Whether you’re an avid ocean cruiser, or you’re new to the idea of cruising in general, knowing the differences between an ocean cruise and a river cruise will help you decide which appeals to you more, give you an idea of what type of cruiser you really are.
No Big Line-Ups
Waiting in restaurant line-ups, waiting for the tether to arrive so you go ashore, searching endlessly for a spot by the crowded pool, does any of that sound like fun? Of course not. One of the best aspects of river cruises is you never wait for your meals, getting a coffee is a cinch, and it takes mere moments to step off of the ship.
Highly Personalized Service
Because of a high passenger-to-staff ratio, river cruisers experience a much higher level of personalization on board. River cruise staff not only know your name, they know your preferences and they take pride in trying to wow you at every opportunity.
Locally Curated Menus
Nothing beats dining on local cuisine, mere miles from where it originates. Chefs carefully curate their dishes so they are reflective of the local culture. This is unquestionably one of the best reasons to take a river cruise, and something you’re not going to find on an ocean cruise.
Luxuriously Cozy Cabins
River cruise cabins are meant to feel like home. The interior is designed to be chic, warm, and inviting as if you were staying in a beautiful floating boutique hotel. You’ll be happy to know that everything you’ll find on an ocean cruise, including TV entertainment, spacious balconies, and luxurious bedding is part of the river cruising experience.
Always Steps from the Action
One of the biggest reasons so many travelers choose river cruising over ocean cruising is because of the port of call accessibility. Because so many river cruise ports are part of old trade routes, they dock in the heart of all of the action. You can step off your ship and be downtown in a few moments. And if you want to come and go from the ship, it’s much simpler on a river cruise ship.
Excursions Are Included
Who wants to keep shelling out hundreds of dollars after they’ve already paid for their cruise vacation? River cruises are far more inclusive which means you get to choose from a selection of incredible pre-paid shore excursions and spend your money on other things like fun souvenirs to bring home.
Stay Connected for Free
No, you’re not dreaming – Wi-Fi is free! It’s important to have the option of checking in with loved ones back home, or maybe you’ll want to your some photos with friends along the way. If you ever need anything you never have to look to get some help or a question answered. Both the hotel manager and cruise manager can be found easily, in fact, they sit at a desk so they’re always on hand.
Approachable & Accessible Management
If you ever need anything you never have to look to get some help or a question answered. Both the hotel manager and cruise manager can be found easily, in fact, they sit at a desk so they’re always on hand.
A Perfect Pace of Travel
For anyone looking for a less frenzied, quieter, more immersive way of experiencing Europe and beyond, river cruises offer all of that and more. With varying departure and arrival times, and longer stays in port, you’re able to get more out of every port of call than you would onboard an ocean cruise.
The differences between ocean cruising and river cruising are vast. If you’re an avid ocean cruiser, hopefully, you’ve been convinced to book your first river cruise. If you’re after a culturally immersive, slower-paced, more intimate cruising experience, a river cruise should be your next vacation option.
