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Planning a River Cruise: 7 Mistakes You Think You’re Too Smart to Make

Contemplating a river trip in Europe? A river cruise is a scenic and effortless way to travel, for sure, but take heed: Many of the rules that apply when choosing a hotel or a big ocean cruise ship don’t carry over to river boats. To get the best value for your dollar, here are seven things to keep in mind.

Mistake No. 1: Splurging on a balcony

The Panorama Suite on Avalon’s river vessels is one of the nicest afloat. Instead of a small balcony, its French verandah, which extends to the width of the room, makes your whole stateroom feel like a balcony. Photo via Avalon. 

You’d probably assume a balcony is critical—for the view, the fresh air, the photo ops, the extra space, the privacy. A balcony is a big plus at a resort and on a huge ocean ship, but on river boats it can actually be a drawback: River ships have a width limit (so that they can fit through locks), which means that cabins can only be so wide, which in turn means that a balcony takes away from your interior room space. If it’s chilly or raining—as it sometimes is—you’ll value the interior room space more than the balcony. Also, a balcony lets you see only one side of a river, whereas elsewhere on the ship you can see both sides at once. And who wants to miss half a river?

This is why many savvy river cruisers opt for a “French balcony” instead of an “outside balcony.” A French balcony is a glass door or wall-to-wall window that opens to give you fresh air and the feel of a veranda, minus the outside floor, tables, and chairs. The best such pseudo-balcony I’ve seen is on Avalon Waterways’ newer ships. The outside wall of the cabin is floor-to-ceiling glass that stretches 11 feet wide and slides open 7 feet wide. Basically, it turns your whole room into a veranda.

Avalon calls these cabins “Panorama Suites.” Technically, they’re not actually suites: Each is one room that measures 200 square feet and has a comfy sitting area (a chair, a loveseat, and a table) overlooking the water. The bed faces the view—a bed position that is unusual for river ships and is a nice touch, as the view is the first thing you see when you wake in the morning (unless you’ve drawn the curtains, you’re in a lock, or another ship is parked alongside you—which is a reason why most people do draw their curtains at night).

With cabins that transform into open-air terraces, who needs a balcony?

Mistake No. 2: Assuming that your whole itinerary is on the river

The beauty of a river cruise is that it’s a picturesque and easy way to see towns and cities along a river. Typically, the ship drops you off in town, and you can choose to walk around and explore on your own (always my preference) or take a walking tour or bus tour with a group from the ship. Sometimes passengers are bussed to sights an hour or two (or more) away from the river. And sometimes those bus tours can mean missing whole stretches of the river. On the Seine, for instance, opting for the bus tour to Honfleur or Normandy’s WW2 landing beaches could mean missing a picturesque stretch of the river because the bus picks you up at one port and drops you off at the next. (Which is why, on one cruise, I opted not to go to Honfleur or the landing beaches.)

One of the most scenic spots on the Seine River is the approach to the village of Les Andelys. Photo by Carolyn Spencer Brown

So find out whether the cruise line and itinerary you’re considering may force you to choose between the river itself and the sights away from it—and whether those stretches of river are not-to-be-missed picturesque or okay-to-miss industrial. A good cruise director will answer these questions honestly and accurately, and Google Earth can help too. If the cruise director can’t tell you which stretches of the river are most interesting, do what I do—even though technically it’s not allowed: Knock on the wheelhouse door, make friends with the captain, and ask them (at a moment when they’re not busy steering around barges or into locks). Captains always know.

Don’t bother spending precious time attempting to find out where your ship will dock in each town. We choose hotels for their location, of course—so it’s understandable that you’d want to know where a ship will be situated—but, for the most part, they all dock in the same spot. Some ships might have better real estate in certain cities. In Budapest, for instance, Viking’s spot is right under the Chain Bridge . As a general rule, though, all the ships park in pretty much the same area—and, to some degree, where they park can’t be known far ahead anyway. In Passau aboard Viking, we docked in one spot and then later the ship moved several slips downriver.

Mistake No. 3: Insisting that your ship have a gym and a pool

I want these in a hotel or on a giant cruise ship as much as the next person, but the fact is, on river ships, you rarely see anyone in the gym (which is tiny and only minimally equipped) or the pool (which is equally tiny except on some Uniworld ships that have gorgeous indoor pools and some AmaWaterways ships that have a relatively spacious pool with a swim-up bar). There just isn’t enough time to use the gym or pool, as you’re off the ship exploring all day. And if you’re not off the ship, chances are either it’s nighttime or you’re gliding down a significant stretch of river that you won’t want to miss.

AmaWaterways is one of the few river lines that have pools on the top decks of its ships. Photo by Wendy Perrin

Cruise-line execs keep gyms and pools on ships as marketing tools to get travelers to choose their ship, but the reality is that you likely won’t end up using either. That’s because there are so many opportunities to get exercise off the ship: Some lines carry bicycles and offer cycling tours. Others lend out Nordic walking sticks for ambitious strolling and hiking. And check with your ship’s cruise manager; oftentimes they’ll know where in port you can go to swim or get a massage at a resort or day spa.

Mistake No. 4: Choosing a ship based on the number of passengers Most people I know, when choosing a hotel or an oceangoing cruise ship, veer away from anything too huge. But on Europe’s rivers there are pretty much only two sizes of cruise ship: 110-meter vessels (which hold about 128 passengers each) and 135-meter vessels (which hold about 166 passengers each). Viking’s longships squeeze 190 passengers onto a 135-meter ship, which competing cruise lines say make it feel crowded. Honestly, though, I sailed on a 190-passenger Viking ship and, other than chairs spaced close together in the observation lounge and trouble finding seats for my party of four at dinner one night, the ship didn’t feel crowded to me. (Then again, I grew up in Manhattan, so my definition of “crowded” may differ from yours.) Nor did I experience less personal service on Viking, partly because Viking (unlike other river cruise lines) has a dedicated concierge who provides such service.

Most ships that ply the Danube and Rhine are similarly laid out (with a few exceptions), so choose your cruise based on the destinations, not the ship itself. Photo via Viking .

There is an exception to this rule. AmaWaterways designed its AmaMagna , which debuted in 2019, to be almost double the width of the standard riverboat on the Danube. The plus? It’s got more amenities, such as more spacious suites, four different restaurants, a sundeck pool and whirlpool, a juice bar, two massage rooms as part of a zen wellness studio and, new this year, a pickleball court. The minus? This ship, due to its size, is limited to a stretch of ports along the Danube that don’t involve locks. Still, it can travel from Germany through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, so the options aren’t severely limited.

If I were you, instead of choosing among river ships based on the number of passengers, I’d choose based on factors that I think will affect your trip more—namely, itinerary, river landscape, cabin type, and like-minded fellow passengers.

Mistake No. 5: Booking the least expensive cabin In a hotel it can make sense: Choose the lowest-category room at a fabulous property, so you can take advantage of everything the hotel offers, and use the room just for sleeping. On a river cruise, though, the least expensive cabin can be really tight—170 square feet or less—with small windows that don’t open. It’s usually worth the several hundred dollars more to get a French balcony. The aforementioned Avalon “Panorama Suite” cabins cost about $100 more per person per day than the ship’s lowest-category rooms. They’re worth it.

On river vessels, the cheapest staterooms are on the lowest deck and though they have windows, there’s not much of a view (this one is on an Avalon riverboat).

Mistake No. 6: Assuming you can dine on your own In a hotel or on a megaship, it’s easy to stick to yourselves, but on a river ship, there’s a lot of forced socializing. Every night there’s a four-course (at least), two-hour (at least) dinner where you’re seated at tables with other passengers, some of whom you just met. I’ve made some great friends at these chance meetings, but I’ve also been stuck with some louts. Viking is the only river line I have traveled on that provides an alternative venue where you can grab a half-hour dinner on your own if you just don’t feel like making chit-chat with strangers.

Viking’s Aquavit Terrace offers a casual dining alternative to its main restaurants. Photo via Viking.

AmaWaterways offers some options—typically a light breakfast or lunch option is available to grab and go from its lounges. And its new ship, AmaMagna , which is twice the size of traditional river boats, offers more dining options than any other vessel on the Danube.

Mistake No. 7: Assuming there’s room service Room service is a given in hotels, and it’s usually free on ocean cruise ships, but on river ships it barely exists. On certain ships, in certain cabins, you can get a room-service breakfast. Avalon offers a complimentary continental breakfast option. Room service for lunch or dinner is rare, but Avalon does offer (again, complimentary) an option based on the day’s menus. You do have to order from the front desk, but the food will arrive at your stateroom.

On most ships, early morning coffee and continental breakfast are available in the observation lounge starting at about 6 a.m.

Don’t expect to find an in-room coffee machine in most river-ship cabins. You really don’t need one, though: Every vessel I’ve sailed on has a fancy coffee machine mid-ship (either off the lobby or in the observation lounge) that whips up espressos, cappuccinos, and machiattos, plus there’s hot chocolate, an assortment of teas, and snacks such as cookies and fruit. In fact, on the Avalon Tapestry II , there are two such coffee set-ups—one in the front lounge, one in the back lounge. Which means coffee is never more than 15 seconds away.

Finally, one mistake you are too smart to make: Assuming the Wi-Fi will work at all times The good news: The Wi-Fi on river ships is free. The bad news: It comes and goes, depending on whether you’re in a lock or on a remote stretch of the river or the other passengers are sucking up all the bandwidth. Where you’ll have Wi-Fi and where you won’t is unpredictable—and none of the river lines are better or worse at providing it—so just know that, generally speaking, your best windows of connectivity are when you’re not in a lock and other passengers are off the ship or have gone to sleep. Know that coffee shops in towns along the way offer better and free Wi-Fi. Another option is to bring a portable modem that connects with systems on land. You can also pre-purchase international packages via your Wi-Fi provider that enable you to use your phone as a modem.

Also know that nobody requires more frequent Wi-Fi than I do, and a river ship is actually one of the best working environments I know: You can sit at your laptop for hours yet have an ever-changing view.

START PLANNING A RIVER CRUISE

This article was updated and fact-checked in March 2023. It was originally published in 2015.

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20 Comments

The biggest mistake might be thinking you will actually get the cruise you paid for! Read reviews, contracts and posts on the Better Business Bureau prior to making any reservation! They have the right to completely change your entire cruise, including location of embarkation, stops and location of disembarkation, and can make these changes with almost no notification. And you are on your own to attempt to rearrange your flights to accommodate these changes, perhaps at great added expense to you. And if you do not want the completely different cruise, you may get a travel voucher if you are lucky, but only for the amount you paid, perhaps over a year in advance, so does not even cover the cost of a replacement cruise. They want thousands of additional dollars to book the exact same cruise today. It’s like extortion. Pay us $4000 more for the same cruise or lose the $6000 you already paid! Buyer beware!!!!

Hi, Denise, Carolyn here. You make a point and I’ll add that this is one of the reasons we really recommend that you book with a trusted travel expert who has already read between the lines and can advise you.

We are interested primarily in North American or Canadian river cruises. We have cruised and done European rivers on Viking and appreciate that level of service and luxury. One of the two of us is walking disabled and uses a walker and or wheelchair if a wheelchair is made available for guest use. And please, how may I contact a river cruise travel agent for our aforementioned areas…Tom Baker agency as mentioned above. Thank you very much.

The best way to contact Tom Baker is via my Start A Trip questionnaire for him. Click here: https://www.wendyperrin.com/contact/tom-baker/ That way, you’ll get the priority response and WOW benefits outlined here: https://www.wendyperrin.com/plan-trip-faq/

What can you tell me about the river cruise itinerary in Portugal? We have done several barge and river cruises, but this would be a new river itinerary for us. As we are in our 90’’s, we would be mostly staying aboard, not doing shore excursions, so it must be a scenic trip. Avalon sounds great, but not sure they are doing them Douro River.

Thanks for the great question. To make sure Wendy sees it, please click over to the Ask Wendy page and submit it via the form there. That way it will go right to her inbox.

Thinking of adding a 2 night stay in Vienna to a 7 day river cruise on Danube. Would it be better to just do a longer cruise or is the “land” stay worth the disembarking and going on our own? How much time will we actually have with a “2 day” land tour.

Do your ships accommodate a party of three in a room

Sonja, river-ship cabins are for two people each. If you have a party of three, you may need to book two cabins. On some sailings, some cruise lines will charge you the price for four people, even though you’ve got only three people. On other sailings, a cruise line might charge a “single supplement” to a solo traveler who is occupying a cabin for two: that might mean paying 150% of the per-person cruise fare. On certain sailings, some cruise lines waive that single supplement. If you click to Ask Wendy (click on https://www.wendyperrin.com/ask-wendy-question/ ) and answer the questions there, I can recommend a river-cruise trip-planning specialist who can pinpoint for you which specific cruise lines and sailings will deliver the best value to a three-person group.

Great advice, especially about the French Balcony vs. a true balcony. Hoping to take my first river cruise in 2019.

Hi Wendy – I’m just beginning to research European river cruising, and came upon your very informative site – thanks for posting this useful information! I’m a bit confused, though, on what you wrote about river boats all fitting the same size parameters (110 & 135 meters). I’ve been looking at some of the river boats featured on the “Barge Lady Cruises” travel site, and all of them are much smaller, holding 8 – 20 guests. What am I missing? Thanks!

Chris, the vessels that carry 8 to 20 passengers are barges that ply canals, whereas the vessels that carry 120 to 190 passengers are ships that ply rivers. This article will give you a sense of how barge cruises differ from river cruises: https://www.wendyperrin.com/canal-barging-the-cruise-experience-youve-been-missing-out-on/ . If you’re wondering which is best for your particular trip goals and needs, feel free to ask me over at Ask Wendy: https://www.wendyperrin.com/ask-wendy-question/

Our first time river cruise is coming up , Romantic Danube from Nuremberg to Budapest. we have or are going to book a veranda suite A on long ship ALTA.. Has anyone done this cruise before, any advise or comments?

Is a river cruise suitable for passengers who are unsteady on there feet, are the cabins quite @ night when on the move. I’ve never been on a river cruise, so want to have a “good cabin” on a good deck. There are two of us travelling together & we are in our 80’s. We had thought of the Rhine, can you suggest which company to use? Thank you for your attention.

Hi Barbara, A passenger on river cruises feels very little motion; there is certainly no rocking back and forth. And, yes, the cabins are quiet at night. But I need a lot more information about your trip goals and interests and needs in order to recommend the right Rhine river experience for you. I suggest that you read Which River Ship Should You Choose? Here Are the Key Differences . I also suggest that you reach out to river cruise specialist Tom Baker for savvy river-cruise guidance and to book your trip; use this trip request form so that he knows that Wendy sent you and you get VIP treatment and my trip monitoring. Best, Wendy

Hi Wendy, Your article “Planning a River Cruise: 7 Mistakes You Think You’re Too Smart to Make” was great! Can you answer one more question about sleeping on long ships? My husband has been on a long ship and did not have any seasickness as it was a quiet ride. How is sleeping at night on the ships? Is there a lot of rocking? Thanks in advance for your assistance! Susan

Susan, there’s usually no rocking. I don’t recall ever feeling any rocking motion when sleeping on a river ship. You may go through locks at night–which means the ship will move up and down–but the movement isn’t very noticeable. You might wake up with your ship smack alongside another ship (it’s common for two or three ships to “raft” together at docks), in which case you might open your window curtain in the morning and be staring into someone’s cabin on another ship. But rocking? That’s not a problem.

Hi Wendy, I have enjoyed reading all of your travel advice on your new site. Thanks! Can you give me your take on River Barges? Our family of 12 adults is planning a river cruise in France and I have done some research on the barges. I wondered if booking the entire barge would be right for our family rather than a typical river cruise. We enjoy good food, wine, travel and much needed time together. However, we do enjoy some luxuries as well. Any suggestions? Thanks so much, Debbie

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The Pros and Cons of Cruises

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

A cruise can satisfy the greatest wanderlust, satisfy your favorite (and newfound) food cravings and open new horizons and interests you never thought possible. But you can also fall for tourist traps or miss the authentic culture of the places you visit.

If you’ve never cruised, talk to others who have more firsthand insights. Their perspective can shed even more light on the experience you can expect.

Going on a cruise has pros and cons, and it may be worth reviewing them before your next sailing. Let’s look at the pros and cons of cruises.

A good deal

Cruises can be costly, but you get more than just a great view of the ocean. Cruise bookings often include your:

Accommodations.

Some drinks.

Entertainment.

Recreational amenities like pools and waterslides.

Other onboard activities.

You can step aboard the ship and not spend a penny if you play your cards right.

There are plenty of ways for cruises to pull more money out of your pocket on board (think: spa, specialty restaurants, upgraded drink packages, shore excursions, shops and casino), but you can still have plenty of fun without spending an additional dime.

Cruise lines are reinventing their onboard options, and specialty restaurants tap in to the talents of well-known chefs and restaurateurs. This can take some of the boredom away from the same dining rooms, but it comes at a cost.

For the most part, however, if you find a good price on the cabin, the number of inclusions that come with it can quickly drive down the cost of an overall vacation. Of course, the more you spend on the cabin (some of those luxury suites, for example), the lower the bargain you'll get.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Entertainment and education galore

You read that right — you can learn something educational on a cruise.

Many cruises have port talks, destination immersion lectures covering the history and culture of a place, art galleries and trivia games. You can learn something on board, and then when you’re ashore, you can explore the destinations you visit.

Cruises are a great way to learn more about the world, meet new people and learn from them, too.

And there is more entertainment than you can shake a stick at on board and ashore. From musical performances to game shows and cinemas, you can easily fill up your schedule.

Every ship is different, so it is important to review what is available on your sailing if staying busy is your goal. Otherwise, bring a book and watch the world float by from the deck.

On sea days (when the ship is traveling between ports), it’s like having your own resort with pools and activities included in the overall cost of your vacation.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

Maximize your time

A cruise can introduce you to many places at once without your worrying about unpacking and repacking between destinations or paying for transportation between cities.

You unpack once and then are on your way, with all of the details handled for you — from immigration protocols to where to go and when.

The cost of a cruise includes a preplanned journey to some of the most popular points within a region and your transportation between them.

For example, your itinerary may have multiple Mediterranean cities or several European capitals.

There’s something quite relaxing about waking up each morning in a new city. And when you return after a day of exploring, housekeeping has cleaned your room.

A cruise may be a great option for less-frequent travelers because the cruise line is essentially “holding your hand” along the way.

Even better, some stops may be hard to reach by land — like many Alaskan ports — or expensive to reach independently, like some Greek islands or pricy ports in the Caribbean like St. Barts.

» Learn more: 6 cruises where you don't need a passport

Family and group travel come easy

Cruises are an easy option for groups traveling together. Unlike on land, where it can be hard to find restaurant reservations for large groups or find one activity that suits every interest, cruises have something for everyone.

People can branch off to do what they like on the ship and then meet back up an hour later without worrying about traffic or safety issues for kids.

» Learn more: What's the best deck on a cruise ship?

Lots of people

While this varies by ship — some enormous ships have so much space that there are plenty of areas where you’ll be one of only a few people — crowds may flood popular areas.

For example, people vying for their moment in the sun may swarm the pool deck and families may descend on the water park area simultaneously.

Lines can form at popular buffets or restaurants at meal times, and when it’s time to go ashore (or disembark after the cruise), you’ll be one of many waiting in line.

If you’re not willing to pay for specialty venues or you’re on a smaller ship that doesn’t have many free dining options, you may find that the dining rooms become repetitive. Menus change daily, but the setting does not. The window views at dinner will vary by destination, though, adding a bit of pizzazz.

If you make an effort, it is possible to find different things to do each day on almost all larger ships. River cruises, on the other hand, are much smaller and tend to feel more repetitive.

The same premise appears with the destinations for repeat cruisers. Because the cruise line plans itineraries, you may visit places you have been to multiple times if you sail often enough. It becomes harder to exclusively visit “new-to-you” places.

If it’s the latter you’re after, planning your own trip may be a better option.

» Learn more: Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Which is right for you?

One price is not always just one price

If you loosen your purse strings easily, spending more than you realize aboard a ship is possible.

A few cocktails by the pool each day, an extra tour or specialty restaurant dinner another, and before you know it, you’ve paid twice as much as you thought. It’s wise to board a ship with a budget in mind and plan your sailing accordingly so you don’t overspend without realizing it.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

Tourist traps

Cruise lines are often important economic engines for destinations. You may find yourself dealing with tourist traps, such as shops by the port, and beginner tours organized by the cruise line.

If you want the most authentic experience, it might be worth studying local guides and tour options online in advance to find something more authentic without falling for what’s waiting for you right at the port.

If you’re going on a shore excursion through the cruise line, you can count on being carted to places designed for large groups rather than hidden gems. Many tours often include a stop at a local shop or business that may be presented as authentic, but locals will tell you it is not.

This trend is amplified because travelers usually have only one day at each destination. As a result, time is of the essence to visit the most important sights without wasting it at tourist traps.

Frequent cruisers, however, will tell you that you should use a cruise to determine places you want to return to by using it as a sampler to explore many destinations. They also suggest planning what you want to do so you can hit the ground running.

Exploring independently or with a local guide (not booked through the ship) can often be your best bet. It also has the added benefit of directly supporting a local business or guide rather than funneling that cash through the cruise line.

The pros and cons of cruises, recapped

It’s unfair to decide how you feel about a cruise without trying one. Even those who insist they wouldn’t like one may end up having a good time.

Perception is not always reality, and you can be better prepared by considering all of the pros and cons of a cruise in advance. Talk with people on either side to get answers to your questions.

Not every type of travel is for everyone, but the ever-expanding cruise industry keeps adding amenities, perks and destinations. That alone speaks for itself.

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Join our Adventure: Get all my insider tips for traveling on a budget

CruiseOverload

Why Are River Cruises So Expensive? (& Are They WORTH It?)

Why does it seem like all river cruises are ridiculously expensive?! Are they worth the price?

From all-inclusive amenities to personalized experiences, let’s find out why river cruises are pricier than ‘normal’ cruises and whether they’re the right fit for you and your family…

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Why Are River Cruises So Expensive?

River cruises are more expensive because they include numerous high-quality amenities. When you embark on a river cruise, you’ll find that your fees generally cover not only your accommodations, but also meals, drinks, and excursions.

This bundled pricing approach may result in a higher initial cost, but it ensures a more all-inclusive experience that lets you focus on enjoying your vacation rather than constantly worrying about additional expenses.

Additionally, river cruises provide a more intimate and personalized travel experience.

With smaller ships and fewer guests, you can expect more attentive service and greater access to unique destinations that larger ships may be unable to accommodate.

This tailored approach results in an unforgettable voyage that is truly worth the investment.

Understanding River Cruises

How Do River Cruises Differ from Ocean Cruises

When you think about cruises, it’s likely that massive ocean liners come to mind. However, river cruises offer a completely different experience.

For starters, river cruise ships are smaller and more intimate, typically accommodating less than 200 passengers compared to thousands on ocean cruises.

This means that you can enjoy personalized service and form genuine connections with your fellow travelers.

Another major difference is the pace of your journey. Unlike ocean vessels that can feel rushed and overwhelming, river cruises provide a relaxed and leisurely atmosphere.

