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The Guide to Ocean Versus River Cruises

A cruise can be a wonderful option if you’re looking at vacation plans for 2025. But not all cruises are created equal. Ocean cruises and river cruises both offer unique opportunities, and it’s important to understand the differences between the two before you go spend a bunch of money.

You’ve most likely seen the ads for ocean cruises. Endless amenities, packed buffets, stunning views – one even has a roller rink. Mega-ships are very popular these days, but there are a few key details to keep in mind as you do your research:

Limited Ports of Call: A typical seven-day ocean cruise usually visits three ports, as many smaller port cities cannot accommodate mega-ships.

Distance to Destinations: Larger ships often dock far from city centers. For instance, visiting Rome involves docking at Civitavecchia, which requires a 90-minute drive each way. That’s three hours of sightseeing gone.

Cabin Options: Ocean cruise ships offer a range of cabins, but balconies vary. Some face a courtyard instead of the ocean, so choose wisely.

By comparison, river cruises focus on expanded exploration and multiple stops:

River cruise in Budapest, Hungary

Central Docking: River cruise ships often disembark in the heart of a city, allowing you to step off and have an adventure.

Frequent Stops: Many river cruises visit one or two new destinations daily.

All-Inclusive Perks: Most river cruises include gratuities, excursions, and even unlimited beer and wine at meals.

Smaller Ships: With fewer passengers and all-balcony accommodations, river cruises offer a more intimate experience.

With all of that in mind, there are also steps you can take to smooth out your travel experience after you’ve made the booking.

Fly to Your Departure Port the Day Before

Arrive a day early. Book a modest hotel with an airport or pier shuttle to travel at your leisure. Planning to fly to your port city on the day of departure can go south quickly if the flight is delayed or canceled.

Invest in Travel Insurance

Protect yourself against unexpected issues like trip interruptions, lost luggage or medical emergencies. Travel insurance can be a lifesaver if plans go awry or if you need medical attention aboard the ship.

Bring Your Passport

Many cruise lines now require a passport, even for circular cruises departing and returning to the same U.S. port. Don’t delay applying or renewing; processing times now take several weeks or months, even with a rush fee.

Pre-Book Excursions

Popular ship-sponsored excursions fill up fast. Do your homework and book in advance.

Explore Ports on Your Own, but the Boat Won’t Wait

If you choose to venture independently, ensure you return on time. Ships wait for late returns from their excursions, but not for independent travelers. The ship won’t wait, and no traveler wants to shell out more money to drive or fly to the next port of call.

Prepare for the Sun

Caribbean cruises mean lots of sun exposure. Wear shoes on deck to avoid burns and apply sunscreen liberally to prevent painful sunburns.

[Text Wrapping Break]Both ocean and river cruises offer unforgettable experiences, but the best choice ultimately depends on your goals. Ocean cruises can have endless amenities, while river cruises can offer multiple destinations to explore.

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