If you’re thinking about taking a European riverboat cruise, you’re in for a unique experience. I’ve had the opportunity to take groups through some of Europe’s most beautiful rivers with Two Travel Gurus, and there’s no better way to explore Europe’s rich history, scenic views, and charming towns. Riverboat cruises are a bit different from ocean cruises, and I’m here to share some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your trip.
Why Choose a Riverboat Cruise?
Riverboat cruises have a more personal, close-up experience compared to the larger, bustling ocean cruises. One of the biggest perks is that riverboats take you straight through the middle of Europe, often docking right in the center of cities like Vienna, Budapest, or Cologne. Instead of long bus rides from a distant port, you’re already where the action is.
The smaller size of a riverboat, typically carrying around 100-200 passengers, makes everything more intimate. You’ll find it easy to meet new people, interact with the crew, and enjoy the quiet, relaxed atmosphere onboard. And since riverboats sail on calm inland waters, you won’t deal with the choppy seas that you might experience on ocean cruises.
You’ll walk off the ship feeling like you’ve relaxed; yet you’ve seen so much!
Riverboat vs. Ocean Cruises: What’s Different?
1. Smaller Ships, More Personal Space
While ocean cruise ships are massive, carrying thousands of people, riverboats are more like a floating boutique hotel. You’ll never feel crowded, and boarding or disembarking is quick and easy. It’s also much easier to get to know your fellow travelers, and by the end of the trip, you’ll likely have made a few new friends.
2. Scenic Views Along the Way
One of the best parts of river cruising is the constant scenery. You’re not staring out at endless ocean waves; instead, you’ll be cruising past castles, vineyards, forests, and small European towns. Every time you look out the window or sit on the deck, there’s something new to take in.
3. Dock Right in the City
Unlike ocean cruises that dock far from the main attractions, riverboats dock in the center of town. This means less time getting to the places you want to see and more time exploring. Imagine stepping off the boat and being just a short walk away from famous landmarks or charming old squares. The best part is when the tour guides takes everyone back to the ship, you have the option of staying in town and exploring more. Taxis are typically everywhere and the drive is usually 5 or 10 minutes away from the ship depending on how far you’ve ventured off.
4. More Time Exploring, Less Time Sailing
While ocean cruises have entire days spent at sea, riverboats focus more on the destinations. You’ll dock at several cities or towns throughout your journey, and excursions are often included in the price. The focus is on the places you visit, not just on the boat itself.
We enjoy taking in local walking food tours or cooking classes. The great thing is you don’t need an excursion to get off the ship, just walking around the different cities are exciting, educational and relaxing.
What to Pack for a Riverboat Cruise
Now let’s talk packing. Space is a bit more limited on riverboats, so packing smart is essential. Here are some tips on what to bring:
1. Pack Layers
Weather can change throughout the day, especially in spring and fall. Mornings and evenings can be cool, while midday might be warm. Bring layers like a light jacket, sweaters, and long-sleeve shirts that you can easily add or remove. That way, you’re comfortable no matter the weather.
2. Comfortable Walking Shoes
You’ll be doing a lot of walking on excursions, so pack good walking shoes. You’ll often be walking on cobblestone streets or uneven surfaces, so comfort is key. If you plan to dress up for dinner, pack a pair of nicer shoes, but make sure they’re still comfortable for walking.
Tennis shoes is your best bet for during the day and a nice pair that matches all wardrobes for at night. There is no need for more shoes!
3. Step by Step Packing Tips & Luggage Choices
We invite you to dive deeper into our extensive collection of travel tips and expert advice designed to elevate your adventures. From our step-by-step packing methods and strategic luggage organization to the importance of keeping your purse or man sling meticulously organized, Nancy and I have developed a stress-free approach that we’re excited to share with you.
- Customize Your Own Full Packing List to ensure you have everything you need.
- Explore the Ultimate Packing Suggestions for a 10-Day European Trip and prepare like a pro.
- Discover Your Top Essential Must-Haves for Your Next Trip to stay organized and stress-free.
For quick reference, below is the luggage Sandra and Nancy uses. The sets are inexpensive yet great for travel.
Luggage Set like Nancy on Amazon or Luggage Set like Sandra on Amazon
3. A Small Day Bag
Bring a small backpack or crossbody bag for your excursions. This way, you can carry things like your camera, water bottle, snacks, and any souvenirs you pick up. It’s convenient to have all your essentials with you as you explore. Our crossbody purses are designed for convenience and security, allowing us to keep important items within easy reach. Here’s what we include:
Ladies Cross Body Sling Purse – Nancy’s Favorite – Shop Nancy’s Ladies Cross Body Sling Purse on Amazon
Ladies Cross Body Purse – Sandra’s Choice – Shop Sandra’s Ladies Cross Body Purse on Amazon
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- Passport and Travel Documents: Easily accessible in a designated interior compartment.
- Keys: Cabin or room keys in a secure front zipper #1.
- Receipts: Organized in front zipper #2.
- Battery Chargers: Compact chargers for phones and other devices in back zipper #3..
- Lipstick: Quick access for touch-ups throughout the day inside zipper
- Hand Sanitizer: small bottle inside purse
- Umbrella: – Small umbrella inside purse only for rainy days.
Men’s Sling Chest Bag
For the men in our group, a Men’s Sling Chest Bag is essential for keeping all their essentials in one place. This bag is especially useful for traveling in Europe, where organization and accessibility are key.
- Wallet and Keys: Secure pockets for easy access.
- Phone and Electronics: Dedicated compartments for phones, chargers, and other gadgets.
- Personal Items: Space for items like a water bottle, snacks, and travel documents.
