When it comes to taking a cruise on a river or the ocean, it’s pretty tough to go wrong. Both offer incredible views, luxurious amenities, and the opportunity to explore interesting ports.
But each one comes with its own unique perks and depending on your specific needs for your next trip, you might find that one is a slightly better fit than the other.
So, what are the major differences?
One big difference is that oceans take you TO countries, rivers take you THROUGH countries. River cruise longships dock right in the historic heart of the city and stay in port longer, allowing you to experience the destination to the fullest with authentic experiences.
Lunch and dinner ingredients, including beer and wine (included in the price of the cruise), are locally sourced in each port. Guided excursions are limited to 20 people allowing better access to sights and landmarks and more encounters with locals.
On an ocean cruise, the focus is more on the cruise and vast beauty of the sea. With ocean cruises, you can go days without seeing land. Ports of call and excursions tend to be more touristy and high-adventure.
You stop almost every day at a new port with river cruises, often in quaint towns with little tourist traffic, and land is always in view. A variety of shore excursions that go beyond the usual tourist highlights are included in the price of the river cruise. Or, feel free to explore on your own. Itineraries are flexible so you can experience and explore the way you want.
River cruises tend to be much smaller (190 max vs. up to 6,200 on the largest ocean cruises), and as a result, cabins tend to be larger. Ships offer an enhanced service level and are more inclusive. Amenities such as Wi-Fi, excursions and port charges, mini-bar, meals and airport transfers are usually included in the price of the cruise.
Because of their larger size, ocean cruises offer plenty of options for many ages, from young kids to octogenarians. For this reason, they tend to make the best option for multi-generational family gatherings that include young children. For the traveler who is into high-octane adventure, ocean cruises provide a wide variety of activities on board, as well as more daring day excursions.
The cultural aspect translates to all areas of the river cruise, including entertainment. Instead of kids’ playrooms, glitzy Broadway shows, and a skydiving simulator found on ocean-going vessels, you may attend a private classical concert within the walls of the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. There tend to be fewer kids on river cruises, making them popular for couples seeking quiet, relaxed time together.
When you’re getting ready to plan your next on-the-water trip, here are a few questions to consider:
1. How many people are traveling? What are their ages?
2. What time of the year do you want to travel?
3. Do you need the amenities of a mega ship – a dozen restaurants, kid’s clubs, shows and many activities? Or are you looking for something more intimate and unique?
4. Are you seeking authentic inter-cultural experiences? Or do you prefer more adventurous activities?
As always, I’m here and would love to discuss your next cruise. Schedule a planning session with me. We can look at all the moving parts of your upcoming trip – what you need, what you want, what your dream is – and together we can come up with a cruise you and your loved ones will remember fondly for the rest of your life.
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