Are All-Inclusive Resorts Dead? Do Families Still Choose Cruises in 2025?

The short answer? All-inclusive resorts are far from dead, and families absolutely still love cruises. In fact, both vacation styles are experiencing a major boom in 2025, with families flocking to these convenient, stress-free options more than ever before.

If you've been wondering whether these vacation types have lost their appeal in our Instagram-obsessed, authentic-experience-seeking world, the data tells a completely different story. Let's dive into what's really happening in the family travel landscape this year.

All-Inclusive Resorts: The Unexpected Comeback Story

All-inclusive resorts aren't just surviving, they're thriving. Hotel booking sites are seeing a massive 60% increase in searches for all-inclusive properties compared to last year. Travel industry experts are even calling the second half of the 2020s "the all-inclusive era."

But here's the twist that might surprise you: it's not just families with young kids driving this trend. Gen Z travelers are leading the charge, with 42% naming all-inclusive resorts as their favorite hotel type. These aren't the stuffy, buffet-heavy resorts your parents might remember from the 90s.

Why Young Travelers Are Choosing All-Inclusives

The reasons Gen Z gives for loving all-inclusive resorts might change how you think about these properties:

• Minimal stress (41% cite this as their top reason)

• Easy booking process (39%)

• Feeling of luxury (38%)

One-third of young travelers say their opinion of all-inclusive resorts has actually improved in recent years. They're not seeing these as lazy vacation choices, they're viewing them as smart, efficient ways to maximize relaxation and value.

The Numbers Don't Lie

The industry is responding to this demand with serious investment. Mexican hotel chain Grupo Posadas alone is opening 1,300 additional rooms across new all-inclusive properties by the end of 2025. Existing resorts are maintaining strong 76% occupancy rates, proving that demand is real and sustained.

New luxury properties are opening everywhere. Marriott launched their first all-inclusive luxury resort under the W brand with W Punta Cana, an adults-only property. The 229-room Fiesta Americana Nuevo Vallarta opened in June 2025, with Fiesta Americana Funeeq Punta Cana following this fall.

Family Cruises: Still Sailing Strong

While all-inclusives are having their moment, cruises haven't lost their family appeal. A solid 68% of families are choosing either cruises or all-inclusive resorts for their getaways, showing these two vacation styles dominate the family travel market.

What Makes Cruises Perfect for Families

Cruises offer something all-inclusives can't: multiple destinations without the hassle of repacking. Your kids can explore different countries and cultures while you unpack just once. The onboard entertainment is legendary, kids' clubs, teen zones, pools, shows, and activities keep everyone happy.

Many cruise lines offer "Kids Sail Free" promotions, making these trips surprisingly affordable for larger families. A typical 7-night Caribbean cruise for a family of four runs $2,500 to $4,000 for the base fare. Yes, extras like drink packages, excursions, and gratuities can add $500 to $1,200, but you're getting tremendous value for multiple destinations.

Perfect for Different Family Dynamics

Cruises particularly shine with families that have older children and teens. The variety of activities and the excitement of exploring multiple ports appeals to kids who might get bored staying in one place. Plus, teens often love the independence they get on ships: supervised freedom in a safe environment.

Comparing the Two: What Works for Your Family?

Both vacation types solve the same core problem: families want predictable costs, minimal planning stress, and guaranteed entertainment for all ages. But they deliver this in different ways.

All-Inclusive Resort Advantages

All-inclusive resorts in destinations like Mexico or the Dominican Republic typically cost $3,000 to $5,000 for a week-long family stay. Everything's included: food, drinks, entertainment, and often kids' programs. You get:

• Zero schedule pressure: Eat when you want, where you want

• Immediate beach or pool access: No port schedules to follow

• Consistent environment: Perfect for families with toddlers and young children

• Spa and adult amenities: Parents can actually relax

Cruise Advantages

Cruises excel at variety and value. You're essentially getting hotel, transportation, entertainment, and dining all rolled into one price. Benefits include:

• Multiple destinations: Experience different cultures and countries

• Endless entertainment: Something for every family member every day

• Built-in social opportunities: Kids make friends easily

• Professional kids' programs: Counselors keep children engaged

The Social Media Factor

Here's something interesting: TikTok and Instagram are actually boosting both vacation types. Young travelers are sharing their all-inclusive and cruise experiences online, showing off everything from resort amenities to cruise ship activities. This social proof is attracting more families who see real people having real fun.

All-inclusive resorts are particularly benefiting from this trend, as younger visitors chronicle their experiences and dispel old stereotypes about these properties being boring or inauthentic.

Regional Hotspots Leading the Way

The Caribbean and Mexico remain the dominant regions for both vacation types. For all-inclusive resorts, destinations like Punta Cana, Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos are seeing the most growth. These locations offer everything from budget-friendly family options to ultra-luxury experiences.

Caribbean cruises continue to dominate the family cruise market, with Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries being the most popular. The combination of beautiful beaches, cultural experiences, and convenient ports makes these routes perfect for families.

Looking Ahead: What's Next?

The industry is adapting to changing preferences. All-inclusive resorts are increasingly offering specialized experiences: adults-only sections, adventure activities, cultural immersion programs, and luxury amenities that rival traditional hotels.

Cruise lines are responding with larger ships, more diverse dining options, and innovative entertainment. They're also expanding to new destinations and offering themed cruises that appeal to different interests.

The Bottom Line for Families

Both all-inclusive resorts and cruises are not only alive: they're evolving and thriving. The key is choosing the right fit for your family's travel style:

Choose an all-inclusive resort if:

• You have young children who thrive on routine

• You want maximum relaxation with minimal decisions

• You prefer staying in one beautiful location

• Beach and pool time are your priorities

Choose a cruise if:

• You want to see multiple destinations

• Your kids love variety and new experiences

• You enjoy structured activities and entertainment

• You want great value for a longer vacation

The death of all-inclusive resorts has been greatly exaggerated, and family cruises continue to sail full steam ahead. Both offer what modern families crave most: convenience, value, and the confidence that everyone in the family will have a great time.

Ready to explore your options? Visit our website to start planning your family's next stress-free vacation, whether that's an all-inclusive resort or an unforgettable cruise experience.