First Time River Cruise Tips

Fifteen practical pointers our advisors give every first-timer.

Home › First-Timer Tips

Before You Book

These first time river cruise tips come from the questions our advisors hear most. None of them are complicated; together they make the difference between a good trip and a great one.

1. Pick the itinerary first, then the line. Decide what you want to see, then compare who goes there.
2. Look at the cabin plan. Lower-deck cabins have high windows at water level; upper decks have French or full balconies. Riverview Cruises explains the trade-offs.
3. Ask what is included. Drinks, gratuities, excursions, transfers and Wi-Fi vary by line.
4. Book early for spring and autumn. Ships are small; popular dates fill.
5. Buy travel insurance. River itineraries can change with water levels.

Getting There

6. Arrive a day early. Overnight flights are often late; a hotel night protects your embarkation.
7. Check transfer rules. Some lines include airport transfers only on certain days or with their own flights.
8. Pack light. Cabins have limited storage, and you may carry bags over cobblestones or up a gangway.
9. Bring a plug adapter. Most of continental Europe uses round two-pin plugs; ships vary, so check with your line.
10. Check passports early. Entry rules for Europe are changing; see the State Department’s international travel pages.

Old-town square through an archway — Most mornings start with a short walk into town.

On Board

11. Use the headsets. Tour guides speak through wireless receivers; keep yours charged.
12. Know the all-aboard time. The ship will not wait long, and the next stop may be hours upriver.
13. Carry local currency. Most river countries use the euro, but Hungary uses the forint, the Czech Republic the koruna and Switzerland the franc.
14. Understand tipping. Some lines include gratuities; others suggest an amount at the end. Ask before you go.
15. Leave time to do nothing. Scenic sailing from the sun deck is one of the best parts of the trip.

One more: talk to people who have done it

The best first time river cruise tips often come from fellow guests. On a small ship you will meet repeat river cruisers within a day, and most are happy to share which tours were worth it and which towns deserve a second visit. Ask the cruise director too — they know every stop on the route and can point you to a quiet café, a viewpoint or a market that is not on the tour.

For more on the day-to-day, see a day on board. For full packing lists, Cruising Checklist has printable checklists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common first time river cruise mistake?

Arriving on embarkation day on an overnight flight with no buffer. A delayed flight can mean missing the ship. Fly in a day early.

Should I take every included tour?

Take the first walking tour in each major city, then decide. Many people skip one or two to wander, sit in a café or rest.

Get Personal First-Timer Advice

Our cruise advisors will answer your questions and recommend the right first river cruise for you.

Get Free Cruise Quotes