You won’t have to worry about missing out on the scenic landscapes, as you have ample time to take in the beautiful riverside views.

On top of all this, since river cruises navigate through the heart of cities and towns, you’ll get the opportunity to explore numerous destinations in greater detail.

This allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture, history, and cuisine along the way.

Read Next: Why Are Great Lakes Cruises So Expensive?

What Makes Them Unique

River cruises offer several unique, value-added features that contribute to their higher price points.

You can expect most, if not all, of your meals, excursions, and drinks to be included in the price.

This is a significant advantage over mainstream ocean cruises, where additional fees for these services are more common.

Additionally, river cruises often have a strong focus on cultural enrichment and exceptional service.

This means you’ll have the opportunity to partake in expert-led tours, enjoy authentic local cuisine, and feel pampered by knowledgeable, attentive staff.

All these aspects add to the luxurious and refined experience of river cruising, and ultimately, justify their higher pricing.

Don’t forget that the smaller vessel size and overall design of river cruise ships allow access to unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations.

This grants you the ability to explore hidden gems and charming local villages that aren’t possible to visit on massive ocean cruise ships, making your vacation truly one-of-a-kind.

Ocean cruise ships tend to go to the more ‘touristy’ and common destinations.

While river cruises offer an intimate, immersive, and enriching travel experience, especially european river cruises.

They might seem expensive compared to ocean cruises, but when considering the inclusions, exceptional service, and unique destinations, they can certainly provide excellent value for your vacation.

It all depends on what you’re looking for, of course.

Big ocean ships are a great, family-friendly vacation . While river cruises, although also great for families, tend to attract couples looking for more cultural experiences and unique experiences.

Factors Influencing River Cruise Costs

Limited Capacity and High Demand

River cruises can be expensive due to their limited capacity and high demand. Most river cruise ships only accommodate a small number of passengers, making the supply scarce.

As a result, you may face higher prices for these intimate and exclusive cruise experiences.

Additionally, river cruising has grown in popularity over the years, particularly among baby boomers in their retirement years.

The combination of high demand and limited supply raises the overall cost of river cruises.

Inclusive Amenities and Services

Another factor contributing to the higher cost of river cruises is the comprehensive array of amenities and services typically included in the price.

Unlike mainstream ocean cruises, a river cruise may include meals, drinks, and daily excursions as part of the package.

This makes the travel experience luxurious and stress-free, eliminating the need to worry about additional costs.

However, these all-inclusive offerings make river cruises inherently more expensive.

Alcoholic Drinks Are Included Too

It’s not just meals that are included in the fare price.

Many cruises include soft drinks, but river cruise companies take it up to another level.

Alcoholic drinks always get pricey on vacations, but river cruises almost always include wine and beer in their prices.

And no, it isn’t one glass with lunch. Guest report waiters constantly making the rounds and topping off drinks.

That alone makes them a much better deal than an ocean cruise that doesn’t tend to include alcoholic beverages unless you purchase a drink package .

Higher Food Quality

One of the benefits of river cruising is that the smaller size of the ships means that the chefs and sous chefs in the galley are making fewer meals than on a large ocean ship that accommodates thousands of passengers.

This often translates to higher quality food, as the chefs can focus on creating a smaller number of dishes with greater attention to detail.

The smaller size of river cruise ships allows for a more personalized dining experience with a focus on quality over quantity, making every dish exceptional.

All Staterooms Have A View

When it comes to ocean cruises, passengers are often willing to pay a premium for an outside stateroom with a view of the water.

However, on river cruise ships, all staterooms offer a view of the water regardless of their location on the ship.

This means that river cruise passengers don’t have to worry about paying extra for a view.

Instead, the price difference may come down to factors such as the size of the stateroom, its location on the ship, or the level of luxury and amenities offered in a suite.

For example, a suite on the third deck with a balcony might cost more than a standard stateroom on the first deck.

Additionally, passengers who prefer a quieter location may opt for a stateroom closer to midship, which could come at a slightly higher cost.

The fact that every room has a view is factored into the pricing, as it’s a more luxurious experience.

They Include Excursions

One of the main advantages of river cruising is that many of the activities and excursions are included in the price of the cruise.

On larger ocean ships, passengers often have to pay extra for excursions or activities while at port.

On a river cruise, many activities are included in the price of the cruise. Guided city tours, for example, are often included at no extra charge.

Additionally, many river cruises offer bicycles for passengers to use in ports, free of charge.

Passengers can explore the local area at their leisure without having to worry about incurring additional costs.

Destination and Itinerary Expenses

The destination and itinerary of a river cruise also greatly influence its cost. The destinations tend to be top-notch.

River cruises often navigate through some of the most scenic and culturally rich regions, such as European cities and picturesque landscapes along the rivers.

The costs to dock at these locations and provide guests with unique land excursions can be higher than those of regular ocean cruises.

Also, a river cruise itinerary may involve visiting multiple destinations within a short time frame, adding to the overall expense of the trip.

With these factors in mind, it’s essential to understand that taking a river cruise is a unique and luxurious vacation experience specifically designed to offer you a more intimate and inclusive journey.

While the cost may be higher than a mainstream ocean cruise, the benefits of personalized service, exceptional amenities, and captivating destinations are significant and well worth the investment for many travelers.

Ways to Save on River Cruises

Booking in Advance or Last Minute

One of the most effective ways to save on river cruises is to plan ahead and book your trip well in advance.

This gives you the opportunity to take advantage of any early bird promotions and secure your preferred cabin at a discounted price.

However, if you’re more of a spontaneous traveler, you could also score a great deal by booking last minute.

Cruise operators sometimes offer significant discounts to fill unsold cabins closer to the departure date. So, keep an eye out for last-minute deals and be flexible with your travel plans.

Choosing the Right Season

Another factor to consider when planning your river cruise is the season in which you choose to travel.

The peak season for river cruises usually falls during the summer months, when demand is high and prices are steeper.

However, you can still enjoy a memorable river cruise on a budget by opting to travel during the shoulder seasons – spring and fall.

During these months, you’ll find that there are fewer travelers, leading to lower prices on cruises.

For example, booking a cruise at the beginning or end of the Alaska or Mediterranean season when the weather isn’t as optimal can save you big compared to peak mid-season voyages.

Plus, you’ll still have ample opportunities to explore new destinations and immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying more personal space and fewer crowds.

In summary, to make the most of your river cruise experience without breaking the bank, consider booking either far in advance or last minute and choose to travel during the shoulder seasons.

With a little planning and flexibility, you’ll be able to enjoy a fantastic river cruise vacation at a more budget-friendly price.

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See Why River Cruises Can Solve Your Travel Woes

Unexpected delights, immersive itineraries, less stress: Here's why it's worth it to travel by river cruise.

In an era when smartphones provide access to limitless information, planning your next trip can be a breeze—but the sheer number of options can also be pretty overwhelming.

Enter river cruises. Like waterproof hotels that double as their own adventures, these small ships provide visitors with a new look at classic destinations—all without having to plan, plot, or even re-pack a suitcase. Aboard vessels of roughly a hundred passengers, the burden of in-depth research disappears. Instead, you’re left with the true purpose of travel: to experience something new.

Viking Emerald , a river cruise boat, glides down China's Yangtze River.

Though ships’ planned excursions hit popular cities like Amsterdam , Moscow , and Paris , river cruises also focus on more hidden gems. Visiting smaller towns lets travelers dive into an area, beyond its flashy metropolises. Itineraries that include unexpected treasures—like a floating Cambodian village market or ancient Egyptian crocodile temple—scratch the itch for an authentic experience. ( Learn how to river cruise beyond the port in Austria. )

The Adventures By Disney river cruises, which offer routes along the Seine , Rhine , and Danube Rivers , help tourists explore local Christmas markets and centuries-old abbeys that otherwise would’ve fallen by the wayside. The scheduling is meticulous: Adventures By Disney’s river cruises sail at night to maximize activities, allowing for exclusive activities like canoeing in Strasbourg, France , or hearing Mozart and Strauss compositions performed live at Schönbrunn Palace .

Sailing from country to country without navigating customs, international flight terminals, or local taxi rates makes it possible to see and do more each day. Returning to the same cabin, even when visiting different cities, alleviates the stress of multiple bookings, while all-inclusive on-board cuisine is both exceptional and optional. With sightseeing tours available directly from the cruise operator, there’s no need to arrive early to try to skip museum lines.

And then there are the perks. Viking ’s private after-hours tour of Saint Petersburg ’s Hermitage Museum omits the overwhelming crowds, and Uniworld ’s EatWith partnership gives travelers the option of dining with a local in their home. ( Here's what you need to know about the world's top cruise liners. )

A tourist boat cruises on the Douro River through Porto, Portugal.

With their reputation for taking more time—a luxury not many of us have—river cruises are popularly associated with retirees. But the format is a weirdly perfect fit for modern freelancers, who can tap in to free and often unlimited wireless from cabin balconies as the ship sails by the lush vineyards of Portugal ’s Douro Valley, or the bright buildings on the outskirts of Venice . No wonder millennial-driven river cruising is a growing industry, with U by Uniworld sails offering mixology lessons, silent disco parties, and hostel-style rooms.

What river cruise vessels may lack in Instagram -worthy bronze fixtures and subway-tiled bathrooms, they make up for in lounge-like interiors and airy open spaces designed to highlight the picturesque backgrounds floating by. And calm waters negate the woes of major ocean-going cruise liners. With immersive itineraries, unexpected delights, and lovely lodging, river cruises are the perfect antidote to the stress of travel.

Related: 33 Pictures of the Wonder of Water

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• River Cruise Tips

The Pros And Cons Of European River Cruises

by Gary Bembridge · April 23, 2020

These are, in my views, the main Pros and Cons of European River Cruises.

What are the Pros?

Lots of choice.

I thought it would be interesting to look at both the upsides and the downsides of river cruising, so let’s start by looking at the positives. Probably one of the biggest pros of European river cruising is the enormous amount of choice. There’s a huge choice of rivers – you can cruise on pretty much all of the major rivers within continental Europe: the Rhine, the Rhone, the Danube, the Loire, the Seine, the Elbe, the Douro… the list goes on and on. And some cruise lines will give you the choice of cruising on pretty much any of those rivers.

The second great thing is that you have an enormous amount of choice in cruise lines. Offhand, I could think of at least 14 or 15 cruise lines and there are many, many more that I’ve seen on the rivers that I just can’t remember. You have names like A-ROSA, AmaWaterways, Amadeus, Avalon, Crystal, CroisiEurope, Phoenix Reisen, Nikko, KD Cruises, Scenic, APT, Viking, Tauck and many, many more. What’s really important with this amount of choice is that you have the value lines at one end, like Riviera or CroisiEurope, which are more value for money, right through to really plush and expensive, five- and six-star cruise lines on the rivers, like Crystal or Uniworld.

You also have a lot of choice in terms of the type of experience that you want, so you’ll find that some will create a very multilingual, European experience like CroisiEurope, and some will even be more German-focused or Swiss-focused. You’ll find that some, like Riviera, Fred Olsen or Saga are targeting UK travellers, and then some, like AmaWaterways and Avalon, have a more American feel to them. There are even cruise lines that have an Australian focus: APT, Scenic, maybe even Emerald. So, you’ll certainly find there’s a huge amount of choice – of river, cruise lines and even types of experience – you’ll definitely find a river and a cruise line that meet what you’re looking for.

Immersive experiences

The second biggest pro is that it’s an immersive and in-depth way to explore a region. If you’re cruising the Danube, for example, you’ll travel through several different countries, through lots of beautiful scenery and see a lot of little towns, allowing you to get really close to the culture. I think what’s great about a river cruise is that you’ll normally visit the big, iconic towns, so again on the Danube, you’ll probably visit Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna. On the Rhine, you’ll visit major cities as well, and again you’ll see some of the major sites, but also because of the nature of the river, you’ll stop at very out-of-the-way little villages, or perhaps places that were really big in mediaeval times and have a historic castle there, or some significant agricultural wine making, or a chateau.

You definitely get a huge cross section, from big, bustling towns down to sleepy little villages. Also, to make it even more immersive, the cruise lines will cater the onboard experience to the location, so you’ll find that as you cruise through the different countries, they’ll serve traditional local dishes, and they’ll also have wine from that particular country. They’ll also bring onboard dancers or singers, musicians or speakers to give you more of a sense of the culture and history of that particular region, so I really like that you see a part of the world in a pretty in-depth way.

All-inclusive fares

Another big pro about European river cruising is that pretty much all of the lines on the European rivers have largely all-inclusive fares, unlike ocean cruising where there’s often the fare and then lots and lots of add-ons. There are very few extras once you’re on board. Normally, the key inclusions will be your accommodation, all your dining, and your excursions. So, depending on the cruise line, you’ll either get one set excursion every place you stop, or sometimes you’ll have a choice: some of them might be more active, some of them might be more cultural. Onboard entertainment is as included, as is Wi-Fi, and most cruise lines will include some drinks, either just drinks with lunch and dinner, or some will include all of your drinks all of the time.

Minimal extras will be gratuities – obviously they’re optional – and some will include them; drinks, depending on whether they’ve included them all the time or not; and depending on the cruise line and where you booked, flights into Europe and transfers to and from the ship. Depending on where you’re buying, many cruise lines will sell the whole package, and then with some you’ll have to buy the cruise and then work with your agent to build any package: pre-stays, post-stays, transfers etc (or do it yourself). I’ve generally found when I’ve been on a river cruise that I’ve had bills that were almost nothing – perhaps I’ve given some cash for gratuities, but generally the great thing is that the fare is the fare, without lots of added extras.

Hassle free

Another great pro of river cruising is that it’s incredibly hassle-free, I think even more stress-free than ocean cruising. On a river cruise, everything is pretty much decided for you. Once you’ve booked the cruise and the destination, there’s nothing else to worry about because you unpack, of course, and the ship becomes your sailing hotel until you repack at the end. Your meals are all set for you, your excursions are set, all your briefings are set for you, your transportation is arranged… You literally decide the itinerary, decide where you want to go, and you pitch up without having to make many decisions, so it’s hassle-free. It’s a great, easy way of travelling through Europe.

f you wanted to travel independently through three or four countries, which some of these river cruises do, there would be a lot of hassle, stress and downtime travelling on trains or planes. All of that’s gone, because it’s really quite curated and you’re shepherded and looked after, and all the decision making is done for you.

Small and intimate

Another really great plus is the fact that it’s a much smaller, more intimate experience. Obviously on an ocean cruise ship, you can be one of thousands of guests. Even if you’re on some of the smaller lines, there are going to be at least a couple of hundred guests. River cruise ships in Europe are probably going to be between about 150 and 200 guests, so it’s quite a small experience. Also, that means that you’re going to get to know the crew very well. On river cruise ships there will generally be 30 or 40 crew, so you always get to know a lot of them. Overall, it’s a much more intimate way to cruise and much easier to meet people. Of course, if you want to be anonymous, you’re probably not going to find that on a river cruise, because everyone is going to get to know you.

Uniworld River Beatrice Stateroom 605

So those for me are the big pluses of river cruising. What about the downsides?

Probably one of the cons of river cruising in Europe is just how popular it’s becoming. As I already mentioned, there are lots of river cruise lines, and more and more people are cruising the rivers all the time, so the places are getting busier, because obviously there are only a certain amount of rivers, and they all tend to go to the same places because that’s what people want to see. So, you start to find that some ports and some itineraries are getting really busy. You may find, for example, that when you dock in a place, you have ships either side of you, and you have to go through or over ships to get there.

Out in the destinations, particularly some of the smaller places, you can find it gets really busy because you’ve got lots of excursion groups heading out from all the different river cruise ships there. In some ways, it’s a victim of its own success. It’s getting really busy, and I think one of the things that river cruising is starting to do as an industry is to find ways of alleviating that, for example introducing more excursions which take you further afield, and more active excursions like bike tours to try and disperse people much more.

Fewer onboard options

The second possible con for some people, especially if you’re used to ocean cruising, is that the ships are small and there’s not a great deal of choice. You’ll have been used to a wide choice of dining venues, gyms, big production shows… lots going on. That’s not the case on a river cruise ship. They have to be a certain size and height to be able to navigate the rivers. So, on a typical European river cruise ship, you’ll have one dining room, which is where you’ll have all of your meals. A few do have a second dining option, but generally speaking, there’s just one dining room.

Typically, there’ll also be just one lounge and bar where you’ll go for briefings, drinks and entertainment. Up on the sun deck, depending on the ship, there may be just loungers or places to sit. Some ships might have a little crazy golf course, or they might have a plunge pool. Some of them will have a compact fitness centre or a massage room, but it will be very small.

You won’t have lots of shops or other entertainment or dining options, so certainly if you’re the person who likes lots of choice, then this will probably be a downside of river cruising for you. You do, of course, have everything you need: a place to eat, a place to relax, a place to sit in the sun… all the key things, but just not a lot of options. Also, because the ships have to be a certain size, you’ll generally find that the cabins are relatively small and will normally only have a pretty small shower room.

Uniworld River Beatrice River Cruise in Budapest

Relatively structured

Another possible con of European river cruising, particularly if you’re the sort of traveller that likes being independent and doing your own thing, is the whole river cruising process is relatively regimented. It’s a lot similar to joining an escorted tour, because it has a lot of the same attributes to it. You’ll find the days laid out with fairly few options, and of course you can just decide not to do some things, but bear in mind, you will have already paid for those things.

There’ll normally be some sort of announcement first thing, because breakfast is at a certain time, then you’ll head off on your different excursions. You might have to be back at a certain time because the ship’s moving a little bit further along the river to the next port. On the excursions, you’ll find they’re pretty curated, generally walking tours although there might be, as I mentioned, some more active tours. You’ll come back, have lunch at the same time and there will generally be a set time to have your meal. There might be a further announcement or briefing and you’ll head off on another excursion or you might be sailing. You’ll have a briefing for the next day when you’re told what’s going to happen and where any options will be explained, then you’ll have dinner which will be at a set time, and again, not necessarily with lots of choices of places to eat.

And every day on a European river cruise is similarly curated, with not much opportunity to flex that. Of course, you can skip some of the excursions and go and explore yourself, and if you’re perhaps docked overnight you can head into the town in the evening, but the days tend to be relatively regimented. So, if you’re a very independent traveller, and you like to do things more on a whim, you might see that as more of a con. On the plus side, of course, it does mean that everything’s organised and sorted for you, and they do make sure that you make the most of your day on the river and in the places you call on.

The next possible con depends a little bit on the type of traveller you are. I would say river cruising at the moment in Europe is mostly geared towards couples, and it does tend to be a little bit towards an older demographic, say from 50 to 70 and even older. If you’re a solo traveller, for example, you’ll find that it’s a pretty expensive way of travelling, because you’ll normally have to pay for double occupancy of the cabin.

A lot of cruise lines do, particularly in the shoulder seasons, will release some solo traveller deals, but you won’t find lots of single cabins on board. Also, if you are a person of limited mobility, river cruising in Europe is a challenge, not only because the ships don’t always have all the facilities, but the places you call on are not always easily accessible. Some ships will have an elevator between the floors, or accessible cabins, but this is by no means standard.

The big challenge, particularly if the ships are docked next to each other, is moving through the ships to get to the dock. But also, just the nature of the places you call on, which can be very old, with cobbled streets, steps and steep banks, are not ideal. If you want to go river cruising with your family, the offering is still very mixed. More and more cruise lines are trying to attract more families, so for example, AmaWaterways offer cabins with interconnecting doors on AmaMagna, which is a bigger ship.

Some of the cruise lines are trying to build in more activities for kids at school holiday time, particularly to try and attract a more multigenerational demographic, but really at its heart, it’s still very much a couples experience. I’ve been on quite a few river cruises as a solo traveller and, of course, you get to meet people, but it is an expensive way of cruising unless you can find those particular deals.

Uniworld River Beatrice Local Guide Chris In Passau Germany Using Quietvox System

Water levels

Another possible downside of river cruising is the fluctuating water levels. If you’re ocean cruising, you can experience adverse weather, wind in particular, that can disrupt ships getting in and out of ports. In Europe, the issue is water levels, with the water being either too high or too low. There can be various times of the year where you have a real problem, for example, a couple of years ago in Europe, there wasn’t a lot of rain and the rivers got very low, meaning that the ships were very restricted. In other years the water levels are too high, and the ships can’t get under the bridges.

So, of course, you need to be flexible and understand that you may have that as a potential downside. On the plus side, sometimes the distances you travel are not that huge, so the lines will bus you in to a place instead, and you might find it’s only an hour’s drive to get to your excursion and bring you back to the ship, or occasionally they’ve moved people from one ship up to another ship further along the river, and then carried on.

River cruising in Europe is a great experience, and a wonderfully immersive way of seeing a region. Like everything, there are pros and cons, and for some people, some of those cons are pros, and vice versa.

I hope you found that interesting. I have loads more videos about European river cruising and ocean cruising , so why don’t you watch one of those right now?

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Gary Bembridge

I grew up in Zimbabwe, but I have been based in London since 1987. My travel life spans more than three decades and that includes more than 95 cruises. In 2005, I launched Tips for Travellers to make it easy and fun for people to discover, plan and enjoy incredible cruise vacations. And the rest, as they say, is history. I have the largest cruise vlogger channel currently on YouTube, with more than 3 million video views per month.

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Review: What It’s REALLY Like Aboard Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises Review

Recently, I sailed on my first Viking River Cruise up the Rhine River to explore Switzerland , Germany , France and The Netherlands on their classic ‘Rhine Getaway’ river cruise.

The entire trip was calm and relaxing and I felt like it struck the perfect balance of sightseeing and leisure!

I’ve taken several European river cruises cruises with family before and immediately knew my mom would love the smaller atmosphere, quaint towns and relaxing vibe, so I brought her along for the trip!

I know river cruising is not for everyone so if you’re curious about Viking specifically or more generally wondering what there is to see and do along the Rhine River, I thought I’d recap our trip to show you the highlights.

I would recommend this trip if you enjoy small colorful towns, World War II history and good food.

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Keep reading below for a complete review of what cruising with Viking is like!

Or quickly jump to:

• Rhine River Itinerary
• River Cruises vs Ocean Cruises
• Best European River Cruises
• Pre-Trip Experience
• Should You Book Flights Through Viking
• On Board Experience
• Viking Ship
• Included Tours

Rhine Getaway Itinerary

We started in Basel, Switzerland (up north on the Rhine River) and ended at Amsterdam in The Netherlands.

Viking also offers the same route in reverse , from Amsterdam to Basel so you can pick either option. For a couple stops on the journey, boats running in opposite cities are docked together.

We had a wonderful time and especially loved how organized the entire Viking journey was, from pre-departure to on-board, everything was seamless.

Also unlike many other cruises or guided tours, almost everything was included , which made it feel like a truly relaxing vacation.

Here’s a snapshot of our 7-day itinerary and what we got up to each day!

Day 1: Arrive in Basel, Switzerland

We arrived in the small, quaint town of Basel after our international flight.

This was the general arrival / travel date so we expected to just check in and relax but discovered that Viking organized a guided walking tour of the town. That was a nice surprise!

There’s also the option to arrive a couple days early and/or stay a couple days late. If you are thinking of this, here’s a quick guide to the best hotels in Basel  to help with accommodation.

