cruise vs road trip

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

Saving Money? Comparing the Cost of a Cruise vs. a “Regular” Vacation

Want a cheap vacation? Then book a cruise.

We’re not trying to say that cruises don’t cost considerable money. If you want to spend thousands of dollars, then you can do so easily. But when you compare the price of a cruise to the price of a similar land-based vacation, then the value of cruising becomes evident. That’s the finding from the latest analysis we just completed, looking at what you’d pay to create your own cruise vacation itinerary… without the cruise ship.

In fact, on a sample 7-night cruise, we found a family of three could save nearly $1,400 by taking a cruise versus trying to recreate the same itinerary on their own.

To show you exactly how good of a value cruising can be, we’ve broken down two sample cruises below compared to the estimated cost of taking the trip the traditional way. This goes step-by-step in showing you where cruises can save you the most money. But before we get too far, you should understand why cruise lines can offer cheaper vacations.

Why Cruises Can Offer Cheaper Vacations

Where cruises have a major advantage is in scale. With so many cabins available, they can offer a high supply of rooms, keeping their cost per guest to a minimum. Think of Las Vegas. It’s a highly desirable place to visit, yet you can always find a cheap hotel room with a little looking. That’s because there are thousands of rooms available for every price point. With cruise ships carrying up to 6,000 guests per trip and sailing year-round, there’s always a high supply of cabins available — keeping prices down.

Second, cruise ships allow you to visit smaller ports that are expensive to reach any other way. Consider Skagway, Alaska. If you are taking an Alaskan cruise, you are likely to dock in this tiny town of just about 1,000 people. The closest you can fly commercially is Juneau, which from Seattle (where most Alaskan cruises depart) is $350 per person. From there, you still have to find transport to Skagway via a 7-hour ferry ride.

In other words, the size of cruise ships — and their ability to visit smaller towns not easily served by airlines — means they can take you to places that cost a fortune to visit otherwise.

The example trips below give you a better idea of how much you can save.

Example 1: 4-Night Cruise to Cozumel from Galveston

Quick getaways are becoming more popular in cruising and cruise lines have added capacity on shorter four and five-day cruises. These trips allow passengers to have a getaway without breaking the bank.

Take this 4-night cruise aboard the Carnival Valor. This cruise, departing Galveston on April 26, 2018, has a single stop in Cozumel. For a balcony cabin for a family of three — with gratuities, port fees, and taxes included — the cost is a total of $1,627.29 .

Remember everything that goes into that fare. Not only does this get you on the ship, but it also give you meals for the entire trip and entertainment. The only major things you’ll have to pay for are excursions when in port and any alcoholic drinks you want to purchase.

So how does this compare to a traditional vacation? Let’s build the same trip using flights and a hotel instead of a cruise ship.

Flights For this example, we’ll assume that the person lives in Houston, the closest port to Galveston. Searching flights, the cheapest ticket we found to Cozumel was with a company called Interjet. This ticket didn’t include checked baggage, but carry-ons were allowed. Compare that to a cruise, which allows you to pack as much as you want (within reason) at no extra charge.

All told, the flight alone to Cozumel for three people cost $1,269.24.

Hotel As mentioned above, for the example cruise we selected a balcony cabin. You can cruise cheaper in an interior cabin. That said, having a balcony cabin with a view of the water is ideal and comparable to what you might find from a hotel on land.

In this example, we searched for a mid-level resort on the island near the water. We found a deal on an all-inclusive resort — Allegro Cozumel — where meals and alcohol are included. In fact, “nightly shows & entertainment” are also included, making staying at the hotel nearly equivalent to the all-inclusive aspect of a cruise ship.

In total, four nights at this all-inclusive hotel cost $668.40 for a family . This amount does not include gratuities.

Meals & Entertainment With the all-inclusive resort, all meals and entertainment are included in the hotel’s fees. That means the only extra you will pay is if you decide to eat somewhere away from the resort or if you decide to do something away from there like take a tour of the island.

Cost Comparison In this example, a family of three would save about $300 by booking their short getaway on a cruise versus a regular vacation. And if they wanted to save even more, they could look for cheaper days to sail (winter months like January and February are usually cheaper than sailing in April) as well as book an interior cabin instead of a balcony.

Example 2: 7-Night Cruise to Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale

What if you want to take a longer trip, or one that calls on multiple ports? In that case the value of taking a cruise over a traditional vacation is even greater.

Consider a week-long cruise from Fort Lauderdale aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. This particular trip departs at the height of the cruise season in June and has three ports of call — St. Maarten, San Juan, and Labadee, Haiti — before returning home.

While prices start at just $879 per person, we elected to price a balcony cabin for a family of three. In this case, the entire cost of the cabin with gratuities came out to $4,248.38 .

There’s no doubt that’s a pricey vacation, but what if you compare it to taking the same trip via plane and hotels?

Flights When it comes to take a traditional vacation, flights are where the biggest expense comes from. In this case, we searched for flights starting from Fort Lauderdale to St. Maarten, followed by trips to San Juan and then to Haiti.

In this case, you actually need to start your trip from Miami International Airport, about 20 miles for Fort Lauderdale. We found a flight for $484 for three people for a one-way ticket from Miami to Saint Maarten .

Next, a flight from Saint Maarten to San Juan. This ticket was found for a total of $432 for three people if flying in June .

For the next stop — Labadee, Haiti — there is some complication. First, the Royal Caribbean port is actually a private resort for the cruise line. It’s reserved for cruise passengers. If you still want to go to the area then you can catch a flight from San Juan to Cap-Haitien — just outside of Labadee — for $883 for three people . Ironically, the flight has a layover in Miami.

Finally, after Haiti you’ll need to return to Miami. A flight from Cap-Haitien nonstop to Miami runs $950 one-way for three people .

In total, recreating the route of the cruise ship costs a total of $2,749 in flights for a family of three.

Hotels Of course, getting to a port is just the start of what you’ll spend. You also have to find a place to stay.

Saint Maarten is a tourist hotspot with plenty of hotels available. We found a four-star resort — Simpson Bay Beach Resort — charging just $127 per night. All told, three nights cost $456.48 for a studio with kitchen.

San Juan, like Saint Maarten, offers plenty of places to stay. We found the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel — a four-star hotel with a casino — for $165 per night. A two-night stay with taxes and fees comes out to $417.75.

Labadee and the surrounding area offers fewer choices, but about two dozen hotels are still available. We found the Habitation Des Lauriers, a four-star hotel with excellent reviews, for $155 per night. All told, two nights with taxes and fees run $340.

Combined, a family would spend a total of $1,214.23 on hotel stays for a week long trip . That amount can vary widely depending on which hotels you’d choose.

Meals and Entertainment Unlike the resort we found in Cozumel in the previous example, the hotels shown here are not all-inclusive. That means you’ll have to pay for meals. As well, you’ll also need to pay for entertainment.

Judging how much to allow for these areas can be tough. For meals, we assume $50 per person, per day. That’s an average of about $15 per meal for each person. In total, that would mean spending $1,050 on meals and snacks.

Entertainment can range from everything beach day clubs, to fishing tours, to evening shows. For our estimates, we assumed that the average family would spend $600 for entertainment comparable to what’s found on the ship.

All told, on a 7-day traditional vacation, a family would expect to spend about $1,650 on meals and entertainment.

Cost Comparison What’s amazing about cruises that is that they offer the ability to visit multiple places in one vacation at a cheaper price than you could do on your own. In this example, you’d save almost $1,400 versus a “typical” vacation and that’s sailing in a balcony room during the busy summer season. If you wanted to save even more money, then you could sail during a different date or book a cabin without the balcony.

Want to estimate how much your cruise will cost to compare? You can use our cruise cost calculator to get an idea of how much you’ll spend.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, what’s the best length of time for a cruise, why cheap cruises are dead (for right now), answered: what’s the cheapest time to take a cruise, which cruise line should i sail the definitive guide for 2024, 10 rules to getting the best deal on a cruise, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Complete Guide to Cruising from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach

Catalina on a cruise: what to know, do, and see during your visit, reviewed: carnival cruise wi-fi service (speed, reliability, cost, and more), hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

The Pros and Cons of Cruises

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

A cruise can satisfy the greatest wanderlust, satisfy your favorite (and newfound) food cravings and open new horizons and interests you never thought possible. But you can also fall for tourist traps or miss the authentic culture of the places you visit.

If you’ve never cruised, talk to others who have more firsthand insights. Their perspective can shed even more light on the experience you can expect.

Going on a cruise has pros and cons, and it may be worth reviewing them before your next sailing. Let’s look at the pros and cons of cruises.

A good deal

Cruises can be costly, but you get more than just a great view of the ocean. Cruise bookings often include your:

Accommodations.

Some drinks.

Entertainment.

Recreational amenities like pools and waterslides.

Other onboard activities.

You can step aboard the ship and not spend a penny if you play your cards right.

There are plenty of ways for cruises to pull more money out of your pocket on board (think: spa, specialty restaurants, upgraded drink packages, shore excursions, shops and casino), but you can still have plenty of fun without spending an additional dime.

Cruise lines are reinventing their onboard options, and specialty restaurants tap in to the talents of well-known chefs and restaurateurs. This can take some of the boredom away from the same dining rooms, but it comes at a cost.

For the most part, however, if you find a good price on the cabin, the number of inclusions that come with it can quickly drive down the cost of an overall vacation. Of course, the more you spend on the cabin (some of those luxury suites, for example), the lower the bargain you'll get.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Entertainment and education galore

You read that right — you can learn something educational on a cruise.

Many cruises have port talks, destination immersion lectures covering the history and culture of a place, art galleries and trivia games. You can learn something on board, and then when you’re ashore, you can explore the destinations you visit.

Cruises are a great way to learn more about the world, meet new people and learn from them, too.

And there is more entertainment than you can shake a stick at on board and ashore. From musical performances to game shows and cinemas, you can easily fill up your schedule.

Every ship is different, so it is important to review what is available on your sailing if staying busy is your goal. Otherwise, bring a book and watch the world float by from the deck.

On sea days (when the ship is traveling between ports), it’s like having your own resort with pools and activities included in the overall cost of your vacation.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

Maximize your time

A cruise can introduce you to many places at once without your worrying about unpacking and repacking between destinations or paying for transportation between cities.

You unpack once and then are on your way, with all of the details handled for you — from immigration protocols to where to go and when.

The cost of a cruise includes a preplanned journey to some of the most popular points within a region and your transportation between them.

For example, your itinerary may have multiple Mediterranean cities or several European capitals.

There’s something quite relaxing about waking up each morning in a new city. And when you return after a day of exploring, housekeeping has cleaned your room.

