Mar 24, 20224 min read

River Cruising FAQ

Is this your first river cruise or maybe just first in a while? River cruising is not about the ship, it is about where you go and that makes it very different from an ocean cruise. Coach or private tours will take you to many places but you must change hotels frequently. River cruises are an amazing blend that allows you to call one place home yet see many different cities and even countries.

We have prepared a list of the most often asked questions about river cruising. Keep in mind that the responses are not specific to any one river cruise line. Your travel advisor will help with specifics on the lines.

If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers?

It is not likely, the rivers are calm and the ships experience no waves or rocking which is the primary reason for motion sickness. River ships move slowly and you can see the riverbanks as you travel.

Which meals and beverages are included in the fare?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your river cruise will be included while onboard. Unless it is included in an excursion, you will provide your own meal while in the towns you visit. Lunch and dinner include wine, beer, and soft drinks on most lines. When you select a pre-stay or post-stay as part of a land package, generally breakfast is included. For pre or post land packages more meals may be included. A few lines have beverage packages, most include drinks, including wine and beer, with meals and at times throughout the day.

Pro tip: If you love wine, take a river cruise and explore various wines both while onboard during talks and tastings and on excursions. The beer experiences in Belgium and Germany are quite fun!

Do I make dinner reservations or are there set times for meals?

Breakfast and lunch are offered during a range of times 7:00 to 9:00am for example where dinner onboard is usually in one sitting per meal and no reservations are needed. Seats are generally not assigned, you choose where to sit. Some ships have a specialty dining experience which would require reservations but may or may not be included in the price.

Can you accommodate my food allergies/dietary restrictions?

This one is a bit harder. The answer is yes but it depends on the restriction. Some are great at it, others can accommodate the restrictions but the food is average.

Can I begin wine onboard?

Most of the time yes. In some cases you may drink it at dinner with a corkage fee, in other cases, it is for your consumption within your room

Is there a Gym Onboard?

Many ships have some type of exercise available. Some have treadmills, ellipticals, or stationary bikes, as well as an assortment of free weights. Many will offer complimentary onboard wellness activities like yoga. Many ships in Europe include a fleet of bikes for you to use on your own or with guided bike tours. They may be complementary or rentals.

Do I have to take the excursions offered by the river cruise line or can I explore on my own?

The wonderful thing about river cruises is that you dock right in or near the town. You are free to explore the city on your own. Shore excursions are included on river cruises so the choice is yours. The number of complimentary excursions varies by the cruise line and some cruise lines offer optional excursions as well.

Pro tip: make sure you know what time to be back on the ship if you are wandering on your own or you will be required to find you way to the next port.

What is the dress code?

This varies by cruise line but a general rule is to plan to pack attire that is “Country Club Casual” and something a little dressier to wear to the Captain’s Dinner or an evening concert. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. Europe can be quite warm in the summer, so short sleeve shirts, shorts, skirts, sundresses, and a wide-brimmed hat are good items to pack. Bring a raincoat and warm sweater for chilly evenings, especially in the spring and fall, and warmer clothing and a heavy coat for winter cruises.

Is there a formal night?

This would be unusual on a river cruise.

Is there a doctor on board?

There are no doctors on board but you are close to shore your entire cruise. Should the need arise arrangements can be made with the assistance of ship's crew to get you to a doctor. The cost is at your own expense.

Is there Wifi Onboard?

Yes, and sometimes it is complementary, and sometimes not. Depending on where you are traveling on the cruise there may be spotty reception, for example, when in Africa on the Chobe River or while passing through the locks.

Are the ships wheelchair accessible?

Some are but it is not ideal. Elevators may not go to all of the floors, if they have an elevator and disembarking at the port may be difficult. When traveling in Europe, they do not have ADA standards like in the US so some excursions may not be available or difficult to manage.

Each river cruise line is different. When talking with your travel advisor make sure to discuss what you like to do on vacation. If it is cuisine, for example, your advisor will know which river cruise line is known for cuisine or foodie experiences. The more you tell your advisor, the better you experience will be.

Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull together all the details needed to create memorable, hassle-free trips. We would love to help you too.

Call today at 407-517-4744 to end the frustration of doing it all yourself.

If you enjoyed the article please like it and share it with your friends.

To get notified when I post articles, videos, tips, and giveaways subscribe here.