Voyage vs. Cruise — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 28, 2023
"Voyage" refers to a long journey, typically by sea or space, while "Cruise" is a recreational trip by ship, often stopping at multiple destinations.
Difference Between Voyage and Cruise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Voyage" and "Cruise" are both associated with journeys, specifically those that take place over water. The term "Voyage" generally denotes a journey from one place to another, especially over the sea or through space. Historically, voyages were undertaken for exploration, trade, or migration. Conversely, a "Cruise" typically brings to mind leisurely and recreational trips on ships designed for comfort and entertainment, often visiting several destinations.
Considering the duration, a "Voyage" usually implies a longer, sometimes perilous journey. Think of historic voyages of discovery or space voyages. On the other hand, a "Cruise" can range from a short weekend getaway to a long vacation, but its primary purpose remains recreation and relaxation. Cruises are planned, with itineraries that highlight tourist attractions and activities.
While "Voyage" focuses more on the act of traveling itself, "Cruise" emphasizes the experience on board. Modern cruise ships boast amenities akin to luxury resorts. Meanwhile, "Voyage" doesn't necessarily imply the same level of comfort or amenities—it's more about the journey or mission itself.
In summary, while both "Voyage" and "Cruise" denote journeys over water, their connotations differ. "Voyage" emphasizes the journey's purpose and duration, while "Cruise" centers on the recreational and leisurely aspects of sea travel.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Journey or expedition
Recreational trip
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Duration
Often long and possibly perilous
Can be short to long, but leisurely
Connotation
Exploration, trade, or migration
Vacation, relaxation, entertainment
Emphasis
The act of traveling
Experience on board
Example Context
Columbus's voyage to the Americas.
A Caribbean cruise with multiple island stops.
Compare with Definitions
Voyage
A long journey by sea or space.
The voyage to Mars will take several months.
Cruise
A slow or leisurely journey.
We went on a sunset cruise along the coast.
Voyage
A course or track of travel.
The ship set its voyage towards uncharted waters.
Cruise
To sail about touching at a series of ports.
The ship cruised the Mediterranean.
Voyage
A passage between two places.
Their voyage from New York to London was smooth.
Cruise
To sail from place to place, as for pleasure or reconnaissance.
Voyage
A trip, expedition, or exploration.
Magellan's voyage around the world was historic.
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).
Voyage
An act or instance of traveling.
The novel describes a voyage of self-discovery.
Cruise
To travel at a constant speed or at a speed providing maximum operating efficiency for a sustained period.
Voyage
A long journey to a foreign or distant place, especially by sea.
Cruise
(Informal) To move leisurely about an area in the hope of discovering something
Taxis cruising for fares.
Voyage
Often voyages The events of a journey of exploration or discovery considered as material for a narrative.
Cruise
(Slang) To look for a sexual partner, as in a public place.
Voyage
Such a narrative.
Cruise
To move by taking steps while holding on to nearby objects for support. Used of a baby.
Voyage
To make a voyage.
Cruise
To inspect a wooded area to determine its lumber yield.
Voyage
To sail across; traverse
Voyaged the western ocean.
Cruise
To travel about or journey over.
Voyage
A long journey, especially by ship.
Cruise
To look in (a public area) for a sexual partner.
Voyage
(archaic) A written account of a journey or travel.
Cruise
To seek out and make a sexual overture to.
Voyage
(obsolete) The act or practice of travelling.
Cruise
To inspect in order to determine lumber yield.
Voyage
(intransitive) To go on a long journey.
Cruise
The act or an instance of cruising, especially a sea voyage for pleasure.
Voyage
Formerly, a passage either by sea or land; a journey, in general; but not chiefly limited to a passing by sea or water from one place, port, or country, to another; especially, a passing or journey by water to a distant place or country.
I love a sea voyage and a blustering tempest.
So steers the prudent craneHer annual voyage, borne on winds.
All the voyage of their lifeIs bound in shallows and in miseries.
Cruise
A sea or lake voyage, especially one taken for pleasure.
Voyage
The act or practice of traveling.
Nations have interknowledge of one another by voyage into foreign parts, or strangers that come to them.
Cruise
(aeronautics) Portion of aircraft travel at a constant airspeed and altitude between ascent and descent phases.
Voyage
Course; way.
Cruise
A period spent in the Marine Corps.
Voyage
To take a voyage; especially, to sail or pass by water.
A mind foreverVoyaging through strange seas of thought alone.
Cruise
A car enthusiasts' event where they drive their vehicles in a group. See Cruising (driving).
Voyage
To travel; to pass over; to traverse.
With what pain[I] voyaged the unreal, vast, unbounded deep.
Cruise
(intransitive) To sail about, especially for pleasure.
Voyage
An act of traveling by water
Cruise
(intransitive) To travel at constant speed for maximum operating efficiency.
Voyage
A journey to some distant place
Cruise
(transitive) To move about an area leisurely in the hope of discovering something, or looking for custom.
Voyage
Travel by boat on a boat propelled by wind or by other means;
The QE2 will sail to Southampton tomorrow
Cruise
To inspect (forest land) for the purpose of estimating the quantity of lumber it will yield.
Cruise
To actively seek a romantic partner or casual sexual partner by moving about a particular area; to troll.
Cruise
To walk while holding on to an object (stage in development of ambulation, typically occurring at 10 months).
Cruise
To win easily and convincingly.
Germany cruised to a World Cup victory over the short-handed Australians.
Cruise
(intransitive) To take part in a cruise car enthusiasts' event where they drive their vehicles in a group.
Cruise
See Cruse, a small bottle.
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.
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.
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.
Cruise
To wander hither and thither on land.
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
Cruise
A journey by ship for pleasure.
They went on a cruise for their honeymoon.
Cruise
A trip on a ship with stops at various destinations.
The Caribbean cruise included five island stops.
Cruise
Traveling at a steady speed by vehicle.
The car can cruise at 70 mph.
Common Curiosities
Do "Voyage" and "Cruise" mean the same thing?
No, "Voyage" is a journey, often long, while "Cruise" is a recreational trip by ship.
Can a "Voyage" be for leisure?
While often purpose-driven, a "Voyage" can be for leisure.
Is a "Cruise" always recreational?
Typically, but context can change its meaning.
Are cruises always on large ships?
No, cruises can be on various sizes of ships.
Can "Voyage" refer to space travel?
Yes, "Voyage" can refer to long journeys in space.
Is every sea journey a "Voyage"?
Not necessarily. The context and purpose define if it's a voyage.
Does a "Voyage" always imply a long journey?
Often, but context matters. Some voyages can be shorter.
Can "Cruise" refer to a car's movement?
Yes, to "cruise" can mean traveling at a steady speed in a car.
Do cruises always stop at multiple places?
Often, but there are cruises with no stops or just one destination.
Is "Voyage" more formal than "Cruise"?
"Voyage" can sound more formal, especially in historical or epic contexts.
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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.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
