In short
A cruise suits you if you want to see several places in one trip, unpack only once and know most costs in advance: cabin, meals, entertainment and the moves between ports are included. A land holiday suits you if you want long days in one place, evenings in town and full freedom of plans. Many people combine both: a few days in the port city before or after the cruise.
Side by side
| Cruise | Land holiday | |
|---|---|---|
| Places in one week | Usually 4–7 ports or islands | One or two places, unless you keep moving |
| Moving between places | The ship moves at night; you wake up somewhere new | Trains, cars or flights, with check-out and check-in each time |
| Packing | Unpack once | Pack again at each change of hotel |
| Time in each place | Usually 6–10 hours ashore | As long as you like, including evenings |
| Included | Cabin, meals in the main restaurants, shows, pools, moves between ports | Usually the room, sometimes breakfast; the rest you arrange yourself |
| Food | Several restaurants on board, no planning needed | Local restaurants and markets every day |
| Flexibility | Fixed route and times; ports can change in bad weather | Change plans any day |
| Budget | Most costs are known before you leave | Spread over many small payments |
| With children | Kids' clubs, pools and shows on board | Depends on the hotel and the place |
| Motion | Large ships move little; some people feel it on open sea | None |
When a cruise is the better choice
- You want to see a lot in one trip. Venice, Kotor, Mykonos and Split in one week is easy by sea and tiring by land.
- You do not like logistics. No tickets between cities, no transfers with luggage, no searching for a restaurant every evening.
- You travel with several generations. Grandparents rest on deck, children are at the kids' club, and everyone meets at dinner. See cruising with family.
- You want a clear budget. Accommodation, meals and the route are paid in advance; on board you pay for drinks, excursions, Wi-Fi and tips. See money and tips.
- You enjoy days at sea. A day with nothing to organise — pools, spa, shows, a book on the balcony. See a day on a cruise.
When a land holiday is the better choice
- You want to get to know one place deeply. Several days in one city or region, with evenings, small villages and local life.
- You want total freedom. Sleep in, change the plan, stay longer where you like it.
- You want evenings ashore. On a cruise you are usually back on board before sunset; some ports have late departures or overnight stays.
- The places are far from the sea. Mountains, lakes and inland towns are easier to reach by land.
- You are very sensitive to motion. Then choose sheltered routes, a cabin low in the middle of the ship — or a land trip. See seasickness.
You do not have to choose: combine both
- Stay before the cruise. Arrive in the port city a day or two early — Venice, Barcelona, Lisbon or Rome — and you will not miss the ship if a flight is late.
- Stay after the cruise. On disembarkation day the whole day is yours from the morning: add a few nights in town.
- Start with a short cruise. Two to four nights is the easiest way to see whether a cruise is for you. See a short first cruise.
Common doubts about cruises
- "It will be crowded." Large ships have many places to escape to; on a smaller ship it feels calmer. Shore days are busier in the most popular ports.
- "Cruises are only for older people." Today there are ships for families, couples, young people and adults-only ships.
- "I will be bored." Most people find the opposite: the daily programme is full. More in cruise myths.
- "The cabin will be tiny." Cabins are compact, but balconies and suites exist. See how to choose a cabin.
Decide in one minute
Answer three questions:
- Do you want to see several places in one trip? — Yes points to a cruise.
- Are long evenings in town important to you? — Yes points to a land holiday.
- Do you prefer that everything is organised? — Yes points to a cruise.
Two answers or more in one direction usually decide it. If it is a draw, try a short cruise with a few extra nights in the port city.
Common questions
Is a cruise cheaper than a land holiday?
It depends on the route and the season. A cruise includes the cabin, meals in the main restaurants, entertainment and the moves between ports, so when you compare, add up the same things for a land trip: hotels in every city, meals, transport between cities.
How many hours do you get in each port?
Usually 6–10 hours, sometimes a full day or an overnight stay. That is enough for the old town and one or two sights, not for a long evening.
Will I get seasick?
Large modern ships have stabilisers and move little in calm seas. If you are sensitive, choose sheltered routes and a cabin low in the middle of the ship.
Is a cruise good for a first trip abroad?
Yes, for many people: the ship is the same every day, the crew speaks several languages, and you see several countries without organising transport.
Can I combine a cruise with a city break?
Yes. Arrive a day or two early in the port of departure or stay a few nights after disembarkation.
What is not included in a cruise?
Usually drinks outside the buffet and main restaurants, excursions, Wi-Fi, speciality restaurants, tips and the trip to the port.
How the club fits in
Club members can book cruises and also hotels and resorts, so a stay in the port city before or after the cruise can be arranged in the same place. The club also announced ready-made land trips (inTrips), starting with Dubai. Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing. More about booking with points.
General information; what is included, times in port and prices depend on the cruise line, ship, cabin and season. Check the conditions of your sailing. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.