A cruise may be a great option for less-frequent travelers because the cruise line is essentially “holding your hand” along the way.

Even better, some stops may be hard to reach by land — like many Alaskan ports — or expensive to reach independently, like some Greek islands or pricy ports in the Caribbean like St. Barts.

» Learn more: 6 cruises where you don't need a passport

Family and group travel come easy

Cruises are an easy option for groups traveling together. Unlike on land, where it can be hard to find restaurant reservations for large groups or find one activity that suits every interest, cruises have something for everyone.

People can branch off to do what they like on the ship and then meet back up an hour later without worrying about traffic or safety issues for kids.

» Learn more: What's the best deck on a cruise ship?

Lots of people

While this varies by ship — some enormous ships have so much space that there are plenty of areas where you’ll be one of only a few people — crowds may flood popular areas.

For example, people vying for their moment in the sun may swarm the pool deck and families may descend on the water park area simultaneously.

Lines can form at popular buffets or restaurants at meal times, and when it’s time to go ashore (or disembark after the cruise), you’ll be one of many waiting in line.

If you’re not willing to pay for specialty venues or you’re on a smaller ship that doesn’t have many free dining options, you may find that the dining rooms become repetitive. Menus change daily, but the setting does not. The window views at dinner will vary by destination, though, adding a bit of pizzazz.

If you make an effort, it is possible to find different things to do each day on almost all larger ships. River cruises, on the other hand, are much smaller and tend to feel more repetitive.

The same premise appears with the destinations for repeat cruisers. Because the cruise line plans itineraries, you may visit places you have been to multiple times if you sail often enough. It becomes harder to exclusively visit “new-to-you” places.

If it’s the latter you’re after, planning your own trip may be a better option.

» Learn more: Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Which is right for you?

One price is not always just one price

If you loosen your purse strings easily, spending more than you realize aboard a ship is possible.

A few cocktails by the pool each day, an extra tour or specialty restaurant dinner another, and before you know it, you’ve paid twice as much as you thought. It’s wise to board a ship with a budget in mind and plan your sailing accordingly so you don’t overspend without realizing it.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

Tourist traps

Cruise lines are often important economic engines for destinations. You may find yourself dealing with tourist traps, such as shops by the port, and beginner tours organized by the cruise line.

If you want the most authentic experience, it might be worth studying local guides and tour options online in advance to find something more authentic without falling for what’s waiting for you right at the port.

If you’re going on a shore excursion through the cruise line, you can count on being carted to places designed for large groups rather than hidden gems. Many tours often include a stop at a local shop or business that may be presented as authentic, but locals will tell you it is not.

This trend is amplified because travelers usually have only one day at each destination. As a result, time is of the essence to visit the most important sights without wasting it at tourist traps.

Frequent cruisers, however, will tell you that you should use a cruise to determine places you want to return to by using it as a sampler to explore many destinations. They also suggest planning what you want to do so you can hit the ground running.

Exploring independently or with a local guide (not booked through the ship) can often be your best bet. It also has the added benefit of directly supporting a local business or guide rather than funneling that cash through the cruise line.

The pros and cons of cruises, recapped

It’s unfair to decide how you feel about a cruise without trying one. Even those who insist they wouldn’t like one may end up having a good time.

Perception is not always reality, and you can be better prepared by considering all of the pros and cons of a cruise in advance. Talk with people on either side to get answers to your questions.

Not every type of travel is for everyone, but the ever-expanding cruise industry keeps adding amenities, perks and destinations. That alone speaks for itself.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Cruise vs. all-inclusive resort: Which budget-friendly option is best for you?

Travelers looking for an easy vacation, with accommodations and activities bundled into one package price, often compare cruises and all-inclusive resorts to find their ideal trip. On a cruise ship or at a resort, you've got restaurants, bars, activities, entertainment and kids clubs all in one place, saving you from doing loads of research for every aspect of your trip. Even better, many (or all) of these amenities are included in the upfront price, helping make these vacation types budget-friendly.

Sure, you can choose pricey luxury cruise lines or upscale resorts , but when you book a cruise or all-inclusive resort, you can rest easy knowing you're getting the convenience of an all-in-one vacation without a ton of extra expenses.

The question then becomes: Which vacation type is better for you, a cruise or an all-inclusive resort? The answer depends on which sorts of things you want included in your base price and which ones you'd rather purchase a la carte. Additionally, what type of trip you're looking to take matters.

To help you decide which option is best for you, you'll first need to understand which activities and amenities cruises and all-inclusive resorts actually cover in their base rates. Then, you can compare the similarities and differences before picking between the two.

For more travel tips and news, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Cruises: What's included?

Cruises are often pegged as all-inclusive vacations, but exactly what is included varies by cruise line and cabin type . When pricing out a cruise vacation, you'll need to know the details of what your line covers in everyone's fares and what add-ons you can buy to make your trip more inclusive.

Let's start with the basics. All cruise fares on any major cruise line include accommodations with en suite bathrooms; meals in select restaurants (typically a large main dining room and a buffet venue, plus perhaps a few other eateries); basic drinks (tap water, coffee, hot and iced tea, milk and select juice at breakfast); use of pools, hot tubs, lounge chairs and fitness equipment; kids clubs and programming; and some kinds of daytime and evening entertainment.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Whether you're sailing mass-market Carnival Cruise Line or ultra-luxe Regent Seven Seas Cruises, your base fare will include the aforementioned items.

High-priced luxury cruise lines will typically also include a large selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, gratuities for the crew, Wi-Fi access and meals in smaller, themed restaurants. However, this isn't always the case.

To see how inclusions vary, let's take a look at a few examples.

Royal Caribbean is a big-ship line that caters to couples and families. Its entry-level fares cover just the basics mentioned above. You might find discounted rates and free kids fares (when sharing a cabin with two paying adults), but it is not known for throwing in freebies like Wi-Fi or tips unless you book a suite.

Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite-class fares are more inclusive than standard fares. Book a Sky-class suite and you'll receive free Wi-Fi for each guest, room service and meals in the exclusive Coastal Kitchen restaurant, as well as access to a lounge with complimentary evening drinks and snacks. Book a Star-class suite and you'll get even more fare inclusions, such as meals in all specialty restaurants, a Deluxe beverage package (including booze, soda and premium coffee drinks), minibar items, tips and laundry.

Related: 5 things I love about Royal Caribbean's new suite neighborhood — and 3 that need work

Norwegian Cruise Line takes a different route. Its "Free at Sea" promotions (which seem to run continuously these days) allow everyone to make their base fares more inclusive, depending on which version of the sale is running. At press time, the fare inclusions for the first two guests per room extended to free airfare, Wi-Fi, a beverage package and excursion and specialty dining credits. (Third and fourth guests sail free and therefore don't receive the additional inclusions.) Sometimes the deal includes fewer freebies or offers fewer inclusions with the cheaper cabins.

A luxury line like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, arguably the most inclusive cruise line , always covers airfare and transfers, shore excursions, pre-cruise hotel stays, all beverages (except the most ultra-premium bottles), Wi-Fi, gratuities, dining in all onboard restaurants and laundry service.

Additionally, many cruise lines offer all-inclusive beverage packages or specialty dining packages as add-ons to your cruise fare to make the rate more inclusive. Some lines have inclusion packages that combine a few things. For example, Windstar Cruises charges an extra $79 per person per day ($89 if purchased on board and not pre-cruise) for included Wi-Fi, drinks and tips.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

If you're trying to assess the value of a cruise fare, especially as compared with another cruise line or an all-inclusive resort, you'll need to look at which vacation activities you'll be doing and tally up your all-in vacation cost. Less-inclusive cruise lines will be cheaper to book initially, but high onboard spending could make the trip cost more than a more-inclusive line with pricier base fares. Or, you may love the idea of included cocktails, wine and beer, but if you don't drink multiple alcoholic beverages each day, you may find that you'd spend less purchasing drinks a la carte.

All-inclusive resorts: What's included?

It's not just a clever name. The upfront price you pay when you book a stay at an all-inclusive resort is, for the most part, all-inclusive. While there certainly are amenities and experiences you can add to enhance your stay, the price you see when you click "Book Now" is the price you get.

Typically, this means your accommodations, a fully stocked minibar, meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, kids club access, nonmotorized water sports and daily entertainment are included in the upfront cost. If you want to visit the spa, have a romantic dinner on the beach or reserve a cabana (with or without bottle service), you'll have to pay extra.

Related: 8 lessons I learned from my 1st all-inclusive vacation

Among the amenities that are included, you are not relegated to just one bar and dining establishment to frequent during your stay. Most all-inclusive resorts have multiple food and beverage outlets and often shops where you can grab coffee and ice cream as well. You'll also be treated to entertainment and activities throughout the day and into the evening, and most resorts offer a decent mix of family-friendly and adult-oriented activities .

For example, if you are most interested in an all-inclusive tropical beach escape, Hilton's all-inclusive properties in Mexico and the Caribbean have a variety of dining options to choose from, as well as multiple pools, fitness facilities, kayaks and paddleboards, daytime games and activities, and live entertainment come nighttime.

If you prefer hitting the slopes to lounging seaside, all-inclusive ski resorts offer a similar pricing structure in a different environment. Accommodations may be in a rustic-style lodge, private cabin or traditional hotel room. While there may be fewer dining options, meals are typically more artfully prepared than at a massive beachfront resort. Activities include skiing and all-terrain-vehicle rides in winter and horseback riding and mountain biking in summer.

Related: Why I loved my 1st all-inclusive hotel experience

What may not be included are gratuities for servers, bartenders, housekeepers and the porter who delivers your luggage to the room. Some brands, like Sandals and Beaches, expressly state that their employees cannot accept tips, but this is not true of every all-inclusive resort. You may be able to find this information on the resort's website, by reading reviews or by calling ahead to ask so you can be prepared with cash (in the correct currency) for tipping during your trip.

It's also important to keep in mind that unlike booking a standard hotel room, the cost of your all-inclusive trip will vary based on the number of guests. You must enter the exact number of children and adults to get an accurate price — and yes, we learned this the hard way .

Related: Tips for booking hotel rooms for large families

When choosing whether an all-inclusive resort vacation is the right choice for your budget, you can rest assured that the price you see when you make your reservation will get you a bed to sleep in, meals to eat and plenty to keep you busy during your stay. What you may want to consider is whether you will take advantage of all those included offerings and if the resort you're interested in has the kind of food, activities and entertainment you'll enjoy.

Cruises vs. all-inclusive resorts: The travel adviser perspective

To truly compare these two similar-yet-different vacation options, TPG turned to John Lovell , president of Travel Leaders Group. Lovell has more than two decades of experience as a travel industry executive and not only advises others on travel, but is an avid traveler himself.

