River cruising and ocean cruising are about as similar as a pickup truck and a Ferrari. They both get you places, but the experience is completely different.
Ocean cruises are floating cities. You get 3,000 of your closest friends, Broadway shows, waterslides, and enough food to feed a small nation. River cruises carry 150 people maximum. The biggest entertainment might be a local folk dancer or a wine tasting. No rock climbing walls or bumper cars here.
Ocean ships dock at cruise ports miles from town centers. You spend half your day getting to the actual destination. River ships dock right in the heart of cities. Step off the gangway and you are literally on the main street of Vienna or Cologne.
Ocean cruising costs less up front but nickels and dimes you to death. Drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions, and internet add up fast. River cruises cost more initially but include almost everything. Excursions, most drinks, tips, even internet usually come with the price.
If you want non-stop action, multiple pool decks, and entertainment until 2 AM, ocean cruising wins. If you prefer intimate ships, cultural immersion, and going to bed at a reasonable hour, river cruising is your answer. Neither is better or worse. They just serve completely different travel personalities.
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