packing list for river cruise in europe

Complete Printable Packing List for a European River Cruise (PDF)

So you are getting ready to leave on a European river cruise? Congratulations! You are in for a vacation of your dreams. Whether you are cruising with AmaWaterways, taking a Viking river cruise, or traveling with one of the many other river cruise companies, your river cruise packing checklist is going to be about the same. After my recent Bordeaux river cruise with AmaWaterways, I put together this printable packing list for a river cruise to make the last minute preparation before you walk out the door just a little easier.

I’m going to tell you what to wear on a European river cruise , all those little extras to bring along , what to leave at home and how to to pack for your river cruise. To top it off, you can download the printable packing list PDF to make sure you don’t forget a thing!

What to Expect on a River Cruise

Note: My river cruise was hosted by AmaWaterways, all opinions are my own. If you click my referral link and book a cruise, I may receive a small commission. I thank you for your support.

If you are curious what to expect onboard a river cruise, be sure to read my full article about our river cruise with AmaWaterways . In this post I walk you through the cabin, onboard facilities, food, and shore excursions. When it comes to packing, I learned that a river cruise is much different from a barge cruise . On a barge cruise the attire is more casual and space is at a premium, so packing light is essential.

On the contrary, a river cruise is a bit more sophisticated in dress and there is more storage in the stateroom, along with room to store your luggage under the bed, which allows you to put more on your river cruise packing list.

Request more information about any of AmaWaterways ships or itineraries.

What to Wear on a European River Cruise

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

My river cruise with AmaWaterways was during late July and early August. We got very lucky with pleasant weather. It was warm but not overly hot and the evenings were quite mild, not hot and sticky. But if you are taking a river cruise in the summer, especially in Southern Europe, you need to keep in mind that Europe has been experiencing quite strong heat waves in the summer due to climate change.

Luckily, the river cruise staterooms are equipped with personally-controlled air conditioning units and the ship is kept at a very comfortable temperature, as are the tour busses. Your guides will also work hard to keep people in the shade or inside, where the heat is not oppressive. Even still, you will want to be prepared with summery clothing.

If your river cruise is in Northern Europe, you may experience chillier temperatures or rain, especially in the spring and early summer. While no weather app is precise, especially when you are packing a week out, I’d recommend checking Accuweather or another app to see what weather is predicted during your cruise and packing to accommodate at least 5 degree range above and below the predictions.

On our AmaWaterways cruise, most passengers tended to dress nicely, with a European sophistication. This translated into sundresses for the ladies for many excursions and a nice golf shirt or button-up linen shirt with a nice pair of shorts for the guys. Some women opted for athletic dresses or skirts instead. There is no particular dress code, so you should dress as you feel comfortable, but if you are looking to fit in, that is what you can expect.

I would suggest linen dresses, jumpsuits, or skirts, lightweight cotton or silk fabrics, cute skorts/skirts with light blouses, and travel athleisure from companies like Prana, Athleta, or Lululemon. Some of my favorite brands for fashionable sundresses and evening outfits include Aventura, Boden, Marine Layer, Amour Vert, Sable to Sailor, and Lily Pulitzer.

I’ve put together some ideas that you can shop for your river cruise packing list below:

For more active outings, such as the bike tours, people typically wore bike shorts or athletic shorts and athletic shirts or cotton t-shirts. On our AmaWaterways river cruise, most people showered and changed before dinner. Sometimes this just meant a clean outfit (that they might wear the next day), but often it meant a nice dress for women and a pair of trousers and a linen shirt or other button up shirt for men.

There were a few days were I kept on the same sundress throughout the day. The last night of the cruise is also usually a Captain’s Dinner. For that evening, they suggest that everyone dress as if they were going to a fine dining restaurant. On our cruise, people also got dressed a little nicer when they had dinner at the special Chef’s Tasting restaurant.