Related: 4 scenarios when you should use a travel agent

If you are currently in the midst of choosing between a cruise and an all-inclusive vacation, Lovell assured us that both options are "open and honest about what they are going to charge you for."

While there may be upcharges for Wi-Fi, excursions or fine dining, providers tend to be upfront and transparent about those costs. Hidden costs shouldn't be an issue, but you do need to do some research prior to your trip so you have a good idea of what's included in the cost and what may be an add-on.

"If you are going on a seven-day cruise, for example, adding a drink package and excursions at each port can add hundreds of dollars to your budget," Lovell said. "If you are comparing one cruise line to another, and one claims to be $799 for a week and another is $599 but doesn't include Wi-Fi or a drink package, the $799 may actually be a better deal."

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

There isn't as much variance at all-inclusive resorts unless you are partial to top-shelf liquors and beachfront massages.

So which is a better value? The short answer is: "It depends."

"Both cruising and all-inclusive resorts offer wonderful experiences," Lovell said. "You can do a budget-friendly cruise and have a wonderful experience and you can do the same thing at an all-inclusive."

They both offer great experiences, but it really comes down to identifying what you want out of your vacation and finding a cruise or all-inclusive resort that offers it.

"In addition to working with a travel adviser who is an expert on both types of trips, the best thing a consumer can do is decide what they want out of a trip," Lovell said.

Bottom line

If you are looking for an opportunity to visit multiple destinations without having to pack and unpack at each stop, a cruise vacation may best suit your needs. You'll need to be OK with some vacation days spent entirely on the ship at sea and smaller accommodations, as cruise cabins tend to be smaller than hotel rooms at similar price points. As mentioned earlier, some lines are more inclusive than others, so you may end up with more additional expenses than at an all-inclusive resort.

If you are looking for a family-friendly beach vacation where you can spend time with your kids but also drop them off at the kids club when you need a little quiet time, an all-inclusive resort may be your best choice. You will need to be fine with multiple days on the same beach (versus visiting different destinations), and you'll want to be mindful of the fact that you'll likely need to pay extra if you want to explore beyond the resort's gates and experience the local culture.

Once you've determined your personalized vacation needs, all that's left to do is to find the cruise or all-inclusive resort that offers what you are looking for and do the math to get the true total cost of your vacation. You'll be lounging with a drink in hand in no time.

• Cruise Advice

11 Pros and Cons of a Cruise Vacation

Doug Parker

• April 11, 2017

We’ll be honest – there’s always the flipside of any coin (or method of travel), and cruise vacations are no exception. Of course, we believe that the benefits of cruising heavily outweigh the downfalls, but in the spirit of being impartial, we give you a list of some pros and cons of a cruise vacation. We hope this will help you decide what vacation is right for you, and we certainly hope it’s cruising!

Getting to Sample Cities

What better way to get the sampler of a region than to cruise through it? You get to visit different ports with quirks, amenities, and cultures while returning to your cozy ship at the end of the day.  Hate a particular port? Choose itineraries that don’t stop there. Do you love a port? Make sure to book future cruises that include a call there or – if you want to get a deeper feel for it – head there for your whole vacation.

Dozens of Itineraries

This point is being modest; of all the cruise itineraries in the world, there are probably at least a hundred or more. You aren’t limited to just one type of cruise. Go where you’d like to go. Want to go to Bermuda, Europe, Asia, Australia, Alaska, or the Caribbean? Then go. There’s an itinerary for everyone.

Unpack One Time

A cruise is like a road trip, but you don’t have to keep packing and unpacking . There’s something awesome about unpacking once for the whole trip and not repacking until it’s time to go home. Sit back, relax, and let the crew take you and your floating home away from home to the destinations.

Cruise lines are consistent with each other.

Most cruise lines out there have the same process and basic cruising concept . Entertainment, food, ports, and activities on the ship are fairly consistent. Why does this matter to you?

For one main reason: it’s easier to switch between lines if you find a different itinerary you like or want to try something new, and you’ll still know what to expect. The world is your oyster when it comes to cruise vacations. Chances are, if there is a place you want to go that touches a major river or ocean, a cruise line stops there.

Variety of Dining Options

You may be thinking, how does this compete with a land-based vacation? There are always more restaurants ashore.  

While true, how many choices could you have if you stayed at an all-inclusive resort? Or how much money would you spend trying a new cuisine each night at various restaurants in a city?

Nowadays, large cruise ships tend to have a lot of venues on their ships, many of which are complimentary, and several more that only require a small cover charge. Italian, Asian, Mexican, French, and even good old American comfort food – chances are there will be a large variety of cuisines available to you on your cruise.

Options to Pick Your Accommodation

There are lots of choices when it comes to choosing a stateroom on a cruise ship.  You can splurge for a suite, opt for balconies (and save some money if you choose an obstructed view!), or go with a window, porthole, or interior cabin.

If you already know how much a cruise will cost, you can always find a stateroom to fit your budget. Lots of ships also have cabins that grant special access to more intimate, private areas on the ship, such as the Family Harbor staterooms on Carnival Vista that include a shared family lounge, The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line that has several exclusive areas, or spa cabins on several lines that grant extra privileges in the onboard spa.

Meeting New Friends

Since everyone on the ship is sharing that ship for the duration of the voyage, you have a great chance of making new friends. Whether it be the couple you’re sitting with for dinner, a family you click with by the pool, or a guest sitting near you at the bar, if you want to find friends on a cruise, you will almost always find them.

The best part is that you’ll be able to see them again throughout the cruise and maybe even stay in contact with them afterward. I know people who have gone on future cruises with people they met in past ones.

Onboard Experiences

The crew on your ship want to make your vacation the best it can be, and you’ll find a lot of special experiences during your cruise. Whether it’s chocolate-covered strawberries that you find in your room for your anniversary or even an amenity that the ship offers, such as a mixology class or epic waterslide, there are lots of ways a cruise vacation is different from any land-based ones, and that makes it extra special.

Cons of a Cruise

Slow Internet

Because cruise ships rely wholly on satellites for internet access, it tends to be much slower than the internet at home. We would argue that a great aspect of any vacation, especially a cruise, is a great time to unplug and enjoy spending time with your travel companions. However, the internet may be necessary if you need to stay in contact with someone back home or be available if anyone back at the office has a problem. Be patient with it, and don’t use it more than you must. After all, you’ve got a vacation to enjoy!

Pricey Drink Packages

This is only a con if a drink package isn’t worth it.  If it would be and you plan on drinking quite a bit, it can be quite a deal. When planning your cruise, see what beverage packages are offered and determine whether one would be worth it.  It won’t be worth it if you only drink a few cocktails or glasses of beer daily.  

If you plan on drinking three at lunch and five after dinner, you may want to consider it. Purchasing a package is based on personal preference, and each cruiser – and cruise line – will be different.  

Drinks are more expensive on a cruise ship, so remember.  It’s also important to consider that you probably won’t utilize it as much on port days and that if you buy a package, anyone of legal drinking age in your cabin must also purchase one.

Not Enough Time in Port

One downfall to being on a cruise instead of traveling on a cruise ship is that there isn’t much time in port. A ship will often only be at any port for 10 hours, meaning you probably won’t be able to squeeze too many activities into that time.

Or, if you’re just having a relaxing beach day, the last call to get back onto the ship will seem to come all too soon. One way around this is to find itineraries that include an overnight stay in a port, which is exciting because you can experience nightlife there, too.

Hidden Costs are Everywhere

Long as the days of paying a set price for your cruise and just throwing a couple of extra dollars down for drinks and at the casino. These days, cruise lines aim to get the money from your pocket to theirs.

Final Thoughts

A cruise vacation just never seems to last long enough, does it? We hope you’ve found some of our points here helpful and that they can aid you in deciding what vacation is right for you and give you some extra information about cruising that you may not have known before.

Recent Posts

Port canaveral announces plans for a brand new cruise terminal coming in 2026, princess relocates cruise ship from australia to puerto rico, cruise ship sails into new york with a dead whale, carnival glory review 2024 + cruise news [podcast], share this post, related posts.

Air Force Called for Long Distance Rescue on Carnival Ship [PHOTOS]

Sea Trials Begin for Royal Caribbean’s Latest Mega Cruise Ship [PHOTOS]

Bringing you 15 years of cruise industry experience. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips.   

Quick links

Cruise Radio, LLC © Copyright 2009-2024 | Website Designed By   Insider Perks, Inc

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Make more . Save more . Live better .

What’s the Most Cost Effective Trip: Cruise, Road Trip, or Plane?

By Catherine Alford / Last updated: June 3, 2014 / Travel

As many of you know, I absolutely love to travel. I’ve been lucky enough to see some pretty cool places and even got to live abroad for almost three years.

Still, whenever I’m planning a trip, I always find it hard to decide exactly how to to travel. Do I take a cruise, fly somewhere awesome, or just hop in the car and go on a road trip?

If you don’t have a preferred way to travel either, consider some of the pros and cons below:

With a cruise, you get to see many different destinations at one time. Whether you take a quick weekend trip to the Caribbean or a 3 week European vacation, it’s nice to have someone else plan out all the details and events.

Sure you have to pick an excursion or two, but you don’t have to worry about cabs or hotels or luggage. It’s all taken care of! This could be a con if you are the type of person who loves to check out things off the beaten path or likes to change plans once you get there, like adding on a quick side trip. Essentially, once you get on the boat, you really are stuck there (that is, unless you don’t get back to it on time!)

The great thing is that typically, you pay one price and get all of your meals included. Most of them are going to be nice with tons of course options. The drawback here, though, is that alcohol isn’t included and neither are soft drinks. All of those things you’ll have to pay extra for which can really add up. There are also other fees and tips to consider, which can be tagged on to your bill at the end.

Be sure to read our post 15 Tips for people going on a cruise if you are going on one or considering going on one.

When booking plane travel, there are lots of ways to get a better deal cost wise. We write all the time about credit card churning , which is a great way to fly just about anywhere for just a few dollars in fees (provided you have a healthy relationship with credit cards of course!).

However, let’s say you don’t have airline points and you don’t want to churn for them. If that’s the case, plane flights can be pretty expensive. They also have all sorts of fees, like charging for bags and even peanuts. The nerve! I find it’s also a pretty uncomfortable way to travel. To me, the only way this is more cost effective than driving is if somehow the ticket is less than all the gasoline and overnight stops of a road trip.

First, let me say that I love road trips. I don’t love forced road trips, like the one I just had to take from Louisiana to New Jersey when I moved a few weeks ago. However, I do enjoy your run of the mill road trip adventures.

