River vs Ocean: Which one floats your boat?

Thinking about your first cruise and not sure where to start? You're not alone. The biggest decision isn’t always where to go,  it’s how. And the choice between an ocean cruise or river cruise can totally change your holiday vibe.

Love land in sight?

If you prefer to cruise closer to land, than the wide open sea, and are worried about the motion of the ocean, a river cruise might be your perfect match. You’ll sail closer to shore, with scenery that constantly changes. Think fairytale villages, vineyards, and castles drifting by like pages in a storybook. Most river cruises dock right in the heart of historic cities or tiny towns, so there’s more time exploring, less time transferring.

Big ship buzz or boutique bliss?

Some ocean cruises can really bring the wow-factor. We’re talking floating cities packed with restaurants, pools, waterslides, Broadway-style shows, spas, and even go-kart tracks. You’ll find something for every mood, and every style of travel from cocktails by the pool, comedy at night, yoga at sunrise, and everything in between. Ideal for families, couples or even solo travellers who like the option of a big dose of entertainment alongside their sea views.

River cruises, by contrast, are a bit more intimate. Think smaller ships, fewer guests, and a slower pace. It’s about soaking up the culture, connecting with locals, and making the most of guided excursions. It’s perfect for travellers who prefer up be totally immersed in a destination as you can enjoy the cities along the way by day and by night

Adventure vs atmosphere

Ocean cruises are built for adventure on a grand scale… glacier-spotting in Alaska, reef diving in the South Pacific, or island-hopping through the Med. You’ll cover big distances and wake up in a new country (or even continent) most mornings.

River cruising is more about depth than distance. You could still tick off a great list of countries, but you’ll get to know each place better. Picture sailing down the Danube, docking in Vienna, and heading straight to a Strauss concert, wine tasting at the Vineyards of Bordeaux & Provence, or gliding through the Mekong Delta and hopping off to explore floating villages and ancient monuments

Not sure which cruise suits you best? Explore our ocean and river cruise sailings on sale and find the perfect getaway for your style!