River cruising and ocean cruising are about as similar as a kayak and an aircraft carrier. Both float. The similarities end there.
Ocean cruising gives you massive ships with 3,000 passengers, rock climbing walls, and Broadway shows. You wake up in a different port every day or two. The ship is the destination. Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas has 19 decks and a Central Park with actual trees.
River cruising puts you on intimate vessels with 100 to 200 guests maximum. No climbing walls or ice rinks. Instead you get panoramic windows in your cabin and dock right in the heart of medieval towns. Viking’s Rhine cruises literally tie up next to castles.
Ocean cruises work for families who want pools, kids clubs, and endless activities. River cruises attract couples and solo travelers who prefer wine tastings to water slides. Ocean cruising costs less per day but nickel and dimes you for everything. River cruising costs more upfront but includes shore excursions, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
The real difference is pace. Ocean cruising feels like a vacation from your vacation by the time you get home. River cruising feels like you actually saw Europe instead of just its gift shops. Both have their place depending on whether you want entertainment or enlightenment.
If you want help sorting this out, that is literally what we do.
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