I like how flexible they are, how comfortable you are in your own car, and how you can really shop around for the best prices on hotels and food, which makes everything a lot easier on the ol’ pocketbook. I think I’d take a road trip over a cruise any day, but that’s just me.

Regardless of how you decide to travel, you will want to check out our post on 5 Creative Ways to Pay for Travel to help you afford your trips.

What’s your preferred way of travel?

Check out some of our favorite personal finance resources:

Are you getting the best credit card rewards check out the top cash back credit card offers (updated daily), make extra money:  15 ways to make money from your computer.

• Get our FREE Automated Budget Spreadsheet and our Student Loan Spreadsheet

Get the First Chapter Free!

Join our online community and get the first chapter of the book Student Loan Solution absolutely FR EE !

Catherine Alford

Comments policy.

Comments, responses, and other user-generated content is not provided or commissioned by this site or our advertisers. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by this website or its advertisers. It is not the responsibility of advertisers or this website to ensure that all comments and/or questions are answered. With all that being said, please comment away!

Reader Interactions

I guess it depends where we are going. I definitely love a good road trip. We don’t have any big summer vaca plans so we will likely go on a road trip. I find driving so relaxing and I agree-definitely more comfortable than flying! I’ve never been on a cruise and am a little afraid with all the bad press they’ve been getting lately. With that said, there are some excellent deals and sometimes I want to reconsider.

The cheapest thing for us is an all-inclusive resort/plane ride combo.  We can typically get our flights for free or almost-free and all-inclusives include everything else for one low price.

I am definitely fan of a driving vacation if you don’t have to go far and rack up a ton of money on gas. I especially like that when I drive that I can bring my own food and drinks to cut down costs in other areas.

I haven’t been on an actual road trip in a while! The last drive we did was NY to SC, and after adding all the costs up, we were probably better off flying. I don’t think we will encounter as many tolls now, so that’s a positive. I’ve never been on a cruise, but I don’t fully like the idea of being stuck on a boat, and having a time limit to explore the ports.

It depends on where we’re going for me and who we’re bringing. If it’s all the kiddos it’s likely going to be a road trip. If it’s just my wife and I it’ll likely be a plane flight. We have gone on several cruises and love those, though we tend to go on those if we really just want to completely relax and do nothing on the trip.

FrugalRules I love trips where you do nothing!! :)

JourneytoSaving Blogger road trip?? Who’s coming? ;)

blonde_finance Me too. It’s nice to go at your own pace!

Holly at ClubThrifty I do like all inclusives. It’s good for the frugal folk because we can have our steak and wine without obsessing about it. :)

BudgetforMore My hubby would agree with you. He love to drive!!

I have friends who are big fans of cruises because of the entertainment and food the cruise provides.  The prices do seem pretty affordable, especially if you go during the off-season.  Road trips are pretty cool…my favorite was driving up the Pacific Coast Highway.  Now that you’re in NJ, hopefully you guys will do some road trips to different places in the Northeast.

My preferred way is by Plane followed by a Cruise.  I do like the all inclusive of the cruise but I wouldn’t do more than 7 days on a ship.  I really don’t enjoy road trips mainly because I don’t like driving.  Especially longer than 2 hours.  Even that is a drag for me.

Hey Cat, I’ve got to agree with you, flights are just flat out uncomfortable. If I have a choice when it comes to how I’m going to travel, it’s definitely a road trip all the way…even if the gas does cost a little more.

I’d take just about any kind of trip, but have never done a cruise. I’m not good at lounging, so I’m not sure if I’d love it or be bored!

Andrew LivingRichCheaply I know I want to go to New England when the beans get a little bigger. :)

Raquel@Practical Cents That’s so interesting! My hubby loves to drive and hates planes lol

Joshua Rodriguez If only we could all afford first class every time. ;)

Eyesonthedollar I like both kinds of travel – lounging and then super hectic learn as much as you can about a place type of travel. :)

I don’t mind road trips, but I prefer cruises over most things.  I also like flying to pretty much anywhere with a beach and warm weather.

Have been on many cruises and love them. Going on a short one this summer. After awhile though, they all seem the same. Same foods on the ship, same shops on board, same stores at ports of call. We will be more likely moving into more road trips as our kids get older.

I love road trips!  I’ve never been on a cruise but it’s in my to-do list.  I also don’t mind flying… okay I love vacations – it doesn’t matter how I get there.

My rule of thumb is that, the more people are coming, the more a car trip makes sense (same gas, more or less). Going solo? Sometimes a flight is cheaper, when you add in some extra costs of a road trip (like hotels).

Probably plane number one, then road trip. The right road trip is awesome! I did go on a cruise my senior year as part of a senior class spring break trip to the Bahamas. It was pretty awesome, but for the most part everything feels a bit canned. And while the food is good, it’s hard to say no to and I’d gain about 100 pounds. I would like to do an alaskan cruise at some point.

I think it totally depends.  I was looking into cruises recently, they rope you in with these crazy cheap prices, but by the time you add in all the taxes and fees, it winds up being just as expensive as anything else.

I don’t mind road trips if they are not too far, but planes are my favorite way to travel.

I think it depends on your purpose of traveling. If you want to get to the destination fast plane is definitely the way to go. If you want to enjoy the road, road trip can create lots of fun memories. If you just want to take a laid-back vacation and want everything to be taken care of, cruise is the option. I’ve never been on a cruise before though, but it’s definitely something I’ll do in the future.

Well you’re going to Hawaii and were all jealous :)

I can see how it would get repetitive. I’ve only been on one!

Actually that makes a lot of sense!

Oh me too. Def want to go to Alaska!

I agree. I think someone (Lance or DC maybe?) did a post on the actual cost.

They are definitely good if you are going far!

Yeah I’ve only been on one but it was a long time ago!

I think I’ve mostly ruled out cruises for me… too much food and not enough flexibility of itinerary. We went once when I was in high school, though, and that was fantastic. We could do whatever we wanted because our parents knew that even if we were out until 3am, we were still within the confines of the ship!

Road trips and cruises are my favs.  Air travel is better when you are on vacation, but even still we’ve had delays and missed connections that made the trip quite precarious.  I’ve done enough business travel that I’m pretty much fed up with it now.

Make more. Save more. Live better.

Site directory:.

• Recommendations
• Finance Tools
• Credit Cards

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Feedback? Questions? Contact us and let us know what you think.

Search This Site:

Pros and Cons Of Cruising To Iceland (Rather Than Land-Based Trip)

by Gary Bembridge · August 30, 2019

What are the pros and what are the cons of cruising to Iceland? What are the good and bad about choosing to come to Iceland on a cruise rather than a land-based trip? What do you need to know?

Watch my Iceland Cruise Pros and Cons Video

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fQxNT19HZUY

Location of key sights

Probably one of the biggest pros and good things about choosing to cruise around Iceland, rather than do it land-based, is the fact that all of the key sights and places you should go to are around the coastal area.

The centre of Iceland is basically a large wasteland of lava, and so all the key sights and places you’re going to want to see, stop at or go to are around the coast. So, going on a cruise is very logical. If you want to see Iceland by land, you have to drive around one key road that goes right around the island. This is Highway 1, the Ring Road, and it is 880 two miles long (1,300 kilometres) and, if you want to see the island, you’re going to have to go all the way around the coastal area.

So, a cruise is a great way of getting there. The Ring Road is not a particularly big road and can be very busy, so it makes a lot of sense to go on a cruise. It’s going to take you to all of the key places and sights that you want to see as they are in easy access of the port’s that you call on.

The two big classic things that you’re going to want to see are what’s known as the “Golden Circle” out of Reykjavik, and then you also have the “Jewels of the North”. If you go on the “Golden Circle”, you’re going to see three of Iceland’s most impressive and important landmarks: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir.

If you go to see the “Jewels of the North” you visit the bubbling mud pots of Namaskard, Dimmuborgir and then the incredibly beautiful Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods. All the key sights that you’re going to want to see are on the coast or accessible from the coast. You will have to drive quite long distances or fly to some of these places if you want to be land based, but as you really need to get around the island to see the key places, why not go on a cruise?

Range of excursions

On a cruise at all of the ports of call you’re also going to have a wide range of excursions. The cruise line will have curated and pulled together all the important places you need to see , and you don’t have to do any research as they will take you on things like whale watching, can to see birds like puffins, some take you to key sites where the Game of Thrones series had some of its key scenes filmed and, of course, there will be a series of different excursions, particularly at places like Reykjavik to the baths, like the famous Blue Lagoon.

I think the next key reason for doing a cruise around Iceland, rather than land-based, is all of the benefits of going on a cruise. I think these are particularly important when it comes to Iceland.

The fact on a cruise you only unpack and have to pack once. If you’re going to try and see Iceland on land, you have to keep moving between different places and you will have to be packing and unpacking quite a lot. On a cruise, you get all of that hassle and stress taken away.

Then, of course, you have all of the perks of being on a cruise ship. For example, on the Saga Cruise I wrote this on, we had a choice of different places we could eat, including room service. On board Saga there were bands playing in the various bars, a show every night which was either guest entertainers or a production show.

And of course, even facilities like a Medical Centre if you had any medical issues was available, so no need to worry like on land with dealing with all of that. There was a shop on board if you’d forgotten any bits and pieces.

Coming to Iceland on a cruise makes it so much easier, and you can just focus on the whole experience of enjoying the place.

Another big Pro is for those people who don’t like to fly, or want to avoid the hassle of flying, is you can do no-fly cruises from a number of places in Europe.

For example, out of the UK you can cruise on cruise lines like the one that I’m on, which is a Saga Cruise. They sail out of Dover up to Iceland around the island and back to Dover. If you are UK-based, you can avoid flying. There are other cruise lines that will come to Iceland out of other ports around mainland Europe, so if you are based in Europe (or you want to minimise the amount of flying) going on a cruise to Iceland is definitely one way of doing that.

Expensive on land

For me another big pro of going on a cruise rather than land-based is that when you’re on land in Iceland, it is pretty expensive. If you want to have snacks, buy drinks, go out for meals or book accommodation and hotels, it can all mount up.

It’s surprisingly expensive in Iceland, which I guess makes sense because they have to ship so much of stuff into the island and Iceland is pretty far away. The first time I came to Iceland I thought I was getting the exchange rate wrong because things seemed really expensive when I converted them, but that’s not the case as things are expensive across Iceland.

The advantage of coming on a cruise is you’re going to know what it’s going to cost you to get there, get around and other costs associated with eating and dining. You will know that before you go and once you’re in Iceland you’re not going to have a lot of additional costs.

