Ocean or River: Where Would You Rather Cruise?

As Christopher Cross’ song goes, “Sailing takes me away to where I've always heard it could be.” Cruising can be a new adventure or can become a way of life – a continuous journey to ports of call all over the world.

Let the award-winning travel consultants at Riverdale Travel help you decide and book your river or ocean cruise. Get ready to experience all sorts of inclusive options depending on your budget or travel style

We’ve compiled a list of things to consider when you’re trying to choose between a river or ocean cruise. Contact us with your cruising questions!

Should You Look at Ocean or River Cruise Lines?

Ocean cruise lines seem to take the spotlight when it comes to TV advertising. This is probably because ocean cruises appeal to families with spring break and summer vacations in mind. 

River cruises focus more on longer travel times, tend to cater more to history buffs, romantics, and adult groups, and everything is smaller in comparison to ocean cruises. 

Take a glance at these considerations!

Choose Ocean Cruising for Families

From Disney to Carnival to Princess to Royal Caribbean – to name just a few – today’s giant ocean cruise lines focus their itineraries on families, which is usually why travelers choose these types of cruises for even their larger family reunions. 

The gargantuan cruise ships of today will never leave your kids bored. There are activities galore onboard and a vast variety of land excursions to fit any member of the family, regardless of physical activity level. Ocean cruises truly make an ideal family vacation. 

Oh, and in case parents want a little alone time, there are a few adults-only sanctuaries included on most ships!

Want a Completely Adults-Only Ocean Cruise?

There are also ocean cruises for adults only, so if you’re planning a quiet romantic honeymoon and prefer to spend time together holding hands and strolling on the beaches without any children around, try cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas, which features extraordinary all-inclusive options if budget is not an issue. Vacation packages typically include airfare, complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays, two- or three-night land packages, all meals and beverages, free shore excursions, and more. 

Or try Virgin Voyages, another cruise line focusing on an adults-only experience, whether it’s couples or groups of adult friends.

What Does a River Cruise Have to Offer?

If being around too many travelers gives you some anxiety, then river cruising is likely a better option for you. River cruise ships are much smaller, carrying just a few hundred travelers or less, whereas ocean cruise ships hold thousands. 

But don’t worry – you’ll find that the atmosphere is quite social, so you quickly get to make new friends!

Fewer Restaurants & Fewer Activities

Because it is a smaller vessel, there are fewer restaurants – sometimes only one or two. Buffet-style breakfast and lunch are the standards, with a sit-down dinner.  

River cruise boats don’t have activities galore as in larger ocean cruise ships. You might find a cooking demo, quiz game, or even a small music ensemble for nightly entertainment.

River Cruises Offer Daily Excursions

River cruising is ideal if you like to physically explore and/or are a self-proclaimed history buff. River cruises are port intensive, and you'll visit at least one new destination each day. 

There are no “open sea days,” like you usually see with ocean cruise itineraries.

Nature Loving & Physical Options

In addition to historical land tours, river cruise lines have options for active travelers, such as guided bicycle rides, hikes, golf, kayaking, running tours, and plenty of activities, including cooking and art classes.

Overall, river cruising has a more intimate setting, ideal for couples or adult groups–younger generations may not find age-targeted activities onboard to keep them busy 24/7. In addition, some river cruise lines may not allow small children.

Let Riverdale Travel Plan Your Water Voyage!

Trust in Riverdale’s experienced award-winning consultants to set you sailing! Let us know your travel dates, budget, your preferred destinations, and the ages of your traveling party, and we’ll do the rest!

If you have a special occasion such as a reunion, wedding, anniversary, or just friends getting together, we’ll book everything, including your airfare. Call us at 763-323-3665 today!