Basel is an underrated tourist attraction and the third largest city in Switzerland. The town has a gorgeous Medieval center and plenty of world-class art museums.

There’s a reason Art Basel is held here!

We checked out the Romanesque cathedral, took endless pictures of the colorful medieval buildings and headed back to our ship to relax and meet everyone for cocktails and dinner. A great first day!

Day 2: Germany’s Black Forest & Colmar, France

On our second day, we sailed northward to dock at Breisach, Germany .

In the morning, we learned how to make cuckoo-clocks, put together Black Forest cake and walked a bit throughout the Black Forest.

The wooded mountain range is the site of many local legends and populated all over with black fir trees. If you like hiking, the mountains are wonderful!

In the afternoon, we signed up for an optional tour to Colmar .

Located in the Alsace Lorraine region, the town is part of France but throughout much of history, changed hands between Germany and France.

You’ll find lots of German and French spoken as a result!

I highly recommend visiting this quaint medieval town. Every street looks perfectly preserved and it’s quite colorful. We wandered mostly on our own, ducking into gelato shops and chocolate stores while enjoying the colorful, medieval feel.

Day 3: Strasbourg, France

If you skip the optional to Colmar, no worries!

Strasbourg is its larger cousin and also located in Alsace, France .

We had a wonderful guide for this day who guided us throughout the small canals, pointing out colorful streets and letting us know about Strasbourg’s tangled history in the hands of Germany and France.

Strasbourg occupies a strategic position on the Rhine River and is the ninth largest city in France.

It’s home to many European councils and organizations, like the European Court of Human Rights (a building built like a ship) and the Council of Europe.

For the most part, we stuck to the Old Medieval Town but drove through the modern section. Highly recommend a visit to the Cathedral!

Day 4: Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg is a university town with a energetic, small town feel.

In the morning, we visited Heidelberg Castle, which perhaps should be called a ruined fortress, as much of it was destroyed by lightening, fires and war.

The ruins and castle are built high above the city and the observation terrace is well worth a look!

Meanwhile, the city was almost entirely spared from bomb attacks during World War II and it’s narrow streets and baroque charm remain largely intact.

We explored Heidelberg’s Old Town (Altstadt) by walking along the main shopping street Hauptstrasse. This is actually the longest shopping street in Europe!

For the most part, I spotted large chain stores & restaurants.

I actually recommend skipping this street to explore the quaint alleyways and backstreets instead. Much more picturesque!

Day 5: Rhine River Castles & Koblenz, Germany

By day 5, we had reached the middle Rhine!

We spent our morning above deck watching the gorgeous small German towns and castles along both sides of the Rhine River. Our Viking program director gave a guided audio tour along the way, pointing out castles left and right.

Many of them are situated high above local towns and we saw lots of German camper vans parked at the base.

I recommend bringing a pair of binoculars for this part, as some of the castles can be set a bit farther away and the detail through a zoom is incredible.

By afternoon, we reached Koblenz, a city set at the mouth of two rivers.

We explored Marksburg Castle and wandered a bit on our own after. This was another ruined fortress high above the river.

Interesting history, but definitely wear good shoes ! The entire castle is unpaved, rocky and entirely uneven.

Note – a couple others from the cruise did the optional dinner excursion on this day and raved about it.

Day 6: Cologne, Germany

During the Holy Roman Empire, Cologne was the largest medieval town in Europe. Naturally, it’s Gothic cathedral is the hallmark draw!

The nice thing about this stop is the ship can dock right into town, so you can join the tour or explore on your own.

We explored the Kölner Dom’s interior and were suitably awed.

If you want a great view, Viking offers an optional tour that takes you all the way to the very top! I had already been to Cologne on a previous trip so instead, we opted for a palace excursion.

I *love* an over the top, beautifully decorated mansion and have a whole series dedicated to them here .

We visited Augustusburg Castle, one of two gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage site classified as Bruhl Palaces.

The castle was once home to the prince-archbishops of Cologne and is decked out in gold, marble and all-around extravagance. I particularly liked the massive entryway staircase which was gilded and made my mouth drop open when we turned the corner.

Highly recommend this day trip if you love castles half as much as I do!

The interiors were really unique and the guided tour was excellent.

After the main palace, we did a quick tour of the hunting lodge as well, which was just as stunning. This is one stop I definitely wished we had more time in!

Day 7: Kinderdijk, The Netherlands

Kinderdijk is home to the Netherlands’ famous windmills .

I’ll admit I didn’t know too much about the country outside of Amsterdam and our guide was quite helpful to explain the history of the nation and the purpose of its many windmills. 

Much of the Netherlands would sink, were it not for windmills to pump away water.

We even got to tour inside the home of a windmill keeper (see photos of a windmill  interior here!). What I didn’t realize was that windmill caretakers actually lived inside them with their families!

I thought the interiors were particularly interesting and our guide mentioned that some Dutch families managed to fit 13 children inside.

They’re quite small so I noticed lots of hooks for hanging, curved bunk-bed type rooms and lots of stair ladders. The Dutch windmill keepers also had a number of really unique boats which I took too many pictures of!

Fun fact: Kinderdijk is in the region of Holland in the nation of The Netherlands where the people speak Dutch .

The Rhine Getaway Cruise

One thing I liked about sailing with Viking is how leisurely the day to day pace is.

There’s generally an opportunity to sight see in the morning and afternoon, with one included tour and one optional tour.

We chose to do 2 optionals and on the other days, relaxed on board or went into town to explore on our own! It was a well-balanced pace and I truly felt “on vacation”.

Here’s a recap of our daily itinerary with Viking:

How River Cruises Differ vs. Ocean Cruises

Many of our stops were small European villages and medium sized cities, so we felt like we were able to see all the top sights without missing anything.

The best part? enjoying the comfort of a luxurious ship without worrying about transportation from town to town and only unpacking once .

Small Ships

I think most of us are familiar with large ocean liners that sail to the Caribbean.

River cruises offer a very different experience – they’re much smaller ships, typically seating only 150-200 passengers.

The Viking Hlin ship that I was on had about 150 passengers and approximately 60 crew members, for reference.

No Seasickness

In general rivers are much calmer than the open seas and you won’t have to worry about rough seasickness.

We did a fun tour of the wheelhouse and learned from the Captain that Viking ships utilize four propellers instead of a traditional rudder.

Because of this, they have the flexibility to turn each propeller a full 360 degrees for precision and smooth sailing so you shouldn’t experience any seasickness on board.

More About the Sights, Not On Board Entertainment

River cruising is a much more intimate experience, with unreserved seating at meal times so you get to mix and mingle with almost everyone on board by the end (if you want!).

There’s less on-board entertainment (no nightclubs or casinos on board) but each evening people congregated in the lounge by the bar and Viking had an on-board pianist. 

A couple nights during the week, Viking hosted either singers, dancers or local activities.

My favorite was the glass blowing demonstration by a glass master from Germany! He was quite an artist and had different glassblowing techniques than what I saw when I went to Venice .

Easier Disembarkation

T he number one reason why I like river cruises so much is because you get to see many small towns and sights in a leisurely fashion.

Depending on your journey, you stop in a new town every day or so and can get on and off the ship easily and on your own pace, without queuing for hours!

When I went on my cruise to Cuba , we received a group number each evening for the next day’s stop. That was a medium sized ship (roughly 500-1,000 passengers) and disembarking into town took about 2 hours, so depending on which group you were in.

I’m pretty impatient and hated the long lines. Everyone still has to be back on board at the same time, so for certain port stops, you would get much less time in town if you were part of the last disembarkation group.

Which is the Best European River Cruise?

I wouldn’t say there’s a “best” European cruise per se, but there are a couple main rivers in Europe that offer river cruise experiences. The most popular are the Rhine River, the Elba and the Danube.

• The Rhine River runs from the Swiss Alps through the Franco-German border and empties into the North Sea up in the Netherlands. This is the route we took.
• The Elba River   is a major Central European river and predominantly flows through Germany and the Czech Republic. A small bit flows through Austria and Poland.
• The Danube River is quite long, flowing through 10 countries through Central and Eastern Europe. It starts in Germany and flows along the borders of Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine before emptying into the Black Sea. I did this route years ago with family and loved it because I felt like I saw so much of Eastern Europe in one go. Lots of quaint, small towns perfect for a quick afternoon visit!

Viking Cruises Review

Our Rhine Getaway hit a couple towns throughout Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands in one convenient week.

Plus it had the added bonus of only unpacking once!

You can see the route we took in the Rhine River cruise map below.

Flights & Our Pre-Trip Experience

Once you book your Viking river cruise, the fun part is checking out the daily itinerary and browsing the optional excursions!

I was really impressed with Viking’s interactive website called My Viking Journey .

They have a handy map to show the journey along the Rhine River and make it easy to see what your options are each day. If you happen to pick an optional that conflicts with an included tour or a different optional tour, the website lets you know immediately.

Should You Book Airfare Through Viking?

Viking also offers airfare. 

We set a  fare alert and browsed for flights on our own, and after comparing it to the Viking customer service rep, found that they were able to get us a better deal. I was pretty amazed actually!

So I recommend booking airfare through Viking (after doing a price comparison on your own, of course).  It seems the company has relationships with partner airlines and is able to typically find flights cheaper than you can do on your own.

Another advantage to booking airfare through Viking is they also include round trip transfers.

We found this really handy after long travel days. For the arrival, our bus picked us up at the airport in Basel and left straightaway, which we really appreciated!

(Sometimes group tours will wait for the entire 50 passenger bus to fill up, which means you can get off a long trans-Atlantic flight and sit around for 90 minutes waiting for additional flights to land.)

On our departure, we had a very early flight so they arranged a cab direct to the airport – everything is totally taken care of!

Our On-board Experience on Viking’s Hlin Ship

We sailed aboard the Viking Hlin.

All of Viking’s fleet are individually named after different Nordic Gods and Goddesses and while many of the river cruise ships are similar or even identical, the small touches and art are unique.

Each ship has a giant painting of the Nordic god at the top of the main staircase, dedicated to the deity it’s named after.

Having sailed on a couple other river cruises, I loved how distinctively luxurious the Viking ship and rooms were.

Veranda Room Tour

Our Veranda stateroom was spacious, bright and airy with minimalist Nordic furniture and a cozy balcony. 

The ships are well designed to really maximize space and cabins feature a giant closet and tons of drawers to put away your clothes, should you wish to fully unpack.

Most river cruises are quite cozy and I typically keep my clothes in packing cubes … this was the first time I’ve fully unpacked!

There’s also a flat screen TV to listen to the daily on-boarding speech (if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your room) or to check the weather, watch TV, etc.

Our cabin had plenty of outlets, both European and American, so I could easily keep all my electronics charged.

On Board Amenities

My favorite part of our floor was the coffee & espresso bar to grab pastries and java any time of day. I helped myself to endless madeleines and double dark chocolate muffins.

Oh! I almost forgot to mention – Viking includes wifi on-board  free of charge. 

I thought that was such a nice touch given that I’m addicted to my phone. Internet service is a slower than usual, as it’s satellite service on the river and therefore inherently slower.

If you’ve cruised before you’ll appreciate this luxury! All other cruise lines charge exorbitant internet fees and still have slow service.

The Viking Ship

Our room was kept immaculately clean and always stocked with fresh fruit and water, thanks to a diligent cleaning staff. I’m a bit of a germaphobe and really felt at home on board.

The entire ship is airy and light-filled and despite it being a small river ship, it feels more spacious and open than some large cruise ships.

Above on the sun deck, they even have a small herb garden to season meals freshly.

In contrast, I once stayed on a ship where you had to step up into the bathroom and when the door was open, half the cabin space was used up – naturally, half the time I forgot the step existed and face planted.

Viking cabins have a pocket door so that the cabins feel spacious with glass door showers and fully openable doors that tightly seal, so water doesn’t get everywhere.

I did a cabin tour on my Instagram stories during the trip ( @shershegoes ) and got tons of messages that people were surprised how spacious and luxurious the cabins were!

Viking also clearly pays attention to the small details .

They design everything with care:

• heated bathroom floors
• angling the hallways to maximize cabin space
• large-flip cap toiletries that don’t leave you struggling to open them (vs screw offs)
• high quality European fixtures
• leather staircase railings

…just some small details I noticed, but I could go on endlessly!

It’s really clear on-board that Viking don’t skimp out on customer service and they all added up to make a seamless vacation.

Meals & Dining

All three meals are included on-board.

You have the choice to take meals either in the formal dining room or upstairs in the more casual Aquavit restaurant. We have nothing but great things to say about the meals!

Outdoor or Indoor Options

If you like to socialize and want a formal 3-course menu dinner, try the formal dining room on the main floor. 

If you want more relaxed, casual food with perhaps a table for just 2, the Aquavit upstairs is a great alternative. We had lunch a couple times there and it’s quite nice to see the river views and sit outside.

Local Cuisine

Viking also makes a effort to include local cuisine.

One night we had an Austrian / German night, with local specialties like sauerkraut, sausages, pretzels, schnitzel and plenty of German beer. 

It was a themed night, where the dining room transformed into checkered tablecloths, the staff put on their lederhosen and mini kegs were emptied!

Wine Included

Wines are included during dinner times, which I personally haven’t seen on any other cruise!

There’s also the option to purchase a Silver Spirits drink package if you wish to indulge in wine, beer and/or soft drinks before or after dinner.

Viking’s Included Walking Tours

Each day, there’s an included guided walking tour.

All the local guides were quite knowledgeable and Viking provides headsets so you can clearly hear. There’s even a designated group for those who wish to tour at a slower pace.

What I really liked was that there’s no pressure to stay with the tour. You’re free to start with the tour and slip away if you find a restaurant you like or somewhere you want to linger (although it’s nice to let the guide know so they don’t wait for you).

They really encourage you to make the most of your trip.

And that’s it! Are you headed on a river cruise?

Let me know if you have any questions about our Rhine Getaway with Viking River Cruises in the comments below.

European River Cruise – Trip Planning Checklist

We opted to extend our stay in Europe after the cruise. Viking offers both pre and post extensions, which are a fun way to see more of Europe and combine the best of both worlds (guided group tours with individual trips).

For our flights, we took advantage of Viking’s flight booking service. We set fare alerts and browsed for flights on our own, and after comparing it to the Viking customer service rep, found that they were able to get us a better deal.

Be sure to get travel insurance   for your river cruise. River cruises are highly dependent on local water levels, and abnormally low water can negatively impact your trip by forcing the boat to re-route.

In recent years, the Elba river has occasionally suffered from extreme low water levels – perhaps due to global warming? In any case, don’t end up disappointed – travel insurance will help when you need it most. Get a  quote for your trip here .

Cruising Articles

Cruising on the Seine River from Paris to Normandy

Lobsters & Lighthouses: Sailing on a Maine Windjammer

Europe Travel Articles

1 Day in Basel:  Switzerland’s Most Underrated City!

Colmar, France: Is this Beauty in the Beast Town Real?

Everything to See & Do in Heidelberg, Germany

German Castles: A Photo Diary of Castles on the Rhine River

Fun Day Trips from Amsterdam: Visiting A Dutch Windmill Home

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Those photos are just perfect! They made me want to travel Europe more. Thanks for sharing such an informative post! :)

This looks so amazing. Your pictures are absolutely stunning. Such a great informative post.

Thanks Lynzy!

I have never been on a river cruise abroad. I am not sure that the tour that we did on the Ohio river would count as a cruise lol! I would like to visit here. All of your photos make me really want to plan a trip.

Wow, amazing indeed! I have to add this to my bucket list of places to visit! Your pictures are Stunning!!

The itinerary for this trip is near perfect. I think I’d enjoy every single thing planned. I especially like what’s scheduled on the third day.

Strasbourg is definitely a highlight! Supposedly the university is fantastic and has affordable tuition, i might just apply!

These photos make me want to head out on a cruise right now. I love the exotic feel of the settings in these photos and the breathtaking views. Someday I will get it together enough to visit.

Hey Melissa, glad you like the itinerary/photos! Hope you get to experience it soon :)

I was sooooooo excited to read your article! I have wanted to go on a Viking River Cruise for awhile now. Thanks so much for the helpful information.

It was my first Viking River Cruise and I totally loved it (as you can tell from the post) Let me know if you have any questions and I hope you sail with them soon!

Oh that looks amazing and your photography is beautiful. I would really love to do one of these holidays but with 6 children i worry about all the water! lol

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This sounds much better than I expected! Some family members have been trying to get me to do one of these. Thanks for sharing!

This was an excellent review! I’ve always wondered about Viking River Cruises and have strayed away from them because I just had never heard much about them. I love cruising on the big ships though, so I’m sure I would love a river cruise as well!

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Hey! Thank you so much for the detailed information about your cruise. I am actually headed on this cruise in a week and I’m very excited.

Ah you’ll love it!! Have fun :)

Im obsessed with this blog! My fiancé and I are taking our honeymoon early and heading on the Rhine Getaway in 2 weeks. Is there and particular must dos in the other places where you don’t have the more thorough blog posts? Also do you have any more pictures of the verandah room, as that is the room type we will be in, and of the ship itself? What was the weather like? Are there specific things we should be packing as far as clothes or anything else?

Hi Alyssa, ooh have fun! Hm I think Viking’s included tours do a great job of showing you the main highlights in each town, while giving you some free time to explore or have lunch in town if you wish.

I did the optional tour to Augustusberg palace which I really enjoyed, its on the Cologne day. Just a gorgeous, unique palace and hunting lodge. There’s also an optional to see the top of Cologne’s cathedral which other people on the ship liked. And then one night there’s a fancy dinner in a palace – I didn’t sign up for it but almost regretted it bc it got rave reviews from those who did! I think its the same night as the German dinner night on board so whatever you pick you’ll have a fabulous dinner. Definitely recommend the Colmar optional, which I have the post about. If you havent been to Amsterdam before you might want to stay longer after.

We went in early May and it rained a bit and was pretty cold. Viking has huge umbrellas, which was a nice touch bc I forgot to bring mine. Other than that nothing specific to pack – its pretty casual. It’s summer now so I’m sure the weather will be much better for you!

You’ll love the rooms! I was so impressed with how comfortable they were given that its a river cruise and the ship is small. My pictures of our room didn’t come out so nice because my stuff was sprawled everywhere ha.. but we had a veranda room as well! Loved the balcony. All the bathrooms have heated floors which I loved and now want to install in my bathroom. I snuck a peek at the suites which have a separate living room area and look really really nice. I’ve also never seen a more diligent cleaning staff!!

We sailed on the Hlin ship, which I think they said was 8 years old, but looked almost brand new to me. Viking takes amazing care of their river ships! I chatted to the staff one day and they spend the winter season breaking everything down, cleaning and doing engineering things to keep it in great shape.

Oh! Do the roundhouse mini tour where you get to see the caption’s… office thing on the roof. He tells you how the ship steers and has some fun facts about the mechanics. I always find that kind of stuff interesting (how things work, how they became ships captain etc). If I remember correctly its something you can sign up for on one of the slow days when we’re cruising. Only if you’re interested, its not an official tour or anything!

Oh and bring binoculars if you have them! It’ll come in handy the morning where we saw the german forts on the Rhine. I brought a gigantic zoom lens to take those photos, the castles are high up on hills while the ship sails in the middle of the Rhine. Feel tree to shoot me any more questions and I’ll do my best to answer :)

Can’t say enough great things about Viking and I’m already dreaming about doing another with them!

Thanks! Any chance you have a list or something of the times you were in and out of each port? I’d love to know how long we get to stay each place

No. You can try checking the viking journey site for more info. It was generally around a 1 hr tour and maybe an 30min – hour of free time

But like the whole day how early could you get off the ship and how late could you start in port before you had to be back on? I can’t find that information anywhere.

It depends on when the ship gets into town and if it’s departing for a different town that evening or docking overnight.

Do you remember which ports you were docked at overnight?

Don’t remember off the top of my head but check your My Viking Journey portal! Lots of helpful info there :)

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We did the Viking Paris to Normandy cruise in September of 2016. It was wonderful. We’re booking the Rhine Getaway today for September of next year. Thanks so much for all the helpful information!!

Did you fly nonstop to Basel or make a connection? I’ve bookmarked this page as I will be doing the same cruise next summer. :)

Hey Tiffany – I had a connection in Europe. I do recommend checking out flight pricing with Viking – they surprised me with cheaper airfare than I could find on my own and they also took care of the transfers. You can just ask them what the flight price will be before committing and do a little comparison check with google flights. Enjoy your trip, its a fab river cruise experience :)

Loved your post. I’m thinking of going next April. I have two questions: what are the temperatures like and is there a fitness or exercise room on board? It sound silly, but with all that eating I’ll want to do something to keep the weight off.

Hi Bonnie – I went in mid May and it was still chilly..anywhere from 40-60 degrees. This year I remember being surprised, because we had a very late spring season so it’s hard to say what 2018 will be like! It rained a couple times in the first 2 days of the trip, and I forgot to pack my umbrella, but luckily Viking has some HUGE umbrellas on board for guests to borrow. I know for me personally, even though it can be colder I prefer traveling to Europe in April/May before the crowds hit.

River cruise ships are small so there’s usually no room on board for a dedicated fitness room. That said on the roof of the ship, they have a track loop so some runners used that to their advantage. I think it was 13 laps on the roof deck equaled 1 mile and I only remember that because my mom kept up with her daily mile runs ha. On Viking’s ocean cruises, those ships are bigger and I believe Viking has both a fitness room and a pool on ocean routes.

All of the included daily tours are walking tours, so you do walk some of it off although I agree with you – it’s hard to restrict yourself on vacation and there can be some longer bus rides where you just sit and sit! Have a fabulous trip and let me know if you have any other questions

Hi, My name is Sunny Fletcher, I really enjoyed your write up and it was super inspiring! My boyfriend and I loved this particular itinerary but did not see it on the viking site when we searched for this particular 7 day cruise. Do you have any other cruise lines you could suggest? Also what is the predominate age group on these cruises. We are in our 40’s would we feel out of place? Thanks for your help.

Sunny Fletcher

Hi Sunny! So glad you liked it. I would say you would be more in place than I was on the trip ha! Im in my 20s and went with my mom. The crowd has a good mix of age groups, predominantly 40+ to retirees and I would say Viking is a more active program than other river cruises. I do a lot of tours with my family so I guess I’m maybe more used to being the odd one out, but I don’t mind as long as the itinerary is good!

Here is the cruise we took, it’s called their Rhine Getaway route. I heard that they also offer the same route during the holiday season, when Christmas markets are open so you might like that idea too.

https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/europe/rhine-getaway/2017-amsterdam-basel/index.html

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Enjoyed your piece on the Viking Rhine Getaway. We’re likely going to book it for May 2018. With both artificial hips, spine issues, etc., I don’t walk so well, or far, anymore. My wife is fine, can walk forever. With my cane I can do probably a mile before a rest. I’m wondering about the shore excursions, many of which are “walking tours”. Will I be able to do them? If not, what are the options? Many thanks, Jerry

Hi Jerry! I think you would love the cruise and will try to provide my perspective.

All the included excursions are walking tours but some cities involve a bus to get to the town first while other cities viking can dock right in town so the actual walking part is not necessarily that strenuous. Cities like Colmar and Basel have compact Old Towns so the walking is quite short, but Marksburg Castle was very uneven inside (lots of cobblestone old steps) that I even found that shaky.

