Help CenterA cruise tour is a combination of a traditional ocean cruise and a guided land tour—giving you the best of both worlds: luxurious sea travel and immersive land exploration.
🚢 + 🚌 What Exactly Is a Cruise Tour?
A cruise tour pairs a multi-day cruise with a land-based travel experience that occurs before or after the cruise. It is typically escorted by expert guides, includes hotel stays, and provides ground transportation and excursions to inland destinations you can’t reach by ship alone.
🏞️ Where Are Cruise Tours Most Common?
Cruise tours are especially popular in regions where interior sights are major highlights, such as:
| Destination | Highlights of Land Tour |
|---|---|
| Alaska | Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Fairbanks |
| Europe | Venice, Rome, Paris, Swiss Alps, or Prague |
| Australia/New Zealand | Outback, Great Barrier Reef, Rotorua |
| South America | Machu Picchu, Iguazú Falls, Patagonia |
| Asia | Beijing, Kyoto, Angkor Wat, and inland Vietnam |
🛏️ What’s Included?
Most cruise tours include:
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Pre-planned hotel accommodations
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Transportation between cruise and land segments
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Sightseeing tours and admission fees
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Professional guides and/or tour directors
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Meals, depending on the itinerary
⏳ Typical Duration
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Cruise tours are usually 10 to 20 days total, combining:
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7–12 days at sea
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2–7 days on land
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✅ Benefits of a Cruise Tour
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| 🗺️ See more | Explore inland regions inaccessible by ship |
| 🚍 Guided convenience | No need to plan your own hotels or excursions |
| 🧳 Seamless travel | Luggage handling and transfers included |
| 🏞️ Local immersion | Interact with cultures and scenery in depth |
⚠️ Things to Know
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Cruise tours cost more than a cruise alone—but include more value
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You may experience longer days and more movement on land segments
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Pre- and post-cruise extensions are usually part of the package and cannot be purchased separately
📝 Summary
A cruise tour combines the luxury of a cruise with the adventure of a guided land vacation. It’s ideal for travelers who want deeper cultural experiences, scenic inland exploration, and hassle-free travel planning.