As cruising reaches new levels of popularity, river cruises offer travelers an opportunity to explore multiple cities in one leisurely trip. Unlike huge liners with multiple restaurants and a plethora of activities, the smaller river boats, which can dock right in the middle of port cities, often stay longer, encouraging passengers to get off the ship and see the sights.
While the best time to travel largely depends on your desired destination, the most popular months for river cruising, especially in Europe, are May and September, and most cruise lines recommend booking a few months out to secure a spot.
Here’s what you need to know before setting sail.
Choose your river.
The river you select makes all the difference when it comes to your experience, which is centered around time spent in port and watching the landscape go by, instead of spending most of your time being entertained onboard.
How to Prepare for Your First River Cruise