Regardless i would say that Viking is very accommodating.

There was a man on our tour who was blind and used a cane and he did all of the walking tours. Sometimes the guide gave him a hand. For some towns, Viking offered bicycle tuk tuks or cabs to drive passengers right to the town center. I felt the tours were quite leisurely paced and if at any time you don’t want to continue, you can leave the group to explore at your own pace or do your own thing altogether.

Many thanks for your reassuring reply. Most likely I’ll be fine. I wonder if Uber is available along the Rhine River route?

A couple more questions. I’m trying to do a little research on flights in and out. We’ll probably book through Viking, but I’d like to see what the options are regarding connections, etc. Do you remember what the required times were to get aboard the ship, and to leave at the end? Should we plan to arrive a day before departure?

Hm not sure about Uber. Lots of European countries ban it so I wouldn’t count on it, but there are regular cabs and the bike tuk tuks. Plus viking’s bus coaches.

You can arrive early or stay later but I flew in the day of departure. If I remember right, the boat sets sail in early evening so arriving the day of in the morning is fine. If you want to explore more of town, then I would stay extra.

We did the Basel > Amsterdam route. Basel is very small and I felt like we saw enough on the day of. If you arrive in the AM, Viking is nice and provides a complimentary informal walking tour of the old town! Lots of people extended their stay in Amsterdam since you don’f actually see that city during the itinerary.

I don’t remember the exact time you should leave, because we flew to Copenhagen on a very early flight. I think maybe they ask you to leave by early afternoon? So they have time to clean the boat before the next sailing route. Hope that helps!

Sadly Viking no longer provides this walking tour of Basel on the day of arrival. I checked with them A few days ago prior to our departure today and Viking said that the walking tour was no longer available. Very disappointed!

aw that sucks. i guess a lot has changed with covid. you’ll still have a great time i hope!

Hi,I have taken two Viking trips, the Danube Waltz two years ago and the Balzel to Amsterdam last year, I can’t say enough about how wonderful the trips themselves were, however, the air fair provided was another story. I understand it is offered free, BUT, when you are stuck in the last row in the plane, get told this is the only food option that is left and sorry there is NO WATER AVAILABLE, it made for a very long ride home from France with a man in front of us who had definitely not showered in a while.

Hey Dolores – sorry to hear you had a bad flight! To be honest I hate the entire flying experience and never have a great flight! I don’t think Viking has anything to do with the airline (ours wasn’t free) and we had a couple options for flight options/ seats etc

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Nice read. Quick question what is Vikings policy to bringing your own alcohol drinks on board. It sounds like it would be nice to sit on the room balcony with a bottle of wine.

Hi Ron – sorry for the delayed response, I think I missed seeing this! Yes, you can definitely sit on your room balcony and enjoy your own bottle of wine. Just so you know, all wine is included during meal times as well. I’m not a huge drinker but spent lots of mornings enjoying my coffee on the balcony.. it was so relaxing! :)

HELLO, we are taking the Rhine River cruise in late Oct. I know no one can accurately forecast the weather,wondering what kind of jacket/coat should I pack. Also, will the christmas markets be open?

Hi Lynda, I would think it’d be pretty cold. Usually October in central Europe is ~50s during the day and as low as ~40s around night time. I would probably pack jeans/long pants, light sweaters and either a wool coat like this http://bit.ly/2vz4X6w or if you’re wearing layers, a windbreaker like this one: http://bit.ly/2wz0plj .

Unfortunately the Christmas markets don’t open until late November but I would think October would be a beautiful time to see fall folliage along the river? Autumn is my favorite season so I’m sure it will be even more magical in Europe. Have a great trip!

Thanks for the great review. I’m taking this trip in April 2018 but in reverse. This answered many of my questions. Thanks for all the great details. I can’t wait.

Lots of helpful info there! Someone just told me that she had been on 3 river cruises — I think all Viking — and that you had to leave the ship around 7:30 a.m. if you wanted to join the walking tour. I’ve never heard anyone else mention such an early start. Did you experience this on your trip?

Hm.. I think I got up by 7:30am but I don’t think we left the ship quite that early. I want to stay it was about ~7:30am breakfast, leave by 8:30-9am. There are generally 2 time slots for tours per day, one in the morning and one after lunch – you can do both or just do one. Usually everyone does the morning one and if you book an optional tour, that would be your afternoon option.

FTo be honest, every land group tour that I’ve been on and when I travel personally, I get up very early to see as much as possible so I felt like Viking was nice and a “slower pace”. One lady at dinner mentioned she thought the times were early for her, so I guess it depends on your personal travel style!

Once you book a tour, Viking has a section of their website called “my viking journey” where you can see the optional tours offered and it makes it very easy to see the tour times so that you don’t double book yourself. Hope that helps!

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If the intinerary shows a tour for morning or morning and afternoon does that mean they leave after the tour or do they stay till evening so you can mull around?

Hi Margie – it depends! If the ship is staying in town and not sailing onward, you can stay out on your own after the tour, have lunch in town instead of on the ship, wander etc. For example, I think in Strasbourg some of us did this. Also in Cologne we docked overnight so you could hang out all night until the early AM if you wanted!

If you decide you’ve seen enough when the tour ends, then you can take advantage of the included shuttle bus to take you back to the ship.

Sometimes, the ship sails onward or if it’s an optional tour it might be a town far away from the dock, so it’s expected that you’ll go with the group. For example, the Colmar optional tour which I took takes you to Colmar (which is not close to the dock) so you wouldn’t want to linger. Hope that helps!

I love the idea of a river tour, especially the unpacking bit. ;) How was the social situation on board? Were the other guests mostly much older? I think that’s what’s holding me back on trying it myself. I don’t want to be the only 30-something on a ship full of seniors. :\

Hi Melissa! Ha yes the unpacking part and luxurious room were too good to pass up. Hm.. it’s definitely an older crowd, most people in their late 40s – 50s if I had to guess their ages. Some retirees as well. But, I do lots of group tours with my family and I would say its more of the “active” older / retired crowd vs those who just like to be shuttled from place to place.

There were some 30 something couples on board and at dinner you can either eat solo or mingle, so it just depends on what you prefer. If you prefer a really social atmosphere, European hostels are the best bet or I’ve had friends who went solo and joined something like a G Adventures tour for the social atmosphere.

Would you be going solo?

Because cabins are usually meant for 2 people, river cruises in general tend to charge a single supplement fee (I think Viking does, but I’m not certain).

Sher, My husband and I are traveling next June on Viking River Cruise Paris to Swiss Alps. I was wondering if you would suggest we bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens to see and get good pics from the river itself. Also wondering if you know how flexible they are regarding problems clients have with food issues? I was glad to hear that if the pace of the tour was too fast or slow that you could break away from the group, however are cabs fairly easy to find if you find yourself needing to return to the boat? Do you suggest a particular app for your phone to translate? Also wondering about carrying cash or credit cards for excursions, should we have both or did you find one better than the other? Thanks I know that’s a lot of questions!

Hi Colleen,

Ooh Paris! Sounds like a good itinerary.

1) I’m a bit of a photo fanatic so I was very glad I brought my zoom lens. I think my mom would have appreciated binoculars, especially since she has poor vision. You can definitely see the castles from the naked eye on the boat, but if you want to see detail binoculars are helpful. Did you check out my German castles post? All those photos were shot with a 70-200mm lens (mostly at the 200mm mark) so as an example, you won’t see the individual castle windows or small town churches like in those photos without a zoom or binoculars. I mentioned it in the post because I didn’t bring binoculars on a safari trip to Africa and while I could see the animals just fine, a kind man lent me his for a day and it was such a better view! ha. So just personal preference.

2. Hm, I don’t personally have any dietary restrictions so I’m not sure. For dinner, there are always several options to choose from, including a vegetarian one. I *think* they have options for gluten free but I’m not 100% sure – you can try using the chat bot on the viking website or calling a customer service rep to make sure.

The waiters and all the staff are exceptionally friendly / helpful and can make menu substitutions if you don’t like anything or are allergic. I remember they had ipads during dinner service to jot notes & things. They also have excellent memories! If you wanted two appetizers or ahem, two desserts (like I sometimes did), they’re very generous with that, it’s not an issue. Or if you wanted appetizers instead of mains, that sort of thing is easy for them to accommodate.

3. I think cabs would be easy to find. I didn’t do the exact route you’re mentioning so some cities would be different, but in general I find that the stops were small European towns so it’s easy to wander and find your way back to the main square. Even Paris is not so big a city :)

Usually at the front desk, they will have maps of the city so ask for one of those before you disembark and if you want to explore on your own, then you can use the map. Also a tip is to download the offline Google Maps for each city you’ll be visiting. I always do that before I travel! I’m a big walker so with the offline map downloaded, you can navigate yourself back to the main square or the dock. And of course if you get cell service using something like Know Roaming (which I’ve reviewed on my blog briefly here ) then you can get cell service too for emergencies.

Viking uses these headphone systems which are pretty good and they split the passengers into smaller groups, so if you see yourself wanting to explore more of the city just let the guide know you’re leaving the group and you can find out about local cabs or meeting points, etc. Every evening, they leave a pamphlet in your cabin so you can get a sense of what you’ll be visiting the next day.

4. I use google translate on my phone for translation but I think you do need cell service for it to work. In general everyone in Europe speaks excellent English :)

5. I rarely bring cash to be honest, I bring a couple credit cards which carry no foreign fees and I bring my debit card for the atm / emergencies. I’m also not a shopper / I don’t buy souvenirs anymore but if you like to shop, cash is helpful for small things like street fairs, flea markets, christmas market stalls, food stalls. Do you have Chase bank? You can call ahead and ask your local branch, mine in NYC can exchange euros same day, so if you want to bring like 100 – 200 euro just to be safe, you can try that. I’m sure other banks do it too.

For the optional tours, I would recommend booking those in advance. Some of the popular ones fill up. If you login to the “My Viking Journey” website it will show you, day by day, which tours are available and also will warn you if you’re booking overlapping tours or things that conflict. I found it quite handy! So since you book those ahead, you book them all on credit card.

In general I prefer credit cards because I get points and I find carrying cash /dealing with change a pain. But that’s just me!

Hope that helps – feel free to reach out if you have more questions.

I enjoyed your account of the river cruise and I’m curious as to how dressy or casual folks were. Do you have a packing list for this trip?

Thanks, Penny

Hi Penny! Glad you liked the article.

People were pretty casual (pants, jeans, cold weather jackets etc) but I also went in May when the weather was still pretty chilly. For dinner time, I believe they ask for closed toe shoes and no shorts, but there isn’t a requirement for jackets so it’s no where near formal.

I haven’t written a packing guide yet but have gotten a couple requests so I’ll add that to my list of posts to write!

What did you do at night?

We either went back into town, had drinks in the lounge or stayed in to watch Downton Abbey (LOL).

It’s generally pretty quiet at night since it’s a small ship vs. huge ocean liners.

We also loved our river cruise! We left from Amsterdam in August and finished in Budapest with the optional trip to Prague. One word of caution, while the glassblower’s demonstration was awesome, he has yet to send us any of the items we ordered and paid for. He said it would be 3 weeks…it is now about 5 months. After multiple emails to him (unanswered) and emails and phone calls to Viking we are giving up and disputing the charges on our card. I’ve seen other complaints on trip forums about him. I’m disappointed Viking still brings him on board!

Hi Nancy – glad to hear you liked the cruise as well! Wow, I had no idea about the glassblower. I’m wondering if it’s the same glassblower since the one on our trip didn’t have large items to ship, he brought lots of little items (candle holders, ornaments, figurines, vases, etc) that you purchased right there, they packaged up for you and then you took it with you right away.

I got one of the glass ornaments and hung it on my tree this past Christmas!

I’m so shocked to hear the glassblower you had didn’t ship promptly. Have you reached out to Viking customer service to file a claim and let them know? That’s very disappointing and you should dispute the charge if it’s been 5+ months and no package. Credit card companies are usually great about resolving that in your favor.

The glassblower was Karl Ittig. His business is Glas Haus Wertheim. We bought some shot glases from him on the ship and brought them home with us. The problem is with what we ordered. We ordered 2 ornaments that were to have names etched in them along with the year. We also ordered a set of his Jagermeister shot glasses for our son with his monogram etched on them. Our friends also ordered his salad dressing bottles. They also have received nothing. We have contacted Viking several times. They said they’d look into it but nothing happened. The last time they were the ones to say to dispute the claim. It’s disappointing that Viking does not seem to care that much. It makes us wonder if they get some kind of a kickback from the glassblower.

I just google searched his name and photos of him came up. He’s not the same glassblower who was on my river cruise (Viking has so many ships I’m sure they have many, many glassblowers that they partner with).

Viking probably does get a kickback. Pretty much every travel company or tour builds in visits to local businesses and in return they get a % of commissions, just like a shoe salesman at any dept store. If you ever go on a Chinese tour – man, those take the cake for how many shopping visits they can pack in, all because they get a commission! Same with hotel concierges – they usually recommend restaurants they get a kickback from. such is life!

It’s really unfortunate that you haven’t received the items and that he essentially stole your money. If you paid via credit card, you should definitely get your money back. In my experience, American credit card companies (is yours american?) have fantastic customer service and you can file a dispute online very easily.

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My husband and I are taking this river cruise next year for our 20th anniversary and I can’t wait. I really enjoyed reading your take on it and seeing all the pictures. Can you tell me where the above picture was taken with the yellow/cream colored building with all of the decorations and red hearts? It looks like a fun place to visit. Thank you, Michelle

Hi Michelle – have fun! It’s a great cruise. The yellow building with the hearts is in Colmar, France – possibly one of the cutest towns I’ve ever been to :)

We’re considering this same cruise (from Basel to Amsterdam). Curious to know, are there better views on one side of the ship than the other? We were thinking of getting a french balcony versus the veranda. Which did you have?

Hi Dawn! We didn’t feel like there were better views on one side or the other. Hm, I can’t remember the name of our room but we had a small narrow balcony with 2 chairs and a side table where we could drink coffee outside. It was nice to get fresh air and we sat on it once or twice during sailings. We also peeked into some suites and those looked HUGE!

I think the standard rooms are fine, since you don’t spend all that much inside.

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Hi! My mom and I are thinking going on the same Vikings tour as you and your mom, but we are doing the reverse route. :) It’s nice to see that some other young people go as well! My question for you is that my mom will be 74 by the time we take this cruise. She can’t walk very long distances without needing to sit and rest for a couple of minutes. Bad knees and back. It seems like your excursions had a lot of walking involved. Do you think, in your experience, she will have issues with the walking tours that are provided by Viking?

Thank you! Sarah

Hi Sarah – sounds fun! I think she could do it. There’s 1 walking tour per day in each city / stop. The walking tours are about 1 hour, give or take, but if you get tired or want to leave, there’s no problem with ditching the tour to go stop at a cafe or go shopping. The tours are optional too, so if you and your mom would prefer you can always just leave the ship on your own and come back when you wish, instead of doing the tour. It depends on the stop (sometimes the boat isn’t docked in the center of town so it’d be difficult in those instances, it just depends on the river / boat area).

From the top of my head – the Black Forest is very doable, Colmar is a very small town so we booked the optional tour but explored on our own, the windmills are within walking distance from the boat and you can go at your own pace. Cologne we docked right in town. I wouldn’t recommend Marksburg castle because it’s very old and entirely uneven cobblestones.

The Viking staff can help you arrange a taxi or bike peddler if you want to go into town in more comfort or come back early. Overall I felt like the cruise was very relaxing. Hope that helps!

Hi Sarah – One thing I forgot to mention in my comment. Each day for the included walking tours, there is a designated group for those who want to explore at a slower pace. I didn’t join those groups so I’m not sure exactly how they work but thought that group could be great for your mom!

Considering this same cruise in 2019. Is there a bar on the ship to have a drink after dinner? Does Viking allow you to bring your own liquor on board?

Hi Diana – yes there is a nice bar and big lounge area. If you buy your own bottle of wine or spirits in the town, you can definitely bring it on board. I saw people drinking on their balcony. I’m not sure if you can bring your own liquor to the bar area though.

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Loved the article. We just booked a Danube cruise so I’m excited and this is really helpful information. I can’t wait. It all sounds wonderful.

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Sher, Great Blog, thanks. You photos are sensational. How did you compensate for the movement of the boat? Were you using a tripod? What’s your preferred camera? (We leave in 2 weeks! so excited.)

Hi Kathy – thanks so much for the kind words! Do you mean the photos of the German castles? For the most part, I shot these photos on the day excursions into each town, so we were on foot and exploring. I do have a tripod ( this one ) but the boat moves slowly enough when it sails that you can still get handheld shots. All my gear is listed on my FAQ page here :)

Thank you! Very helpful??

Thank you so much for your detailed comments from your Viking Riverboat Cruise on the Rhine. My husband and I are taking the same trip in June 2018 and were extremely impressed by your suggestions. It was wonderful reading about someone else’s experiences and recommendations. Your photography is oustanding. We are looking forward to our trip even more thanks to you!

Thanks so much for the kind words Patricia! Have a great time on your trip :)

Hi thanks for all the info in your blog….sounds like we have signed up for the right cruise.

We are taking the Rhine Getaway in July as a 70th birthday celebration for my husband. We are landing in Basel a couple days early and planned to take a train for a day trip to Lucerne (about an hour ride). Wondering if you have any thoughts about things to see/do in Lucerne?

We also extended a couple days in Amsterdam…any specific must sees (we were thinking of the hop on and off bus or canal boat give us flavor of city and an easy way to get around), and know we want to see the Ice Bar.

Thanks again for all you info!!!

Wow sounds like a great birthday celebration! Lucerne is very pretty, we just took it easy and walked around.

I have a post on day trips from Amsterdam here . The city itself is very popular, a bit crowded, so try to go early for things like the Anne Frank Museum. Try a canal cruise too! Since you have more time, I really liked visiting the Hague and Bruges. The Hague has some stunning buildings like the International Court of Justice while Bruges is more small town / medieval, very picturesque. Have a great trip!

Quite a thorough review. Many of our questions were answered. We’ve not been to Germany before so we are curious and deciding between this river cruise or a land tour. It does sound like this would be a great first-time visit to upper Europe (We have been to Rome, Athens & Crete). I really would like to see the Alps too. We’d like to also see Lucerne(Cogwheel Train, Gondola) and Munich.

Hello, Thank-You for ALL the tips on River Cruising. My 89-year-old mother and myself are planning a 2019 Paris and the heart of Normandy in Early April. any recommendations or comments on that trip?

Great summary of the trip. We’re going on the Rhine cruise in November and can’t wait. Leaving from Miami to Basel. We’ve been in many cruises in large ships but this one will be a treat. Decided to go business class with Lufthansa and that will also be a treat. Thanks!

Hi John – glad you liked my recap! Ooh, business class on Lufthansa will be such a treat. Have a great time – I think you will like the more intimate atmosphere on a river cruise!

Planning a 25th Anniversary trip for my wife in 2020.

Really enjoyed reading about your experiences. Not sure yet what trip we want to take, but you make a great argument for the trip you described in this Rhine Getaway river cruise.

Thanks for the detail.

Sounds like an amazing anniversary trip! Have a great time Marty

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Hello Sher,

Most important we do everything right on this trip in Sept Getaway Rhine. Long story, but neither myself or my companion has had a vacation in over 13 years — and I feel as if I’m planning in a vacuum. My companion is in his late eighties but wants to see the Rhine — I’m in my late seventies and just want to see something again. Would it be wise for us to just walk around the small villages rather than do the excursions? Some of them seem to take so long. My companion wants to see the war memorial in Colmar which we’ve signed up for and we have also reserved tickets to Van gogh exhibit. Am tempted to skip Heidelberg and Marksburg castle because of demanding climbs. All so confusing. Also, very important. we’ve been told many people wear jeans to dinner. True? Will appreciate your feedback — we must enjoy this trip. Thank you, Sandra

Hi Sandra – it’s up to you! Most of the guided tours take place in the morning (you’ll get a schedule the night before in your room), so you can decide what you’d like to do each day. I would suggest trying out 1 or 2 of the included free walking tours since you can always leave the group to go back to the ship or explore on your own if you no longer want to participate. Viking is very flexible and their tour guides are OK if you decide to leave mid-tour. Just let them know so they don’t include you in the headcount.

Yes, I would definitely suggest you skip Marksburg. The castle is in ruins and the footpaths are cobblestone – very uneven, very challenging for unsteady walkers. Heidelberg Castle is on a hill, but it’s much flatter and easier to walk, so it’s up to you.

You can wear whatever you want to dinner, Viking is pretty casual! Jeans are fine. Hope that helps!

Hi – great article, comprehensive & thoughtful! Wondering what time of year you went on the Viking river cruise?

Hi Kathy – I went in spring, at the beginning of the season!

Thank you for all the great information. We will be doing the same trip the first week of November and it’s so nice to hear we made a great decision!

Hi there! We’re on our final day of the Romantic Danube Viking River cruise. I agree with everything you’ve stated. Great ship, staff, food, and itinerary. Water levels are a huge deal, though. We’re presently completing a 3 hour bus transfer from Vienna to Budapest – missing one of the most scenic parts of the cruise. We are making our 2nd ship swap for the final night / our 3rd ship.

We received an email from Viking one week prior to departure telling us about the issue between Passau & Krems. Tuesday night our program director informed us of the additional issues past Vienna. We cruised the scenic Wachau valley after dark.

So we missed 2 of the 3 primary cruising segments. Spent 6-7 hours on buses – very nice buses- but buses.

We realize Viking can not control water levels, but their communication was late & misleading. They’ve been doing this for months – maybe years, yet acted like it was out of the ordinary. Passenger morale was affected. I’m not sure if they’ll offer vouchers. Some passengers were very upset.

Nothing about this on their website – apart from the fine print – but cruisers are blogging actively about this issue.

Great review, though.

-Scott S. from Boise

Hi Scott – Wow, yikes! So sorry to hear that your cruise had an issue. I hadn’t known about the water levels issue as our cruise was on the Rhine River, and to my knowledge, the Rhine River hasn’t had any critically low water levels. I’m not an expert by any means though.

I sympathize with you since it’s a terrible situation all around. Viking cant control the water, but naturally you didn’t have the full experience. It’s good that Viking had a back up plan so you could still at least experience the cities on the itinerary.

Has customer service gotten back to you about vouchers or anything else they can offer?

Also, just curious – when they emailed you a week before departure, were you able to cancel the cruise and opt for a later date?

We river cruised on emerald last year,sounds very comparable to Viking. They did include wine or beer with lunch and the 5 course dinner. You mentioned wine with dinner. Does Viking also include included wine and beer with lunch? . Viking is maybe more catered to Americans (ie: flight prices transatlantic). We are trying to find the best river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel,Switzerland, and this trip you took sounds wonderful. I do recommend you try out Emerald,they are fantastic. What would be comparable to a cabin with a “balcony” ? Ie: a window that rolls all the way down? These answers will possibly help us to decide. Thanks so much. Maria

Hi Maria – I hadn’t heard of Emerald before, thanks for bringing them to my attention! I just looked them up and they seem to have very similar luxury river cruises. It seems like they are an Australian company?

