River Cruise Questions Answered

If you enjoy towns, history, food and scenery, and like the idea of seeing several places without packing and unpacking, a river cruise is well worth considering. It suits people who prefer a calm, sociable atmosphere to big ship entertainment. It is less suited to anyone after beach time, nightlife or a holiday with young children, as some lines, including Viking, only accept adults.

European river cruises generally run from spring to December. April and May bring blossom and fresher temperatures, summer is the warmest and busiest period, and September and October are lovely for the grape harvest and autumn colour. Late November and December cruises focus on the Christmas markets, which are wonderfully atmospheric but cold, so pack warm layers.

The Rhine and the Danube are the most popular first choices for good reason. The Rhine has castles, vineyards and the Middle Rhine gorge, while the Danube takes in Vienna, Budapest and the Wachau Valley. For France, the Seine pairs Paris with Normandy and the Rhône brings Provence and Burgundy. The Douro in Portugal is a favourite with wine lovers.

A week to ten days is the most common length in Europe and gives a good feel for a river without feeling rushed. If you have more time, longer journeys connect several rivers, such as the Danube, Main and Rhine, and let you watch the landscape and culture change from east to west. Many people also add a few nights in a city before or after.

For most European river cruises, British travellers need a valid passport that meets the entry rules of the countries visited. Rules for travel to Europe have been changing, including new digital entry checks, so always look at the latest UK government travel advice for each country before you go. Routes outside Europe, such as Egypt, may need a visa.

Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance taken out as soon as you book. Make sure it covers cancellation, medical treatment abroad and any existing medical conditions, and check that it includes cruise cover. Our booking terms and those of the cruise line will set out any insurance requirements, and we are happy to talk through what to look for.

River ship staterooms are smaller than hotel rooms, because the ships have to fit through locks and under bridges, but they are cleverly designed with good storage. Most lines offer a choice of grades, from rooms with a window to French balconies and full verandas, and some ships have two room suites. On Viking ships, every stateroom faces the river.

River cruising is relaxed. During the day, comfortable clothes and good walking shoes are all you need. In the evening most guests wear smart casual clothing, such as trousers and a shirt or a dress, and there are usually no formal nights. Viking, for example, has no formal nights at all, so there is no need to pack a dinner jacket.

Bring layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable, well-worn walking shoes, as you will often be on cobbles. A small daypack, sunglasses and a hat are useful in summer, and gloves and a warm coat are essential for Christmas market cruises. Storage on board is limited, so a soft bag that slides under the bed is easier than several large cases.

Evenings are gentle. There is usually a briefing on the next day's port, a leisurely dinner, and perhaps live music or a local performer in the lounge. Some nights the ship sails after dinner and you can watch the lights of a town drift past from the sun deck. Most people turn in reasonably early, ready for the morning's excursion.

Most river ships have Wi-Fi, and on Viking it is free. Expect it to be fine for messages, email and browsing, but slower in remote stretches, valleys and locks. Your mobile phone will also work in most places along European rivers, but check your network's roaming charges before you travel, as they vary between providers.

Hardly at all. Rivers are calm, so there is no rolling like you might feel at sea. You may notice a slight vibration from the engines or the gentle bump of the ship entering a lock, but seasickness is very rarely a problem on a river cruise.

This varies between cruise lines. Viking includes one shore excursion in every port of call on its European river cruises, typically a guided walking or coach tour, and offers optional extra tours at an additional cost. Other lines take different approaches, and we will explain exactly what is included for any cruise we quote.

You do not need to be especially fit, but you should be happy walking for an hour or two at a gentle pace. Old towns often have cobbles, hills and steps, and some tours involve climbing to a castle or viewpoint. Cruise lines usually grade their excursions by activity level, so you can pick the ones that suit you.

Of course. Because river ships usually moor close to the centre, it is easy to step ashore and wander independently. You might join the included tour in the morning and spend the afternoon at your own pace, browsing a market, visiting a museum or finding a café. Just keep an eye on the all aboard time.

In most places very close, often within a short walk of the old town. In some larger cities, such as Paris, Vienna or Budapest, the moorings can be further out or busier, and the cruise line may provide a coach or shuttle. On Viking's Seine ships, the Paris mooring is a short walk from the Eiffel Tower.

Occasionally, high water after heavy rain or low water during a dry summer means a ship cannot pass a bridge or a shallow stretch. The cruise line may then change the order of ports, take guests between stops by coach or move everyone onto a sister ship. It is not common, and the line keeps guests informed throughout.

It is often a good idea, especially if your cruise starts or ends in a city like Amsterdam, Budapest, Paris or Prague. A couple of extra nights let you see the sights without rushing and give you a buffer if flights are delayed. Many cruise lines offer pre and post cruise hotel stays, and we can quote for these at the same time.

River Cruise World is run by Westgate Travel, an independent travel agency in Talbot Green, South Wales. We act as an agent for the cruise lines we feature, starting with Viking River Cruises. Your booking is made directly with the cruise line, and we look after you from your first question through to departure.

Call us on 0333 405 0191 or email enquiries@rivercruiseworld.co.uk with the cruise or river you are interested in, your preferred dates, the number of travellers and any stateroom preference. We will check live availability with the cruise line and send you a written quotation, so you have every detail in writing and can reply in your own time.

Yes, that is a big part of what we do. We can suggest the best month for a particular river, flag sailings that run into the Christmas markets or harvest season, and explain the real difference between a French balcony, a veranda and a suite. We will be honest if a cheaper grade would suit you just as well.

Deposit amounts, balance due dates and cancellation charges are set by the cruise line, not by us, and they can differ between cruise lines and sailings. We confirm the exact terms in writing when we send your quotation, so you know exactly what is due and when before you commit to anything.

Cruise lines set their own fares and offers, and we quote the fare available from the cruise line for your chosen date and stateroom at the time you ask. Prices change with availability, so we always confirm them in writing. What we add is independent advice and someone to email whenever you have a question.

Yes, of course. Our number is 0333 405 0191 and you will speak to someone who knows river cruising, not a call centre. If you prefer, email enquiries@rivercruiseworld.co.uk instead. Either way we will follow up with a written quotation so you have the prices, options and booking details to hand.