Within the past three years, I've sailed on nearly 20 cruises. This may sound like a lot of cruising, but I've gained invaluable insights into what makes a cruise memorable.
Through these voyages, I’ve come to appreciate the subtle—but significant—differences between river and ocean cruising, especially when it comes to the intimate experience provided by river cruises.
One of my most cherished cruise experiences was my honeymoon onboard Viking's Rhine River Cruise during Christmastime. After months of anticipation, this unique and immersive itinerary did not disappoint. From charming medieval towns to stunning castles, every moment felt like part of a larger, deeper exploration of Europe and the Rhine River.
As someone who’s been lucky to take numerous cruises, I can say that Viking’s river cruises offer a distinct kind of adventure—one far removed from the typical ocean cruise experience.
So, what makes river cruising so different from ocean cruising? And why might it be the right choice for your next getaway? Join me as I explore ten key differences between river and ocean cruising, with a special focus on Viking River Cruises.
Read: How much does it really cost to take a luxury cruise? We found out
1. Proximity to the town center
One of the most noticeable differences between river and ocean cruising is where each type of ship can dock. Ocean cruise ships often dock in large, industrial ports located some distance away from the main attractions of a city.
As a result, passengers must rely on buses or shuttles to travel to the heart of their destination. This can take up valuable time during port visits and, at times, makes it harder to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
River cruises, however, enjoy a distinct advantage: they can dock directly in the heart of towns and cities. With rivers cutting through major European capitals and quaint villages alike, river cruises places passengers just steps away from key attractions, cultural hotspots, and local markets.
This means that shore excursions often start sooner and last longer—sometimes even into the evening—allowing for a more relaxed and immersive experience.
On our Rhine River Cruise with Viking, I was amazed at how little travel time we spent getting to key sights. In fact, most of the time we simply walked straight from the ship into charming towns and villages.
We would dock in the center of towns, often with an extra hour or two to spare compared to larger ships. This is just one of the reasons why river cruising feels so much more intimate.
2. Fewer passengers
Anyone who’s sailed on a large ocean cruise ship knows the experience can sometimes feel crowded. With ships that hold anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 or more passengers, large ocean liners can become bustling mini-cities, with crowds to match. This often leads to long lines, packed dining rooms, and sometimes a less personalized experience.
In contrast, Viking River Cruises ships are designed for far fewer passengers—just around 190 at full capacity. This smaller, more intimate setting means you won’t be jostling for deck chairs, waiting in long lines for dinner, or feeling lost in the crowd.
The atmosphere on a river cruise is far more relaxed and tranquil, which allows for greater personal attention from the crew and the opportunity to connect with fellow passengers. It also means the overall vibe is more refined and peaceful, which can be a welcome change for travelers seeking a quieter, more laid-back vacation.
3. Refined and elevated dining
Dining on a river cruise is an experience in itself, and with Viking, the food is consistently delicious. While ocean cruises are known for offering a wide variety of dining options, from buffets to themed specialty restaurants, Viking offers a more refined approach to onboard dining.
On a Viking ship, there’s just one dining room, where guests enjoy all their meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—usually served at large, shared tables with other passengers. This communal dining experience fosters a sense of camaraderie and offers the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and share stories.
The meals on Viking River Cruises are carefully curated to reflect the destinations you’re visiting. For example, when we sailed through France, we enjoyed French-inspired cuisine, and when we docked in Germany, the menu featured hearty German fare. This cultural focus on food is one of the brand’s hallmarks and adds a meaningful layer to the cruise experience.
Additionally, Viking offers complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks during meals, so guests can fully enjoy the culinary experience without worrying about extra charges, another difference to ocean cruising. Whether you’re savoring smoked salmon eggs Benedict for breakfast or a delicious French pâté for dinner, every meal feels like an extension of the local culture.
4. No casinos, waterslides, or nightclubs
On large ocean cruise ships, there’s no shortage of entertainment options to keep guests busy. Casinos, waterslides, nightclubs, and Broadway-style shows are just a few of the things you’ll find onboard. These amenities are designed to appeal to a wide range of travelers, offering something for everyone.
However, Viking River Cruises takes a different approach. There are no extravagant casinos or waterslides onboard. Instead, the experience focuses on relaxation, cultural enrichment, and the joy of exploration. Viking River Cruises ships are purposefully designed to be more intimate, offering a smaller selection of onboard amenities, but ones that align with the brand’s philosophy of slow travel and cultural immersion.
There’s a main dining room, a small library, an outdoor deck with plenty of space for scenic views and leisurely walks, and comfortable staterooms. While the onboard amenities may be modest in comparison to larger ocean ships, they create an atmosphere that’s both peaceful and inviting, allowing passengers to savor the experience of being on the river.
Evening entertainment tends to focus on live music, cultural performances, and guest lectures. On my river cruises, we had a local violinist group come aboard and play for us—an intimate and enchanting experience that you won’t find on the bustling decks of an ocean cruise.
This quieter, more refined onboard atmosphere means you’ll spend more time enjoying the scenery and engaging with the history and culture of your destinations, rather than rushing from one activity to the next.
5. Visit towns off the beaten path
Because river cruises traverse the world’s rivers rather than its oceans, passengers often have the chance to explore towns and cities off the beaten path. Ocean cruises tend to frequent very busy popular ports, where you’re likely to encounter crowds of other tourists.
On our Viking Rhine River Cruise, we visited towns in Germany that felt authentic and not overrun by tourists. These were charming villages that offered us a glimpse into local life—places you wouldn’t typically find on an ocean cruise itinerary.