You’re right that Viking has a big American market. I believe the owner / company ethos is Scandinavian but they seem to focus on the American market as there were lots of American travelers on our journey.

I’m not sure what you mean by “what would be comparable to a cabin with a balcony”. Are you asking about accommodation on Viking? All the rooms are quite nice, the more expensive rooms get you more a bigger floorplan, higher floor and potentially a small outdoor balcony. For us, we had a small outdoor area – not too big, just enough to fit a small table and chairs and have a glass of wine or morning coffee. Hope that helps!

Or do you mean what are the rooms like without a balcony? If you go to Viking’s website here and scroll down, they have a floorplan of the Europe river ships and each room. There’s also pictures of the standard / french balcony and veranda rooms. Hope that helps!

Hi Sher – My wife and I will be going on our first cruise ever in September 2019 on the Amsterdam to Basel run, with an extra few days in Basel. I had booked a couple months ago and splurged on the two room Veranda suite. We’re very much looking forward to the trip but was curious if our suite is worth the cost. Will we find that we spend very little time there anyway? Thanks for your great website.

Hi Doug – ooh fancy! We haven’t personally stayed in the suites before, but we’ve gotten a peak into the rooms and they look super spacious and very nice.

We definitely spend a lot more time in our rooms on river cruises vs. ocean cruises, as there’s not as much on board entertainment. Also if the weather is great, it’s very nice to sit on the balcony with a glass of wine during sailings and typically September is beautiful in Europe!

I was thinking of cruising the rhine w/viking, is November OK to do this??? Thx

Hi Karen – Hm.. November might be a bit cold. I think May to October might be more comfortable weather wise!

I enjoyed this blog so much, we were thinking of doing a cruise, but now you have convinced me. Excellent writing, informative , and your photos are wonderful. One question, my husband enjoys a good cigar and drink, is there a designated smoking section with a view or just an area for smoking? Thank you again for such a great blog. PS just started following you on Instagram!!

Is their drinks package worth the price?

Hi Peter – it depends on how much you like to drink ;) Viking includes house wine with lunch and dinner. If you want other drinks, or perhaps cocktails after dinner, then I would say it’s worth getting. If you are fine with wine during meals, then don’t bother!

One of the best written river cruise reviews I’ve ever read. Sher, you have a great style in presenting activities as well as the cruise experience.

Wondering how well the cruise would be for me as I am oxygen 24 hrs….Also is there much climbing involved?

Hi Cliff – The ship has an elevator on board that you can use. For the excursions, there wasn’t any climbing but the tour of Marksburg Castle had VERY uneven paths (broken stones) so I’d probably recommend skipping that.

Hi great information, was wondering when do you think is the best time of month to do this cruise? I was thinking March or October, any thoughts?

Hi Suzanne – the European river cruise season starts in May. Usually the clean the ships in the winter and do maintenance, upkeep etc, so I don’t think March sailings for the Rhine river are available. I could be wrong! I also think it would be too cold in March to enjoy.

October would be nice! I haven’t done any fall sailings but I think it would be much less crowded and perhaps the leaves would change. Plus there’s Oktoberfest in Germany in October!

Hi, Sher We are doing our first Viking cruise in October 2019. Amsterdam to Basel. We are arriving from Philadelphia. We do not have the pre or post add on days, but do want to see the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam. Do you think we will have time? Also, I was interested in the added excursion to the top of one of the cathedrals and was under the impression there was an elevator, however, also saw where you had to climb over 300 steps! I have found your website to be very informative.

Hi Donna, thanks! Hm.. I’m not sure if you have time for the Anne Frank house. On the last day of the cruise, you’re expected to leave the ship quite early (I believe before noon), but if your flight is that evening, you may have time.

Make sure to book your tickets online before your trip, you can do that on their official website. It’s one of the THE most popular attractions in Amsterdam so expect really long lines. Or, you can take a walking tour that covers the history of Ann Frank, these are pretty popular.

Regarding the cathedral.. I assume you mean the Cologne one? It’s been a long time since I went to the top (I went before the Viking trip) so I don’t quite remember. I believe there is no lift, as it’s a very historic, old church. But you can double check with Viking before booking their excursion!

Have a great trip :)

Great info thanks

We are planning our trip on Viking River Cruises from Amsterdam to Basil in mid May, and I”m trying to figure out what and how much to pack. I see that the weather is quite changeable, rainy, cool to moderate. Are there laundry services on board the ship (Viking Einar) or facilities for guest to go their own laundry?

Hi Deborah, Yes if I remember correctly there’s laundry service on board.

Sher – my sister’s and some girlfriends of ours are planning our 1st ever international trip for our 50th bdays (gulp, can’t believe we will be 50!). As most of us have never been overseas and an international trip is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for us, we need a trip that is easy to navigate for newbies and gets us the most bang for our buck (see all we can). I have several questions for you: Did Viking pay for you to take this trip? Do you think the Rhine Getaway would be a good choice for this group based on my description above? Is there any “night life” for the evenings (we don’t want to be in large touristy areas but do want to experience as much as possible)? We don’t want to go during peak season or the worst weather time. Would April be a good time to go? Many of us either have German and/or Irish heritage so we were wanting to fly to Ireland at the end of the cruise. Is that possible? I’m sure I will have a ton more questions so please let me know how best to communicate with you. Thank you so much for your post. It was very helpful.

Hi Tracie – ooh sounds like a fun birthday milestone! To answer your questions:

No – Viking did not pay me to take the trip (but that would be the dream). I did receive the Rhine cruise complimentary, along with several other journalists, in exchange for taking photos and showcasing the cruise on my Instagram account. I ended up loving the trip so much that I decided to write a more in-depth review on my website. They had no control or input in what I wrote – the article is entirely my own opinions.

Should you take the Rhine Getaway for your group trip? I think it depends. If you are looking to celebrate with a bang, then no Viking probably isn’t the trip. At least, not their river cruises. The river cruise ships are intimate (maybe 100+ passengers) and there isn’t much in the way of entertainment at night. No casino, no pool, no shows, dancing etc. There is a pianist on board, a roomy lounge and a great bar, but that’s about it.

The ocean cruises (which I have not been on) are much larger ships with entertainment on board.

You can go out at night off the ship if the boat is docked. It depends on the city though. Some cities have their docks right in the town center, like Cologne, so you could stay out all night until the ship leaves the next morning. Other cities, like Paris, the docks are about 30-45 min driving outside Paris proper, so it’s less convenient. Viking will organize shuttles for you to go into a nearby town, but if you wanted to go out at night into Paris, you would have to take your own taxi. For places like Rome, forget it – its like a 2 hour drive. It just depends on the city’s port logistics.

If you are ok with a more cultural, relaxing trip then Viking would be good. And then you can fly to Ireland after and party :) Dublin is a great city for that, and all over Ireland, the pubs are fantastic, the people are so friendly, it’s a great country to have a good time in!

The river cruise season kicks off in mid May, so April is a bit too early. Try late May or early June, or maybe mid September – mid October, to avoid crowds + have great weather.

Hope that helps

My husband and I are going on the Rhine Getaway this summer. I have 2 questions: 1) Strasbourg – should we take the optional Strasbourg from the Top? Or stick to the included Strasbourg Highlights? 2) Heidelberg – we are doing the 6 hr included tour in the morning. We thought it would be fun to do the Dine in City Rudesheim that evening for $158 total. Is that worth it???

Many thanks! Have enjoyed and learned so much reading your review and insights.

Hi Elizabeth,

Hm, I stuck to the included Strasbourg tour and thought it was a good half day tour. We had free time after to explore the city. If you like a good view, maybe the optional is good? I don’t think there is an elevator for the cathedral though – its stairs. Up to you!

For your second question, I just double checked the Viking website because I can’t remember the specifics. They list the Rudesheim am Rhein optional on the Koblenz Day, not the Heidelberg day. That’s the add-on dinner you’re referring to right?

But under the Heidelberg day, I wrote we went to Rudesheim that night on our own so I think you are right about it being the Heidelberg day. If I remember correctly, the boat docks in Rudesheim, so you can go into town on your own and choose a restaurant if you want. I don’t think the optional is necessary.

If you are interested because you want a good local dinner, we heard rave reviews from the people on board who did the Schloss Johannisberg castle dinner + wine tasting, the next night in Koblenz.

If you do choose that, just to let you know, the fun ‘local dinner’ night that Viking does is on the same evening. So whatever you chose, it will be a memorable dinner!

On board they decorate it like a mini Oktoberfest, with music and local cuisine, beer, pretzels, schnitzel etc. It was loads of fun, but only half the people were on board (other half chose between the optional dinners and they came back very happy too).

Hope that helps – have a great trip!

We just booked this cruise for April 2020. What a wonderful blog. Thank you so much. I will be checking back and taking notes!!

We have booked the cruise from Basel to Amsterdam for late September, our 50th anniversary. We did Avignon to Lyons last year on Viking and loved it! Your descriptions of life on ship are spot on. We are seniors and I have a knee problem (May have surgery soon, took the insurance) and found the “leisure” walking groups doable. Did not ascend the Popes’ Palace but admired from below. Question: Recommendations for hotels in Amsterdam? Fantastic blog. Thank you.

We are going on the Rhine Getaway (our first river cruise) very shortly–love your review! My question: should we get “the local money” euro or do most of the shops take American credit cards? Thanks.

Hi Linda, ooh fun! Have a great trip! Hm, for the most part the cruise is “all inclusive” so you would only need cash for souvenirs and any meals you wanted to take on your own. Most restaurants and stores will take American credit cards with chips but to be safe, you can take some euro out. Ask your bank if they will change for you? Ours offers it without fees.

We have been on Viking a few times. You really did them well with your descriptions. They are a great company and we feel they really treat you well.I would love to do a cruise like you did and write about everything. I have suggested it to them and haven’t heard back. I would love to rate their ocean ships, especially northern Norway.

We are going on Paris to the Swiss Alps in September for 12 days then followed by 4 days of post trips to Zermatt and Geneva. Since this is going to be my first trip, would you suggest to bring a medium size luggage – around 26” and personal bag, or carry-on luggage and personal bag are enough?

Hi Dina – ah, hard to say. If I can, I usually bring personal bag + carry on. But for 2 week trips sometimes I need a checked suitcase. I will say the nice thing about cruises is you can unpack once, so there’s less worry about hauling a case to and from!

Such a great blog!! Thank you so much for all the information! My husband is looking at the same itinerary for Nov 2020 as a 15th wedding anniversary trip; even the extra days in Amsterdam. I was unsure, never taken a river cruise, but I am very excited now! I am just unsure about mid-November weather. I don’t mind cool temps; how much of a difference weather wise do you think going in October would be? Thanks again!

Hi Amy! I would typically recommend October over mid November. The weather is a little better and sometimes in Europe things will close for the season by mid October. Double check opening times for any attractions you want to visit, and also see if fall foliage will take place in October or November! I think fall colors would be amazing for a river cruise!

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We are going on the same cruise on this same ship in early August. I can’t wait! Love the blog and your information! Your blog was more of an “any person’s view.” Some other blogs don’t give as much information or are clearly biased as a travel expert, and difficult to relate to.

Are soft drinks available all day? Are they included in the price? I understand beer and wine is included with dinner. If not, are there stores in town where you can soft drinks to keep in your room?

Are you able to go on and off the ship as often as you like? What do you need to carry with you in town, ie passport? I was really hoping to go for a couple of early morning jogs along the river.

Ah, thanks so much for the kind words :)

Soft drinks are available during lunch and dinner times and included. There’s a coffee machine that makes espresso, latte, etc drinks that’s available any time of day.

You can go on and off the ship anytime it’s docked (but some parts of the day, you may be sailing). Typically when the ship pulls into a town, there will be a morning or afternoon excursion – usually 1 is a free guided walking tour and 1 is an paid optional tour. You can do one, both, or none and explore on your own!

I usually leave my passport in the safe – I don’t carry it into town. I usually would just bring a wallet and day bag. Hm, I’m not sure if early morning jogs are possible, since it depends when the ship arrives but usually there is an overnight in a location and you could definitely do a morning jog then!

We are taking this cruise in September of 2020 but from Amsterdam to Basel. Although too early to get our flight information, we are NOT going two days early. If our flight gets in early enough we would like to try to see one of the museums. Does the transport from the airport take you directly to the ship even if hours before the 3 pm check in time? And, would we be able to leave our suitcase on the ship and go to the museum? And finally, would the Viking staff be able to help us get the admission ticket to the Rijksmuseum? Seeing “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt is on his bucket list. Thanks in advance!

We’re doing the Rhine as well, but Amsterdam to Basel. If our flight gets in early enough we’d love to see the Rijksmuseum, my hubby wants to see Rembrandt’s “Night Watch”. Would the Viking staff be able to help us with getting admission tickets when we arrive at the ship? Will we be able to leave our suitcase on the ship even if our room us not ready? Thanks in advance.

Hi Marylee,

Yes, if you choose to take Viking’s transport they will take you directly to the ship. Both times we’ve sailed with Viking our flights have been redeyes, so we arrived in the morning on the first day. We checked in (Viking stores your luggage) and rooms aren’t ready (until 12pm I think) but you can relax in the common areas and Viking will set up lunch.

We did started in Basel, and Viking also organized a nice extra walking tour for any passengers who arrived early the first day. I’m not sure if the same applies if you start in Amsterdam. Basel is a very small city, and the ship docks pretty much in the center of the old town, so if the docking situation is similar in Amsterdam, I would think they would offer the same (but again, I’m not sure)

Amsterdam is extremely popular with tourists, so you should see what the museum ticket policy is. Is the Night Watch a big attraction? Sometimes you can buy tickets online in advance, especially for really popular sights that hoards of people want to see.

I’m not sure if Viking can get you tickets when you arrive.. I would imagine it would be a little difficult the day of since the staff is typically busy with cleaning the ship, check outs and new arrivals, but you can ask their customer support to see? On Viking’s website they have a chat function where you can speak to customer service. Or it might be straight forward to just take a cab from the ship to the museum and buy tickets directly.

Hope that helps! Enjoy the trip :)

Hello! I really enjoyed reading this and such lovely photos … can’t wait for our river cruise to begin next weekend. We are booked on the the Eir Longboat cruising from Amsterdam to Basel and then two days in Lucerne. We have prebooked every included excursion (don’t want to miss anything!!) My question is: can you remember the time in the morning that the excursions start? Being retired, we are quite used to our lazy mornings and worried that the excursion departure times will be a bit early for us. Thank you!

Hi Patsy! Hm.. each excursion is different, but generally the programmed activities would start each day around 8am (if I remember right). So we’d get up around 7 to get ready and have breakfast. Every day was different, depending on if the ship docks right in town or if there’s driving.. but in general I’d say 7:30am-9am start times.

I usually am a night owl, but on trips I think it’s a little easier to get up early since I’m excited and with the time difference. I’m sure you guys will have a great time!

what about at night? when does the ship shut down for the night?

Not sure what you mean by shut down. You can hang out in the lounge until past midnight I think.

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Thanks for your very helpful, “real person” information & the responses you provide to all the questions ! I will be sailing the same route later this year, and have a delicate question. What is the restroom situation on the tour buses or in the various towns ? I have a sensitive stomach and never know when something may disagree with me. I will likely skip breakfasts before the included (typically morning) free tours… but can’t skip all meals ! Do ALL the tour buses have an emergency restroom on them ? Are some of the castle tours soooo long that it is impossible to use a restroom before the end of the tour ? Is it easy to find a public restroom (even in a small coffee shop and then buy something from them in return) along the walking tours or during afternoon free time ? I am very glad to see you can slip away from a tour if needed. That piece of information is priceless ! (Did anyone do that & then were they able to find their group again in a little while ?)

Hi Liz – yes the coaches all have bathrooms on board. Depending on the itinerary you pick, the driving times differ. For the Rhine cruise, most of the drives were pretty short.

We’ve also done the Paris to Normandy cruise and the day you visit Normandy is a very long day with long (2 hr) drives. Italy is similar – very long drives. It basically boils down to the distance between the port and the town.

Yes, plenty of coffee shops to pop into!

If you leave the group tour (we did a couple times), it’s pretty difficult to find them again, since the group is constantly on the move. We tried once and couldn’t rejoin the group.

Your review of the Rhine River Cruise is most helpful! We have our first cruise booked November 8th, 2019 Basel to Amsterdam…it looks like it might be cold…I hope it’s early enough in November that it wont be…:( Question…is it worth the extended 2 day in Amsterdam? Thank you!

Hi Linda, so glad it’s helpful! We didn’t book the 2 day extension, as we had visited Amsterdam before. I think if you haven’t been, it might be nice for convenience but Amsterdam is also a very easy city to see on your own.

We are going on this cruise in September 2019. We want to meet a friend in either Heidelberg or Koblenz. What time is the afternoon “on-board” for passengers, and what time in the morning can passengers generally leave the ship? Viking can’t give us even a range of times for either. Any insight is appreciated.

I don’t know offhand and I think it probably varies on each trip – depending on which route you are doing (starting in Basel vs starting in Amsterdam), the water levels, how fast you go through the locks, traffic with other ships, etc.

You can try asking the crew when you go on board. Typically they lay out a program the night before for the following day, with more specific schedule times.

Great article and pictures! We are going on the Zurich to Paris 12 day Viking Cruise on March 28th, 2020. We were assured by the Viking agent that April weather will be in the 60’s. Sounds like it will be colder than that. I spoke to two friends that went on a similar Viking cruise on the Rhine. One did not like it, the other loved it. The person that didn’t like it said the food was so so, and you were only treated well at meals if you tip. We were thinking of paying gratuities in advance. What do you think?

Hi Patrice – ooh Zurich to Paris sounds like a nice itinerary! Hm, I do think April will be quite chilly. Weather is hard to predict but I definitely find that winter seems to get longer every year. I think it’s hard to get truly nice, all day sunny weather in Europe until early June. It will most likely be jacket, sweater + scarf weather in April and even May. The upside is much less crowds :)

I’ve been on several Viking cruises now. The first I thought the food was fantastic, the second time it was only good. Maybe I have gotten more picky (ha) but I think the food quality is definitely solid (maybe it wont blow you away, but hopefully you wont feel disappointed!).

I find it a little odd that your friend mentioned that about tipping to get good service. The one thing I think Viking does an excellent job of compared to other companies, is having extremely friendly service. the dining staff especially are very very nice. If you sit in the same area frequently, some of the really attentive staff even start remembering your drink / meal preferences. I never felt any pressure to tip individually, ahead of or during the trip.

It’s up to you, but I would suggest paying gratuity at the end. I know some companies now offer that you can pay in advance of a trip, but I don’t really know that the money gets to the staff on your itinerary that way. How do they keep track of it all? And do they really divvy it out to everyone on board? Also I think it’s nice to tip at the end, so you can have discretion if you want to tip an individual staff member separately, or what have you. Sometimes certain people on board go out of their way to make your trip memorable.

If you get to the airport early and take a tour with viking do they take care of your luggage before you can board the ship?

hm in our experience you can generally board the day your cruise starts. the bus will take you from the airport to the ship and then they’ll store your luggage for you until the rooms are ready. usually they put out lunch too, and sometimes a bonus walking tour if the ship is docked near the city (depends on which itinerary you’re taking). and sometimes, if you’re lucky, rooms are ready early!

My daughter and I are getting ready to do this same itinerary. My second VRC, her first. We are both so excited to be traveling together. Thanks for the great pictures and information.

Is it really a bummer to be in the economy rooms? The river cruise we are looking at is the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel and looking at going with friends who booked way before us. Most of the rooms are booked and only economy ones left. Just wondering if this will really be a downer?

Hi Gail! What time of year are you looking to visit?

I think it depends how much you value hotel rooms / rooms in general. Obviously the more expensive cabins are nicer, but if you like to socialize and plan to hang out in the bar and common areas, then the room is really just a place to sleep. The beds, showers, closets etc are the same across all the rooms.

The more expensive rooms are on a higher floor, have a larger square footage and have better views (larger windows, some with balconies, etc). I think honestly it is a nice to have, but the thing you remember most about a vacation is the destination and the memories, not the rooms :)

Oh and I asked what time of year, because we took a winter cruise and did not use the balcony at all, whereas in the summer the extra outdoor space was very nice and a great way to enjoy the sailing portions. So in colder or rainy months, having a balcony or extra large window is probably not very important, vs in late spring/summer.

I would like to do a river cruise. What is a cruise that has tours inside for castles and palaces? I would like to see beautiful interiors. If I do the Rhine getaway should I take post cruise to Amsterdam for any inside tours of castles or palaces and cathedrals also? Cathedrals on the Rhine getaway inside tours? Are tours expensive foe what I want to see?

The Rhine Getaway itinerary I reviewed in this article does include some cathedrals and castle ruins.

But, most of the castles on the Rhine river are ruins or old medieval castles, they’re not so much “Disney” like castles. For that, I believe you would need to rent a car and do a road trip as they’re not on the water.

You could do the Viking Rhine cruise above, and then do a post cruise trip to Copenhagen. Some of the most beautiful castles I’ve ever seen are in Copenhagen – I wrote about them in this post .

We booked our flights through Viking and then explored Copenhagen on our own, which was pretty easy as it’s a very modern city.

Just curious what your trip cost. We’re looking at $5,000-$6,000 per person in late October, including airfare from MN (about $600 per person), for this itinerary. Does that sound right?

Hi Shelley, Cost depends on so many factors (time of year, cabin, add on tours, flight pricing, etc), but Viking has a dates + pricing chart on their website that you can use to compare.

Thank you very much for sharing your experiences. I enjoyed reading your reviews and it is very helpful. I’m planning the trip in early November 2020 for my 30th anniversary. I have a few questions. Will it be a place inside the ship to sit and enjoy the view when sailing through the UNESC part of the Rhine when it is too cold outside? How much the optional excursion will be raftly around? 2020 will be marked Beethoven’s 250th birthday. I really like to go to Bonn. Is it possible that I can go our own when ship dock in Cologne?

Hi Tracy, sounds like a great birthday trip!

The best viewing point is on the roof deck, but there is also a smaller room with floor to ceiling windows, the Aquavit casual dining room, where you can enjoy the view indoors.

Each of the optionals has their own price, but they should be listed on Viking’s website. Hm, I’m not sure if you will have time to see Bonn when in Cologne. You can ask the Tour Director when you are onboard to see if there is enough time.

How comfortable are the beds .

What did you do on your amsterdam 2 day extension tour and do you know where I can find more specific info on the Viking extended tour

Hi JoAnne, we’ve been to Amsterdam on a previous trip so we didn’t opt for the 2 day extension tour with our Viking cruise. But, you can find more information about the optional extensions on Viking’s website!

We booked the Rhine Getaway for May 2020. I really appreciate your comments & suggestions. We are excited to go especially after reading this article.

Thanks, Janet

ooh have fun! May is a great time to visit :)

Love this blog. Found it today. Never been on a river cruise. I’m about to book the Basel to Amsterdam for my 60th b’day with my wife in Sept. So is the best way to book the cruise on line directly with Viking ? Any advantages going through a travel agent ? Tks Pierre

We are doing the Rhine Getaway in August 2020. Have enjoyed reading many of your reviews/suggestions. I know the currency is euros, do local vendors accept credit cards? What amount of currency do you recommend for an 8 day cruise? Most likely will do meals on the ship when possible. Thank you.

