River Cruise - Top Ten Tips For The Best River Cruise Experience

Planning your next river cruise can be complicated. Our top ten tips will help you figure out which options suit you best and maximise the enjoyment of your next adventure.

Tip 1: Pack light.
Chances are you're going to fly to the embarkation point of your cruise, and need to carry your luggage on and off a plane. This limits the amount you can bring with you more than a big cruise ship you can drive to. Pack clothes that can do double duty - a flexible capsule wardrobe would be ideal.

Tip 2: Check the dress code.
Some dining rooms onboard may well have a dress code. Due to the smaller size of river cruise ships, this is often more 'smart casual' than 'black tie', but it's well worth checking in advance if you'll need that tuxedo.

Tip 3: Learn something new.
Many river cruises are culturally enriching experiences. Guest lectures are common and there's usually the opportunity to learn more about the culture and history of the regions you'll be travelling through. Sometimes you'll be able to take advantage of lectures about wine, the language and enjoy guest tours with knowledgeable local experts.

Tip 4: Prepare for time ashore.
As river cruises ships are more intimate in size, you spend less time at sea than on a big Caribbean voyage. Whilst this means most cabins also have their own balconies, it also means you'll be moored more often and out on more excursions, so may need more shoes and less bikinis.

Tip 5: Get in shape.
Following on from the above, you'll get more out of your trip if you're used to walking more. Make sure to check the itinerary and plan a basic fitness regime so that you'll be able to easily enjoy it, without sore feet.

Tip 6: Go gourmet.
For the gastronauts among us, river cruising is a great way to dine in luxury. Virtually every river cruise ship has accomplished chefs ready to prepare you delicious menus. You may not want to leave your floating restaurant at the end!

Tip 7: Guaranteed peace.
River cruising tends to appeal more to grown up holiday makers, and if you fancy a more sedate get away, look for adults only cruises. These are a great chance for the more mature holiday maker to get some guaranteed peace and quiet.

Tip 8: Bag a bargain.
Due to their size, prices tend to be cheaper than the big Caribbean cruises. Booking in spring and autumn can offer some surprisingly good deals, with nice weather and less crowds. Christmas trips can be pricey and book up early, and the summer holiday months tend to have higher prices around the school holiday season.

Tip 9: What's your thing?
Europe has an abundance of beautiful waterways so you really are spoiled for choice. Not only is there a great variety of destinations, but there's plenty of choice in terms of itinerary. More interested in nature? How about a river that flows through one of the world largest nature reserves? Wine buff? How about a river cruises that's a tours numerous luxurious vineyards? It's all up to you.

Tip 10: Customise your package
Many good cruise operators can help you fine tune your holiday in advance, giving you the best mix of sight-seeing and relaxed cruising. Multi-destination cruises are available and you might prefer one week on one river and another somewhere else entirely.