Wondering whether you should take a river cruise or an ocean cruise on your upcoming holiday? Although both offer the convenience of boarding in one port and traveling to others without having to unpack and repack, they do have key differences. And depending upon the type of couple you are, you will favor one experience over the other.

Check out the tables below to see how these two types of ships compare.

	OCEAN CRUISE	RIVER CRUISE
Number of Passengers	1,000-5,400	Under 200
Types of Passengers	Couples, families with kids,  multi-generational groups	Couples traveling childfree
Age Range	Babies to grandparents	Boomers and older
Atmosphere	People everywhere	Uncrowded
Children's Programs	Yes	No
Staff	Efficient (you'll rarely see the same individual twice)	Personal (they'll learn your name and preferences before you disembark)

 

Note: For the purposes of this article, Quantum of the Seas is used to represent an ocean cruise line and AmaCerto is an example of a river cruise.

SAILING

What would you like to see when you look out the window?

	OCEAN CRUISE	RIVER CRUISE
Destinations	Coastal cities and islands	River cities and towns
Where's the Water?	Far below	Eye level on lowest deck and locks may be close enough to touch (but don't!)
Views/Scenery	Rarely changes: horizon, sunrise, sunset	Constantly changes: shoreline, land, villages
Top Speed	41 km/hour	25 km/hour

 

INDOORS & OUT

Is bigger better... or is small beautiful?

	OCEAN CRUISE	RIVER CRUISE
Decks	18	4
Wi-fi	Fee, except on newest ships	Free
Fresh Air	Balcony cabins, perimeter of outer decks, top deck	Balcony cabins and top deck

 

DINING

Do you appreciate variety... or do you prefer getting to know other passengers?

	OCEAN CRUISE	RIVER CRUISE
Eateries	Multiple restaurants and flexible dining hours	Two restaurants and set meal times
Variety	Many different places to eat, some for a fee	2-3 entrée choices at lunch and dinner
Tables for Two?	Yes	No

 

ONBOARD

How do you want to spend your days (and nights?)

	OCEAN CRUISE	RIVER CRUISE
Sea Days	Some	None
Public Spaces	Many	Lounge
Play	Casino	Game room
Swimming Pool	Yes	Yes
Activities	Many options	Bring a book
Upsells (wine, art, photos)	Many	Few
Evening Entertainment	Glitzy shows with special effects	Modest, middlebrow musicians

 

PORT CALLS

Will you sail more for the experience on the ship — or what you can discover in port?

	OCEAN CRUISE	RIVER CRUISE
Docked	Depart in assigned groups; tender may be needed	Walk off ship
Shore Excursions	Most have a fee attached	Included in rate
On Land	Shopping in port	Walking tour

 

MISCELLANEOUS

These may also affect your decision.

	OCEAN CRUISE	RIVER CRUISE
Seasickness?	Possible on open, choppy water	Unlikely
In Case of Emergency	Doctor and/or nurse on board	First-aid kit and close to shore
Cost	Cheap to expensive, depending on length of cruise and cabin	Expensive

 

MAJOR PLAYERS

Cruising's popularity continues to grow, with new ships arriving every year.

	OCEAN CRUISE	RIVER CRUISE
Examples	Quantum of the Seas	AmaCerto
Recommended Lines	Royal Caribbean Celebrity Cunard Holland America Princess	Viking River Cruises AmaWaterways Scenic Cruises Avalon Waterways CroisiEurope

 

Explore more:

Cruises for Couples

Cruise Line Directory

Yes, You Can Afford a Cruise!