Ocean Cruising vs. River Cruising: Which One Floats Your Boat?

When someone mentions cruising, what comes to mind? Ocean cruising…and a massive floating resort with swimming pools, cocktail bars, endless entertainment and enough food to have you rolling off the ship at the end? Or river cruising…perhaps something a little more civilised, cruising along a beautiful European river, glass of wine in hand, watching castles and little villages go by?

And then, just to confuse things even more, there’s expedition cruising! Think Antarctica, remote islands, wildlife and adventures that take you to places you probably never imagined visiting by ship. But that’s a whole other kettle of fish, so we’ll save that one for another day!

The thing is, not all cruises are created equal. And I don’t just mean the cruise lines themselves. The whole experience can be completely different depending on the type of cruising you choose.

Some people absolutely love the big ships. The entertainment, the restaurants, the activities and the fact that there’s always something happening. Others would rather jump overboard than spend a week surrounded by thousands of people! (Figuratively speaking, of course!)

And that’s the beauty of cruising. There’s something for almost everyone, but finding the right fit makes all the difference.

So, before you book yourself onto a floating city when you’re actually more of a wine-and-castles kind of traveller, let’s look at the differences between ocean and river cruising.

Which one floats your boat? Let’s find out!

Ocean Cruising vs River Cruising: At a Glance.

Size Matters (But Not in the Way You Think)

Let’s talk numbers. Because when it comes to cruising, size really does matter!

River cruises are generally smaller, more intimate affairs, often carrying around 100 to 200 passengers, although this varies depending on the ship and destination. On a river cruise, you’ll often find yourself getting to know the crew and fellow travellers. You might even remember everyone’s name by the end of the trip!

Ocean cruises are on the other hand offers a different experience and come in all shapes and sizes. From smaller luxury vessels carrying just a few hundred guests to enormous floating cities with thousands of fellow cruisers! Some ships focus on luxury and personalised service, while others are packed with restaurants, entertainment and activities, from Broadway-style shows to waterslides and even skydiving simulators on certain ships! Yes, really!

If you’re travelling with the family or a big group, having plenty of options can be a lifesaver. And on the larger ships, there’s always someone new to meet, whether that’s your dinner table neighbour or the person you keep bumping into at the buffet. (Let’s face it, you’ll probably both be back for dessert!)

The important thing to remember? Ultimately, it’s not just about size. The cruise line and ship you choose make all the difference.

The Vibe: Laidback vs. Lively

River cruising is often about slowing down and enjoying the journey. Think beautiful scenery, charming towns, cultural experiences and perhaps a cheeky glass of wine while watching the world go by.

But relaxed doesn’t mean boring! Depending on the cruise line, you could be cycling through vineyards, joining guided walks or exploring fascinating destinations. And with land usually in sight, there’s little chance of feeling like Tom Hanks in Cast Away!

Ocean cruising can be a completely different experience. Some ships are lively floating resorts, complete with waterparks, casinos, nightclubs and enough entertainment to keep you busy for days.

Others are quieter, focusing on fine dining, wellness, fascinating destinations and a more intimate atmosphere.

River cruises generally offer fewer onboard activities, with more emphasis on the destinations themselves.

So, is river cruising always laidback and ocean cruising always lively? Absolutely not!

It all comes down to finding the right ship and itinerary for you. After all, one person’s dream holiday aboard a floating city with 5,000 fellow passengers could be another person’s worst nightmare, especially if the thought of being stuck at sea with 5,000 strangers makes them feel claustrophobic!

Who’s Coming Along?

This one’s big.

Travelling with kids?

Ocean cruising offers plenty of family-friendly options, from kids’ clubs and waterslides to entertainment for all ages. Some ships even have enough activities to keep the kids busy while you enjoy a cocktail in peace!

Looking for a romantic getaway or a more mature crowd?

River cruising could be right up your alley. Fewer kids, smaller groups, and a more relaxed pace so you can actually hear yourself think – or, you know, whisper sweet nothings to your partner over a sunset view.

Cost: Sticker Price vs. What’s Included

River cruises often have a higher upfront price, but many include extras such as selected drinks, guided excursions and sometimes gratuities, depending on the cruise line and fare.

Ocean cruises can offer some fantastic value, but keep an eye on extras like drinks packages, speciality dining and shore excursions, as these can quickly add up.

So, if you like knowing what’s included before you leave home, a river cruise with more inclusions might appeal.

But if you’d rather pick and choose what you spend your money on (duty-free shopping, anyone?), an ocean cruise could offer that flexibility.

Either way, compare what’s included, not just the advertised price!

Where Do You Want to Go?

River cruises are all about exploring destinations from a different perspective. Think Europe’s cobblestoned towns, Asia’s ancient temples and Australia’s beautiful Murray River.

With frequent stops, you can often step off the ship and straight into the heart of a destination.

Ocean cruises open up another world of possibilities, from Caribbean islands and Alaskan glaciers to the Mediterranean and even Antarctica on specialised expedition voyages.

Want to wake up in a different country, explore tropical islands or cruise past towering glaciers? Ocean cruising opens up a world of possibilities, taking you across seas and oceans to destinations far beyond the reach of a river cruise!

Still Unsure?

Ask yourself a few questions:

• Who is coming along, and what are their ages?
• Where do you want to go and what time of year?
• Do you love having plenty of activities onboard, or prefer something more intimate and relaxed?
• Are you looking to immerse yourself in local culture, enjoy the onboard experience, or a bit of both?
• What’s included in your cruise fare? And would you rather avoid a nasty surprise when the drinks bill arrives at the end?

Let’s Find Your Perfect Cruise

Still torn? Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for.

Whether you’re dreaming of an ocean voyage packed with adventure or a serene river cruise filled with charm, we’ll help you navigate the options and find the right fit.

Fancy having a look at what’s out there? Browse cruise holidays, itineraries and offers through our Connected Travel Cruise Collection.

Or, if you’d rather have someone help you navigate the options, get in touch and we’ll connect you with one of our cruise specialists.

So, what’s it going to be? Oceans-deep or rivers-wide? Let’s make it happen!