Some say this style of cruising is compared to a moving mall, these ships tend to carry anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 thousand passengers. Now a ship that carries 6,000 (Royal Caribbean Symphony of Seas). With more of a focus on the onboard entertainment, these ships offer you big production shows, high energy activities, casinos, many restaurants and other things you can’t imagine on a boat like a rock climbing wall or go-cart track.

COMPANIES THAT OFFER OCEAN:

• Carnival
• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruise
• Royal Caribbean

A growing way of traveling since 2017, River Cruising is widely known for itineraries to places that Ocean vessels can’t reach. This makes for a much more intimate experience, being dropped off within walking distance to exquisite destinations. River is primarily land days, although there are times of scenic cruising, most of your days are done doing land tours. Below is a list of things you will find on a River Cruise.

1. Itineraries are land intensive
   Most days you will visit a new town/city with tours and excursions. Tours are most likely included, but there is no obligation to go to all of them. The ports are the attractions not necessarily the ships. The focus is more culturally.
2. The boats and cabins are smaller
   The boats tend to fit 200 passengers or fewer offering you a spacious and comfortable ride. With a smaller boat, you will get familiar with other passengers considering there is usually one to two lounges and bars. In most cases, the boats offer one restaurant, breakfast and lunch are buffet, but don’t let that scare you, the food is a staple on your experience. The cabins are smaller, but do not lack home comforts. Everything is there for you, just in a smaller confined space.
3. Entertainment is low-key
   Through personal experience, the entertainment, as mentioned before is way more intimate than ocean cruises and much more low-key. The boats tend to bring on local bands from the port you are stopped at for the night.

COMPANIES THAT OFFER OCEAN:

• AMA Waterways
• Avalon Waterways
• Viking River Cruise

The deciding factor on taking a River or an Ocean cruise is naturally based on what you want to do. If you are looking to be entertained on the boat, see how they fit a waterpark on a boat and try the many restaurants while cruising the coastline of multiple countries, Ocean cruising is what you should do. If you are looking to enjoy a more relaxing boat experience, meet other passengers and have intimate culture packed day excursions you should go on a River Cruise. They both offer unique experiences, something for everyone. The best part is, both are stress free styles of traveling where you only have to unpack once and can easily enjoy multiple destinations.