River Cruise vs Ocean Cruise
STORY BY PAUL HUGHES - 2018
The two big differences between ocean cruising and river cruising around the world are the ships and the destinations.
Ocean cruises are amazing - they usually cover many continents; dock at a different port each day so you can experience many countries in a short period; and include “at sea” days, which give you a chance to relax, recuperate and fully enjoy the ship, which is usually a huge experience in itself.
Most also dock at what we regard as the “outer edge” of the country, where the land meets the ocean.
River cruises explore mainly inland destinations, often hundreds of kilometres from the ocean, and rarely have days where you don’t stop at a port and spend the day exploring and sight-seeing on land.
This gives river cruising a totally different ambience and atmosphere, not only because waters are calmer and ships are much smaller (although some will take 400+ passengers), but because river cruise companies capitalise on their smaller size to maximise comfort and personal service.
Whether cruising on rivers in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America or North America (USA and Canada), there are some significant differences between ocean cruising and river cruising, so lets take a peek:
Motion sickness: A major consideration for many is that it is rare for river cruise passengers to get sea sick. There are no big swells and most rivers are protected by the surrounding land mass, so even if there is a stiff breeze it will have little impact on ships the size of river cruise vessels.
Size: Speaking of size, while there are some massive rivers in the world they are all much narrower and shallower than our oceans, so river cruising is done on ships that are much smaller, both in length, height and depth. They don’t have up to 16 decks that are hundreds of metres long like the biggest ocean liners (which means there won't include shopping malls, casinos and flying foxes)!
River cruising usually cater for 50 to 200 people, although there is one that caters for over 400 passengers on the Yangtze, but that is not common. Smaller ships help you get to know your fellow passengers better, making it more intimate and also enables more personalised service.
Ocean cruises are amazing - they usually cover many continents; dock at a different port each day so you can experience many countries in a short period; and include “at sea” days, which give you a chance to relax, recuperate and fully enjoy the ship, which is usually a huge experience in itself.
Most also dock at what we regard as the “outer edge” of the country, where the land meets the ocean.
River cruises explore mainly inland destinations, often hundreds of kilometres from the ocean, and rarely have days where you don’t stop at a port and spend the day exploring and sight-seeing on land.
This gives river cruising a totally different ambience and atmosphere, not only because waters are calmer and ships are much smaller (although some will take 400+ passengers), but because river cruise companies capitalise on their smaller size to maximise comfort and personal service.
Whether cruising on rivers in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America or North America (USA and Canada), there are some significant differences between ocean cruising and river cruising, so lets take a peek:
Motion sickness: A major consideration for many is that it is rare for river cruise passengers to get sea sick. There are no big swells and most rivers are protected by the surrounding land mass, so even if there is a stiff breeze it will have little impact on ships the size of river cruise vessels.
Size: Speaking of size, while there are some massive rivers in the world they are all much narrower and shallower than our oceans, so river cruising is done on ships that are much smaller, both in length, height and depth. They don’t have up to 16 decks that are hundreds of metres long like the biggest ocean liners (which means there won't include shopping malls, casinos and flying foxes)!
River cruising usually cater for 50 to 200 people, although there is one that caters for over 400 passengers on the Yangtze, but that is not common. Smaller ships help you get to know your fellow passengers better, making it more intimate and also enables more personalised service.
Cabins: While river cruise vessels generally have smaller cabins than ocean ships, the amenities are usually outstanding, particularly on ships launched in the last few years. Your choices can range from standard cabins - which are like a small hotel room with quality beds, bathroom, toiletries, tv, safe and adequate storage - right through to a full suite with balconies and verandahs, your own personal butler, and much more.
Every river cruise line is different - often even with significant differences between ships in the same company - so it is important to double check your selection before booking.
Most river cruise company websites have cabin and deck layouts, with many including walkthrough videos.
Destinations: Ocean cruises usually include a few days at sea, arrive at a destination in the morning and leave in the afternoon or evening. River cruises visit a new destination every day, and will sometimes go to more than one port in a day. River cruises generally include port excursions in the fare, but check your particular cruise before you book. Because the “at port” time is much higher on river cruises it is important to pace yourself and perhaps allow for a few early nights.
Meals: Ocean cruises have massive buffets and multiple dining options. While meals on river cruises are equally delicious, they cannot offer the same flexibility. Most river cruises have a “sit where you like” policy but, due to having smaller kitchens, only have one sitting for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The majority of river cruise lines include all meals in the fare, with many also covering all drinks and gratuities - check your specific cruise to be sure.
Entertainment: Unlike ocean cruises you are always in sight of land on a river cruise, so the main entertainment is your surroundings and the friendships you forge with other travelers. At most there will only be 400 or so passengers on board and there might even be less than 50, depending on your destination!
Every river cruise line is different - often even with significant differences between ships in the same company - so it is important to double check your selection before booking.
Most river cruise company websites have cabin and deck layouts, with many including walkthrough videos.
Destinations: Ocean cruises usually include a few days at sea, arrive at a destination in the morning and leave in the afternoon or evening. River cruises visit a new destination every day, and will sometimes go to more than one port in a day. River cruises generally include port excursions in the fare, but check your particular cruise before you book. Because the “at port” time is much higher on river cruises it is important to pace yourself and perhaps allow for a few early nights.
Meals: Ocean cruises have massive buffets and multiple dining options. While meals on river cruises are equally delicious, they cannot offer the same flexibility. Most river cruises have a “sit where you like” policy but, due to having smaller kitchens, only have one sitting for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The majority of river cruise lines include all meals in the fare, with many also covering all drinks and gratuities - check your specific cruise to be sure.
Entertainment: Unlike ocean cruises you are always in sight of land on a river cruise, so the main entertainment is your surroundings and the friendships you forge with other travelers. At most there will only be 400 or so passengers on board and there might even be less than 50, depending on your destination!
What to wear: Another difference between ocean and river cruising is the “standard” dress expectations. Most ocean cruises have formal nights, but this is rare on river cruises (except for a captain’s dinner, but even then the dress code is for “dressy casual” rather than formal). When considering what to wear it is worth remembering that you are on the water, so expect the unexpected in sun, rain, wind (and no wind). Have flexibility in your luggage, so you can dress for hot, perhaps muggy weather while still being able to protect yourself from a brisk breeze or rug up quickly in a cold snap, particularly at night.
Top Tip: Apart from everything else, it is important to remember that on a river cruise you are never very far from land. So pack a good pair of binoculars (or even one pair each), as you will glide past hundreds of amazing sights when you are flitting from one port to the next!
Top Tip: Apart from everything else, it is important to remember that on a river cruise you are never very far from land. So pack a good pair of binoculars (or even one pair each), as you will glide past hundreds of amazing sights when you are flitting from one port to the next!