Ocean or river?
Having experienced both ocean & river cruising, I absolutely love each of them, although they offer a very different travel experience which people may adjust to, or not be able to.
Back in 2009, when I first stepped onto an ocean going ship, I was wowed by the glitz, (but not quite glamour, it was a Royal Caribbean ship after all - haha) the size, the facilities, the array of entertainment and food available in the many restaurants! It was indeed a large floating hotel with everything in one place to keep you amused during your holiday.
Since then, I have cruised on various cruise lines, including: Princess, Celebrity, and Cunard. As well as cruising, I have taken lots of organised ship tours on the other premium line; Oceania, and the ultra-luxurys; Silversea, Seabourn, Windstar, and Crystal, and the larger mass market; Holland America, MSC, Disney, and so many more.
With a few of these latter cruise lines, you are nickled and dimed to death, everything is an add on and goodness knows what your bill at the end of the sailing is going to be!
Now, I am at a stage in my life where I enjoy more of a relaxed holiday, to explore the destinations and immerse in the culture. So for my latest cruise, I chose an Azamara ship. Now, Azamara doesn’t have the glamour of the high-end offerings in the ultra-luxury market, but that isn’t what I am about either.
If you prefer to pay upfront, love an uncrowded mid-size ship, with a refined and relaxed atmosphere, an amazing variety of food in different restaurants from casual to fine-dining, included premium drinks, onboard and on land cultural events, various bars and lounges, amazing shows, and more…then the premium ships of Azamara and Oceania would be perfect!
Me in a restaurant on the Azamara Onward
Docked together in Ravenna, Italy; The Oceania Nautica and Azamara Onward
In 2011, I was offered a river cruise on the stunning ultra-luxury Uniworld Beatrice from Budapest to Passau, and who was I to say no? Now, stepping onto a river ship is worlds apart from an ocean ship. Firstly, you do actually just step on. There are no security or luggage checks, just walk up to reception with your passport and collect your stateroom key.
I have also cruised with Emerald along the Rhone in the south of France. This was a different experience again from Uniworld, but just as enjoyable.
I have also explored many river ships on organised tours, including; A’Rosa, AMA Waterways, and Croisi Europe.
A river cruise offers a more relaxed and intimate travel experience, meandering along inland waterways, you will always have a land view, from large major cities to beautiful countryside dotted with fairytale castles and vineyards. On exotic itineraries, as well as photographing the UNESCO Heritage sites, you will discover where people still depend on the river for their livelihoods, and really immerse in the culture. There’s always a great view from your private veranda or the sun-deck.
Wi-Fi is included, which could be huge, incase you feel the urge to log-in to work, or contact your family.
Your meals come from local markets and farms; I mean the chefs actually leave the ships and go shopping while you are out exploring. The food is so fresh and there is a really good variety served, from buffet breakfast & lunch to full a’la carte evening meal. It’s just what you need after a busy day. Also included, are premium wines found locally & other beverages during lunch and dinner. If you choose to splash out on one of the luxury lines; like Uniworld, Scenic or Riverside, your beverages are unlimited all day. On that note, another key difference, is that you can take alcohol onboard, drink it where you wish, and they will even open it for you!
Because of the low passenger numbers, this allows for flexibility. Some river ships will box up a free full lunch for you if you choose to go off cycling on one of the (included) bikes, and planning not to return to the ship until later. I have friends who cycled along the river from one docking port to meet the ship at the next.
Unlike an ocean ship, your shore excursions are included. Take a stroll around the city or village with your tour guide before having plenty of time to take a wander by yourself. There are also optional excursions which may take you further from the ship by coach. Otherwise, just leave the ship and stroll, as you are on the river, you are never far from the nearest tourist landmark. For example, the Eiffel Tower stands just about a 20 minute walk away from your floating boutique hotel.
The Beatrice docked right next to The Chain Bridge, and opposite parliament buildings in Budapest. Just step off and walk!
On the other side of the river from the Liberte, in Lyon
You do not have all the glamour of huge West-End style shows, casinos, or waterslides on a river ship, it’s all about the journey and destinations you’ll discover. You do though have low-key entertainment in the lounge, which may include a lively quiz, a live band, or local group that has been brought onboard for a short time.
Possibly a downside to river cruising, is the lack of multiple restaurants, as you generally have just one onboard, but with fewer passengers, you can get acquainted quickly, and thankfully, with open seating, you can choose who you would like to sit with, and who you would rather not - if you know what I mean!? You can always choose a table for two if you wish.
You can of course you book yourself onto one of the newer double-width ships which still cary under 200 passengers but allow for will 4 distinct restaurants and more lounges.
My husband and I next to Emerald Liberte
Uniworld Beatrice from up in Passau
Because of the social aspect of river cruising - open dining, small group excursions, and lounge entertainment - it does lend itself to being ideal for solo travellers, especially when there is a low or no single supplement offer going on!
Ocean or river - which would you choose? I can help with both. Contact me to book.