Considering your first cruise but daunted by the upfront price tag? It’s a common myth that cruises are eye-wateringly expensive compared to traditional land-based breaks—but a closer look at what’s included often reveals the opposite. Let’s explore why a cruise delivers remarkable value and debunk some long-held assumptions.

NCL Race track

The “Floating City” Advantage

Modern cruise ships truly are “floating cities”, with an array of onboard amenities few hotels or resorts can match. Picture entire water parks at sea—on land, a family of four could easily spend £48 to £400 just for entry. On ships like Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), you’ll find rope courses (comparable to a £160 GoApe outing for four), plus sensational extras such as roller coasters, which would cost up to £150 for a day at Alton Towers. NCL and Royal Caribbean also offer skating rinks—ordinarily £53 for a family day—and in some cases, helicopter rides (nearly £600 on land) are available as part of your cruise fare with lines like Quark Expeditions.


Waterslide

World-Class Shows Included

Luxury lines spare no expense in entertainment. A family heading to the opera, a West End show, or a theatre production on land could pay anywhere between £320 and £1,080 for tickets. Onboard Azamara, enjoy performances such as La Traviata; Cunard’s tie-up with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Royal Caribbean’s West End showcases (think Grease the Musical) bring world-class culture straight to you—at no extra charge.


World-Class Shows

Relax, Learn, and Unwind

Prefer creative or mindful pursuits over thrills? Many lines, including Fred. Olsen and Explora Journeys, host art classes and yoga sessions, often accompanied by kids’ clubs to keep little ones entertained. These activities—often hard to access or expensive on a land holiday—add that calm, enriching element, without hidden extras.

Authentic Shore Experiences

With Azamara, Quark, or any reputable river cruise, shore excursions are often the highlight—wine tastings, hiking, kayaking, and castle visits, sometimes included in your fare. The breadth of destinations covered on a single cruise is unmatched by any typical land break. Trying to replicate this independently, with all transport and entry fees, would quickly inflate your total spend.

Dining as an Experience

Cruises transform dining into a highlight, not just a necessity. Enjoy celebrity-chef cuisine aboard P&O Cruises or indulge in Seabourn’s “Caviar in the Surf” with bubbly and caviar on the sands. Norwegian menus might feature regional cuisine demos, and many lines (Fred. Olsen, Cunard, Oceania) include an elegant afternoon tea daily. If booked separately on land, these family meals and experiences could easily exceed £1,000 over a week.

Seabourn’s “Caviar in the Surf”

Wake Up Somewhere New—Every Day

Perhaps the greatest bonus is the sheer convenience: you unpack once, glide to a new destination while you sleep, and wake to new horizons each day. No re-packing or chaos—just anticipation for the next port of call.

Conclusion: Packed With Value

Though often perceived as costly, cruise holidays bundle so much more than you’d ever expect from a standard hotel break—from entertainment to gourmet dining, unique experiences, and far-flung exploration, all for one upfront price. When comparing like-for-like, cruising is refreshingly excellent value.

Thinking of booking? Contact us for tailored cruise recommendations and to find the perfect option brimming with value, comfort, and unforgettable moments.