River and ocean cruises are both “cruises”, but they are very different holidays. On a river you wake up in a new town almost every day, the ship is small and the scenery glides past the window. On the ocean you cross open sea, ships range from intimate to enormous, and the ship itself is part of the fun.
Here is how they compare, with lines that show the difference best, including two that offer both.
You’ll find on this page
- A comparison table of every cruise line in this guide
- The key differences
- Lines that show the difference
- Who each suits
- Answers to the questions we’re asked most
- How to book or get expert advice at the end of the page
At a glance: compare the cruise lines
| Cruise line | Style | Fleet | Best for | Included highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viking | River and ocean | 15 Ocean ships | Trying both styles | Wi-Fi, Excursion in every port, Beer & wine at lunch and dinner |
| Uniworld Boutique River Cruises | River cruises | 13 Super Ships in the fleet | Luxury on the river | All drinks, Daily excursions, Airport transfers |
| Celebrity Cruises | Premium ocean | 16 Ships in the fleet | Ocean variety | Main dining, eXhale bedding, Pools & hot tubs |
| Saga Cruises | River and ocean | 7 Ships — 2 ocean + 4 river | Over-50s trying both | Chauffeur from home, Travel insurance, All drinks |
Fleet sizes and inclusions are from each line’s own information and can change; inclusions often depend on the fare you book.
Quick verdicts
The key differences
Ship size: river ships carry around 100 to 200 guests; ocean ships range from about 100 to more than 5,000. Ports: rivers dock in the heart of towns and cities, often every day; ocean ships alternate ports with sea days. On board: river ships have a lounge, a restaurant and a sun deck; ocean ships can have theatres, pools, spas and dozens of restaurants. What’s included: river fares usually include excursions and often drinks with meals; ocean fares vary hugely. Seasickness: rivers are calm; the open sea can be rough. Children: river cruising is mostly for adults; many ocean lines are built for families.
Lines that show the difference
Viking
- River and ocean
- 15 Ocean ships
Viking runs 15 ocean ships and more than 80 river ships with the same adults-only, destination-focused approach, making it the easiest way to compare the two.
Best for: Trying both styles
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
- River cruises
- 13 Super Ships in the fleet
- 110-160 Guests per ship — boutique scale
Boutique river ships of 110 to 160 guests with statement interiors, and drinks, excursions, gratuities and Wi-Fi included.
Best for: Luxury on the river
Celebrity Cruises
- Premium ocean
- 16 Ships in the fleet
A modern premium ocean fleet of 16 ships with chef-led restaurants, pools, shows and itineraries to all seven continents.
Best for: Ocean variety
Saga Cruises
- River and ocean
- 7 Ships — 2 ocean + 4 river
Two boutique ocean ships and four river ships for over-50s, with a chauffeur from home and drinks, gratuities and insurance included on both.
Best for: Over-50s trying both
Who each suits
Choose a river cruise if you love culture, history and towns, want a relaxed pace, prefer a small ship and don’t need much evening entertainment. Europe’s Rhine, Danube, Rhône, Seine and Douro are classics. Choose an ocean cruise if you want sea days, sunshine, entertainment and facilities, or if you’re travelling with children. Ocean cruises also reach islands and coastlines that rivers can’t, from the Caribbean to the Norwegian fjords.
How we chose these cruise lines
We chose lines that illustrate each style clearly, including two that offer both river and ocean cruises. We sell more than 60 cruise lines, from big family ships to tiny expedition vessels, so these recommendations are based on what each line actually offers: ship size, what’s included in the fare, who it suits and who it doesn’t. Fares, inclusions and ships change, so always check the details for your sailing, or ask a Travel Designer to compare them for you.
Frequently asked questions
Are river cruises good for families?
Mostly not. River cruising is aimed at adults; some lines such as A-Rosa have family departures. Big ocean lines are usually better for children.
Do you get seasick on a river cruise?
Very rarely. Rivers are calm water.
Are river cruises more expensive?
Headline fares are often higher, but they usually include excursions and often drinks with meals, so the overall cost can be similar.
Which lines offer both river and ocean cruises?
Viking, Saga, Scenic and Emerald Cruises all offer both.
Find your cruise
Browse every cruise line we sell, or ask a Travel Designer to compare ships, cabins and itineraries for you.
Keep planning
Updated October 2026. Cruises can be booked through Travelisto, with flights and hotels added where you need them.
