Being a Travel Advisor brings great opportunities to experience many different types of travel. Over the years I have taken my share of ocean cruises, train trips, “all inclusive” stays, bus tours and adventure trips. Some destinations have been scenic, some have been big cities, some have been historic and cultural destinations. But, my absolute favorite type of travel is River Cruising!
Ocean Cruising and River Cruising are two very different types of experiences.
RIVER CRUSES
River cruises have smaller ships with usually 180 or less passengers.
Calm waters and minimal motion.
Scenic cruising with land always in sight.
Frequent stops: destinations are the focus.
More cultural excursions and immersive local experiences.
Limited onboard entertainment and amenities compared to ocean ships.
OCEAN CRUISES
Large ships with up to thousands of passengers.
More motion from waves and open sea conditions.
Long stretches without land views.
Fewer port days on some itineraries.
Wider variety of entertainment, shows, pools, and activities.
More family‑oriented and resort‑style atmosphere.
Why should you take a river cruise?
River cruises offer an intimate, relaxed travel experience with far fewer passengers. Because you are almost always close to shore, the scenery is constant and immersive. Docking is often in the heart of cities and towns, allowing you to step directly off the ship into local culture. The pace is slower, with more focus on history, food, and authentic regional experiences. The atmosphere tends to be quiet, low‑key, and sophisticated. Because there is very little motion, seasickness is never an issue. The experience feels more like a boutique hotel that travels with you.
The most well-known and popular river cruises are on the European rivers like the Rhine and the Danube. Historically, the cultural centers of the world have been on the rivers so every day is full of castles, historical cathedrals, wineries and larger cities.
While Viking Cruise Line is one of the most well-known river cruise companies there are many other excellent options. Each company has their own nuances that offer the same wonderful river cruise but might offer a different type of experience. Other quality lines include AMA Waterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic, Emerald, Uniworld and many more. In fact, Celebrity Cruises is entering the river cruise business and three new river boats will be afloat in the European market over the next couple of years.
The United States also has a growing market for River Boat Cruises. American Cruise Lines offers several different options for the Mississippi, Tennessee and the Ohio Rivers. They also offer Snake and Columbia River cruises along with some new options along the East Coast and the Intercoastal Waterways of Southeast United States.
Travel Advisors can be a great resource to match you up with the perfect River Cruise to fit your style of travel. Learn about Viking Cruise Lines, Ocean and River, on Jun 4, 2026, at the Fetzer Center, 2252 Business Ct. on Western Michigan University’s campus from 6:00 – 8:00pm. A Viking Representative will be there. RSVP to Susan Carlson at (269) 447-2329 or Christie Petill at (906) 440-8181.
