Ocean Cruising vs. River Cruising

[sk8teacher]

Great to see an area for the 55+ crowd! I am 63 and still working, the wife is 60 and retired. We decided that we would try and do some traveling and see some of the great sights the US has to offer while we still are physically able.

 

Last year we did a Memphis to New Orleans Mississippi river cruise and really enjoyed it. We learned so much about that area of the country.

 

We just returned from a 7 day bus tour of the Pacific NW followed by a 7 day Alaskan cruise on the Volendam. Based on the two trips, I offer the following observations.

 

Mississippi River Cruising:

 

Very laid back and relaxing, not much to do onboard, no TV/radio (yea!!), very good dining, excellent information provided daily on the various ports, no push to purchase things onboard or ashore, shore tours were very good and reasonable cost.

 

Alaskan Cruise:

 

Holland America lived up to their reputation for dining, service etc. We had an ocean-view cabin on the Dolphin deck, and at 197 sq. ft. were very pleased with the roominess. Shore tours can be somewhat expensive. Recommend booking through the ship as they guarantee they won't leave you if you run late getting back to the ship. Very commercialized. Pushy on buying onboard and at specific shore establishments (mostly jewelry stores). Very little information provided about the various ports.

 

Overall, while we certainly enjoyed our Alaskan cruise, we are more suited to river cruising and most likely will not do an ocean cruise again. But we do enjoy reading others comments on them!

 

Anyone interested in more information on cruising the Mississippi, let us know!

 

Cheers!

[WCAB]

I guess that's what makes the world go round. I just love being on a cruise ship, the shows, the ocean, laying on a longe chair, reading a good book, having the casino, visiting different ports. I know you get some of the same things on a river cruise. We were just posting about this on Princess. I think I would love to do some river cruising in Europe.

 

Carol

[Cotton]

Bill, I enjoyed reading your post. I have been on the Delta Queen for a river cruise, and enjoyed it very much. I have friends in Vicksburg and Natchez, so got to visit with them briefly on the stops. Even though I enjoyed it, I found the river to be much more 'unsteady', shall we say? I liked my river cruise, but prefer ocean voyages. (Perhaps I just have better 'sea legs' than river legs?):D

[sk8teacher]

Bill, I enjoyed reading your post. I have been on the Delta Queen for a river cruise, and enjoyed it very much. I have friends in Vicksburg and Natchez, so got to visit with them briefly on the stops. Even though I enjoyed it, I found the river to be much more 'unsteady', shall we say? I liked my river cruise, but prefer ocean voyages. (Perhaps I just have better 'sea legs' than river legs?):D

 

I actually have done many, many "cruises" complements of the US Navy so my sea legs are fine.;) Perhaps if we had done an ocean cruise on a smaller ship we may have enjoyed it more. Although it did amaze us that with the number of people onboard the Volendam, it really didn't seem to be that crowded most of the time.

 

Having lived in the south most of our lifes, we enjoy the more laid back, relaxed atmosphere found along the Mississippi, and are really looking forward to our next one!:D

 

Cheers,

[hvsteve1]

I have done both the Mississippi Queen round trip from New Orleans and a recent southbound Alaska Cruise on the Radisson Mariner. Alaska was awesome and the Mariner total luxury. But the Mississppi Queen was an event in itself.

[Mocorobabe]

Have been on several river cruises in Europe and LOVED them The food is every bit as good as ocean liners. The boats are great and not nearly as many people. They divide you into groups and you take all your excursions (most of them included) with the same people so you really get to know them.

Breakfast and lunch buffet and open seating at dinner. As much red and white as you want are poured at dinner....free.

 

Suggest you contact Grand Circle if your interested. Good luck

[gwenmarie]

I have read in the past about a large discount given by a Euro River cruise company for your wedding anniversery. Like 35% for 35 years etc. Anyone out there know the company name?