If you're like most travelers, going on a cruise means schlepping aboard a massive ship -- along with thousands of other passengers -- and traversing the big blue sea, often without sighting land for days at a time.

But as The New York Times Travel Show taught us, there's more than one way to cruise.

Behold river cruising , the more relaxed, less crowded and culturally richer version of an ocean cruise. If you've never considered this type of adventure before, get ready to trade your mega-boat ticket for a sweet little paddlewheel. Here's why:

1. River cruises are waaay less crowded than ocean cruises.

The Carnival Dream, an ocean liner, takes upwards of 3,600 passengers on its trips to the Caribbean. But on a river tour of the French canals with CroisiEurope , you'll be in the company of just 23 other travelers. See ya later, long lines!