While I have not yet taken a European river cruise in the winter, a Christmas markets cruise is on my travel wishlist and I know it is a very popular option. If you are traveling in the winter, you need to remember that Europe in December can be damp and cold. You need to be prepared with heavier clothing and extra layers. In addition, be sure to bring along a warm jacket, waterproof layer, hat, scarf, and gloves. I’d recommend insulated shoes and wool socks as well.

Shoulder seasons will also require creative layering, with a mix of smart jackets or sweaters. Just keep in mind that I’ve been in Europe during the last two Octobers and it was unseasonably warm still in both Italy and Portugal.

European River Cruise Packing Checklist

I’m going to preface this by saying that I prefer having a new outfit each day and only rewear things occasionally. If you travel with a capsule wardrobe or don’t mind reusing certain items, you can certainly pack even lighter. This is also based on a one-week river cruise, although some itineraries are longer.

• 8 pairs of underwear
• 3-4 bras (if needed)
• 4-8 pairs of socks (depending on your outfits and if you wash them in the sink.) My favorite no show socks are from Ondo because they actually stay put.
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes and/or athletic shoes that work well when walking on cobblestones. I love my white fashion sneakers from KURU Footwear , which have options for all sorts of heel and foot pain issues). You will want sneakers if you are doing some of the many bike tours offered on river cruises.
• Walking sandals (summer) such as Merrell, KURU, Sorel, or others
• Fashion sandals for evening (women, optional)
• Fashion sneakers or loafers for evening (men, optional)
• Swimsuit (for the hot tub, pool, or sauna)
• Athletic clothing including bike shorts and sweat-wicking t-shirt for bike tours
• Light sweater or sweatshirt for cooler evenings (AmaWaterways provided beautiful shawls for all the women on our river cruise)
• 1 nicer outfit for the Captain’s Dinner — typically a button-up shirt (long or short-sleeved) for men with slacks and a dress or skirt/pants and nice top for women (no need for a sports jacket or tie but you can bring one if you like)
• Sunhat and/or ball cap (AmaWaterways provided each cabin with a ball cap on our river cruise). I’d suggest bringing a packable sunhat (summer)
• Lightweight raincoat or poncho for rainy days
• 3 pairs of shorts
• 4-8 t-shirts or golf shirts
• 1 pair of paints
• OR, 5-6 sundresses
• 3 pairs of trousers / hiking pants / jeans
• 4-6 long sleeve shirts (t-shirts, button up, flannel shirts)
• 1 sweatshirt
• 3-4 dinner outfits (fresh shirt or fresh dress / dinner outfit)
• Travel outfit
• Down jacket
• warm gloves
• handwarmers

On our river cruise on the AmaDolce by AmaWaterways, they supplied full-size, refillable bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion. This made it much easier to pack light. However, there are still a few items you don’t want to forget:

• Prescription medicine – be sure to bring along a supply for a few days longer than the length of your trip and carry it in your personal item so that it doesn’t get lost
• Over-the-counter medicine – there is not a nurse or doctor on board the boat and depending on your itinerary, some of your ports may be small towns that don’t have an easily accessible pharmacy so I would encourage you to bring any over the counter medicines you might need including pain killers, cold medicine, antacids, bandages, etc.
• Sunscreen – if you are taking a river cruise in the summer, you will need to bring a good sunscreen. I love the LaRoche Posay Anthelios fluid sunscreen
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairties for those with long hair
• Lip balm and hand creme (especially for winter river cruises)
• Shaving supplies
• Nail kit and tweezers
• Cotton swaps
• Feminine hygiene (if needed)
• Contact lens and solution (if needed)
• Make up (if desired)
• Hair styling products
• Bug spray – personally we did not have any issues with bugs during our Bordeaux river cruise, but I brought some along just in case

Documents and Cabin Extras

Some of these suggestions may seem like no brainers, but others are more specific to a river cruise vacation so please look through this section closely.

