If you had a choice between going on a cruise or a land vacation which would you choose and why?

No choice needed...It is called "Cruisetour".

You get to cruise and then at every port of call you get to go on land and tour...sometimes for days on end, depends on your cruise and depends on your land vacation.

Oaktown Traveler

I heard you have limited time on the islands when you cruise. Some even less than 24hours.

With many cruises, you only have the day (8AM-6PM) in a port. In my experience, European cruises are more likely to start or end with an overnight stay. Cruises that stop in St. Petersburg, Russia, are there for two or three days.

For me, the question you pose is not an easy one to asnwer.

I like both cruises and land vacations. We're skiers, and take two to three ski weeks per winter. I could never trade them for a cruise.

Many times, we want to go to places that aren't cruise stops, plus we like to spend several days to a week in one city, so we can get to know a place a little better.

On the other hand, I love the atmosphere of a ship, with all those beautiful and fun spaces. I love being able to see different places without having to pack and unpack.

If cost isn't a factor then I'll take a land vacation. But if I'm trying to watch my budget (and squeeze in another trip later in the year) then a cruise is a great trip. Both types of trips have their pros and cons.
To me cruises are much more relaxing types of vactions. We always make our land vactions go go go

Actually, I do get to choose! Doesn't everybody?
Personally, having been on two cruises, I find I prefer land vacations. There's more opportunity for independent exploration. We loved the Alaska cruise we did a few years ago, but I don't think I'd cruise again. And besides, my sweetie gets seasick.

I'd choose a cruise because I've never been on one and I'd like to give it a try.

We are thining we'd like a land vacation verses a cruise. Seems like your stuck on water 24/7 versus being able to explore on land. Ahhh decisions..

I don't swim, so I'll take land.

Aloha cupcake,

Definitely land vacation... no watches... I enjoy to leisurely explore & talk w/ locals... I just can't get enough of a place in only 6-7 hours... it's too rushed.

I'm also not one to sit in a chair by the pool, I'd rather walk the beach, collect shells, 4-wheel around in an open top jeep, hike to a waterfall... etc...

On & off the ship, watching a clock just isn't relaxing for me.

Obviously, to each his/her own.