River cruises vs ocean cruising - what you need to know
If you're new to cruising or someone who has always stuck to either river cruises or ocean cruises, you might be curious about the difference between the two types of travel. The fact is that both offer some incredible opportunities and unmissable experiences; of course, though, there are differences between the two and many aspects that contrast with one another.
So, while you're browsing the latest cruise deals or checking out all the upcoming river cruise offers available, find out more about the difference between river cruising and ocean cruising below!
The destinations you visit are different
This might sound like an obvious point to make, but it's important to keep in mind when choosing a river cruise over an ocean cruise – or vice versa!
There aren't many crossovers when it comes to the destinations you can travel to on a river cruise and an ocean cruise. While ocean-bound cruise ships skirt the coast of incredible countries, visiting stunning destinations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska, and beyond, river cruises venture inland across Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia, exploring a completely different selection of ports.
Barbados, in the Caribbean, and Vienna, along the Danube River
In addition to this, you'll often find yourself in a new destination every day on a river cruise, with the ship itself sailing overnight. Meanwhile, on ocean cruises, you may find yourself with more than one consecutive sea day – depending on where you are in the world, and where you're going next. So, it's worth considering the intensity of adventure you're after when booking your cruise; you'll find port-heavy itineraries available on ocean cruises, but river cruises are often more destination-heavy.
You'll encounter different activities on board
With the above in mind, and taking into account the size difference between ocean-bound cruise ships and river cruise ships, it should come as no surprise to learn that ocean cruise ships will typically offer a lot more onboard activities and attractions than river cruise ships.
While you'll usually find a plunge pool and fitness centre on a river cruise ship, and possibly some spa facilities, an ocean cruise ship typically features all of these and more. From Formula One simulators on MSC Cruises' ships and ice rinks aboard select ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet to thrilling waterparks, theatre venues, casinos, and so much more, there's no denying that you'll encounter far more onboard activities on an ocean-bound cruise. So, this is something worth considering when choosing the right type of cruise for you –especially if you'll be cruising with children.
The atmosphere onboard will differ too
On an ocean cruise ship, you're more likely to find a family-friendly, exciting atmosphere – particularly on larger ocean cruise ships. This is something you simply won't find on river cruise ships, which are significantly smaller and typically lack family-friendly activities or attractions.
With more guests, more attractions, more places to eat, and more entertainment to enjoy, ocean cruise ships are a fantastic option for families and travellers looking for fun and thrills between destinations. If, though, you want a more relaxed onboard experience and a cruise holiday where you can spend your time unwinding in the sunshine, then a river cruise may just be the better option for you.
River cruise ships typically feature a much lower passenger count, often with just one lounge area and one main restaurant. This lends itself to a calmer ambience and – arguably – a more refined atmosphere. Having said this, several cruise lines offer luxury cruises with a similar feel, thanks to their smaller ships and refined onboard experiences.
Your dining options will differ dramatically
In a similar fashion to the other facilities available, the dining options you'll encounter on an ocean cruise ship will be far more varied than those typically found on a river cruise ship. Those travelling with children, or foodies who prefer to have a plethora of options each evening, may prefer to explore the world on an ocean cruise ship; the bigger ocean cruise ships sailing today can – in some cases – feature upwards of 40 dining options!
On ocean cruise ships, you'll find casual dining venues, fine dining restaurants, and eateries that focus on a particular cuisine. Depending on the cruise ship, this can range from Spanish-style sharing platters and tapas to freshly made sushi, French fine dining fare, and more.
In comparison, river cruise ships typically feature just one main restaurant, and occasionally a second, more intimate, dining experience where tasting menus are served. The main restaurant on a river cruise ship typically serves a small à la carte menu with a focus on regional cuisines and local flavours. Home to a refined dining experience, but one that's more casual than the fine dining restaurants you'll encounter on ocean-bound cruise ships, the meals you'll enjoy on a river cruise ship are always sensational. There is a very limited choice in comparison, so it's certainly worth considering before booking.
It's always engaging, but the entertainment can vary
On river cruise ships, the entertainment you encounter will be intimate and immersive, often focusing on culturally rewarding experiences like live music, presentations from local experts, and regional folk dancing shows. These experiences are typically hosted in the main lounge space on board, which is often one of the few social areas on river cruise ships. That, though, can often be the extent of the entertainment you encounter on a river cruise ship.
Ocean cruise ships, however, offer a lot more. While the immersive entertainment you encounter on a river cruise ship will also typically be available on an ocean cruise ship, you'll find this complementing a robust entertainment programme that includes multiple entertainment venues, theatrical stage productions, stand-up comedy shows, interactive entertainment experiences, and so much more. The specific entertainment you'll find on an ocean cruise ship depends on the ship and cruise line you're sailing with, but you'll have a lot more to choose from on these larger ships. So, if you're someone who wants to make sure there's more than enough to do when sailing, you may want to opt for an ocean-bound adventure over a river cruise. You typically spend more time sailing on an ocean cruise than you do on a river cruise, though, so you won't necessarily be bored during a river cruise.
In conclusion?
So, which type of cruise should you choose for your next holiday? Well, that largely depends on the type of getaway you're looking for. The differences between ocean cruising and river cruises can be seen as positives or negatives, depending on what you like and dislike; both are excellent experiences that visit some of the world's most stunning places, but they are different.
Where ocean cruises are busier and boast more dining and entertainment options, river cruises offer a more laid-back onboard experience. You may encounter more sea days on an ocean cruise, while river cruises will see you visiting new destinations more frequently – something that can make the holiday as a whole feel busy. And, of course, the specific destinations you can visit on an ocean cruise differ dramatically from those you can visit on a river cruise, even if both are sailing in the same part of the world. Therefore, it's essential to consider both options if you have a specific place in mind that you want to visit.
Ultimately, while cruisers tend to stick with one type of cruise, switching between ocean cruises and river cruises or vice versa can be a refreshing and rewarding experience. It's always worth trying something new, and being open-minded about all options can often lead to unexpected – and unforgettable – experiences.
Book your next adventure with Iglu Cruise today
Ready for an exciting getaway? We know we are! At Iglu Cruise, you'll find a fantastic variety of ocean cruise deals and river cruise deals to choose from, with everything from luxury cruises, family adventures, solo cruising experiences, and all-inclusive packages available alongside bespoke cruise and stay packages, short breaks, and more!
And, for more travel inspiration and insights into cruising, check out this selection of blogs from the Iglu Cruise creative team: