Cruises - Ocean versus River

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You are considering a cruise and are undecided as to which type to take?   What are the differences?

Both styles of cruises provide a relaxing and affordable way to visit multiple destinations.

Both provide you with accommodations, transportation between destinations, food and drinks while on board the ship, and can both provide an immersive experience.

Both enable you to unpack and pack once.

River Cruises:

- Are destination oriented for a more intimate and immersive experience

- Smaller, cozier and elegant ships.

- Much fewer passengers than ocean bearing ships.  Most max at 200 passengers or less.

- No motion sickness.  You glide down the rivers where there are few if any waves.

- Bring you to the center of villages/towns/cities for convenient access to the sites

- Bring you to a new village/town/city most every day.  May include a day of scenic cruising.  

- Provide you with a different perspective as you see the scenery in a way not achievable by car, bus, or train.

- Provide you with an included excursion at every port of call

- Provide you with regional wine, beer and soda pop at lunch and dinner

- Provide a high level of service and personalized attention

- Cabins/staterooms are roomier than most of those found on an ocean liner

- Casual by day and night.  May be requested to dress in country club casual for dinner depending on the brand

- Limited menu.  Usually a regional choice with a couple of alternatives.

- Mostly flexible dining times.  You can sit where and with whom you choose.

- Higher level of personalized service and attention

- Entertainment is mostly cabaret style (piano player and singer(s).  Most lines invite local talent on board to provide an immersive cultural experience.  

Ocean Cruises

- Large ships with more amenities on board.

- More flexibility.   You can pick and choose where and how you want to spend your money once the cruise itself has been determined and paid for.  

- Offer swimming pools, casinos, spas, salons and gyms on most all ships.  Dependent on brand.

- More dining options and choices.

- Take you greater distances

- More cabin/stateroom options or selections

- Entertainment usually includes Broadway or Vegas-like shows and productions.  Comedians, magicians, large bands, more music/dancing venue choices.

- Geared more towards families with young children

Summary:

All the above can vary by cruise line and ship, but gives you a good idea of what you can expect from each.

You must be mindful as a lot depends on where you want to go, the type of experience and what you want included in the price.   Your budget constraints.

It is best to discuss your personal preferences and expectations with a well-traveled travel advisor who can best match you to the most perfect experience that you are desiring.

Cruise Planners, Linda Kolanko, has sailed on both types of cruising, and can best guide you to the most perfect vacation experience that you are desiring.  Saving you time, potential hassles and worries.  Elevating your experience to enable you to come home with fond and pleasant memories from a personalized and hand-crafted vacation just for you.