Jayestravellingadventures

Most people who enjoy an ocean cruise often look at river cruises and not book them. Whether they think it wont be as fun or enjoyable, they just wont book them.

Like everything there are advantages and disadvantages, to which everyone has their own preferences. A river cruise can be just as enjoyable as an ocean cruise, so, I have listed the most common misconceptions that ocean cruisers get wrong.

Entertainment

With river cruises being significantly smaller than Ocean cruises, there is a misconception with entertainment and the lack of. Being an intimate ship, there are more cultural performances from talented performers. Whilst at port locals often come onboard to perform.

When on an ocean cruise you are often surrounded by water and lots of it, however, on a river cruise your scenery changes, from country side, to towns and villages and more. Most of the time the scenery and other passengers are enough to pass the time.

Age Suited

River cruises aren’t widely spoken about like ocean cruises are, and if they are the ocean cruises seem more lively and bright, especially on the TV adverts. Its always best to do your research when booking nay holiday, as, some might have gentle walks and late morning starts with others having parties and early morning hikes.

Cruises are becoming more popular now with a younger generation, especially with the bigger ships being made. So, its not a total throw away idea when booking a river cruise if wanting a more relaxed, personal and less busy holiday on water.

Cabin Sizes

If you perceive river cruises to be small ships like ferries, then you might think the cabins are tiny with no space to move. This couldn’t be more wrong! With no options for inside cabins, so the cheapest cabin is one with portholes. If you book a cabin with port holes, this means you’ll be on the lowest level of the ship which is right on the water line. What animals will you see passing by your window?

If you want cabins higher up then these have large windows or balconies. On some river cruises they have windows which can be lowered to make balconies so, no matter on the weather you can enjoy your cabin.

Comfort

On ocean cruises there are; large pools, cinemas, spas, gyms, bars and so much more for you to truly enjoy and be kept entertained. Crews on board work tirelessly to attend your every need whilst the cabin stewards clean your cabins for a comfortable living space onboard.

How can river cruises offer the same? Well they do, with professionally trained cabin stewards keeping your well sized cabins spotless and luxury amenities such as; pools, bars, restaurants with some having spas and gyms onboard.

Itineraries

Where can you visit on a river cruise? Ideally anywhere. There are options to fly out and jump onto a river cruise and explore places such as, Hungary or Austria. You sometimes have more of a variety in comparison to ocean cruise lines.

Being on an ocean cruise might mean that due to the size of the ship, you dock in the container ports and get a shuttle service into the center. River cruises more than often, are able to dock in the city center allowing you more time to explore as well as being more convenient.

Excursions

Just because you are on a river cruise, doesn’t mean that there is a lack of excursions or low quality options. There are a wide range of excursions such as, historic, hiking, cycling, walking tours and more. The excursions cover a wide range of interests, as well as activity levels.

Some river cruises include excursions in the total fare, these aren’t mandatory so you don’t have to go on them, but, its a great option available for you to explore the area. Just like on the ocean cruises tour guides are all local, allowing you to get an immersive experience with less people in the tour.

Fewer Staff

When on an ocean cruise you have staff around every corner, who are always extremely attentive. This is the exact same for a river cruise. As there only 100-150 passengers on a river cruise compared to 1,874-5,610 onboard an ocean cruise, they always make you feel at home.

It is even considered more of a personal experience, with being allowed to go to the bridge and speak to the captain without it being too busy. Some staff members will offer to walk you into the local town and provide their number incase you get lost. Some crew onboard do more than one job such as; working behind the bar, and being a waiter. You will get to know the staff well.

Don’t forget to Subscribe to be notified first for every blog I post, all you need to fill in is your email address its that simple!

If you have any cruises booked or you have cruise previously, then order your very own personalized cruise map. Head over to The Cruise Maps: Satellite Precision Customised Cruise Maps and use the code Jayestravellingadventures for 10% off!! Id love to see your maps by tagging us or sending them via our Instagram account!