Cruise vs. Cruisetour

Maximize your vacation by understanding the difference between cruises and cruisetours.

The terms sound similar, but cruises and cruisetours offer completely different vacation experiences. Understanding the distinction helps you maximize your time, budget, and overall enjoyment. Whether you're dreaming of Alaska's glaciers, Europe's historic cities, or Asia's cultural treasures, knowing when to add a land component transforms a good vacation into an unforgettable adventure.

Note on terminology: The industry standard is "cruisetour" (one word), though some cruise lines occasionally use "cruise tour" as two words. Both refer to the same type of vacation package.

What Is a Cruise?

A cruise is a vacation spent entirely aboard a ship. You embark at your departure city, spend your days and nights on the ship, visit multiple destinations during port stops, and return to the same departure city (if it's a round trip, of course).

All your accommodations are aboard the ship, where meals, entertainment, and activities happen throughout the day. During port stops, you explore each destination through excursions or independent exploration, then return to the ship each evening as it sails to the next port.

In other words: one ship, multiple destinations, unpack once, and let the ocean do the traveling for you.

Cruises are best for travelers who want to visit multiple destinations without changing hotels, enjoy onboard amenities, prefer unpacking once, and love the ocean experience.

What Is a Cruisetour?

Quite simply, a cruisetour is a cruise with a land tour. It combines a traditional cruise with a multi-day land-based tour either before or after your sailing. This lets you explore regions more deeply than any cruise ship can reach.

You'll spend part of your vacation aboard the ship, enjoying the traditional cruise experience, then transition to land-based hotels with guided tours, motor coach transportation, and curated experiences that take you to inland destinations such as national parks, interior cities, and cultural sites that the ship cannot access.

Cruisetours are ideal for travelers who have extra vacation time, want comprehensive destination immersion, don't mind changing accommodations, enjoy guided experiences, and want to explore inland destinations.

Key Differences

Duration

From quick 3-day escapes to extensive 21-day journeys, cruises accommodate any vacation length. The convenience of traveling and sleeping on the same vessel means you can maximize your time without the hassle of changing hotels or catching flights

Cruisetours, however, are designed for travelers who want to see it all, typically requiring a commitment of anywhere from around 9 to 21 days or more. This longer timeframe is necessary to accommodate both the sailing and the multi-day land expedition, ensuring you have ample time to explore the interior of a destination without feeling rushed.

Accommodations

The primary appeal of a traditional cruise is the "unpack once" convenience of your stateroom, which serves as your home base while the ship moves between ports. In contrast, a cruisetour trades this single-cabin simplicity for a variety of exclusive inland accommodations. You’ll transition from the ship to strategically located hotels or wilderness lodges situated deep within national parks and historic city centers, offering views and cultural access that coastal docks cannot match.

While a cruisetour involves moving between two or three different properties, most premium packages include seamless luggage handling to eliminate the heavy lifting. This allows you to experience the best of both worlds: the familiar luxury of a cruise ship and the authentic atmosphere of local lodging. It is the perfect choice for travelers who don't mind a bit of movement in exchange for waking up in the "heart" of their destination.

Destinations

Cruises excel at showcasing coastal gems and famous port cities. These itineraries are perfect for travelers who want a "tasting menu" of different cultures and harbors accessible by water. You get a broad overview of a region’s shoreline, returning to the comfort of the ship each evening.

Cruisetours go a step further by adding inland regions that ships cannot reach, such as the rugged heart of the Canadian Rockies or the vast tundra of Denali National Park. By venturing away from the coast, you get to experience a country’s mountain ranges, interior cities, and iconic national landmarks.

Transportation

On a traditional cruise, the ship is your sole mode of transportation, gliding you effortlessly from one port to the next. The journey is part of the relaxation, with the ocean as your constant backdrop. It is the most streamlined way to travel between multiple destinations with zero logistical effort.

Cruisetours introduce a more dynamic travel experience, utilizing scenic trains, deluxe motorcoaches, or even small aircraft to navigate the interior. Whether you are riding the glass-domed railcars through Alaska or a luxury coach through the European countryside, the land-based transit provides a front-row seat to landscapes you would miss from the sea.

