River cruise or ocean cruise?
Checked October 2026
Compare what each fare includes, then the pace of the days. AmaWaterways, a river line, says a fare can include all meals, guided excursions and Wi-Fi. Wine, beer and soft drinks come with lunch and dinner. If an ocean quote sells those apart, add them before you compare totals.
The river facts here come from AmaWaterways' own pages, read on 15 October 2026: one line describing its own ships.
Which is better, an ocean cruise or a river cruise?
That depends on what you want from the week. Start with what each fare buys. Then ask what a typical day looks like.
What can a river fare include?
The AmaWaterways guide for first-timers and its FAQ list these in a fare:
- all meals
- wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- guided excursions
- Wi-Fi
So one river fare can cover items that other quotes sell apart. Ask for the same list from an ocean quote. Then add the missing items to each total.
Why are river cruises more expensive than ocean cruises?
Check what each fare bundles before you decide one is dearer. If one quote leaves out the excursions, drinks or Wi-Fi above, add them as a cost. Our guide to river cruise cost covers how to compare quotes.
What does a day on a river cruise look like?
Planned, on this line. Its days are built around excursions and on-board activities. Boarding is about 3pm, and cruises run from 7 to 14 nights.
Its life on board page lists a fitness centre, spa treatments and a sun deck. It gives no passenger count, so ask how many guests your ship carries.
Are river cruises boring?
Ask for a sample day on the ship you're looking at. Judge the pace from that. A programme of excursions suits people who like a plan. It may suit you less if you want days with nothing planned.
What are the negatives of river cruising?
Ask the line what is not on board. Ask what a day with no excursion looks like.
Motion is one thing people ask about. River ships sail inland waters. If motion worries you, ask the line directly.
What to ask on both sides
- What is in the fare, and what is extra?
- Are drinks, excursions and Wi-Fi in it?
- How long is the cruise, and when do I board?
- What is on the ship, and what is not?
- What does a typical day look like?
Then use the form below to tell us what you're weighing up. Our travel team at The JLT Group plans and books the cruise.