• Valid passport. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your date arrival as that is the typical standard within most of Europe
• Any required health forms
• Airport or train transfer confirmation with meeting place and cruise contact information
• Copies of all of your airline confirmations and train tickets (also download applicable mobile applications and save boarding passes or tickets to your mobile wallet is possible)
• Download the river cruise company mobile application and set up an account prior to departure (Note: AmaWaterways allows you to select your cruise excursions through the mobile application up to one month in advance of your cruise)
• Credit cards that don’t charge international transaction fees. It helps to have a card that has a chip and supports tap to pay. This will be used for any shopping you do in town and for your final bill onboard. If asked, always select to do the transaction in local currency when making a credit card transaction
• Small amount of local currency and your ATM card. You can order this advance from your local bank or currency exchange or take it out at an ATM when you arrive in the country. Avoid using the currency exchanges in the airport as you will not get the best exchange rate
• Try to get small change in the local currency, with a selection of 2€ and 1€ euro coins to tip tour guides and drivers
• Downy Wrinkle Releaser travel size — trust me! Due to fire hazards, there are not any irons or ironing boards in the cabins. This can lead to wrinkled clothing, especially if you use compression bags. The cruise line will offer a laundry service, but is that really something you want to pay for? It is best to use some wrinkle releaser and let the clothing hang for a bit
• Travel clothesline – in a cruise cabin of any sort, space is a premium. There are not many towel racks or other areas to hang clothing to dry if you have a wet swimsuit, want to wash something in the sink, or have towels that need to dry. It helps to bring along a travel clothesline that can stick to anything
• Febreze travel size — on a boat, the bedding and clothing can get a bit damp and at the end of the week it can start to feel a bit musty. It helps to spray some Febreze to refresh the products. It can also be useful if you want to rewear clothing throughout the week
• A belt bag, fanny pack , or other secure day pack for city excursions. For longer excursions, it helps to have a bag large enough to hold a refillable water bottle, your wallet, listening device, sunscreen, and other necessities. Personally, I love the options from Travelon or PacSafe for travel, as both brands offer features such as locking zippers, reinforced straps, and an RFID-safe pocket. When you are on a walking tour listening to your tour guide, it can be a prime target for pickpockets so it is always better to be safe than sorry
• Phone case with strap – I love my Bandolier case because it makes it so easy to keep my phone handy to take pictures, but there are plenty of other inexpensive cases and lanyards too
• Refillable water bottle – AmaWaterways replaced our bottled water in our room each day, but to minimize waste, I would recommend bringing along a refillable water bottle. These are easy to refill in the dining room, lounge, or gym
• SinkSuds travel size laundry detergent . If you want to pack light, it helps to be able to wash a few things out during the course of the cruise and SinkSuds lets you easily wash clothing in your cabin sink
• Ear plugs – see also my note below about using noise-cancelling Sleep Buds instead but at least bring along a set of foam ear plugs
• Laundry bag – the only laundry bag provided by the cruise line is the small one for using the paid laundry service. I’d recommend bringing along your own travel laundry bag to help keep your dirty things separate from your clean clothes and keep the small space of the cabin organized
• Hat clip – I recently purchased the Klipsta hat clip and it made so much easier to travel with my sunhat without having to fold or crush it in my bag. I also used it when we went out on cruise excursions, clipping my hat onto my daybag just in case I needed it (which in the summer I often did!)

Electronics

A European river cruise is meant for relaxing and exploring so don’t worry about taking along too many electronics or too much camera gear, but here are a few essentials to bring along.