Depth of Immersion

Cruises are often described as a "tasting menu" of travel, offering a broad overview of multiple coastal ports. While perfect for hitting the highlights, your time is typically limited to daytime hours before the ship departs for the next destination. This style is ideal for those who want a relaxing, high-level look at several different cities in a single week.

For those seeking a deeper connection, a cruisetour offers unrivaled immersion by taking you deep into the interior for overnight stays. Because you aren't tied to the ship’s departure schedule, you gain the luxury of time, allowing you to experience local nightlife, enjoy dinner in remote mountain villages, and explore world-renowned landmarks long after the day-trippers have left.

Planning Process

Cruises are one of the most straightforward vacations to book, offering a hassle-free experience where your transport, food, and lodging are all in one place. It’s the gold standard for travelers who want simple, stress-free planning with minimal logistics to consider.

On the other hand, a cruisetour involves more moving parts, including hotel transitions, land transfers, and specialized excursions. However, this doesn't mean more work for you. Our Cruise Experts coordinate every detail at no extra cost, managing the complex logistics of flights, trains, and lodges to transform a multi-layered itinerary into a seamless, all-inclusive adventure.

What's Included in a Cruisetour?

Cruise Portion

The cruise segment of your journey offers the classic all-inclusive feel you expect on the water. This typically covers your stateroom accommodations, most onboard dining (from casual buffets to fine dining), and a full schedule of entertainment and activities. While the ship is docked, you’ll have access to various port stops, providing a comfortable home base before or after your land adventure.

Land Tour Portion

The land component is where the value of a cruisetour truly shines. Unlike a solo road trip, this package includes premium hotel and lodge stays, daily breakfast, and seamless transportation via luxury motorcoach or glass-domed trains.

You’ll also benefit from the expertise of a dedicated Tour Director (some of whom are certified naturalists) who stays with your group throughout the land journey, handling everything from park entry fees to the "behind-the-scenes" logistics of luggage handling between hotels.

The "Exclusions" & What to Budget For

While your cruisetour covers the big-ticket items, there are a few things to keep in your vacation budget. Typically, airfare, travel insurance, and alcoholic beverages are not included in the base fare.

Additionally, while land transportation is included, specific shore excursions (during the cruise) and optional add-on tours (during the land portion) are at an extra cost. Tips and gratuities for the hardworking ship staff and land tour guides are also standard out-of-pocket expenses, but some tours may include pre-paid gratuities.

Money-saving tip: Booking a packaged cruisetour through a travel advisor is almost always more cost-effective than trying to piece together hotels, trains, and cruises on your own. Because of our industry relationships, our Cruise Experts often have access to exclusive promotions, such as airfare credits, prepaid gratuities, and more that aren't available to the general public. We don't just find the best price; we ensure every moving part of your land and sea journey is synchronized at no extra cost to you.

Popular Cruisetour Destinations

Alaska

Alaska cruisetours are one of the most popular options. A traditional Alaska cruise visits coastal cities like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. The land tour takes you to Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Anchorage, and the Kenai Peninsula. You'll see grizzly bears, ride historic railways, and experience parts of Alaska that cruise passengers miss entirely. Discover the top things to do on an Alaska cruisetour →

Europe

Cruisetours to Europe pair Mediterranean or Northern Europe cruises with immersive land explorations. Sail the Greek Isles, then tour Athens and ancient ruins. Cruise Norway's fjords, then explore Iceland's geothermal wonders. Or combine a Mediterranean cruise with Tuscany's vineyards, the Swiss Alps, or Spain's cultural treasures.

Asia

Asia cruisetours let you experience both coastal cities and cultural heartlands. Combine a Japan cruise with visits to Mount Fuji, Kyoto's temples, or Tokyo. Pair a Southeast Asia cruise with land tours through Vietnam's countryside, Cambodia's Angkor Wat, or Thailand's northern regions.

