Typically, the end of a cruise signifies the journey’s conclusion. However, for Daniel Nagy, disembarking from a Norwegian Cruise Line ship was just the beginning of his adventure.

Last May, Nagy, 40, participated in the Fairbanks Denali Express trip, which featured a week-long cruise and three additional nights on land. During this time, he visited bears at a sanctuary, toured Denali National Park and Preserve, and traveled to Fairbanks via train, with all arrangements handled by the cruise line.

“There’s no need to stress about finding hotels,” the Massachusetts resident shared with YSL News. “You also don’t have to arrange transportation, particularly in remote areas like Alaska.”

Land extensions provide cruise travelers an easy way to add extra days to their vacations and allow for more in-depth exploration of a destination.

What does a cruise land extension include?

Typically, land extensions feature hotel accommodations either before or after the cruise, along with one to two excursions each day, and breakfast, according to Jared Feldman, the owner of Jafeldma Travel.

However, unlike onboard meals, guests are usually responsible for covering other meals themselves. The itinerary layout determines if a land extension occurs before or after the cruise, but Feldman mentioned they are available for purchase individually, allowing guests to select either or both options.

How long do cruise land extensions last?

“Typically, they last around two to three nights,” said Feldman. “However, depending on the destination or specific excursions, they may extend to five or six nights.”

Which cruise lines offer land extensions?

Besides Norwegian, other cruise lines like Holland America Line and Princess Cruises provide cruisetours that mix cruises with train journeys and lodge stays, allowing for further adventures in Alaska.

However, Feldman noted that apart from select locations, these land extensions are more frequently offered by luxury cruise brands.

For example, Silversea Cruises provides a three-night experience in Denmark, which includes a visit to the Lejre Land of Legends open-air museum and a stay at the historic Dragsholm Castle. Similarly, Seabourn has a three-night option that lets travelers explore both Argentina and Brazil’s Iguazú Falls.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of cruise land extensions?

“The benefits are that everything is arranged for you,” stated Feldman. The cruise lines manage all transportation, lodging, and activities, allowing guests to simply relax and enjoy their vacation.

Deborah Banks, a travel advisor and Cruise Planners franchise owner, concurred. “I personally enjoy arriving at the airport and finding a driver ready to take me directly to my hotel, instead of worrying about securing a taxi or rideshare service,” she noted in an email.

Nagy also mentioned that he and his wife, Caitlin Slattery, merely left their bags outside their cabin, and “magically, they appeared in our hotel room on the first day of our land adventure.” Their itinerary featured attractions he might not have discovered otherwise, like the North Pole, Alaska, which has a delightful holiday theme year-round.

Land extensions also offer a chance for passengers to discover cities that they might quickly pass through at the start or end of a cruise.

“Rather than rushing home right after disembarking, you can take the opportunity to truly enjoy these remarkable places,” Banks suggested.

On the downside, Feldman mentioned that these packages lack the customizability that a self-planned journey would have. Travelers won’t receive refunds for missed activities.

Are cruise land extensions more budget-friendly?

While booking land extensions along with a cruise may seem convenient, it doesn’t always lead to lower costs. Feldman noted that these packages often end up being pricier than if travelers organized their trip independently, giving them the chance to seek out better deals.

“Travelers might discover more savings by arranging things themselves, though this isn’t always true,” Feldman explained.

Nagy shared that he actually spent less than he would have on a traditional land-based holiday. His cruisetour, which included the cruise and land portions, flights to and from Boston, drink packages, and other elements, totaled around $6,500 for him and Slattery. These land extensions can be bundled with the cruise package or offered separately.

Nagy felt it was a worthwhile investment. “We consider ourselves experienced travelers,” he remarked. “We don’t mind organizing things ourselves, but it’s just so much more convenient to have it all arranged for us.”