Wow, you summed us up in a few sentences perfectly. 15 - 20 years ago, cruises were very special, and the fact that we were in an exotic cruise city for only 4 hours was acceptable. But once the special cruise food and service disappeared, over those 15 - 20 years, we realized you see SO much more with a land tour. You meet more people and REALLY see the places you want to explore. Sure buses or trains are not cruise ships, but the touring experience is SO MUCH better. Our most memorable trips are not the cruises. We loved cruises but all we loved is now an extra cost option, if it even exists at all.