• Smart phone and charging cords – if you have a newer model with a good camera, that may be all you need!
• International travel adaptor. The EU uses two-pin plugs and the UK uses three-pin plugs so you will either need to research the electrical requirements based on where you are going or travel with a universal travel adapter (especially one that has USB and USB-C ports for device charging)
• Travel extension cord – since the outlets in river cruise cabins are often below the nightstand, making it a bit tricky to get to if you need to swap out cords. I’d suggest getting a travel extension cord with travel adapters that offer multiple plugs and ports.
• Battery pack – taking photos and videos can drain your battery fast, so if you are taking a longer shore excursion, it is smart to bring along a back up battery charger
• Sleep Buds – these have been a lifesaver to me on my travels. Even though the river cruise cabins can be well-insulated, you still might hear hallway noise, announcements, or toilets flushing in adjoining cabins. If you are a light sleeper, or travel with a snorer, I highly recommend Sleep Buds or a white noise machine
• If you do travel with a camera, be sure to bring along your charger, extra batteries, a battery charger, and extra SD memory cards.
• Tablet or Kindle/eReader

Things to Leave at Home

Heating implements are a fire hazard and not allowed on board so there is no need to bring your:

• Curling iron
• Straightening iron
• Travel steamer
• Travel iron

Other things you will not need include:

• Formalwear – the Captain’s Dinner on the last night is fancy but not formal. There is no need for cocktail dresses, gowns, ties, suits, or even sports coats.
• Umbrellas – I can’t promise it won’t rain, because during the course of a week there is always a strong possibility that will. However, the cruise ship will provide large umbrellas for your use on board (at least AmaWaterways sure did!)
• Alcohol – bringing your own isn’t allowed and on AmaWaterways, all beer and wine is included with meals and during the cocktail hour (along with the signature cocktail of the day!)

What Type of Luggage Should you Bring on a River Cruise?

It is always helpful to pack light for a cruise, as there is limited storage. However, river cruise ships, especially AmaWaterways has done a great job in maximizing storage. But that doesn’t mean you should bring the largest case available.

I’d suggest bringing a carry-on size hardcase suitcase with four-wheels if possible as this will be easiest for pulling or pushing through the airport, train station, or city streets if you are planning and pre- or post-cruise excursions. I learned the hard way how difficult it is to get a large suitcase up to the top floor of a two-story train! I love my TravelPro hard-case carry on !

If you do bring a full size, checked baggage size suitcase, I’d recommend using a soft-sided case. The full size, hard-sided cases can be a bit taller and therefore harder to fit under the bed once you have unpacked. My checked bag of choice is the TravelPro expandable spinner .

You may be tempted to bring a duffel bag, but I’d suggest something with wheels that is easy to walk with. I also recommend packing cubes, as they make it much easier to unpack. Our cabin on the AmaDolce by AmaWaterways offered more shelves than drawers so it was helpful to leave some items (like underwear, socks, etc.) in their respective packing cubes to help stay organized. I love the packing cubes from Monos Travel and Eagle Creek .

Printable Packing List: River Cruise (Downloadable PDF Checklist)

Interested in cruising.

• Essential guide to a Bordeaux River Cruise with AmaWaterways
• Cruising through Burgundy on a France barge cruise
• How to plan a girls’ trip cruise

Tamara is an over 50, award-winning travel writer, and recent empty nester based in Rhode Island. After years of writing about family travel on We3Travel and inspiring wanderlust as co-host of the Vacation Mavens family travel podcast, she started Your Time to Fly as a place to share ideas for girlfriend getaways, romantic escapes, and solo female travel for midlife women.

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• >> What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe (+ Packing List!)

What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe (+ Packing List!)

Wondering what to pack for a river cruise? We’ll show you exactly what to wear on a river cruise in Europe with some great ideas on practical River cruise outfits. We’ve also included some clothing tips for Rhine river cruise travel across the seasons.

In addition to our guide on how to dress for a river cruise we’ve included some tips on how to pack for a European river cruise . Assuming you’re coming from the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand and will be traveling a long way to Europe, you may want to travel a bit before or after your river cruise. Our tips for packing for river cruise trips will help you pack light for travel in the rest of Europe.

We’ve used the Viking river cruise dress code as a guide on what to wear on a Rhine river cruise but there are of course other companies that do European river cruises. For simplicity reasons we’re calling this our  Viking river cruise packing list but you can of course use is it as a guide on what to wear on a river cruise in Europe on other cruise lines too.

