In this video, we’re comparing river cruising vs. ocean cruising based on what we’ve actually done—two AmaWaterways river cruises (Taste of Bordeaux on AmaDolce in 2022, and Romantic Danube on AmaLea in 2025) and several Norwegian Cruise Line ocean cruises (Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and most recently Bermuda). Both are amazing, but they’re very, very different, and we break it down in a way that should help you decide which one fits your travel style. We talk ship size (about 150 guests on a river ship vs. around 4,000 on an ocean ship), what’s included, and what the “real” cost feels like by the end. On AmaWaterways, Wi‑Fi, excursions, and drinks with meals (plus sip-and-sail hour) are included, and our onboard bill was tiny. On NCL, your fare covers your cabin and core dining, but excursions and a lot of onboard extras add up—even when we book More at Sea. We also compare dining (Ama is five-star and set-time; NCL has tons of variety), entertainment (intimate cultural experiences vs. Broadway-style shows and big parties), embarkation/muster, cabins, and overall vibe. If you want chill, culturally enriching, pampered luxury, river cruising wins. If you want high-energy, nightlife, and ship-focused fun for all ages, ocean cruising is hard to beat.