So you've decided to go on a river cruise. Great choice! It's a perfect way to explore larger areas in Europe while still being able to enjoy each stop, intimately getting to know its culture, people and wine.
But next come the logistics. Where should I go? What should I see? Who should I take? How far in advance should you book? While there are many possible and great answers to the first three, let us give you our take on how far in advance you should book a river cruise.
Play it Safe, Book Early
In general, it's always best to book a river cruise as early as you can. One of the main advantages of these cruises are their intimacy; you will rarely be on a ship with more than 200 passengers, allowing you to get to know the crew and your fellow passengers intimately.
But that intimacy also means that there are only a limited number of spots available on your river cruise. That's especially true in the summer, when many people choose to vacation, and fall, when the vineyards on the river side are ripe with fruits. Due to the high demand, many river cruises sell out up to a year in advance. Booking early is the only way to ensure that you will get a spot on your preferred route.
For the Risky, Check Late
But that doesn't mean it's your only option. If you're a gambler at heart, you can get some great prices when booking late. At this point, cruise lines are looking to fill up remaining staterooms, and are often lowering their prices in order to do so. If you are willing to travel in a lower deck cabin or during off-season, such as winter and spring, you may get a nice deal when booking at the last minute.
Nonetheless, the drawbacks are considerable. As a wine enthusiast, you likely have very specific destinations in mind - the Douro River in Spain or the Rhine in Germany come to mind. The problem is, other wine lovers are thinking the same thing, and may be booking their place on that same cruise as we speak. So do yourself a favor, and book your river cruise as early as you can. Contact us today for more information about the best wine river cruises in Europe! We offer a complimentary consultation to help you find the perfect trip.