• 1.1 Types of European River Cruise Outfits
• 1.2 Dressing for the Season
• 2 Tips on How to Pack for a River Cruise
• 3.1 River Cruise Clothes
• 3.2 Footwear
• 3.3 River Cruise Essentials
• 3.4 Toiletries
• 3.5 Electronics
• 4 Questions on what to pack for river cruise in Europe?

What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe

River cruises are more casual than ocean cruises. They’re more about experiencing the culture and sights of Europe and less about having a fun vacation on a big ship (like you would on a Caribbean cruise). When working out how to dress for a European river cruise you’ll need to think about comfort, packability, layering and European culture.

You’ll spend your days sightseeing around the streets of Europe so comfortable but relatively smart but casual clothes are ideal. Comfortable walking shoes are a must! Many of the excursions on European river cruises are walking tours. You’ll also likely visit churches and culturally significant sights that may require covered shoulders and knee length clothes. Pack a light scarf in summer to throw over your shoulders. Avoid short shorts & skirts and opt for capri pants & midi skirts instead.

Make sure you choose items that pack well. You won’t have an iron in your cabin so you’ll need to pack clothes with wrinkle resistant fabrics. A small travel-sized bottle of Downy Wrinkle Release can help with this too. It also gives clothes a quick refresh allowing you to wear items more than once.

Types of European River Cruise Outfits

• Casual clothes for cruising – Comfortable but smart casual clothing is the go when cruising in Europe. A t-shirt or sleeveless vest with jeans, capris or a skirt is enough.
• Comfortable shoes –  Comfortable shoes are a must for European travel.
• Non-formal evening wear – There often isn’t time or a need to change for dinner on a river cruise so don’t feel you have to. We usually prefer to change for dinner, even if that means a quick freshen up and changing from a t-shirt into a nicer top.  Lightweight, chiffon evening tops are great to pack for evenings on cruises. Wear them over jeans or capris. They don’t take up much space but add a little oopmh to your outfit.
• Formal evening wear – Most European river cruises do not have a formal night. If they do, you’ll find the dress code for river cruises isn’t as strict as for ocean cruises. There’s no need to go over the top on formal night on river cruises in Europe. You can wear black pants and dressier top or a simple black dress and pashmina. No need to bring heels, your sandals will do fine. Pop on a statement necklace and you’re good to go. Men can pack a sport coat if they like but a long sleeved shirt and pants will do.

Dressing for the Season

If you’re traveling outside the peak of summer weather can be quite changeable so clothes you can layer are ideal. Check the long range weather forecast on a site like Accuweather when planning out what to wear on a Viking river cruise to help.

We have noted different quantities for items based on season in our packing list below but here is a quick guide on what to wear on a river cruise in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall:

• River Cruising in Summer – Summer river cruise attire is pretty easy. Think light summer dresses, capris & vest tops, skirts and blouses. Make sure you pack at least one cardigan in case of chilly nights or the odd cooler day.
• River Cruising in Spring – Spring in Europe can bring nice weather but it can also be changeable. Layering is key. Bring a couple of cardigans for over dresses and tees. Add in an extra pair of jeans. A light jacket like a denim jacket or utility jacket will also prove useful. April is notoriously wet in Europe so a waterproof jacket would be a good idea.
• River Cruising in Fall – When packing for river cruise in Europe in the Fall, add in a few warmer layers like long sleeved tees, cardigans, leggings. A light waterproof layer like this is a must. In late Fall, a packable lightweight down jacket like this is also very useful to have in case of cold days.  You’ll also want a pair of closed toe shoes like a comfortable ankle boot for walking in wet weather.
• River Cruising in Winter – For winter river cruises in Europe, you’ll need a few more warmer layers, hat, gloves, scarf and ankle boots. Add in a packable down jacket and waterproof parka. Leave out the summer dresses and instead pack a few more jeans and jumpers. Merino layers like this are useful for providing extra warmth in cold weather.

