River Cruising in Europe: FAQ

River cruising is one of the most amazing ways to explore Europe. No wonder it’s one of our bestselling tour-styles.

Our travellers love exploring European cities on the water. River cruises encompass a wide range of benefits, with exciting tours, food experiences and even bicycles available for those looking to explore Europe at their own pace.

We are often asked many similar questions when it comes to booking a cruise in Europe. We’ve put together your peers’ questions and our answers to help you navigate your cruising experience.

1. What’s included in a river cruise in Europe?

River cruising experiences are almost solely focused on onshore excursions rather than onboard entertainment. Most European river cruises are known for staying in port overnight.

This is why river cruises don’t encompass as much entertainment as an ocean liner. Travellers are busy exploring great European villages and cities and come back on the ship to replenish their strength, rest up and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere as they cruise down the river.

However, each river cruise includes a wide range activities and experiences.

Each cruise will include own range of options. Please be sure to review what’s included in your cruise online or contact our team on 1800 242 353 to make sure you have it all covered.

Some of the basics in a river cruises include, but are not limited to:

  • Nightly accommodation on the ship;
  • transfer from a hotel to your ship;
  • a sightseeing program as outlined in the Itinerary;
  • infotainment system in all staterooms with Free Internet, Hit Movies, Music Library and English Language TV Stations;
  • Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all Staterooms;
  • superb Dining with all Meals included form some cruises;
  • multiple Dining Venues on select vessels;
  • fully escorted Motor coach;
  • special Highlights including Lectures, Theme Dinners, Cooking Demonstration, onboard Music Performances and afternoon and evening Piano Music;
  • use of Bicycles to explore on your own;
  • services of Professional Cruise Manager;
  • local taxes.

Every tour is unique and offers a number of activities, both on board and on the shore. Most tours include free time; so you will be able to explore different cities at your own pace. When free time is allocated, travellers are informed about the return time and all the details they need to know. Make sure you talk to our team about the specific cruise you are interested in – no questions are too small or too big – give us a call on 1800 242 353.

2. What are the luggage allowances?

Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 160cm – length/height/width (63 inches), weight limit 20kgs (44 pounds).

Additional fees may apply for additional luggage and must be requested by time of final payment.

Please make sure you clarify all your luggage questions before getting onboard. Our team would be delighted to help you out.

3. What is a common cruise dress code?

Generally, smart casual is acceptable on most river tours.

However, some tours may recommend (or even require) a few additional items of clothing including the following:

  • Jacket and tie for formal nights on board river cruising;
  • Comfortable and light casual clothing for touring;
  • Comfortable footwear is recommended across all tours.

Some cultures might require specific dress items such as a head cover for women who are visiting places of worship, for example.

Please talk to our team about all the details you might need to consider.

4. What else should I pack on a cruise?

A few other things that would be important to keep handy on a cruise:

Travel insurance, travel adaptor or power board, comfortable footwear (some extra packing hints will be included in your documentation), exchanged local currency, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, swimming towel, motion sickness tablets, phone charger, hat, sunglasses, camera (with a spare battery).

It is your responsibility to carry any medication you require for the tour’s duration and consult your local medical practitioner for any health advice.

5. How much walking is involved?

Most tours require a reasonable level of fitness to be able to walk on sightseeing trips and navigate along uneven ground. It is recommended you should be able to walk unaided for up to 1.5km.

Please talk to our team to make sure you know exactly how much walking a tour you are interested in involves. Feel free to give us a call on 1800 242 353 if you have more questions.

6. Are there any hidden costs?

A cruise is a pretty self-contained experience with very little extra cost because a river cruise ship is more akin to a floating hotel than a mega-playground, like larger ocean liners.

However if you want the full cruise experience and may opt for some additional extras along the way, it’s best to set aside some cash to cover any extra expenditure.

Trips are almost solely focused on onshore excursions rather than onboard entertainment, so it’s no surprise that river cruises appeal to those who love to linger and explore at a calmer pace. Most European river cruises are known for staying in port overnight.

River cruises are often priced a little higher than their ocean counterparts, precisely because most of your experience is already included in the total cost.

This is perfect for these who love to plan!

So, what could these extra expenses be that you might want to have extra cash for? These vary from cruise to cruise; so please make sure you ask us about any exclusions when booking a cruise. Give us a call on 1800 242 353 if this is something you’d like to know more about.

7. Can I take my pet onboard?

There are pet-friendly ocean liners and river cruises, however these are selected operators and selected dates only. The majority of the European river cruising is pet-free.

This makes sense!

With so many people cruising Europe, it is challenging to accommodate pet lovers and animal allergy carriers at the same time; and we all want to make sure you enjoy you experience.

If you’d like to know more about how you can cruise with your pet, please get in touch with our team on 1800 242 353 – they’ll be able to find the best solution for you.

8. What are the smoking policies on board?

All European ship interiors, staterooms and verandas are nonsmoking; this policy also applies to e-cigarettes.

Each ship has an outdoor smoking area, generally on the Sun Deck.

9. What are the entertainment options?

Although most of the European river cruising experience takes place on land, exploring countries, cities and villages, our ships are packed with special onboard entertainment including lectures, cooking demonstrations and onboard music performances. To ensure there’s never a dull moment on board, our tours offer a fabulous range of entertainment activities for you to enjoy.

Most cruises include a tea room, a bar, dinner entertainment, musical performances and even an evening cinema. Each tour is unique and different from one another, therefore the entertainment will vary slightly.

If you’d like to know more about any specific tour’s onboard leisure time, give our team a call on 1800 242 353 – we’ll be happy to assist.