8 Thing in Selecting River over Ocean – #5  Is Ship or Destination Most Important? 

River cruise vessels are more compact

• European river cruise ships in particular are low-slung to sail under low-flying bridges
• Tend to have 2-3 decks. It takes no more than a couple of mins to walk length of the ship
• River staterooms tend to be smaller and more basic
• Most ‘balconies’ are French balconies (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door, opens to railing) – some are exterior.
• Less focus on exterior balconies given how river cruises dock, sometimes w 2-3 ships tied abreast
• Easier to find lounge chairs in public areas to sit and watch scenery, & listen to expert commentary
• Itineraries are port-intensive – it’s all about the destination

Ocean cruise ships can be like large floating cities

• Can be huge (some > 12 decks). Can take you 20+ mins to walk from your cabin to a pool, a restaurant, etc.
• Can be crowded in public areas to watch scenery go by
• Staterooms can be more elaborate, with more exterior/ real balconies – can be your secret oasis
• Onboard features are often the focus (e.g., waterslides, rock climbing walls, nightly shows)

What do you think would matter most to you?