Floating city or boutique hotel?
Broadway style shows or acoustic guitar and a glass of wine?
Days at sea or a new destination every day?
Ocean cruise or river cruise?
Ocean cruising and river cruising are both incredible ways to travel, but they are very different experiences. Keep reading to learn 5 differences between river cruises and ocean cruises.
Ship size and number of guests: River ships are smaller, more intimate ships that feel like a boutique hotel. Guest count is usually somewhere in the 100-200 passenger range. Ocean cruise ships can be much larger and feel like a floating city with things to do around every corner. Ocean cruise ships average anywhere from 2000-6000+ passengers.
Itineraries and ports of call: River cruises dock right in the heart of a historic town, which allows you easy and direct access to the area. Ocean cruises dock at larger ports and sometimes require a train or bus ride to reach major attractions.
Onboard entertainment: River cruise entertainment tends to be low key and feature local musicians or performers. Ocean cruises offer high energy Broadway style shows, casinos, waterparks, and adventure activities right on the ship.
All-Inclusive or Ala Carte: While both cruise offerings have an All Inclusive feel, river cruises tend to have more included in their overall cost. River cruises often have a higher starting price, but include things like drinks, wifi, shore excursions, and gratuities. Ocean cruises vary by cruise line, but guests tend to pay extra for things like soda or other drinks, wifi, shore excursions, and more.
“Sea day” experiences: River cruises are port-intensive itineraries so don’t expect a day “at sea/river” to relax and enjoy the ship. Ocean cruises almost always include at least one day at sea where you stay on the ship and enjoy the amenities.
