You’re an experienced ocean cruiser, and although you love sailing the open seas, you’re ready for something different. You’re craving a new perspective.

You’re intrigued. You’re ready to try a river cruise. Ready to experience old destinations in a new way along some of the world’s most important rivers. Ready for an intimate travel experience that combines history and culture with striking landscapes. You’re ready to go.

Now, you just need to know what to expect.

River Cruising and Ocean Cruises are similar in a few wonderful ways; on both you can visit a variety of exciting destinations yet only unpack once, plus enjoy complimentary gourmet dining, attentive service and entertainment of some sort.

However, there are a few key differences between River Cruising and Ocean Cruising that experienced ocean cruisers, especially those that frequently travel on larger ocean cruise ships of 3,000+ passengers, should be aware of.

1. Location & Itinerary. River cruises are perfect for passengers that prefer the leisurely pace of traveling by water over the frenetic pace of hotel changes, rail changes, and motor coach travel.

So many early civilizations and cultures thrived alongside major rivers that became a lifeline for food, drinking water, trade and social interaction. Large cruise ships are unable to navigate these inland cities - Vienna, Budapest, Paris, and Brussels to name a few – and their shallow waterways.

The cosmopolitan, classic cities of Europe, Russia and Asia are major highlights of a river cruise itinerary, but so are the small, picturesque villages, old world cathedrals and imperial marvels you’ll have a chance to visit along the way. River cruise ships dock in the heart of the city, rather than in a large industrial port complex and with only 30- to 200-passengers there are no lines to get off the ship.

The views along your route will be something to get used to, as well. Rather than expansive, never-ending sea views you will have shoreline views of the passing landscapes. And because the rivers offer smooth sailing, there is no motion sickness.

2. Onboard Experience. Overall, you can expect everything onboard to be slower, and smaller.

Size: In order to sail the shallow inland waterways and under the low-lying bridges of Europe, Russia, Asia, and South America, river cruise ships must be smaller in size than ocean cruise ships. River cruise ships rarely exceed 200-passengers, and their staterooms rarely exceed 200-square feet.

Don’t worry, bigger isn’t always better - river cruise ships, closer to a luxury cruise than a mainstream cruise, are designed with comforts of a fine hotel in mind.

Fellow Passengers: On a smaller ship, the atmosphere onboard is more social. There are set meal times and no room service, so you can’t retreat into your stateroom for a meal. This can be either good or bad, depending on your personality. But on a positive side, you have the chance to get to know the entire crew and learn about their passion for the region. Fewer passengers onboard with fewer distractions create opportunities for discussion and camaraderie. Sharing adventures ashore further enriches the unique experience.

• You will find an international mix of guests onboard but most crew members, tour guides, lectures and announcements are spoken in English.
• Electricity onboard most ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.
• There are no youth programs or facilities onboard, so you will travel with fewer children. As more destinations and ships are added to each fleet, lines are adding unique themed cruises and amenities for a new generation of river cruisers, including families.

Cabins: Accommodations are limited in size, but they are not as much of a focal point as on oceangoing ships. On larger cruise ships, your stateroom - especially a cabin with private balcony - is your retreat from the masses, your secret oasis.

However, small river vessels sail with fewer passengers so you are actually able to find and settle into a nice lounge chair with a stunning view of the passing scenery as you listen to expert commentary. Plus, the ship is docked for longer periods so you will spend even more time ashore and less time in your room.

Most ‘balconies’ on a river cruise ship are French balconies, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a railing. If there is a deck it is very narrow, but most times there is just a railing and no platform to step out onto. Some newer ships feature larger suites with private walk out balconies; even though it is a nice spot for morning coffee, it may not be worth the difference in price.

Dining: On a river cruise, dining tends to be more restrictive in terms of availability. Three mealtimes are designated each day, dependent upon the individual itinerary. However, during mealtimes the dining room is open seating and the dress code is relaxed. With fewer guests onboard, you will enjoy genuine service and fresh cuisine delicately prepared by the ship’s chefs.

Entertainment: River cruise vessels are limited in the public space they can dedicate to entertainment. There will always be some form of entertainment offered such as regional music or an exciting game of shuffleboard, but it will not be the large production song-and-dance revues or late night discotheques you may be accustomed to on larger ships.

Entertainment may not be as involved, but there are plenty of opportunities to engage your mind and connect with other passengers onboard; attend a performance by a local musician, learn about the culture and history of the region at a lecture, or sample regional wines at a wine tasting.

Each ship may not have a surf simulator or movie theater, but most will offer gourmet dining, bars or lounges, attentive service, airy public spaces, pools or whirlpools, spa or fitness facilities and a library. These additional amenities will only grow in size and number as river cruise lines expand their fleets with modern, innovative vessels.

Bottom Line: River cruise ships themselves are not the focus of a river cruise. They showcase the historic sites and natural wonders along some of the world’s grandest rivers. The focus is not onboard the ship, but what is happening off the ship.

3. Price. River cruises are a different product than ocean cruises, with their own individual pricing structures; you may pay more up front, but more is included.

This enables you to budget and pay in advance versus feeling nickel-and-dimed once onboard. Inclusive amenities you will find on most River Cruise Lines:

• All onboard meals, along with unlimited fine wine, beer and sodas with lunch and dinner
• Enriching shore excursions with expert guides in every port and bicycles for exploring on your own or on a guided bike tour
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

If looking for a river cruise deal, waiting until the last minute is not recommended. River Cruising has increased exponentially in its popularity, and with fewer available staterooms on each vessel compared to an oceangoing ship, staterooms fill quickly. Some destinations are more remote and in turn more expensive than others, and prices are typically higher during the warmer summer months.

The river cruise season commences in March and carries on through December, the peak season are summer months June through September. Itineraries range from seven to thirty days in length. Travelers may consider cruising March through May or September through December when the crowds are thinner and airfares may be more reasonably priced. Holiday cruises are some of the more affordable itineraries available, traveling to the bustling Christmas markets during November and December.

Getting in touch with an iCruise.com River Cruise Specialist is the most hassle-free way to ensure you have chosen the itinerary that fits your needs with the price that fits your budget.

Bottom line: Deposit as early as you can. When pricing a river cruise, you must discuss with your cruise specialist the overall value vs. price as there are a variety of factors to consider including destination, ship amenities and shore excursion inclusions.

Lesser known, but also rising in popularity, are U.S. River Cruises along significant, historic rivers and bays such as the Mississippi, Hudson, Columbia and Snake rivers, and the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay.

Note: The key differences above are between river cruise ships and large ocean cruise ships of 1,500 or more passengers. Small oceangoing ships of 100- to 700-passengers offer a similar experience to a river cruise in terms of pricing, size of ship, overall onboard experience, level of service and destination-focused enrichment opportunities.

About Alara Shannon, Cruise & Travel Writer

Alara has traveled extensively since an early age. After the birth of her daughter, when an opportunity for a career in cruise travel presented itself, Alara decided to re-enter the workforce. She hopped on board with one of the largest cruise agencies and excelled in both cruise sales and customer service. This led to the chance to dive headfirst into the Internet Marketing world; taking on the roles of resident Bloggess, custom content creator and social media expert. Beyond a love of anything travel related, her life revolves around her family of four (husband + 2 little ones), writing, playing piano, coffee, recycling, and crafting (well, attempting to craft). Her dream destination? New Zealand!