The Charms of River Cruises Versus the Delights of Ocean Voyages

Guest post by Kathy Taylor, Cruise Lowdown

Kathy is passionate about ocean cruising and writes a fantastic online magazine – Cruise Lowdown. She has more recently discovered river cruising and I asked her to write a guest blog comparing these two types of cruise.

Cover photo: Kathy and I onboard Ponant’s Le Bellot, docked at London Bridge.

River Cruises versus Ocean Cruises: Choosing Your Perfect Voyage

Embarking on a cruise is an exciting prospect, but with so many options available, it’s crucial to find the style of cruising that best suits your preferences. Two popular choices are river cruises and ocean cruises, each offering a unique set of experiences. Let’s delve into the distinctions between these two types of cruises to help you make an informed decision for your next adventure.

Scale and Setting

River Cruises

These cruises navigate inland waterways, taking passengers through picturesque landscapes and charming towns. The smaller size of river cruise ships allows for an intimate and immersive experience, with vessels often able to access ports that larger ocean cruise ships can’t.

Ocean Cruises

On the other hand, ocean cruises traverse expansive bodies of water, providing a grander scale and the opportunity to visit diverse international destinations. Ocean cruise ships are equipped with extensive amenities, from entertainment venues to various dining options.

Destinations and Itineraries

River Cruises

River cruises are renowned for exploring cultural and historical sites along the World’s most iconic rivers, such as the Danube, Rhine, and Nile. These itineraries often focus on inland cities, allowing passengers to delve into the heart of a region’s rich heritage.

Ocean Cruises

Ocean cruises boast an extensive range of destinations, including bustling metropolises, tropical paradises, and polar regions. With larger ships, these cruises are ideal for those seeking diverse landscapes and a mix of cultural experiences. For sun worshippers, a beach is usually never too far away.

Onboard Experience

River Cruises

The smaller size of river cruise ships fosters a more intimate atmosphere. Passengers can expect personalised service, fewer crowds, and a cozy ambiance. Evening entertainment tends to be low-key, with a focus on cultural enrichment. Occupancy numbers are in the low hundreds rather than thousands of fellow guests.

Ocean Cruises

Ocean cruise ships offer a myriad of onboard activities, including Broadway-style shows, casinos, and expansive pools. There are lots of family facilities and innovative attractions. These cruises are perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, a wide range of dining options, and diverse entertainment throughout the day and night.

Scenery and Views

River Cruises

The scenic beauty along riverbanks is a hallmark of river cruising. Passengers can enjoy ever-changing landscapes, picturesque vineyards, and historic castles as they sail through tranquil waters.

Ocean Cruises

While ocean cruises offer stunning seascapes, the vastness of the open ocean can mean fewer close-up views of land. However, sunrises and sunsets over the water are unparalleled, providing breathtaking moments, with the added opportunity to experience wildlife such as dolphins, whales and even bears depending on your itinerary.

Access to Ports

River Cruises

River cruise ships can access smaller ports and dock directly in the heart of towns or city centres. This facilitates easy exploration of destinations on foot, offering a seamless connection to local culture.

Ocean Cruises

Ocean cruise ships, with their larger size, may dock at larger cruise terminals on the outskirts of town or commercial ports, requiring shuttle services or longer walks to reach the centres of the destination. Some may be too large even to dock and have to anchor offshore requiring transfers by tender boat. However, ocean vessels have the advantage of visiting a broader range of destinations.

Which is best?

Ultimately, the choice between a river cruise and an ocean cruise depends on your preferences, interests, and the type of experience you seek. Whether you opt for the intimate charm of river cruising or the vast exploration of ocean cruising, both offer unique opportunities to create lasting memories on the water. Personally, I love both and try to do a mix.

Jenny can help you book your next ocean or river cruise – she’ll help you find the perfect option.