Everything you need to know to plan your first unforgettable river cruise in Europe.
A First-Time Guide to European River Cruising
If you’re new to river cruising, you’re not alone. River cruises are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to explore Europe, combining comfortable small-ship travel with immersive cultural experiences and effortless sightseeing. This beginner’s guide explains what to expect on your first river cruise and how to choose the best itinerary for first-time travelers.
Beginner-Friendly European River Cruise Itineraries
- France
- 5* ship
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ships
- Portugal, Spain
- 5* ships
Popular FAQs
A Riviera Travel European river cruise is a premium, all-inclusive vacation aboard a luxurious river ship sailing through Europe’s inland waterways. You’ll unpack once and enjoy a seamless journey combining cultural discovery, fine dining, and first-class service from beginning to end.
The most popular months for European river cruising are from May through September, when temperatures are pleasant and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Riviera Travel offers departures throughout the season, including cruises over the festive period, so you can choose the perfect time to fit your travel plans.
Every Riviera Travel river cruise includes outstanding value and transparency — no hidden extras. Your fare covers:
- Luxury accommodation in a river-view cabin or suite, mostly featuring French balconies, with selected cabins offering full balconies.
- All meals onboard, prepared by expert chefs and inspired by regional cuisine.
- All-inclusive drinks, plus unlimited tea and coffee throughout the day.
- Daily guided excursions led by English-speaking local experts.
- Professional Cruise Director and Cruise Concierge throughout your journey.
- Free Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment, and port taxes all included.
Most Riviera Travel itineraries last variously between 4 and 16 days — an ideal length for an immersive European getaway.
Riviera’s ships are elegant and intimate, typically accommodating 160–180 guests. Their smaller size allows docking directly in city centers and picturesque villages — meaning more time exploring and less time transferring. You’ll also enjoy a relaxed, personal onboard experience with exceptional attention to detail.
The atmosphere is refined yet informal. During the day, casual clothing is perfect for sightseeing and excursions. Evenings are "smart casual", ideal for dining or socializing in the lounge. There's no requirement for formal wear, though many guests like to dress up for special dinners or the Captain’s Reception.
Yes — Riviera Travel welcomes solo travelers and offers dedicated single cabins or reduced single supplements on select sailings. It’s a wonderful way to see Europe in comfort and meet other like-minded travelers.
Each Riviera cruise includes expertly guided tours in every port, exploring cultural landmarks, architecture, and local life. Onboard, you can enjoy talks, local performances, relaxed entertainment, and time to unwind in the lounge, restaurant, or on deck with panoramic views.
Yes. Riviera Travel caters to most dietary requirements — including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar options — with advance notice.
Ships are designed for comfort and convenience, and while most excursions are leisurely, some may involve walking over uneven surfaces. Guests should have a good level of mobility, as boarding may involve walking on gangplanks and crossing between double-moored ships.
Absolutely. Riviera Travel welcomes group bookings and offers generous benefits — when you book as a group of eight or more passengers, one travels free. It’s a fantastic way for families, clubs, or friends to experience a European river cruise together while enjoying added value. Dedicated group support is available to make organizing your trip simple and seamless.
Free All-Inclusive Drinks on Your European River Cruise
Enjoy a wide selection of wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks, and hot beverages included throughout your cruise, so you can relax and indulge without worrying about the bill. From a morning coffee to an evening cocktail, every sip is part of the experience.
Book a European Cruise with Confidence
Vacation Happiness Guarantee
If you're not happy by the end of the second day, we'll arrange and cover your return trip and refund the full cost of your vacation.
Your Money is Safe and Secure
No matter what, your money is safe and secure and fully protected.
24/7 Access to Support Team
We're on hand before and during your vacation. If anything were to go awry during your travels, you can call our emergency number at any point.
Unbeatable Value for Money
40 years' experience and historic supplier relationships, together with the scale of our operation, ensures your vacation will always be unbeatable value for money.
Solo River Cruises — No Single Supplement
Explore Europe’s most beautiful rivers with the freedom to travel your way. Enjoy your own spacious cabin, enriching guided excursions, and a welcoming onboard atmosphere — all with no single supplement on selected solo-exclusive sailings.
What Is a River Cruise?
A river cruise is a journey along Europe’s great waterways aboard an elegant, small-scale ship that docks in the heart of historic cities and towns. Unlike ocean cruises, river ships sail directly through the center of destinations, allowing you to step ashore and explore without long transfers.
River cruising is ideal for first-time cruisers because everything is taken care of — accommodations, dining, shore excursions, and transportation — in one seamless vacation. Explore:
Why River Cruises Are Perfect for First-Time Travelers
River cruises offer a relaxed and easy introduction to cruising, especially for travelers who prefer comfort, convenience, and cultural discovery.
Centrally located docking in major cities and charming towns
Smaller ships with a friendly, uncrowded atmosphere
Guided shore excursions included
No packing and unpacking between destinations
Scenic sailing through Europe’s most beautiful landscapes
For many guests, a European river cruise is the perfect first cruise experience.
Best European Rivers for a First River Cruise
Some rivers are especially well suited to beginners because of their iconic sights, easy navigation, and variety of destinations.
Danube River Cruises
Discover Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and the Wachau Valley on one of Europe’s most popular first-time routes.
Rhine River Cruises
Sail past medieval castles, vineyards, and storybook towns between Amsterdam, Cologne, and Basel.
Douro River Cruises
Explore Portugal’s wine country with dramatic scenery and relaxed sailing.
These itineraries offer an ideal balance of sightseeing, culture, and scenic cruising for first-time river travelers.
What to Expect Onboard a River Cruise
Life onboard a river cruise ship is calm, comfortable, and informal.
Spacious cabins with river views
Restaurant dining with regional cuisine
Lounge areas and open-air sun decks
Expert Cruise Director and local guides
Daily excursions and free time in each destination
The atmosphere is welcoming and easygoing, making it perfect for travelers new to cruising.
River Cruise Tips for Beginners
Planning your first river cruise is simple, but a few tips can help you make the most of the experience:
Choose an itinerary with a mix of famous cities and smaller towns
Look for cruises with included guided tours
Pack comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions
Consider travel seasons such as spring, summer, or fall for the best weather
Select a cruise length of 7–10 nights for a well-paced introduction
Is a River Cruise Right for You?
River cruises are ideal for:
First-time cruisers
Mature and senior travelers
Couples and solo travelers
Culture lovers and history enthusiasts
Anyone who wants a stress-free way to see Europe
With small ships, central docking, and expert planning, river cruising offers one of the easiest ways to explore multiple destinations in one trip.
Start Your First European River Cruise
Whether you’re dreaming of sailing the Danube, Rhine, or Douro, a beginner-friendly river cruise lets you experience Europe in comfort, safety, and style. From guided sightseeing to scenic sailing and elegant accommodations, everything is designed to make your first river cruise unforgettable.
Your Dream European Cruise
With so many European river, solo, yacht and grand tour vacations to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one. Get inspired and start planning your next getaway with our latest brochure.