Cruising vs. Touring: Which Travel Style Suits South African Adventurers?

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2.7min read

Published 30 September 2024

Flight Centre Author

Guest Blogger


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Both travel styles offer unique experiences, but which one is right for you? 

Let’s settle this ‘cruising vs touring’ debate once and for all! We’ll take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of each, as well as the type of person they might suit, with insights from some of our trusted tour and cruise partners.


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Advantages of Cruising for your Holiday

Cruises are known for their all-inclusive nature. With Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and MSC, your accommodation, meals, and entertainment are often bundled into one package. Some cruises might not offer drinks, and some might go as far as offering excursions. The level of ‘all inclusive’ can depend on the cruise, but you’ll generally have quite a lot covered with your holiday, which can make budgeting a little more straightforward.

Here are some key benefits:

  1. Convenience: Unpack only once but visit multiple destinations.
  2. Onboard Entertainment: Enjoy a variety of shows, activities, and dining options from the comfort of your ship.
  3. Relaxation: Cruise ships have all kinds of ‘lay back and be pampered’ options, from spas and pools to lounging areas and luxury cabins. If the open sea isn’t your style, there are smaller operators like Uniworld River Cruises who still offer luxurious amenities, spas, excellent restaurants, and serene river views.

You should consider that at times, you may have limited time at ports which could mean less in-depth exploration, so if you’re the type that wants to stay in one city for a week, it may be more fast-paced than you’re used to. And some people love the buzz of exploring the nightlife side of a new destination. On cruises, you won’t always have that opportunity for every single port stop.

Another great alternative to your Ocean cruises are River cruises. You can explore countries like Europe and South America along the beautiful long rivers in style with all the perks that cruising offers. Avalon Waterways and Uniworld are the best options if you want to travel differently and try river cruising.

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Advantages of Touring for South African Travellers

Land tours, offered by partners such as On the Go Tours, Globus, Costsaver, and Trafalgar, to name a few, let you see loads of destinations in one trip, similar to cruising. That said, they’re usually conducted on land and use trains, cars, buses, coaches, and more. The aim is usually to create immersive experiences, especially in areas you might not be able to travel easily without the help of a tour operator.

Here’s why choosing a tour might be perfect for you:

  1. Cultural Immersion: Spend more time in each place. Often, tours include activities which are designed to help you engaging deeply with local cultures, like exploration with local guides, eating with local families, or visiting lesser-known sites. experiences, and cultural activities. Insight Vacations, for instance, offers experiences like dining with local families or exploring ancient sites with knowledgeable guides.
  2. Flexibility: Customize your itinerary to match your interests. Whether it's a historical tour of Europe with Cosmos or an adventurous escapade tailored for young travellers by Contiki, you can choose the experiences that best suit your style and interests.
  3. In-Depth Exploration: Access remote and unique areas that are often inaccessible by ship or even by foot or train. Land tours can take you off the beaten path to hidden gems, picturesque villages, and natural wonders using coaches or private transport.

The main drawback of tours is the need for frequent packing and moving. But this can be a minor inconvenience if you want to get off the beaten path!

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What is a Cruise Tour

A cruise tour combines the best of both worlds: a relaxing cruise (and all the benefits of the ‘at sea’ lifestyle) along with a land tour. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers spectacular journeys where you can explore coastal cities by ship and then venture inland for deeper exploration. This is basically the hybrid approach travel experience, perfect for those who want to see both the seaside towns and experience a cruise, as well as explore more on land. Normally, the land tour portion is at the beginning or end of the cruise, and takes you to the interior areas of a destination that a cruise ship can’t reach.

Is It Better to Go on a Cruise or a Tour?

The answer depends on your travel style and interests. If you enjoy relaxing with all amenities at your fingertips and waking up in a new city without the hassle of travel logistics, a cruise holiday might be your ideal choice. On the other hand, if you love getting to meet likeminded travellers, want to get away from the usual tourism hotspots, and have a thirst for more active exploration, a guided tour package could be more fulfilling.

Both cruising and touring have their unique charms, and the right choice depends on your travel style and what you want from that destination or holiday. Whether you choose to set sail with MSC, or explore with Trafalgar, Flight Centre's travel experts are here to help you plan the perfect trip.

Still not totally sure? If you want to do some extra research, we’ve got you covered! Check out these related articles for more about cruising, touring, and all things holiday including Ski holidays with Club Med for the adventurous souls:

So, which will it be: a cruise or a tour package? Let us assist you in making your next adventure unforgettable. Visit Flight Centre for expert advice and exclusive deals on both cruising and touring adventures. 

 

*Pricing and availability mentioned is based on day of blog being published and is subject to change at any time

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