Lets Go Cruising

Whats the difference between a voyage on an ocean line versus a cruise on a smaller ship down the River? I discuss this pretty much every day. I have the privilege to do both so thought I would share my conclusions with you.

Last summer I went on the new Princess ship ROYAL PRINCESS. She holds 3560 passengers and is 141.000 Tons, with a renewed focus on food means that with 16 places to eat from Seafood Bar, Pastry Shop, Horizon Court you wont be stuck for somewhere to eat that’s for sure. Princess passengers are sophisticated but not stuffy & are  mostly Americans I have found on the Princess sailings I have been on, either in the  Caribbean or from the UK. Good facilities for children with excellent clubs on offer. “Smart Casual” is the preferred   dress code, there will be formal nights on board too during your cruise, so for these nights formal attire is required. Entertainment is fantastic from dancing show girls to singing groups and tribute acts.

Then its over to the River my last sailing was to the fantastic Rhine, River cruise ships hold usually around 100 people give or take a few, dress code is casual for day and smart casual for night, no formal nights but most will have a welcome party or captain’s drink night – but again no dinner jackets or tiara’s  are required. Most River cruises are for 7 nights and there is a feeling of travelling with your extended family or neighbourhood due to the small number of travellers with you which I like. Staff get to know you easily too and its not uncommon to have a friendly chat with the captain and all his staff. Entertainment is at a minimal you will get local dancers and folk groups or a local professor giving a talk now that’s right up my street, but what do you think?