Ferry vs. Cruise — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 18, 2024
Ferry is a boat service primarily for transport across shorter distances and rivers, often carrying passengers and vehicles; a cruise, on the other hand, is a larger ship designed for leisurely travel and extended stays at sea, offering various amenities.
Difference Between Ferry and Cruise
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Key Differences
Ferries are typically utilitarian in design, focusing on efficient transport from one point to another, usually across rivers or short sea stretches. While cruise ships are built for comfort and entertainment, providing a wide range of amenities like pools, spas, and entertainment shows.
While ferries operate on regular schedules, similar to buses or trains, and are crucial for daily commuting in many regions, cruise ships embark on longer voyages that can last from a few days to several weeks, focusing on leisure and tourism.
Ferries often have minimal amenities since the journeys are short, usually just seating and sometimes refreshments. On the other hand, cruises are akin to floating hotels, offering multiple dining options, bars, gyms, and shops.
Ticket prices for ferries are generally low and reflect the utilitarian nature of the service, making it an affordable option for regular commuters. Conversely, cruise fares can be high but include accommodation, meals, and entertainment, justifying the cost with a comprehensive vacation experience.
Ferry routes are designed to be the quickest link between two points, catering to both pedestrians and vehicle transport. Cruises, however, follow scenic routes designed to deliver the most picturesque experiences, often stopping at multiple ports for sightseeing.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Transport between points quickly and efficiently
Leisure travel with entertainment and relaxation
Journey Duration
Short (minutes to a few hours)
Long (several days to weeks)
Amenities
Basic (seating, sometimes snacks)
Extensive (restaurants, pools, entertainment)
Cost
Lower, budget-friendly
Higher, all-inclusive luxury experience
Route
Direct and practical
Scenic and leisurely
Compare with Definitions
Ferry
Used metaphorically to describe transitioning from one stage or place to another.
The novel ferries the reader between past and present seamlessly.
Cruise
To sail about on a pleasure trip.
We plan to cruise the Greek islands next summer.
Ferry
A service operated to transport people, vehicles, and goods across a river or small body of water.
The ferry runs every half hour during peak times.
Cruise
The action of cruising, especially at a steady speed.
The ship cruised along the Mediterranean coast.
Ferry
A boat or ship for conveying passengers and goods across a body of water.
We took a ferry across the river to reach the island.
Cruise
To travel without a precise destination, in search of something.
They cruised the neighborhood looking for a good parking spot.
Ferry
A short trip by boat or ship to a nearby destination.
Our daily commute includes a quick ferry to the other side of the bay.
Cruise
A gathering of people, often in cars, who travel together slowly as a leisure activity.
The vintage car club organized a cruise through the countryside this weekend.
Ferry
A legal right or franchise that permits the operation of such transport services.
The company holds the ferry rights for this river crossing.
Cruise
A voyage on a ship or boat taken for pleasure or as a vacation and usually calling at several places.
They went on a Caribbean cruise for their honeymoon.
Ferry
A ferry is a vessel used to carry passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo, across a body of water. A passenger ferry with many stops, such as in Venice, Italy, is sometimes called a water bus or water taxi.
Cruise
To sail from place to place, as for pleasure or reconnaissance.
Ferry
To transport (people, vehicles, or goods) by boat across a body of water such as a river or bay.
Cruise
To go or move along, especially in an unhurried or unconcerned fashion
"A car, a long closed car that maybe was a Packard, came slowly down the street, and ... cruised close to the curb" (Carson McCullers).
Ferry
To cross (a body of water) by a ferry.
Cruise
To travel at a constant speed or at a speed providing maximum operating efficiency for a sustained period.
Ferry
To deliver (a vehicle, especially an aircraft) under its own power to its eventual user.
Cruise
(Informal) To move leisurely about an area in the hope of discovering something
Taxis cruising for fares.
Ferry
To transport (people or goods) by vehicle, especially by aircraft.
Cruise
To move by taking steps while holding on to nearby objects for support. Used of a baby.
Ferry
To cross a body of water on or as if on a ferry.
Cruise
To inspect a wooded area to determine its lumber yield.
Ferry
To move laterally in a fast-moving river, as in a canoe, by keeping one's boat at an angle to the direction of flow and paddling or rowing against the current.
Cruise
To travel about or journey over.
Ferry
A ferryboat.
Cruise
To look in (a public area) for a sexual partner.
Ferry
A place where passengers or goods are transported across a body of water, such as a river or bay, by a ferryboat.
Cruise
To seek out and make a sexual overture to.
Ferry
A franchise or legal right to operate a ferrying service for a fee.
Cruise
To inspect in order to determine lumber yield.
Ferry
A service and route for delivering an aircraft under its own power to its eventual user.
Cruise
The act or an instance of cruising, especially a sea voyage for pleasure.
Ferry
(transitive) To carry; transport; convey.
Trucks plowed through the water to ferry flood victims to safety.
Cruise
A sea or lake voyage, especially one taken for pleasure.
Ferry
(transitive) To move someone or something from one place to another, usually repeatedly.
Being a good waiter takes more than the ability to ferry plates of food around a restaurant.
Cruise
(aeronautics) Portion of aircraft travel at a constant airspeed and altitude between ascent and descent phases.
Ferry
(transitive) To carry or transport over a contracted body of water, as a river or strait, in a boat or other floating conveyance plying between opposite shores.
Cruise
A period spent in the Marine Corps.
Ferry
(intransitive) To pass over water in a boat or by ferry.
