Cruise vs Riverboat – Things to Know

Going on a cruise vacation is one of the best experiences, no matter your age. However, there are different types of cruises available, including river and ocean cruises, that you can choose from accordingly. If you’ve never been on a cruise before, you might find yourself unsure which better suits your vacation needs. Both cruise options have unique features and provide benefits, so learning about them is the best way to find the right cruise.

Size and Passenger Capacity

Ocean cruises offer a diverse range of experiences. Some are smaller yachts equipped with limited yet luxurious or practical facilities, while others are massive ships designed to accommodate thousands of passengers and crew, complete with entertainment venues and various onboard activities.

• Smaller ocean cruisers can access ports that larger ones cannot, and often spend more time at each destination. Although there are onboard activities, the opportunity to explore each stop enhances your international travel experiences.
• Conversely, larger ocean cruises typically offer similar experiences. However, they are ideal for travelers, including seniors, who enjoy socializing, as they can get the opportunity to interact with many fellow passengers on board.

A riverboat tour, including those for older adults, can be a great way to explore a destination through its historic waterways. These tours offer a more intimate setting, typically accommodating between 40 and 200 passengers. If you prefer a quieter, all-inclusive, and more personalized experience, you can consider this an option.

Amenities and Activities

If you prefer a dynamic atmosphere filled with features like pools, casinos, Broadway-themed entertainment, and gourmet dining, an ocean cruise is the perfect choice. The large size of cruise ships allows them to provide all these amenities and more.

In contrast, river cruises offer a more refined experience focused on relaxation. Instead of the excitement of waterslides, you can unwind in cozy lounges. These cruises also provide open-air decks that let you soak in exquisite scenery as you travel through the waters.

Wait Times

River cruises are typically smaller, which also means shorter wait times for various activities. For instance, you can quickly secure a reservation at their onboard restaurants or for shows. It also means less waiting time to disembark at the port.

In contrast, the most popular larger ocean cruises offer many amenities but can accommodate thousands of passengers. Consequently, you are likely to encounter significantly longer wait times for onboard entertainment and dinner reservations.

Meal Times

On an ocean cruise, the meals are generally available around the clock. So, if you like to wake up early for a coffee, have a late-night meal, or enjoy some ice cream at unusual hours, you can do so without any hassles.

On the other hand, a river cruise typically does not offer 24-hour food services. Meals are scheduled at specific times, and limited options may be available during certain hours. So, you might have to pack some personal snacks for the night when you board a river cruise.

Accommodation

An ocean cruise has many staterooms (inside cabins) that are situated towards the interior of the ship. However, standard rooms typically do not have windows or an outside view. Cabins that include windows or balconies tend to be more expensive.

In contrast, river cruise cabins may be smaller than those on an ocean cruise, but they are usually located along the perimeter of the ship and often come with a window at the basic room rate.

Port Visits

An ocean cruise usually makes fewer port visits during its journey because most stops are planned at larger tourist destinations. Additionally, the larger size of ocean cruise ships often prevents them from docking at smaller ports with shallower waters.

River cruises offer more frequent port visits, allowing you to explore new destinations almost every other day, including smaller, less-visited towns. This is also made possible by the smaller size of the boat, and its ability to navigate inland waterways. So, if you prefer spending more time on land and less on the ship, a river cruise is likely the best option for you. However, it is important to note that this may limit the number of onboard activities available.

Excursions

At port, river cruise management may collaborate with local guides to provide ethnic experiences or walking tours for travelers. You will also get the opportunity to explore the city at your own pace. Most standard tours are typically covered in the basic fare of a river cruise, but additional costs will incur extra charges.

On an ocean cruise, however, docking opens up an avenue of excursions, which can vary based on the destination of your cruise. Since an ocean cruise is more focused on onboard amenities, excursions at each destination are often charged heavily. But you could always look for deals and discounts when pre-booking your cruise to maximize the value of your trip. And while on excursion, remember to download and use an expense tracker app so that you have your spends in check.

These factors should help determine whether you should book an ocean or river cruise. But remember, the points mentioned above only loosely represent the experience aboard any cruise.

Quick Summary Table

Here’s a quick summary table with some common differences between a river and an ocean cruise.

Note – These features may vary based on different cruise and river tour companies. Please contact the respective brands for additional information.