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4 Key Differences Between River Cruises and Ocean Cruises

To many people, ocean cruises and river cruises both fall squarely into the ‘cruising’ category, with little in the way of separation. While these two different methods of water travel might seem similar, they have far more differences than similarities.

From the size of the ship to the focus of the cruise, the differences between a river cruise and an ocean cruise are incredible. Read on to learn the four most important differences to consider before you book a cruise for your family this year.

1. Ocean cruises are all about the boat

Many ocean cruises spend days travelling from one destination to another, making the boat far more of an attraction than the destination itself. Because of this, most cruise ships have incredible facilities, ranging from swimming pools to casinos.

On a river cruise, the focus of the experience is different. With shorelines visible at all times, the focus of a river cruise is far less about the boat itself – which is always smaller than an oceangoing cruise ship – but the beautiful scenery out the window.

If incredible facilities, exotic casinos, and a luxurious onboard experience are what you’re looking for, an ocean cruise is sure to satisfy. However, if culture and scenery are your idea of a great holiday, a river cruise is more likely to suit your tastes.

2. River cruises are far more personal

Oceangoing cruise ships range from large to gigantic, boasting hundreds of rooms and facilities that make five-star hotels seem small. River cruise ships, on the other hand, tend to be smaller and more personal vessels.

Instead of giant dining halls, travellers on river cruise ships can enjoy a much more personal experience. Far from being a limiting factor, the smaller size of the ship is an excellent quality that enhances the experience of a European river cruise.

3. Ocean cruises can be rough and stormy

If you often feel seasick, an ocean cruise might not be for you. While ocean cruises frequently encounter stormy weather and serious waves, river cruises are largely protected from extreme weather by their surroundings.

While the ocean experience is certainly exhilarating, travellers seeking a blend of culture, natural beauty, and peaceful conditions will probably enjoy a river cruise more than a cruise on the ocean.

4. River cruises drop you right in the action

Even coastal destinations are often out of reach for oceangoing vessels. Due to the size of most cruise ships, many need to dock at ports that are far away from their destinations, forcing travellers into a long and boring coach journey.

This article was written by Shearings Holidays. From Cologne to Budapest, Danube river cruises with Shearings allow you to exit the ship right into your favourite European destinations.

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Photo by motiqua on Flickr

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The Rise of the River Cruise

From the Rhine to the Danube, river cruises are quickly becoming the best way to see Europe’s finest rivers. These relaxing yet interesting trips take visitors to some of the Continent’s most intriguing cities, through some of its best scenery, and past many of its most impressive castles and historical monuments.

For a long time, however, it wasn’t this way. River cruises have historically come in second place for travellers, falling behind their oceangoing alternatives in terms of amenities and adventure. Over the last decade, the balance has changed, with more people than ever before travelling down Europe’s most impressive rivers.

Popular destinations include the Danube – the Continent’s second-longest river, and a major biodiversity hot spot – and the Rhine. The Danube itself passes beside a long list of European capitals and cultural hot spots, giving it an adventurous appeal that many tourists believe is missing on the traditional European holiday.

After all, how many other cruises let you visit Vienna, Budapest, and the UNESCO World Heritage City of Regensburg from a single ship? While ocean cruises are all about enjoying the incredible views, river cruises combine scenery and culture to create a very appealing package for travellers.

The cruise ships themselves are part of the appeal. No longer the compact cruisers of previous decades, today’s river cruises are incredibly modern. Satellite TVs and Internet access allow even the most technology addicted to relax and unwind, and live bands and group entertainment make the ships a very social environment.

Then there’s the setting – some of Europe’s most magnificent rivers. With another incredible attracting waiting around every bend in the river, trips along the Rhine and Danube are packed with activity. Stop at castles and remote wineries, or visit some of Central Europe’s most exciting cultural centres and historical cities.

In many ways, river cruises are replacing the heavily marketed ocean cruises that attracted passengers en mass over the last 20 years. The ships are newer, with a selection of incredible features, and the destinations truly remarkable. The river cruise experience, it seems, appeals to a huge audience of modern travellers.

From Cologne to Vienna, Budapest to Antwerp, no other form of European travel makes it so easy to see the Continent’s highlights. Enjoy the best of Europe with a stress-free holiday this year – forget the traditional ways to travel and make your way around Europe on a relaxing, interesting, and very rewarding river cruise.

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Photo by tambako on Flickr

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About Seek Your Trip

Here at Seek Your Trip, we post twice-weekly articles that will get your travel juices flowing. The idea is to inspire you to get out there and explore far-flung places and unusual cultures.