5 Ways European River Cruises Differ From Ocean Cruising

Does gliding past medieval villages, vine-clad valleys, and historic landscapes as you explore communities along storied waterways like the Danube and the Rhine sound appealing? If so, river cruising could be for you.

With intimate access to the heart of cities, you'll explore European destinations unreachable by ocean-going ships. However, if you’re used to the luxury and increasingly diverse choices offered by ocean cruise lines, the reality of river cruising in Europe may come as a surprise.

River vessels are smaller and simpler, entertainment is scaled back, and dining is generally a more formal and fixed affair. In fact, river cruising has more in common with organized, multi-day bus tours. Everyone travels together, visits places together, and dines together.

If such an experience sounds appealing, here are five need-to-know facts about river cruising in Europe.

1. River Cruise Ships Are Much Simpler

River cruise ships are designed to navigate narrow waterways and low bridges, which means they are smaller and less complex than their ocean-going counterparts. As such, the physical design is very similar across all types of river cruise vessels, from budget to luxury.

Capacity varies from approximately 100 to as many as 250. The majority of cabins are identical, with some below the water line still offering natural light through small, high windows.

Restaurants, lounges and a sun deck make up the rest of the vessel, with ocean staples like theaters and casinos nowhere to be seen. That being said, some river cruise lines do make space for a fitness room, spa, hair salon, hot tubs and even a plunge pool.

Although ships are similar, there is a big choice of lines. They range from luxury lines like Crystal, established market leaders like Viking and AmaWaterways, through to more affordable lines such as Croisi Europe.

2. A Focus On Enrichment Over Entertainment

With a more simple vessel, it’s no surprise that entertainment options are limited. There may be a quiz or two depending on the line, and perhaps some background music in the lounge during the evening, but otherwise there is very little organized onboard entertainment.

Because river ships travel slowly, the focus is to explore a region in an immersive way. Most of what is organized is related to the region and specific destinations, from talks about the castles, villages, and history of the areas, to tasting local cuisine. On many lines, leisurely walking tours are included and some of the onboard sessions will relate to places guests will experience on the tours.

3. Itineraries Can Change

On an ocean cruise, missed ports are possible because of poor weather, but they are not common, especially when traveling in the summer. But things are different in the world of river cruising. Although bad weather isn’t usually a problem, heavy rainfall (or the lack of) can regularly cause changes to itineraries.

That’s because water levels in the rivers are the biggest risk when river cruising. When there is too much water, ships are unable to pass underneath bridges. At the other extreme, too little water can prevent ships from continuing along certain stretches of the river.

In such cases, river cruise lines will often treat the ship as a moored hotel and provide bus-based excursions to destinations now unreachable on the river. In some cases, lines with a large fleet may even transport passengers by bus to join a different ship.

4. A More Intimate Experience

With smaller ships and less choice of daily activities, river cruises offer a much more intimate cruising experience than their ocean cruising counterparts. If you like the idea of traveling with fewer people and getting to know your fellow passengers, river cruising is worth considering.

This intimate experience and the slower pace of river cruising tends to attract a more mature demographic than ocean cruising.

Just bear in mind that there are limited options and fewer facilities on river cruise ships, so there is a risk that if you don’t get on with your fellow passengers, you’ll spend your evenings in your cabin. Tables for two at dinner are rare, and with no room service, you’re likely to be forced into conversation.

5. They’re Expensive, But Mostly All-Inclusive

When comparing fares for ocean cruising versus river cruising, the latter will seem much more expensive. However, there are far fewer add-ons with river cruising, as most lines offer all-inclusive or mostly-inclusive fares.

Accommodation, all meals, beverages at meals, onboard activities, gratuities, airport transfers, and even group excursions are usually included in the fares offered by the major lines. Some budget lines have started to take a more ocean cruising approach to pricing, but mostly-inclusive fares remain the norm.

That being said, river cruising is still more expensive than ocean cruising on a per-day basis. For many people, the more intimate onboard experience and the chance to immerse oneself in a historic region of Europe make that cost more than worthwhile.

River Cruise Lines Don't Like Talking About These Issues