OCEAN VS RIVER CRUISING - Which one is right for you?

Photo courtesy of Paul Guaguin

I admit, I am a bit of a cruise addict.  I love to cruise - both ocean and river.  While I know there a large number of people who have never cruised or don't see the excitement like I do,  I believe it's because they haven't been introduced properly or they haven't been on the right cruise that fits their style.  

It's understandable.  Many who have never cruised have an image about cruising that would have me running away as well.  And most often those who have tried a cruise once and "never again" have been on ships quite different than their personal style.

Given the large number of ships and itineraries to choose from, its very easy to settle on

a cruise  that looks perfect, but in the end is not quite what was expected.  Here is where I shamelessly plug my trade!   If you are new to cruising (and even if you are not), work with a professional cruise travel specialist, someone who will get to know you, your style and needs and then match you with the best options.  NOT the other way around.   There is a cruise line and ship for everyone, but not every cruise is for you.

That said,  why do I love to cruise?  These three reasons apply to both oceans and rivers:

#1  I only have to unpack and pack once.   
Unpack once, put your luggage under the bed and forget about it until the end of the cruise.   More time to spend sleeping in, a leisurely breakfast or off to explore the port.  

#2  I wake up in a different city every day (unless its an overnight stay).   
It's exciting to wake up in a new port.  Something new, something different every day.  I can enjoy a wonderful dinner with newfound friends, evening entertainment or just relax while someone else does the "driving" to the next destination. 

#3  It's a great value considering what is included.   
Accommodations, meals and entertainment, all included.  When you compare what is included on a cruise versus a land tour or an all-inclusive resort, cruises really do offer exceptonal value.   
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So that said, while I enjoy both ocean and river cruises, they are very different experiences.   Some folks, like me, will enjoy both types of experiences.  Others will be drawn to only one over the other.   For example,  someone who seeks different entertainment venues and casinos may not enjoy the more intimate aspects of a river cruise.  On the other hand, if someone really enjoys immersiving themselves into local culture, a river cruise might be just the ticket.  
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​VS

So what are the differences between ocean and river cruising?  
​Here are the primary ones: 

x	OCEAN	RIVERS
Destinations	Ports of call on all seven continents	Big cities and small towns along iconic rivers in Europe, Asia, South America and the US
Ship Size	Ocean cruises range from small ships with 300 passengers to  mega ships with more than 5000	Most river cruises have a maximum capacity of 188 passengers, averaging 135
Cabins	Cabins vary from inside, ocean-view, balcony, suites and multi-bedroom.  Cabin sizes vary and can accommodate 2-4 guests	Most cabins are similar in size but may have a fixed window, a French Balcony or a walk-out balcony.  Suites are larger however most cabins only accommodate 2 guests
Dining Venues	Multiple dining venues, including specialty restaurants with multiple seating times; room service is available	One main dining room and 1-2 smaller or casual venues.  One open seating at each meal and generally no room service
Entertainment	Broadway and variety shows, casinos and multiple night clubs, pubs and music	On-board musicians and local/regional talent invited to perform; occassional exclusive performances off-ship; one multi-use lounge area
Amenities	Children's clubs, sports venues, water slides, pools, exercise rooms, adult only areas, spas	Some ships have a small work-out room, a pool or hot tub, a small spa and sun deck; no special area for children
Excursions	Excursions vary greatly from sightseeing to cooking classes to water sports; most excursions are an additional cost	Daily, small group walking tours included; occasional exclusive tours included;some extra tours at an additional cost
Dress Code	Casual during the day; country club casual to formal in the evening	Casual during the day; country club casual in the evening
Mobility	Most cruise lines can accommodate mobility challenged passengers on-board; destinations may or may not be mobility challenged friendly	Limited for mobility challenged passengers; most boats have an elevator but can not accommodate wheel chairs; destinations are generally not mobilty challenged friendly
Accessibility	Bigger ships quite often must dock a distance from the destination, requiring transportation or tenders	Most river cruises dock in the center of town.  A short gangway from the boat to the dock is the onlly thing that seperates you from exploring the town
​Included	Accommodations, meals in main dining areas, coffee, tea and water, on-board entrtainment; (a few luxury cruises may include excursions and other amenities)	Accommodations, meals, beer, wine and soft drinks at  lunch and dinner (some include beverages all day long along with gratuities), bottled water, daily excursions, on-board entertainment, free Wi-Fi,  24/7 coffee bar

So what type of cruise is the right for you?  It all depends on what you would like to experience.   

A river cruise may be for you if you enjoy:  smaller groups and more intimate environments, getting to know your fellow passengers, history and culture, exploring small towns and country side by foot or bicycle, art and wine themed cruises or if sea sickness stops you from taking an ocean cruise.

​An ocean cruise may be for you if you enjoy:  lots of dining options, lots of on-board activities and entertainment, choice of cabin sizes, spas, the sight of the open ocean and rugged coastlines.

JANUARY kicks off WAVE season, when cruise lines offer great promotions and exceptional value for the 2017/2018 cruise season.    If you are thinking about a cruise vacation this year or next, now is the time to book! 

CALL or EMAIL me!  I am here to help you find the best options for you.