With Viking, there’s an emphasis on visiting destinations that are a little quieter, less commercialized, and more genuine. The smaller size of the ships allows them to dock in places larger ocean vessels can’t reach, and the itineraries are designed to provide a deeper cultural experience.
If you love the idea of discovering hidden gems and exploring destinations where you can truly interact with the locals, a river cruise may be just what you’re looking for.
6. Fewer children
Many ocean cruise ships are family-friendly, with all sorts of activities and amenities for children and families. While this can be appealing for those traveling with young ones, it can also mean that the ship is often filled with noise and activity, particularly in the pool areas and common spaces.
Viking River Cruises, on the other hand, operates as an adults-only brand. This means you’ll have a much quieter, more relaxed atmosphere onboard, with no children running around or requiring attention. This is ideal for couples, honeymooners, or solo travelers looking for a peaceful retreat. It also allows the crew to focus on providing a more tailored experience to their guests, with activities, excursions, and entertainment geared toward a more mature audience.
For those seeking an atmosphere of tranquility, sophistication, and romance, the adults-only policy is a welcome perk. It creates a serene environment where you can fully unwind and savor every moment of your river cruise.
7. Multiple port stops per day
River cruises tend to focus more on the destination and offer greater flexibility in port stops. Viking often docks for extended periods, sometimes several hours at a time, allowing passengers more time to explore at their leisure. In fact, some river cruises even visit multiple ports in a single day, giving passengers a chance to see more during their trip.
On our Rhine River Cruise, we experienced this firsthand: we would dock in one location in the morning, explore for a few hours, sail to a new destination in the afternoon, and dock again for another evening excursion. This kind of itinerary is a rare luxury on ocean cruises, where the focus is more often on longer sailings with fewer port calls.
8. Cultural enrichment
While ocean cruise ships offer entertainment in the form of Broadway-style shows and themed late-night parties, Viking focuses on cultural enrichment. The emphasis on learning through travel is woven into every part of the Viking experience. From history lectures to local cultural talks, the focus is always on deepening your understanding of the places you visit.
One of the highlights of our trip was a lecture from a historian onboard, who gave an in-depth talk about local food and customs as we sailed through Germany.
One afternoon, the cruise director gave a lecture about the beautiful German castles we were cruising past as we sailed through the Middle Rhine. The experience was made even more magical by the slow-falling snow that dusted the ship. These immersive experiences allow passengers to gain a deeper appreciation of the history and traditions of the destinations they visit.
9. All-inclusive
River cruises with Viking operate on an all-inclusive model, which can be a refreshing change from ocean cruising.
On Viking, the price of your cruise covers meals, excursions, beverages (including wine and beer with lunch and dinner), gratuities, and even some services like Wi-Fi.
This “all-inclusive” approach means there are fewer surprise costs—unlike large ocean cruise lines, where everything from shore excursions to specialty dining often comes with an added charge.
10. Romantic atmosphere
If you're searching for the perfect romantic getaway, Viking River Cruises offers an experience that’s hard to beat. The intimate atmosphere of river cruising, paired with the scenic, tranquil setting of Europe’s most picturesque rivers, creates an ideal vacation for couples looking to unwind, connect, and explore together.
Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply want to enjoy a serene escape, Viking’s river cruises are tailored to elevate the romantic experience.
A standout feature of river cruises is the personalized service, which makes you feel like you’re the only couple on board. Crew members go out of their way to cater to your needs, making every aspect of your experience feel special, whether arranging a private table for two in the dining room or helping you plan a quiet evening excursion.
The communal nature of meals and the small ship atmosphere allows for a more relaxed and intimate dining experience, offering the chance to enjoy conversation without the distractions of larger groups or noisy surroundings.
Beyond the ship, the destinations themselves are ideal for romance. Viking’s carefully curated itineraries take you to enchanting towns and cities that are rich in culture, history, and beauty. Imagine strolling hand-in-hand along cobblestone streets in a medieval village, touring castles with your partner, or sharing a glass of wine overlooking a vineyard in the heart of the Rhine Valley.
Many of the excursions offered by Viking are designed to showcase the most romantic aspects of each destination, whether it’s a boat ride on the Danube, a private wine tasting in Bordeaux, or a candlelit dinner at a traditional French bistro.
The evenings on river cruises are equally enchanting. After a day of exploration, you can enjoy intimate entertainment, such as live classical music performances or cultural showcases. It’s not about high-energy nightclubs or flashy shows but about creating an atmosphere of quiet reflection and appreciation—perfect for couples who want to connect.
When it comes to cruising, choosing between river and ocean voyages depends on what kind of experience you’re seeking
While ocean cruises offer large-scale amenities and destinations that cater to a wider variety of interests, river cruises—particularly with Viking—provide a unique, intimate journey that focuses on cultural immersion, peaceful surroundings, and a more relaxed pace of travel.
For couples, the smaller, quieter environment of river cruising offers an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect, explore, and create memories that are more meaningful.
The direct access to town centers, personalized service, and cultural enrichment make river cruising a perfect fit for those who appreciate the art of slow travel and want to experience destinations in a way that’s far removed from the crowds and commercialism often found in ocean ports.
Viking River Cruises also stands out for its commitment to providing an all-inclusive, culturally immersive experience that highlights the local flavors, history, and beauty of each destination. It’s not just about seeing a new place; it’s about experiencing it in a way that enriches your understanding and appreciation of the world around you.
If you’re looking for a cruise that blends relaxation with exploration, where every moment feels like part of a larger, more meaningful journey, then a river cruise might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re savoring a glass of local wine in the company of your partner, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, or immersing yourself in the history and culture of Europe or another region around the world, a river cruise offers a kind of travel that’s not just about the destinations, but about the experience of really being there and appreciating it.
Hayley Phillips
Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning.
