Ocean Cruise vs River Cruise: Which is best for you?

Ahoy there! Are you looking for a family-friendly voyage across the water? An ocean cruise or river cruise might be the right adventure for you and your crew. Here, we weigh the pros and cons of each cruise to help you find what floats your boat.

Ocean Cruise Pros and Cons

High tides mean good vibes, right? Ocean cruises offer plenty of unforgettable experiences. Not only are there tons of ports of call, but ocean cruises allow you the chance to explore different countries and cultures all in one go. While you travel the high seas, you’ll find jam-packed onboard activities and entertainment options, such as Broadway-level shows, youth clubs, and even miniature golf. Not to mention ocean cruise ships are huge, which means more chances for you to meet some new mates aboard!

However, the size of the ship might make finding a quiet getaway a bit difficult at times. With larger ships, it also means you won’t be able to get as up close and personal with the smaller ports due to narrow waterways. But that doesn’t mean you can’t explore once you’re off the ship!

If an Ocean Cruise sounds like the right journey for your family, Disney Cruise Line just announced new sailings for 2024 that you can take a peek at here.

Aboard the Disney Wonder!

River Cruise Pros and Cons

Go with the flow! River cruises are the perfect setting for a more intimate and personalized experience. You’ll get the chance to see some of the most breathtaking landscapes while you float down the river. Not only that, but you’ll be transported back in time as you get an up-close look at the historical towns and port cities. It will be hard not to immerse yourself in the local culture as river cruises dock right in the heart of the action. You’ll be just a few steps away from delicious food and unique shopping experiences.

It’s one of our favorite ways to see the world for this reason. You get to rest and recover from your flight and ease into each new time zone without the side effects of jet lag.

Although smaller ships mean fewer crowds…it also means limited space. There may not be as many onboard activities and entertainment options for you to choose from. However, there will be plenty of sightseeing opportunities!


If you’re looking for a River Cruise experience, we highly recommend the Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps Christmas Cruise with AmaWaterways. This 7-night cruise takes you through the heart of Europe during the festive holiday season. You’ll get to visit four countries in one trip and only unpack once. You’ll visit charming Christmas markets, and historic cities, and take in the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps and the Rhine River. You can find an overview of the journey here.

P.S. River cruises are a great alternative if you tend to get seasick. No rough seas ahead!

Whether you prefer the vastness of the ocean or the intimacy of a river, there’s a cruise out there for everyone. From the bustling ports of call to the scenic landscapes, you’re guaranteed to have a blast on your next cruise vacation. Contact us to start booking now and get ready to set sail or schedule a free 15-minute call to find the river cruise that’s right for you. Bon Voyage!

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