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What are the differences between a river cruise and ocean cruise



differences between a river cruise and ocean cruise
Parliament building in Budapest

I get this question frequently so here are a few of the main differences. Big ship ocean cruising and river cruising offer distinct experiences, catering to different travel styles and preferences.

1. Size and Passenger Capacity

  • Big Ship Ocean Cruising: Large cruise ships can accommodate thousands of passengers, often ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 guests.

  • River Cruising: Riverboats are much smaller, usually carrying 100 to 200 passengers, creating a more intimate experience. Luxury river cruises have around 125 passengers.

2. Destinations and Ports

  • Big Ship Ocean Cruising: Stops at major coastal cities and exotic island destinations worldwide, such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska.

  • River Cruising: Navigates inland waterways like the Danube, Rhine, Douro, and Mekong, allowing passengers to visit historic cities, quaint towns, and scenic countryside.

3. Ship Features and Amenities

  • Big Ship Ocean Cruising: Offers large-scale entertainment, multiple restaurants, casinos, water parks, theaters, shopping malls, and extensive onboard activities.

  • River Cruising: More relaxed and culturally immersive, featuring open-air decks, fine dining, and shore excursions focused on history, culture, and local experiences.

4. Excursions and Shore Time

  • Big Ship Ocean Cruising: Typically spends shorter periods in each port (a few hours to a full day), often requiring tenders to shore.

  • River Cruising: Docks in city centers, making it easy for passengers to walk off the ship and explore towns and landmarks with longer stays. Luxury river cruises have 3 or 4 shore excursions included in the price so you do not have to pay extra for shore excursion like you pay on big ships.

5. Motion and Stability

  • Big Ship Ocean Cruising: Can be affected by rough seas and occasional motion sickness.

  • River Cruising: Sails on calm, inland rivers with minimal movement, making it a smoother experience.

6. Dining and Atmosphere

  • Big Ship Ocean Cruising: Offers a wide variety of cuisines, including buffets, specialty restaurants, and formal dining.

  • River Cruising: Provides gourmet dining focused on local flavors, often with regional wines and dishes inspired by the destinations visited.

7. Entertainment and Activities

  • Big Ship Ocean Cruising: Features Broadway-style shows, nightclubs, live music, and numerous recreational activities.

  • River Cruising: Emphasizes enrichment programs such as wine tastings, historical lectures, and local cultural performances.

8. Overall Travel Style


 
 
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