The fact that Iceland is a pretty expensive place once you here on land, going on a cruise is great because before you go what it’s going to cost you, and you have that all locked down.

For me personally, one of the big pros is that when you come on a cruise, you’re can learn a huge amount about the place and the line will have curated what you need to know, and they make sure you see the key sights.

For example, on the cruise that I was on with Saga there are enrichment lectures, a whole series of experts who talked about the history, ports, sights, folklore, culture and food.

You learn a huge amount Iceland and it is all included within your fare.

On the cruise ship you get destination guides for all of the ports, with information around history, what to see, what to do, where to go and maps of the places. On the in- room television you’ll often find the cruise ship will have documentaries about Iceland.

You have an opportunity to learn about, know about and understand what you’re seeing, where to go and how to do it without having do the research yourself.

You also have the shore excursion team who will have been to Iceland a number of times and you ask them questions and they can help you. You have all these experts on hand with huge amounts of information about Iceland that you can learn and get without having to do any extra work.

You have all the excursions to choose from with expert guides, so again you know you’re going to see the places you need to see, and the local guides know the place inside out.

Excursion cost not included

One of the key additional costs above your cruise fare is likely to be excursions. If you come to Iceland you certainly want to go out and see all the great sights but bear in mind most cruise lines do not include excursions within your fare.

For example, here on Saga, everything other than excursions were pretty much included: drinks, accommodation, all the dining options including speciality dining, some Wi-Fi and gratuities were included. The only extras were things like spa treatments and shopping, and also excursions were additional.

These can add quite a lot. For example, to give you a sense of what that could be, if you go on a Golden Circle tour that cost around about £120 per person (US$150), Jewels of the North was about £175 (US$200) per person. If you went whale watching, depending on where it was, that could be anything from £129 / $1505 up to $200 or £190 pounds per person.

Bear in mind that one of the downsides of going on a cruise is that you still will have excursions to do, and there is a cost associated with those.

Lack of lack of local immersion

One of the cons that you could argue of going on a cruise, is that you are traveling around Iceland in a little bit of a bubble as you’re not on land staying hotels, eating in local restaurants and so you will not get much immersion and interaction with local people.

Of course one thing you could do if you go on a cruise is, there will be excursions which are going to give you more cultural immersion and opportunities to mix and get closer to the Icelandic people, and there are some ports, like Reykjavik, where many cruises stay overnight. On my cruise we had a night in Reykjavik so there was an opportunity to go out and experience much more of the city and the local bars and places to eat.

Still crowds

The other con one could argue, is that a cruise isn’t going to buffer and protect you from the crowds at the key sights, and certainly isn’t going to guarantee you great weather.

Iceland has become incredibly popular, especially since about 2010, and many of the key sites, particularly Golden Circle and Jewels of the North, get very busy and coming on a cruise is not going to give you any special access or ways of avoiding the crowds. Of course, the guides when they take around will try and take you the best times, but it is pretty difficult.

Final thoughts

Do the cons outweigh the pros?

The fact that I’ve come here for a second time cruising to Iceland probably answers the question! I think a cruise is a phenomenal way of seeing Iceland.

If you want to come to Iceland you do really need to go around the whole island to see the key places, so why not do it on a cruise?

I have many more videos including some about Iceland, loads around cruising with tips and advice, so why don’t you watch one of those right now: http://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers

Note: I travelled as a guest of Saga Cruises on a round Iceland cruise. See more of my content about Saga on my Saga Cruises Tips For Travellers Page

Follow Tips For Travellers:

• Follow Tips For Travellers on:  YouTube ,  Instagram ,  Facebook ,  Twitter  and  Pinterest .
• Sign up for the monthly newsletter . includes a free eBook to download every month.
• Never miss a post by signing up below and every new post will be sent direct to you.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Gary Bembridge

I grew up in Zimbabwe, but I have been based in London since 1987. My travel life spans more than three decades and that includes more than 95 cruises. In 2005, I launched Tips for Travellers to make it easy and fun for people to discover, plan and enjoy incredible cruise vacations. And the rest, as they say, is history. I have the largest cruise vlogger channel currently on YouTube, with more than 3 million video views per month.

You may also like...

Saga Cruises, Jools Holland and Me 2019

October 3, 2018

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• Next story  CroisiEurope Deborah Barge – My Drone Video
• Previous story  6 Cruise Freebies You Can Get If You Just Ask!

Search Tips For Travellers

Most popular articles:.

Subscribe to my Tips For Travellers Newsletter for latest news, offers and bonus content

View previous campaigns

MOST POPULAR PAGES

Is Going on a Road Trip Right For You?

The idea of hopping in a car and setting off into the horizon on a Kerouacian adventure is a timeless notion for the ultimate vacation: exploring the rugged scenery, visiting pristine landscapes, and sleeping in a new place every night. The reality of a road trip is that it actually requires a significant amount of planning , especially for long trips that span several days and cover hundreds—if not thousands—of miles.

Traveling by car has a lot of unique benefits, but you also have to consider the drawbacks before deciding if a road trip is the right vacation for you. Cost and time are two of the most important factors but are by no means the only ones. Weight out these considerations before you set off.

Reasons to Go on a Road Trip

You are in charge.

You control your departure time, arrival time, itinerary, and stops along the way . You don't have to pay attention to train schedules or airline routes as you plan your trip. If you see something interesting on the side of the road, you can stop and take a look. This freedom and flexibility of traveling by car is perhaps the biggest perk of a road trip, and its value can't be overstated.

You Can Change Your Mind

If you don't like a particular place, you can just drive away. There's no waiting for the next flight or hassling over train schedules. Last-minute decisions are easy to make and they don't have to throw off your entire trip. In the same vein, it's just as easy to stay somewhere you're really enjoying. Maybe what was supposed to be a quick pitstop ends up being a place with a lot of potential that you want to explore more. No problem, just stay.

You Can See the Real World

Taking a road trip allows you to get off the beaten path and see actual communities and natural wonders, not just a train track or a view from 36,000 feet. Meandering through the countryside is a great way to relax and find out what it's really like to live in a particular area. Farmers' markets, local festivals, and state parks are yours to explore.

You Can Pack Anything That Fits Into Your Trunk

You can use the back seat, too. You don't have to pay extra to bring the items you need, either. If you plan to bring camping gear or sports equipment, packing it in a car is easier than transporting it by bus or train. Just make sure you have a safe way to lock up valuable items. A car that appears to be overflowing with goods can be an easy target for theft.

You Can Save Money

Even when you factor in wear and tear on your car, going on a road trip can be a frugal way to travel, especially if you're traveling with a group. Taking four people somewhere by car is usually less expensive than buying four round-trip airplane, bus, or train tickets. You can split the costs for gas and hotel rooms, or if you're camping it could be even cheaper. Since you have the freedom to stop and eat wherever you like, you can choose affordable restaurants or pick-up items in a local grocery store to eat in the car.

Reasons to Think Twice About a Road Trip

Driving takes time.

Driving is one of the slowest ways to travel between two points, especially between large cities with good rail and airline service. If you are planning a city-to-city trip, you can save a lot of time by taking the train or flying to your destination.

You Have to Do All the Work

From route planning and prepping your car to navigation and spending hours behind the wheel, it's all up to you. Trip planning is always a big task, but road trip planning requires even more forethought and organization. Sometimes it is easier to let someone else do the planning—and the driving. It's exhausting to be behind the wheel for hours at a time, especially if you'll be on the road for days. Having multiple drivers in the car helps to alleviate that, so share the responsibilities if you can.

You Have to Park the Car

In some cities, finding parking can be very difficult. High city parking rates are not fun to deal with, either, and can quickly eat up any cost savings you've gained by taking the car. If you're planning to be in smaller towns or natural areas, you shouldn't have as much of a problem. But if any one of your pitstops is a big city, plan ahead and research the cheapest and safest parking options for your car.

Traveling by Car Can Be Expensive

For solo travelers, in particular, taking a road trip might not save you money, especially when you factor in gas , tolls , parking, meals, and lodging along the way. In fact, depending on the length of the trip and where you stay, it can end up being much more costly than having taken another form of transportation. Even if you make a strict budget, unexpected costs such as a hapless breakdown can really throw a wrench at you.

Wear and Tear on Your Car Costs Money

You don't have to only worry about breakdowns, but also general wear and tear on your car. Long trips can really do damage to a vehicle, especially if it's an older model. If your car isn't up to the journey, you might be better off renting a vehicle instead.

You Have to Get Back

Planning your big road trip sounds fantastic and fun, but don't forget you have to get back to where you started. Unless you're in a situation where you can leave your car at the destination, you'll have to drive back to the starting point as well. Make sure you're mentally prepared not only for the initial journey but also for repeating it almost immediately after. However, you can make this easier by taking a different route home to shake things up.

Making Your Road Trip Decision

It is always a good idea to break out your trusty calculator and add up your travel costs before deciding how to get to your destination. Traveling by car is not necessarily the cheapest or easiest way to go. You may decide that time is more important than money. In this case, flying might be your best option. Taking the train might be a better choice for city-to-city travel, especially if you will not need a car at your destination.

In the end, the most important consideration is the type of trip that you're looking for. Faster transports are for those who want the destination city to be the vacation. But if you care more about the journey, then driving is the best way to truly experience not just point A and point B, but the infinite number of places between them. Even if it takes more time or ends up costing more, perhaps it's worth it.

The Best Family Road Trips for Every Age

Planning a Road Trip: The Complete Guide

Everything You Should Know Before Renting Your First RV

How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

How to Travel from Rome to the Cinque Terre by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

How to Get From Malaga to Tangier by Bus, Plane, Car, and Ferry

How to Travel From Chicago to Las Vegas by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Planning an RV Trip: The Complete Guide

Essential Guide to Hiring a Car and Driver in India

How to Travel From London to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

Saving Money on Your Summer Vacation

Should You Book Your Hostels in Advance?

How to Travel From Rome to the Amalfi Coast by Train, Bus, and Car

Traveling by Train in Europe: Where, Why, and How

How to Travel from Boston to Chicago by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

How to Travel from Venice to Athens by Plane, Ferry, and Cruise

Trains and cruises offer similar vacation experiences — but after trying both, I'd rather ride the rails

• Last summer, I cruised in the Caribbean. This summer, I took a two-day train ride in the US. 
• I thought aspects of the trips were similar, like the warm hospitality and ability to disconnect.
• Ultimately, I'd rather ride a train for its lower carbon emissions and to see diverse landscapes.

In May, a red carpet and smiling host welcomed me aboard the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train for my first major train ride as an adult.

