Cruises

Which One Should I Choose?

How do you feel about the open ocean?

This is the first question we ask. Ocean cruises cross open water and depending on the route and the season, you will feel it. The Caribbean and Mediterranean are generally calm, but transatlantic crossings, Alaska, and repositioning sailings can get rough. If the idea of rough seas makes you nervous, river cruising is almost always calm. You are sailing inland waterways which means no swells, no sea sickness, & no white-knuckle nights.

Do you want your destination to be the point of your vacation, or the ship and everything on board?

Ocean cruise ships are built to be destinations in themselves. Waterparks, Broadway shows, multiple restaurants, casinos, nightclubs, and enough activities to fill a week without ever stepping foot off the ship. If that sounds like your dream vacation, ocean cruising is your answer. River cruise ships are small, intimate, and intentionally understated. The ship is your floating hotel. They are comfortable, and some luxury lines are genuinely stunning! The reason you choose a river cruise is to watch the world outside the window. If you want to spend every day immersed in a new city or landscape and come home feeling like you actually experienced somewhere, river cruising is built for that.

How do you feel about crowds?

Ocean ships carry anywhere from 700 to 7,000 passengers depending on the line and vessel. River ships carry 100 to 200. If you've ever felt like a number on a large resort property and hated it, a river ship will feel like a completely different world. You know the crew by name by day two. You see the same faces at dinner. It is genuinely intimate in a way that ocean cruising rarely is outside of the small luxury expedition lines.

Do you want beach time?

If the answer is yes, you want an ocean cruise. River cruising typically does not deliver beaches. It delivers cities, castles, vineyards, temples, ruins, local markets, and countryside. Both are wonderful, just completely different experiences. If your non-negotiable is warm water and sand between your toes, you'll want us booking you on an ocean cruise.

How important is cultural immersion to you?

Both formats can deliver cultural experiences but river cruising does it with an intensity that ocean cruising rarely matches. When your ship docks in the center of Bruges, Budapest, or Cairo and you walk straight off the gangplank into the old town, the experience is fundamentally different from tendering ashore at a busy cruise port. River cruising puts you inside the destination. Ocean cruising puts you near it.

What is your budget?

Ocean cruising has the widest range of price points in travel. You can sail Carnival for a few hundred dollars per person or sail Viking Ocean in a full suite for tens of thousands. River cruising starts at a higher base price — a mainstream river cruise typically runs $2,000 to $4,000 per person for a week in Europe before flights, and luxury lines like Uniworld and Scenic can run $5,000 to $10,000 or more. The reason is that river cruise fares include significantly more than most ocean fares. They can include excursions, gratuities, beverages, and Wi-Fi, so the comparison is not always apples to apples. We will always walk you through whichever type of cruise you pick and talk about what's included before you decide.

How long do you want to be gone?

Ocean cruises are available in every length from 3 night getaways to 274 night world voyages. River cruises tend to run 7 to 14 nights for most European itineraries, with longer combination sailings available in Egypt, Southeast Asia, and South America. If you want a quick long weekend escape, ocean cruising gives you more options. If you have a full week or more and want to use every day of it intentionally, river cruising rewards that time beautifully.

Have you cruised before?

Many of our river cruise clients are experienced ocean cruisers who are ready for something different. They have done the Caribbean, they have done the Mediterranean, and they want an experience that feels less like a floating resort and more like genuine travel. River cruising is often that next step. It's also a wonderful first cruise for travelers who have avoided cruising altogether because the idea of a giant ship felt overwhelming. A small ship size, calm water, and destination focus tend to win over even the most skeptical non-cruisers.

Still not sure?

That is exactly what we are here for. Call, email, or fill out our contact form and let us know what kind of traveler you are. We ask the right questions to find you the right fit. Whether that's a 4-night Caribbean sailing on Carnival or a 10-night luxury sailing down the Nile, we will match you to a vacation you didn't even know was possible.

What's the Difference Between Ocean Cruise Lines?

Not all ocean cruises are created equal. Just like all-inclusive resorts, "ocean cruise" is a broad term that covers everything from party ships to butler-service luxury yachts. Ship size, what's included, the onboard vibe, and who you'll be sailing with are all very different depending on the line. Knowing what you want out of a vacation at sea is the first step and that's where we come in.

Let's break down some of the major ocean cruise lines we book and who they're typically a great fit for.

Some of the Ocean Cruise Lines We Book

CARNIVAL

The fun, casual, and budget-friendly option with a lively onboard atmosphere and signature dining experiences. (Military-friendly. They sail more active and retired armed forces members than any other line)

Your basic fare covers: Your stateroom; Main dining hall; Entertainment; Non-specialty beverages in the main dining room

Add-ons (pre-cruise or upon arrival): Alcoholic & specialty drinks; Specialty restaurants; Wi-Fi; Shore excursions; Pre-paid gratuities

NOTE: As of February 2026, adults in the same stateroom must purchase the same beverage package level. Minors can choose their own or skip entirely.

There are currently 29 ships to choose from.

CELEBRITY CRUISES

A significant step up from mainstream lines without crossing into full luxury pricing. Sleek, modern ships with a quieter and more sophisticated atmosphere.

