Tips for Your Next River Cruise
The AmaVerde by AmaWaterways in Budapest when I sailed with her a few years back.
River cruises are one of the most relaxing ways to travel. You unpack once, glide through the countryside, and wake up in a new town almost every day. I’ve taken several river cruises and sent many clients on them, and while the experience is generally seamless, there are a few practical things that can make the trip even better.
Here are a few river cruise tips I always share with clients before they head out on their first cruise. Ready to talk river cruising? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
Bring Your Own Snacks
One thing that surprises people on river cruises is the lack of casual snack options.
Yes, there is plenty of food. Meals are generous and usually very good. But between meals? If you want something small like pretzels, chips, peanuts, or chocolate, you may find the pickings pretty slim.
My advice: stock up on snacks before boarding the ship.
Even better, buy them in your destination instead of bringing them from home. European grocery stores are full of interesting regional treats you won’t find in the U.S. Think paprika chips in Hungary, unusual chocolate bars in Germany, or local biscuits in France. Personally, I like some salty snacks and usually look for nuts and chips.
Having a little stash in your cabin is especially nice in the afternoon when you’ve just returned from touring and dinner isn’t for another couple of hours.
Take Advantage of the Laundry Service
One of the best river cruise tips? Laundry on river cruises is often surprisingly affordable, especially compared with ocean cruises.
Many ships offer a laundry list where you can send out shirts, socks, and other basics for just a few euros per item. Some even offer bag specials during the cruise.
If you use the service once or twice during the trip, you can easily pack much lighter.
This is particularly helpful because many river cruises include cobblestone streets, small hotels pre- or post-cruise, and transfers where you may be handling your own luggage for short stretches. Traveling lighter makes everything easier.
Bring a Universal Travel Adapter
River cruise cabins usually have a mix of outlets—often European plugs plus one or two USB ports—but they can still be limited depending on how many devices you’re charging.
Between phones, watches, cameras, and tablets, those outlets fill up quickly.
A compact universal travel adapter is an easy fix and takes up almost no space in your bag. If it includes multiple USB ports, even better.
Do NOT bring an extension cord. Generally, extension cords are not permitted on cruise ships.
Understand That River Ports Aren’t Always Pretty
One thing brochures don’t emphasize is that river ships often dock in working ports.
You might pull up next to another cruise ship. Or a cargo ship. Or a concrete industrial dock.
Sometimes ships even dock side-by-side, meaning you may have to walk through another vessel to reach the shore.
This isn’t a flaw—it’s just how river cruising works. The reward is that many times you’re docked right in the middle of town, steps from historic centers.
But if you open your cabin window expecting a storybook vineyard view every morning, you may occasionally be surprised.
Be Flexible About the Itinerary
River cruising depends heavily on water levels.
If the river is too high or too low, ships may need to adjust their routes. Occasionally passengers transfer to another ship on the other side of a shallow stretch of river, or certain ports get swapped out.
Most cruise lines handle these situations smoothly, but the key is to go in with the right mindset.
If you treat these changes as part of the adventure rather than a disruption, you’ll have a much better experience.
Spend Time on Deck
One of the real joys of river cruising is watching the landscape slowly unfold around you.
Castles, vineyards, villages, farmland—this is the scenery you came for.
Many travelers spend the day off the ship and then retreat to their cabins in the evening, but some of the most beautiful stretches of river happen during the sailing itself.
Grab a drink, head up to the top deck, and just watch the world drift by.
Go Up on Deck When the Ship Passes Through Locks
One of the coolest experiences on a river cruise is watching the ship pass through a lock.
If you’ve never seen it before, it’s fascinating: the ship slowly enters a chamber, massive gates close behind you, and the water level rises or falls so the ship can continue along the river.
Frequent river cruisers on forums often say this is one of the most interesting moments of the trip, so don’t miss it.
Head up to the sun deck and watch the whole process — it’s surprisingly dramatic.
Pack Comfortable Walking Shoes
This is a fairly basic river cruise tip but remember…river cruises involve a lot of walking.
European towns often have cobblestones, uneven pavement, and historic streets where buses can’t go. Guided tours frequently include one to three miles of walking.
Bring shoes that you’ve already worn and trust. This is not the trip for brand-new footwear.
Bring a Fitness Tracker (You’ll Walk More Than You Think)
River cruises involve far more walking than ocean cruises.
Most days include walking tours through historic town centers with cobblestones, hills, and pedestrian streets. Many travelers easily hit 10,000–15,000 steps per day without even trying.