With a red carpet rolled out and American and Colorado flags stationed at each train car, a beaming host welcomed me onboard the Rocky Mountaineer .

The luxury train company specializes in trips in Canada and the US and I was onboard for a two-day trip on the Canadian train company's first US route. We departed from Denver, Colorado, and ended in Moab, Utah, with an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

My ticket, which I purchased on sale for $1,052 (it typically costs $1,465) included meals, alcohol, a hotel in Glenwood Springs, and the experience of admiring the West's landscapes through glass-dome windows . 

As I boarded the Rocky Mountaineer by myself, I reflected on my last big solo trip — an eight-day cruise across the Caribbean in July 2021.

The train ride was my first big solo trip this year. And while I had traveled around Colorado to places like the ritzy ski town Aspen and the quaint mountain town of Estes Park with friends, boarding the train reminded me of a year earlier, when I traded my land legs for sea legs and embarked on another popular mode of travel, cruising. I sailed on the Carnival Vista, the first Carnival cruise to set sail after the pandemic . 

The seven-night cruise stopped in Mahogany Bay, Honduras; Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. It cost $1,288 including gratuities and vacation protection.

By the end of the second day on the train, I thought certain elements of the trip felt surprisingly similar to my cruise. Ultimately, I left realizing that I much prefer trains.

I wasn't expecting to find similarities between a train and a cruise since the vacations seemed drastically different. One was all about water, relaxing, and soaking up the sun. The other was focused on luxury and dramatic landscapes. 

However, they were more alike than I expected. From the ability to disconnect to an environment catered to socializing, I was shocked to find so many similarities between the two vacation styles. 

But by the end of the train trip, I was eager to hop back on and head to my next destination. The same wasn't so true for cruising, as I previously wrote . 

Here's how they each stacked up, and why ultimately, you're more likely to find me on the rails than the sea.

Both the cruise and train felt like natural environments to meet strangers and make friends, which made them ideal trips for solo travelers like myself.

I've spent nights sitting alone in bars, hiking through national parks by myself , and staying in tiny homes without interacting with another human.

Throughout my years of solo traveling, I've learned that some trips and activities cater to making friends more easily. Trains and cruises top that list.

Between an endless flow of drinks and the natural shared environment of the Rocky Mountaineer's train car, it was almost impossible not to chat with the people seated next to me. Quite quickly, I made friends with all the nearby passengers. I was alone on the Rocky Mountaineer, but I never felt lonely.

The same was true for the cruise. On a cruise, there are activities every hour — you can dance to live music, compete in trivia, or laugh with strangers at a comedy show. If I wasn't singing karaoke with strangers on the Carnival Vista, I was relaxing in the hot tubs and bonding with other cruisers. Everywhere I looked on the cruise was an opportunity to make friends. 

My train had an overnight stop, which I thought felt similar to port stops on a cruise.

Cruise stops are a large part of most sailings and for my cruise, I explored Mohogany Bay by kayak , spent an afternoon in Belize, and went scuba diving off the coast of Cozumel. 

Each cruise stop was short, which provided me with enough time for an excursion or an afternoon shopping spree. 

While less tropical, my overnight stop in Glenwood Springs felt similar to the cruise stops. We disembarked the train around 6 p.m. There, I swapped my train attire for a bathing suit and took a dip in the town's natural hot springs. After that, I popped into shops before the mountain town closed for the evening.

I left the stops on both the cruise and train feeling similar — there was enough time to get a taste of the destination, but I wasn't there nearly long enough to feel like I could check it off my bucket list. 

Both trips offered me an endless flow of drinks and food.

Food and drinks were bountiful on both my train ride and cruise.

From classic cruise buffets to Guy Fieri inspired barbeque , there were more than a dozen eateries on the Carnival Vista ship, which meant nonstop eating. I didn't opt-in for the drink package, but it seemed like most of the passengers around me were enjoying piña coladas, daiquiris, and tropical drinks.

While the Rocky Mountaineer didn't have as many dining options as a cruise, the passengers around me all agreed that there was never a moment when we were hungry. Our meals came with multiple courses and when we weren't being served food, our train host was pouring unlimited soft drinks, beer, or wine, which were included in the ticket price. 

I thought that both trips had some of the most welcoming, friendly staff I've encountered during my travels.

The staff on cruises and trains have strenuous jobs . They're away from home and working more than eight-hour days . 

But even with their tough gigs, everyone I encountered on both the cruise and train was eager to make sure guests felt welcomed and comfortable. 

On the Rocky Mountaineer, the chef and train host, who served passengers meals and functioned as a tour guide, were constantly chatting with guests, offering advice, and sharing insights into the region. 

Every morning on my Carnival cruise, I knew I'd step out of my 185-square-foot stateroom and bump into Komang, my stateroom steward, who'd wish me a good morning and ask me about my plans for the day. In the evening, I'd go to the main dining room for dinner where I'd be greeted by familiar faces, who were also eager to engage in conversation. 

I left both the train and cruise impressed by how welcomed the staff made me feel.

I was able to disconnect on both trips thanks to a lack of cell service.

I was surprised that guests on the Rocky Mountaineer didn't have Wi-Fi or cell service  for the majority of the ride, but it turned out to be a silver lining of the train experience. It allowed me to disconnect from my news feed and social media and placed my focus on the vast landscapes that were passing by.

And when I spoke with seasoned cruise superfans on the Carnival Vista , most shared one common thing they all loved about cruises — the ability to disconnect. Cruising often places you in the middle of the ocean with no cell service. Guests can buy Wi-Fi, but from my experience, it was often slow and spotty. 

I thought the lack of cell service and Wi-Fi also helped contribute to the ship and train's friendly environments. Since no one could scroll, we were forced to chat with one another.

Even though parts of the experiences were similar, I thought my train ride had more diverse views of nature in two days than my cruise did in eight days.

One of the Rocky Mountaineer's main appeals to me is the views. Through the glass-dome windows, I watched Denver's cityscape transform into towering Rocky Mountains. Once we crossed the border into Utah, the grey rock turned into rusty red sandstone, and the lush mountain environment was swapped for desert scenery.

For me, there wasn't a moment throughout the whole trip where I was sick of peering out into the horizon in search of the next landscape we'd pass. 

On the other hand, the cruise's main appeal was the lengthy list of scheduled activities and the port stops. For the vast majority of the cruise, all I could see was 360-degree views of blue water. 

Belize, Honduras, and Cozumel have a diverse range of ecosystems, historical landmarks, and scenery, but unfortunately, I couldn't admire most of those views from the cruise deck. 

As someone who loves nature, I thought the Rocky Mountaineer offered a better viewing experience. 

My environmental impact was also much lower on the train than on the cruise.

To me, exploring the world also means taking care of it. That involves booking trips with lower carbon emissions and participating in carbon-offset programs. 

According to the International Council on Clean Transportation , cruises are one of the most carbon-intensive ways to travel. Trains, are the opposite and are some of the lowest emitters. 

When comparing the two trips by day, I found that my environmental impact was much higher on the cruise than on the train. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation , the "world's largest and most efficient cruise ships" produce 250 grams of CO2 per passenger per kilometer. That's compared to rail travel, which emits 14 grams per passenger per kilometer, according to estimates from the European Environment Agency .

When I arrived in Moab, which is home to otherworldly landscapes that I hope future generations can experience, I felt better knowing that I had traveled in a less carbon-intensive manner. 

I learned more about the destination I was traveling through on the train than on my cruise.

On the Rocky Mountaineer, the train staff fills gaps between meals with history, facts, and knowledge about the local region.

As we traveled through the Moffat tunnel, for instance, I learned from my train host about its history and its builder, David Moffat, who spent his entire fortune on the 6-mile tunnel. When we arrived in Utah and passed the ghost town of Cisco, we had another history lesson on the fascinating destination. 

Meanwhile, the only time I learned about history, culture, and facts on the cruise was at the ports where I paid for excursions. While some of the excursions I chose highlighted facts about the area, others did not.

Since learning about a region and its history is my main motivator for traveling, I preferred the Rocky Mountaineer where I learned much more about America's West than I did about the Caribbean on my seven-night cruise. 

I'd happily board another train in the future. For future cruises, I'll be pickier about which ones I book.

I likely won't ever board a massive cruise ship again , but I haven't completely given up on traveling by ship. For future sailings, I'm dreaming about Alaskan cruises with just a few dozen people instead of a few thousand. No matter the ships I embark on in the future, I plan to be more selective about the size and destination. 

As for trains, I'm looking forward to exploring more of the world from the window seat of a train car. 

• Main content

Land Tour versus Cruise

Alaska adventures by sea or by land. Or both. We’ll help you pick.

• Trip Planning
• Tips, Advice & FAQs
• Alaska Land Tour versus Cruise

Quick Links

• Alaska Land Tours
• Alaska Cruise Tours
• Alaska Cruises
• Best Vacation Packages
• Best Alaska Cruise

Trip Finder

Should I take an Alaskan cruise or a land tour or both?

Any traveler planning a trip to Alaska will at some point consider whether they should take an Alaskan cruise , a land tour , or combine the two options into one longer cruise tour vacation . The answer, of course, depends on how you like to travel and what you want to see and do.

Take a second to picture Alaska. What do you envision? Sitka spruce trees, misty fjords, and breaching whales? Huge mountains, sweeping tundra, and grizzly bears? Maybe all of it? Now think about traveling in general. Do you prefer to relax on your vacations? Are you the go-go-go type?

Alaskan Cruises

Alaskan cruise lines do a superb job providing an array of sights and experiences through Southeast Alaska, making a cruise a wonderful option for guests curious to see the state's dramatic coast and abundant marine wildlife. You'll travel through fjords, along tidewater glaciers, and to historic coastal towns only accessible by boat. While in port, guests can pick from numerous uniquely Alaskan shore excursions . You can take a guided walk on the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau , ride the historic red trolley through Ketchikan , or climb aboard the vintage White Pass train in Skagway and retrace the steps of early gold rushers bound for Canada.

Back on board the ship, guests have no shortage of entertainment and dining options while at sea. Cruises also offer diverse activities to fit many different age groups, so they're often a great option for families.

A cruise is a good pick if:

• You want the most opportunities to see humpback whales, orcas, seabirds, and other marine wildlife.
• You love day trips, but also like the comfort of returning to the same room every night (and only unpacking once).
• You find traveling with very large groups fun and interesting.

As ideal a choice as a cruise may be for many, it offers just one view of Alaska. Your Alaska land tour offers many others, ranging from big peaks of the Alaska Range, to the rolling tundra farther north. On a land itinerary, you can take a flightseeing tour of Denali and its surreal surrounding mountains. You can join a guide for a late evening nature walk through a boreal forest. In the Denali Park area, you can go whitewater rafting on the Nenana River or take a narrated bus tour into Denali National Park . There are ample chances to spot grizzlies, moose, and caribou.

