River Cruising: A Growing Alternative

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

River cruising is quickly evolving into a viable alternative to ocean cruising. Here are a few reasons why:

What to expect onboard?

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Today’s ocean liners are often characterized as floating resorts because there is so much to do and enjoy. Whether it’s relaxation you crave or non-stop activity, it’s all available on an ocean cruise. Most cruising enthusiasts are accustomed to enormous ocean liners sporting ten or more decks, thousands of square feet of space for cabins and activities, not to mention fellow passengers numbering in the thousands. Onboard activities range from skeet shooting and rock wall climbing to simply relaxing in the spa or enjoying a swim in one of several pools.

Nightlife on board an ocean liner usually starts with dinner in one of the formal dining rooms followed by an evening of dancing, live entertainment at a Vegas-style show or enjoying a quieter time at a piano bar. For the gambler at heart, the ship’s casino offers slot machines, poker, and blackjack tables as well as roulette wheels. The possibilities are endless, and the fun continues well into the early morning hours.

That’s a stark contrast to triver cruising. River cruise ships are much smaller than their oceangoing counterparts. Most river cruises feature between 200 and 500 passengers.  This provides a much more intimate cruise experience. For ocean cruisers, the ship is the main attraction while river cruisers look forward to the sights and sounds at each port of call. River cruising is like a floating sight-seeing tour, without the hassle of packing and unpacking at each stop. It’s more about the destinations than the voyage, since river cruise ships spend few days on the water, unlike oceanliners which often spend days at sea.

Most ocean liners feature a large variety of dining options including formal dining rooms, specialty restaurants, open buffets and numerous snack shops nestled among the shopping venues.

Most river cruise ships have one main restaurant with a sit-down, order from the menu dinner, plus breakfast and lunch buffets. The cuisine on a river cruise is often reflective of the day’s port of call with meals usually catered by local restaurants ashore.

Entertainers onboard large ocean liners typically stay aboard for the duration of the cruise, while river cruises sometimes have local talent from the port of call provide the evening’s entertainment.

State Rooms aren’t spacious but not cramped either.

For many cruisers, their stateroom is just a place to change clothes, grab a quick shower and maybe catch a few hours of sleep. They don’t want to miss anything while holed up in their cabin.

For others, the stateroom is home for several days, and it’s important that it be comfortable and appealing. Ocean cruises offer a variety of accommodations ranging from large suites suitable for a whole family to smaller cabins with ocean views and balconies to smaller inside cabins with no view at all but very affordable for the cost-conscious.

For the river cruiser, the scenery and destinations are the main attractions. There are no inside cabins, every passenger has a large window and usually a balcony to enjoy the outdoor surroundings. The cabins are generally smaller, accommodating only two guests, but the openness offered by the outdoor view makes it feel much roomier than it is.

The relatively calmer ride of a riverboat versus a seagoing oceanliner may be more appealing to those who are prone to seasickness. And if you tend to be claustrophobic, you will probably fare much better with a view of the outdoors, whether you choose an ocean view or river view.

Excursions/Ports of Call

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Ocean cruises are a combination of days at sea and daytrips to various ports along the way. They usually dock at a port surrounded by what you would expect at any port; lots of industrial and cargo activity and long walks to get to the transportation that takes you to your day’s activity. Some ports are not accessible to huge ships, so passengers are ferried from the ship to the dock.

As with onboard activities, ocean excursions feature a wide variety of activities such as scuba diving or snorkeling, island adventures or mini-safaris.

River cruises normally dock near the city, allowing for spectacular scenery and ease of transferring from the ship for a walking tour of the city. Excursions cater more to those who are interested in sight-seeing, walking tours of ancient cities and up-close exploration of foreign destinations. Recently, many river cruiselines are looking to expand their excursions to include bike rides and hiking for their more active passengers to local cultural entertainment ranging from music recitals, operas, and ballets to art exhibits and local dining.

Passengers are more into exploring and learning.

According to Tom Hagen, CEO of Viking Cruises, a leader in the river cruise industry, “Ocean cruising is a drinking man’s cruise. River cruising is a thinking man’s cruise.”  While that seems a bit extreme, it’s fair to say that river cruisers tend to be more interested in exploring and learning while ocean cruisers are looking for fun and entertainment.

Ocean cruising appeals to those passengers who are looking for an exciting, activity-laden, non-stop good time. River cruises, on the other hand, are for those who want a more laid back, cerebral experience. The profile of the typical river cruiser extends beyond the ocean cruiser looking for something different to an older, more educated traveler seeking not only a restful, relaxing time, but also a culturally enriching experience.

The more intimate, quiet atmosphere makes it easier to meet people and quickly make new friends and it also appeals to couples interested in a romantic getaway without the hustle and bustle of ocean cruises. Family vacationers will most likely choose an ocean cruise because of the activities aimed at kids, teens and young adults.

Pricing: Is it really more expensive?

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First-time river cruisers often experience sticker shock when they compare the price of a river cruise to an ocean cruise. River cruises are more expensive, but usually, include the shore excursions offered in each port and most of the onboard amenities you pay extra for on an ocean cruise.

Ocean cruise lines advertise themselves as “all-inclusive, ” and that’s true, to a point. The cruise fare usually does include your accommodations, maid service, most meals and the onboard entertainment.

Specialty dining, alcoholic beverages and other drinks not served with your meals, usually are extra as are shore excursions and most cruiselines charge a per person gratuity covering all the “free” services you enjoyed.

River cruising is an excellent choice for those who would never consider ocean cruising or for the veteran cruiser looking for something different. Give it a try; you may find river cruising to be among your favorite vacation alternatives!

What is your dream vacation destination? Chances are there is a cruise ship going that way! Visit my website www.landorseatravel.com or call me 1-844-TRAVEL and discover the allure of cruising!
Mike Franks is an owner/operator of Cruise Planners in Orange Park, FL. Cruise Planners specializes in ocean and river cruises, land tours and resort vacations.