Holiday decision-making can throw up so many dilemmas.

From choosing accommodation and board basis to deciding when and where to go, it’s no easy task organising a magical luxury escape. However, if you’re struggling to pick between a land holiday and cruise holiday, don’t despair. We’ve got your back with an impartial guide to both types of getaway. We’ll put hotel and ship entertainment under the spotlight, give you a taste of what dining options await, and fill you in on the children’s activities available in your resort or while you’re out on the ocean. We’ll also compare travel requirements and destination options, all to help you decide whether a sun-drenched holiday in a hotel or a sensational cruise adventure is best for you.

Find Your Dream Holiday

Destination

When it comes to holiday destinations, land and cruise escapes both have advantages. Staying in a hotel or resort in one location means you have no time constraints when it comes to discovering the phenomenal attractions, enjoying thrilling activities and immersing yourself in the culture, traditions and cuisine. In comparison, choosing to set sail on a cruise escape allows you to visit a selection of exhilarating destinations. With your ship dropping anchor in a different port almost every day, you’ll be able to get a taste of a variety of places and enjoy an assortment of organised excursions and activities in each one. You could also add a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise, or likewise, take your land holiday to the next level by choosing a multicentre holiday, visiting two or more enchanting places.

Dining

Food and drink are important holiday considerations, especially if you’re travelling with picky eaters. That won’t be an issue if you choose a cruise, as you’ll enjoy extensive buffet delights, kids’ meals included in the price and be able to splash out on specialty dishes and 24-hour food outlets. All voyages include either a full board or all-inclusive concept, with the opportunity to add or upgrade your drinks package. If staying on land, you may opt to go self-catering or bed and breakfast. This will allow you to eat out and choose when, where and what to eat. Alternatively, going all-inclusive means all your meals and drinks are taken care of. While some hotel dining concepts just feature buffet options, luxury resorts often allow you to dine around at a variety of restaurants, with access to gourmet a la carte venues often included.

Evening Entertainment

Entertainment varies from hotel to hotel, with evening shows, theme parties and music acts for guests to enjoy at most, while lively nightclubs can be found at a host of larger resorts. All this and much, much more awaits on a cruise holiday. Broadway-style theatre productions and cabaret shows are sure to delight, while live bands, comedy acts and magicians can also be found wowing guests out at sea. You can try your luck on the roulette table, card table or at the slot machines in the casino, watch movies underneath the stars, or dance the night away at a glitzy nightlife venue. If that’s not enough, you’ll also be able to take part in fun-filled quiz shows and karaoke sessions, and be treated to sophisticated gala nights and pulsating ship-wide parties.

Kids Activities

If you’re planning a family holiday, whether in a hotel, resort or on a cruise ship, you’ll want to ensure there are plenty of fun activities to keep your little ones entertained. Children’s pools, playgrounds, games rooms and supervised children’s clubs can be found at a multitude of hotels. The Rixy Kids Clubs at Rixos Hotels, is one example, offering entertainment and activities galore, while Ikos Resorts also provide dedicated spaces for children and teens and organise sports, crafts and activities. Waterpark hotels are also in abundance, with exceptional options in Dubai and Egypt, among others. Endless excitement also awaits children on a cruise holiday. Waterparks, ice skating, gaming zones, go-karting, mini golf, climbing walls, sports, laser tag, trampolines and surf simulators are among the many delights that can be found on ships. Kids clubs, swimming pools, play areas and gaming zones also come as standard on most family-friendly vessels.

Travel

Love or hate flying, air travel is a necessity to get you to your dream land holiday destination. This means taking into consideration luggage allowances, airport parking, hotel transfers and keeping children entertained while in the sky - if escaping as a family. If you’re flying long-haul, your journey might include a layover and you may also face jet lag. Of course, you’ll have the same considerations with a fly cruise and your embarkation port is abroad. You might also need to organise an overnight stay, depending on your flight time and when your ship departs. If you wish to avoid airports, a no-fly cruise from the UK is the answer. More travellers are choosing this option, with voyages from ports including Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, Glasgow, Rosyth (Edinburgh) and Newcastle Upon Tyne. You have a myriad of destinations to explore, with options including Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, USA and Australia.

Greece

Hotel Stays:

Prepare to be awestruck by the beauty and wonder of Greece. Choose from a luxury mainland haven or sublime island sanctuary and discover majestic beaches, glistening waters, legendary landmarks, picturesque villages and irresistible cuisine.

Search all our hotels in Greece

Spain and the Balearics

Hotel Stays:

Chase the sun to Spain or the gorgeous Balearic Islands for a dreamy holiday full of pure joy. Enticing golden sands, inviting waters, supreme weather and endless attractions await, with accommodation options to please couples, families, friends and solo travellers.

Search all our hotels in Spain

Cruise Around The Mediterranean:

A sun-drenched Mediterranean cruise is sure to be a delight, with destinations to discover in Spain, France, Italy and Greece amongst others. You’ll get to experience diverse cultures, explore ancient landmarks and feast on authentic delicacies.

Search all our Mediterranean cruises

Barbados

Hotel Stays:

Live out your dreams of paradise island bliss on the enchanting Caribbean shores of Barbados. A haven of pure tropical joy, you'll be wowed by palm-fringed beaches, mesmerised by exotic scenery, and left breathless by thrilling water sports.

Search all our hotels in Barbados

Cruise Around The Caribbean:

Immaculate white beaches, crystal-clear waters and days of invigorating sunshine await on the mesmeric shores of the Caribbean. Every day of your cruise will be filled with unforgettable experiences as you embrace the sheer bliss of island life.

Search all our Caribbean cruises

Dubai

Hotel Stays:

From shimmering beaches and dazzling sunshine to scintillating attractions and exhilarating entertainment, there’s no end to the joys that await in Dubai. You’ll live in luxury, enjoy unbelievable outdoor activities and discover a multitude of world class dining destinations.

Search all our hotels in Dubai

Cruise Around The UAE:

Uncover the enchantment and extravagance of the United Arab Emirates during an unforgettable cruise holiday. Pristine beaches, opulent palaces, iconic landmarks, fascinating cultures and alluring natural beauty await in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and beyond.

Search all our UAE cruises

Phuket, Thailand

Hotel Stays:

The exotic island of Phuket is a paradise for every traveller. Sapphire waters, sugar-soft sands and ancient temples await, with unbelievable experiences at every turn. For the ultimate Thailand adventure, choose a multicentre holiday and visit two or more destinations.

Search all our hotels in Phuket or explore our Thailand multicentre holidays.

Cruise Around Asia:

Discover destinations to excite, inspire and enchant during a sensational Asia cruise holiday setting sail from Thailand. Captivating scenery, spectacular monuments, spellbinding wildlife and energetic cities all await in the lands of this incredible region.

Search all our Thailand cruises

Lanzarote, Canaries

Hotel Stays:

Year-round sunshine, magnificent beaches, lively nightlife and a host of water sports and leisure attractions make Lanzarote a destination for all seasons. You’ll also enjoy cultural delights, scrumptious local fare and the beguiling volcanic scenery.

Search all our hotels in Lanzarote

Cruise Around The Canaries:

The magnificent islands of the Canaries are perfect for exploring as part of a magical cruise escape. The shores of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are havens of alluring culture, irresistible cuisine and stunning beauty, with endless delights to uncover.

Search all our Canary Islands cruises