Cruise ships are a relatively new concept.
Before 1900, luxurious ocean voyages were limited to the uberwealthy and their personal yachts.
Today, hundreds of cruise ships populate our oceans, boasting everything from five-star restaurants to world-class theaters.

River cruises, too, have become widely popular specifically since the 1990s (viaRiver Cruise Advisor).
Because they’re much smaller than ocean liners, river travel offers a more intimate onboard experience.
Given their smaller size, necessitated by shallow waterways, river cruises advertise fewer amenities than their ocean-treading cousins.

Just keep in mind: the higher your cabin, the better the view.
Fortunately, it’s a lot easier to climb on and off a river vessel.
As noted bySometimes Sailing, it can take as little as two minutes to walk off a river cruise.

Best of all, the line to get back on board is usually nonexistent.