Why should I choose a river cruise?
River cruises are quickly becoming the hot new way to explore Europe, and the Rhine River is one of the main arteries through central Europe, providing access to some of the most popular attractions in the region. Once you board your riverboat, you won't have to worry about anything else – unpack your bags and settle into your room for the duration of the excursion and enjoy the various destinations and gourmet cuisine included in the price tag. Some boats even offer free bicycle rentals to explore the towns along the way.
What should I look for on a riverboat?
Riverboats are a relatively new way to explore the Rhine River, so they haven't quite reached five star status due to space constrictions and limited amenities. However, that doesn't mean that they aren't comfortable, and some of the finer vessels are quite luxurious. You can expect to enjoy incredible views from the panoramic sun deck and get to know the other passengers in the multiple social areas, like the ample dining room and bar. You can get a room in varying styles and classes as well, and some vessels even feature spas, fitness centers, or pools.
How do I choose a riverboat?
With close to 30 classic longboats to choose from, the choice might seem overwhelming. Fortunately, most of these vessels offer the same basic amenities and atmosphere - each one has a panoramic sun deck, multiple social lounges, elegant dining areas, and friendly crews. The more luxurious vessels also might feature a pool, spa, gift shop, and fitness room. Since most boats have fixed itineraries, the easiest way to choose a vessel is to decide which cruise best suits your interest and then choose from the few vessels that offer that itinerary. Contact us if you need guidance in selecting the best boat for you.
How do I choose my cabin?
Unlike on the ocean liners which may have over 10 categories of cabins, river vessels tend to have only a handful of options. Almost all cabins will be nearly luxurious (a benefit of the boom in the industry and increased competition). Try to avoid cabins by noisy areas like elevators, staircases, restaurants, bars, lounges, and rooms above the engines. If you are looking for a more spacious room, ask about your ship’s suites. Keep in mind, suites don't necessarily connect. In the river cruise language, a 'suite' refers to a master cabin that offers a bit more space and in-room amenities.
Should I get a room with a balcony?
While the Rhine River is one of Europe's most scenic waterways, a room with a balcony isn't a necessary expense when you consider that it will likely cut into the floorspace of your cabin and you have an expansive and comfortable sundeck where you can take in the breathtaking panoramic views. If you get a balcony, you will end up paying hundreds of dollars more on the overall ticket price. Instead, book a room with floor-to-ceiling windows, windows that open, or we can help you find a vessel that features a "French balcony" (a sliding glass door that converts your whole room into a "balcony."
How do meals work in Rhine river cruises?
All of your meals will be a mouthwatering mix of local and international flavors. The Rhine River is famous for its traditional central European cuisine, which you will have plenty of opportunities to sample throughout your cruise. Itineraries offer a relaxed pace, however, river cruises tend to be fairly structured with timing and don't allow a lot of wiggle room for flexibility. You will find that the less you have to worry about logistics, the more time you will have to actually enjoy. For many travelers, that's one of the major appeals - the itinerary is set and organized, and all you have to do is show up, no need to spend hours planning. That also means that you should arrive on time to the breakfast and lunch buffets, and your sit-down dinner.
What will I visit on a Rhine river cruise?
If you want to see all that central Europe has to offer, then a Rhine River cruise is the best way to do so. As the main artery from Switzerland, through Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, it offers travelers a scenic journey through some of Europe's most enticing cultural & historic capitals. If you choose a longer cruise that joins the Danube River, then you will also visit eastern European gems like Hungary, Austria, and Romania.
What is there to do and see?
The Rhine River cruises are among the most active cruises we feature in Europe, with many diverse and engaging options for you to experience this culturally rich part of the continent. You will have opportunities to visit castles, palaces, and cathedrals that reflect the high points of Baroque, Renaissance, and classical architecture; explore the Roman ruins and archaeological sites dating back thousands of years; taste some of the region's finest wines; stop by quaint local villages; try the beer and pretzels that have made Germany famous; bike and hike through the picturesque mountains and storybook forests; and marvel at the seamless blend of the ancient and modern edifices of the major cities. A December tour will even acquaint you with the unique traditional Christmas markets of central Europe.
For how long should I go on a Rhine river cruise?
While we do offer cruises as short as 4- or 5-days, the most popular itineraries are 7 or 8 days. If you do choose a 4-day itinerary, you will likely visit just one or two destinations on the cruise before departing; these are great extensions to other trips through Europe, but generally don't stand alone as a great value or opportunity to really see & experience Europe. Week-long cruises, on the other hand, are an excellent balance of exploration, adventure, and destinations. Each cruise visits a new destination every day or two, meaning that within a week, you could travel from Amsterdam all the way to the heart of Germany. Our ultimate cruises range from 14- to 20-days and offer a comprehensive way to visit all of the major destinations in the Rhine Valley and perhaps even some stops along the beautiful blue Danube.