Yes most places in Europe take credit card. Just make sure you have a credit card with a chip on it, and that you let your bank company know you’ll be traveling abroad.

If you plan to eat most meals on the ship, I don’t really think you need much else, except for how much you want to spend on souvenirs.

Just found your blog and am loving reading all about this cruise! We’re taking this exact one for our honeymoon in April and it’s getting me even more excited!

I stumbled onto this blog while doing research for our up and coming River cruise. It sounds like almost the same cruise with one small stop difference (you stopped in Heidelberg and we’re stopping in Steyer. This article really helped solidify what I had already heard about Viking. I’ve been on several cruises on those big ships and cannot wait to do this river cruise. Thanks for the info.

How did you obtain your tour guide for Strausburg, was it through Viking or an independent source?

Hi Virginia, Viking provides all the tour guides. Strasbourg is part of the itinerary so the tour + guide were included with the cruise.

There are also extra tours available at an additional charge for some of the stops. For example, we paid for the Colmar day tour and on that optional tour, Viking also provided the tour guide (and transportation). Hope that helps

I also want to know about the comfort of the beds!

Hi Vicki, I thought the beds were comfy for a ship! To be honest I can fall asleep anywhere so I’m probably not the best person to ask..

Thanks so much for this post! My fiancé and I are scheduled to go on the first Viking Rhine Getaway on Aug 1 after COVID! I’m in my 20s and he’s in his 30/, so I’m assuming we will be some of the younger ones on board.. my biggest question is about attire. I pretty much live in athleisure so I’m worried we are going to be too informal compared to the rest of the crowd. What kinds of things do people wear during the day tours and dinners on board?

Ooh I’m jealous of your trip!

I would say you can wear whatever you want. There’s no dress code and Viking is pretty casual. Some people do dress up for dinner (just a nice top and jeans/pants) but it’s not required by any means. For the excursions, they’re usually walking tours so most people wear comfy clothes (good walking shoes, comfy pants, t-shirt and jacket if it’s colder).

We’ve all had about 18 months of lounging at home in sweats, so I don’t think anyone will look twice at wearing athleisure :)

Have a great time!

We depart on 9/15/21 and are so excited our rescheduled 2020 trip is happening this year! We’re doing the Lake Como extension before our cruise and staying in Amsterdam for two days on our own after the cruise. Any suggestions of things we must see or do?

Oooh that’s amazing! Yes I have a lot of posts on Lake Como and Northern Italy (under the Destinations menu tab, or you can type in the search box)

Hello. I noticed that the cruise includes 3 meals/day. My concern would be what if you’re out sightseeing and you want to experience the local cuisine by eating lunch or dinner in the town? Do you get a choice of not eating every meal on board the ship? I would want to eat at the different restaurants. Do you just pay for all the meals and if you want to skip some on the ship, you just eat the cost?

Yup, you an definitely skip the ship meals and eat at local spots if you’d like!

Sher, Thank you for sharing this very detailed and encouraging insight into the Viking Rhine River tour. Our 4 children gave us a Viking Rhine River tour for our 50th wedding anniversary (Oct. 16th) because during our 2nd year of marriage we lived in Erlangen, Germany for the year. We are in the planning phase of our trip. We hope to go in the May timeframe. Your post has given us great encouragement.

We have several questions and would appreciate your unbiased input: 1. My wife is diabetic (Type 2) and takes medicine that makes her have to use the bathroom about every 2 hours. Is that going to be a problem while touring, hanging around town, or riding on the bus? 2. We are 74 and 75 respectively, and while we are in fairly good health, long, rushed , arduous walking would not be fun or even physically welcome. Is that a problem? 3. We have heard from friends who have taken ocean cruises that sometime the evening entertainment is very risque. This would not be appealing to us, so we were wondering if that is what we might experience? 4. Since the world is not fully over COVID, what are the chances that that is going to have us in masks the whole time, or worse yet end up quarantined somewhere?

Thank you for any insights you can provide especially since you traveled with you Mom.

Hud and Susan

Hi Hud and Susan, that’s so sweet of your kids! I think you’ll really enjoy the river cruise. It’s very relaxing and you can do as much or as little as you want :) I also really loved the Rhine itinerary and the whole river cruising experience.

For the Rhine River itinerary, I don’t recall that we had any significantly long (2+ hour) bus rides. Most of the bus rides were 30 minutes to an hour and there is a bathroom on the bus for emergencies. You can check with Viking’s customer service about the bus times (just to be sure), as I’m sure it can vary slightly from year to year and on weather conditions. Basically if the ship can dock in a port that’s near town, the transportation time is very short. In some countries though, like Italy, the cruise terminals are located quite far from the city, so if you picked one of the Italy itineraries you might be subjected to long bus rides. But for the Rhine itinerary it’s not like that at all, and sometimes the ship can dock right in town and you walk off the boat and are in the city center! overall I *think* it would be ok in terms of your wife’s medicine. There are multiple bathrooms on board Viking, and in town there is always a cafe where you can get a cup of coffee and use the facilities.

There is typically a guided tour every day (usually in the morning) and Viking always has a slower paced group option. So you can join that group for the walking tour and it will be a more leisurely pace and route. Even for the regular groups, my mom didn’t find the pace to be rushed or strenuous, but pretty relaxing.

No, if anything there isn’t that much entertainment on the river cruise at night. Most people go to the lounge to socialize or get a drink, or relax in their room on the balcony.

Hm, I don’t know about the mask situation. You can probably ask Viking’s customer service for their policy on board. And you can check the country government health websites for each city on the itinerary. I would hope things would be even better in spring of next year, but you really never know!

Hope this helps x Sher

Were you aware that if you book two cruises back to back on Viking, butterfly cruises, that they won’t honor the promotions on either cruise? I booked two cruises that had free air promotions. Even though Viking was saving money by paying for one airfare instead of two, they would not agree to honor the promotions. Their solution was for me to cancel the second cruise. Strange that they would penalize me for giving them more business.

hm that is really strange! i’ve never tried back to back cruises, but good to know

Thank you for this wonderful article. I am wondering if it makes sense to save $$ and get a lower priced cabin without a balcony of any sort.

Sher, Thanks so much for this valuable information. It is much appreciated! We’ll be on the Rhine Getaway cruise this coming August. Do you know which stops where the ship docks you are able to walk off the ship right into a town or very close to it? Also, is there a way to find out how long the drive by bus is for each excursion? I read reviews on another site that particularly complained about the drive to the Black Forest and that there really wasn’t a lot of time to look around once there. It sounds like out of a 4 hour excursion, almost 3 hours are traveling by bus. Thanks for your help.

Hi Shelley, glad it was helpful! I remember Koblenz we docked right in town so you could walk off the ship and be in the middle of the historic area. That stop was overnight so you could explore all night if you wanted to!

Most of the other stops, the ship will be close to town but docked for only a couple hours. So it’s about enough time to do the tour + have some free time then time to leave.

I don’t remember any long bus rides other than Colmar, but it wasn’t bad.. maybe an hour. It could change by year though! I think Viking and all the cruise ships may change docks from season to season, as routes depend on water levels, weather conditions + town permits.

Hi, very interesting blog. We are from Canada and meeting up with friends from UK and have booked a Rhine cruise in September. I’ve been trying to find where Viking docks in Basel, can you help? Thanks in advance.

Hi Sue, I don’t know the exact name of the dock (and it may change from year to year) so best to ask Viking’s customer service!

Love your blog, Sher! Did you do the full-day Taste of Alsace tour in Strasbourg? I have signed up for it on my upcoming Rhine River tour despite its “Difficult” rating. While i can walk pretty well for longish distances (up to 2 miles at a time), I have trouble with steep inclines and with steps unless there is a rail to hold onto and I am hoping the rating is simply because it involves a full day of walking from place to place, rather than because of a lot of stairs and steep terrain, etc. Any insights you can give??? — Jackie, age 71

Ah, I didn’t do that tour sorry! Maybe viking’s customer service team can give you a more detailed breakdown of the tour.. I remember also that the staff on board are very accommodating! In general, Strasbourg is a nice big flat city – it’s not one of those tiny historic towns with uneven cobblestones. i don’t remember much stairs or steep terrain.

I want to thank you so much for this information. We are going on the Rhine cruise next week (concerned about water levels) and since we booked I’ve come across some Viking haters. This is a bucket list trip for us, so your information is much appreciated. I was wondering how much flexibility there is to get on and of the ships while at port. Can you just come and go? Thank you! And please pray for rain or do a rain dance.

yes, while the ship is docked you can come and go easily! it’s one of the things i like most about small ship cruises vs the massive cruise liners

Great article! We leave today for our 1st river cruise with Viking! A bit worried about water levels on the Rhine river. Disappointed to learn that Viking no longer offers the walking tour on the day of arrival in Basel. Was really looking forward to that!

I have been trying to get a Rhine itinerary with a more accurate detail of the time arrive and depart in each port…. even approximately would help.

I think their sailing schedules may shift so that’s likely why they don’t have detailed times published. You can try asking customer service

The best traveling experience we have ever had. Our Rhine River cruise was something we will never forget. From arrival in Amsterdam to our return after two additional nights in Lucerne, we enjoyed every minute. We are already booked on one of their ocean cruises (Mediterranean) next year.

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The 7 best mississippi river cruises for 2024.

Explore the history, culture and cuisine of the U.S. while cruising along the Mighty Mississippi.

The Best Mississippi River Cruises

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

The more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

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American Cruise Lines

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines | www.AmericanCruiseLines.com

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Viking River Cruises

Courtesy of Viking

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Length: Eight days Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

You may have seen riverboat gambling ships or are at least familiar with riverboat gambling along U.S. waterways. However, while high rolling on the river sounds like an exciting way to spend a night (or two, or more) while on your riverboat cruise, you'll have to jump ship to play the slots, roll the dice, spin the wheel or play a hand of Texas Hold 'em. Gambling on cruise ships sailing on internal waters is prohibited by U.S. law.

Gambling on boats in the U.S. is a complicated matter. While you will find some ships sailing along American waterways that are only set up for gambling, they are not carrying passengers from port to port. Most vessels that feature riverboat gambling are now moored, offering sports betting, table games, entertainment, live music and dancing while tethered to shore.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top All-Inclusive Cruises
• Cruise Packing List Essentials
• The Top Cruise Insurance Plans

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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by   Debbie@RetiresGreat

Some of our friends told us how much they loved their European river cruises. You can bet that’s on our bucket list! But, for now we’re planning on staying a little closer to home. 

We’re thinking of experiencing the most iconic American waterway – the mighty Mississippi!

Is a Mississippi River Cruise Worth It?

A Mississippi river cruise is like being transported back in time to the glory days of this majestic waterway. For an average daily cost between $300 and $500, you’ll be treated like royalty and never regret what you’ll see and do.

Our last vacation was at the Crown Paradise Golden , a Mexican all-inclusive in Puerto Vallarta. Now, it’s a distant memory.

After surviving a once in a century pandemic, we’re itching to get away and do something special. Life’s too short. We’re ready to travel and do something amazing.

How Much Does It Cost to Take a Mississippi River Cruise?

For the ultimate experience, you could cruise all the way from Minnesota to New Orleans (or vice-versa). The overall distance from headwaters to the gulf coast is 2,320 miles (3,730 km). Typically, the river is divided into three segments:

• Upper section between St. Louis and St. Paul
• Middle section between St. Paul and Memphis
• Lower section between Memphis and New Orleans

We fell in love with “The Big Easy” many years ago and vowed to return one day. For that reason, we worked out the average costs of some of the most popular river cruises on the lower Mississippi.

The itineraries vary and include some amazing sights such as Memphis, southern plantations, and Vicksburg.

Mississippi river cruises pricing will vary depending upon the time of year, reflecting peak and non-peak season rates. More dramatically impacting the fare is your cabin choice.

For instance, the American Queen offers basic inside cabins starting around $237 per night / person. These are much smaller than the ones with balconies.

Why Are River Cruises So Expensive?

River cruises tend to be more expensive due to fewer passengers and high operating costs. Between fuel costs, employee salaries, high quality food and excursions, these aren’t inexpensive vacations.

Even understanding this, I was shocked with the prices. We’ve taken Caribbean cruises, even one through the Panama Canal , that were under $200 a night, some even with balconies! 

Mind you, these prices are comparable with river cruises in Europe and elsewhere. So, why are Mississippi river cruises so expensive?

The first thing I had to wrap my head around is you’re paying for an experience unlike any other. While relaxing on a cruise ship is nice (I love it!), when you’ve been to the various ports before it can get a little blah.

Instead of embarking with 3,000+ strangers, most river boats carry less than 400 passengers. The ratio of staff to guests is higher which should mean much better service.

In addition, the staff are American and receive fair wages and benefits, unlike those big cruise ships. Another consideration, almost everything is included with your fare.

This can include your first night’s stay, beverages, deluxe dining and even your excursions. You pay more up front but aren’t “ nickel and dimed ” as the cruise ships are notorious for doing.

Accommodations

Generally, your first night at a decent hotel is included in your fare. And you’ll likely be staying in a first-rate hotel. This saving needs to be kept in mind.

Unlike a road trip, you only need to unpack once you’re aboard. In addition, the cabins are generous in size and quite comfortable. Ocean going cabins tend to be smaller.

Food and Beverages

Expect amazing food often highlighting regional specialties. If you went to a decent restaurant in town, your meal could easily cost a hundred dollars or more. 

And, that wouldn’t include the ambiance of the ship or interaction with fellow guests. In addition, your beverages such as beer or wine are included during mealtimes.

Excursions and Cultural Enrichment

Another aspect to consider, Mississippi river cruises focus on cultural enrichment and provide a “Riverlorian” sharing stories and local history throughout your journey. Also, complimentary tours are generally provided at each port.

This might include seeing a famous plantation such as Oak Alley. My hubby is fascinated by the Civil War and will be all over the Vicksburg National Military Park excursion.

They do offer premium tours for an additional charge. Costs vary from $20 to $70 which covers the cost of transportation and a guide.

What Makes Mississippi River Cruises So Unique?

You won’t find waterslides, casinos, kids or massive night-time shows on these river boats. Unlike any other vacation, this is the opportunity to relax and absorb what it was like in a different time. 

Your entire experience will be influenced by the historical significance of this waterway and how it shaped America. The steam powered paddle-wheeler ruled supreme from 1830 right up to the Civil War. 

Capable of going both upstream and downstream, it revolutionized travel and the cost of shipping goods. This was the heyday of the south, enabling expansion and prosperity.

The majority of your fellow passengers will be baby boomers. Some are history buffs interested in the Civil war sites. Others intrigued by the plantations dotting the banks, or perhaps enthralled with the adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

With most boats carrying less than 400 guests, you’ll get to know your fellow travelers. The smaller more intimate public lounges are conducive to striking up a conversation and sharing the day’s experience.

Are Mississippi River Cruises Worth It?

Perhaps the best measure are the reviews of previous guests.

After checking with Cruise Critic , I was pleasantly surprised with the favorable ratings for both companies offering these vacations.

American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC)

The first on my list was the “American Queen”, an authentic paddle-wheeler carrying 448 passengers. With 212 reviews, guests rated them as “very good” with an average of 4.1. Value for the money is 4 out of 5.

American Cruise Line (ACL)

Next was the “Queen of the Mississippi”, a smaller paddle-wheeler with a capacity for 150 passengers. Again, “very good” with a slightly higher rating of 4.2 with 128 reviews. Again, value for the money is 4 out of 5.

In addition, ACL is expanding their fleet with modern riverboats. Without a paddlewheel, these vessels are more efficient, maneuverable and appropriate for costal waters. 

The new designs include additional features such as 4-story glass atriums, larger upgraded staterooms and other refinements.

Which is the Best Company?

Both companies appear to be well run and provide a memorable experience. According to US Today , both companies are solidly in the top ten.

I’d feel comfortable booking with either company. Your decision may be influenced by the itinerary or being on a specific boat (such as a paddle-wheeler).

On a side note, if you’re a Viking fan, the Viking Mississippi will be launched in August of 2022. This will also be a modern river boat hosting 386 guests.

Lower Mississippi River Sights

The 8-day Memphis to New Orleans itinerary appeals to us. We could fly in and spend a day (or two), see Graceland and other sights.

On AQSC, we’d be sailing on the American Queen, with a veranda, for a cost of $3,999 each. With ACL, we’d be on the Queen of the Mississippi, with a balcony, for $4,605.

Vicksburg was a pivotal battle allowing the Union supremacy of the waterway. As mentioned above, this is a must see for Shannon. 

I’d rather see an original southern plantation, especially one as famous as Oak Alley. The best part is we can do both!

One of my greatest disappointments when we were in New Orleans was not being able to go on the local paddle-wheeler. Our timing was horrible as it was in dry dock. That’s why I’m even more excited to arrive by water.

Closing Thoughts

I had no idea how interesting a trip down “the Ol’ Man river” might be! The answer to “ are Mississippi river cruises worth it ” appears to be a resounding yes. That, of course, assumes you’re looking for a unique and enriching adventure.

While we’ve never been on a river cruise, based on our research, it appears the majority of folks really enjoyed it. Right now, we’d sooner stick closer to home, at least until the global threat of COVID has subsided.

After being cooped up for so long, it’s worth it to us to spend a bit more for something remarkable. After an amazing week on the boat, we could then spend some time in New Orleans. 

That’s the best of both worlds and something to look forward to.

River cruises in Europe: are they worth the price?

It’s no secret that river cruises in Europe have been getting increasingly popular over the past decade as more and more travellers head to the Old Continent to enjoy the advantageous currency.

But why do river cruises have such a bad reputation? I think it’s important to debunk the myth that they’re only meant for prosperous retirees. I’ve had the chance to cruise with both AMA Waterways ( Enchanting Rhine ) and Viking ( Danube Waltz ) to truly get a sense of this increasingly popular travel trend. I wanted to break down the real costs of river cruises, which often ends up being a dealbreaker for travellers of my generation.

Yes, river cruises are more expensive than a shoestring backpacking excursion in the Balkans. It is not the cheapest possible way to explore Europe. But what is worth considering is how much you get in return for your precious dollars.

+ europe travel tips

Is durnstein the cutest village in austria, river cruises in europe: what you get.

Three full meals a day

During my cruise on the Danube I ate like a queen and probably gained a few pounds despite all the walking I did while out exploring. Breakfast was a smorgasbord of fresh fruit, various kinds of granola, and the typical brunch fare, which was complemented by a bread bar, an omelette and pancake bar, and unlimited supplies of juice and speciality coffee. Lunch was a simpler and more informal affair but was not any less tasty. Dinner was the main event, though, with a new menu every day as well as complimentary beer and wine, all of which were inspired by the culinary heritage of city we were docked in. Coffee, tea, and cookies were available throughout the day, too.

I also think it’s worth pointing out that while cocktails and spirits are not included in the price of the cruise, they are, nonetheless, very reasonably priced: I paid just €5 for generously-sized Aperol spritzes.

A comfortable stateroom

I didn’t get to spend that much time in my stateroom but it wasn’t because I was avoiding it – I was either working in the lounge or away on an excursion. The room was cleverly laid out (with a bed high enough to store suitcases underneath it, and ample storage for clothes and personal items) and the bathroom, while on the tiny side, was perfectly efficient.

And, unlike massive ocean liners, every room has, at best, a private balcony, or at the very least, a floor-to-ceiling sliding door for ample natural light.

Transportation

Obviously, transportation is included when you pay for a river cruise. But what novices don’t necessarily realise is how expensive it can be to travel from one city to another in Europe in such a short amount of time. With 6 cities in just 8 days, you’re looking at rather costly high-speed train tickets, which add up quickly – not to mention how exhausting it would be to pack/unpack every single day. Having a “home base” for the entire duration of the trip truly made it more enjoyable.

Some cruise ships companies even have bikes on board and allow passengers to bike from one port of call to the other.

Guided tours in every city

Every port of call features a complimentary guided visit with a local guide. Themed and experiential visits are sometimes available at an added cost (like a Mozart & Strauss concert in Vienna, or entry at the Budapest thermal baths, for example). This is why they’re called “cashless cruises”: you don’t have to pay for anything extra if you don’t want to.

Onboard activities

Between the themed dinners, cocktail parties, game nights, gingerbread cookie classes (!), and live music… let’s just say I wasn’t bored on this cruise. Oh, and the scenery wasn’t bad either. Our cruise director, Mieke, was very diligent in pointing out noteworthy sights along the way.

Cruises don’t have the best reputation was far as WiFi and mobile reception is concerned but that wasn’t an issue at all on this Danube cruise. I was even able to upload a video to my Facebook page while we were docked in Vienna!

Peace of mind / convenience

Having everything laid out for you (literally; you will get a journal of activities delivered to your room every night) comes at an evident cost but if you’re after a relaxing, stress-free holiday then river cruises certainly fit the bill.

My favourite Christmas markets in Europe

River cruises in europe: the lowdown.

Contrary to popular belief, river cruises – and even cruises in general – are not exorbitantly expensive and are not exclusively geared towards wealthy travellers either. The 8-day Danube Waltz river cruise I was on starts at just $2800 per passenger excluding flights, which, considering everything that’s included and the extent of the trip, isn’t outrageously expensive in my opinion. Again: factor in three full meals a day + snacks, accommodation for 8 nights, transportation to/from 6 cities and guided visits in each of those cities, admission fees for select attractions, as well as onboard amenities like WiFi and entertainment… that’s a lot of simoleon s .

If you’re at liberty with your travel schedule you could even wait for special fares; most companies will offer free airfare or 2×1 deals if you’re willing to book within specific dates.

In a nutshell: yes, river cruises in Europe are worth their cost if your main concern is not the price tag itself but instead the value of what you’re getting in return.

Clearly this is not the cheapest possible way to travel around Europe; you get good value, yes, but let’s not beat around the bush here. You’re still going to have to fork out a few thousand dollars for the experience. However, if you’re strapped for time, unwilling to commit to just one country, and unable to invest yourself in planning your holiday, then I sincerely believe that river cruises are a great option for you.

Marie-Eve is a native Montrealer trying to balance a deep love for her hometown and an unquenchable thirst for travel and discovery. She has been to more than 36 countries, lived abroad in both France and the U.K., and is always on the lookout for authentic experiences wherever she travels -- especially if it involves wine.

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Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

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Riverboats at the Gateway Arch - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

The Best River Cruises in Milwaukee

On a warm evening in downtown Milwaukee it’s not uncommon to see river boats float along the Milwaukee River, accompanied by the sounds of laughter and music. On board, cocktails are flowing and the vibe might as well be Key West, Fla., or the Caribbean. Over the past few years, specialty cruises have really taken off, catering to niche audiences in music, food, cocktails or wine. Whether you want to splurge on a brunch cruise over the weekend or celebrate TGIF with a booze cruise, there’s definitely an option just for you almost every night of the week. 

Architecture

This narrated tour  from Milwaukee Boat Line—on a 90-minute sail  on board "Voyageur," with departures daily at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.—schools you in the various architecture styles that are prevalent in downtown Milwaukee and even points out notable buildings along the river. And if you want to bring your dog, that’s totally okay as the cruise is dog-friendly. Drinks (both sodas and beer/cocktails) served on board and there’s an option to purchase lunch (brats, hot dogs and other snacks), too.