Transportation is key to an Alaskan land package, both in terms of the time it takes, and the ways to do it. The railroad is relaxing and scenic, while deluxe motorcoaches are convenient and affordable. Renting a car offers the most flexibility and access. A land package also provides the unique opportunity to escape crowds that can be typical of any cruise port excursion. Generally speaking, a more adventurous and active traveler enjoys a land package that will allow them to do the kinds of exciting activities that are abundant throughout southcentral and interior Alaska.

A land tour is a good pick if:

• You like to pick and choose your mode of travel, and enjoy staying in different towns and hotels.
• You're an active traveler looking to get off the beaten path .
• You'd like the chance to see more of Alaska with fewer other visitors.

Both a Cruise and a Land Tour

Still not sure which type of trip you should take? That's a great sign that you should do both. Tagging on a pre-cruise or post-cruise land package to a cruise offers the most complete Alaska experience. We call this a cruise tour . It's also made easy by seamlessly connecting the end of one and start of the other in a port town (typically Seward or Whittier ).

A cruise tour is a good pick if:

• You want to see as much of Alaska as possible in one trip.
• You embrace both the freedom to explore, and the ease of following a clear itinerary.
• You have at least two weeks to travel.

The best type of trip is the one that's personalized to your interests. Think about your vision of Alaska and how you like to experience a new place. Regardless of whether you travel by land or by cruise, rest assured that your Alaska experience will be a remarkable one and we are here to help plan it .

Alaska Road Trip vs Cruise: Best Travel Options for 2024

There are different ways to explore Alaska. Some people prefer to travel Alaska by car, some by train and others by the way of a cruise ship.

The most flexible ways are often by cruise ship and road trip simply because these off the most in terms of flexibility.

Deciding whether to take to the urban road or enjoy the delights of the sea and costal route is usually a hard thought question.

With the different options of traveling Alaska, which is best?

The word ‘best’ can often be subjective depending on what type of adventure the traveler wants.

Road trips are of course the most flexible.

Road trip plans can change almost daily and instead of heading north to own town you may head south to another.

Cruise ships of course take a plotted course that isn’t going to change because your plans have, although there is a certain amount of comfort knowing everything is being taken care for you.

Cruise ships also give a way of seeing Alaska that the road doesn’t offer.

In this article we’ll look at an Alaska road trip versus and Alaska cruise, how to take advantage of combi-trip and what travel option may be best for you.

Road Tripping Across Alaska

There isn’t anything more gratifying than a road trip, especially across the vast open and beautiful wilderness of Alaska.

Although much of the state is cut off from anything other than a plane, there are many different road trips adventurers can take to see as much of The Last Frontier as possible.

Alaska isn’t the type of state someone can road trip at any time of year, like you could California, instead road trips must be meticulously planned – especially if driving from any other state in the U.S whilst having to cross the Canadian border.

Also, Alaska is a very cold state for most of the year.

With limited sunshine during the colder months, and intense snow, road trips should only really be undertaken between April and October to get the very best from the adventure.

A car can either be hired in the main national and international airports, such as Fairbanks, or can of course be driven from any other state.

Considering the drive time to Alaska from even its closest state of Washington requires an incredible number of hours.

Alaska being such a huge state, the biggest of the U.S. means any road trip is going to require at minimum a week or two, so travel time to and from Alaska needs to be taken into consideration for any trip.

Fortunately, much of the main Alaskan areas accessible by road are relatively close.

From the main Canadian border crossing it is just 285 to Fairbanks, 400 miles to Anchorage and 240 miles to the Denali National Park, home of the tallest U.S. mountain, Denali Mountain.

These sorts of distances which can all be done in a few hours means everywhere on many road tripper’s itinerary are within easy reach.

Recommended Reading: Is a Road Trip to Alaska Worth It?

Two of the best state road trips are between Anchorage and Fairbanks, and between Anchorage and Seward.

The Anchorage to Fairbanks route offers the best glimpse on inland stunning terrain vista scenery spanning literally for miles and miles in uninterrupted wilderness.

This route also passes around the Denali Mountain and Denali National Park, which is without a doubt worth the stop off.

The Anchorage to Seward route offers breathtaking coastal and glacier views with many interesting stop off and photo opportunities along the way, such as Falls Creek and Beluga Point.

There are many beautiful sights of Alaska only possible to see by road, and a road trip of Alaska is an amazing way to see as much of the state as is possible.

Cruising Alaska’s Coast

Alaska’s coast and shoreline have been welcoming travelers by boat and cruise ship for over 100 years.

Coastal towns such as Anchorage, Skagway and Seward have changed immensely throughout this time but most distinctively over the past 20 years.

These are still small and rustic historical towns that never lost the same charm that has welcomed guests for a century.

There are several cruise line operators willing to take passengers from the U.S. or Canada into Alaska, or even further afield.

One advantage of a cruise around Alaska is not having to worry about planning, itineraries, gas top ups or the threat of breaking down on the highway.

A bed is always available, and cruising is like having a private tour guide with the ability to come and go as you please.

Plenty of dining options are available, as well as amazing onboard entertainment – so no worries or hassle booking restaurant reservations or planning the evening.

There are lots of stop off excursions available or passengers are free to make their own way around the various ports and explore – just make sure you’re back for when the cruise liner heads off to the next port!

Cruising can be a fun and relaxing way to explore Alaska’s main cities and towns with everything taken care of for you.

When a Cruise is Better than a Road Trip

Cruises are better than a road trip when the main goal is to relax, have fun and let someone else do all the work.

Road trips require a lot of planning and thought.

Gas stops are notoriously few and far between in Alaska, so planning these are essential.

Cruise ships will not necessarily give passengers all the inland scenery travelers can expect when hitting the road but many of the destinations on Alaskan road trip itineraries are also on cruise itineraries.

When a Road Trip is Better than a Cruise

Road trips give the freedom of an open road.

Why stay on the highway when an adventurer can take off on small country roads into unexplored towns not mentioned on main tourist guides.

There is no better way to experience true Alaska than through true Alaskan, in idyllic Alaskan mountain towns.

There is an element of fun to be had spending different nights in different places.

A different hotel, different restaurant, and different scenery every day keeps any Alaska vacation fun, fresh and exciting.

In Conclusion – Alaska Road Trip vs Cruise

If a simple relaxing trip without the need or fuss of make choices on restaurants, hotels, and nights out and having everything meticulously planned and provided for you, to make the most out of a vacation from experienced Alaskan guides, then a cruise could be the best option.

On the other hand, for those who love an adventure and have a passion for independence, the open road and seeing the true beauty Alaska has to offer, then a road trip may be the best option.

I've been everywhere, man. Crossed the deserts bare, man. I've breathed the mountain air, man. Of travel, I've had my share, man. I've been everywhere!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• New Zealand Tourism
• New Zealand Hotels
• New Zealand Bed and Breakfast
• New Zealand Vacation Rentals
• Flights to New Zealand
• New Zealand Restaurants
• Things to Do in New Zealand
• New Zealand Travel Forum
• New Zealand Photos
• All New Zealand Hotels
• New Zealand Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in New Zealand
• New Zealand
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Cruise or drive? - New Zealand Forum

• South Pacific    
• New Zealand    

Cruise or drive?

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• South Pacific forums
• New Zealand forum

Need some direction here, anyone done NZ either way? HELP! 🙂

A cruise is an excellent way of seeing the sounds in Fiordland which are otherwise difficult to reach but in other aspects it is in my opinion a poorer way of seeing NZ. Of course if you like cruising I’m sure you would still have an excellent trip but you will miss things.

With only two weeks anyway you are going to have to be selective about what you see.

One compromise would be a week cruise and then fly to a particular area that interests you for the second.

I took my kids (teenagers at the time) on a cruise once and thought we would like it because everyone seems to like cruises .

We didn't. They aren't for everyone.

To get around the stress of being the solo driver - plan a few days in Rotorua and Queenstown and do organised day trips. Fly between cities will get you from A to B faster.

Assuming you are talking about Feb-March next year?

As Wahine pointed out, you don't have to do a whirl-wind road trip if you use a couple of domestic flights .

Most of the best bits of NZ are inland and our southern waters can be very rough - you will experience far more by not cruising.

1 arrive Auckland

5 fly to Queenstown

6 bus to Milford Sound , cruise , scenic flight back to Queenstown

7 collect rental car , explore more - Glenorchy?

8 drive to Wanaka

10 drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook - glorious drive

12 drive to Chch

If you want to see and experience NZ the "best" way is a road trip as many of the most spectacular locations/activities aren't on the coast.

While our coastline is pretty, the spectacular sights are inland, perhaps the North and South Islands are bigger than what you think?

The the following year our daughter and partner decided to come over from Canada for the Cricket World Cup played in both NZ & Aust so we decided to meet up with them for the NZ v AU match in Auckland and take them around on the North Island for a week. We decided to visit the South Island and road trip for three weeks by ourselves before the daughter arrived..

Apart from the suffering of my wife, I have never been so pleased that we had to cancel a holiday. I could easily re-visit the South Island for another three weeks, and 10 days on the North Island, without whinging daughter this time, would be great. I was staggered when considering how much I would have missed had we taken the cruise .

I also vote road trip.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• Itinerary help with Cook Islands Visit 5:02 pm
• Itinerary help for NewZealand Dec-Jan 4:55 pm
• Christchurch to Methven 3:44 pm
• Itinerary Advice 3:39 pm
• North Island New Zealand itinerary ideas 2:57 pm
• 8 nights in South Island 11:47 am
• Luggage Storage for a week at Auckland Airport today
• Itinerary help today
• Queenstown winter recommendations today
• Itinerary suggestions for a 2 week south Island trip yesterday
• InterCity and GreatSights New Zealand premium coach services yesterday
• Planning First Trip to NZ - Solo Traveler yesterday
• Fairlie to Akaroa yesterday
• Welcome thoughts on our initial 3 week itinerary! yesterday
• Car Rentals - Do NOT Use Apex Car Rentals 100 replies
• Weather in October? 11 replies
• air new zealand premium economy vs skycouch 37 replies
• Beware of Omega Car Rental in Auckland! 9 replies
• Milford sound vs doubtful sound 7 replies
• Things to Buy 13 replies
• One week in New Zealand in January - where should we go??? 6 replies
• 2 week south / north island trip itinerary 16 replies
• 2 Weeks New Zealand - February or March 2012 5 replies
• best time to visit 5 replies

New Zealand Hotels and Places to Stay

• Why Visit NZ?
• I love NZ - destination information for travellers
• Important info for requirements to travel to NZ
• Driving in New Zealand
• How long to drive
• What to wear
• Kiwirail - Best to book in New Zealand
• Campervan Around NZ
• Rental Car Insurance - when it all goes wrong
• Caves - what and where
• Rental Car Insurance - the pros and cons
• New Zealand Road Trips
• NZ Trip Reports
• $400 Fine for Bringing Food into NZ
• Self contained campers
• How much time between international and domestic flights
• No drones in national parks or 4km of flight paths or airports
• Freedom camping and self containment

1 877 967 5302

Travel blog

Top Trip Tips: Europe by Train, Car, Cruise or Land Tour?