Cruise
A car enthusiasts' event where they drive their vehicles in a group. See Cruising (driving).
Ferry
A ship used to transport people, smaller vehicles and goods from one port to another, usually on a regular schedule.
Cruise
(intransitive) To sail about, especially for pleasure.
Ferry
A place where passengers are transported across water in such a ship.
Cruise
(intransitive) To travel at constant speed for maximum operating efficiency.
Ferry
The legal right or franchise that entitles a corporate body or an individual to operate such a service.
Cruise
(transitive) To move about an area leisurely in the hope of discovering something, or looking for custom.
Ferry
To carry or transport over a river, strait, or other narrow water, in a boat.
Cruise
To inspect (forest land) for the purpose of estimating the quantity of lumber it will yield.
Ferry
To convey back and forth regularly between two points in a vehicle; as, part of her day was spent ferrying the kids to and from school.
Cruise
To actively seek a romantic partner or casual sexual partner by moving about a particular area; to troll.
Ferry
To pass over water in a boat or by a ferry.
They ferry over this Lethean soundBoth to and fro.
Cruise
To walk while holding on to an object (stage in development of ambulation, typically occurring at 10 months).
Ferry
A place where persons or things are carried across a river, arm of the sea, etc., in a ferryboat.
It can pass the ferry backward into light.
To row me o'er the ferry.
Cruise
To win easily and convincingly.
Germany cruised to a World Cup victory over the short-handed Australians.
Ferry
A vessel in which passengers and goods are conveyed over narrow waters; a ferryboat; a wherry.
Cruise
(intransitive) To take part in a cruise car enthusiasts' event where they drive their vehicles in a group.
Ferry
A franchise or right to maintain a vessel for carrying passengers and freight across a river, bay, etc., charging tolls.
Cruise
See Cruse, a small bottle.
Ferry
A boat that transports people or vehicles across a body of water and operates on a regular schedule
Cruise
A voyage made in various directions, as of an armed vessel, for the protection of other vessels, or in search of an enemy; a sailing to and fro, as for exploration or for pleasure.
He feigned a compliance with some of his men, who were bent upon going a cruise to Manilla.
Ferry
Transport by boat or aircraft
Cruise
A voyage aboard a ship, in which the activities on the ship itself form a major objective of the voyage; - used particularly of vacation voyages, or voyages during which some special activity occurs on board the ship, such as a series of seminars.
Ferry
Transport from one place to another
Cruise
To sail back and forth on the ocean; to sail, as for the protection of commerce, in search of an enemy, for plunder, or for pleasure.
Ships of war were sent to cruise near the isle of Bute.
'Mid sands, and rocks, and storms to cruise for pleasure.
Ferry
Transport by ferry
Cruise
To wander hither and thither on land.
Ferry
Travel by ferry
Cruise
To inspect forest land for the purpose of estimating the quantity of lumber it will yield.
Cruise
To travel primarily for pleasure, or without any fixed purpose, rather than with the main goal of reaching a particular destination.
Cruise
To cruise over or about.
Cruise
To explore with reference to capacity for the production of lumber; as, to cruise a section of land.
Cruise
An ocean trip taken for pleasure
Cruise
Drive around aimlessly but ostentatiously and at leisure;
She cruised the neighborhood in her new convertible
Cruise
Travel at a moderate speed;
Please keep your seat belt fastened while the plane is reaching cruising altitude
Cruise
Look for a sexual partner in a public place;
The men were cruising the park
Cruise
Sail or travel about for pleasure, relaxation, or sightseeing;
We were cruising in the Caribbean
Common Curiosities
What is the main purpose of a ferry?
The main purpose of a ferry is to transport people and goods across bodies of water, typically for short distances.
How long does a typical cruise last?
A typical cruise can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the itinerary.
What types of amenities can I find on a ferry?
Amenities on ferries are usually basic, including seating and sometimes refreshments.
How expensive is a cruise compared to a ferry?
Cruises are generally more expensive than ferries as they offer extensive amenities and longer travel durations.
Can I take a ferry for a vacation?
While ferries are more utilitarian, they can be used as part of a vacation especially in scenic areas like the Greek islands or the fjords of Norway.
Do ferries operate internationally?
Yes, some ferries operate internationally, especially in regions like Europe where countries are close together.
Are there vehicles on cruises?
No, typically vehicles are not carried on cruises; these are primarily for passenger leisure travel.
What is the primary focus of a cruise ship's design?
The primary focus of a cruise ship's design is on luxury, amenities, and passenger entertainment.
What is the difference in speed between a ferry and a cruise?
Ferries are typically faster in their crossings compared to cruise ships, which travel leisurely for enjoyment.
Are cruises suitable for families?
Yes, cruises are very family-friendly, offering activities and facilities for all ages.
Can I work remotely from a cruise?
Yes, many modern cruises offer amenities like Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to work remotely.
Are meals included on ferries?
Meals are not typically included on ferries, though snacks might be available for purchase.
How do I choose between a ferry and a cruise?
The choice depends on your needs: if you need quick transportation, choose a ferry; for a leisurely vacation, choose a cruise.
What safety measures are common on ferries?
Safety measures on ferries include life vests, safety drills, and emergency instructions similar to those on other vessels.
What is the environmental impact of using a ferry vs. a cruise?
Generally, ferries have a smaller environmental footprint due to their shorter routes and practical purpose, whereas cruises due to their size and the amenities can have a greater environmental impact.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