Instead of a pub crawl, this is a 4.5-hour pub sail with Riverwalk Boat Tours on board either the Milwaukee Maiden II or Brew City Queen II with three stops at local watering holes. Drink tickets are included in the price (whew). Saturday stops are MOTOR Bar & Restaurant (at the Harley-Davidson Museum), The Twisted Fisherman and The Hotwater Warehouse.

Tiki Drinks

Can’t get to the tropics? No problem, just hop onto Riverwalk Boats’ “Tiki Tuesdays Cruise”  on Tuesday evenings. More than just sipping fruity drinks laced with rum, the cruise price includes light eats like Pacific-inspired salsa. The cruise lasts 1.5 hours—departing at either 5:30 p.m. or 7:15 p.m.—leaving you time to hit up a local spot for dinner after.

Rock Concerts

Rock out to local bands as they perform a two-hour concert on the top deck of this yacht (powered by Milwaukee Boat Line) select Friday and Saturday evenings. What’s cool about this cruise is that there are a variety of music styles represented each week, from punk rock to r&b. Check out the schedule via this link. Because many of the concerts sell out it’s recommended to buy your tickets in advance (save by purchasing a week in advance for $19.99; or $22.99 the week of the show). The first drink is free.

Surf-and-Turf Dinner Cruise

If you’re one of those people who often can’t decide between steak and fish when ordering dinner, there’s very good news in that you can dine on both during this “surf ‘n turf” dinner cruise. Hosted on Saturday nights by Edelweiss Boats, this cruise often sells out so do book in advance to secure your slot (and dinner). Views of Lake Michigan and downtown Milwaukee’s skyline from the boat at dusk are stunning (tip: bring your camera).

Champagne Brunch

Bubbles at brunch is practically required and Edelweiss Boats gets that, which is why the company launched its “Champagne Brunch Cruise" offered on Sundays on board the “Harbor Lady.” The two-hour cruise departs at noon. This is actually an incredible deal as the ticket price includes a brunch buffet featuring items like bagels and lox, fresh fruit, egg frittatas, French toast, bacon and dessert. In addition to the Champagne included in the buffet, a cash bar is open during the sail.

Historical Milwaukee

Are you a history buff hungering for info on Milwaukee’s architectural history—and its most significant buildings? Then you will want to sign up for Edelweiss Boats’ “Historical Milwaukee Boat Tour." Traveling along the Milwaukee River and into Lake Michigan, this tour departs Sundays at 3 p.m. and returns 80 minutes later, narrating the history about such buildings as yacht clubs, the Milwaukee Art Museum and Discovery World, as well as architectural projects on the horizon. This is one of the least expensive river cruises—perfect if you’re short on cash but want to get out on the water.

Booze Cruise

Reggae music sets the tone for your weekend with a little help from rum punch served on board the 1.5-hour “Thirsty Thursdays Cruise”  with Riverwalk Boats. Light appetizers are included in the ticket price. There are three departure times each Thursday evening, at 5:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 9 p.m.

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• Douro River Cruis...

Douro River Cruise - Worth it

Hello: I've been researching Douro River Cruises and have gotten many bad reviews so I thought I would come ask my friends who never steer me wrong. I've watched a ton of videos on YouTube on the Douro River and many have said that they are boring and to bring cards on the boat to help pass the 6 hour boat ride. Our group of 5 will be in Porto from 6/28 - 6/30. Would you recommend the Douro River tour and if so which one, or would you advise us to slow down and take a food tour in Porto or just walk around and enjoy the city? We are used to running around as we like to see as much as possible. I thank you in advance for your help and am looking forward to your responses. Ciao! Suzanne

We spent four days in Porto earlier this month. We had a delightful time exploring the city and its cuisine. We didn't feel we missed out on anything by not taking a day-long cruise of the Douro. Instead, we took a one-hour six bridges cruise in the early evening and then had dinner at a restaurant on the waterfront. We did take a private tour by van through the Douro to Foz Coa archeological park, stopping for lunch along the way, plus a stop for Port tasting. For us, that was fine. As your trip is a day shorter than ours, you should have plenty to do just by exploring the city. Do bring comfortable shoes; the city is very hilly and you will get a good workout.

We did a fantastic Douro river cruise that was 7 days in 2018 and it was great. You only want to do a two day cruise, not sure those are offered.

If you don't want to do a cruise, take the train (it runs down the north bank of the river to Regua or even better to Pinhao.

The river valley is probably the most scenic in Europe.

I'm hoping more people add comments. I am also wondering about the cruise. What is the best part for scenery? Are two/ three hour cruises available?

We booked this Train/Boat cruise...we are staying in the Douro Valley and picking it up there. https://www.roteirododouro.com/en/experience/cruise-regua-pinhao-historic-train

Good reviews and hubby is a train lover.

I wanted to follow-up on my question as I don't think I made it clear. I wanted to know if you have three days in Porto if it is worth it to take a 10-12 hour day trip to the Douro Valley? And if so, which would you recommend.

If you only have 3 days in Porto there is plenty to see and do without spending a long long day up the Douro. Just make sure to include port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia across the river from Porto. Also make sure to take the old tram out to Foz do duoro area by the open Atlantic.

We spent 2.5 days in the Douro River valley. It's gorgeous! We didn't take the train or a cruise. We had a car and just spent our days exploring the scenery and taking long breaks at scenic wineries for a glass of wine or port. If you feel the need for a cruise, you can do a one hour cruise from Pinhao. I did look at doing the train from Porto, and it looked to be a long ride. I felt the most scenic part was from Regua to Pinhao.

In addition to our time in the Douro River Valley, we had two days in Porto. It's a lovely and interesting city.

We typically plan and do things on our own vs. a tour. Because you are in Porto such a short time, if you want to see any of the Douro beyond Porto, I'd look for a half day tour.

I am working on a Douro Valley tour package with a company named Roterio do Douro for April 2024. Jennifer also posted that she was using them for a trip in May They are the only company that I can find that combines the train & cruise and can also arrange accommodations at a hotel or local quinta for a multi-day package. They have been very helpful and flexible to work with-However, I can't find any reviews of this company on Trip Advisor or Google. They have a Facebook page which is all in Portuguese. Has anyone, other than Jennifer below, had any experiences with them? They are based out of Lisbon. https://www.roteirododouro.com/en Where else can I look for reviews? Kerry Anchorage AK

We just returned from Portugal and look a day tour from Porto to the Douro Valley with Wine Venture & Boat Trip in Douro Valley: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/160799?startDate=2023-10-23&adults=2 . It was one of the highlights of our trip.

This is an AirbnB experience run by a small company of natives of the Douro Valley. It is a small group tour (we had 7 people total) with a knowledgeable local guide. Our guide, Leo, was born and raised in the Douro Valley and was very knowledgeable about wine, history, food, and culture. The tour includes a short boat tour (about 45 minutes) with a Port Tonic (my new favorite drink) and some light bites. Despite the rain, we really enjoyed this short boat ride. We then toured two wineries, both small family owned. Our lunch at the second winery was spectacular and the wine was delicious. We had time to walk through the vineyards. We live near Napa and Sonoma and wine taste quite often and usually are not a fan of tours. However, these tours were really interesting, from seeing the large granite tubs in which people still stomp the grapes with their feet, to seeing an underground storage for a sparking wine.

As a note, we actually did both the day tour in Douro and a port and food tour from Eating Europe: https://www.eatingeurope.com/porto/port-wine-food-tour/ . This tour took us to one of the few Portuguese owned Port houses in Vila Nova de Gaia, touring a cellar with port wines from the 18th century. We also ate at some really unique places, from a little bakery with only counter space to a grocery store where we helped the owner with his English and he helped us learn some Portuguese. Sara was our guide and she was delightful.

We love wine and food and enjoyed both the tour to the Douro and the food tour.

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Singapore: Everything about the 40-minute SG River Cruise

Singapore River Cruise review: When I hear Singapore, there are always Marina Bay Sands in the backdrop, the lotus-shaped Art Science Museum, and the dreamy skyline. While there are a thousand things to see , I’ve always wondered what the boats circling the river felt like – and I finally got on one!

When I was younger, I visited the Singapore Zoo , Sentosa, and even Jurong Bird Park (now called the Bird Paradise Park) but never the boat cruise. My parents thought it would be ‘boring’. Looking back now, I guess they were right and wrong. After all, it’s simply a slow riverboat ride.

However, I loved it when I took the ride by myself – it opens up another perspective to look at of the city. With the tickets at a dear price, I’d to put this Singapore River Cruise review out.

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Table of Contents

Best time to Visit SG River Cruise

The river cruise timings are 10 am to 9 pm on the weekends while it starts at 1 pm on the weekdays. The weekends – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday can be crowded but any weekday is fine to avoid the wait. More people tend to visit in the evenings to get a night view of the city.

Thus, the best time for the Singapore river cruise depends on you. Either way, the landscape makes it all worth it be it day or night. Singapore’s attractions are bound to be amazing everywhere. My priority was avoiding waiting anywhere I went, so I went for the afternoon cruise. When I got there, I realized I was too early on a weekday (around 11:30 am).

That gave me enough time to have a subway at Clarke Quay Central for lunch and take a few shots of the river and the colorful shop buildings and pathways. Getting on one of the first river cruise trips of the day, the boat was half empty and was a comfortable ride throughout.

Singapore River Cruise Review: Ticket Price

On the Clarke Quay river cruise stand, the on-spot tickets here are a flat S$26 for adults and S$17 for children. I tried my luck asking if there was a student concession like they had for the SG National Gallery . But they didn’t.

Anyhow, I bought the ticket and was told to wait until the boat arrived at the dock. It costs the same via the offline counter or any website. Yet I’d recommend getting your tickets for the river cruise on Klook.com.

Klook, being a big and reliable travel site (especially in Singapore), it’s useful to get discounts when you book multiple attractions across Singapore.

For travelers like me, another great option is to get the Klook Pass which includes a list of attractions in SG that the ticket is applicable. You have the option to choose the number of attraction passes and get a bundle of SG attractions tickets for lesser.

For the Singapore River Cruise, hurry up before you miss out and get your best deal below today!

SG River Cruise vs River Cruise by Water B

The 40-minute river cruise is a round-trip ride that drops you back at the start point. In case you didn’t know, there are two cruise operators. The popular one is at Clarke Quay (the dark brown boats) and the other point begins from ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands (the modern red and green ones).

Singapore River Cruise vs River Cruise by Water B: Both rides traverse through the same river routes and don’t differ much. They even have similar pricing and both have indoor and outdoor seating.

Here are the updated pricing difference between Clarke Quay and Water B Cruises as of today on Klook.com. They aren’t that different, it comes down to your preference. Grab your ticket on Klook.com today!

But I recommend the Singapore river cruise operator (the one I went in) as it’s a traditional bumboat with its wooden interiors and low ceilings giving off a more rustic experience.

How to Get to SG River Cruise Point?

With Clarke Quay being famous for being a historical riverside quay and nightlife venue, there are many ways to get here. The closest MRT stations here are Fort Canning (Downtown line), and Clarke Quay (Northeast line). The Fort Canning Station is to the river cruise while Clarke Quay station is on the other riverside.

I, however, got off at the Clarke Quay bus station on bus no.32 via nth Buona Vista Rd. as I’d to get there from the National Gallery of Singapore. Not knowing where to get my tickets, I glanced at the Water B Fort Canning stand and ended up there at first looking stupid.

But someone helped me out to the right spot. Here’s the exact spot from Google Maps. The cruise ticket booth is right beside Hooters – you’ll know when you get there ;)

A Couple and Old People

Talking of the people that actually get on the boat – at least when I went, most of them were senior tourists. That’s what I loved most about SG. They cater to all sorts of tourists. There’s Sentosa , SG Zoo and River Wonders , and so on for kids, but they are a whole lot of things for old people as well (such as the Hippo bus). And River cruise is one of them.

Apart from the elderly, there was a couple on honeymoon along with a guide, and some solo travelers like myself. With the photogenic structures in the backdrop, the guide took a bunch of pictures of the couple.

With around a dozen occupants, the boat was barely half-full and we all sat at the outdoor seating at the back. To our good luck, it wasn’t too sunny, making up for a peaceful ride.

Things to Spot on the SG River Cruise

The high-rising skyscrapers fascinated me so much, I missed taking pictures of historic structures here like the Old Hill Street Police Station. Keep in mind these structures and spot them on your bumboat ride!

Clarke Quay and Riverside Point

Quite obvious, isn’t it? You’ll begin at Clarke Quay. On one side are the colorful dine-in restaurants and on the other bank side has the Riverside Point shopping complex.

Read Bridge, Cavenagh at Fullerton, and Anderson Bridge

The vehicle underpass bridges were recent builds, but the enchanting ancients were labeled along with their build dates. We passed the Read bridge, Cavenagh Bride, and the Anderson Bridge each having unique structures and all over a century old!

Another post for you to read: Best Singapore Travel Advice Australia

Boat Quay and its shophouses

Boat Quay, similar to Clarke Quay, is another line of Singapore’s live music restaurants, pubs, and nightlife venues. Even the shophouses are similar and show a world apart from the skyscrapers right opposite on the other riverside.

Asian Civilisations Museum

While not wholly visible, any local guide (if with you) will point out its noticeable historic build. While it stands as a museum today, it was previously a government building in the 1980s – known as the Empress Place Building.

Fullerton Hotel

The 5-star hotel today opened only 21 years ago . But the neo-classical structure’s construction started almost a century ago which began as a General Post Office Building in 1924. Its columns and decorative build itself is a breathtaking view from the SG river cruise.

Another post for you to read: Chinatown Singapore Guide

Singapore Merlion!

After the Esplanade Bridge’s underpass is where the river widens, giving a grand welcome to Singapore’s skyline and Marina Bay with the official mascot – Singapore Merlion! I’d been on the shores by the Merlion over a decade ago and it felt nostalgic to see it again.

The Skyline

Following the SG Merlion is Singapore’s skyline and Marina Bay view. The cruise takes a slow circle around the skyscrapers, DBS towers, and Marina Bay Sands. It never gets dull to have a look at the buildings and the river cruise’s close proximity makes it even sweeter.

Another post for you to read: Universal Studios Singapore 1-Day Visit!

Marina Bay Sands and ArtScience Museum

Circling by the Marina Bay Sands , it’s majestic up close. I walked by the bay later on, so I gave it little attention. What caught my eye were the Sands Expo & Convention Center, and the Apple and Louis Vuitton stores in front of Marina Bay . These stores were on the water and looked distinguished.

Though not as big as the other structures, they were just retail stores after all – and huge ones hovering over the water by the bay.

Last but not least, is the theatres on the bay Esplanade. This is one of Singapore’s largest performing arts centers and a popular venue for live concerts. Most people call it the durian building for its shape though it wasn’t intended by its architects.

Another post for you to read: Perfect Batam Travel Guide

Tailpiece: Singapore River Cruise review

Coming to the end of my Singapore River Cruise review, I’d say I’ve learned a lot more while writing this review. The Singapore river passing through Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay witnessed history and the nation’s achievements over the years.

Secretly, it also proudly smiles at how far the country has come with its growth and looks at the world-class architecture around it. The River Cruise recognizes this and made it possible for the world to see in one trip.

Instead of spending an entire day, to catch a glimpse of each historical landmark, this cruise takes a smooth sail within an hour. Or if you wish to walk through all the landmarks here, the river cruise can make a sweet end to your day by taking you through time once again.

Either way, that’s what makes the cruise worth paying for. That ends my post on the Singapore River Cruise review. Let me know what you think about it below :)

Manas Patil

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More From Forbes

Why you should add a land extension to your alaska cruise.

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The breathtaking scenery is reason enough to visit Alaska.

Alaska cruises are so popular because they’re an easy way to surround yourself with some of the country’s most beautiful scenery while taking advantage of all the perks of a luxury ship – like top notch accommodations, fun activities and great food.

To give you an even more immersive Alaska experience that goes beyond shore excursions, many cruise lines offer land and sea packages so you get to enjoy the best of both worlds. Your week-long cruise is followed by (or preceded by) a five-day land tour that takes you on a deep dive into Denali National Park and areas you otherwise wouldn’t get to explore on the ship.

Princess , a leader in this area, actually owns and operates five unique Wilderness Lodges which you get to call home each night as you’re whisked around the state, taking in wildlife sightings and mountain views along the way.

The gorgeous, ever-changing landscape of Denail National Park.

If you don’t have time to add a land portion to your cruise, don’t worry. Princess is an expert in Alaska and, in addition to an extensive selection of shore excursions, they offer exclusive onboard activities to help immerse you in the culture, including the always popular Puppies in the Piazza, which features a visit from the cutest future four-legged Iditarod champions, and a fascinating presentation by Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the prestigious sled dog race.

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I did a Princess Alaska Cruisetour two summers ago and am seriously considering planning another one. I’ve done Alaska cruises before but this one was extra special – both onboard, thanks to the amazing Princess crew who literally treated everyone like royalty, and on land, where I got to experience parts of The Last Frontier I’d never had access to on a ship.

You probably don’t need more reasons to book an Alaska cruise but, if you want to know what to expect on the land portion, here are just a few of the reasons you should start thinking about a Princess Alaska Cruisetour :

The intrepid explorer for whom Hotel Captain Cook is named.

You’ll start your extension in Alaska’s largest city, with an overnight at the legendary Hotel Captain Cook , a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Collection. The historic hotel features an extensive art collection, four restaurants and a dozen shops. Plus, its Athletic Club is a great place to get in a swim, workout or massage after a long flight. Centrally located downtown, it makes an ideal homebase from which to explore the city like the hotel’s namesake.

Princess Wilderness Lodges

A magical view of Mt. McKinley from Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.

Because Princess owns their own properties throughout Alaska, Cruisetour guests are treated like family as they’re welcomed to different lodges along their journey. Every lodge has its own distinct personality but all offer cozy rooms and delicious meals along with stunning scenery. They also offer a variety of activities and places to just sit by the fire so you can be as busy or as relaxed as you choose. At Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, you can take a glass class from a local artist and at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, you can enjoy the views from the floor to ceiling windows in the communal Great Room or get outside and take a hike up to the Treehouse to try to get a glimpse of the peak in person.

Talkeetna was the inspiration for the hit TV show, "Northern Exposure."

The town that inspired the hit TV show, Northern Exposure , Talkeetna is quirky and charming and, thanks to its strong artist community, a great place to shop for local art. We took a fun ride with the sled dogs of Sun Dog Kennel , led by Iditarod musher Jerry Sousa, and loved meeting the newest additions to their furry family! Unfortunately, we didn’t get to meet the mayor of Talkeetna — who, um, is a cat — but that’s just another reason to come back and spend more time in this unique town.

Direct-To-The-Wilderness Railway

The views are everywhere on Princess' glass domed railway.

Princess uses its own luxury train to transport guests from Talkeetna to Denali and it’s proof that the journey is as important as the destination. The glass domed railway cars provide all-around views – and you won’t know where to look first. (It’s similar to the Rocky Mountaineer experience, which is also a must-do.) You’ll enjoy a made-to-order lunch in the dining car and snacks and drinks are always available. The ride is lovely and you won’t want to close your eyes to rest because there’s always so much to see.

Denali National Park

The highlight of our visit to Denali National Park.

It’s impossible to describe a visit to Denali because it is constantly changing but just know that it is magnificent in every iteration. The scenery is just breathtaking and we got to see lots of wildlife but the hands-down highlight was when a bear came right up to our bus. Everyone went silent and just watched as it sauntered by without a care in the world. This is something every traveler should experience.

Discovery Riverboat Cruise

Don't miss a Discovery cruise on the Chena and Tanana rivers..

Take a riverboat ride on an authentic sternwheeler – which is a totally different experience than your Princess cruise ship! This slow-moving steamboat will show you a fascinating side of Fairbanks, making stops for you to get up close and personal with sled dogs and to tour a replica of an Athabascan Indian Village. You’ll also get to watch a bush pilot demonstrate their skills while you enjoy a snack.

Running Reindeer Ranch

Running Reindeer Ranch in Fairbanks gives you a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to get up close and ... [+] personal with these magnificent creatures.

Visiting this family-run reindeer ranch in Fairbanks is like walking into a fairy tale and you won’t stop smiling the whole time you’re there. Not only do you get to take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful boreal forest with actual reindeer but you get to know them individually and can even take photos with them. You’ll learn so much about these magnificent creatures and, depending on the time of year, you may also be able to sign up for reindeer yoga or reindeer music. This is an unforgettable experience and the animals are just pure joy.

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Is the Thames River Cruise Worth it? (2024 Review)

Posted on Last updated: March 4, 2024

Home | River Thames | Is the Thames River Cruise Worth it? (2024 Review)

If you are visiting London, you might be wondering whether it’s worth taking the river Thames cruise. While the boat tour offers spectacular views and informative commentary, it may not be the best fit for everyone. In this article, I go through all the pros and cons of the Thames cruise, as well as provide information on what landmarks and bridges you will see.

I hope this article helps you to make an informed decision about whether the Thames river cruise is the right experience for you.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Is the Thames River Cruise Worth it?

If you are visiting London for the first time, I think it’s a good idea to spend some time visiting the Thames. The famous river Thames is very important to London , and is what made it the thriving capital city it is today. Due to this, many major and important landmarks exist along its banks.

Below you can find 9 reasons why you might want to take the river cruise, and 3 reasons why you might want to avoid it. I have also listed all the landmarks and bridges that the cruise travels past, so you know what to expect.

Pros of Taking a River Thames Cruise

Cons of taking a thames cruise, landmarks on the route, bridges on the route, faqs about the thames river cruise.

Here are nine reasons why I think a river cruise is worth it.

1. Spectacular Views

A Thames cruise offers some of the most stunning views of London’s iconic landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye, from a unique and beautiful vantage point.

2. Informative Commentary

London’s tour guides are renowned for their humour, and the crew on board the Thames cruise is no exception. Their live commentary about the sites you’ll see is both informative and entertaining.

3. Comfort and Convenience

Taking a Thames cruise is a stress-free way to explore London’s most famous landmarks. You can sit back, relax, and take in the views without worrying about getting lost, traffic, or public transport.

4. Relaxation and Tranquility

The gentle motion of the boat, provides a relaxing and peaceful experience. You can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some downtime, surrounded by some of London’s most iconic landmarks.

5. Suitable for All Ages

The cruise is suitable for people of all ages, making it a great family activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. It can also be fun for children to see some of the Thames wildlife, like the cormorants pictured below.

6. London from a Different Angle

The Thames cruise offers a different perspective of London, as you see many major landmarks from a different angle. You also get to travel under eight different bridges.

7. Cost-Effective

Compared to other tourist activities in London, a Thames cruise is relatively affordable. It’s great value for money, especially considering the stunning views and unique experience it offers.

8. Different Options

There are many different Thames cruise options to choose from, such as a river cruise with lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. You can also choose to get a cruise from Westminster to Tower Bridge, or carry on to Greenwich. The photograph below shows one of the dinning options on the Thames.

9. Foreign Language Audio Commentary

For non-English speaking visitors, a Thames cruise is a great way to experience the city. The boats offer audio commentary in multiple languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, and German.

