What to Know Before Booking Your First River Cruise

Not everyone wants their cruise to feel like a carnival.

If you’re less excited about onboard entertainment on a massive ship and more interested in the views and cultural experiences along the way, river cruises might be for you.

Giant ocean liners accommodate thousands of guests, while most river cruise ships usually host around 150 guests, resulting in a more intimate experience.

And the best part? There’s a river cruise for everyone. Whether you seek a bit of culture, nature, history, or all of the above, here’s everything you need to know about booking your first river cruise. 

Make Planning Part of the Fun

Where do you want to go? What do you want to see? Are you planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation? Is your objective to have an adventure holiday or a cultural one?

• Figure out your budget
• Do your research
• Ask friends and family for advice
• Consult the experts

And if you’re not ready to commit to a two-week adventure, you can always start with shorter, three-day cruises to test the waters. Who knows, you might even snag a river cruise with a last-minute travel deal!

Choose a Cruise Line that Matches Your Vibe

Familiarize yourself with some of the most notable companies offering river cruises:

Emerald Cruises: Modern and sleek, tailored for young, budget-conscious, and first-time cruisers.

Scenic Cruises: Offering all-inclusive luxury, fine dining, and elegant suites for a sophisticated experience.

Avalon Waterways: With flexible excursions, these ships are ideal for active, hands-on travelers and those seeking a laid-back, traditional experience.

Viking River Cruises: A leading name in river cruising, cherished by history and culture enthusiasts.

Select the River that’s Right for You

The river you choose to cruise also matters!

Rhine River

The Rhine River flows through Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Nature buffs can expect to see forested hills and the Rhine Gorge, while culture buffs can enjoy medieval towns, castles and cathedrals.

Danube River

Sail through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, and Romania on the Danumbe. Marvel at rolling countrysides and the Iron Gates Gorge while appreciating Baroque architecture, imperial cities, and Balkan heritage.

Seine River

The Seine River, located in France, allows you to see many sights; between the French countryside, the cliffs of Normandy, and countless Parisian landmarks, Seine River cruises offer a comprehensive taste of French culture.

Douro River

Sail on the Douro through Portugal's Douro Valley, a famous region known for Port wine, olive groves, picturesque landscapes, and charming villages.

Mekong River

Expereince Cambodia and Vietnam along the Mekong. Floating markets in tropical jungles meet Khmer temples, rice paddies, colonial towns, and Buddhist monasteries.

Four Things to Bring on Your First River Cruise

Remember to bring the following to enhance your first river cruise experience:

Nighttime entertainment: River cruises aren’t carnivals, and most don’t provide entertainment onboard. So, if you’re a night owl, we recommend a book or laptop to keep you busy at night.

A range of clothes: Weather conditions can change drastically as you traverse downriver, so remember to pack for every eventuality, including walking and hiking shoes!

Power adaptors: The power sockets on board (or at each destination) may not always match your devices. Bring a universal power adapter to ensure your phone and other electronics are always charged.

Major credit cards and US dollars: While you can use credit cards in most major ports, it's a good idea to always have some US dollars as backup to exchange for local currency.

Now all that's left to do is find your river cruise!