Tips on Rhine Riverboat Cruises

Reservations and Bookings of Luxury Boats Cruising European Rivers

Feb 7, 2008

Size of riverboats, facilities, and included services matter when making reservations and booking luxury boat cruises on the Rhine and other European rivers.

The popularity of river cruises in Europe has led to a wide range of different boats and companies plying popular routes such as the Rhine River and its tributaries such as the Mosel and Main. When selecting a cruise, bear boat size and weather in mind.

European & Rhine Riverboats

A sharp increase in the popularity of river cruises in Europe in recent years has led to a range of new and larger boats operating on the Rhine River. Although most boats still have a two-deck layout with a sun terrace on the roof, sleek new boats often have four decks and may even have swimming pools or hot tubs (whirlpools).

Larger riverboats have the advantage of more facilities such as hot tubs and even the occasional swimming pool. However, the trade off is slower embarkation – and on Rhine cruises that can occur a few times per day – and bigger crowds during walks and excursions in towns that are often small and easily overwhelmed by larger tour groups.
Smaller boats have the advantage of much faster embarkation, smaller groups on excursions, and the ability to use narrower rivers and canals as well as stopping in smaller towns too. Whirlpools and gymnasiums are less common but when present fewer passengers are in line to use them.

All cabins on riverboats are traditionally outside only with many new boats having French balconies (sliding doors with rail guards). Cabins tend to be small with most lines not offering full suites.

Beds on German and Dutch boats tend to be a bit longer than on French lines.

General Tips on Rhine River Cruises

The cruise season on the Rhine and many other European rivers has been extended in recent years to almost year round. Weather wise, November to April are the least pleasant months while May, June, and September can actually be more pleasant than the high-season months July and August.
The dress on European riverboat cruises is generally casual during the day and smart casual at night. On most cruises, jackets and ties are requested a few times per week for more formal dinners and evening receptions.
The trend, even on boats aimed at European travelers, is towards smoking only on the outdoors decks.
Recommended tipping is generally $5 for cabin crew and $9 for wait staff per day. On some lines such as Tauck World Discovery all gratuities are included in the cruise price.
Medical concerns? Peter Deilmann Cruises have a qualified medical doctor on all boats.