Tourists, he says, are the folks who want to take America with them when they travel. They want to find people who speak English, rest rooms with familiar plumbing, a McDonald's around the corner and a Hard Rock Cafe nearby. There's nothing wrong with being a tourist. Cruise ships provide the opportunity with shore excursions in port. Motorcoach packages like the upscale Tauck Tours do the same thing on land.
Many people will cruise into totally exotic locations without the first clue from their own research about what they're likely to experience there. They get on the buses and go wherever they're taken. That's O.K. And that's being a tourist, complete with video cam and English-speaking guide. You won't have much chance to exercise your individuality or free will, but you will get back to your ship, hotel or bus on time, with no hassles.