Your basic fare covers: Your stateroom; Main dining hall; Entertainment; Standard onboard activities

Add-ons (pre-cruise or upon arrival): Drinks; Specialty restaurants; Wi-Fi; Shore excursions; Pre-paid gratuities

There are currently 16 ships to choose from.

HOLLAND AMERICA

Classic, traditional ocean cruising with a polished crowd, longer itineraries, and a deep focus on the destinations you visit rather than the ship itself.

Your basic fare covers: Your stateroom; Main dining hall; Entertainment; Most onboard activities

Add-ons (pre-cruise or upon arrival): Drinks (Elite, Signature, or Quench beverage packages available); Specialty restaurants; Wi-Fi; Shore excursions; Pre-paid gratuities

Best suited for travelers 50+ and anyone who wants longer itineraries with genuine destination focus over onboard entertainment.

There are currently 11 ships to choose from.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

The pioneers of Freestyle Cruising. No set dining times, no formal nights, no pre-assigned seating, and a resort-casual dress code every night.

Your basic fare covers: Your stateroom; Main dining hall; Entertainment; Most onboard activities

Add-ons (pre-cruise or upon arrival): Drinks; Specialty restaurants; Wi-Fi; Shore excursions; Pre-paid gratuities

There are currently 21 ships to choose from.

PRINCESS

Mid-range, well-rounded, and known for exceptional itineraries worldwide paired with smart wearable technology that enhances every part of your trip.

Your basic fare covers: Your stateroom; Main dining hall; Entertainment; Most onboard activities

Add-ons (pre-cruise or upon arrival): Drinks; Specialty restaurants; Wi-Fi; Shore excursions; Pre-paid gratuities

There are currently 18 ships to choose from.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Family friendly and known for packing more activities onto a ship than most people can get to in a week. Waterslides & surf simulators; Rock climbing walls, laser tag & zip lines; Broadway-style shows; and Multiple restaurants & nightlife options make this one of the best options for families.

Your basic fare covers: Your stateroom; Main dining hall; Entertainment; Most activities

Add-ons (pre-cruise or upon arrival): Drinks; Specialty restaurants; Wi-Fi; Shore excursions; Pre-paid gratuities

There are currently 29 ships to choose from

VIKING

Adults only (18+), destination-focused, and intentionally designed for travelers who want to experience the places they visit rather than spend their days on the ship.

No casino, no waterslides, no kids

Your basic fare covers: Your stateroom; All meals; Beer and wine with lunch and dinner; Wi-Fi; Entertainment and enrichment programming; One shore excursion per port; Pre-paid gratuities

Add-ons (pre-cruise or upon arrival): Premium beverage packages; Additional shore excursions; Specialty dining experiences

NOTE: Viking includes significantly more in the base fare than any other mainstream ocean line — making it one of the best values in premium ocean cruising when you factor in what is covered.

There are currently 14 ships to choose from, with 2 more delivering in 2026 and additional ships on order through 2030.

VIRGIN VOYAGES

Adults only (18+) and unlike anything else in the industry. No kids, no buffets, no formal nights, and no surprise charges once you are onboard.

All specialty dining across 20+ eateries designed by Michelin-starred chefs included in the fare

Your basic fare covers: Your stateroom; All specialty dining (20+ restaurants); Basic drinks; Wi-Fi; Group fitness classes; Entertainment; Pre-paid gratuities

Add-ons (pre-cruise or upon arrival): Premium beverage packages; Shore excursions; Spa treatments; RockStar Quarters suite upgrades

NOTE: Virgin Voyages is not a traditional cruise experience. If you want formal nights, a casino, a waterpark, or kids at the table, this is not your line. If you want something sophisticated, social, and completely different from anything you have sailed before, it just might be your favorite vacation ever.

There are currently 4 ships to choose from.

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What Makes River Cruising Different from Ocean Cruising?

River cruising is an entirely different experience than sailing the open ocean. Ships are smaller (typically 100 to 200 passengers) which means no crowds, no sea days, and no massive entertainment complexes. You dock right in the heart of cities and towns, walk off the ship, and you're already there. You unpack once and wake up somewhere new every morning. River cruises attract a more mature, culturally curious traveler, and they tend to run at a more relaxed, intimate pace. Here's a look at the major lines we book and what sets each one apart.

Some of the River Cruise Lines We Book

VIKING

The largest river cruise line in the world, purpose-built for adult only (18+) travelers who want to experience the places they visit and not just pass through them.

Your basic fare covers: Your stateroom; All meals; Beer and wine with lunch and dinner; Wi-Fi; One guided shore excursion per port; Onboard cultural programming

Add-ons (pre-cruise or upon arrival): Premium beverage packages; Additional shore excursions; Specialty experiences

NOTE: Viking requires full payment earlier than most other river lines.

Viking operates more than 80 river ships worldwide, making it by far the largest river cruise fleet in the world, with 10 new ships delivered by early 2026 and more on order through 2028.

AM WATERWAYS

A family-owned company since 2002 with an outstanding reputation for cuisine and flexible, active shore excursions at every port.

