First Timer's Guide to River Cruising in Europe | Markwood Magic 2026
- Lindsey Markwood
- Mar 4
- 4 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Planning a trip to Europe is incredibly exciting, especially since about half of the clients I work with at Markwood Magic are visiting for the very first time. While I design plenty of custom land tours (they are called FIT bookings in the travel industry) river cruising is the most popular option I book for clients wanting to see multiple countries.
River cruising in my professional opinion is the most stress free way and my personal favorite way to travel to Europe. Think of it as a floating boutique hotel. You get the convenience of only unpacking once and the destination comes to you with plenty of beautiful views between cities!
Ocean Cruising vs. River Cruising What Beginners Need to Know
Size & Scale: River cruise ships typically carry around 150 passengers. They are small by design as the ships must fit through the locks. There are typically only four decks on a river cruise ship. Ocean cruises range in size and can have over 5,000 passengers. The smaller river cruise ships offer a more intimate experience and there are not any crowds or lines.
Seasickness: You don't feel the river like you do with the ocean because you don't have the large waves. River cruising is smooth and stable.
Location: River cruises typically dock right in the heart of historic towns. There are no tenders and you can start to experience the city as soon as you step off the ship.
The Vibe: The atmosphere on a river cruise ship is casual luxury. There are no formal nights and it is highly immersive with the local foods and wine.
Extra Amenities: Many of the river cruise lines have a pool, spa, and a gym onboard.
Top 3 River Cruise Lines for First time River Cruise Travelers
AmaWaterways: They feature locally sourced food and offer a twin balcony cabin which is highly unique in river cruising. With complimentary bikes onboard for exploring the cities, they are great for the newly empty nesters and retirees. This is the line Markwood Magic books the most for milestone anniversary river cruises.
Viking River Cruises: They are the most well-known. Their longships have a sleek Scandinavian design and focus on history and culture. No kids are allowed as this line is for adults only. They have the best docking locations in the cities.
Avalon: Their "Avalon After Dark" allows travelers to explore the cities later at night, just as the locals do. This combined with their Active & Discovery tours, attracts an active, slightly younger demographic compared to many other river cruise lines. One of my personal favorite things about this line is that their beds face the river, which makes for some fantastic views!
As a side note, I know this looks overwhelming with all the choices. Don't worry. Markwood Magic will book which ship, itinerary, and cabin is perfect for you and your travel party.
The Best River Cruise Itineraries for First Timers
The Romantic Rhine: This is a great itinerary for milestone anniversaries as there is romance in the air as you can see over 40 castles from your ship. The Rhine river cruises include the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland.
The Blue Danube: Perfect for Christmas Markets, history buffs, those who love culture and architect lovers. A typical Danube cruise will include my favorite European city, Budapest as well as Vienna, and Regensburg. Prague is a popular add on for a pre or post cruise stay.
What to Pack for Your First River Cruise
Comfortable Walking shoes. Hands down, this is the most important thing to pack. Many of the historic cities have cobblestone streets.
Smart casual attire. Dinner attire is typically smart casual. There is no need to bring anything formal.
Layers. Weather in Europe can be a bit unpredictable. Bring layers so you are comfortable.
A small extra duffle bag. I highly suggest packing a foldable duffle bag. You will want it after stopping by the local markets to bring back goodies for yourself, friends, and family!
Why You Need a Travel Advisor for Your First River Cruise
Having a travel advisor makes all the difference. River cruise cabins can sell out a year in advance. On top of that there are over 13 different cruise cruise line which all cater to a different type of traveler. My job at is to listen to the type of experience you are looking for and matching to the perfect ship, itinerary, and cabin.
Whether we are meeting over coffee in East Cobb where I live or chatting on the phone, Markwood Magic can handle everything from your flights out of ATL (or elsewhere) to your pre and post cruise hotel stays.
When is the Best Time to Take a European River Cruise?
You can cruise almost year round. However if we had to narrow down a time frame, the best time for a first-time river cruiser to visit Europe is during the "shoulder seasons" of Spring (April to May) and into the first two weeks of June. During these months, the weather is comfortable for walking tours, the massive summer crowds have not started yet, and the river water levels are generally very stable. If you are a traveler who loves the holidays, late November through December is entirely dedicated to the magical European Christmas Markets, which is a bucket list experience all on its own!
What is Actually Included in the Price?
If you have only ever taken ocean cruises, the pricing of a river cruise will be a wonderful surprise. River cruising is a nearly all-inclusive experience. While exact amenities vary slightly between luxury lines like AmaWaterways, Avalon, and Viking, your base fare almost always includes your beautifully appointed stateroom, all of your incredible locally sourced meals, unlimited wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, and best of all at least one fully guided shore excursion in every single port of call. River cruising is my favorite was to explore Europe and I look forward to connecting soon to start planning your next adventure!
