Travelers often assume a cruise is a cruise, but river cruising and ocean cruising are two very different experiences. The main difference comes down to ship size and where the ship can dock.
1. Smaller Ships Mean You Dock in the Heart of Town
A river cruise ship ties up right along the riverbank in the middle of a city. Ocean ships often dock several miles outside the city, requiring a bus or shuttle.
2. River Cruises Offer an All Inclusive Feel
Most river cruises include shore excursions, wine and beer with meals, and WiFi as part of the fare. Ocean cruises can offer this too, but it is more often an upgrade.
3. No Sea Days Means a New City Every Day
River cruises typically move overnight, so you wake up in a new city almost every morning. Ocean cruises usually include one or two sea days.
Keep Planning
Compare both styles in depth on our river cruising specialty page and our luxury ocean cruising specialty page, then talk it through with Melissa Yetter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a river cruise more expensive than an ocean cruise?
River cruises often look more expensive on the surface because so much is included in the fare. Once excursions, drinks, and gratuities are factored in on an ocean cruise, the total cost can end up similar.
Are river cruises good for first time cruisers?
Yes. River cruises tend to be smaller and more intimate with a slower pace, which many first time cruisers find less overwhelming.
What are the best rivers to cruise in Europe?
The Danube, the Rhine, the Seine, and the Douro are among the most popular, each offering a different mix of cities, vineyards, and countryside.
