1. RIVER BOAT CRUISING
Fare Includes:
Ship-board accommodations of room; some general purpose rooms; some entertainment; all
on-board meals (generally not 3 per day, but the number of meals and which ones they are is specified
in the contract); most alcoholic beverages are not included; river transportation; bus transportation if
specified for the tour; some tours are walking tours; all of your time is not planned for so you may have
additional expense if you wish to do something else.
Differences from ocean cruising:
Boats are smaller; fewer passengers
Fewer activities on board
Shore excursions (some) are included in the prices
Airfare from select cities may be included in the price; usually an additional amount, less than the
regular fare, may be added from your home airport
All meals are not included; this can add considerable expense to the cost of the cruise
Usually different city or village everyday; not much “down” time
Travel is slower; closer to shore; can actually see more of the country than from an ocean cruiser.
Boats sometimes dock in busy or noisy areas, so you may want to ask for a cabin that will be on the river
side when in port
More opportunities to “mix with the natives.”
Other Points:
Don’t carry a lot of cash; Mastercard, Visa, and American Express are generally accepted; notify your
credit card company if you will be traveling and where you will be; otherwise, you may find your card
rejected. Convert some money to currency of the country where you are (bathroom problem).
Be alert to your surroundings and to the people around you; travel in numbers for safety; watch for
groups of children running about, especially gypsy children in Spain, Italy and a few other countries.
Don’t dress to indicate you are a tourist (avoid white tennis shoes, open purses or bags, back packs, etc.
Men should carry wallets and money in front pockets (leave most of your money in the boat safe when
you get off), don’t wear expensive jewelry, especially if you go ashore in the evenings.
Read about the ports you will be visiting; try to learn about any areas that should be avoided, such as
the red-light district in Amsterdam.

2. European Riverboat seasons:
Usually April through October
Spring rains may cause flooding, in which case the boats cannot get under the river bridges; or
there may be droughts, resulting in water not deep enough to “float your boat.” You may be
transported by bus to your ports or the cruise may be cancelled.
Choosing the itinerary that provides sights and activities you are most interested in is key to
enjoying your cruise. There are so many navigable rivers so itineraries are very similar, regardless of the
company.
Most companies offer some theme cruises, such as wine-tasting, castles, Christmas markets
(these are in November and December), etc.
Most river cruises are one week; occasionally may be 10 days or two weeks.
Most start in an exciting city. If the itinerary does not include as much time in that city as you
would like to have, plan to go a couple of days earlier to see the sights there. May also want to stay a
few days after. Most companies offer add-on days for a set price. That is usually for the hotel only
portion of your stay (many offer breakfast as a part of the package.)
Hotels may offer sightseeing activities through their concierge services. Travel agents can advise
and arrange activities for you before you leave.
Travel light; plan to wear outfits more than once; you don’t have a lot of space. Probably son’t
need formal wear as on a ship.
River Boat Cruises in the US
River boat cruising has returned to theU.S. , but is still limited. Next year will offer more
possibilities than this year.
Cruises on the Mississippi will return in 2011—August 11 - --New Orleans to Memphis; in
segments- St. Paul, Minneapolis ; and branching off at Columbia, Mo. On the Ohio river to Pittsburg.
Currently, you can travel by river from Jacksonville, Fla. To Alexandria, Virginia—14 days and 13
nights; cost of $3099 up.
New Orleans to Chicago, navigating 8 rivers; Ship is the Niagara Prince; 15 days and 14 night for
$4300
The old Delta Queen line went out of business. Cruise West went bankrupt, looking for
someone to buy them out.