The Travel Corporation*,a highly successful travel group comprising of 17 international travel and tourism companies that include Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and Red Carnation Hotels, has put together an analytical article on the difference between traveling by sea or by land in planning a vacation. Comments on which form of travel is better are highlighted in the article below. It really all boils down to what provides the traveler with the most enriching--and most enjoyable--travel experience.

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It all started with the US TV series The Love Boat back in the late 70s. Americans discovered the romantic world of cruising and they couldn't get enough. But what they didn't realize was that although there were wonderful shipboard activities, they were only seeing a fraction of what these incredible destinations had to offer. Whether choosing an ocean cruise or an escorted tour, what is most important is that you receive everything you are looking for in your perfect vacation. If you are interested in experiencing the culture of your destination, in sampling the local cuisine and meeting the people, if you want to learn the history of a country from local guides, if you want to spend time exploring and discovering off-the-beaten track treasures, then an escorted tour is for you!

While cruises do offer visits to major cities, a majority of Europe's cities and scenic splendors are simply too far inland to visit in a day from a port.

Over 90 percent of Europe's major attractions and culture are miles from the nearest seaport or navigable river, and many of Europe's great cities were built inland as a means of defense--purposely built away from the coast. Mediterranean cruise ports are often industrialized and unattractive, with few cultural attractions, and shore excursions are usually expensive add-ons averaging several hundred dollars, taken on fleets of crowded buses with little personal attention to your interests or needs.

Cruising can be an insulated experience, mainly catering to North Americans, and when the cities come alive at night, you are generally back on board eating in the same ship restaurants instead of discovering authentic local cuisine and becoming acquainted with Europe's exciting night life.

Tours and cruises have some things in common: They are both fun, hassle-free travel experiences good for couples, singles and families. On both a tour and a cruise, fares include transportation, accommodations, entertainment, and onboard (or many included) meals. On the ship, there is a staff that caters to your needs. On a tour, you are accompanied every step of the way by a Tour Director who acts as your personal concierge, local historian, and destination expert.

But it's not the similarities that should be a defining reason you choose a tour over a cruise - it's the differences! On an ocean cruise, group size can easily range from 1,500 to over 5,000. Most destinations are only seen during the day, and major sightseeing is at an extra cost. For example, a Rome cruise excursion costs $229 per person to visit the Sistine Chapel, Coliseum, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican. On a typical ten-day cruise these optional shore excursions can cost you thousands of dollars - and you will be traveling with a fleet of 25 or more 54-seat buses, making the experience rushed and crowded. On an escorted tour, the group size is never more than 52, and more often is closer to 36. And all major sightseeing is included in the tour price! For example, the Rome excursion above would be included on an escorted tour at no extra cost to you! On a land tour, you can enjoy mountain excursions, gondola rides, and train trips. You'll visit palaces and castles, tour museums and galleries, sample local delicacies, and dine in local restaurants. And because the tour group is small, you'll make friends with fellow English speakers from around the world.

Perhaps the most surprising difference between a cruise and a tour is the price. While cruises appear to be a great deal when you start out, after you include all the extras, you pay a lot more than you bargained for. Here is an example of a 12-day vacation in Italy.

Typical 12-Night Italy Cruise Per Person

$2,490 Cruise Price

$1,200 Air

$80 Transfers

$145 Taxes/Port Charges/Fees

$1,200 Major Sightseeing

Initial Cost: $5,115 per Person

Typical 12-Night Italy Escorted Tour Per Person

$2,925 Tour Price

$1,200 Air

Includes Transfers

Includes Taxes/Fees

Includes Major Sightseeing

Initial cost:  $4 125 per Person

Whether you are a past cruise passenger ready for your next adventure, or looking for a vacation that really shows you Europe, escorted touring offers a world of sightseeing that cruisers can only dream about. Immerse yourself in the culture of a country, enjoy local cuisine, meet local people, see wonderful sights and step in the path of history. Think about what you really want out of your next vacation, and then make the choice that's best for you!

About . . .

The Travel Corporation is a highly successful travel group comprising of 17 international travel and tourism companies including tour operators, hotels and other leisure interests involving many well known and respected brands. Incorporating over 40 offices and more than 3, 000 staff spread across five continents, the Travel Corporation group carries more than one million passengers every year. Whilst the emphasis is largely on escorted touring with brands such as Trafalgar Tours, Insight Vacations, Contiki Holidays, AAT Kings, Uniworld River Cruises and Destination America, the group caters to the independent traveler with brands including Creative Holidays, Busabout Europe, New Horizons and Evan Evans Tours. For those interested in specific market segments the group also includes Grand European Tours, Lion World Tours, African Travel, Aussies. For more information visit www.thetravelcorporation.com.