Your First River Cruise: How to Choose the Right Line, River, and Itinerary (and Why You Shouldn’t Do It Alone)
- Emma Guse
- Aug 8
- 6 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
So you’re curious about river cruising. Maybe you’ve seen the ads, heard friends rave, or stumbled across breathtaking photos of ships gliding past castles and vineyards. You’re wondering where to start, and maybe even feeling a little overwhelmed by all the choices.
If that's you, you're in the right place.
The truth is, there’s a lot more to this world of river cruising than the glossy brochures or brand commercials will tell you. This isn’t ocean cruising. This is slower, more intimate, more immersive travel, and when you choose right, it becomes the trip you’ll still be talking about years from now.
Dipping Your Toes Into the World of River Cruising
Booking a river cruise isn’t just about picking a ship and a week on the calendar. It’s about weaving together the right river, the right itinerary, the right cruise line, and even the right season, so everything feels like it was made for you.
Each river has its own personality. Each cruise line has its own style. And yes, they’ll all tell you they’re the best (it’s what marketing dollars do best). But my job is different: I work for you, not the cruise lines. My travel expertise is focused on river cruising, so I can show you the bigger picture, including options you might never find on your own.
Let’s Talk About the Cruise Lines Everyone Asks About
If you’ve been researching at all, you’ve probably heard of Viking River Cruises. They’ve done a great job putting river cruising in the public eye. Their ships are sleek, their advertising is everywhere, and for many travelers, they’re the first (and perhaps only) name that comes to mind initially.
But here’s where I widen the lens for you. There’s a whole world beyond that first Google search result.
Cruise Line | First-Timer Strengths | Vibe & Style | Signature Itineraries for Beginners |
AmaWaterways | Warm hospitality, locally inspired dining, active excursions | Friendly, welcoming, culturally rich | Melodies of the Danube, Captivating Rhine |
Viking River Cruises | Consistent ships, strong cultural programming | Sleek, Scandinavian, structured | Romantic Danube, Rhine Getaway |
Avalon Waterways | Open-air balcony suites, flexible dining | Casual, independent-minded | Danube Dreams, Active & Discovery itineraries |
Uniworld | Boutique-style design, all-inclusive | Opulent, art-focused | Enchanting Danube, Castles Along the Rhine |
Tauck | Highly inclusive, seamless touring | Polished, guided, all details handled | Danube Reflections, Rhine Enchantment |
Lindblad Expeditions | Nature-driven, educational approach | Adventurous, exploratory | Wild Europe by River (new) |
Every one of these lines offers something distinct. And the branded websites? They’ll tell you their story, but not how it compares to the others. That’s where I come in.
Choosing Your First River (and the Best Time to Go)
Your choice of river shapes your entire experience. Here’s a quick guide with ideal seasons for first-timers:
Danube River – Romantic capitals, imperial history, and storybook scenery. Perfect for music, culture, and first-timers.
Best time: May–June for flowers and mild weather, November–December for magical Christmas Markets.
Rhine River – Castles at every turn, vibrant cities, and legendary wine regions.
Best time: May–September for sunshine and scenery, late November–December for Christmas Markets.
Seine River – Paris plus the charm of Normandy and Monet’s gardens.
Best time: April–June for gardens, September–October for fewer crowds.
Douro River – Dramatic cliffs, golden light, and the heart of Portugal’s wine country.
Best time: September–October for grape harvest, May–June for lush landscapes.
Mekong River – An entirely different world of culture and color in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Best time: November–February for cooler, drier weather.
Nile River – Ancient wonders, timeless temples, and the life of Egypt flowing past your ship.
Best time: October–April for cooler weather and comfortable touring conditions.
Magdalena River – A vibrant blend of history, music, and colorful Colombian culture, with wildlife-rich wetlands and charming river towns.
Best time: December–March for drier weather, or July–August for lively festivals.
When we talk, I’ll help you match your travel style with the river that will light you up.
Real Questions First-Timers Ask (and My Answers)
Q: “Do I need to worry about low water levels?”
A: It’s rare that your trip is significantly affected, but choosing the right time of year and itinerary helps minimize risk, something I always help navigate for my clients. Additionally, different river cruise lines have varying reputations for how well they handle issues related to water levels, a reality I'll help advise you on.