4. Sun Protection
Even if it’s not summer, the sun can be strong, especially when you’re out on the water or walking around outside all day. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from getting too much sun.
5. Power Adapter – Chargers
Europe uses different outlets than the U.S., so bring a travel adapter if you’re bringing electronics. Most riverboats offer U.S. plugs in the cabins, but having an adapter is always a smart move for when you’re off the boat or in smaller ports. We highly recommend purchasing a Universal Adapter; this way you purchase once and you can go all over the world knowing you are covered.
You will also want to keep a charging brick in your purse to charge your phone during the day. Taking pictures with your phone can reduce your battery power quickly and these days using your phone is better than bringing a heavy camera! The great thing is that your phone can charge while you are still taking pictures.
6. Casual but Neat Clothing
You don’t need formalwear for riverboat cruises. Most meals are smart casual, so pack clothes that are comfortable but still presentable. A few pairs of versatile pants, dresses, or skirts that you can mix and match with different tops should do the trick.
Nancy and I have a system that works for us…. We wear the same clothes that we wore during the day, but…… We change our shoes to the nicer pair, refresh our makeup and throw a scarf of some sort on top. We are ready to go and it looks like we dressed for dinner!
Making the Most of Your Time Onboard
Once you’re on the boat, settle in and enjoy the relaxed pace. River cruises are designed to be peaceful, so take full advantage of what the boat has to offer:
1. Take in the Views from the Deck
The top deck is where you’ll get the best views. Whether you’re sailing past vineyards, historical towns, or riverfront homes, this is one of the best parts of the trip. If the weather is nice, grab a drink and spend time soaking in the scenery.
2. Get Involved in Shore Excursions
One of the highlights of river cruising is the shore excursions. Most cruises include them in the price, and they’re a great way to dive into local history and culture. Sign up for the guided tours—they’re usually led by locals who know their stuff. And don’t worry, the pace is easy-going, so you won’t feel rushed. Additionally, at any point of the excursion you can disconnect and do your own thing. The boat is nearby; take your time getting back when you want to. Prior to leaving, you always know when the boat will leave the dock.
3. Talk to the Crew
Since the riverboat staff have more time for individual guests, take a few minutes to chat with them. They can give you tips on what to see in each town and sometimes offer helpful local advice that you won’t find in the guidebooks.
Tips for Shore Excursions
Shore excursions are a big part of river cruising, and they’re usually well-organized and included in your itinerary. Here’s how to get the most out of them:
1. Look at the Excursion List Early
Most river cruises offer a variety of excursions, some of which fill up fast. Take a look at what’s offered before your trip or as soon as you board. If there’s something you don’t want to miss, sign up early to secure your spot.
2. Don’t Overload Your Schedule
It’s tempting to try and do everything, but remember to pace yourself. You’ll likely have multiple stops in a single day, and it’s okay to skip an excursion if you need some downtime. After all, vacations are about relaxing too! Just because the excursion is on your agenda doesn’t mean that you have to go on it. Pick and choose what you want to do.
3. Bring Local Currency
While credit cards are widely accepted in Europe, it’s a good idea to have some local cash (euros) for small purchases, tips, or markets. Having cash on hand in smaller towns is especially helpful.
4. Enjoy the Local Food
One of my favorite parts of traveling is trying the local cuisine, and European river cruises give you plenty of chances to do this. Whether it’s German bratwurst, French pastries, or Hungarian goulash, be sure to take time to try the local dishes. Some excursions even offer food tours, which are a lot of fun.
One of the best parts of a riverboat cruise is that the food becomes part of your travel experience. As you sail through different regions, the onboard chefs serve dishes that reflect the local flavors and traditions of the area you’re in. It’s like taking a culinary tour that moves with you, offering a true taste of the culture along the way!
5. Learn Basic Local Etiquette
Understanding and respecting local customs can enhance your experience and help you connect with the people and culture in each destination. Every country has its own traditions and social norms, and learning a few key aspects of etiquette can make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Here are a few areas to focus on:
- Language Basics: Learning just a few basic phrases like “hello,” “please,” and “thank you” in the local language can go a long way. Locals appreciate when travelers make the effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words. A warm “grazie” in Italy or “danke” in Germany shows respect and politeness.
- Tipping Practices: Tipping customs vary widely across Europe. For example, in France, service charges are usually included in the bill, and small change or rounding up is appreciated but not expected. In Germany, rounding up the bill to the nearest euro or adding about 10% is common. On the other hand, in some countries like Denmark, tipping isn’t common at all. Knowing what’s customary will save you awkward moments and show that you’ve done your homework.
- Personal Space and Greetings: Different cultures have different approaches to personal space and greetings. In some European countries, like France or Italy, a kiss on the cheek is a common greeting, while in others, like Germany or the UK, a firm handshake is the norm. Being aware of these customs helps avoid misunderstandings and allows you to greet locals appropriately.
- Dress Codes: Some European cities and cultural sites, such as churches or museums, may have specific dress codes, especially when visiting religious landmarks. For example, in Italy, visitors to churches are often required to cover their shoulders and knees. Packing a scarf or shawl can come in handy for this purpose.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your European riverboat cruise. The memories you create on the river will stay with you long after you’ve returned home, and there’s always another river to explore! Safe travels!
Nancy and I have a wealth of experience when it comes to riverboat cruising. We’ve sailed with several different riverboat cruise lines, and we attend the annual riverboat conventions each year where we meet the owners and operators of the ships firsthand. Because of this, we know when the best specials are available and which cruises offer the most value for your money. If you’re ready to start planning your next riverboat adventure, head over to our homepage at twotravelgurus.com to see the current trips we have open for booking. Let us help you find the perfect riverboat cruise for your next European experience.
