One Week in European River Cruises

What You Should Know Before Going On A European River Cruises Tour

Best Affordable River Cruises in Europe 

It’s easy to think a budget-friendly European river cruise is an oxymoron. Rest assured, however, that if your travel dreams include gliding down the Rhine or Danube, wine glass in hand, medieval castles on the shore - and you’re not an international jet-setter - you, too, can cruise the likes of Europe's rivers.

When selecting a European river cruise that is budget-conscious, look for cruise operators that offer a choice of inclusions. This might mean a selection of meal or drink plans, instead of free-flowing beer and wine and three gourmet meals a day. You might pick and choose, and pay separately for, your shore excursions to Europe’s riverside attractions.

And while many river cruise vessels look alike from the outside, with a little research, you’ll find that some have more swanky amenities than others. Think about what you must have and what you can do without on your Europe river cruise and you’ll find something that fits the bill. 

Consider, too, cruising Europe’s major rivers in the shoulder season, not the expensive high season of June through August. Look for river cruises in March and April, October and November. There will likely be fewer riverboats in each port you visit and the crowds will be lighter, but you will have to be prepared for unpredictable weather. 

Look for budget-friendly Europe river cruise itineraries. Often one can sail just a segment of a longer river cruise - experience a luxury river cruise operator for one week instead of two, for example. The most popular Europe river cruise locations - the Rhine and Danube - offer the most choices, so there’s more chance of snagging a good deal. 

A few other tips for getting the best price on a European river cruise:

• Ask about airfare and whether or not it’s included in your cruise fare. 
• Go on a Europe river cruise with a group of family or friends and enjoy a group discount. 
• Plan ahead, about a year in advance. 

Packing for a European River Cruise

One of the top perks of taking a river cruise is the fact that you only have to unpack and pack up once. Assuming you are sailing during the height of the cruise season on Europe’s top rivers, consider these packing tips to make traveling even easier:

• Pack casual clothing. You’ll be doing a fair amount of onshore sightseeing, from terraced vineyards to medieval castles, so keep things comfortable. There is typically no formal event on a Europe river cruise, so leave the evening wear at home. As for color palette, stick with neutrals - black, tan, gray, white - and then mix and match outfits.
• If you can, aim to bring one carry-on piece of luggage per traveler on your Europe river cruise vacation. River cruise staterooms aren’t overly large, so it’s nice to be able to tuck your small suitcase away under a bed.
• Even if you’re taking a Europe river cruise during the peak of summer, it’s important to pack layers. This is especially important if you are sailing along Europe’s rivers in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. Evenings can get chilly and you may have rain showers on sightseeing days. Bring a sweater, a light jacket, a wrap, a long-sleeve shirt, a raincoat - a couple of items you can turn to for warmth and dryness. 
• Pack comfortable footwear. Plan to walk a couple miles a day on land, often on cobblestones dating back centuries. Choose sneakers or sandals that are comfortable, supportive and sturdy. 
• Bring a cross-body, lightweight tote that you can use when out and about on shore excursions. Throw in a reusable bag for carrying souvenirs. 
• If you have a lot of devices like cameras, tablets, smartphones, etc., pack a light power strip to give you lots of charging options.

When Is the Best Time to Go on a European River Cruise?

You’ve narrowed down what major European river you want to cruise along, which sights you most want to see and what level of luxury you’re seeking in a river cruise vessel. Now for the “when.” What month should you go river cruising in Europe? 

Generally speaking, the best time to go on a Europe river cruise is from June to October. The climate is at its warmest and driest during these summer and early fall months.

If you’re a budget-minded traveler, the top months for European river cruising are the shoulder months of March-April and October-November. You may not get the region’s best weather at these times, but you’ll see far fewer crowds and riverboats in port, and you’ll get the best pricing.

If it’s your first time river cruising in Europe or if you just have to see the continent in all its summer glory, the optimum time to sail the major rivers of Europe is June through September. In fact, September has been called the very best month to go river cruising in Europe, thanks to great weather, fewer tourists and optimum water levels. (The heat of August can actually drop the water levels in the river so much that some river cruise operators have been forced to cancel or reschedule departures.) 

Where you are sailing in Europe greatly affects when you should go. For example, you might consider cruising the Rhine River in March and April, which along with the benefits of traveling in the shoulder season, will offer great views of blooming tulips. Dutch tulip gardens from Amsterdam to Budapest, along the Main, Rhine and Danube, are best viewed in April and May. 

December marks a European river cruising season unto itself due to the many Christmas markets, celebrations and decadent decor in riverside cities and villages as they dress up for the holidays. Focus on the Rhine and Danube for the most Christmas market opportunities.

One more factor to keep in mind is the water level throughout the year. As the snow melts, high water levels can be a culprit in cancelled or rescheduled departures (just as low water levels can affect hot August departures).

Good options for safe water levels in the springtime include the Bordeaux region of France, the Douro River in Spain & Portugal, and the Seine around Paris. If you are sailing the Rhone River, the optimal times to cruise to avoid high-water levels are late spring, summer and fall.