Q: “Can I see more than one country?”
A: Yes! Many Danube and Rhine itineraries visit 3–4 countries in a single week, and I can help you choose the pace that fits you.
Q: “Will I get bored on a river cruise?”
A: Not at all. River cruises are designed with daily excursions, cultural activities, and plenty of free time to explore on your own. You’ll also enjoy scenic cruising, great food, and meaningful connections with fellow travelers.
Q: “What’s included in the price?”
A: More than most people expect. Your river cruise fare typically covers your stateroom, meals, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, daily excursions, Wi-Fi, and transfers. I’ll walk you through exactly what’s covered so you know what to budget for extras. (For more of a specific breakdown on how much a river cruise really costs, read a special post I wrote by clicking here.)
Q: “Are river cruises only for older travelers?”
A: Not anymore. While river cruising does attract well-traveled adults, more families and multi-generational groups are discovering how easy it is. My husband and I are in our mid-thirties and love river cruising as our preferred method of international travel!
Q: “Do I need to dress up?”
A: No tuxedo or ball gown required. River cruises are surprisingly relaxed and comfortable, with smart-casual attire for dinners. You’ll want good walking shoes for excursions and perhaps one nicer outfit if you enjoy dressing up, but most river cruise lines are surprisingly low-key when it comes to attire.
Q: “What’s the food like on board?”
A: Think fresh, local, and regionally inspired. Chefs often shop in the ports and bring local specialties onboard. AmaWaterways, for example, is known for its fine dining and wine pairings. You won’t be stuck with the same buffet every day.
Q: “Will I get seasick?”
A: Highly unlikely. River ships are very stable and the rivers are calm, nothing like the open ocean. Most guests never feel a thing.
Q: “Are the ships really small?”
A: They’re intimate, but not cramped. Most river ships carry 150–200 guests, which means no long lines and a much more personal experience. You’ll get to know the staff and fellow travelers by name.
Q: “Can I add time before or after the cruise?”
A: Absolutely, and I recommend it. Pre- and post-cruise extensions let you explore cities like Prague, Paris, or Budapest at a more relaxed pace. Most cruise itineraries offer optional land package add-ons, or we can piece something unique together. I handle the details so you can enjoy the trip without extra planning stress.
Q: “Should I book direct or through a travel advisor?”
A:: Cruise lines actually prefer that you work with a trusted travel advisor, especially for something as specialized as river cruising. My services are 100% complimentary and there are no added fees because my commission is already built into the cruise fare. The key difference is this: I only get paid after you return home, so my advice is always centered on you, rather than a sales quota.
While the cruise line ultimately pays me, I work exclusively on your behalf. That means I’m the one sending the emails, making the calls, troubleshooting issues, and making sure every detail is handled before, during, and even after your trip. I also provide in-destination support if something comes up while you’re abroad. When you book direct, you get a reservation. When you book with me, you get an advocate, a guide, and an expert who knows how to turn a good cruise into a seamless, unforgettable journey.
Why You Shouldn’t Plan This Alone
Even the most confident travelers are surprised by how many moving pieces there are, not just in choosing a line and river, but in timing promotions, picking the right cabin layout, and planning pre- and post-cruise stays.
If you don’t work with me, please work with someone who knows river cruising inside and out. But if you’d like someone who’s planned these trips for dozens of clients, and knows exactly which questions to ask so you get the perfect fit, I’d be honored to help.
Your Next Step
We can hop on a quick call or video chat, and I’ll listen to you and then walk you through:
Which river and itinerary fits your style
The differences between the major cruise lines (beyond what’s in the brochures)
How to time your trip for the best value and experience
And once again, my services are 100% complimentary. No fees. No catch. I mean it.
I'd love to talk, so let's take the next step!
📌 Take my River Cruise Personality Quiz to discover your travel style.
📌 Grab my free Smooth Sailing Starter Guide for my top planning tips.
📌 Fill out an inquiry form and let's set up a time to talk!
Emma Guse is a River Cruise Specialist with Travelmation, helping solo travelers, couples, families, and groups plan unforgettable river cruises with ease. Known for her down-to-earth style and expert guidance, she handles the details so you can focus on making memories.
Emma's services are 100% complimentary and included in the base rates of every river cruise line. Learn more about Emma HERE or submit an inquiry HERE.