Cruise Or Resort: The Pros And Cons

A cruise and a resort holiday each have their pros and cons, but one will be a much better fit for your needs. As part of our ongoing ‘Everything you need to know about cruising‘ series we do the research to help you find your next holiday.

It might not be the toughest decision you’ll ever have to make, but with precious little annual leave up your sleeve, the question must be asked: how best to please your inner lounge lizard – book a cruise, or lock in a week at an all-inclusive resort?

To compare apples with apples, we not only take a look at the difference between mid-range all-inclusive resorts and standard cruises where the fare covers accommodation, meals in the main restaurants and activities, but stand-alone ‘pay for everything you eat/see/use’ resorts.

an aerial view of True North ship — Hop on a cruise with True North Adventure Cruises.

A cruising holiday

It’s not the plenitude of restaurants or cacophony of activities like bumper cars, wave riding, indoor sky diving et al that are the clear advantages of cruising (although they are up there); easily the biggest advantage of booking a cruise holiday is the promise of visiting multiple destinations and only ever having to unpack once, as well as not having to manage a complex itinerary of connections and transfers, says Deb Long, former owner of Weston Cruise & Travel .

“Rather than having to worry about logistics of transport, destinations on the itinerary all come to you and you can experience a wide variety of new places and cultures just by getting out of bed in the morning," she says, adding that ships can also seek out the best weather for their passengers.

“Captains will alter the ship’s route if they’re headed towards unpleasant weather, but if you book a resort you can’t escape the weather."

the rooftop garden onboard Celebrity Edge — Relax in the vibrant oasis onboard Celebrity Edge.

What can you do onboard a cruise?

Not only do you have a huge range of cruise lines and cruising styles (ocean, river, expedition) to choose from to fit your personality type, but modern-day ships are jam-packed with onboard activities, from water parks and bumper cars to zip lining to circus schools and indoor skydiving, and daily schedules are filled with wine tastings, Vegas-style shows and educational programming.

an aerial view of the twister waterslide at Carnival Cruise — Thrill seekers will love Carnival’s waterslides.

Zero in on the right ship for your group (check out our dummy’s guide to cruise lines for help) and there will always be a new activity for each individual member of your group to enjoy, says Carl Frier, managing director of Australasia, Cruise 1st .

“Cruises are a particularly great option when there are members within the one group or family with wildly conflicting interests," he explains. “One person can read around the pool, another can lock in back-to-back kids’ activities onboard, while a third heads off to investigate the destination itself and everyone remains happy with their holiday."

The Golden Mickeys live performance at the Disney Wonder — Catch The Golden Mickeys’ live show onboard Disney Wonder.

What are the dining options on a cruise?

Dining options on large cruise ships tend to be more varied, often covering a wide range of cultures so you can easily have Japanese for lunch, Italian for dinner and French for snacks, with food available 24 hours a day, and when it comes to service – well, it’s usually faultless.

This is in stark contrast to the greatest problem of resorts: that the restaurant menus in the two or three (if you are lucky) eateries remain more or less identical throughout your stay.

Viking Ocean Ship Aquavit Terrace — Viking’s Aquavit Terrace is perfect for alfresco dining.

What is the service like on a cruise?

“I’ve never had a bad experience on a cruise and sadly, I can’t say the same about resort holidays," reveals Emma Mumford, former marketing and communications manager, Cruiseco . “Staff onboard go that extra mile to learn your name and your preferences, basically becoming like family for the duration of the trip."

the lounge area at Princess Hollywood Conservatory — Sit back and relax in the majestic Princess Hollywood Conservatory.

What are the costs involved on a cruise?

Cruise fares are incredible daily value for all the inclusions, but you do need to budget for onboard spend on things like alcoholic drinks, wi-fi, meals in the ship’s specialty restaurants, shore excursions, commemorative photos and the odd cappuccino or two. Although these days most cruise lines throw in ample onboard credit, it still pays to be prepared and budget for these extra items – as well as daily gratuities charges.

the iconic suite facing the sea onboard Celebrity Edge — Take in panoramic views of the sea from the Celebrity Edge Iconic Suite.

What are the cons of a cruise?

Occasionally crowded pools and itinerary changes, plus small rooms if you haven’t done your homework, round out the list of possible downers.

the vibrant interior of Carnival Luminosa's Altair Nightclub — Dance to retro jams at Carnival Luminosa’s Altair Nightclub.

Cruise holiday verdict

A great option if you want to visit multiple destinations in a fun, activity-heavy environment and can budget appropriately for the onboard extras.

Seabourn Odyssey in Australia — Choose Seabourn Odyssey for a super ultra-luxury premium cruise.

