South Africans love all-inclusive holidays. Whether it’s a cruise or a resort stay, these options have become travel staples, prized for their convenience and value. But when it comes down to it, which would you choose?
For Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa, the answer might not be as clear-cut as it once was.“Our 2025 Year in Travel data shows that value for money was the clear priority, with nearly every traveller surveyed (97%) calling this a top planning factor. But all-inclusive is no longer one-size-fits-all,” she says. “Today’s cruise and resort packages offer higher-quality experiences and greater choice. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to choose!”
Until then, read on for Flight Centre’s expert take on all-inclusive holidays – on land or at sea – in 2026.
Amenities and activities
“Both resorts and cruises pack in plenty of activities,” says Turner. “But while island resorts generally offer water-based activities and excursions, today’s cruises offer a much wider range of onboard experiences.”
This can mean anything from waterslides, trampolines, ziplines, rock-climbing walls, basketball courts, race tracks, surfing and skydiving simulators, and even poolside movie screens. It all depends on the type of ship you choose.
Hotels and resorts can compete, but their appeal often comes from the destination itself rather than onboard features. From sunset cruises and snorkelling to game drives and shopping adventures, the experiences are shaped by where you are. Sun City, for example, offers affordable family packages that include domestic flights, breakfast, and bonus complimentary access to the Valley of the Waves.
Planning and exploration
Another key difference? Cruises let you see multiple destinations in one trip – without ever having to repack a bag or navigate flights and transfers between countries. Spain, Italy, and France aboard the MSC Orchestra in a single week, anyone?
That said, time ashore can feel short. Port days are tightly scheduled, independent exploration is limited, and shore excursions can add to the cost.
“Unlike a hotel stay, you can’t just step out of your room and explore the place you’ve travelled to,” Turner notes. “Ultimately, it’s crucial to know exactly what’s included, and what’s not, so no costly surprises disrupt your overall experience, whether on a cruise or at a resort. Remember, all-inclusive doesn’t mean all-encompassing.”
Of course, local and international cruises work beautifully as a ‘scouting trip’ – a way to sample destinations before committing to a longer, land-based stay in a new country.
Dining and entertainment
Both cruises and resorts offer diverse dining options, but cruise ships often provide a broader selection of specialised international cuisine.
While both feature pools and leisure facilities, Turner notes that cruise ships double as full-scale entertainment hubs, with theatres, live music venues, multiple pools, kids’ clubs, casinos, and a wide variety of dining experiences all in one place.
“With cruises, all meals are generally included,” Turner explains. “However, if you’re booking destinations from Japan to New York, land-based resorts and hotels give you more flexibility. You can change the scenery, explore local cuisine, and truly immerse yourself in the culture whenever you like.”
The pace you prefer
With all-inclusive resorts and hotels, travellers typically build their holiday around a single destination. Instead of waking up in a new port each day, you stay rooted in one location, exploring the area at a slower, more relaxed pace.
“With cruising, you stay onboard between ports. The trade-off is less flexibility, as you’re tied to the ship’s schedule and onboard offerings,” Turner explains. For those seeking fewer cruise crowds, it’s best to go off-season or consider an enriching river cruise holiday.
Try the best of both
As peak travel planning season approaches, both cruises and all-inclusive resorts continue to promise safe, stress-free holidays, thanks to upfront pricing, built-in entertainment, and simplified planning.
“If you’ve tried one, try the other. There’s really no wrong choice,” says Turner. “Both types are fantastic, and local travellers enjoy them every time. In all honesty, whenever South Africans are on holiday in general, they’re always happy.”