Thelife- I've been on megaships and river cruises. I think the latter is the way to go if you can afford it.
- But river cruises might not be for those who love having 24/7 activities and Broadway-level shows.
As someone who's been on 24 cruises — including megaships, yachts, and riverboats — I always tell travelers that there's at least one perfect cruise for them.
The trick is finding the right line and ship to meet your vacation goals and lifestyle preferences, which can change from trip to trip.
I've certainly enjoyed sailing on megaships that hold upward of 7,000 other guests and are jam-packed with dozens of restaurants and lounges, around-the-clock entertainment, and a party-like atmosphere, but sometimes I crave simplicity, luxury, and calm.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours delivered just that on my recent nine-day Mekong River cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia on the Scenic Spirit.
I had an excellent experience, but I also recognize trips like this aren't for everyone. Here are a few things you should consider before booking a luxury riverboat cruise.
These sailings are typically more expensive than ones on large ships
River cruises are luxurious, small (typically holding a few hundred passengers at most), and exclusive — and their price tag reflects that.
Prices vary by ship and season, but starter cabins on river cruises like the one I went on usually cost around $7,000 a person, whereas basic rooms on many megaships can be booked for under $2,000.
That said, basic cabins on river cruises are usually nicer since those ships don't have interior staterooms.
Small ships might not be for you if you like lots of options
One of the biggest trade-offs when sailing on an ultra-luxury small ship is the limited variety of venues and amenities compared to megaships.
On the Scenic Spirit, the line's 68-passenger riverboat, for example, you won't find the dizzying array of dining options that larger cruise lines offer.
There's just one main restaurant serving high-end cuisine and a casual café in the lounge for a more grab-and-go experience. The quality of the food was impeccable and impressively varied, with a different menu daily that often featured regional dishes.
However, a smaller ship might feel restrictive if you typically gravitate toward pizza and burgers or like having different dining venues to explore.
The same can be said for other onboard facilities. My recent cruise had just one pool, one lounge for socializing over drinks, one pool bar, and far fewer areas for mingling.
If you thrive on variety and love having options at every turn, the simplicity of a small ship could feel limiting.
However, for those who enjoy a more focused, personalized experience, this pared-down approach can be part of the appeal.
There's some onboard entertainment, but not the flashy shows you'll find on bigger ships
Unlike large cruises, which are packed with Broadway-style shows, live bands, and 24/7 games and entertainment, small ships like the Scenic Spirit focus on more intimate and culturally enriching experiences.
In place of flashy productions in acoustically perfect theaters, expect performances reflective of the destinations you're visiting.
On my Mekong River cruise, Scenic brought in local performers to share traditional dance and music, offering a close-up view of the region's culture. These fully costumed demonstrations felt personal and authentic, giving guests a chance to learn about local traditions and heritage.
Although some passengers might miss the spectacle of grand performances, this style of entertainment is great for travelers seeking a bit of cultural immersion.
Small ships are where everybody — passengers and crew — knows your name
One of the more distinctive aspects of sailing on a small luxury ship is the personalized attention you receive.
When ships only hold a few dozen passengers, it's easier for the crew to get to know each guest personally. After just one day on our river cruise, staff knew the names, preferences, and go-to drink orders of many guests.
This level of service is hard to replicate on larger ships, where you can easily become one in a sea of thousands of passengers.
Fellow travelers also quickly become familiar faces, and I often found myself striking up conversations with the same people day after day. Just a few days into the trip, I'd already swapped life stories with several other passengers over a poolside cocktail.
For those who appreciate a sense of community and camaraderie, this setting can be incredibly rewarding. But if you prefer anonymity or don't really want to interact with others, a small ship's close-knit environment may feel a bit too intimate.
Although I received this cruise complimentary from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, the rate for my sailing would have been about $7,075.