With more studies revealing travelers seek more intimate and immersive experiences, the rise of travelers looking for river cruises seems to go hand in hand. Many ocean cruisers now turn to river cruises like AmaWaterways to enjoy less-crowded destinations in a more immersive way. For those unsure if river cruising is right for them, what better way to decide than to look at the differences between ocean cruising and river cruising?

© AmaWaterways

Many Unique Itineraries and Excursion Options

Ocean cruises can only take passengers to a country, while river cruises bring guests through a destination with itineraries allowing travelers to explore a location’s history and culture. For instance, AmaWaterways offers four or five daily excursions as passengers journey along the world’s most iconic waterways, from walking tours to food- and wine-tasting tours. These excursions are also all included in the cruise fare.

© AmaWaterways

Small, Intimate Ships

Unlike many ocean cruises with a large number of passengers (up to 9,000 guests and nearly 20 decks) per trip, river cruises feature more intimate ships, with only a few decks and less than 200 guests. Traveling on a smaller ship allows guests to enjoy the onboard luxury of personal space and personalized service.

© AmaWaterways

More Inclusive Fare

At first glance, river cruising prices may appear higher compared to ocean cruising, but when travelers take into account what this fare includes, it becomes a no brainer for those looking for daily excursions. River cruises like AmaWaterways offer a more inclusive experience, with all meals included onboard, as well as a choice of up to 23 shore excursions during the week and four or five wellness classes every day. Prices also include live evening entertainment and WiFi.