How to Choose Between a European River and Ocean Cruise

Want to explore some of the most charming locales in Europe in style, and with ease? Then you should choose to cruise! If you want to unpack once and let the adventure unfold, then you have a decision to make: whether you set sail on a river or ocean cruise. These two cruise styles do share some similarities—both river and cruise lines tend to be more comfortable and sophisticated on board, appeal more to mature travelers, and prioritize quality cuisine (a must in Europe!).

However, there are a few key differences that can influence which type of cruise is the best fit for your European getaway. So if you’re trying to decide if you want to sail down Europe’s great rivers or across its sparkling seas, be sure to consider:

Ship Size (and Number of Passengers)

To navigate down Europe’s often narrow rivers and through locks, river cruise ships need to be small, slim, and nimble. Their small size means they can only fit so many passengers on board; generally, you wouldn’t be sharing the ship with any more than 200 other passengers. This means river cruises are an excellent option if you crave elbow room and like the idea of seeing familiar faces throughout your trip. The crew are likely to learn your name on a river cruise! 

With European ocean cruises, the size and number of passengers on board varies greatly. You can set sail on a traditional ocean cruise with 1,000+ other passengers, or opt for smaller yacht-style ships that often cap out at just 300-400 passengers or fewer.

Destinations

Know where you want to go while in Europe? You can use that to determine whether to choose a river or ocean cruise—since there is very little overlap between where the two types of ships can sail.

Rivers, of course, snake through the interior of a country. A river cruise itinerary often includes stops in small villages, charming countryside, and big cosmopolitan cities—since Europe’s great cities were usually built along the banks of rivers. If castles, lush gardens, and picturesque vineyards and fields of flowers are what you’re after, there are many river cruise itineraries that deliver.

European ocean cruises, by contrast, take you along coastlines. Think: the Greek isles, the French and Italian Riviera, the British Isles, and even far Northern European destinations like Norway. You’ll often enjoy dramatic scenery like chalky cliffs, jutting fjords, or colorful Mediterranean beaches—and of course, all the wide expanse of ocean that surrounds you.

Ease of Exploring

Both river and ocean cruises in Europe have a heavy emphasis on immersive destination discovery (unlike, say, many cruises in the Caribbean). But I’d still give the “exploring edge,” overall, to river cruises. Because cities and towns in Europe tended to crop up right along rivers, and because river cruises are so small, the ships usually can dock you right in the heart of things. That means you can simply wander off your ship and stroll away to your heart’s content. Much of the sailing on river cruises also takes place at night, so you can spend long days exploring in each port of call.

With European ocean cruises, the size of the ship will really influence how much immersive exploration you can enjoy. Smaller, yacht-style or expedition ocean cruises will give you plenty of time to discover interesting, even tucked-away ports. Larger ocean cruise ships, however, might spend more time on the water and are limited to docking in ports that can accommodate ships of their size. If you are most interested in seeing the highlights of a place and enjoy simply sailing the high seas, then this would be a great option for you.

On Board Experience

Do you want high-caliber and widely varied entertainment and activities on your ship? Then stick to a larger ocean cruise, where you’ll get to enjoy Broadway-style shows, pools, spa services, and more (river cruises just don’t have room for all that). Seeking a more tranquil experience? A river cruise will almost always deliver.

Plus, keep in mind that if you or a travel companion tends to get sea sick, that doesn’t mean you have to put off your cruising dreams forever. Just stick to a river cruise. Europe’s rivers are calm and you’ll barely feel the vessel moving at all (though Dutch and Belgian waterways can be a bit choppier!).

Ready to start planning your European river or ocean cruise—or still need help choosing between the two? I would love to help design your effortless cruising adventure! Sign up for a complimentary consultation call with me to get started.