What would you do?

I had my heart set on going on a cruise this summer. We went on our last one in 2009, and said then that we'd take our next one in 2011. I am finishing my doctorate this semester, and relaxing on a cruise ship is something that I've really been looking forward to. I adore cruises.

Last weekend, my ILs told us and DH's sisters that they are giving us all a week's worth of timeshare points to use this year, as they have so many. I looked to see what timeshares are available in tropical locales, and at this point, there aren't many. The only options we're considering are:

1) A average, fairly simple, no frills time share in Aruba. We've both never been there and have always wanted to go. I'm a little bit of a spoiled brat when it comes to going away, and prefer nice hotels and resorts to the apartment style of the basic timeshare.

2) An all inclusive in Rivera Maya, Mexico. We'd be staying in the smallest room type, which still looks lovely, and it would be $75 per day per person for the all-inclusive. I can only have one drink per day due to meds that I'm on.

Whenever I consider our timeshare options, I feel sad about the prospect of not going on the cruise. At the same time, I can't accept the idea of us giving up a free vacation. We have enough credit card points to pay for at least one airfare for anywhere we go. There is also the option of cruising from NYC, and not having to fly at all, which is lovely.

I know, this is not a major problem, and I should just feel lucky that I have a chance to take a nice vacation, but I can't decide what to do. I really don't want to skip the cruise! WWYD?


ETA: I just checked, and the Aruba resorts are no longer available, but I'm still interested to hear everyone's opinions. A cruise, an average timeshare, or an all-inclusive timeshare with an extra fee?

Message edited 3/10/2011 9:28:53 PM.

Re: What would you do?

Cruise! Just because the timeshare is free, isn't enough reason for me to go!

If you have been working hard and dreaming about cruising, go for it

I love cruises and can't wait to go in a few months

Re: What would you do?

I would find a way to do both if possible...

Re: What would you do?

Re: What would you do?

Re: What would you do?

A lot of the al-inclusive options with a timeshare aren't that great. I find you can find better deals on your own most times. That being said, if your heart is set on a cruise, then I would just do that. You shouldn't have to settle, when you've been lookin forward to the cruise.

Re: What would you do?

Posted by 5ofClubs

Cruise! Just because the timeshare is free, isn't enough reason for me to go!

If you have been working hard and dreaming about cruising, go for it

I love cruises and can't wait to go in a few months

Re: What would you do?

Posted by Jax430

Posted by 5ofClubs

Cruise! Just because the timeshare is free, isn't enough reason for me to go!

If you have been working hard and dreaming about cruising, go for it

I love cruises and can't wait to go in a few months

I KNEW that would be YOUR answer, b/c you're my fellow Carnival cruise lover! We have narrowed it down to 4 sailings, if that's what we decide to do. I saw that you're going on the Miracle in a few months. We are considering that one. It actually comes out more expensive than some others, b/c I can use points for airfair, but I love the idea of sailing from NYC!

Re: What would you do?

Back in 2003 we were able to trade in a week of ILs timeshare toward our honeymoon cruise. It didn't cover the whole thing but it was better than nothing.

Re: What would you do?

I had to respond because of our talk last night. You know how I feel, do the cruise. It is what you want to do and you know you will have a great time!