{"id":54885,"date":"2019-04-03T15:24:10","date_gmt":"2019-04-03T19:24:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/?p=54885"},"modified":"2026-02-27T12:41:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T18:41:09","slug":"river-cruise-travel-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/2019\/04\/03\/river-cruise-travel-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"River Cruise Travel Tips for First Time Cruisers"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>New to river cruising? Here are some tips to consider for first timers!<\/h2>\n<p>River cruises present a diverse offering of destinations, excursions, and experiences, in a more intimate setting that ocean cruises. Never been on a river cruise before? Our river cruise travel tips can help you decide on the cruise that will meet expectations, whether you\u2019re interested in culture, cuisine, history, medieval castles, exotic destinations, or just beautiful European scenery! It&#8217;s important to learn how to dress for a European river cruise, and our river cruise tips and tricks will tell you what you need to know about packing for your trip.<!--more--><\/p>\n<h3>River Cruise Travel Tips<\/h3>\n<p>Is River Cruising for You? Before you book a river cruise, it&#8217;s important to know if this type of cruise is something you can really enjoy. Do you have any physical limitations that would interfere with your ability to enjoy the many walking tours that are part of your cruise? A great number of the streets in the towns and cities you visit will be cobblestone. This can create extremely difficult navigation problems for persons using wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters.<\/p>\n<p>If you suffer from knee, hip, or heart problems, you may find all the walking on the included excursions is difficult for you. Let your mobility be your guide. If your mobility is just slightly limited, but you can walk along on a &#8220;gentle walking&#8221; tour, consider a cruise that offers them. A walking stick or cane may be helpful for a little extra confidence on uneven cobblestone surfaces.<\/p>\n<p>At CruiseExperts.com, we can help you find the European river cruise that falls within the physical limitations you have, or we might recommend a different cruise that can meet all your physical needs.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/river-cruise\/river-cruise-search.php?s=d:;;;;dt:3-2019\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to browse our river cruises!<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Choose the Best River for Your First Cruise<\/h3>\n<p>The Danube River is one of the most popular for cruises and certainly a perfect choice for first-time river sailing. Cruising the Danube provides access to many of Europe&#8217;s exceptional cities, such as Nuremberg, Passau, Linz, Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava. You&#8217;ll also visit charming and quaint villages with cobbled streets, taste local wines, visit medieval towns, and see ancient fortresses and castles.<\/p>\n<p>These are some of the reasons we suggest the Danube to new river cruise travelers. Of course we are more than happy to book your cruise for the Rhine, Seine, Moselle, or other river that appeals to your desires.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h3><picture data-avif-picture=\"1\"><source type=\"image\/avif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/river-cruise-tips-and-tricks-200x200.avif 200w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/river-cruise-tips-and-tricks-400x207.avif 400w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/river-cruise-tips-and-tricks-400x207@2x.avif 800w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/river-cruise-tips-and-tricks.avif 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><img data-avif-wrap=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-54891\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/river-cruise-tips-and-tricks.jpg\" alt=\"river cruise tips and tricks\" width=\"1000\" height=\"517\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/river-cruise-tips-and-tricks.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/river-cruise-tips-and-tricks-400x207.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/picture><\/h3>\n<h3>Choosing the Right Cruise Line<\/h3>\n<p>There are over a dozen river cruise lines cater to the personalities and preferences of the various categories of travelers. The first thing to consider is the overall cost of your cruise and what is important to you. Some river cruises include airfare from a major airport to your departure port. Others include hotels where necessary to accommodate excursion activities. Perhaps you want a luxury cruise where everything is included.<\/p>\n<p>If dining options and beverage are important to you, we can help you get what you want. Are you looking for a romantic cruise? If so, you might want to check out Viking River cruises on the Danube or Avalon Waterways cruise to Amsterdam. Maybe you want an exotic cruise on the Irrawaddy River in Mynamar! The Scenic Aura will take you to beautiful temples and monasteries in Burma. Call us at <a href=\"tel:18888042784\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1.888.804.CRUISE (2784)<\/a> and let us find the right cruise that fills your preferences.<\/p>\n<h3>Set Your River Cruise Budget<\/h3>\n<p>River cruises can be pricey, so it&#8217;s important to know exactly how much you can comfortably afford to spend. That being said, there are often some great deals offered on river cruise, and we are always on the lookout for a great cruise package for you. Although it may cost more for a river cruise, you are getting a lot of perks. You never have to stare at &#8220;just water&#8221; from the deck or your room. You are always cruising past great scenery, historic cities, fields of flowers or crops, and even the occasional castle. Dining is always included as are beverages.<\/p>\n<p>Complimentary excursions often include historic sites, food and wine, homes of great artists, village walking tours, and dozens of other options. As with all cruises, you get the amenities you pay for. If you want a balcony stateroom, all food and drinks options, and all available amenities, expect to pay the highest per day cost.