River cruises require extensive walking over cobblestone streets and ancient ruins; therefore comfortable walking shoes should be brought along as high heels aren’t advised!
Comfortable clothing is essential when traveling abroad. Many readers recommend long sleeve T-shirts and merino wool sweater-blazers (like J. Crew’s offering). A lightweight scarf may also add color and style.
1. Comfortable Clothes
As river cruises tend to be more casual than other forms of travel, you should pack comfortable clothing. Jeans and T-shirts can be ideal for daytime excursions around medieval villages or historic cities; non-slip flat shoes will come in handy during casual evenings on deck.
Depending on the season, an extra layer may be necessary when dining in air-conditioned restaurants in the evenings. Women could add drama to their outfit by layering a long stole made of soft fabric for warmth around shoulders and neck; while men could try an unstructured wool sweater-blazer which packs well.
2. Waterproof Shoes
Spring cruisers looking forward to enjoying Holland’s beautiful tulips or winter travelers attending festive Christmas markets should bring along waterproof shoes as a must for enjoyment. Hiking boots with rubber soles are excellent, or lightweight sneakers like Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles would work just fine.
As river cruise ships don’t provide ironing facilities, it is wise to pack clothes that fold easily and won’t crease easily. Since some excursions may involve entering places of worship or cultural sites, women might benefit from packing shawls or pashminas for extra warmth in some instances.
An essential item is an ideal day bag – one which can be secured to your body like a backpack or crossbody style, to deter pickpockets while sightseeing in busy cities, as well as non-slip comfy flats to wear for casual evenings and walking around on deck.
3. A Warm Winter Coat
Many European river cruises take you to destinations with cooler temperatures during fall and winter months, so packing a warm coat such as Columbia Pardon My Trench fleece coat is essential to staying comfortable on an excursion.
On a day trip, it is essential to bring a travel bag capable of holding your camera and other belongings safely while mixing with both tourists and locals alike. A lightweight crossover style discourages pickpockets while leaving both hands free for other activities.
Collapsible duffle bags are a reader favorite. Conveniently fitting into luggage and serving as day bag during full days ashore, this compact design can also serve as an invaluable money belt! Don’t forget a money belt as another layer of security!
4. A Sweater
Weather during a European river cruise can vary considerably, particularly if your tour travels to more tropical winter destinations or you join an festive Christmas market cruise. To be prepared, make sure you pack versatile items that can easily transition between spring, fall, and winter weather depending on your itinerary and cruise stop destinations.
Light sweaters are essential on European river cruises during the cooler spring and autumn seasons, especially those travelling during these times of year. We especially recommend J. Crew’s unstructured merino wool sweater-blazer as an example; alternatively consider Quince’s midi sweater dress which makes an excellent dining option or sightseeing excursion piece and can even be layered up with an additional merino wool hoodie for extra warmth!
5. A Cardigan
River cruise dress codes tend to be much less formal. On board during the daytime passengers wear casual trousers or skirts with tops of their choice while during dinnertime women will likely don simple dresses while men will typically opt for smart-casual shirts with long pants.
Readers suggest packing comfortable dresses and tops in neutral colors that can be styled in various ways – t-shirts, blouses, sweaters – to provide flexibility when packing for spring/summer weather conditions such as long or short sleeved cotton tops that are lightweight but breathable are an ideal choice – long sleeved cotton tops make travel much simpler in spring/summer when weather permits! In cooler conditions a cardigan is an absolute necessity in cooler conditions; check out Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles as an amazing cardigan which can handle rain/puddles without difficulty!
