Top Ten Reasons Why River Cruising is Better Than Ocean Cruising

• Heart of the Action: Forget long transfers; river ships dock right in the centre of the world’s most beautiful cities, from Paris to Budapest.

• Smooth Sailing: With no waves and land always in sight, river cruising is the perfect stress-free alternative for those prone to seasickness.

• More Included: Enjoy a truly hassle-free holiday with complimentary shore excursions, free-flowing wine with dinner, and Wi-Fi often included in the fare.

River cruising is on the rise, and for good reason! With new ships launching annually and itineraries expanding into untouched corners of the globe, there has never been a better time to swap the open ocean for a winding waterway.

If you are someone who worries about seasickness or finds the vast size of mega-ships overwhelming, river cruising could be your perfect holiday solution.

Think about getting closer to the destination and really getting into the heart of some charming cities that ocean ships simply can't reach.

Here is why river cruising is becoming the holiday of choice for savvy travellers.

1. No Waves, No Seasickness

Whilst it is rare on modern stabilised ships, some people do get seasick on the ocean. If this worry has been putting you off cruising, then river voyages are the perfect alternative.

No waves or open sea means no rocking motion - so there are no moments of scrambling to the middle of the ship to find stability! The smooth glide along the river will have you forgetting you are on the water at all.

2. Perfect For Land Lovers

It is not uncommon to dislike the feeling of being unable to see land; the "blue horizon" of an ocean sea day can make some feel a little isolated.

On a river cruise, land is constantly in sight. You will never have to endure a "sea day," and you are never far from the amenities of civilisation. It is the perfect balance of sailing somewhere new without ever feeling adrift.

3. Dock In The Heart Of The Action

The world’s greatest civilisations were founded on river banks. This means you can stop and experience legendary cities like Paris, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague instantly.

There are no long coach transfers from industrial ports. You simply walk off the ship, and you are often steps away from the main square or cathedral. It allows for a much more relaxed pace of exploration.

4. Those Personal Touches

When aboard a large ocean liner, you might be sharing your holiday with thousands of other passengers. On a river cruise, the guest count is significantly lower - often fewer than 200 people.

This intimate atmosphere gives you time to get to know your fellow travellers and allows the staff and officers to know you by name, making the journey feel personal and exclusive.

5. Walk Through History

Walking through a historic city is wonderful, but knowing the stories behind the stones is even better. Unlike many ocean cruises, river cruise fares almost always include shore excursions led by local guides.

Popular lines such as Riviera Travel and Viking are renowned for their immersive daily tours, which guarantee you see the best sights without paying extra. And if you prefer independence? No one will stop you from wandering off on your own.

6. Free Drinks at Dinner

Why pay extra for your wine? Thanks to the inclusive nature of river cruising, beer, wine, and soft drinks are almost always complimentary during lunch and dinner.

Lines such as Emerald Cruises are famous for keeping the wine flowing at meal times, while luxury operators like Scenic go even further with fully all-inclusive beverages all day long. It is a small factor that makes a big difference to the bill at the end of your trip!

7. Unique Itineraries

One of the main draws of river cruising is the ability to visit locations ocean liners literally can't reach. While ocean ships are confined to coastal ports, river vessels take you deep into the interior of a country to experience the "real" culture.

Imagine sailing the winding turns of the Douro in Portugal, surrounded by steep terraced vineyards that no ocean liner could ever approach.

Or consider the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, where you drift past floating markets and ancient temples hidden in the jungle.

From the castle-lined banks of the Rhine to the dramatic Iron Gates gorge on the Danube, the scenery is the main event, changing every hour right outside your window.

8. For The Adults

It must be said that there is not much to entertain children on a river cruise (no water slides or go-karts here!). Instead, you will find a consistently mature environment designed for adult sensibilities.

The lounges are peaceful havens featuring panoramic windows, perfect for sipping a cocktail while the scenery drifts by.

If a child-free environment is a priority, lines like Viking operate strict adults-only policies, ensuring the onboard atmosphere remains consistently calm and serene.

9. Casual Dress Codes

Many ocean liners ask for smart dress or formal wear on particular nights. River cruises generally do not have these strict policies. The vibe is "country club casual" - smart but comfortable.

Modern lines like Avalon Waterways champion a "relaxed luxury" approach, where no one is there to judge your outfit; they are just there to relax. Who doesn't like feeling a little fancy for dinner without the stress of packing a tuxedo?

10. No Long Queues

Perhaps one of the biggest conveniences of a smaller ship is the lack of waiting. Getting on and off the ship is a simple, instant task.

There is no shuffling in lines to board, no waiting for a tender boat, and no queuing for the buffet. It maximises your holiday time.

Offering an intimate, immersive, and hassle-free way to explore the world, river cruising is truly a travel experience like no other.

Whether you are seeking culture, history, or simply a slower pace of life, the waterways are waiting to welcome you aboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is river cruising suitable for guests with limited mobility?

While river ships have lifts, getting ashore can sometimes be tricky due to uneven cobblestones in historic towns or steep gangways when ships are docked side-by-side (rafted). However, many lines offer "gentle walker" groups for excursions.

2. Are the cabins small?

River ship cabins are generally compact because the ships have size restrictions to fit through locks. However, they are cleverly designed. While you won't find massive suites like on ocean ships, you will find luxury finishes, comfortable beds, and often French Balconies (sliding doors that open to a railing).

3. Is there entertainment onboard?

Yes, but it is low-key. Do not expect Broadway-style shows. Entertainment usually consists of a resident pianist, local folklore acts brought onboard for the evening, quizzes, and educational lectures about the destinations you are visiting.

4. Can I smoke on board?

Smoking is strictly prohibited in cabins and all indoor public spaces. There is usually a designated small area on the top Sun Deck for smokers.

5. What is "rafting"?

In busy ports, river ships often tie up next to each other. This means you might look out of your window and see the ship next door rather than a view. It also means you may have to walk through another ship’s lobby to get to the shore.

6. Are river cruises all-inclusive?

They are much more inclusive than ocean cruises. Typically, the fare covers your accommodation, all meals, wine/beer with meals, Wi-Fi, and daily shore excursions. Some luxury lines (like Scenic) are fully all-inclusive, covering all drinks all day, tips, and even butler service.