Top Tips - River Cruises

1. Be aware that some river cruises are very busy, disembarking daily for excursions – so less ‘chill’ time compared to an ocean cruise.

2. Select your destination (river) first, and any essential ports of call or special experiences (eg concerts, wine tastings).

3. Decide on the ideal length of your cruise.

4. Then choose the right boat for you, as there are a wide variety at different price points.

5. Note that river cruises are more expensive per night than ocean cruises, as the boats are much smaller. Most are the same size (as they have to fit through the same bridges and locks), but their price varies according to the number of guests they carry, the quality of their food and onboard facilities.

6. Study the deck plan and select your cabin. Be aware that cabins on the lowest level will have much smaller & higher windows without views, as they are at water level. They are therefore usually cheaper. This is less important on rivers such as the Rhine, Main and Danube, where you will be spending all day ashore and cruise at night, but very important on rivers such as the Rhone and Douro, where you will be cruising by day.

7. Check availability for your dates.

8. Book well ahead to secure an ‘early bird’ discount and your preferred cabin. Unlike ocean cruises, last minute deals are rarely available on river cruises.

9. Alternatively book during the January to March ‘wave season’ when special promotions, free upgrades, solo traveller savings and BOGOF (buy one get one free) offers are usually released.

10. Shoulder season will be cheaper.

11. Review exactly what is included and what is not (eg drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions, pre- and post-cruise transfers).

12. Most meals will be on board, so the quality of the food is important.

13. All-inclusive drinks packages may be more expensive than paying as you go.

14. Factor in the cost of gratuities, if not already included.

15. Pre-book any essential on-board services (e.g. vegetarian meals).

16. Always arrive at least a day early (i.e. book an extra night at your departure port).

17. Know that river boats do not generally offer much in the way of on board entertainment, and are not suitable for children.

18. Be aware that heavy rains and flooding can make rivers swell and locks become impassable in the spring. Likewise during any long dry periods,, low water levels can be a problem, in which case you will be taken by coach to the sights and/or moved to another boat further along the river.

Top Selling River Cruises

European Rivers:

• Danube: Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Black Sea (Vienna & Budapest)

• Rhine/Moselle/Main: Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland (Amsterdam, Cologne, Basel) - Christmas Markets, Oktoberfest & Oberammergau

• Rhone/Saone: France (Burgundy & Provence)

• Seine: France (Paris, Normandy)

• Douro: Portugal (Porto, winelands)

• Dutch Waterways: Netherlands, Belgium (Amsterdam, Flanders, Bruges, Tulips)

• Elbe: Germany, Czech Republic (Berlin, Dresden, Prague)

• Gironde, Garonne & Dordogne: Bordeaux, France

Worldwide Rivers:

• USA: Mississippi

• Egypt: Nile

• Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam: Mekong

• Myanmar: Irrawaddy

• Brazil: Amazon

• Peru: Amazon

• India: Ganges & Brahmaputra

• Russia: Volga (Moscow to St Peterburg)

• Ukraine: Dnieper (Kiev to Black Sea)

• China: Yangtze

Contact us now to discuss your requirements