All aboard: the Cruise & Stay difference

Unsure about committing to a full cruise holiday? That's where Cruise & Stay holidays shine, offering the best of both land and sea in one trip, explains Retail Partnership Executive Josh Naylor.

If you're on the fence about cruising, our Cruise & Stay options are a wonderful choice, combining some of the world's best ports of call with a week or two spent ashore.

On a traditional cruise holiday, you start and end where the ship does, but adding in time before setting sail or after docking makes even more of your holiday. Whether you're after 'big ship' cruising with something to entertain the whole family, the charm of an experiential tall ship (with fewer than 200 guests) or an ultra-luxury small ship that rivals even the top land-based resorts, we can offer personal and expert recommendations.

How about an action-packed family week at Orlando's theme parks combined with a short Caribbean cruise stopping at Royal Caribbean's private destination Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas? Or see Alaska's raw beauty up close from the comfort of a Holland America Line ship and add on a land based legendary journey such as the Rocky Mountaineer to create a truly unforgettable rail and sail itinerary. Or travel to see Australia's monumental Red Centre after a cruise along Australia's east coast.

Land and Sea

A small-ship Greek Islands experience is ideal for those wanting to uncover those hidden gem islands far from the tourist crowds. Expect extended stays in port on these itineraries, where you can linger for longer and soak up the atmosphere by dining on local dishes at a small taverna or strolling along the beach.

There's plenty of sports, games and activities for children of all ages on cruise ships, but if you top and tail your trip with city visits there's even more to enjoy. In Rome, the kids’ new hero will become Flavius Attilius, the Greatest Gladiator of all time, during an interactive experience. Or make like James Bond on a themed tour through Istanbul.

For many of our cruise and stay packages, we can seek out fares that offer exceptional value, allowing us to choose our own flights (including low-cost) and in the best hotels to suit you. This may make better sense than the packages created by cruise lines that usually have fixed flights, hotels and durations. There's a cruise for everyone, and we'll go the extra mile to create a truly memorable holiday. Whether you want to continue exploring or simply unwind, a Cruise and Stay holiday gives you huge flexibility of choice.

Josh’s three top cruise picks

Best for cultural discovery:

Travelmarvel – Saigon, The Mekong & Beyond

"River cruising delivers a truly destination-focused journey, where cultural discovery takes centre stage offering a deeper sense of immersion onboard more intimate ships which take inspiration from their local surrounds. The Mekong serves as a vital resource for the communities it touches – and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to witness this firsthand, from serene moments on the RV Lotus’s Sun Deck to enriching excursions. Beyond the river, this journey begins and ends with unforgettable land experiences – from exploring the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City by Vespa to photographing the iconic temples of Angkor with a pro at your side. After all that adventure, some beachside bliss is well deserved. Our thoughtfully crafted itineraries allow you to experience everything and miss nothing. Cambodia’s paradise beaches or Vietnam’s beloved sands cap off the holiday of a lifetime as one to be remembered!"

Best for value:

MSC Cruises – Shores of the Arabian Gulf

"Ideal for families travelling together across generations, MSC Cruises offer a broad range of experiences, so no one ever feels left out – whatever their age or interest. With this itinerary we’ve carefully curated a holiday where excitement lies both on and off the ship, with pre and post-cruise experiences like racing Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island Formula 1 track and enjoying one of Dubai’s newest waterparks. While onboard options include everything from move nights at the cinema and arcade games to bowling and the MSC Formula Racer, a virtual-reality Formula 1 simulator that continues the F1 theme. Keep the adrenaline going by making a splash in the waterpark or climbing the rope course – both found on the top deck. For those searching for a premium experience consider the MSC Yacht Club housed in the upper decks at the front of the ship. Enjoy the added luxury of MSC’s “ship-within-a-ship" experience, complete with exclusive lounge, private restaurant, and stunning outdoor terrace with pool, hot tub, and some of the best views on the ship."

Best for top-tier luxury:

Explora Journeys – A Greek & Turkiye Odyssey

"Think cruising isn’t for you? Think again. Luxury land lovers who enjoy boutique hotel stays will feel right at home aboard Explora Journeys. Redefining the cruise concept, Explora Journeys invites you on a journey to connect with the ocean and to discover your ocean state of mind. Wellness like you’ve never experienced, endless places to relax, and dining so extraordinary, you won’t believe so much is included. Explora Journeys offers a distinctly European vibe embodying the brands Swiss-Italian routes with a chic, resort casual feel – no tux required, just effortless sophistication from start to finish. A personal favourite spot onboard is Sky Bar, located on deck 14 your go-to for golden-hour cocktails and unbeatable aft views from the top of the ship. Settle in with your favourite sundowner, and smooth grooves from the resident DJ. You’ll soon find yourself returning here each evening as part of your pre-dinner ritual. A truly memorable part of this journey is passing through the Dardenelles Strait – the meeting point of two continents, Europe and Asia."

Ready to set sail? Download our Cruise & Stay brochure.

This article was created on 9th September 2025. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.