Tips on How to Pack for a River Cruise

Know you know what to wear on a scenic river cruise, let’s go over how to pack for a river cruise. When packing for a European river cruise, you need to account for how many travel days you have before and after your cruise, how long your trip to Europe is and how you’ll be getting around once in Europe pre and post-cruise.

Here are a few tips for packing for a river cruise:

• Pack light for Europe – If you pack light and smart then you’ll be able to fit this packing list into a carry on sized suitcase. Travel with just a carry on sized suitcase if you can manage.
• Pick a color scheme – It makes it easier to mix & match outfits if you stick to a color scheme. Choose a few base neutrals like black, tan, navy & white for your pants, capris, skirts and outerwear. Add in a pop of co-ordinating color or print with your tops, tees, blouses and dresses. It makes it so much easier to dress! when all your tops go with all your bottom
• Go for carry on sized luggage – Even if you plan on checking your bag for convenience on travel days, we still recommend using a small cabin sized suitcase for your European river cruise. It’s so much easier to travel in Europe with a smaller suitcase! Space is limited in Europe and a smaller bag is easier for travel on trains in Europe, impossibly small hotel elevators, tiny hotel rooms and the ship’s cabin.
• Pack with packing cubes – Using packing cubes helps you organize your luggage efficiently, makes it easier to pack & unpack and helps you pack less. Use a large packing cubes for jeans, shorts & outwear, a medium sized packing cube for tops and a small packing cube for underwear. You can get packing cubes here on Amazon.
• Get a hanging toiletry bag – A hanging toiletry bag is so much easier for cruising. This one by eBags is ideal as it packs flat and is easy to lay across the top of your suitcase contents.
• Use a lightweight backpack or cross body travel bag for excursions – A lightweight backpack like this is great for excursion days. You can fold it up and pack it away in your luggage when not in use. For city excursions in Europe, a cross body bag works very well. Travel cross body bags like this with built in security to prevent pickpocketing and bag slashing are ideal. You can also get small backpacks like this with built in antitheft technology too.

Viking River Cruise Packing List

Here’s a complete list of what to pack for a Viking river cruise. You can download and print this river cruise packing list in PDF form here. We recommend printing and laying out all your items for packing for European river cruise so you can check them off as you go.

River Cruise Clothes

• Tees and tops for day x 5-7 – T-shirts, sleeveless vests, blouses for women and t-shirts, polos and shirts for men. Pack a mix of short and long sleeved depending on season.
• Evening tops x 3-4
• Cardigan or sweater – 1 for Summer travel, 2 in Spring and 3-4 for Fall/Winter travel
• Jacket – A denim jacket or utility jacket for Spring/Fall/Winter
• Shorts or capri pants – 1 for women, 2 for men
• Jeans – 1 for Summer, 2 for Spring/Fall/Winter
• Khakis / chinos – For men
• Skirts x 1-2 – Midi length are ideal for Europe. Or coluttes are also great!
• Sundress / casual dress x 2 – Linen or light cotton in summer and a tunic-style with leggings in winter make great river cruise dresses.
• Leggings for women / Jogger for men – Great for the plane!
• Dress or nice top & black pants / sport coat & shirt for men for formal night (optional) – Most European river cruises don’t have a formal night!
• Workout clothes (optional) – Most ships do not have a gym however
• Swimsuit – For onboard hot tubs or thermal baths on excursions in paces like Budapest
• Waterproof parka
• Packable down jacket (in Fall/Winter)
• Hat and gloves (in Fall/Winter)
• Pashmina – Great for the plane or cooler evenings
• Light scarf (in Spring/Summer)
• Warm scarf (in Fall/Winter)
• Sleepwear x 2
• Underwear x 10
• Bras x 3 – 1 nude, 1 white and 1 black works great for travel!
• Socks x 5-7
• Statement jewelry x 1-2 – Don’t bring any expensive jewelry!
• Sneakers – Comfortable walking shoes are essential for sightseeing in Europe. You’ll be walking a lot and often on cobblestones. We LOVE Sketchers Go Walk sneakers for travel. They’re lightweight and super comfortable!
• Sandals (in Spring/Summer) – Something you can wear in the evening or around the ship. Aerosoles sandals (like these) are very comfortable for walking. As are Vionic sandals (like these) .
• Mules or flats (in Spring/Fall/Winter) – Something you can wear in the evening or around the ship. Vionic do great, comfortable flats (like these) .
• Ankle boots (in Fall/Winter) – Good for walking in wetter, cooler weather. Lucky Brand Basel boots (like these) are a great choice.
• Loafer or dressier shoes for men – Something you can wear in the evening or around the ship.  Here’s a nice Vionic Men’s loafer.
• Golf shoes (if required for your excursions)

