Picture this: you’re lying on a sun lounger, cocktail in hand, as you cruise under the sun in the Caribbean Sea.
Or perhaps you’re perched in a sleek restaurant, delicious meal in front of you, as you pass the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower on a clear evening.
Cruise holidays have increased in popularity over recent years, whether it’s the river option or the ocean variety.
They are some of the most popular travel options across ages, offering access to incredible destinations and a range of activities on board.
Indeed, the global cruise industry welcomed 34.6 million cruise passengers in 2024, with 37.7 million expected in 2025, according to Cruise Lines International Association.
It seems there’s almost too much choice for sunseekers looking for their next cruise fix.
A week-long tour of the Med? An adventurous Alaskan option? Five nights exploring the majestic fjords of Norway? It’s hard to know where to start.
One of the first questions to ask yourself is, however, whether you fancy a river or ocean cruise.
There’s no surprise cruises have become more popular in recent years, whether it’s the river option or the ocean variety
One of the first questions to ask yourself is, however, whether you fancy a river or ocean cruise
It’s one of the biggest decisions to make, as it can dictate the countries available for you to visit, ship sizes and trip lengths.
Both are brilliant ways to spend your time away, with to weigh up – and there are a fantastic array of options to choose from.
Here’s our guide to the differences between river and ocean cruises to help you pick that one that will suit you best…
Destinations on offer
If you’re ready to embark on a luxurious trip but are overwhelmed by the number of options out there, you can start by narrowing down which places you’d like to visit.
River cruises head to fabulous spots along the Danube, Rhine, Rhone, Seine or Nile
For something more far-flung, you can opt for a float down the Mekong through places such as Vietnam and Cambodia, or book a holiday on China’s Yangtze River.
Meanwhile, ocean cruises can go far further out to sea.
If you’re intrigued by locations such around the Med, or further north to Norway, or even South Africa and Asia, opting for an ocean trip could be for you.
Picture yourself perched at a deck top restaurant, gourmet meal in front of you, as you pass the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower on a hazy evening
Additionally, if you’re new to cruising, getting started with a river cruise could keep you a little closer to land – as well as reduce the chance of getting seasick.
But if you’re a seasoned cruise fan – or even just want to explore a whole new part of the world – ocean options might be calling your name.
Ship size
River ships are much smaller than ocean cruises.
As Riviera Travel explains: ‘One of the main differences between river cruises and their ocean counterparts is ship size. River vessels are much smaller than ocean cruisers as they have to navigate shallow rivers and locks, whereas ocean ships, as the name suggests, are large enough to sail effortlessly across vast stretches of water.’
Aside from the differences in terms of physical space, the size of the ship could affect your experience.
According to Viking River Cruises: ‘Ocean liners are bigger and offer more stateroom accommodations on average. Appropriately, they’re able to host significantly more guests. The smaller scale of river ships means fewer guests, but more opportunities to get to know fellow travelers, which often lead to lifelong friendships.’
Cabin options
Regardless of the type of cruise, luxurious cabins are on offer on most vessels.
Riviera Travel says: ‘River ships have no inside cabins however, so all passengers are guaranteed a window or balcony to watch the ever-changing scenery outside. Ocean cruises offer more cabin category choice.
Generally speaking, ocean ships are much bigger boats
‘Prices vary depending on the size of the cabin and its position on the ship. Ocean cruise cabins range from intimate inside cabins through to spacious staterooms with balconies and even a private butler.’
So depending on the ship, you might have different options to explore – and choices at different price ranges. It’s worth looking at individual vessels in order to suss out what would work best for you.
Dining differences
One of the main differences is that dinner generally begins at a certain time on a river cruise, whereas ocean cruises give you the option to sign up for a time slot or visit a buffet at whatever time you like.
Also, ocean cruises tend to offer plenty of options: buffets, casual spots, various restaurants or a main dining room.
Meanwhile, river cruises generally have one or two main restaurants with different options, including lighter choices for breakfast and lunch or full dining experiences.
It’s totally up to you and your personal tastes, and both will have excellent service throughout.
Itineraries
It’s no secret that cruises offer you a unique opportunity to explore different places along the waterline. They have meticulously planned itineraries and give you the chance to pop off the boat and into whichever city or town they’re docked at – or near.
On river cruises, it’s pretty easy to jump ashore and explore whatever floats your boat – a historic European city, for instance, or a famous landmark.
River cruises generally have one or two main restaurants with different options, including lighter choices for breakfast and lunch or full dining experiences
Ocean cruises tend to offer plenty of options: buffets, casual spots, various restaurants or a main dining room
Ocean cruises are similar, however the frequency of stops might be lower, as there are often days spent at sea while travelling between ports due to the greater distances. And on some ocean cruises, you’ll need to hop onto a small boat to transfer to the shore.
Both, as such, give you the chance to investigate the part of the world you’re visiting – just in different ways.
On-board entertainment and facilities
One of the big appeals of large ocean ships is the amount – and quality – of entertainment on board. Especially if you’re travelling with a young family or variety of ages, this might be spot on for you.
From theatre shows to planetariums, fancy dining experiences, casinos and swimming pools, the larger ocean cruises have loads to offer.
River cruises have perhaps lower-key entertainment – for example, there might be quizzes, local performances or wine tastings.
Naturally, you’ll want to soak up your surroundings wherever you are, but it’s worth evaluating your personal tastes before choosing which entertainment option suits you best.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .