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Cruise vs. Land Vacation Cost Comparator
Put the two vacation types on the same footing — total cost, and cost per person per day — so the comparison isn't just gut feeling.
Cruise option
Land option
Why per person, per day matters
A cruise and a land trip rarely cost the same up front, and comparing raw totals can be misleading if the trip lengths or group sizes differ. Dividing by guests × nights puts both options on the same footing, no matter how long each trip is.
What's bundled into each side
The cruise side assumes meals and most entertainment are already covered by the fare, which is why “onstboard spend” is one combined line for gratuities, drinks, WiFi and extras — use the onboard budget planner to build that number out in detail. The land side prices food and activities separately since nothing is bundled.
Frequently asked questions
Should I include airfare on the cruise side?
Only if you're flying to reach the departure port — leave it at 0 for a cruise you can drive to, like many Caribbean sailings from Florida.
What should I put for "estimated onboard spend"?
Use the total from the onboard spending budget planner (gratuities, drinks, WiFi, excursions and discretionary spend combined) for an apples-to-apples cruise total.
Does this account for exchange rates or specific destinations?
No — it's a generic dollar-for-dollar comparison. Adjust the land-side inputs to reflect local prices at your specific destination.