You've decided to take the plunge on an exotic wine river cruise. Now comes the fun part, planning your trip! These river cruise tips will make you sure you have a great experience on your European river cruise.
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For the Best Selection, Book Early: This cannot be stressed enough! Once you decide you're going to take a river cruise, book it. You will get the best rate, plus you will ensure your reservation. Unlike ocean liners, river cruises only hold about 100 to 200 people so space is very limited. Cruise dates between May and September sometimes sell out a year in advance so it pays to plan ahead, particularly if you want a balcony stateroom on a popular itinerary. Many cruise lines offer special discounts if you book your cruise early.
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To Save Money, Avoid Peak Season: The peak season for European river cruises falls between May and late September, and prices are at a premium during that time. If you can book your trip between October and April, you'll save some money on your cruise fare and air fare. Plus, you'll avoid crowds in tourist areas and get more of a local feel while on your excursions. I recently traveled on the Rhone river in November and enjoyed the light crowds at all of our stops.
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Book with a Travel Agent: While travel agents might seem dated, when you're booking a river cruise you really want to consider the option of booking through one. A knowledgeable travel agent will be able to guide you toward the right cruise for what you want to see, and be able to give you first hand information about ships, itineraries and other options.
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Pack Light: River cruises are generally less formal than ocean cruises, so ladies don't need to worry about a formal evening dress and men don't need to pack their suits. Review your ship's dress code ahead of time, and only pack what you need to pack. There is no need to dress more formally than is suggested. These ships are small, so you should limit yourself to no more than two pieces of luggage.
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Plan to Arrive at Least One Day Before Your Cruise Departure: When you're traveling all the way to Europe, make sure to plan at least an extra day or two at your port of call before you board your cruise. This will give you time to recover from jet lag. If your flight is delayed, you won't have to stress about making it to the port in time for your embarkation.
- Check Our Special Theme Cruises. Many river cruise lines offer special theme cruises for travelers with special interests. Themes include wine, beer, chocolate, history, and even knitting. Your travel agent can help you find a cruise that's perfect for you.
