Cruise Comparison
A sea of difference,
or a river of calm.
Two very different kinds of holiday.
Ocean and river cruising both let you unpack once and wake up somewhere new, but that is about where the similarities end. Ocean ships are floating resorts with sea days and big onboard entertainment; river ships are small, intimate, and destination-obsessed, docking right in the heart of town. Choosing between them comes down to how you want to spend your days.
Match with a quick rule of thumb: if you want a vacation of onboard variety and long relaxing sea days, think ocean. If you want to wake up in a different European town each morning and step off the ship onto the street, think river.
Side by side
Ocean vs. river, one glance.
| What | Ocean cruise | River cruise |
|---|---|---|
| Ship size | Large ocean-going ships, from roughly 1,000 to several thousand guests | Small, intimate river ships, typically 100 to 200 guests |
| Pace of the trip | Sea days between ports; the ship is a floating destination | A new town or city nearly every day, with the port steps from the ship |
| Onboard focus | Theatres, pools, casinos, many restaurants, and constant activity | Destination-focused watching the riverscape glide by |
| Landing in port | Often docks far from town or tenders in; rooms may be booked or buses arranged | Usually docks right in the heart of town, steps from the old center |
| All-inclusive feel | Fare covers lodging, dining, and basics; excursions and drinks are often extra | Feels more all-inclusive, with many excursions, mealtime drinks and tips included |
Classic rivers
The rivers most cruised.
Four rivers carry most of the world\u2019s river cruising, each with its own landscape and pace.
Rhine
Castle-dotted shores, terraced vineyards, and cities from Amsterdam to Switzerland.
Danube
A long artery through Bavaria, Vienna, Budapest, and into the Balkans.
Seine
Northern France from Paris to the Normandy coast.
Douro
Portugal’s steep, terraced wine country from Porto inland.
Not sure if you are a sea person or a river person?
Describe the pace you love and the sights you will not skip, and a Destination Engineer will steer you toward the ocean ship or the river vessel that fits, with no cost to you.