Bringing a Fitbit or Apple Watch is surprisingly motivating. Watching your step count climb while wandering through medieval villages and vineyard towns is a satisfying way to see how active these trips really are.
Be Prepared to Walk Through Other Ships
This one surprises first-time river cruisers, so it’s important that I share this river cruise tip with you.
In busy ports, ships frequently dock side-by-side, sometimes three or four vessels deep. If your ship is on the outside, the only way to get ashore is to walk through the other ships.
Sometimes it’s a straight walk through the lobby of the neighboring ship. Other times you’ll go up to the sun deck, cross over, and walk down another set of stairs.
It’s completely normal — but it’s worth knowing in advance so you’re not confused the first time it happens.
Watch for the Local Wines
One of the most fun details on many river cruises is how the wine program changes as you move along the river.
Many cruise lines feature wines from the region you’re currently sailing through. That means Rieslings while cruising the Rhine, Grüner Veltliner in Austria, and local reds once you reach places like Bordeaux or Portugal’s Douro Valley.
If you enjoy wine, pay attention to what they’re serving each evening. It’s essentially a moving wine tasting of the region without having to plan separate winery visits.
Carry Your Ship’s Contact Information
Another practical tip: always take a photo of the ship’s contact information and docking details before leaving for the day.
Ships occasionally reposition during the day as other vessels depart the dock, which means your ship may not be exactly where you left it when you return.
Having the phone number and ship name on your phone makes it easy to find your way back if needed.
Bring a Small Backpack for Excursions
A lightweight daypack is extremely useful on a river cruise.
Most excursions involve walking tours, biking routes, or exploring towns on your own, so a small backpack gives you space for water, a jacket, your camera, and anything you buy during the day.
You don’t need anything fancy — just something comfortable and easy to carry while wandering through town.
Eat Something Local in Every Port
Even though river cruise food is generally very good, some of the best culinary experiences happen off the ship.
Many experienced cruisers recommend grabbing something local while you’re exploring — pastries from a bakery, street food at a market, or a regional specialty you won’t see on the ship’s menu.
It’s an easy way to experience the destination beyond the cruise itinerary.
Viking Isn’t the Only Game in Town
If you’ve been researching river cruises, you’ve probably heard of Viking. That’s not an accident.
Viking is absolutely everywhere — television, magazines, podcasts, mailers. According to their IPO filing, the company has spent about $2.8 billion on marketing since 1997. That kind of advertising reach means a lot of travelers assume Viking is the obvious choice.
But it’s important to know that Viking is just one option in a much larger river cruise world.
Most European river ships are roughly the same size because they have to fit through locks and under bridges. On that standard footprint, Viking typically carries about 190 passengers, while competitors like AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, and Uniworld often carry closer to 150–160 passengers on similar-sized ships.
That difference — roughly 30 to 40 fewer people onboard — may not sound huge on paper, but it can make a noticeable difference in real life. Fewer people means a little more breathing room in the lounge, on excursions, and around the ship in general.
Another thing travelers sometimes find surprising is the payment timeline. Viking often requires final payment much earlier than many people expect — sometimes many months before departure. Other river cruise lines can offer a bit more flexibility there.
None of this means Viking is a bad choice. They run a very professional operation and many travelers have wonderful trips with them.
But they are not the only game in town, and in many cases other lines may be a better fit depending on your travel style.
For example:
AmaWaterways tends to include more excursions and offers a very polished onboard experience.
Avalon Waterways is known for its large “panorama suites” with wall-to-wall windows facing the river.
Uniworld leans more boutique and luxurious, with highly decorated ships and very personalized service.
My biggest river cruise tip? Don’t book Viking just because it’s the name you’ve heard of.
River cruising has exploded in popularity over the past decade, and there are now several excellent companies competing to offer fantastic experiences. I can help you find the ship and style that suits you best! Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
Final Thoughts
River cruises are one of the most effortless ways to see Europe and other parts of the world. The ships are small, the service is excellent, and the logistics are handled for you.
A few simple strategies—like packing snacks, using the laundry service, and keeping a flexible attitude—can make the experience even better.
And once you’ve tried one river cruise, don’t be surprised if you start planning the next one before the first is even over. I hope you’ve found these river cruise tips helpful! Ready to talk about your next adventure? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
About Krista
I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad and I have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Before building my travel business, I spent 20 years in the investment management industry and over a decade living and working in London, England. I’ve personally traveled to 80 countries and now design thoughtful, highly customized trips for travelers who value expertise, access, and a seamless experience.
I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation for travelers considering a custom itinerary or luxury cruise. Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
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