Thinking about cruising but not sure where to start? You’re not alone! One of the biggest decisions for first-time (or even seasoned) cruisers is this: river vs ocean cruise, which one fits your travel style?

If you’re a busy professional, you’re craving easy, elevated experiences with plenty of value and zero stress. So let’s break it all down and help you figure out which cruise style is the best match for you. Spoiler: there’s no wrong answer, but there is a right fit for your lifestyle.

What’s the Difference Between Ocean and River Cruises?

Ocean Cruises: Big Ships, Big Adventures

Ocean cruises sail through large bodies of water like the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or the open Atlantic. These ships are often floating resorts with thousands of passengers, multiple restaurants, entertainment venues, casinos, and pools (I am speaking about the large cruise ships we know so well, not the small yacht ships)

Interested in learning the difference between large and small ships? CLICK HERE

The larger ocean liners are a great option if you want:

• Tons of dining choices
• Nightlife and entertainment
• Big, show-stopping destinations like the Caribbean, Greek Isles or Alaska
• Sea days for total relaxation
• Casinos

Want a cruise like this but still premium? Let’s talk about small-ship ocean lines like Windstar. Or check out my group cruise page for upcoming hosted sailings.

River Cruises: Small Ships, Big Charm

River cruises sail inland along major rivers: think the Danube, Rhine, or Seine, often docking in the heart of European cities and charming villages. These ships are much smaller, usually hosting around 150 guests or fewer.

They’re ideal if you want:

• A more intimate, relaxed experience
• Walk-off-the-ship convenience, right into the city center
• Included excursions, local wines, and gourmet meals
• Scenic cruising with a cultural vibe

🧳 Curious what that’s like? I’m hosting a magical Christmas Market River Cruise in 2026—and it’s the perfect intro to river cruising.

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Why Are River Cruises More Expensive Than Ocean Cruises?

This is one of the most common questions I get and it’s totally valid.

At first glance, river cruises seem more expensive. But here’s the deal: you get SO much more included.

Here’s what’s typically included on a premium river cruise:

• All meals (and I mean delicious, locally inspired cuisine)
• Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals
• A daily happy hour or cocktail reception
• Guided excursions in every port (yes, really!)
• Free Wi-Fi
• Airport transfers (typically if flights are booked through the cruise line)
• No upcharges for specialty restaurants (because there usually aren’t any, it’s all gourmet)
• Fancy coffee drinks all day long

Brands like AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic, Emerald, and Uniworld offer incredible value and a far more personalized experience than the mega ocean liners.

While companies like Viking River Cruises get the most attention (thanks to their massive marketing budget), there are so many other river cruise brands that provide a more boutique, elevated experience. And that’s where I come in, to help you find the right one for YOU.

Did you know that I attended the River Cruise Expo this past year and toured 16 ships and studied with the best river cruise suppliers – 10 of them! Believe me, I know quite a lot about all of these cruise lines and will be here to help you decide on the best one for you.

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🚢 Which Cruise Style is Better for You?

Let’s compare the two side-by-side:

Feature	River Cruise	Ocean Cruise
Ship Size	Small (100–190 guests)	Large (2,000–6,000+ guests)
Destinations	Cities/towns along rivers (Europe, Asia, Africa, US)	Ports in islands, coastal cities, oceans
Excursions	Included daily	Always extra, except on ultra luxury lines
Dining	Gourmet, local, included	More variety, some specialty dining costs extra
Entertainment	Cultural, low-key	Broadway shows, casinos, nightclubs, water shows, ice skating shows
Atmosphere	Quiet, intimate, cultural	Social, lively, energetic
Price	Higher upfront but more inclusive	Lower starting price, more à la carte, more “nickel and diming”

Need help deciding? Let’s chat! Or take a peek at my What to Expect When Working with a Travel Planner blog to learn how I make it all seamless for you.

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✈️ A Quick Note on TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

No matter which cruise you choose, your vacation starts with the airport—and getting through security quickly makes a huge difference. I cannot stress getting these two enough! And I can help you understand how they work.

If you travel internationally or even just a few times a year, I highly recommend:

• TSA PreCheck: Get through security faster with shorter lines, no need to remove shoes/laptops, etc.
• Global Entry: Includes TSA PreCheck and gets you through U.S. Customs faster when returning from international travel.

Both are total game changers for cruisers (and I help my clients prep for these too 😉).

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🚫 Why Not Costco Travel?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Costco Travel. Yes, they may show flashy prices, but here’s the truth they don’t advertise:

• You’ll get no personalized support before or during your trip
• No help if something goes wrong (and things do!)
• No expertise on matching you to the right cruise
• No upgrades, perks, or personal connections

Costco doesn’t care if your trip is magical. I do.
My concierge-style service means I’ll be your advocate from start to finish and you’ll never be stuck calling a 1-800 number if things go sideways. I am here to help you from the research phase all the way until you get home; Costco and the online booking engines, do not care! And good luck reaching out to them when you’re having an emergency at 3am! BUT, I am available 24/7 when my clients are in destination.

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So, What’s Best for You?

If you love the idea of:

• Visiting multiple cities in Europe without unpacking
• Sipping wine on the sundeck while cruising past castles
• Enjoying multiple excursions – that are included!
• Smaller groups of people with no crowds onboard
• Intimate, all-inclusive experiences with top-notch service…

Then a river cruise might just be your new favorite way to travel.

But if you’re craving:

• Tropical ports
• Lively onboard energy
• Tons of dining options
• Big-ship amenities like spas, shows, and casinos…

Then an ocean cruise is calling your name.

Either way? I can help you choose the cruise that fits your vibe, your budget, and your bucket list.

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🎉 Ready to Plan Your Cruise?

I’ve got two easy ways to get started:

🌟 Join my hosted group cruise
Sail with me on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, like my Christmas Market River Cruise in 2026! Check out my group cruise page for all the details. OR if you want to join me in Greece on a small yacht cruise, also visit my group page and join me in April of 2026!

👯‍♀️ Join my free Facebook group
Come hang out in GG’s Luxe Travel Tribe—a fun community where I share exclusive tips, deals, and group trips.