Your basic fare covers: Your stateroom; All meals; Complimentary regional wines, beers, and soft drinks at every lunch and dinner; Wi-Fi; All shore excursions at multiple pace levels

Add-ons (pre-cruise or upon arrival): Premium beverage packages; Specialty dining experiences; Additional excursions

There are currently 27 ships in the fleet worldwide, with a new ship AmaSofia launching on the Rhine and Danube in spring 2026 and plans to grow to 40 ships by 2030.

AVALON WATERWAYS

Known for the most innovative cabin design in river cruising, Avalon Waterways wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open 7 feet wide to create the industry's only true Open-Air Balcony is Avalon Waterways where every bed faces the passing scenery, not a wall.

Your basic fare covers: Your stateroom; All meals; Regional wine and beer at every lunch and dinner; Complimentary Happy Hour every evening; Starlink Wi-Fi; Up to 28 shore excursions per cruise; Complimentary bikes and e-bikes

Add-ons (pre-cruise or upon arrival): Premium beverage packages; Additional excursions; Specialty experiences

Avalon Choice excursions come in three styles (Classic, Discovery, and Active) so every guest goes at their own pace every single day.

There are currently 17 ships to choose from.

SCENIC LUXURY CRUISE & TOURS

Ultra-luxury river cruising with every detail taken care of and nothing left to chance. Ships carry a maximum of 163 guests.

Your basic fare covers: Your stateroom; All meals featuring locally sourced regional specialties; Premium international beverages including wine, beer, cocktails, and spirits — available all day every day; All shore excursions at your chosen pace level; Wi-Fi; Pre-paid gratuities

Add-ons (pre-cruise or upon arrival): Scenic Enrich exclusive experiences (private concerts, after-hours venue access); Spa treatments; Specialty shore experiences

There are currently 15 river ships in the fleet, with new ships delivering through 2028.

EMERALD CRUISES

A newer name in river cruising delivering a premium experience at a more accessible price point than the top-tier luxury lines.

Your basic fare covers: Your stateroom; All meals; Shore excursions; EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences; EmeraldACTIVE excursion options

Add-ons (pre-cruise or upon arrival): Beverage packages; Specialty experiences; Additional shore excursions

NOTE: Emerald offers a Flexible Booking Plan allowing guests to defer or cancel up to 90 days prior to departure with a Future Travel Credit (valid for 24 months) a great safety net for travelers who want flexibility when planning ahead.

There are currently 10 river Star-Ships in the fleet, with a new ship Emerald Astra launching in May 2026 on the Rhine, Main, and Danube, plus 3 luxury ocean yachts sailing the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Seychelles.

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES

The most all-inclusive river cruise experience on the water. Every ship is individually designed with original art, custom fabrics, and antique furnishings and averages just 120 passengers. No two ships look alike.

Your basic fare covers: Your stateroom; All meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients; Unlimited premium wines, craft beers, top-shelf spirits, specialty coffees, and soft drinks around the clock; All shore excursions with English-speaking local guides; Onboard fitness classes including yoga and TRX; Wi-Fi; Pre-paid gratuities for onboard staff; Airport transfers on arrival and departure days; Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks

Add-ons (pre-cruise or upon arrival): Masterpiece Collection exclusive experiences; Spa treatments; Extended pre or post cruise land packages

There are currently 17 ships in the fleet, with 4 additional Super Ships debuting throughout 2026 and 2027.

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Cruises

Ocean Cruise

Ocean Cruise

Ocean Cruise

River Cruise

Ocean Cruise

Ocean Cruise

Which One Should I Choose?

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it’s always our self we find in the sea.

What's the Difference Between Ocean Cruise Lines?

Some of the Ocean Cruise Lines We Book

CARNIVAL

CELEBRITY CRUISES

HOLLAND AMERICA

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

PRINCESS

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

VIKING

VIRGIN VOYAGES

Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made, for somewhere deep in their oaken hearts the soul of a song is laid.

What Makes River Cruising Different from Ocean Cruising?

Some of the River Cruise Lines We Book

VIKING

AM WATERWAYS

AVALON WATERWAYS

SCENIC LUXURY CRUISE & TOURS

EMERALD CRUISES

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES

Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate. ~ Captain Jack Sparrow

Cruises

Ocean Cruise

Ocean Cruise

Ocean Cruise

River Cruise

Ocean Cruise

Ocean Cruise

Which One Should I Choose?

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it’s always our self we find in the sea.

What's the Difference Between Ocean Cruise Lines?

Some of the Ocean Cruise Lines We Book

CARNIVAL

CELEBRITY CRUISES

HOLLAND AMERICA

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

PRINCESS

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

VIKING

VIRGIN VOYAGES

Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made, for somewhere deep in their oaken hearts the soul of a song is laid.

What Makes River Cruising Different from Ocean Cruising?

Some of the River Cruise Lines We Book

VIKING

AM WATERWAYS

AVALON WATERWAYS

SCENIC LUXURY CRUISE & TOURS

EMERALD CRUISES

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES

Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate. ~ Captain Jack Sparrow

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