River cruising has beco­­me increasing­­ly more popular in recent years. Cruisers are now seeing the value and benefits offered by river cruising compared to conventional land-based holiday and ocean cruises.

There are many river cruise lines offering a wide range of destinations at both luxury and budget prices. 

In this guide to river cruising, we explain everything you need to know about river cruises, including what to expect on board, what's included and where you can sail.

The River Cruise Experience

The image of river cruising may conjure up long and boring trips between ports, but this is not the case. River ports are close together and the sailing time between each port is short. You spend most of the time docked and it's not uncommon to visit multiple ports in a day or have overnight stays in a port. One of the best parts of river cruising is that you usually dock in the heart of your destination, meaning all the major tourist spots are literally on your doorstep. There are no long security lines to get on and off the ship. It's like staying in a floating hotel: you can come and go as you please.

You will not have any "sea days" on a river cruise, but you may have a scenic sailing morning or afternoon, accompanied by commentary over the ship's speakers. This is one of our favourite parts of river cruising: sailing past rolling vineyards and past beautiful Disney-like castles. It's a wonderful experience.

Seasickness is non-existent on river cruises. The rivers are smooth and calm. It's only when docking or going through a lock that you feel any movement at all.

River Cruise Companies

As the industry continues to grow, so too is the number of river cruise companies. There is a wide range of companies offering different experiences to different markets.

Most river cruise companies fall into the premium or luxury category. These are generally more expensive. Most lines offer complimentary onboard extras such as wi-fi, beer and wine with meals, and some shore excursions.

There is a smaller range of companies that offer more affordable options, such as CroisiEurope and Gate 1 Travel. We sailed earlier this year with CroisiEurope on the beautiful Loire Princesse for a budget line. We were truly impressed with the ship, the crew, and the wonderful food.

What's Onboard a River Cruise?

Most river ships are similar in shape and size, due to the height and width restrictions on rivers. Whilst the ships look similar on the outside, the real difference is what's inside: the onboard experience and the service you receive.

All river ships feature a large sundeck on the top of the boat. On the sundeck, you will usually find plenty of loungers. Some also feature a bar, games (golf, for example), a hot tub, or even a pool.

Indeed, pools are becoming more popular on river ships. Some river cruise lines, such as AmaWaterways, Crystal River Cruises, A'Rosa, and Emerald, feature sizeable pools, either on the top deck or in a solarium. Avalon Waterways features a hot tub on the top deck.

Inside, you will find a lounge with large panoramic windows and a restaurant.

Other features vary depending on the line, but other common features include a small gym and a small spa or sauna.

River Cruise Cabins

Cabins on river ships range in size and style. All feature a least a window. Cabins are sized between 14 and 16 square meters, while suites tend to be around 20 square meters.

There are four types of cabins on a river cruise:

• Lower deck cabin with a porthole window: These have a porthole window high up on the wall to let in light. You won't see much from this window.

• Upper deck cabin with a French balcony or standard balcony: These are higher up and feature either a standard balcony, which you can walk onto, or a French balcony, which is a large window that opens to let in air.

• Suites with a French balcony or standard balcony: There is a wide range of suites available, from single rooms to multiple rooms.

You may be quick to book an upper deck cabin, but think about how much time you will spend in the cabin. Most cruises feature portions of scenic sailing, so we love to spend time in our cabin with the balcony open. Bear in mind that even if you do have a balcony or window when docked, you may be facing a wall or another river ship. River ships are usually parked or stacked next to each other in busier ports, meaning that sometimes you need to enter another ship to get to port. This is one of the unique things about river cruising. It's great to get a glimpse of the other ships as you pass through.

Life Onboard a River Cruise

Life onboard a river cruise is much calmer than ocean cruising.

But slower and calmer does not mean boring. In fact, river cruises can be jam-packed with excursions and experiences in port. Some days, river ships will visit two or three ports, meaning there is plenty to see and do each day.

Cruise lines such as Avalon Waterways and Emerald Waterways offer active cruises. We've done cruises with both companies and they are really fantastic. From cycling around cities to scenic hikes and canoeing, there is so much on offer.

River cruises are not at all boring. On our first river cruise, we were exhausted each evening from the active excursions and multiple tours in each port. After dinner, we were ready for bed to be refreshed for the next day’s adventure.

Excursions

The ports and destinations are the real stars of river cruising; the time spent in port is much longer than ocean cruises. You may find yourself doing multiple tours in a day.

Most river cruises include at least one complimentary shore excursion per port in their fares. These range from basic walking tours to full-day experiences.

Additional excursions and alternative experiences are available to buy. These are usually tours in smaller groups and offer a premium experience. For example, you can do wine tasting, cooking, helicopter flights, theatre and opera visits, or tours further away from the port.

