Vacationing on a riverboat is becoming the trip of choice for many long-time cruise fanatics. While the masses have been on enormous ocean going cruises, far fewer travellers have visited far away locations on riverboats. For some, cruising on a riverboat is seen as a unique and prestigious experience in its own right. Riverboats which are popular in Europe and Asia offer an intimate and culturally rich journey through picturesque landscapes.
On the other hand, some perceive it as a lesser option compared to the grandeur and vast array of amenities found on large cruise ships. The latter is often viewed as the ultimate goal for travellers. Ultimately, what truly matters is the experience and memories you create, no matter the size of the ship. It’s not a downgrade to try a riverboat but rather a choice to travel in a different way, even if the vehicle is the same.
Choosing between a river cruise and an ocean cruise can shape not just where you travel, but how you experience your journey. Both styles of cruising offer unique advantages and cater to different tastes and expectations. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which cruise suits your vacation desires best.
1. Vessel Size and Amenities
Ocean cruises: Ocean liners are akin to floating cities, equipped with a vast array of amenities including multiple dining options, entertainment venues, expansive pools, and spas. I have been on cruises that have had ice skating rinks, movie theatres, and glass blowing art facilities (this last one being pointless but that’s a whole other story). These ships are designed to accommodate thousands of passengers and provide extensive activities and facilities. I have vacationed on Royal Carribean’s Oasis of the Seas, which at the time was the second largest cruise ship in the world. As of 2024, the largest cruise ship in the world is Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. It entered service in January 2024 and can accommodate up to 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy. These ships offer unparalleled amenities and experiences for cruisers and in these cases, the destinations may be interesting but experiencing the ship itself becomes part of the attraction.
River cruises: River ships are much smaller by comparison. They usually host around 100-200 passengers. This smaller size allows them to offer a more intimate setting and access narrower waterways and ports that are unreachable for larger ships. While the amenities on river cruises are more limited (often just one or two restaurants, smaller lounges, and no swimming pools), the focus is more on cultural immersion and tranquility. The ships were not designed to keep you entertained with a seemingly endless array of activities.
2. Itinerary and Ports of Call
Ocean cruises: Ocean cruises typically cover larger distances and can include multiple sea days without a port stop. This can be ideal for those who enjoy the cruise ship as their primary destination, offering ample time to enjoy the onboard experiences.
River cruises: River cruises are characterized by frequent ports of call, often docking in a new town or city each day. The focus is on the cultural, historical, and scenic offerings of each destination. There are rarely ‘sea’ days on a river cruise since the ship usually travels short distances and passengers disembark daily to explore.
3. Scenic Views
Ocean cruises: Views from an ocean cruise are dominated by expansive sea horizons, which can be incredibly peaceful and meditative. Have you watched a sunrise or sunset over the open ocean? On especially calm days, they are stunning sights to behold.
River cruises: On a river cruise, the landscapes continuously change. Now think about that. On ocean cruises, you rarely even see land because you’re typically island hopping or at least go far from the mainland to travel to the next destination. But on riverboats, you watch the landscape on a continuous basis which is a completely different experience. Passengers can enjoy close-up views of city skylines, historical landmarks, and lush countryside from the comfort of their staterooms or the ship’s common areas. The proximity to shore provides a picturesque experience throughout the journey.
4. Excursions and Cultural Immersion
Ocean cruises: Excursions on ocean cruises are usually larger in scale and can be more commercial, given the number of passengers disembarking at each port. These might include beach excursions, shopping trips, activities like scuba diving lessons, cultural trips like visiting Mexican ruins, or sightseeing tours that cover the highlights of a destination.
River cruises: River cruise excursions generally offer deeper cultural immersion with more focus on local experiences, guided city tours, visits to small towns and villages, and more interaction with local culture. The smaller groups allow for more personalized tours and often include experiences that are educational and immersive.
5. Pricing Structure
Ocean cruises: Ocean cruising often offers a wider range of pricing options, from budget-friendly interior cabins to luxurious suites. The price typically includes meals and entertainment, with additional costs for premium dining, excursions, and other extras.
River cruises: River cruises tend to be more inclusive, with many lines including excursions, meals, and sometimes even beverages and gratuities in the base price. This can make river cruising seem more expensive initially, but it often provides more value with fewer unexpected costs.
Which type of cruise is best for you?
The choice between a river and an ocean cruise will largely depend on what you value most in your vacation. Whether it’s the leisurely pace and luxury of a sea-going ship or the cultural enrichment and scenic views of a river journey. Both styles of cruising offer unique ways to see the world, with comfort and style, making them wonderful options for any traveller looking to enjoy themselves while exploring the world.
RSS