6 Things River Cruises Do Better Than Ocean. And 3 They Don't!

Key Moments
Editorial Summary
Gary Benbridge compares the experiences of river and ocean cruising based on his extensive travel history. He highlights several advantages of river cruising, including a more intimate atmosphere with smaller passenger counts, which allows for easier social connections and personalized service. He notes that river cruises often feature more inclusions, such as drinks and excursions, and provide direct access to the heart of cities. Additionally, the constant scenery and lack of motion sickness are significant benefits. Conversely, Benbridge identifies areas where ocean cruising excels, specifically regarding variety and flexibility. Ocean ships offer a wider range of global destinations, more diverse onboard amenities like theaters and spas, and a broader selection of cabin types. He points out that ocean cruises are better suited for families, solo travelers, and those with mobility issues. Finally, he notes that river cruises can face itinerary disruptions due to water levels and are generally more expensive per day than most ocean cruise options.
Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
Having done 12 European river cruises and over 100 ocean ones, I found the differences are bigger than most people think or expect.
Some things river cruisers absolutely do way better than ocean ships, but some things they don't.
River cruising also has a different focus to ocean cruisers as they do a deeper dive into a region and of course head way further inland than ocean cruisers do and can.
The biggest by far is the sheer amount of choice, variety, and ability to be flexible.
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