Though they both come under the banner of cruising and involve a journey from one port to the next in an amenity-packed vessel with all the comforts of home and more besides, there are some distinct differences between river cruising and ocean cruising. So whether you’ve never cruised before, are a seasoned sea dog looking for a different cruising experience, or if the ocean life doesn’t appeal to you and you’re looking for another way to explore, you’re sure to find this guide useful.

Land ahoy

Though there are some great cities in the world which are coastal and some regions such as the Norwegian coast and the Caribbean are best explored by sea, many of a country’s most interesting cities can be found inland, often on the banks of one if its major rivers. Paris, Budapest, Vienna and Cologne are just some of the cities you can visit on a river cruise. The smaller size of river cruise ships means that you can explore a number of narrower rivers, too.

A change of scenery

If an expansive ocean vista is the only thing to make you feel like you’re really getting away from it all, then you’ll love an ocean cruise. However, with a river voyage, you’ll enjoy an ever-changing backdrop of forests, mountains and fields and a number of man-made wonders, on your journey from one port to another.

A room with a view?

Because of their size, cruise ships offer all manner of accommodation choices, from interior and outdoor staterooms, some with balconies, some without, not to mention a choice of suites of all shapes and sizes. With this in mind, you’ve a choice to make when it comes to your budget and needs. With a river cruise, you’ll always get an outside cabin with a view, and the only decision you’ll have to make is if you want more space.

Getting to know you

On a cruise ship, you’ll be joined by hundreds, sometimes thousands of other passengers, so if you prefer to mind your own business on a cruise it’s more easy to do so, though there’s certainly the opportunity to make new friends, too. On a river cruise vessel, you’ll typically be travelling with around 100 fellow-passengers, so socialising and seeing the same people each day is very much part of the experience. Though on an ocean cruise ship you’ll have a chance to say hi during the captain’s dinner or reception; on an river vessel, you’ll be at much closer quarters with your crew on a daily basis and will soon get to know them better.

That’s entertainment

On a cruise ship, you’ll enjoy a massive choice of entertainment, from Broadway-style shows, movies, and casinos to water slides, rock-climbing walls and golf courses. On a river cruise, a musical performance could still be on the cards and you’ll likely be able to enjoy a hand or two as well, but generally, the entertainment’s much more educational, scaled down and intimate, which could suit you perfectly.

Everything’s included

Though you’ll have no difficulty finding an ocean cruise for less than a river voyage, you’ll have to take into account the additional costs involved. If you enjoy a drink or three, for example, the cost of an ocean cruise can soon mount up as with most of the mainstream lines, drinks are not included and speciality dining venues will cost you extra, too. With river cruising, many lines offer inclusive packages where all drinks are included, so though you’ll pay more upfront, you’ll be able to relax on-board, without the need to watch your wallet.

Are you a shopaholic?

If a spot of retail therapy is what really floats your boat, you’ll most likely be able to get your fix from the local shops and markets you’ll visit on your cruise. However, for those looking for more, cruise ships shops offer all manner of souvenirs and curios, and you won’t find such shops on your river cruise vessel.

Sick of it

No matter how much in love with the ocean they are, some people just can’t find their sea legs as well as others, so to avoid seas-sickness, they tend to opt for rooms in middle and lower decks of the ship. With river cruises, there’s no waves or swell, so there’s very little chance of suffering from seas-sickness.

By Simon Brotherton
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