River Cruise Passenger readers always have plenty to say about what’s going on in the world of river cruise, and in the broader cruise community. In Your Say, River Cruise Passenger looks at the issues our readers are writing to us about on our blogs, posts and newsletters.
For those who have only done traditional ocean cruising, river cruising can be an intimidating prospect. It’s a much smaller ship, with more frequent stops and in a very different part of the world to where ocean cruising happens.
If you’ve got your first river cruise booked or you’re considering it for your next holiday, here are some of the internets best tips from experienced river cruisers who want to help first timers be prepared for their first time gliding down the waterways.
Reddit User Braindad makes the point to bring activities for night time, as the entertainment is very different from an ocean cruise.
“Bring things to do at night. Such as cards, games, iPad with movies, etc. Entertainment is generally a huge drop from an ocean cruise.”
Cruise Critic user Sharkster makes the point that for those who like ocean cruising, they should quickly remember that river cruising has very little in common with ocean cruising.
“You have extensive experience on the ocean – adopt a mindset that the only thing river and ocean cruises have in common is that the boat floats on water, no exaggeration! No casinos, no spa in many cases, very few have pools, one dining room with one seating.
“BUT most included wifi, and beer and wine with lunch and dinner, no photographers annoying you in the dining room, etc. One way to describe the difference is that ocean cruising is about the ship, river cruising is about the daily ports.”
Facebook user Meagan Bobier Kempf points out that guests should look into opportunities for extra travel.
“For the adventurous person, check to see what direct flights are offered from your starting/ending points. I hopped on a direct flight on RyanAir to Jordan and enjoyed a long weekend exploring Amman, the Dead Sea, Petra and Wadi Rum!”
Facebook user Eileen Byron Radcliffe says getting in touch with a local travel advisor is a great idea: “Always a local travel advisor! You get the personalised service for the same price as what the cruise lines are charging. They can help you narrow down options, answer questions about sea sickness and everything else that will come up between now and when you sail, and help you with everything you need before, during, and even after your trip. Plus, you’re supporting a local small business!”
Another user from Reddit CandlandCanada says: “Buy new walking shoes at least one month prior to departure.
“Write out your food allergies in every language that you will encounter. Print them on paper so that servers can take them into the kitchen to show the staff.
“Get lapel pins from your town or city tourism department. People love to get pins! Hand them out to taxi drivers, servers, retail workers, everybody. It’s a nice thing to do on its own, and sometimes people go the extra mile for you to show their appreciation.
“Most ships have on-board laundry. If you aren’t comfortable with others handling your apparel, then bring a travel laundry line and a few clothespins.
“Have your doctor prepare a letter setting out all your meds and any other items that you need (e.g. wheelchair, cane, prostheses, etc.) Take your meds in their labelled bottles.
“Read a bit about each city before you visit. You’ll get more out of the experience when you know the history of the place.”
Reddit User TravellingFool123 had a few different tips to share.
1: “Do your own research on the dates and times of the markets for each city. They probably aren’t announced yet, but keep an eye out for the announcements. Then decide when YOU want to go to the markets, don’t just assume that the ship is choosing the right schedule.”
,2: “Try to get a cabin on the second floor of the ship. If you get a cabin on the bottom floor, the floor of your cabin is the bottom hull of the ship. This is not a problem for the carpeted areas, but in the bathroom, the floor is FREEZING. If you are unavoidably on the bottom floor, ask for several bathroom mats and cover your bathroom floor in multiple layers. A unique issue to the Christmas cruises; not an issue in the summertime.”
And for Christmas market cruises in specific, the user adds: “Booth owners are NOT offended if you ask if the ornaments are made in Germany. If you want to be sure, ask. Some (especially glass) are made in China. I avoided those; it wasn’t why I was there.”
For this with mobility issuers another Redditor added: “If you have mobility issues or walk a little slower, you should ask if there’s a leisure excursion group available. Those groups don’t walk as far to catch shuttles and avoid inclines. If you’re reasonably fit, then the regular group will be fine.”
Loftychicago says to make sure you don’t miss the daily port talks.
“Go to the daily port talks. On Viking, they’re usually in the lounge before dinner. They are informative and an opportunity to meet people.
“If they’re travelling without a group, try to meet different people at meals and on the excursions. They may find some people they end up hanging out with, or they may enjoy meeting new people throughout the cruise. We also got to know the dining room staff and ended up sitting in the section of our favourites for most dinners.”
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