Cruises & Resorts

Between cruise lines, ships, cabins, itineraries, and dozens of all-inclusive resorts at every price point, the hardest part usually isn’t finding an option: it’s knowing which one actually fits your group.

Who This Is For

Cruise travelers choosing a line, ship, cabin, and itinerary, and all-inclusive travelers who want an easy, relaxing resort experience that matches the photos.

Common Planning Challenges

• Choosing from too many cruise lines, ships, and itineraries
• Online resort photos that don’t match the real experience
• Not knowing which resort is family-friendly versus adults-only-leaning

How 7220 Travel Helps

Dave narrows the options around destination, cruise line, ship, departure port, cabin category, dining, packages, and excursions, or matches an all-inclusive resort to your family or multigenerational group’s actual priorities.

What We Consider

• Departure port and itinerary length
• Cabin category and dining package
• Resort suitability for family or multigenerational travel

FAQ

Which cruise line is best? It depends on your group: that’s exactly what we’ll talk through.

Can you help if I already booked something and it doesn’t feel right? Yes: tell Dave what you’re considering and he’ll help you evaluate it.

Cruise and resort planning for families and groups

Choosing a cruise or an all-inclusive resort looks easy until you start comparing. Cruise lines each have a personality. Ships within one line can be completely different. Cabins, dining packages and drink packages change the real price. All-inclusive resorts range from calm family beach clubs to adults-only party properties. Online reviews can contradict each other. Dave Engel narrows those choices around your group.

How we help you choose a cruise

1. Start with the trip you want. Beach, Alaska scenery, Europe, a first cruise or a multigenerational reunion all point to different options.
2. Match the line and ship. Newer is not always better. A smaller or older ship may suit your family better than the biggest one.
3. Choose the right departure port. A sailing from a driving-distance port can save airfare, hotels and stress.
4. Pick the cabin. Inside, oceanview, balcony and suite cabins are not equal for families. Location on the ship matters too.
5. Decide what to add. Dining, drink, Wi-Fi and excursion packages can be great value or wasted money depending on how you cruise.

Our free cruise planning guides cover Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, Celebrity and MSC: ship pickers, stateroom guides, packing lists and what is included. For Disney sailings, see the Disney Cruise Line page.

Popular cruise destinations

• Alaska and the Inside Passage for glaciers, wildlife and multigenerational trips.
• Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Nassau and St. Thomas for Caribbean ports.
• Mediterranean routes that include Rome and the Greek Isles.

How we help you choose an all-inclusive resort

All-inclusive does not mean all the same. Dave looks at the beach and water conditions, the age of the crowd, kids’ clubs and water parks, restaurant variety, distance from the airport, room categories and what is actually included, then matches that to your group. If you are comparing Cancún and the Riviera Maya with Los Cabos or Turks and Caicos, he can explain the tradeoffs in plain language.

Why book a cruise or resort through an advisor

• Someone compares ships, cabins and room categories for your needs before you pay.
• Group cabins and room blocks are arranged together.
• After you book, Dave watches for eligible promotions that could improve your reservation.
• If plans change, you have one person to call.

Cruise and resort questions we hear

How far in advance should I book a cruise?

Many families book 6 to 12 months ahead. Alaska, holiday sailings and group cabins often need 9 to 12 months. Earlier booking gives you more cabin choices.

Is an inside or balcony cabin better for a family?

Inside cabins save money for families who spend little time in the room. Balcony cabins add space and private outdoor time, which many families value. The right choice depends on your budget and how you cruise.

Are all-inclusive resorts really all inclusive?

Inclusions vary. Most cover meals, snacks and drinks, but premium restaurants, some activities and certain drinks can cost extra. Check exactly what your room category includes.

Do I need a passport for a cruise?

Many cruises require one, and U.S. citizens should check the rules for their specific itinerary and ports before booking.