If you are docked overnight or into the evening, you can also enjoy the nightlife of the port, including theatres, restaurants, and bars. Evening excursions to opera performances is a popular activity on many river cruises on the Danube.

If group tours are not your thing, you can choose to visit a port yourself. You are docked right in the centre of your destination and you can easily walk around or use local transport. The reception desk will be happy to offer any advice on what to do in a port.

Bikes are a regular feature on river ships and cycling while the ship is in port is a great way to see a city. You can choose one of many cycling excursions or take the bike on a self-guided tour. If your ship is taking in multiple ports in a day, a popular activity is to cycle between the ports. Just let the ship know you will be doing this and you will meet them at the next port.

Onboard Entertainment

Even though the ships do not have large theatres, waterslides, or multiple bars, there is still plenty of entertainment and activities on board.

Almost all river lines will bring onboard local performers and entertainers during the cruise. The lounge will also host talks, quizzes, and sometimes karaoke evenings.

Many river lines now focus on wellness and will feature yoga, core exercises, and meditation classes on the sun deck each day.

Dining

Dining onboard is a big part of a river cruise. Whilst there are not multiple restaurants or extensive buffets, there is still a great variety of dining options. For the most part, the food matches the standard of speciality dining on ocean cruises. Many ships make a point of sourcing ingredients locally from each port, reflecting the region you are sailing through.

Generally, the restaurant will feature a buffet for breakfast and lunch and a sit-down four-course dinner in the evening. The specifics vary between the different river lines.

Evening dinner is a set time with all passengers dining together. Seating is open, meaning you are not assigned a table and can sit wherever and with whoever you like.

Beyond the main restaurant and outside of the dining times, there are very few alternative dining options. Currently, only AmaWaterways and Scenic offer specialty restaurants. You may find a small buffet station in the lounge serving light fare during mealtimes and cookies or muffins at the drinks station.

Room service is not a common feature on river lines. If a company does offer it, it’s usually only during mealtimes or for suite guests.

We like to bring some snacks on board for our room if we feel hungry between mealtimes. Alternatively, don't be afraid to enjoy a meal in port if your ship is docked overnight.

Drinks

Most river cruise lines serve complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks during mealtimes. A-Rosa, Scenic, and Uniworld offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at all times; many others offer drinks packages for an extra fee.

Complimentary water, tea, and coffee are available 24 hours a day.

What's Included on a River Cruise

River cruises tend to have more included than ocean cruises. Some of the most common features are excursions, wi-fi, and drinks. What’s included varies between each river cruise line, so check what is included when you are booking.

Destinations

Europe is by far the most popular destination for river cruises. Whatever river you choose, your cruise will be full of history, culture, food, and wine. Expect to see many castles, historic palaces, and stunning gardens. You can also find some fantastic food-and wine-themed cruises on Europe's rivers. There are many rivers to choose from, including:

• The Rhine, Main, & Moselle

• The Danube

• The Rhône & Saône

• The Duro

Asia is becoming more popular for river cruising. Cruise through exotic culture and history. This is a fantastic way to see a lesser-travelled region in comfort. The most popular Asian rivers include:

• The Yangtze

• The Mekong

• The Nile

Rivers in the US continue to attract travellers seeking an authentic slice of Americana. Discover the music, cuisine, and culture of America’s oldest rivers. Popular river cruises include:

• The Mississippi River

• The Columbia & Snake

• Alaska Waterways

•   Hudson River Valley

Passengers

Most ships carry 60-200 passengers, so they are much more intimate than an ocean liner. By the first evening, you will know your crew and fellow passengers very well. This may be attractive to you if you don't like the size of ocean liners and are looking for a cosier sailing experience. We found passengers on all our river cruises to be very friendly and welcoming. On every cruise we have been on, we have made friends that we still keep in touch with.

Who Goes on River Cruises?

It's true that river cruises are an attractive option for older travellers. You will find that the age onboard is usually over 50, but there are some exceptions to this.

Many river lines are trying to attract younger cruisers. Avalon Waterways and Emerald Waterways all feature "active cruises," which are more attractive to younger cruisers. U by Uniworld is also aiming its product at younger cruisers, with new ships that feature trendy decor and unique excursions. AmaWaterways is focusing several of its ships on families, making it more of a multi-generational cruise line.

Are Children Allowed on River Cruises?

Some river lines are adults-only. Others may allow children, but the experience is not fully tailored to them.

However, recently there has been a rise in river cruises for families. Uniworld, Vantage, CroisiEurope, and A-Rosa have dedicated cruises for families that feature kids’ clubs and children's activities. Plus, AmaWaterways have launched sailings with Adventures by Disney and have designed ships with families in mind.