Ocean vs. River

"Water type" is the first fork in the road: cruising the open sea, or cruising a river through the heart of a country. They're different vacations more than they're different versions of the same one.

OCEAN

Ships from boutique yachts (under 200 guests) up to 6,000-guest resort ships, with pools, shows, and many restaurants. Itineraries mix coastal port days with days at sea in between, sailing seas and open water.

SHIP SIZEWide range: under 200 guests up to 6,000 guests

ONBOARD EXPERIENCEPools, shows, multiple restaurants, activities, and entertainment

ITINERARY STYLEMix of coastal port days and relaxing days at sea

FARE INCLUDESVaries by cruise line and cabin type. Add-ons common (drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, excursions)

FOCUSResort-style experience with a wide range of activities and amenities

RIVER

Small, low-profile ships of roughly 100–200 guests built to fit under river bridges and dock in town centers. They tie up almost daily, focus on scenery and culture, and fares are usually close to all-inclusive.

SHIP SIZEConsistent: roughly 100–200 guests. Ships cluster tightly in size

ONBOARD EXPERIENCEIntimate atmosphere, local cuisine, lounge, and cultural enrichment

ITINERARY STYLEDock in town almost daily. Focus on scenery and culture

FARE INCLUDESUsually close to all-inclusive: drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and many excursions included

FOCUSImmersive cultural experiences in the heart of the destinations

River ships cluster tightly in size — they don't vary much by design tier the way ocean ships do — so they get their own bucket in the Ship Size filter instead of being split across the ocean-ship size bands.