River Cruises

There’s a lot of interesting things to uncover about river cruising, and a lot of incredible destinations waiting to discover; although, if you have some burning questions about this unique holiday experience, here are a few of the most common frequently asked questions answered – because, it’s useful to know what river cruising is all about ahead of booking your next adventure!

What rivers can I cruise on?

Typically, the rivers included on river cruise itineraries include:

• Danube
• Rhine
• Douro
• Seine
• Mekong

You’ll also find smaller rivers, offshoots of the major waterways mentioned above, included on river cruise itineraries; and, on some occasions, you may come across a river cruise sailing along the Nile, Mississippi, the Yangtze, and more - although, these aren’t as common.

What is the best time to go on a river cruise?

River cruising is at its most popular during the summer months, when you can make the most of the gorgeous weather. You’ll find many cruise lines offering themed itineraries during these months, such as wine-tasting cruises along the Rhine and Douro rivers. Winter, though, has its own highlights, with Christmas market river cruises often popular.

What is the average cost of a river cruise?

This is something that often changes and is entirely dependent on a number of important factors – such as, the river cruise line you choose to sail with, the length of your chosen itinerary, any additional costs and extras you choose to pay for, and where in the world you’re river cruising through. It’s, therefore, hard to give a definitive answer to questions on the average cost of a river cruise.

You can find out more about river cruising on a budget here, though, if you’re concerned about cost.

Is a balcony worth it on a river cruise?

Absolutely! There’s nothing quite like sitting and admiring the stunning riverside scenery while sailing along some of the world’s most interesting waterways. And, you’ll find several cruise lines offer river cruise itineraries aboard river cruise ships where the majority of staterooms come with a standard balcony or French balcony. So, if you’re looking for a balcony on your river cruise, you’ll have a great chance of booking a stateroom with one – provided you don’t leave it until the last minute!

What age group is river cruises for?

While river cruises are primarily enjoyed by people in their 50s and 60s, these experiences are for everyone to enjoy and you’ll find a lot of fun to be had on a river cruise – whatever age you are! And, although children are often allowed onboard, they’re not aimed at children and you’re unlikely to find any child-focused or family-friendly amenities onboard. So, perhaps consider the other family cruises available instead.

Can you wear jeans on a river cruise?

Yes, you can! Jeans are perfectly acceptable as part of the relaxed dress code aboard a river cruise; however, you may want to double-check the evening dress code aboard your river cruise ship, as they might be less acceptable where a more smart-casual dress code is observed. So, if you want to wear a nice pair of jeans, go for it! Just consider bringing a pair or two of smarter trousers too – just in case.

If you’re a seasoned ocean cruiser, but you want to know more about river cruising, you can find out more about the two compared right here: River vs Ocean Cruising