Advice

Quiz: Is river cruising right for you?

Viking Torgil sails through Porto on the Douro River. - Photo by Viking River Cruises

River cruises have a different rhythm and style than oceangoing sailings. The focus is more on the ports than on activities onboard, and the small ships have a social feel to them. So how do you know before you book if it's a trip you would enjoy? Take our quiz to find out!

1. The type of party I prefer is:

1. Loud and raging with plenty of dancing
2. Sophisticated and elegant with large bands
3. A small, intimate gathering with quiet conversation

2. The dress code I prefer on vacation is:

1. Come as you are
2. A mix of casual and formal nights

3. After dinner on my vacation, I like to:

1. Have a drink with new friends I made onboard
2. Get down in a truly rockin’, packed nightclub
3. See a full Broadway-style show

4. During the day, I like to explore a port:

1. On a walking tour
2. On a bike
3. At a beach club with all-you-can-drink margaritas

5. I like to travel with my young children:

1. Yes
2. No

6. I like to travel with my less mobile family member or friend who uses either a cane, walker, or wheelchair:

1. Yes
2. No

7. My biggest priority for vacation is:

1. History
2. Culture
3. Partying
4. Hitting the beach as much as possible
5. Relaxing in a resortlike atmosphere

8. My favorite complimentary onboard amenity is:

1. Wi-Fi
2. Water slides
3. Loaner bikes
4. Afternoon tea
5. Dancing to a DJ by the pool
6. A lecture by a local expert

9. My favorite thing about cruising is:

1. The sheer volume of choices for daytime shore excursions
2. Being able to explore ports without mapping an itinerary, arranging hotels, or unpacking
3. The onboard entertainment at night, including casinos, musicians, stage shows, and comedy acts
4. The many onboard restaurant choices for dinner, from buffets to a main dining room and specialty restaurants that focus on specific cuisines

Join the discussion

Do you prefer river or ocean cruises?

Posted by pwambs

ok so now what?

Posted by JusMe

I got "River" also. I have not tried a river cruise yet but I would love to try one in China or Europe. I doubt I would give up on Ocean cruises but River Cruising may be a good addition. Then as I have gotten older I can appreciate a fine luxury car more then when I was young. I have moved form a muscle care to luxury sport sedan. So maybe I will move from the mega ships to the smaller ships and river cruising.

Posted by SimonCommunity

I've never done a river cruise but am really looking forward to trying one. There's so much that appeals to me about it. But like you, I don't think I'd ever give up ocean cruising. Thankfully, there are plenty of rivers and plenty of oceans so there is room for both!

Posted by WeCruiseToo

"You got: River

For you, a megaship may just be too much … of everything! You prefer a more culture- and history-focused trip, and a river cruise can give you that. You also prize quiet over energy, and sophistication over choices."

~ In all honesty, we've been on five river cruises so far and can’t wait for the next one, so I probably knew how to answer the questions. That being said, there’s no way we’re giving up our big-ship cruises no matter how much we love river cruising. So many cruises, so little time!