River Cruises: A Different Pace of Travel
River cruising trades big ships and water slides for small vessels, quiet decks, and destinations you dock right in the middle of. Ships typically carry well under 200 passengers, which makes for a slower, more intimate trip focused on the towns and landscapes along the water rather than onboard entertainment.
In the US, the Mississippi and Columbia & Snake Rivers are the two major river cruise routes, run primarily by American Cruise Lines and a handful of others. Internationally, rivers like the Rhine, Danube, and Seine in Europe are popular routes for lines like Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, and Uniworld.
River cruises tend to attract an older, less party-oriented crowd and often include more in the base fare - shore excursions, Wi-Fi, sometimes even drinks - than a typical ocean cruise. Curious whether it's the right fit for you? Call +1-800-406-8495 to talk it through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a river cruise different from an ocean cruise?
River cruise ships are much smaller, carry far fewer passengers, and dock directly in town centers instead of large cruise terminals. The pace is slower and more focused on the destinations themselves rather than onboard activities.
What rivers can you cruise in the USA?
The Mississippi River (New Orleans to the Midwest) and the Columbia & Snake Rivers (Pacific Northwest) are the two main US river cruise routes.
Are river cruises more expensive than ocean cruises?
Per night, river cruises often cost more than a comparable mainstream ocean cruise, but they typically include more in that price - shore excursions, drinks, and gratuities are commonly bundled in on many river lines.
Who tends to enjoy river cruising most?
River cruises tend to appeal to travelers who prefer a quieter pace, cultural and scenic destinations, and smaller group sizes over big-ship entertainment and nightlife.
Which river cruise line should I book?
It depends on the river and region you want to see - our advisors at +1-800-406-8495 can match you to a river cruise line based on your destination, budget, and travel style.
How many passengers do river cruise ships typically carry?
Most river cruise vessels carry between 100 and 200 passengers, far fewer than ocean ships, which contributes to their more intimate feel.
Are river cruises more expensive than ocean cruises per night?
Often yes, since river cruise fares typically bundle in more inclusions like excursions, drinks, and Wi-Fi than a standard ocean cruise fare.
Do river cruises have the same entertainment as ocean cruises?
Not really - river cruises focus more on destination immersion, lectures, and smaller-scale evening entertainment rather than large theater shows.
Is a river cruise a good fit for someone who gets seasick?
Yes, river cruising is generally much smoother than ocean cruising since the vessels travel on calm inland waterways rather than open sea.
What's the difference between a US river cruise and a European river cruise?
US river cruises, like those on the Mississippi or Columbia, tend to focus on history and scenery, while European river cruises often add more multi-country itineraries in a single trip.