The argument between river and ocean cruises is not that old. Although river cruises may be very picturesque, they may be vying for supremacy in the cruise business, which has historically been dominated by ocean cruises. You may be wondering, however, what a river cruise can provide that an ocean cruise cannot, and vice versa.
I’ve always been interested in river cruises, but I didn’t really decide to take one out until I learned about the Essence of Burgundy Wine Cruise, which takes place later this year. Saône and Rhône, two of the best rivers in Europe for river cruises, are the destinations of this seven-night trip. Theodora Lee, a Black lawyer and the creator of Theopolis Vineyards, is hosting.
Theodora and I got to know one another at the Association of African American Vintners’ 20th Anniversary Symposium in Oakland, Northern California, last year. AmaWaterways specializes on wine cruises and has hosted several wine hosts. Theodora Lee, however, will be the first Black woman to present wine. She is also taking her own bottle of wine on the trip. Theopolis Vineyards is well-known for their wonderful Petit Syrah!
I made the decision to learn all there is to know about the distinctions between river and ocean cruises in order to prepare for the small group tour I will be leading on this voyage. My excitement to take a river cruise has definitely increased after learning more about them. You may be motivated to add river sailing to your list of things to do!
A River Cruise: What Is It?
Naturally, the answer to the question “what is a river cruise?” is simple: it’s a river holiday. That being said, the term isn’t limited to rivers. Lakes also qualify as any body of water that is inland is fair game. A short excursion into open waters where the river empties into the sea may also be included in some of the most picturesque river cruises.
Ocean vs. River Cruise: Dimensions
Smaller and Cozier Are River Cruise Ships
The size of the ship is the most obvious distinction between river and ocean trips. Because rivers travel narrower and shallower waters than oceans, river boats must be substantially smaller than their ocean counterparts.
River cruises seldom carry more than 200 people. Less than 100 people may go on certain opulent river cruises! In keeping with this, river cruise ships often have fewer rooms and smaller cabins than ocean cruise ships. Positively, most river cruise ships offer windows in every stateroom.
Cruise ships on the ocean are bigger and livelier.
You are aware of how enormous ocean cruise ships are if you have ever seen or been on one. Many times, thousands of people may go on ocean cruises. The capacity of even the smallest ones are in the upper hundreds.
Ocean cruise ships also offer bigger rooms and suites than river cruise ships, even if they have more cabins overall. But as was already said, rooms on river cruise ships often include windows or balconies. “Inside cabins” on ocean cruises are windowless.
River Cruise vs. Ocean Cruise: Activities While Aboard
There’s Always Something to Do on an Ocean Cruise
What you do on a river trip varies greatly from what you would do on an ocean cruise. Many “days at sea,” or days spent sailing to your next location, are included on ocean cruises. These days, there is a lot for travelers to see and do. Large pools, many stores, spectacular live entertainment, and other activities are common features of ocean cruises.
There’s Not As Much to Do on Board River Cruises
However, there aren’t many days at sea on river cruises since the majority of the sailing is done at night. This means that there aren’t many onboard activities on river cruises, in addition to their smaller size. A few entertainment events, including wine tastings and little musical groups, could take place.
Nonetheless, there are a few really lovely rivers where daytime sailing is permitted. Some spectacular river cruises, particularly those in Europe, allow you to spend many days taking in the breathtaking views as you go by.
Cruises on rivers vs oceans: Itineraries & Tours
On river cruises, the ports are the stars of the show.
Don’t begin to believe that river trips are dull; rather the contrary! You will have the whole day to visit the ports if you sail at night and land early in the morning. As a matter of fact, you probably will visit a different place every day.
A river cruise’s schedule often begins in a big or medium-sized city; for the Essence of Burgundy trip that I will be doing in November, this would be Arles. Still, a lot of the visits will be in smaller towns and cities.
Because river cruise ships may dock at smaller ports, they can often make stops at more charming areas. This is particularly true while taking river cruises in Europe. I’m excited to sail into Viviers, a little, quaint town where we’ll be visiting a truffle farm, on the trip!
Tours and excursions are often included in the cost of river cruises. THIS IS MASSIVE! These are often centered largely on culture and history. Additionally, travelers on these cruises get a daily selection of trips to pick from. Not only am I looking forward to the chocolate and red wine tasting on Day 5 of the Essence of Burgundy cruise, but that day will also include a bike and hiking trip!
On most ocean cruises, tours to the port cities are not included.
The stops that may be included on an itinerary for an ocean cruise are more constrained. Large ports are a physical need for them to dock. Additionally, the places they visit must be big enough to unexpectedly hold thousands more visitors in a single day!
Additionally, there won’t be as many, if any, trips and excursions offered. The staff may assist you in planning on-land activities for you and your party, although pre-arranged trips are often not included by the cost of the ticket. I’ve done a lot of ocean cruises, so I know how much these tours cost! That’s why I sometimes simply stroll around the harbor, hehe
Comparing River and Ocean Cruises for Dining and Drinking
There Are More Restaurant Options on Ocean Cruises
The quantity of restaurants on ocean cruises is one area where river trips are clearly superior. It is very conceivable to go on an ocean cruise and dine at a different restaurant every day, depending on how long the voyage is. Themes and cuisines will be widely diversified. There will also be many bars, each with a unique menu.
The fact that alcohol is often not included in the price of an ocean cruise is a drawback, however. In fact, sometimes dinners will not even contain non-alcoholic beverages. You’ll need to be proactive and ask about drink bargains and packages that certain ocean cruises provide. This is an additional expenditure to think about!
River Cruises Offer More Features but Less Options
Due to their tiny size, river cruises often only have one or two dining options. There will be one large restaurant and maybe a smaller one as well. For evening alone, the restaurants often provide a la carte menus. On river cruises, breakfast and lunch are usually served buffet style. There will often be one combo bar and lounge on river trips.
Though there aren’t as many dining options, river cruises provide both more local delicacies and fresher, more refined cuisine since the chefs are able to visit the shore every day. The poor quality of the cuisine on cruises is one of the main complaints I hear about them. The great cuisine served on river cruises is one of the most common comments I receive! I’m eager to give this a try for myself.
Comparing river cruises to ocean cruises, river cruises are often more “all-inclusive.” On river cruises, alcoholic drinks are almost usually served during lunch and supper. This might have many levels, with the premium beverages only coming with an upgraded bundle.
Age Restrictions for Ocean vs. River Cruises
Age Restrictions Are Seldom Applied to Ocean Cruises
You should think about the age restrictions on cruises. Generally speaking, there are no limits on ocean cruises. Even childcare is provided on many ocean cruise companies; however, some require a minimum age for the kid to be placed in daycare.
Many river cruises have an age requirement.
Regarding age restrictions, river trips are all-new. Depending on the region, AmaWaterways, the cruise company I’ll be traveling with, has different minimum age requirements. It falls between 4 and 12. You will discover that when it comes to river cruises, these sorts of age restrictions and limitations are the same everywhere. They are thus not the best choice for families taking little children or infants on vacation.
Comparing River and Ocean Cruises: Motion Sickness
This may not seem like a big deal to some, but to others, it may be the difference between choosing a river cruise and an ocean cruise.
If you’re prone to seasickness, you may already be avoiding cruises in general. But compared to ocean cruises, river cruises provide an entirely different experience. Compared to sailing on the ocean, there is less danger of experiencing seasickness while sailing on a river.
