Cruise guide · River or ocean
A river cruise sails inland waterways on a small ship that usually docks in the heart of a town, with a guided excursion included in most ports. An ocean cruise sails between coastal cities and islands on ships of many sizes, with more choice of dining, entertainment and cabins on board. At Traveland, we plan both, and we help you choose based on where you want to go, how you like to spend your days and who is traveling with you. We are a family-owned travel agency in Connecticut, planning trips since 1978 as a member of the Signature Travel Network.
Since 1978Family-owned and operated
Signature Travel NetworkMember agency
Orange & BridgeportTwo Connecticut offices
Every detail handledSo you can simply enjoy the trip
The short answer
Four differences matter most when choosing.
River ships are small by design to fit locks and bridges. Ocean ships range from small yachts to large resort ships.
River ships usually tie up close to the center of town. Ocean ships use coastal ports, sometimes with a transfer into the city.
Most river cruises include a guided excursion in each port. On many ocean cruises, excursions are booked separately.
River ships are quiet, with one main restaurant and a lounge. Ocean ships add pools, theaters, spas and several restaurants.
| River cruise | Ocean cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Seeing several towns and countries with little travel time between them | Coastlines, islands and sea days, with more to do on board |
| Ship | Small, with a relaxed, social atmosphere | From small ships to large resort ships |
| Ports | Usually docks in or near the town center | Coastal ports, sometimes with a transfer into the city |
| Excursions | A guided excursion is included in most ports | Often booked separately, depending on the cruise line |
| Water | Calm rivers, so seasickness is rarely a concern | Open sea, which can bring motion in rough weather |
| Where | Europe's Rhine, Danube and Seine, plus rivers in Asia, Egypt and the Americas | Worldwide, from the Caribbean and Alaska to the Mediterranean |
Which one suits you
A quick way to decide, based on how you like to travel.
If you want to see historic towns and countryside up close, unpack once and have sightseeing included.
If you want coastlines, islands and sea days, with a wider choice of dining, entertainment and cabins.
If you want remote places such as Antarctica or the Arctic, with naturalist guides and landings by small boat.
Working with us
01
Tell us how you like to travel, who is coming, and what you hope to feel. There is no charge to begin.
02
We design the route, hotels, transfers and experiences, then refine them with you, so you skip the hours of research and comparison.
03
We book the flights, stays, cruises and tours and keep track of every confirmation, so all you have to do is enjoy the journey.
Questions
A river cruise travels inland on a small ship and docks close to town centers, with excursions often included. An ocean cruise sails between coastal ports on larger ships with more onboard dining and entertainment.
It depends on what you enjoy. Travelers who want sightseeing and a quieter ship often prefer a river cruise. Travelers who want variety on board, sea days and beaches often prefer an ocean cruise. We help you weigh the two.
Rivers are calm, so seasickness is rarely a concern on a river cruise. On an ocean cruise, larger ships and a well-chosen cabin location can help.
Most river cruise lines include a guided excursion in each port. On many ocean cruises, excursions are booked separately. We confirm what is included on your sailing.
We plan river cruises with lines such as Viking and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, and ocean cruises with lines such as Celebrity, Princess, Holland America Line and Silversea. Each has its own page on our site.
Yes. Some cruise lines, including Viking, operate both river and ocean ships, and we can plan a trip that combines the two with hotel nights in between.
Planning a trip like this can take many hours of research, comparison and booking. We do that work for you, draw on decades of experience to get the details right, and keep every confirmation in one place, so you can spend that time looking forward to the journey.
We are a family-owned travel agency in Connecticut, with offices at 564 Racebrook Road in Orange (203-929-6000) and 4270 Main Street in Bridgeport (203-371-1114).
Inquire
Tell us a little about the trip you have in mind. One of our advisors will reply personally.
Choose a time for a call with one of our advisors.
Orange
564 Racebrook Road, Orange, CT 06477
203-929-6000
Bridgeport
4270 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606
203-371-1114
Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
info@traveland.net