Recently, friends took their first cruise. They found it enjoyable, albeit somewhat “frustrating”.
“This isn’t for us,” they explained, mentioning that they did not have enough time on land during the various port calls. “Too short, too fast.” I can understand them.
Cruises are ideal when you are seeking a stress-free trip to multiple destinations, because they allow visiting several places without unpacking your suitcases and offer an all-inclusive budget (meals/housing included).
On the other hand, land tours are preferable if you seek deeper immersion, greater flexibility, and better control of your schedule and pace.
In both cases, the idea remains to be able to discover as much as possible and to multiply experiences. We are talking here about travels where the purpose, the reason, is not the destination, but the journey itself.
“This isn’t for us,” they explained, mentioning that they did not have enough time on land during the various port calls. “Too short, too fast.” I can understand them.
Cruises are ideal when you are seeking a stress-free trip to multiple destinations, because they allow visiting several places without unpacking your suitcases and offer an all-inclusive budget (meals/housing included).
On the other hand, land tours are preferable if you seek deeper immersion, greater flexibility, and better control of your schedule and pace.
In both cases, the idea remains to be able to discover as much as possible and to multiply experiences. We are talking here about travels where the purpose, the reason, is not the destination, but the journey itself.
The Vacation Club Detour: A Choice That Must Be Well-Targeted
I take the opportunity to open a parentheses because, ashore, you also find the vacation club.In this specific case, the client will look at both the destination and what is included: activities (which can be very expensive), meals, restaurants, drinks, pool access, wifi, etc. Often, they will stay in the same place and keep the same room. A considerable advantage that is also found on cruises.
About the creation of Club Med, what a beautiful Franco-Belgian boast it is! I must underscore it… and mention the cruise ship Club Med 2, a successful blend of cruising and club living. Yes, yes, it is a cruise ship. Sorry, I’m too purist to call it “a sailing ship.” The importance of words. End of the digression.
Thus, unless your client prefers changing hotels several times and packing and unpacking every day or every other day, advise them to opt for a cruise rather than a land tour for a single destination (remote and magical) such as French Polynesia.
In the end, it will be truly cheaper to choose a cruise departing from Papeete than to visit several islands and stay in beautiful hotels, traveling by plane. Especially since the price of meals and drinks in high-end hotels on these islands is relatively expensive, this must be taken into account.
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Land tour vs cruise: why not combine them?
Another possible option: combine a land tour and a cruise.
I have known luxury cruise lines that ventured into this territory… but be careful, it is a sensitive topic! It is indeed difficult to find qualified staff (and for the francophone niche, guides who speak good French) and trustworthy agencies around the world. It takes time and requires serious support and preparation.
Likewise, the scouting – when there is any, since it costs money – is usually done by one or two people. Yet, in all the places visited later as well as in the restaurants, imagine 50 or 100 people doing the same thing. This preparation, this study, is essential.
As for the escort profession (on a land tour and thus also as a pre-cruise option), while it is certainly pleasing, it can also be quite challenging. Adaptation, being available 24/7, short nights, unforeseen events…
And if the pre-cruise does not go well, I can assure you that, from boarding, passengers will let the crew, the ship’s management… and the other passengers know. “Welcome on board!” A good start to the cruise.
Nevertheless, I would recommend offering it in this order: a land tour first and then a cruise. It is preferable. The main argument being that the cruise will be more restful after days spent on land.
“The best way to travel is to discover the land by the sea,” is that not so, Mr. de Kersauson? Keep his phrase in mind.
I have known luxury cruise lines that ventured into this territory… but be careful, it is a sensitive topic! It is indeed difficult to find qualified staff (and for the francophone niche, guides who speak good French) and trustworthy agencies around the world. It takes time and requires serious support and preparation.
Likewise, the scouting – when there is any, since it costs money – is usually done by one or two people. Yet, in all the places visited later as well as in the restaurants, imagine 50 or 100 people doing the same thing. This preparation, this study, is essential.
As for the escort profession (on a land tour and thus also as a pre-cruise option), while it is certainly pleasing, it can also be quite challenging. Adaptation, being available 24/7, short nights, unforeseen events…
And if the pre-cruise does not go well, I can assure you that, from boarding, passengers will let the crew, the ship’s management… and the other passengers know. “Welcome on board!” A good start to the cruise.
Nevertheless, I would recommend offering it in this order: a land tour first and then a cruise. It is preferable. The main argument being that the cruise will be more restful after days spent on land.
“The best way to travel is to discover the land by the sea,” is that not so, Mr. de Kersauson? Keep his phrase in mind.
Australia / New Zealand
For such distant journeys, a combination is essential. Far too many clients think they can visit these destinations in 15 days.
My recommendation : Opt for three weeks or more. Otherwise, it’s frustrating.
For such distant journeys, a combination is essential. Far too many clients think they can visit these destinations in 15 days.
My recommendation : Opt for three weeks or more. Otherwise, it’s frustrating.
Japan
Japan is also about the interior, its mountains, its villages and its hidden onsen. Hence the combination.
Japan is also about the interior, its mountains, its villages and its hidden onsen. Hence the combination.
Vietnam
The same reasons as Japan.
The same reasons as Japan.
Caribbean
Really? A pre-cruise in the Caribbean? Isn’t the cruise enough? Here is my explanation and guidance. Martinique and Guadeloupe are indeed islands, but they are large and cannot be explored in a single port call.