South America

Cruisetours to South America offer dramatic scenery and diverse experiences. Patagonia tours combine sailing through Chilean fjords with land exploration of Torres del Paine National Park. Or pair a South American cruise with inland adventures to Machu Picchu, the Galápagos Islands, or Argentina's wine country.

Popular Cruisetour Brands

When booking a cruisetour, you'll often see land tours operated by specialized tour companies that partner with cruise lines. Here are three of the most reputable brands.

Cosmos

Cosmos offers budget-friendly cruisetour land components without sacrificing quality. Their tours feature comfortable 3-star hotels, knowledgeable tour directors, and all the essential sights. If you're looking for excellent value and don't need luxury accommodations, Cosmos delivers solid experiences at accessible prices. Perfect for travelers who prioritize seeing destinations over high-end amenities.

View Cosmos Tours.

Globus

Globus strikes the ideal balance between quality and value. Their cruisetour land components feature 4-star hotels, more included meals than Cosmos, and enhanced experiences, such as special dinners or unique activities. Globus tours feel polished and well-organized without the luxury price tag. They're the "Goldilocks" option: not too basic, not too extravagant, just right for most travelers.

View Globus Tours.

Tauck

Tauck represents the luxury tier of cruisetour land components. Expect 4-5 star accommodations, nearly all meals included, exclusive access to attractions, smaller group sizes, and white-glove service throughout. Tauck tours cost significantly more but deliver elevated experiences at every turn. Choose Tauck when you want the land portion of your cruisetour to feel as premium as a luxury cruise ship.

View Tauck Tours.

Your cruise advisor can help you compare options and find the best fit for your travel style.

Making Your Decision

Choose a Traditional Cruise If

• You have 3-10 days available for vacation
• You prefer staying in one accommodation (the ship)
• You want to visit multiple coastal destinations during the day
• You love being on the water and shipboard amenities
• You're traveling with young children or prefer simplified logistics

Choose a Cruisetour If

• You have at least 9 days available for vacation
• You want a comprehensive exploration of a specific region
• You don't mind changing hotels
• Inland destinations are important (national parks, cultural sites)
• You prefer guided land experiences
• You're visiting a destination you may not return to soon
• You want the best of both worlds: ocean cruising and land exploration

Booking Tips for Cruisetours

Book Early

Popular cruisetours, especially Alaska, sell out 12-18 months in advance. Early booking also locks in better pricing.

Consider Pre- vs. Post-Cruise Land Tours

Some travelers prefer land tours before cruising (to get acclimated), while others prefer them after (to extend the vacation). Both work well.

Review What's Included

Compare which meals are covered, hotel quality, transportation details, and which attractions have entrance fees included (or our Cruise Experts can handle this for you!).

Factor in Travel Days

Arriving in Alaska or a remote destination may require extra travel time. Build in buffer days if you're flying to meet your cruisetour.

Work With a Travel Advisor

Cruisetours involve more complexity than traditional cruises. Our advisors help you choose the right itinerary, find deals, understand inclusions, and coordinate all the details (just give us a call).

The Bottom Line

Both cruises and cruisetours offer incredible vacation experiences. The right choice depends on your available time, budget, travel style, and destination priorities.

Choose a cruise for efficient multi-destination exploration, all-inclusive convenience, and classic ocean vacation vibes.

Choose a cruisetour for comprehensive regional immersion, once-in-a-lifetime depth, and the best of both sea and land adventures.

Either way, you're creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Ready to Plan Your Perfect Cruise or Cruisetour?

Whether you're dreaming of a classic cruise or a comprehensive cruisetour adventure, our Cruise Experts can help you choose the perfect itinerary for your travel style and goals. We'll explain your options, compare itineraries, and handle all the details so you can focus on the excitement.

With decades in business and top-account status with major cruise lines, The Cruise Web has the expertise to make your vacation planning stress-free and rewarding.

Let's start planning your next adventure! Call us at 1-800-377-9383 or visit cruiseweb.com. Your dream vacation is waiting, whether it's 4 days at sea or a 21-day epic journey.