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River or ocean? How to choose
The back story
About River or ocean? How to choose
A river cruise and an ocean cruise share a word and very little else. One glides between vineyards and docks in the middle of a town most days; the other crosses open water to islands and coastlines no river reaches. Here is how they compare.
Life on a river ship
River ships are small by design, because they must fit through locks and under bridges. Life on board is calm: one main restaurant, a lounge with a wide view and a sun deck. Most days you dock in the heart of a town and walk ashore, and excursions are often included in the fare. On the Danube, a classic route links Passau or Vienna with Budapest through the vineyards of the Wachau.
The great rivers
Europe’s rivers are the best known: the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro. Further afield, the Nile between Luxor and Aswan passes the temples of Upper Egypt, and the Mekong links Cambodia and Vietnam. Our Great Rivers guide sets out the embarkation towns and what to see near the pier.
On a river, the view changes every hour and the town is a short walk from your cabin.
Life on an ocean ship
Ocean ships range from yachts to resort ships, so choice on board is far greater: more restaurants, pools, spas and entertainment. They reach islands and coastlines no river can, but some days are spent entirely at sea, and the sea is not always calm.
Our advice: if the towns, the food and the history are what draw you, and you prefer calm water, start on a river. If you want variety on board, islands and sea air, choose the ocean. Many travellers end up doing both.
Why it's on our list
- River: a new town almost every day
- River: the shore is always in view
- Ocean: more choice on board
- Ocean: islands and coastlines
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with River or ocean? How to choose before you go.