Planning Guide

When to Start Planning

Anticipation and planning for a vacation can be a lot of fun! The journey to your perfect river cruise begins long before you step aboard. For the best experience, consider this timeline. (However, if you have the chance to take a last minute river cruise, do not hesitate! The cruise line will take care of you!)

  • 12-18 months before departure: Begin researching destinations and cruise lines.
  • 9-12 months before departure: Book your cruise for best cabin selection and early booking discounts. You may need to plan even earlier than this for hot destinations during prime months.
  • 6-9 months before departure: Arrange flights and pre/post-cruise extensions.
  • 3-6 months before departure: Review and book shore excursions, make special arrangements.
  • 1-3 months before departure: Finalize packing plans, travel documents, and health preparations.

Choosing the Right Season

Each season offers a unique river cruising experience. In the Northern Hemisphere:

Spring (March-May)

  • Blooming flowers and lush greenery along riverbanks
  • Fewer crowds at major attractions
  • Possible higher water levels enabling access to smaller tributaries
  • Cooler temperatures ideal for active excursions
  • Potential for variable weather and occasional rain

Summer (June-August)

  • Longest daylight hours for extended sightseeing
  • Warm weather perfect for open-air deck enjoyment
  • Maybe too warm in locations such as Southeast Asia
  • Vibrant outdoor cafés and festivals in port cities
  • Higher likelihood of low water levels on some rivers
  • Peak tourist season with more crowds and higher prices

Fall (September-November)

  • Beautiful foliage, especially on Rhine and Danube rivers
  • Wine harvest season in major wine regions
  • Pleasant temperatures for walking tours
  • Fewer families and children onboard
  • Early darkness in late fall limiting evening scenic cruising

Winter (December)

  • Christmas markets along European rivers
  • Festive atmosphere and seasonal specialties
  • Very few crowds at major attractions
  • Cold weather requiring warm clothing
  • Shorter daylight hours and potential for weather disruptions

Understanding What’s Included

River cruises generally include more in their base fare than ocean cruises, but policies vary by cruise line:

Typically Included:

  • Accommodations onboard
  • All meals onboard
  • Standard shore excursions (one per port)
  • Wine and beer with lunch and dinner (on most lines)
  • Wi-Fi onboard
  • Port charges and taxes

Sometimes Included (varies by cruise line and by cabin):

  • Gratuities for crew and guides
  • Premium beverages throughout the day
  • Multiple shore excursion choices in each port
  • Airport transfers
  • Pre/post-cruise hotel stays
  • Onboard specialty dining
  • Laundry services

Almost Never Included:

  • Airfare (though air packages are available)
  • Travel insurance
  • Spa treatments
  • Local currency exchange fees
  • Shopping purchases

Budgeting for Your River Cruise

River cruises represent a significant investment, but offer exceptional value when you consider the inclusions:

  • Entry-level pricing: $250-450 per person per day
  • Premium experiences: $400-700 per person per day
  • Luxury all-inclusive: $700-1,000+ per person per day

Budgeting Tips:

  • Book early for early booking savings (often 10-15%)
  • Consider shoulder season for lower prices
  • Watch for special promotions like reduced or free airfare
  • Calculate the value of inclusions when comparing cruise lines
  • Budget for optional expenses like premium excursions

Packing Essentials

River cruising requires different packing strategies than ocean cruising:

Clothing:

  • Layers for variable weather conditions
  • Comfortable walking shoes (essential for cobblestone streets)
  • Smart casual attire for dinners (no formal nights required)
  • Weather-appropriate outerwear
  • Swimwear (for ships with pools or hot tubs)

Technology:

  • Binoculars for scenic cruising
  • Universal power adapter (although your cabin might have various plus, including USB outlets)
  • Portable charger for excursions
  • Noise-canceling headphones for flights
  • Your own headphones to plug into the tour audio devices

Health Items:

  • All prescription medications in original containers
  • Basic first-aid supplies
  • Motion sickness remedies (rarely needed but good to have)
  • Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
  • Comfortable face masks if required

Travel Documents:

  • Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date)
  • Multiple copies of passport (kept separately or leave with someone at home)
  • Travel insurance documentation
  • Vaccination records if required
  • Credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees

Preparing for Low and High Water Seasons

River levels can significantly impact your cruise experience:

Low Water Considerations:

  • Most common in late summer and early fall
  • Can require ship swaps or bus transfers between ports
  • May result in itinerary changes or port cancellations
  • Consider trip insurance with good cancellation coverage
  • Choose rivers less prone to low water issues (Seine, Rhône)

High Water Considerations:

  • Most common during spring and after heavy rainfall
  • Can prevent ships from passing under bridges
  • May require docking outside city centers
  • Can result in modified or canceled excursions
  • Travel insurance with trip interruption coverage recommended

Accessibility Considerations

River cruises present unique challenges for travelers with mobility issues:

  • Ships typically have elevators but not all reach the sun deck
  • European towns often feature cobblestone streets and steps
  • Limited or no accessible public transportation in some ports
  • Few ships have truly ADA-compliant staterooms
  • Some excursions may not be suitable for those with mobility limitations

Recommendations:

  • Discuss specific needs with your travel advisor before booking
  • Request detailed accessibility information from the cruise line
  • Consider bringing a lightweight, collapsible walking aid if needed
  • Investigate private excursion options for customized experiences
  • Choose newer ships which tend to have better accessibility features

Pre and Post-Cruise Extensions

Maximize your travel experience by adding stays before or after your cruise:

Benefits of Pre-Cruise Extensions:

  • Recover from jet lag before boarding
  • Buffer against travel delays
  • Explore embarkation cities in depth
  • Ease into the vacation mindset
  • Often include transfers to the ship

Benefits of Post-Cruise Extensions:

  • Continue the adventure after bonding with fellow travelers
  • Explore disembarkation cities without rushing
  • Process and reflect on your cruise experience
  • Potentially lower airfare with different return dates
  • Avoid immediately returning to routine

Popular Extension Destinations:

  • Prague (before Danube cruises)
  • Amsterdam (before or after Rhine cruises)
  • Paris (before or after Seine cruises)
  • Budapest (after Danube cruises)
  • Lake Como (after Rhine cruises)

Travel Insurance Considerations

River cruises represent a significant investment that deserves protection:

Coverage to Consider:

  • Trip cancellation and interruption
  • Medical emergencies and evacuation
  • Baggage loss or delay
  • Travel delay compensation
  • COVID-related cancellations or interruptions

Insurance Tips:

  • Purchase shortly after making initial deposit
  • Consider “cancel for any reason” coverage for maximum flexibility
  • Ensure coverage for pre-existing conditions if applicable
  • Check coverage limits for medical evacuation (particularly important in remote areas)
  • Review policy details for water level disruptions coverage

Final Preparations

In the weeks before departure:

  • Register with your country’s travel advisory service
  • Notify credit card companies of your travel plans
  • Arrange for house/pet sitting if needed
  • Download river cruise line’s app if available
  • Exchange small amounts of local currency for immediate needs upon arrival
  • Make copies of all travel documents (passport, insurance, etc.)
  • Check weather forecasts for your destinations
  • Confirm all transfer arrangements
  • Download maps for offline use
  • Learn a few basic phrases in local languages

Health Considerations

  • Consult your healthcare provider about vaccinations or medications
  • Consider a check-up before extended international travel
  • Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications
  • Carry health insurance information and emergency contacts
  • Stay hydrated during flights and while on excursions
  • Practice good sleep habits to adjust to time changes

Remember that proper planning ensures a smoother, more enjoyable river cruise experience. Taking the time to prepare thoroughly will allow you to focus on what matters most—immersing yourself in the beautiful destinations and cultures along the world’s great rivers.