River Cruise Essentials

Add these cruise and travel essentials to your packing list for river cruise in Europe!

• Travel documents printed
• Travel document wallet
• Downy wrinkle release spray
• Disinfectant spray / wipes – Spray or wipe down your cabin’s surfaces on arrival and use on your tray table & touch screen on the plane!
• Hand sanitizer
• Tide-to-go pen – For removing any stains on clothing
• Travel laundry sheets –  For handwashing any items you may want to re-wear
• Tide pods – Put a couple of Tide pods in a Ziploc bag to use at the onboard as there is a laundry on Viking river cruise ships (or you can use a couple of the travel laundry sheets mentioned above!)
• Travel umbrella
• Compression socks for the long flight to Europe
• Refillable water bottle
• Travel coffee mug
• Highlighter – For your daily cruise schedule

Viking ships with soap, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion so you don’t need to pack these. Choose travel size versions of your toiletries to help you pack light. Decant larger items into GoToobs or GoTubs if necessary.

• Toothpaste (travel size)
• Facial moisturiser / skin care
• Make up – Decant larger items into  GoTubs or ask for sample sizes at Sephora
• Make up remover wipes
• Lip balm – Especially in winter
• Hand cream – Plane travel, using hand sanitizer and winter weather can dry the skin
• Sunscreen (travel size & suitable for face)
• Shaving cream (travel size)
• Pain relief
• Cold medicine
• Allergy medicine
• Motion sickness medicine
• Small first aid kit
• Any medication you require
• Contacts & solution if you require

Electronics

Remember to check all your electronics are dual voltage before traveling to Europe. Most electronics generally are but watch out for things like your hair styling tools!

• All chargers
• European plug adapter – Your stateroom may have universal plugs but an adapter is still useful for travel before and after your cruise
• Powerstrip without surge protector for cruise ships
• European data sim or mobile wifi device
• Powerbank – For charging on the go
• Travel curling iron or travel hair straightener – Make sure it is dual voltage! (No need to bring a hair dryer as they have them on the ship.)

Questions on what to pack for river cruise in Europe?

If you have questions about what to wear on European river cruise or our river cruise tips for packing, leave a comment below and we’ll be happy to help. You can also join our Cruise Packing Tips Group on Facebook to ask questions and share your own tips for packing for cruises. We’d love to hear your tips and questions on what to pack for a European river cruise.

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What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe (+ Packing List)

Are you wondering what to wear on a river cruise in Europe? In this guide we let you know about river cruise dress codes and put together the ultimate river cruise packing list to make sure you are prepared for everything a European River Cruise required.

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Table of Contents

Tips on how to pack for a River Cruise in Europe

Pack a River Cruise Capsule Wardrobe

When you are thinking about packing for a river cruise in Europe there are a few things that you need to take into consideration.

Firstly the first thing I think it is important to mention is that river cruise cabins tend to be much smaller than their ocean going counterparts. And let’s be honest these aren’t big either!

Therefore it is really important to pack light and sensibly to make sure you don’t overpack and take over your stateroom with luggage and clothing.

