Whether you’re planning your next Hanukkah vacation or want to spend time with your family in a more meaningful way, a cruise will definitely fulfill your dream vacation.
Planning your next Jewish holiday is exciting enough, but there’s nothing better than making our expectations come true, right?
When it comes to a cruise, you have two options: a kosher ocean cruise or a kosher river cruise.
Let me help you. Read on to know the difference between the two.
Services
Ocean cruises and river cruises differ in their services and amenities. If you prefer an ocean cruise, you can adjust your expectations a bit. In terms of entertainment, the mega ships will offer a wide variety of services such as swimming pools, bars and theaters, as well as several places to eat where you can eat at your own pace and time.
On the other hand, river cruises are more limited when it comes to entertainment and amenities. Since river ships are smaller compared to mega ships, there is not enough space for theaters and even children’s play areas. Some river cruises still offer gym and spa services, and WiFi.
But the beauty of kosher river cruise programs is that they often make up for the lack of amenities with their sometimes more detailed guided tours and onboard scholarly experts and teachers. The smaller number of passengers makes the tours more intimate.
the view
The ocean is fine, a vast expanse of water. Expect a lot to travel by sea. If you get seasick easily, prepare for a bumpy ride if you don’t have the right cabin in the right place.
And if you’ve been on an ocean cruise before and decided to embark on a riverboat trip, then say goodbye to waves and giant port cities, and hello to riverbanks and small towns.
River cruises can be a much more intimate affair than ocean cruises. There are many guided tours where you can visit vineyards or even go shopping at the floating markets. Most river cruises include bus tickets and other transportation fees so you don’t have to worry about that.
The crowd
Of course, let’s not forget your fellow travelers on your vacation. If you’re bad at socializing, an ocean cruise is much better. An ocean liner can hold up to 5,000 passengers. They can be so big that you don’t have to be too friendly with other people.
However, a riverboat can only hold between 180 and 250 passengers. Sometimes you have to share a table with other passengers during meals.
If you want to meet other Jews and get to know them better, Riverboat is for you. Plus, you’ll also get to meet the captain and chefs on a regular basis.
Cruises are ideal for people who want to enjoy a luxurious trip in private. But kosher river cruises can definitely make you feel like you’re on a Jewish vacation.
