River Cruise vs Ocean Cruise: Which Is Right for You?
By Launceston Travel & Cruise Centre
It's one of the most common questions we get asked: "Should I do a river cruise or an ocean cruise?" The honest answer is that they're two very different experiences — and the right choice depends entirely on what kind of traveller you are.
Here's a straightforward comparison to help you decide.
What Is a River Cruise?
A river cruise takes you along the inland waterways of the world — the Rhine, the Danube, the Mekong, the Nile, the Douro, the Yangtze, the Chobe. Ships are smaller (typically 100–200 passengers), and because rivers run through the heart of cities and countryside, you dock right in the centre of destinations — often walking distance from cathedrals, markets, vineyards, and historic old towns.
River cruising is typically more intimate, more immersive, and more culturally focused than ocean cruising. You spend less time at sea and more time ashore.
What Is an Ocean Cruise?
An ocean cruise takes place on open water — the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Pacific, the Baltic. Ships range from mid-sized (a few hundred passengers) to enormous floating resorts carrying several thousand people. Ocean cruise ships typically offer more onboard entertainment, dining variety, and facilities — pools, spas, theatres, casinos, speciality restaurants.
Ports of call are often reached by tendering (a small boat from ship to shore) or docking at a cruise terminal some distance from the city centre.
Key Differences at a Glance
Ship size: River ships are small and intimate. Ocean ships range from boutique to enormous.
Destinations: River cruises go deep into the heart of countries. Ocean cruises cover more geographic ground, often visiting multiple countries across a single voyage.
Pace: River cruises tend to be slower and more focused — usually one or two destinations per day. Ocean cruises can move faster, covering longer distances overnight.
Inclusions: River cruises typically include more — shore excursions, most meals, drinks, and sometimes flights are bundled in. Ocean cruise pricing varies widely; some lines are all-inclusive, others are not.
Fellow passengers: River cruises attract travellers who are curious, culturally engaged, and typically aged 50+. Ocean cruises attract a broader mix, including families and younger travellers, depending on the ship and cruise line.
Seasickness: Not an issue on rivers. Can be a factor on ocean voyages, depending on the route and time of year.
Who Should Choose a River Cruise?
River cruising tends to suit you if:
You want to explore the culture, history, and scenery of a region in depth
You prefer smaller ships and a more personal atmosphere
You want most things included in the price without constant add-ons
You'd like to unpack once and wake up in a different city each morning
Europe, Southeast Asia, Egypt, or the Mekong Delta are on your bucket list
Our team has personal experience on European river cruises — including the Rhine, the Danube, the Seine, and river routes through Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary — and can match you to the right cruise line and itinerary for your interests.
Who Should Choose an Ocean Cruise?
Ocean cruising tends to suit you if:
You want more variety in onboard dining, entertainment, and activities
You're travelling with family or a mixed-age group
You want to cover a wider geographic area in a single trip
You enjoy the experience of being at sea as much as the destinations
The South Pacific, Mediterranean, Alaska, or a world voyage appeals to you
Which Cruise Lines Do We Recommend?
We work with a wide range of river and ocean cruise lines through our membership with Helloworld Travel and CruiseCo — one of Australia's largest cruise booking networks. This gives our clients access to pricing and inclusions not always available to the general public.
For river cruising, the lines we most frequently work with include APT, Scenic, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Cruises, and Viking. Each has a distinct style, price point, and level of inclusions — and we'll help you understand the differences before you commit.
For ocean cruising, we work across the full spectrum, from mainstream lines through to premium and luxury options.
Not Sure Yet? Talk to Us.
Sometimes the best way to figure out which type of cruise suits you is to have a conversation with someone who has actually been on them.
Our team has personal experience across river and ocean cruising and will ask you the right questions to find the best fit — not just for your destination, but for your travel style, your budget, and the experience you're looking for.
📞 Call us on 03 6332 1222 Open Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. Located at Holyman House, 54 Brisbane Street, Launceston.
Or book an appointment online — we'd love to help you plan something special.
Launceston Travel & Cruise Centre — Northern Tasmania's longest-running locally owned travel agency, since 1989.