River Cruise Guide

Is a river cruise better than an ocean cruise?

They're different holidays. A river cruise gives you a small ship, usually under 200 guests, that docks in the centre of town so you can walk off and be in the middle of Cologne or Budapest in two minutes. You get more destination time and far less queuing. What you don't get is a theatre, a waterslide, a choice of ten restaurants or many sea days. If the ship is the holiday for you, stick with ocean. If the places are the holiday, you'll probably prefer a river cruise.

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How much does a European river cruise cost?

Fares vary a lot by line, river and season, but for a 7 night European sailing you're generally looking at somewhere from around £1,200 per person at the value end up to £3,000 or more with the premium lines. That usually includes far more than an ocean fare does, so compare the total rather than the headline price. Shoulder season in March, April and November is noticeably cheaper than midsummer or Christmas markets season. Send us an enquiry and we'll price up a few options for you.

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What's included in a river cruise fare?

Most European river lines include all meals, drinks with lunch and dinner, wifi, port charges and at least some guided walking tours. Several go further and include drinks all day, tips and airport transfers. It's the biggest thing ocean cruisers underestimate, because a fare that looks expensive on paper often works out cheaper once you've added up what you'd have spent onboard. We've written up exactly what's included on a VIVA river cruise as an example.

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Will I get seasick on a river cruise?

Almost certainly not. The ships sail on flat inland water, mostly overnight or at walking pace, and there's no swell. If you've avoided cruising because of seasickness, a river cruise is the one to try.

What's the average age on a river cruise?

Older than an ocean cruise, and it's fair to be upfront about it. Most sailings skew towards the 55 to 75 range, though that's shifting. Lines like VIVA and U by Uniworld attract a younger crowd, and Christmas markets and active sailings pull the average down. If you're in your forties you won't be the only one, but you also won't be surrounded by families.

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Do I have to fly?

Not always. You can reach Amsterdam, Cologne, Basel and Paris by Eurostar and rail from the UK, and several lines will build that into your booking. Flights are still the norm for the Danube, Douro and Rhône. If you'd rather not fly, tell us when you enquire and we'll look at rail and no-fly options first.

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Are the cabins small, and is a balcony worth it?

River ship cabins are smaller than the equivalent ocean cabin, usually around 15 to 20 square metres, though the newer ships are more generous. Most have French balconies, meaning a floor to ceiling window that slides open rather than a full step-out balcony. Given the scenery slides past all day, we'd always pay for a window or French balcony over a lower deck cabin with a fixed porthole.

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Are excursions included?

Usually one guided tour is included in each port, typically a walking tour of the town with a local guide and headsets. Longer or more active trips, so wine tastings, castle visits, bike tours, tend to cost extra. Because the ship docks centrally, doing it yourself is easy and often better. Our Budapest port guide shows how far you can get on foot in a day.

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Which river should I choose for my first river cruise?

The Rhine. It's the easiest to reach from the UK, the scenery through the Rhine Gorge is the postcard version of river cruising, and the ports are close together so you're never sailing for long. Choose the Danube if you'd rather see cities like Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, or the Douro if you want wine, terraced hillsides and a slower pace. Our Rhine river cruise guide covers when to go and where you'll stop.

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What should I pack for a river cruise?

Pack lighter than you'd think - cabins have less storage than a hotel room. Comfortable walking shoes matter more than anything else, since most days are shore days with cobbles and gentle hills. Bring a lightweight waterproof, layers for evenings on deck, and a European socket adapter. Smart casual covers every dinner; there's no formal night to dress for.

When's the best time to go?

April to October is the main season, with the warmest weather and longest days in July and August. Spring brings higher water and green hillsides, autumn brings harvest and quieter ships. Then there's late November and December for the Christmas markets, which is our favourite time to sail and the fastest to sell out, so book that one early.

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Can I go on a river cruise on my own?

Yes, and it's more common than you'd think - river ships are sociable by design, with communal dining and lounges rather than a big theatre to disappear into. Solo supplements still apply on most lines, typically 25 to 50% on top of the twin fare, but a handful of sailings offer single cabins with no supplement. Ask us before you book, because there are usually only two or three of those per ship.