River Cruising In Europe

Cruising through Europe on it’s sparkling rivers is becoming more and more popular. It is easy to understand why when you think about the picturesque landscapes, local cuisine, and exceptional service provided on these cruises. If it’s your first time, here are some things you’ll want to know before you go river cruising in Europe.

1. Try not to overpack.

River cruise staterooms are typically around 200 square feet. That’s smaller than most American hotel rooms. You will need to be thoughtful and intentional about what you pack. Thankfully, river cruise dress codes are casual and comfortable during the day and casual elegance at night. Pack clothing that can be mixed and matched to get the most out of your wardrobe.

2. It can be an active vacation (if you want it to).

Excursions include everything from light walking to biking, canoeing, and hiking. And while FOMO (fear of missing out) is real, don’t feel like you have to do it all. Free time is a precious commodity on a river cruise. Take advantage of downtime and if you need it skip the excursions for some quiet time to enjoy the ship.

3. Go with the flow.

River cruise itineraries may change based on the water level of the river. If the water is too high, ships may not be able to pass under bridges. They may also change if the water is too low, as in times of drought. The cruise lines have dealt with these issues before and have solutions to get you to your destinations. Keep smiling and be flexible and you will come home with wonderful memories!

4. Say “goodbye” to motion sickness.

River cruise ships have flat bottoms. That, combined with the fact that rivers don’t have large waves, will keep you feeling well for your entire journey.

5. Food served on your ship will be inspired by local cuisine.

Often you will be able to spot the head chef going to the local markets at each location to stock up on items needed for dinner that evening. Fresh and local is always on the menu. However, if you want the real deal, it’s perfectly okay to skip lunch or dinner on the ship and head into town for a meal you won’t forget.

6. After River Cruising in Europe, Going back to real life will be hard.

After spending your days looking at picturesque countrysides, eating delicious food, and enjoying impeccable service, going home will be difficult. You can make the transition easier by bringing home souvenirs from the places you visited.

One of the most important things to know is that river cruises are all-inclusive, but all-inclusive means different things on each cruise line. That’s where you will want to bring in a travel agent (like me!) to help. Once you’ve decided a European river cruise is the right choice, I can help you determine which all-inclusive line will be the best fit for you. To set up a free vacation chat with me today just click here.