every day
Don't write off cruises because of one unfavourable report.

The quote we've had is about 4k and is all inclusive and includes all tips etc

It's p&o

Yes it's the queuing to get off at destinations that bothers me most I think! I never even considered this 🤦‍♀️

I would hate to feel rushed

They're both very different holidays.

Cruises are very busy, you're up early to grab breakfast before you rush out for the day to try and cram in as much as you can because you only have around 8 hours on each island. Back on the ship then in the evening and you're getting ready for your 3 course dinner (our cruise was one where people got very dressed up for dinner), you might want to grab a swim on deck and then there's evening entertainment. We used to be absolutely exhausted going to bed by 10 every night and then up early to do it all again the next day! It depends how many sea days you have too, we only had one sea day on our 7 days cruise and we visited 6 different Caribbean islands. It was brilliant though, really social and we made great friends that we're still in touch with today. We sat at the same dinner table every night and most other guests at the table were there every night too so we got to know them well.

Our ship was Celebrity Summit, I think there was around 2000 people on board but I don't remember ever queuing to get off. We were often among the last few people sprinting down the dock to get back on in the evening before the ship took off again.

All inclusive is obviously a lot more relaxing. I wouldn't be an all inclusive fan because we like being out and about all day exploring and finding different beach bars and restaurants to chill out in. I think you know what you're getting with all inclusive though.

We love cruising and the busyness & queuing and style depends on which ship you choose, just like hotels really. I’d look at Celebrity cruises rather than P&O.

Why not have the best of both worlds and book a cruise and stay? You could do a cruise for the first week & visit a few new places & then go to the Bahamas for a week AI at a resort?

Ive only cruised the Caribbean once & pick d the Marella Dream due to the itinerary & the fact it went to Havana overnight. Had a fantastic time, swimming with stingrays in the Cayman Islands, trekking through the jungle in Belize, visiting Mayan ruins in Mexico.

Before I’d ever cruised I’d also heard the same horror stories as you, but I’ve honestly never queued to get off a ship, or for food. The time at port varies but is usually around 8-6pm, sometimes longer. Do make sure you are back on the ship in time though - the ship will leave without you!!

I have just today got off my 10th cruise I have never seen queues for food. We have only ever done the Marella ones but if the dining room is full they give you a buzzer so you fango to a bar and have a drink while waiting for your table so no queues

You don't pay anything for extras on them as they're all inclusive (including tips)
Obviously if you wish to join ay for excursions then you pay for those but we normally just grab a taxi if there is travel involved. But usually they dock within easy walking distances

I was always worried about not having enough time in ports. You definitely do. You canso as much or as little so if you are a joiner you can take part in different activities otherwise you can chill and do your own thing