Here are three reasons why a river cruise might not be the best option for you.

1. Weather Dependence

The quality of your experience can be significantly impacted by the weather. If it’s raining or very windy, you may not be able to enjoy the views or commentary as much as you would on a sunny day.

I took the cruise on a cloudy day in March (as you can see from the photos). If it was raining I think the lower deck, which is under cover, would have been crowded which would have impacted the experience.

Thames tours are popular tourist attractions, which means that they can get crowded, especially during peak season. This can make it difficult to find a good spot on the boat and can also make the wait to board the boat uncomfortable because there isn’t much space on the pier.

3. Uncomfortable Seats

If you have a back problem and require a supportive chair, you should be aware that the seats on the boat offer no support whatsoever. The backs of the chairs are also low so you can’t lean back unless you are slouching. I don’t have a back problem and found them uncomfortable. This might be something to bear in mind if you choose one of the cruises which lasts more than 30 minutes.

The Thames River Cruise passes by twenty two different landmarks, which include major attractions like the Tower of London and St Pauls Cathedral. You can find out more about each of these landmarks below.

1. The Houses of Parliament

The cruise starts at Westminster Pier which is located close to the Palace of Westminster. This is the meeting place of both the House of Lords, and the House of Commons, known collectively as the Houses of Parliament.

The site has a long history, dating back over 900 years. Although some of its original medieval structure remains, most of it was destroyed by a fire in 1834.

2. County Hall

This historic building, located on the south bank of the River Thames, served as the headquarters of the London County Council until 1986, when it was disbanded by the national government.

The building was then left almost vacant for seven years, until it was bought by a Japanese firm who turned it into an entertainment centre. Today, it houses the London Aquarium and the London Dungeon .

3. The London Eye

The giant Ferris wheel, on the south bank of the River Thames, is known as the London Eye . Since it opened in 2000 to celebrate the millennium, it has become one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. It has 32 capsules, one for each of the 32 London boroughs, and offers stunning views of the city.

4. Ministry of Defence

This building, located in Whitehall on the north bank of the river, is the headquarters of the armed services in the United Kingdom. This includes the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

5. Southbank Centre

The Southbank Centre was created in 1951 for the Festival of Britain. Today it houses several venues for music, dance, literature, and visual arts. It hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year.

6. Cleopatra’s Needle

This ancient Egyptian obelisk, located on the Victoria Embankment, was originally erected in Egypt around 1450 BC. It was gifted to the United Kingdom by Muhammad Ali of Egypt in 1819, in recognition of Nelson’s victory over the French Fleet at the Battle of the Nile in 1798.

7. Savoy Hotel

The Savoy Hotel was built on the site of the Savoy Palace, and was London’s first luxury hotel. It has hosted many famous guests, including Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and Marilyn Monroe.

8. Royal National Theatre

The Royal National Theatre has been described as Britain’s ugliest building. It opened in 1976, and contains three different theatres, as well as a restaurant and bookshop.

9. Somerset House

Somerset House is a magnificent neoclassical building situated on the north bank of the River Thames. It takes its name from the Duke of Somerset who built a palace on this site in the 16th century. The building is known today for being the venue of London Fashion Week. In the winter time it is also home to a popular ice rink.

10. The Temple

The Temple is the area of London around Temple Church . The name comes from the Knights Templar which was founded in 1100 for the protection of pilgrims travelling to the holy land.

This area of London is one of the main legal districts, and a centre for English law. It includes two of the four Inns of Court, the Middle Temple and the Inner Temple. The other two are Gray’s Inn and Lincoln’s Inn.

11. The OXO Tower

The OXO Tower is a famous landmark on London’s Southbank that was originally a power station. It was rebuilt in the in the 1920s by the makers of Oxo stock cubes. At the time, advertising along the Southbank skyline was banned, so instead the company constructed windows in the shape of a two circles and a cross.

12. The Temple Arch

The Temple Arch is a stone arch, located on the Victoria Embankment, on the north bank of the river. It was built in 1868 as part of Joseph Bazalgette’s design for the Embankment. It depicts a face of Old Father Thames, as well as a memorial for King George V, who this stretch of the river was named after.

To the right of the arch you will see two silver griffins which mark the boundary between the City of London, and the City of Westminster.

13. St Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is a magnificent Anglican cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th century. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city, and features a magnificent dome which is only slightly smaller than St Peter’s in Rome.

14. Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is Britain’s national gallery of modern art, located in the former Bankside Power Station on the south bank of the Thames. It is free to enter and has regular exhibits in its Turbine Hall.

15. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is a faithful reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, where many of William Shakespeare’s plays were performed in the 16th century. It is located on London’s Southbank and offers a unique and authentic theatrical experience.

16. Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral is a historic Anglican cathedral located in the Borough of Southwark in London. It is one of the oldest Gothic churches in London, with some parts of it dating back to the 12th century when it was attached to a priory.

17. Fishmongers’ Hall

Fishmongers’ Hall is a livery hall, which serves as the headquarters of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. The hall has a long history dating back to the 14th century and has been rebuilt and renovated several times over the centuries. It is now used for a variety of events, including weddings, conferences, and banquets.

18. The Walkie Talkie

The Walkie Talkie, also known as 20 Fenchurch Street, is a skyscraper located in the financial district of London. It is known for its distinctive curved shape and sky garden, which offers panoramic views of the city. The building houses offices, restaurants, and a public observation deck.

19. The Shard

The Shard is a 95-story skyscraper located in Southwark. It is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the fourth-tallest in Europe. The building contains offices, restaurants, a hotel, and an observation deck on the 72nd floor offering views of the city.

20. HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast is a historic warship permanently moored on the River Thames in London. It served in World War II and the Korean War and is now a museum, offering visitors a chance to explore the ship and learn about its history.

21. Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. It has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a place of execution, and now houses the Crown Jewels. Facing the river is the Traitor’s Gate through which many famous prisoners have entered the Tower, never to leave.

22. St Katharine Docks

St Katharine Docks is a marina located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, which dates back to the 19th century. It was designed to handle particularly valuable cargo such as Ivory, tea and silver. It is now a commercial, residential and recreational area housing a marina and a number of restaurants. It was the first of London’s old docks to be transformed.

The Thames cruise finishes at this point, unless you are carrying on to Greenwich. This is an ideal location to disembark if you want to visit the Tower of London. It is also a ten minute walk from Tower Hill tube station.

The Thames River Cruise passes under eight different bridges. These include Westminster Bridge, Hungerford and Golden Jubilee Bridges, Waterloo Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Southwark Bridge, London Bridge and Tower Bridge. You can find out more about each of these bridges below.

Westminster Bridge

Westminster was the third bridge to be built over the Thames, after London and Putney Bridges. The present bridge was opened in 1862, and is painted green to match the seats in the House of Commons.

Hungerford and Golden Jubilee Bridges

Hungerford Bridge was originally a suspension footbridge, but was turned into a railway bridge to serve Charing Cross station. The footbridges on either side were opened in 2022 in celebration of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.

Waterloo Bridge

Waterloo bridge was built mainly by women during the Second World War and is sometimes referred to as “The Ladies Bridge”.

Blackfriars Bridge

Blackfriars bridge was opened in 1869 by Queen Victoria. It has stone pillars shaped like pulpits of a church as a reminder of the 13th century Dominican friary that was once in the area. The friars’ black robes gave the area its name.

Millennium Bridge

Millennium Bridge is a footbridge that was originally opened in June 2000. On the day it opened the bridge started to wobble, so the bridge had to be closed and re-opened two years later. It is still referred to by Londoners as the “Wobbly Bridge”.

Southwark Bridge

Southwark Bridge is London’s least used bridge. This may be because the roads leading up to it are narrow, and people prefer to use nearby London Bridge. The original toll bridge that existed here in 1819 was also unpopular since nearby London Bridge was toll-free at the time.

London Bridge

London Bridge is the oldest river crossing in London, originally built by the Romans in 50AD. Since then it has been rebuilt multiple times. The current bridge was built in 1973 after the previous bridge was dismantled and shipped to Arizona, in the 1960s. London Bridge was once the only crossing on the Thames until Putney Bridge was built in 1729

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is a suspension bridge built between 1886 and 1894. The bridge was built to give better access to the East End of London, which in Victorian times had expanded its potential. The bridge had to be built as a suspension bridge to allow cargo ships to reach warehouses near London Bridge. The bridge still lifts several times a day to allow ships to pass through.

Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Thames river cruise.

How Long Does the Thames River Cruise Take?

A one way cruise from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge takes 30 minutes . If you carry on until Greenwich, it takes 1 hour in total.

Circular cruises from Westminster to Greenwich take 2 hours for the round trip.

Where does the Thames River Cruise Start?

The Thames River Cruise starts at Westminster Pier, however if you book a package which includes the London Eye, you can board at London Eye Pier. The cruise I went on started at Westminster Pier, which is a short walk from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. If you are travelling by tube, the nearest tube station is Westminster.

The photograph below shows the entrance to Westminster Pier.

Once you enter Westminster Pier there are several different boarding points. Check your ticket to find out which boarding point you need.

Is There a Dress Code for Thames River Cruise?

The cruise that I went on did not have a dress code, but there is a dress code for other river cruises. The table below details what dress code is expected for different types of cruise.

Check out the links below to find out what types of river cruise are available.

Do You Need to Book Thames River Cruise in Advance?

You don’t have to book the cruise in advance, but it is recommended that you do in order to avoid the queue, and guarantee a place on the boat. If you haven’t booked a ticket though, you can just turn up at the pier and buy one from the ticket office. I found that there was no difference in price.

If you choose to book a Thames river cruise, you will be given a list of departures times. Although this guarantees you a place on the boat at your chosen time, your ticket will still be accepted on any departure the same day.

What is the Best Thames River Cruise?

If you have never been to London before, I recommend getting the Thames River Cruise from Westminster to Greenwich. If you travel to Greenwich you will see other landmarks such as Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, the Royal Naval College, and the Royal Observatory. You can check the availability for the Thames cruise to Greenwich below.

Is there a Toilet on Thames cruise?

Yes, all the boats have toilets, as well as a fully licensed bar selling hot and cold drinks, and snacks.

Other Relevant Posts

If you are visiting the river Thames you may find the following articles interesting and helpful.

• Why is the River Thames Brown?
• Why is the River Thames Important to London?
• What is a Mudlarking Experience on the River Thames?
• A Guide to the Queen’s Walk Along the River Thames

This Post was About Whether the Thames River Cruise Worth it

Thanks for reading my post about the London river cruise. The cruise is a great way to see many famous landmarks in London, without having to do loads of walking! If you decided to go on a Thames river sightseeing tour, please leave me a comment below and let me know if you thought the Thames river cruise was worth it.

Thursday 30th of March 2023

An excellent article for visitors and locals who have never taken a Thames cruise. Covers every aspect. My best experience was an organised cruise from Westminster to Hampton Court. Took four hours+, the commentary by an elderly boatman who obviously loved the river was entertaining and interesting. It rained of course, and was both hot, sunny and cold at times. Not enough tide to get through the gates at Teddington so had to wait at the lights. Altogether a tremendous experience. A bad experience was a short cruise about 25 years ago in an old tub with commentary by a lad who could barely speak English despite being London born. Embarrassing. Thank you.

Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package on board? Here's what cruise passengers should know.

A latte in the morning here, a piña colada by the pool there. On a cruise, ordering drinks can rack up a steep bill before you know it.

Though beverages like water, regular coffee, iced tea and lemonade are generally included in cruise fares, others cost extra. That’s where drink packages come in handy.

The optional add-ons broaden the range of beverages you can order without worrying about incurring charges each time. But they aren’t always worth it, and it can be cheaper to quench your thirst a la carte.

“What I tell clients is: Do the math on it,” said Rusty Pickett, a travel adviser and owner of Shellback Cruises.

What do cruise drink packages include?

“Each cruise line has a different package system,” Pickett said. The packages typically range from more limited soda or coffee packages to those that cover a wide range of alcohol and other drinks.

Carnival offers a Bottomless Bubbles package that includes sodas and juice. The line’s Cheers! package includes those, plus spirits, beer and wine by the glass priced at $20 or less, specialty coffee and more (guests can order only one drink at a time and are limited to 15 alcoholic drinks in 24 hours). Carnival also offers wine-specific packages. 

Be sure to read the fine print, too, because there are often restrictions. On Royal Caribbean International ships, for example, beverage packages exclude drinks served in licensed Starbucks stores.

How much do cruise drink packages cost?

Beverage packages are typically priced per person, per day and sold for the duration of a cruise. Starting prices vary but can range from $10 to $15 for soda and specialty coffee packages to upward of $100 for those that include alcohol. Pickett also noted that a number of lines have raised drink package prices in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aforementioned Cheers!, Carnival's most comprehensive package, starts at $59.95 per person, per day, while the Bottomless Bubbles package starts at $6.95 for kids and $9.50 for adults. During a recent cruise on the line’s newest ship, Jubilee , cocktails at new venues Dr.Inks, Ph.D., and The Golden Mermaid were priced at $14 a la carte, plus an 18% gratuity charge. Beverage packages generally include gratuities, Pickett said.

The most I racked up in a single day on Jubilee – for two lattes at the ship's JavaBlue Cafe and Marina Bar; two bottles of water in my stateroom; and one cocktail at the Marina Bar that night (plus additional gratuities I added) – was $34.86.

“When (clients) want to talk it through, it's usually about how much you drink per day,” said Valerie Dorsey, a franchise owner and travel adviser at Cruise Planners. “And if you're only going to have one or two drinks, even at $15 a drink, it's still cheaper than buying a $100-a-day package.”

Mainstream cruise lines may offer lower prices if guests purchase a package advance, according to Dorsey (luxury lines tend to include more in their fares, including drinks). Operators may also bundle them as part of other offers.

Even if not for cost savings, Pickett and Dorsey both said some travelers are drawn to drink packages for the convenience. “They're willing to pay money for not being nickeled-and-dimed when they go up to the bar,” Pickett said.

Does everyone in the cabin need to get the drink package?

Often, all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom are required to purchase a drink package if any guest in the cabin buys one, including the Cheers! package and Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package .

Can I buy a drink package midcruise?

Even if you don't buy a drink package beforehand, you're not out of luck. Passengers may be able to buy them after they board, depending on when they make the purchase.

Royal Caribbean, for instance, sells drink packages on the first or second day of cruises four nights or longer; for sailings three nights or less, they're sold only on the first day. Celebrity Cruises (also part of Royal Caribbean Group), meanwhile, sells them up until three days before the end of a cruise.

Prices would be prorated on a per-day basis.

Can I bring my own drinks on a cruise?

Yes, depending on what it is. Beer and hard liquor are not allowed , but guests can bring wine or champagne to enjoy during their sailing – though Dorsey warned they will probably have to pay a corkage fee if they want to drink them outside their cabin.

For example, Princess Cruises charges $20 “should guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the ship’s public areas,” according to its passage contract.

Guests may also be able to bring non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water, sodas and milk, but policies vary by line.

Dorsey also noted that if guests don’t mind going without espresso-based drinks or cocktails, they can opt not to buy a drink package at all. “I say to clients, ‘You don't have to put up extra money on a cruise if you don't want to.’ ”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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How Do You Paddle a Disappearing River?

Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float.

The Rio Grande trickling through the Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park in March. Credit... Ivan Pierre Aguirre for The New York Times

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By Daniel Modlin

Daniel Modlin is a reporter who has covered Far West Texas extensively.

• March 22, 2024

I had barely unbuckled my seatbelt and was already wondering if I had driven six hours across Texas for nothing. A once-in-a-lifetime river adventure had seemingly evaporated with some disappointing news.

It was the promise of a four-day, 33-mile canoe journey in Big Bend National Park, snaking through awe-inspiring canyons on a mighty river, that had lured me across the state. My partner’s brother, Michael Stangl, an occasional guide with Hidden Dagger Adventures , had offered to take me on the Rio Grande, one of the country’s longest rivers, which stretches from central Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico. I had only previously visited Big Bend on foot, and I was excited to see it from the water.

The moment I pulled into Michael’s driveway in Alpine, Texas, after driving there from Austin last April, he told me: We wouldn’t be going through the park anymore.

“Unless you want to go hiking with a canoe, we should run a different part of the river,” he said. Having just returned from that segment of the river — between Rio Grande Village, a small campground within Big Bend, and Heath Canyon Ranch, just outside the park — he said it had been “more work than fun,” and that he had been dragging the canoe for a quarter of a mile at a time over nearly dry riverbeds.

Instead, we would be doing the Temple Canyon route: an 11-mile, two-night, three-day stretch of the Rio Grande following the United States-Mexico border, more than 30 miles from where our original trip was supposed to begin. This different river segment, entirely outside and downstream from Big Bend, was instead within a desert bighorn sheep restoration area known as Black Gap.

Even though I was disappointed, I came to learn that last-minute changes to adventures involving the Rio Grande were common.

“If the river were a heart, it would be flatlining”

The Rio Grande is in peril: Its water is being depleted by farmers and cities , while a climate-change-induced megadrought that has desiccated the American Southwest for more than two decades is threatening hopes of its recovery. In 2022, the river ran dry in Albuquerque for the first time in four decades. In the same year, the picturesque Santa Elena Canyon, one of the most popular sights in Big Bend, also ran dry for the first time in at least 15 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“If the river were a heart, it would be flatlining,” said Samuel Sandoval-Solis, an associate professor at the University of California, Davis, studying water management.

For the West Texan river guides, it’s simply another precarious reality of life in the Chihuahuan Desert. “In my lifetime, I expect river trips to no longer be feasible,” said Charlie Angell of Angell Expeditions , a tour guide service based in Redford, Texas.

For now, those booking paddling tours on the Rio Grande can expect last-minute switch-ups if they want their boats to actually float.

“When guests book over the phone, we tell them, ‘You’re gonna go where we tell you we’re going,’” said Mike Naccarato, the founder of Far West Texas Outfitters , an adventure company based in Presidio, Texas. “And if they still insist on wanting to go to Big Bend National Park when the levels are low, we tell them it’s their choice: We can either do it by dragging the boat up and down the river, or we can go do this very, very pretty trip outside of the park, but still on the Rio Grande, instead.”

While the high season for river trips is typically March through May, and following monsoon season from September through November, local tour operators are struggling to predict when the water levels will be high enough.

“It’s really hard to say anything is normal nowadays — we’ve started calling it ‘non-soon’ season,” said Mr. Naccarato.

Dragging, zigzagging and head-butting

After an hourlong drive with canoes strapped to Michael’s truck, we stood on the edge of the river outside Heath Canyon Ranch, staring at an out-of-commission bridge stretching across the border to Mexico. While the sun was hidden behind clouds, I was already drenched in sweat from lugging the gear-filled canoes to the bank.

It was soon clear our “easier,” 11-mile journey would still be hard work because of the river’s lower-than-normal water levels.

Within about 30 seconds of pushing off, Michael and I reached our first rapid section and I, a river novice, was ill prepared. The lower water levels had left protruding rocks that we would have to navigate. Michael hopped out of his canoe and grabbed my bow. “You’re going to have to angle the nose directly toward that Y, where the river’s splitting and it’s turning white, then tilt the nose quickly right, then quickly left,” he instructed.

My canoe ended up jammed on a gravel bed, and I was forced to hump it over rocks until the river deepened. It happened again and again: At nearly every rapid section — and it felt as if one came around every time I started to gain confidence — my boat ended up beached. I must have spent more time out of my boat pushing it than in it paddling.

Even in sections where the river deepened, it wasn’t easy. Instead of the current pulling us swiftly down the middle, the lower water levels forced our boats to drift in a serpentine formation, back and forth across the banks of the river. The banks provided another problem: For most of our trip, the right bank of the river — the Mexican side — was dominated by carrizo cane. Also known as border bamboo or giant reed, the cane, an invasive species, stretched off the bank for what I estimated as up to 15 feet high.

The turbulent and narrow river dragged my boat right into the cane, which cut up my arms and legs, and clotheslined me into the water. Michael instructed me to — counterintuitively — lean forward into the cane, not away from it. When I heeded his advice, my (unhelmeted) head became a blunt object upon which the cane snapped itself in half. It was significantly better than capsizing.

That night, blistered, bruised and damp, I asked Michael as we sat on our sleeping pads if floating the Rio was always this strenuous and riddled with obstacles. “Not when there’s really water,” he said. In fact, as I later learned, most of the difficulties I encountered (beyond stepping in cow dung near the campsite), could be attributed to the river’s lower water levels and signs of the landscape shifting as a result, said Jeff Bennett, a hydrologist for the Rio Grande Joint Venture , a conservation group that strives to protect the river habitat.

“Boulders, gravel, sand and this invasive cane are no longer getting washed downstream,” Mr. Bennett said in a phone interview. “A flood would remedy all of that.”

A journey worth the bruises

On the last morning of the trip, we salvaged a few soggy sandwiches from the bottom of our coolers and shoved off. The river was calm for the few miles we had left, and we saw turtles called Big Bend sliders sunbathing on the rocks.

The last challenge the river dealt us was leaving it. We floated right past the takeout point, which was shrouded in cane, and we had to paddle back upstream for a quarter of a mile.

Unlike the previous spots on the river where we had pulled our canoes ashore, this one was surprisingly deep, with the river rising to my chest. Instead of a gentle slope, like the places where we had made camp along our journey, the takeout was, more or less, a 60-degree sand dune stretching for 20 yards.

After lugging my boat through the sand, I collapsed, wet, bruised and spent, with only enough energy to dissociate into the cloudless sky.

“We think the river has changed, but really, we have changed the river,” Dr. Sandoval-Solis, the U.C. Davis associate professor, told me months later, when I was back home among my creature comforts, adding that he believed it was still possible to return the river to its once powerful state through proper water management practices. “The river has a much better memory than we do.”

He is correct about its memory: When the rains come, the river remembers its identity as an eons-old canyon carver, even if we know it only as a gasping, dwindling giant.

He is correct about our flawed memory, too. Because when I think of my trip, the cane thwacking me, stepping in cow dung or the change of plans isn’t what I recall first. Instead, I think of lying out under a blanket of stars, passing a bottle of mezcal back and forth in between hands of cards, listening to the brays of burros echoing from cliff to cliff, canyon to canyon, bank to bank. And I want to do it — all of it — again. I just hope there’s enough river for next time.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

America’s Vulnerable Water Systems

Paying the Price: Siemens and other corporations vowed to fix water woes in Mississippi and save cities across the state millions. The deals racked up debt instead , leaving many worse off than before.

A Tax on Groundwater: While American farmers elsewhere can freely pump the water beneath their land, growers in California’s Pajaro Valley pay hefty fees. Experts say the approach is a case study in how to save a vital resource .

A Diet Feeding a Crisis: America’s dietary shift toward far more chicken and cheese in recent decades has taken a major toll on underground water supplies .

First Come, First Served?: As the world warms, California is re-examining claims to its water that are  based on a cherished frontier principle and have gone unchallenged for generations.

Jets Powered by Corn: America’s airlines want to replace jet fuel with ethanol to fight global warming. That would require lots of corn, and lots of water .

Blocking Change :  Groundwater is dwindling in much of the United States, but only a powerful few have a say over its use. Meet the people fighting conservation efforts .

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