River Cruises 101: Everything You Need to Know
- daria@journeysofalifetime
- Mar 6
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 27
If you have been wondering about river cruising—whether it's right for you or what to expect on an upcoming trip—this article is for you! It's everything you need to know.
Contact me to book your next cruise, and I will customize your experience and narrow down the best options for you. As a luxury travel advisor specializing in high-end cruises, I've sailed on all the best river cruise lines in the world and have clients traveling on them all the time. So, I am intimately familiar with what's available.
Itinerary Choices
There are a lot of different river cruise lines with a variety of itineraries, and each is a little different.
You can sail down the Danube from Budapest stopping in Vienna and ending in Prague or through Colombia visiting Panama City, Medellín, and Cartagena. Destinations you can explore on a river cruise include: Europe (France, Italy, Portugal, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and more), Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia), Africa (Egypt, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania) and South America (Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador).
Ship Details
Compared to ocean ships that carry thousands of passengers, river ships are much smaller holding around 130 to 190 passengers.
The small size means it's easy to meet people (you see the same guests over and over). There are usually one or two restaurants on board, and there will typically be one fairly mellow entertainment option at night (such as a piano player).
River Ships Dock Right in Town Whether its a big city like Budapest or an off-the-beaten path village, you usually step right off the ship into the town center. There are no lines to exit or enter the ship, and you won't have to take a boat to shore.
There are typically no "tourist" services whatsoever next to the port for a river ship. Instead, you will step into an authentic town and be surrounded by locals and services directed at them. If you do have to travel to get into town, it won't be more than a short walk or quick bus ride. It is possible to go on river cruises where you never see a single souvenir shop.
River Ships Immerse You in the Destination
Your ship will always be right near shore, close enough for lovely photos of incredible sights like castles, villages and rolling green hills.
River Ships Dock In Each Port Longer
River ships dock longer than ocean ships. For example, I was on a river cruise in France that docked in Saint Émilion (in the Bordeaux region) two nights in row. One day we took a glorious bike ride through grape vineyards, visited a small village, and experienced a wine tasting. The next day we explored another town and took a food tour.
Longer stays give you more time to explore.
Onboard Experiences Are Destination Focused
A river cruise will offer regional food (French food in France, Thai food in Thailand, etc.), along with everyday classics for those who prefer something familiar (pasta, steak, chicken, etc.).
The entertainment will sometimes reflect the region through which you are traveling, such as local folk musicians from the town in which you are docked who come on board for an evening to perform.
Service Is Personal
Since the ships are so small, the staff will get to know you and your preferences. It's lovely!
I was once on a river cruise with my family, and we had the same server every night at dinner. My daughter doesn't eat a lot and doesn't really like meat. The first night, our server was concerned, but by the second day he already had a sense of her preferences and started pointing out things on the menu he knew she would like. On the same cruise, one of the wait staff bonded with my daughter over napkin folding and taught her, over the course of several nights, how to fold napkins in a variety of fancy ways.
You Won't Get Seasick
River ships don't rock much, so there is nothing to worry about!
River Cruises Aren't the Most Accessible Way to Travel
Although many river ships have elevators, sometimes they tie up side-to-side with another ship when they dock. When that happens, your only option to get ashore is to walk through the other ship and up a set of stairs. At this time, river ships do not offer an accessible way for passengers to get onto shore.
(However ocean cruising can be completely accessible. Contact me for more information!)
River Cruises Can Be Impacted by Water Levels
Low water levels can sometimes pose a challenge to navigating a river. Similarly, water levels can be so high, that a ship is unable to navigate under a bridge along the itinerary. The good news is, these issues are mainly limited to certain rivers and only at certain times of year. The best river cruise lines (the ones I work with) have back-up plans to ensure an enjoyable vacation should water levels impact your cruise.
I can help you choose the right cruise at the right time of year in order to avoid these hiccups as much as possible. If you are curious about this, feel free to contact me!