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/river-cruise\/river-cruise-search.php?s=d:;;;;dt:3-2019\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to browse our river cruises!<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Consider Additional Costs<\/h3>\n<p>Since you are taking a European river cruise, your first expense is getting to your departure port. Occasionally certain cruises will offer airfare up to a certain amount. Be willing to pay the difference if you want to fly in higher class seating. Arrive a few ahead to protect yourself in the event of a flight delay, late arriving luggage, adjusting to jet lag, and visiting some other areas prior to arriving at your cruise departure.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h3><picture data-avif-picture=\"1\"><source type=\"image\/avif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/how-to-dress-for-a-european-river-cruise-200x200.avif 200w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/how-to-dress-for-a-european-river-cruise-400x267.avif 400w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/how-to-dress-for-a-european-river-cruise-400x267@2x.avif 800w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/how-to-dress-for-a-european-river-cruise.avif 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><img data-avif-wrap=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-54890\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/how-to-dress-for-a-european-river-cruise.jpg\" alt=\"how to dress for a european river cruise\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/how-to-dress-for-a-european-river-cruise.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/how-to-dress-for-a-european-river-cruise-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/picture><\/h3>\n<h3>Fly Comfortable Business Class<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, it does cost more to fly business class, but you will have room for your legs and larger comfortable seats. Some airlines offer economy plus or economy extra. These and similar programs are not as pricey as business class but certainly offer more comfort than economy for your long flight. Your vacation begins when you sit down on your flight. Don&#8217;t arrive with cramped legs, back spasms, and a headache. Comfortable airfare should be part of your budget.<\/p>\n<h3>Don&#8217;t Overpack<\/h3>\n<p>Overpacking is a common mistake. Choose items to pack that can serve a double purpose and can be hand-washed. Quick drying fabrics are popular for traveling and can reduce the amount of clothing you need. You&#8217;re not going to a fashion show, and you want to bring clothes that are comfortable and practical. You will be walking on cobbled streets in many areas, so bring comfortable shoes. Don&#8217;t bring anything you can do without.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/river-cruise\/river-cruise-search.php?s=d:;;;;dt:3-2019\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to browse our river cruises!<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Passports and Documents<\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s important to have at least six-month&#8217;s validity in your passport. Many countries want to see that your passport is not any closer than that to the expiration date. If you need visas, be sure those are also in order.<\/p>\n<p>The staff here at CruiseExperts.com have taken river cruises and know just how to advise you and answer all your questions. We want to help you plan your first cruise to be sure it is the best vacation you could imagine. There is never a charge for our services.<\/p>\n<p>We can answer all your questions, book plane flights (when needed), hotels, your cruise, excursions, and more. Our job is to lesson your workload, save you money and time, eliminate guesswork, and give you more time to enjoy your amazing cruise.<\/p>\n<p>Call us today at <a href=\"tel:18888042784\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1.888.804.CRUISE (2784)<\/a>, and let us make your first European River Cruise a reality.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Visit our webpage at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CruiseExperts.com<\/a>, and check out our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CruiseExperts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook page<\/a>\u00a0and join the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/innercircle.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">InnerCircle<\/a>\u00a0for\u00a0\u00a0exclusive offers. Our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/resource-center\/resource-center.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Resource Center<\/a>\u00a0gives you all the \u201cexpert\u201d knowledge you\u2019ll need for your next cruise or cruise tour!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New to river cruising? Here are some tips to consider for first timers! River cruises present a diverse offering of destinations, excursions, and experiences, in a more intimate setting that ocean cruises. Never been on a river cruise before? Our river cruise travel tips can help you decide on the cruise that will meet expectations, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/2019\/04\/03\/river-cruise-travel-tips\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  River Cruise Travel Tips for First Time Cruisers<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":54892,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[1858,1857,1856],"class_list":["post-54885","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips-2","tag-how-to-dress-for-a-european-river-cruise","tag-river-cruise-tips-and-tricks","tag-river-cruise-travel-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54885","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54885"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54885\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54892"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54885"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54885"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54885"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}