My recommendation : A few days on these islands, one after another, or even combined. How can you miss Les Saintes (south of Guadeloupe)? Will you really skip the moment to sing Voulzy on Marie-Galante? Smiles. You must take the time. France, in its broad sense, is beautiful, all of France!
And if you want to surprise, there are still paradise corners in the Caribbean. Take Tobago, a gem further south, located to the north of its larger neighboring island, Trinidad. A bit further north, the Grenadines.
Some lesser-known islands such as Canouan, Mayreau, Bequia (with a stop at Mac’s for its famous lobster pizza), Carriacou. The pre-cruise becomes synonymous with luxury, rest, paradise, adventure… And the locals, who are slowly but surely recovering from Hurricane Beryl that affected them a couple of years ago, are so charming and welcoming.
Really? A pre-cruise in the Caribbean? Isn’t the cruise enough? Here is my explanation and guidance. Martinique and Guadeloupe are indeed islands, but they are large and cannot be explored in a single port call.
My recommendation : A few days on these islands, one after another, or even combined. How can you miss Les Saintes (south of Guadeloupe)? Will you really skip the moment to sing Voulzy on Marie-Galante? Smiles. You must take the time. France, in its broad sense, is beautiful, all of France!
And if you want to surprise, there are still paradise corners in the Caribbean. Take Tobago, a gem further south, located to the north of its larger neighboring island, Trinidad. A bit further north, the Grenadines.
Some lesser-known islands such as Canouan, Mayreau, Bequia (with a stop at Mac’s for its famous lobster pizza), Carriacou. The pre-cruise becomes synonymous with luxury, rest, paradise, adventure… And the locals, who are slowly but surely recovering from Hurricane Beryl that affected them a couple of years ago, are so charming and welcoming.
The Mediterranean
Rome, Venice, Naples, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, Nice, Dubrovnik, Athens… and I’m forgetting others, deserve these few days of pre-cruise, as there is so much to see, so much to live!
Rome, Venice, Naples, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, Nice, Dubrovnik, Athens… and I’m forgetting others, deserve these few days of pre-cruise, as there is so much to see, so much to live!
Finally, cruising isn’t only about destinations: there are onboard activities, that multicultural side with passengers and even crew members, different languages, etc. What a richness!
What are the advantages and disadvantages of cruise vacations?
I say it and repeat it: the cruise world comprises so many different products that you have to target carefully.
Cruises (as we imagine them) are ideal for families, multigenerational groups, first-time travelers, couples, and those seeking relaxation. With the option, or not, to visit, ashore, sites, towns and villages of interest.
Advantages : unpack once, visit several places (usually one port of call per day), easily plan your program thanks especially to the ship’s daily journal, enjoy onboard entertainment.
Disadvantages : indeed you must cope with limited time in each port, less flexibility due to excursion schedules, meals, and excursions’ timing… and potential hidden costs (excursions, beverages, Wi-Fi, etc.).
Cruises (as we imagine them) are ideal for families, multigenerational groups, first-time travelers, couples, and those seeking relaxation. With the option, or not, to visit, ashore, sites, towns and villages of interest.
Advantages : unpack once, visit several places (usually one port of call per day), easily plan your program thanks especially to the ship’s daily journal, enjoy onboard entertainment.
Disadvantages : indeed you must cope with limited time in each port, less flexibility due to excursion schedules, meals, and excursions’ timing… and potential hidden costs (excursions, beverages, Wi-Fi, etc.).
What are the advantages and disadvantages of land travel?
A land journey is ideal for backpacking adventurers, for culture enthusiasts, and for those who want to stay longer in one place.
Advantages : deep cultural immersion, flexible itineraries, more spacious accommodations, and the freedom to set your own pace.
Disadvantages : greater logistical planning when not using a tour operator, higher costs for meals and transport, but also the time (lost?) spent in transit.
Advantages : deep cultural immersion, flexible itineraries, more spacious accommodations, and the freedom to set your own pace.
Disadvantages : greater logistical planning when not using a tour operator, higher costs for meals and transport, but also the time (lost?) spent in transit.
Frédéric Jansen est un consultant d’origine belge et avant d’avoir récemment officié à terre pendant 7 ans comme Global Brand Ambassador pour une compagnie française, il a été directeur de croisière durant 20 ans pour 9 compagnies de croisières, à bord de 20 navires différents.
Organisateur et accompagnateur de voyages extrêmes pour une clientèle haut de gamme, il a voyagé dans le monde entier avec une passion pour les langues, les rencontres avec les populations et les cultures locales.
Il est sur le point de publier son premier ouvrage « Journal de Bord d’un Directeur de Croisière » (en deux versions, française et anglaise), où il retrace ses anecdotes de voyage les plus incroyables.
Il a également participé récemment à plusieurs émissions : Héros avec Faustine Bollaert (RTL) ; Legend avec Guillaume Pley (YouTube) et NRJ Belgique avec Mike.
Organisateur et accompagnateur de voyages extrêmes pour une clientèle haut de gamme, il a voyagé dans le monde entier avec une passion pour les langues, les rencontres avec les populations et les cultures locales.
Il est sur le point de publier son premier ouvrage « Journal de Bord d’un Directeur de Croisière » (en deux versions, française et anglaise), où il retrace ses anecdotes de voyage les plus incroyables.
Il a également participé récemment à plusieurs émissions : Héros avec Faustine Bollaert (RTL) ; Legend avec Guillaume Pley (YouTube) et NRJ Belgique avec Mike.
