A First Timer’s Guide to River Cruising

My first river cruise was nearly two decades ago, and I have since joined several friends and family members on their first river cruises. Some of us had primarily taken ocean cruises before, some had previously preferred to travel by land, and some had never been out of the country. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way for how to prepare new river cruisers for their first trip:

1. Your trip is what you make of it
There are great itineraries out there, but don’t forget that this is your trip. Have something you’ve always wanted to do in a certain city that’s not on the itinerary? Skip the scheduled excursions and explore your way—Uniworld’s front desk team or Cruise Manager may even be able to help you out with some pointers, transportation, or a reservation.

On my recent Enchanting Danube cruise, for example, I knew I wanted to join the early-entry private visit of Vienna’s art history museum, but also wanted some time to sit in a Viennese cafe. I joined for the first part of the excursion, then let my guide know that I’d be skipping the second half (a walking tour) and would find my own way back to the ship. She helpfully pointed me in the direction of some good cafes, and I spent the rest of the morning with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

2. Take it easy
You may feel the need to make the most of every moment, but remember it’s ok to relax and let the crew pamper you. River cruisers know that one of the best parts about this travel style is hanging out on the sun deck and watching the landscapes float by. Breathe in the fresh air and ask for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine to be brought to you.

Alternatively, take a nap in your room with the curtains open. The view is still amazing, and it’s so calming to lie in those ultra-comfy beds and admire the scenery.  It’s honestly one of the things I most look forward to when I’m getting ready to go on a river cruise.

3. Make friends... or don’t. It’s entirely up to you!
It’s easy to connect with your fellow travelers on a river cruise. Many people onboard are excited to make new friends. Try chatting on the coach ride to an excursion or asking to join a dinner table with empty seats. If you prefer to keep to yourself, it’s just as comfortable to take that route too. I’ve had some cruises where I get to know half the ship (it turns out talking to fellow travelers is a great way to get inspiration and tips for future trips). There have also been times when my partner and I don’t feel super social and just want to spend the whole time enjoying each other’s company. Nobody thinks you’re rude about it, they already have plenty of other people to talk to onboard.

4. Don’t expect a fussy crowd
I’ve had a fair few friends and family members wonder if they should expect a reserved, fancy atmosphere and pack their nicest clothes to wear throughout the trip. My answer to that is always a resounding “no.” I’ve typically found the atmosphere on a river cruise to be convivial and relaxed. People like to have fun—they're on vacation, after all—and are typically dressed in comfortable or sporty clothing.

5. But take the excuse to dress up if you like
Though it is by no means a requirement, I like to dress up a little bit for dinner, especially the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions. To keep my packing light, most nights I keep the outfit change simple (swap my jeans for slacks or slip on a pair of heels and some jewelry). I’ll also pack two nicer outfits for the Captain’s Dinner. Nothing too formal—though if that’s your style, you won’t be the only one onboard—but I like the rare opportunity to wear a cocktail dress or a suit.

6. Expect (relatively) small staterooms
Compared to your average hotel room, a river cruise stateroom may feel tight. This has never really bothered me, and other passengers I’ve talked to tend to agree. When onboard, I spend most of my free time up on the sundeck so I can watch the landscapes float by. Plus, the staterooms are very comfortable for their size and feature an ever-changing view right outside the window. River cruising staterooms are also designed to utilize as much space as possible. Your suitcase, for example, will slot right in under the bed, and there is plenty of drawer, closet, and counter space for storing your items.

If it matters enough to you though, I suggest sizing up to a suite. They’re roomier, and they come with a personal butler.

7. Try everything
When the chef is as good as the ones in any Uniworld kitchen, you appreciate each meal to the fullest. So, when there are only three people at my table, and we think four of the entrees sound delicious, we ask for all four. When they ask me which local red or white wine I want with my meal, I ask for a half pour of each. It’s not every day you get to indulge so much, and it’s all-inclusive, so why not get the most out of it?

8. Stay flexible
This tip goes for any type of trip, but I always tell people to expect the unexpected. There are plenty of ways—ranging from small to large—that a trip may not go as planned. Deviations (i.e. when one or more of the ports on your itinerary have changed, or a particular excursion becomes unavailable) are normal, so it’s important to be able to go with the flow and trust your Cruise Manager to have an exciting alternative up their sleeve. Which brings me to...

9. Ask questions
Your Cruise Manager, crew, and local guides are a treasure trove of information. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the sommelier about wines, ask the Cruise Manager about their favorite places to grab a bite in town, or ask follow-up questions to your local guide’s stories as they take you through their hometown. You’ll end up with a deeper appreciation for your destinations.

10. Take so many pictures
After a whirlwind week of exploring new places, you might already have a hard time remembering all the things you saw, the experiences you had, and the local treats you ate. I find taking pictures helps me form and keep memories, and I can come back to them again and again whenever I feel like reminiscing.

11. Make sure your transfers are secured
This is a small tip, but an important one. Uniworld provides complimentary transfers between the airport and the ship for guests who book their airfare with Uniworld within their transfer guidelines. If you book air independently within the transfer guidelines and would like to purchase group transfers with Uniworld, make sure to request them well in advance—and I mean well in advance (the deadline for all transfers, for logistical reasons, is 45 days prior to departure).

12. Get the travel insurance
I know we all want to think that nothing is going to make us cancel that trip we are so looking forward to, but it is such a bummer when circumstances outside of everyone’s control mean you're both out of a trip and the money you spent on it. Do your future self a favor and get the travel insurance.

Note: The contents of this article are accurate as of the publication date. Uniworld itineraries and inclusions are subject to change at any time.