So, You've Decided to Take a River Cruise Now What?
Here are my top tips for booking a river cruise. Contact me, and I'll handle all of this for you!
Check for Airfare Deals
It’s important to evaluate whether to purchase airfare through the cruise line. Some offer great service and options, but others DO NOT. I recently got clients free airfare on a river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel. Their flights were canceled two days before the trip, but I got it fixed it in plenty of time. I know which lines you should book air with—and which you shouldn’t.
Compare & Contrast: Select the Right Cruise Line for You
Some of the best river cruise lines are AmaWaterways, Uniworld, Scenic, Riverside, Viking and Tauck, but there are many others, and they are all totally different. Based on what my clients want, I help them figure out which line is best for them.
Here are some things to consider:
Number of excursions included per port, if any, and the quality of the tours.
Quality of the food.
Whether children are allowed on board and/or whether there is any kid-friendly programming.
Room amenities (robe, slippers, wet bar, etc.), as well as the size of the room, bathroom, and balcony (if any).
Pace of excursions offered (For example, different walking paces on the tours to suit each guest’s ability? Or are all tours the same pace?).
How much alcohol is included (if any), what type (premium spirits or not) and when (all day or only at certain times)
Whether there is a spa.
Fitness options: gym, wellness instructor, exercise classes, bikes, bike tours, hiking tours, etc.
Whether there is a pool or hot tub.
How meals are served (buffet style or table service) and whether there is room service.
Whether gratuities are included.
Whether you will have a butler.
Whether airfare and transfers to and from the ship are included.
I find out what each client wants and help match them to the cruise line that is right for them.
Select the Right Type of Stateroom for You
The best staterooms have nice big windows.
Generally, the smallest staterooms on a river ship are smaller than hotel rooms. But, there are ships that offer larger staterooms that rival spacious hotel rooms. Generally, all river cruise cabins will have at least one window.
Factors to consider when choosing a stateroom are:
size
view
balcony
size of bathroom
proximity to the ship's engines
whether there is anything above you that will be disruptive
if it is worth paying more to be on a higher deck
I offer my clients recommendations and guidance on all of these factors to help determine the best stateroom for them. I also share a lot of information, including dimensions of rooms and photos I've taken on the ships.
If you are traveling with friends or a group, I can get cabins near one another.
Book Your Excursions As Soon as You Can
Shore excursions are one of the best parts of a river cruise. Most lines include with your fare at least one excursion per port (and some include them all).
On some lines the excursions fill up before the cruise departs. I track my clients’ dates for booking excursions and remind them to choose as soon as they can so they don’t miss out. I book the excursions for them if they don’t have time.
It can also be nice to reserve private experiences and tours with other companies (not the cruise line). I help my clients decide what suits them better, and with choosing the right experiences for them.
5. Check In Online
I always remind my clients to check in online from home before they leave. The deadline to do this varies by cruise line, but it is an important step to ease your departure.
6. Arrive at Least a Day Before Embarkation
You should arrive at least one day before your river cruise embarks, in case your flight is delayed or cancelled. This is even more important if weather could affect your travel. The ship won’t wait for you, so if you don’t make it on time you are out of luck.
Similarly, to avoid problems getting to the airport on time on the day you disembark it is best not to schedule an early morning flight (airports are often not close to the port where the ship docks).
Have you been on a river cruise? Thinking about going on one? Contact me. I'd love to hear about your experience and desires!
—Daria Dimitroff, March 2025
Contact me to customize your next trip. My specialities are bespoke luxury vacations, group trips, and exclusive cruise experiences.
Booking through me is better than reserving on your own because I’m an expert. I do this every day and have contacts all over the world. I provide a stress-free experience and save you time. I give you personalized advice. I get you a better value, including perks. I have clout and connections. I customize your trip, and I’m a real human who delivers exceptional service and takes care of you before, during, and after your journey.
Contact me at daria@journeysofalifetime.biz or 415-939-5773.
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