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.

There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

Where to eat

From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

Things to do outdoors

two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park — Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

The arts and culture scene

Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

Stay at a local retreat

Re’em yarra valley accommodation — Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.

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