Do Rhine river cruises ever visit destinations that aren't on the river?
Definitely! Germany and the Rhine Valley are full of incredible sites and destinations, but they aren't all on the river's shores. To get to the more isolated destinations, your vessel will dock at a port, from which point you can take a luxury coach to the destination. The bus fare is included in your ticket price already.
Are Rhine river cruises a good family vacation?
Absolutely! Rhine river cruises can be an engaging way to see central Europe with your whole family. Just make sure that if beer tasting or wine tasting is a feature of the tour that all of the family is 18 or older. If you are traveling with younger children, then the more active tours are the best option. Check out our family travel article for more information.
What is rafting and should I expect it?
Due to the increasing number of river cruises on the Rhine, you might come to a port where you will need to "raft". Rafting is when ships line up next to each other because the port is not big enough to accommodate all of the ships docked there. When this happens, you may have to walk over the other ships to de-board. Don't worry - this is common and should not make you feel uncomfortable. Do note that sometimes ships will raft overnight, so when you wake up in the morning, it's possible that your window view will be temporarily obstructed by a neighboring ship.
Do Americans and Canadians need a passport and visa to travel to the Rhine River?
All citizens of North America traveling to Europe need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. In recent years, it has not been necessary to apply for a visa before traveling to Europe if you plan to stay less than three months, however, this situation may change in the future. See current European visa requirements.
Do Rhine cruises offer wheelchair accessibility?
While some river cruise vessels do have wheelchair ramps, people with physical disabilities tend to find river cruises very difficult for several reasons:
- Getting off the ship often requires walking down a gangway.
- Some parts of the ship (even those with elevators) might not be wheelchair accessible.
- Tours are walking-heavy, and many of the old towns in Europe have difficult walking surfaces like cobblestone streets.
Will I have to pay port taxes and other fees?
Don't be surprised by these additional fees! Although they are only about $150-$200 total, no one likes to be caught off guard by a port tax. Some cruise operators include these in their ticket price, while others leave it to you to pay. Just make sure to ask us whether or not these are included in your itinerary price and we will let you know.
How does tipping work on Rhine river cruises?
Leaving gratuities for service staff is always discretionary - no one will know if you do or do not and how much you leave is up to you. However, you should note that tips are an expected and appreciated custom on Rhine River cruises, so here are a few courtesy guidelines to help inform your decision:
- $20 per guest per day of the cruise can be left for the crew and ship staff, either in cash or on your card at the end of the trip.
- Tour guides appreciate a $3-$5 tip depending on how long their tour is.
- Tip bus drivers around $1 per ride per passenger.
- For a 7-day cruise for two people, budget around $400 for gratuities.
Will I get seasick on a river cruise?
You'll find that there isn't a lot of rocking on the Rhine River vessels. The river is fairly tranquil, and you aren't being affected by waves or tides like you might on small ship cruises in open water. If you do get seasick easily, don't let that deter you from a river cruise. Dramamine or motion sickness wrist bands are usually plenty to combat the minimal swaying you might detect on a river cruise.
Is smoking allowed on Rhine river cruises?
If you are a smoker, please note that most ships restrict smoking to designated areas of the sun deck (if they allow it at all). Make sure to check with us before booking to be sure. Smoking indoors, including in your cabin, is forbidden. You might also encounter certain smoking restrictions at various visitor sites and in certain areas of the towns and cities visited during your cruise.
Will my Rhine riverboat have WiFi?
Most but not all Rhine Riverboats have WiFi. Most, especially the newer riverboats, have free WiFi access in your room, a few charge, and some have reception only on deck and not in the rooms. It's important to check with your Adventure Life representative to confirm that your riverboat of choice has WiFi onboard.
What kind of power outlets are there? Will I need a converter?
Unlike North America, which runs on 110v power, Europe uses 220v power. You probably won't need a power converter since most devices are built to handle both voltages. You will need a plug adapter for the European style plugs with two round prongs.
How can I save money on a river cruise?
If you want to save money on a Rhine River cruise, your best bet is consulting our deals page frequently to see what the latest promotions are for various destinations. Or you can tell one of our Europe travel experts where you'd like to go and we'll let you know as new deals are offered. DON'T try to save money by getting cheaper cabins, since these also offer less space and occasionally less comfort.
Why should I book with Adventure Life?
The bottom line: Booking with us secures you the best access to exclusive deals and excellent service. Sure, you can plan your trip independently, but since we work with the cruise operators directly, they tell us when they have discounts that we can share with you.
And of course, it's always helpful to have someone to call if you have any doubts, and we are always happy to answer your questions.
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