A resort holiday

Fighting in the resort’s corner is the fact that travellers are never restricted by port hours. Rather than having to rush back to the ship lest it sails off without them, holidaymakers can take their time both in and around the resort. Sunset walks by the ocean, entire days relaxing on the beach (which is likely to be less crowded than those close to ports) and long stretches on the golf course are all infinitely possible.

Also a plus is space within the resort itself: with most properties (particularly in Asia and around the South Pacific) boasting rooms larger than cruise cabins, and swimming pools that tend to be larger than on a ship.

Soak up staggering views from the infinity pool at qualia Beach House. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

What are the costs involved at a resort?

While budget control does appear to also be in the corner of the resort-style holiday, the included alcohol and coffee may just not cut it for you. Being forced to drink the ‘included’ beverages or meals can be somewhat painful if they are not to your taste. So, the budget can be blown by not doing your homework on inclusions.

At a bulk standard resort, costs can quickly add up. A captive audience can often mean eye-watering prices in the resort’s restaurants, bars, activity centres and pretty much anywhere else you have to give the lovely chap or lady behind the desk your room number.

Soak up the sun on the waterfront boardwalk at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort.

What can you do at a resort?

Depending on the resort’s location, travellers may find they are limited to its immediate area – a problem if you’re keen to check out the nearest town or learn about the local culture or way of life.

Unless you’re keen on repacking and making another trip, settling on a resort also often means you’re committed to only one destination and the type of holiday experience that can be negative if you check in and discover you’re not all that enthralled with either the destination or the property itself.

a couple enjoying at the pool of Peppers Beach Club & Spa — Frolic in the pool at Peppers Beach Club & Spa. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

What are the dining options at a resort?

More so than cruising, dining options and service at resorts can be hit and miss and you may have to rely on personal recommendations from friends and family as well as online travel reviews to find a resort that will tie in nicely with your expectations.

Resort holiday verdict

Resort holidays tend to be good for those who desire a truly relaxing holiday with zero time constraints or demands.

A great fit for those happy to do a deep dive into a single destination as well as those keen to spend a lot of time enjoying water sports and other activities: these tend to be complimentary at all-inclusive resorts, whereas they’re often an extra charge on standard cruises and at regular resorts.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort exterior — Resort holidays are the go for those who desire a truly relaxing holiday with zero time constraints or demands.

The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns.

It’s a chilly 16 degrees. My husband pulls on a steamer and jogs – as all seasoned surfers do – into the water. We’re at Bells Beach , the legendary break on Victoria’s Surf Coast that’s home to the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running event in competitive surfing. Each year, over the Easter long weekend, up to 40,000 people descend on the region for the event. Today, though, we have the beach almost to ourselves, and the less-than-favourable temperature doesn’t deter my husband from surfing this famous break.

Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

The red dome of Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The nearby surf town of Torquay marks the starting point for the Great Ocean Road . Unfolding our map, which we have marked out with a highlighted route for our children to follow, we set off for lesser-known Anglesea, a chilled-out town 20 minutes south of here. Its wide, sandy beach is a gentler swimming option for our young family. Groms can learn to surf here with Go Ride a Wave, which also runs stand-up paddle boarding on the Anglesea River.

Split point lookout — The lighthouse overlooks the Shipwreck Coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

After a couple of nights in Anglesea, we hit the road again, first stopping at Aireys Inlet. Here we stretch our legs at Split Point Lighthouse, which was made famous by the 1990s television series Round the Twist, before driving under the Memorial Arch that welcomes us, officially, to the Great Ocean Road.

This 243-kilometre coastal road was built by returned First World War servicemen and serves as a permanent memorial to those who fought and died during the war. Carved into rock using hand tools and horse-drawn carts, it was a huge engineering feat and provided much-needed access to isolated coastal communities.

Lorne to Birregurra

Lorne is a delightful beachside stop for lunch and browsing boutique stores. It’s also the gateway to Great Otway National Park , which comprises a varied landscape of old-growth forests, cool-temperate rainforests, heathy woodlands and rugged coast. With the highest rainfall in Victoria, the region is home to many waterfalls – 10 of which are within 10 kilometres of Lorne.

Turning slightly off the main drag, we wind along a gum-shaded road to Erskine Falls. Here, our son leads the way through the hyper-green rainforest and down 200-plus stairs to the cascade that drops 30 metres into a lush fern gully. We hop over large boulders to get closer to the falls, enjoying the entire place to ourselves; it’s worth the return climb.

From Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, there are walking trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls, some of which follow an old timber tramway from forest-logging days, which only came to an end in 2008.

You can follow your appetite north to the town of Birregurra, which is part of the Otway Harvest Trail that connects farm gates, markets, wineries, breweries and distilleries. It’s home to three-hatted modern Australian restaurant Brae , helmed by celebrated chef Dan Hunter, set among native gardens and an organic farm, and Otways Distillery, which produces small-batch spirits using local produce and botanicals.