Published 24 June 2021

Daniel Nikulin

Are you overwhelmed by the endless options available when considering a trip to Europe? You’re not alone. Our savvy travel consultants have experienced Europe by train, rental car, ocean cruise, river cruise, guided tour, bicycle... you name it! Check out our top tips to help you decide which type of travel best suits your vision of the perfect European getaway.  

Europe by guided tour : Best for variety

If you have a week or two and would like to see as many countries as possible, it’s best to book an escorted tour, where all the planning has already been done for you — with flights, accommodations, transport and sightseeing mostly all prepaid and organized by the tour company. Coach tours offer exceptional value, especially when you figure in the time you’d spend researching, organizing and booking everything yourself.

There are many different tour styles to choose from, too. From small groups and active itineraries to trips with a specific focus, like cycling, regional cuisine or a religious pilgrimage. All tours will give you some free time to go off and do your own thing, and evenings are generally completely up to you. Tours are a great way to see lots, to find what you like and don’t like, and to choose where to return to next time for a longer, more focused stay.  

Europe by cruise : Best for effortless sightseeing

Seeing Europe from the luxurious confines of a cruise ship is another way of visiting multiple destinations in a single trip, and is also worth considering. Itineraries can include the Atlantic Ocean or the Baltic, Aegean and Mediterranean Seas — and even many iconic rivers, like the Danube and Rhine.

European cruises are perfect for those who enjoy a resort experience with a new port-of-call daily while unpacking only once. Cruising also makes family travel to Europe easier, with plenty of onboard activities for the kids when you’re not out exploring. Most cruise lines will offer a range of available shore excursions tailored to guests of all ages, catering to just about every taste and touring style.

If Greece and Croatia are on your radar, cruising should be top of mind. Both countries are perfect examples of destinations better visited by a ship. Island hopping using planes can get expensive and ferries can be inefficient if you’ve only got a week or two to enjoy. Overall, cruises are easy to book and can be packaged with flights for one value-packed European holiday.  

Europe by train: Best for your wallet

If you’re looking to travel around a country or two once there, buying a rail pass before leaving Canada is a great option. Single, two and three or more country passes are good value and offer travel in both 1st and 2nd Class. These passes are only sold to non-residents of Europe and MUST be purchased before leaving Canada.

If you do find yourself in Europe without a pre-purchased rail pass, point-to-point tickets are always an option. While they don’t offer the value of a pass, they are still often the most cost-effective way of getting from A to B. If you are looking at travelling by train in the summer, seats can book out fast, especially around a long weekend or holiday. Book early.  

Europe by car rental: Best for flexibility

Get the insurance. Always.

While many find even the idea of driving around Europe frightening, nothing quite compares to screaming down the autobahn in the latest Audi. Driving offers the utmost in flexibility, allowing you to completely own your schedule.

Most European countries are fine with your Canadian driver’s license but do note the surcharge many rental companies charge for younger drivers (sometimes 26 and under!) and the one-way drop fees, if you’re wanting to drop the car off in a place other than where you picked it up.

Of course, there are the more practical items to consider, too, like driving on the other side of the road, street signs in foreign languages or mastering a stick shift, — sometimes half the cost of an automatic rental in Europe. If you think you’re up for the challenge, renting a car in Europe can be a completely exhilarating experience.

But, again, do get the insurance offered by the car rental company. Whether you have the coverage on your own personal credit card or not, it is always best to be covered by who you are renting from — trust me.

Site quick links

Help & support.

© Flight Centre Travel Group (Canada) Inc.

Future Travel Credit Terms & Conditions | Green Policy | Anti-Spam Policy

Ford BlueCruise Vs Tesla Autopilot: Which Is Better For Road Trips?

As the production of cars gets more advanced, throwing down more horsepower and torque than ever before, safety systems also get more advanced. One such push by automakers in recent years is the introduction of driver assistance systems. Two such systems are Ford BlueCruise and Tesla Autopilot. 

Both are Level 2 autonomous driving systems , as described by the Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) International. That means that both systems require constant input from the driver, and do not allow for total hands-free driving for the duration of the trip, and are, by nature, very limited in scope and ability. That said, each system has the potential to offload some of the more tedious or monotonous driving tasks to the car itself and allow the driver to experience at least a bit of assurance behind the wheel. 

Ford has been trying its darndest to make strides in the world of EVs and steal the electrified crown from Tesla with EVs like the F-150 Lightning and Mach-E. But which automakers' driver assistance system holds up best to the rigors of a long road trip lasting hundreds or thousands of miles?

Ford BlueCruise

For starters, BlueCruise is fairly limited in the scope of vehicles it's available on. It's only available on the Mustang Mach-E, the XLT, Lariat, Platinum, and Tremor trims of the F-150, Platinum, and Lariat trims of the EV F-150 Lightning, and Platinum trim models of the Ford Expedition. Additionally, it's available on both the Lincoln Corsair and Lincoln Navigator, regardless of trim level.

Currently, BlueCruise 1.3 is the latest version, and the system includes adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, and the ability to reposition the car inside the lane if it strays outside the lines. According to Ford, BlueCruise works on 97% of the highways in the United States and allows for somewhat hands-free driving on a large portion of highways. Although judging by Ford's coverage map, you will need to take control of the vehicle on nearly every road that isn't a major highway. And for safety's sake, you should never have your hands off the wheel for any extended period of time whatsoever.

The previous version, the  Ford BlueCruise 1.2 system is found to be sensible, but it is ultimately lacking in coverage, and the system has a tendency to abruptly change speeds at times. Given that many major highways are covered in a strict road trip scenario, having Ford BlueCruise enabled might make the bi-yearly trip to Disney slightly less strenuous. 

Tesla Autopilot

On the other hand, Tesla Autopilot is significantly more controversial than Ford's option. The same could be said about the entirety of Tesla. The full self-driving system, which is separate from the autopilot system, came under immense fire and has faced many legal and safety challenges, one due to a shocking dashcam video showing an autopilot Tesla crashing into emergency vehicles.  That can't be ignored when it comes to driver assistance features. And given Elon Musk and Tesla's tendency to over-promise, it's best to pay extra attention. 

At least on paper, Tesla's system touts much of the same abilities as Ford BlueCruise, meaning it can steer, slow down, and speed up by itself within a lane. However, Tesla does not make the same geographic concessions as Ford. Tesla takes great pride in its cameras that (theoretically) allow Tesla Autopilot to be used on more roads than Ford's system, not just major highways. The system also includes Smart Summon features that Ford does not have. As far as a road trip is concerned, you don't have to worry about the system's compatibility with the road you are driving on. And given the fact Teslas are electric, the onboard system is able to automatically guide you towards any Tesla Superchargers during the drive, a feature that's particularly helpful in unfamiliar areas.

Nonetheless, Tesla has the leg up on Ford as far as driver assistance features are concerned. Tesla has also been in the game longer, and as Autopilot capabilities improve, they will continue to be upgraded by over-the-air software updates. 

The verdict

For a road trip, the victor would have to go to Ford, even though the technology may not be as capable as Tesla's. And as of now, it only works on a set number of highways. Not only will the number of compatible roads go up in the future, but Ford has a better attitude toward safety improvements than Tesla has shown in the past. An individual Tesla likely isn't going to go haywire while in autopilot mode. Still, given  the sheer number of safety investigations into the brand and its supposed autonomous driving technology, it's tough to make an honest recommendation.

When it comes to long-distance driving, Ford's system covers most major highways to the point where it likely won't be a problem if you're going across the country. But it's still something to consider. If coverage is a deal-breaker and you don't mind stopping to take in the sights and fill up on electrons at a charging station, then Tesla's Autopilot might be the driver assistance package for you.

There's also the final question of price. Base Autopilot is standard on all Teslas, and the Enhanced Autopilot, which includes Smart Summon, automatic lane changes, and navigation features, is a $6,000 option. Ford's BlueCruise 1.3 is a $2,100 option on the Mustang Mach-E, and BlueCruise 1.0 is a $1,995 option on the gas-powered F-150.

Twins' lucky summer sausage goes international with road trip to Toronto for series vs. Blue Jays

The Minnesota Twins and their lucky sausage have gone international

TORONTO -- The Minnesota Twins and their lucky sausage have gone international.

The bagged summer sausage that the red-hot Twins have been carrying for good luck made it across the Canadian border for Friday’s series-opening game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Twins posted a photo on social media depicting the sausage on the observation deck of Toronto’s CN Tower.

Hitting coach David Popkins cooked up the sausage superstition last month, grabbing an unopened summer sausage from a table in the clubhouse and encouraging his players to tap it before at-bats.

The sausage has already been on one Twins road trip, double-sealed in a plastic bag and stuffed into a shoe.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said the sausage made the trip with the team, but wouldn’t spill the beans on how the well-traveled piece of meat made it over the border into Canada.

“I wasn’t in charge of the sausage; I will not be in charge of the sausage,” Baldelli said before Friday’s game.

The Twins have won 15 of 17, taking their past five series. Minnesota is 22-15 overall, 1 1/2 games behind first-place Cleveland in the AL Central.

Baldelli had previously said the Twins would ditch the meat after their winning streak ended at 12 games with a loss to Boston on Sunday. But, the sausage stuck around through a home series against the Seattle Mariners in which the Twins won three of four.

The Twins are no stranger to unique home-run celebrations. Last season, they brought a fishing vest and toy fishing pole to the dugout, a nod to the state’s 10,000 lakes.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Top Stories

Trump trial: Trump 'approved' hush money repayment deal, Michael Cohen testifies

Donald Trump Jr. visited Peter Navarro in federal prison: Sources

• May 13, 11:45 AM

Canadian wildfire smoke prompts air quality alert in Midwest US

• May 13, 9:09 AM

King Charles gives Prince William a military title with close ties to Prince Harry

• May 13, 12:54 PM

Controversy follows Gov. Kristi Noem as she is banned by two more South Dakota tribes

• May 11, 6:02 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events