What You Need to Know Before Your First River Cruise
If you’ve enjoyed the thrills of ocean cruising and are now considering a river cruise, you’re in for a treat! While both types of cruising are great ways to travel, they offer very different adventures. Here are 10 key differences to help you understand what makes river cruising special and why it might be your next great vacation.
1. Intimacy and Size
Ocean cruise ships often accommodate thousands of passengers, with some being literal floating cities.
River cruise ships are much smaller, typically hosting fewer than 190 guests (and often less), which creates a more intimate and personalized experience.
2. Views and Scenery
On an ocean cruise, you’ll spend days looking out at vast expanses of open water.
On a river cruise, the scenery is ever-changing. You’ll glide past picturesque villages, vineyards, castles, and historic landmarks every day.
3. Ports of Call
Ocean cruises stop at bustling port cities, often requiring long excursions to reach iconic landmarks.
River cruises typically dock in the heart of towns and cities, giving you easy access to explore on foot or bike as soon as you step off the ship.
4. Onboard Atmosphere
Ocean cruises often have a lively, resort-like atmosphere, with multiple pools, casinos, and a packed schedule of activities.
River cruises are more relaxed and focused on cultural enrichment, offering lectures, local performances, and a quieter pace.
5. Destination Focus
Ocean cruises may spend days at sea, with fewer stops.
River cruises prioritize destinations, with daily stops and excursions designed to immerse you in local culture and history.
6. Dining Experiences
Ocean cruise ships have a wide variety of dining options, from buffets to specialty restaurants.
River cruises offer more intimate dining, often featuring regional specialties made with fresh, local ingredients.
7. Entertainment
Ocean cruises are known for large-scale productions, nightclubs, and high-energy entertainment.
River cruises focus on cultural experiences, such as wine tastings, cooking classes, and small-scale local performances.
8. Motion and Seasickness
Ocean cruises can experience rough seas, leading to motion sickness for some passengers.
River cruises sail on calm waters, so seasickness is rarely an issue.
9. Shore Excursions
Ocean cruises often charge extra for excursions, and tours can feel crowded.
Many river cruises include daily shore excursions in the price, and these are often smaller, more immersive experiences.
10. Boarding and Accessibility
Ocean cruises require navigating large terminals, going through security screenings, and sometimes waiting in long lines to board, this includes in port.
River cruises offer a much simpler boarding process, often allowing you to step right onto the ship with minimal hassle, making embarkation smooth and stress-free.
Ready to try river cruising? Let me help you plan a seamless, unforgettable journey. Schedule a consultation today, and I’ll guide you every step of the way—from choosing the perfect river cruise to customizing your itinerary. Click below to get started!
To book your next dream vacation - when the time is right to travel - reach out to me through email at Alicia@EveningStarTravel.ca, or by calling 587 772 2525. I am located in Sherwood Park, Alberta (a suburb of Edmonton), and am a Travel Advisor specializing in River Cruising, Beach Escapes, and Custom Vacations. I am the owner/operator of Evening Star Travel, and I book travel for clients all across Canada.
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