Brae restaurant — Brae is a three-hatted restaurant in Birregurra. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Apollo Bay to The Otways

Back on track, the cliff-hugging stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is breathtaking. At Teddys Lookout, we overlook the winding road ahead and St George River spilling into the ocean. We spend languid days in Apollo Bay, a buzzy seaside town that boasts a three-kilometre-long, crescent-shaped beach with a backdrop of rolling green hills. One evening, as the sun sets, we take the steep 10-minute walk to Marriners Lookout, which affords panoramic views of the ocean, hinterland and town.

A 15-minute drive along the road, Maits Rest is a lush rainforest gully that has been protected since the early 20th century. Wandering along the 800-metre boardwalk, we inspect the delicate moss-covered forest floor and the gnarled roots of 300-year-old myrtle beech trees, then crane our necks to see their canopies, some 50 metres above us. It’s therapy in nature.

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

The southernmost tip of Cape Otway is a delightful detour, home to the 1848-built Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. We climb the narrow winding staircase to the gallery deck, explore the keepers’ quarters and telegraph station, and enjoy a coffee and some ‘famous’ scones at the charming onsite cafe.

It’s a pinch-me moment to finally see the Twelve Apostles in person. This unmistakable cluster of limestone stacks rising abruptly from the sea were never 12, however. When coined this in the 1890s as a marketing ploy, there were only nine; today, only seven remain after two collapsed in 2005 and 2009. We admire these Aussie icons from the viewing platform, in awe of Mother Nature’s ever-evolving artwork.

The Grotto is another natural attraction within Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Edging the wild Southern Ocean, this part of the coast – dubbed Shipwreck Coast – is made up of many sea-carved natural wonders including London Bridge, The Grotto and Gibson Steps. After exploring the lookout trails of Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool – its English name taken from the site of the 1878 shipwreck – we nestle into the sandy beach encircled by towering sandstone cliffs, as our children splash about on the water’s edge, and soak it all in.

Port Campbell to Timboon

Timboon Fine Ice Cream is part of a regional foodie trail. (Image: C McConville)

Just north of Port Campbell National Park, the region of Timboon is part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail, filled with purveyors of delicious foodstuffs such as Timboon Fine Ice Cream , Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Apostle Whey Cheese. As an antidote to the indulgence, the 20-kilometre Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail is a self-guided ride or walk between Port Campbell and Timboon through tall forests, over historic bridges and past sparkling lakes and farmland with grazing cattle.

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

Warrnambool building — A 19th-century building in Warrnambool. (Image: Peter Foster)

In Warrnambool, a town rich in maritime history, we take the four-kilometre Thunder Point Walk that traces the coast. The kids squeal when an echidna shuffles out from beneath the wooden boardwalk, and we stop to admire a seal lazing on a rock at the port.

Further along, the streets of quaint fishing village Port Fairy are lined with 19th-century cottages, old stone churches and Norfolk pines. Follow the historic walking trail to see some of the 60-plus National Trust buildings. Port Fairy is also home to Port Fairy Folk Festival (6-9 March), one of the country’s longest-running music and cultural festivals. You could time your road trip with the event for a fittingly celebratory end to any journey.

The Great Ocean Road can easily be done in three days, but we’ve spent a week on the road. The highlighted line on our now creased and well-worn map doesn’t follow the famous route precisely. It has sprouted branches in many directions, leading us to untouched rainforest and charming rural towns filled with culinary delights, and where we experienced some of our most memorable moments on the Great Ocean Road.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

The Monty is a highly anticipated, newly refurbished motel with a chic Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic set across the road from the Anglesea River. Basalt Winery in Port Fairy grows cool-climate wines such as pinot noir and Riesling in rich volcanic soil. Stay among the vines in its tiny home, complete with a kitchen, lounge area and outdoor firepit.

The Oak & Anchor Hotel has been a Port Fairy institution since 1857. Cosy up by the bar in winter or bask in the sunshine of the Lawn Bar in summer. The rooms are beautifully boutique with considered details, such as luxe baths for sinking into post-road trip.

Eating there

The Coast in Anglesea is a modern Australian restaurant focused on local ingredients. Grand Pacific Hotel has been a local landmark in Lorne since 1879 and recently underwent a restoration. It serves a mix of traditional pub and Italian fare alongside ocean views.

Graze is a cosy 40-seat dining room in Apollo Bay with a modern Australian menu complemented by regional wines. Apollo Bay Distillery offers tasting flights, a gin blending masterclass and serves woodfired pizzas.

Cruise vs Resort: the pros and cons of the different holidays