We therefore recommend putting together a capsule wardrobe for river cruises . By only taking a capsule wardrobe you actually end up packing less but getting more outfits out of the items you take with you.

One of the ways I achieve a capsule wardrobe for cruises is by sticking to a colour palette so that all my items become interchangeable.

My go to color palette tends to be navy, white and beige but this is just personal preference and you could go with something brighter or darker depending on the season and your personal style preferences.

For tips on how to pack a capsule wardrobe generally without having to worry about laundry service check out the below posts:

• 54321 packing method
• Sudoku packing method

What is the best luggage for a river cruise?

We also recommend taking the smallest luggage you can possibly get away with. For instance if you can do carry on only that is great but if not we recommend taking soft sided luggage like this as it is easier to store under your bed or in the wardrobe.

Overall I would say the smaller the luggage the better for a river cruise.

Use Packing Cubes and Space Savers

Now that you know what type of luggage to take on a river cruise we recommend using packing cubes in that luggage.

Packing cubes help save space as you are packing and also help you stay organised when you have limited space. We wouldn’t leave home without our Amazon Basic Packing Cubes .

We also use storage hangers in the wardrobe and hanging toiletry bags to save space on river cruises.

Leave the linen at home

Irons and clothes steamers are on the what not to pack for a cruise list as both are prohibited items. Be sure not to pack anything that gets too creased as it is difficult and expensive to get things pressed.

However if you do decide to pack linen be sure to check out our guide on how to pack linen to prevent wrinkles.

Pack breathable fabrics

River cruises in Europe in summer can be hot places. Be sure to take breathable fabrics with you as you don’t want to feel sweaty all day.

I really don’t think you can beat merino wool in both summer and Winter. This fabric repels smell, and can be both breathable and insulating making it a great pick no matter when you are taking your river cruise.

Pack some more modest clothing

Although Europe is a liberal place some of the sites you will be visiting on a European river cruise will be religious sights.

As such you will be expected to dress modestly and be respectful of the religion. Therefore having at least one outfit where your shoulders and knees are covered is an essential.

For more information on what to wear to religious sites in Europe check out these posts:

• what to wear in Italian churches

I always pack a pashmina when I am traveling in Europe as this is another great way of ensuring modesty in hot weather and will also double up with lots of evening outfits.

European River Cruise Dress Code considerations

So now you know some of our tips for how to pack for a river cruise, we will turn our attention to some of the river cruise dress codes you need to consider:

What are river cruise dress codes like?

Whenever we talk about cruises the first questions we get asked is what are cruise dress codes like. I think that is because people have visions of the 1920s ocean going liners and getting dressed for dinner.

And the truth is some ocean cruises still have strict dress code s – and some do not. However what about river cruise dress codes? What are they like?

Well the good news is that the river cruise dress codes tend to be a lot less formal than ocean going cruise ship dress codes. In fact I would say on some the dress code is actually quite casual which means you can leave the evening formal wear at home.

The main river cruise lines in Europe are:

• Viking River Cruise Dress Code
• Saga River Cruise Dress Code
• Emerald Waterways Cruise Dress Code
• Avalon Waterways

Each of these has slightly different river cruise dress code rules so check out our dedicated post.

What to wear on river cruise shore excursions?

River cruise excursions tend to be more city based such as markets especially if you are going on a river cruise in Europe in winter (check out the post for what to wear on a European river cruise in winter).

As such I would recommend wearing what you would do if you were on a city break in that place normally.

Check out some of our city posts for inspiration on what to wear in those cities:

• What Not to wear in Amsterdam
• What not to wear in Paris

But in essence I would say the key is comfort. There is lots of walking on river cruise excursions so having comfortable walking shoes is an absolute must.

I would also recommend packing clothes that are comfortable and breathable fabrics in case you are traveling during a heatwave in Europe.

What to wear on a river cruise formal night

This is a great question and actually the answer is that most river cruises don’t tend to have a formal night like ocean cruises.

Dress codes on river cruises even in the evening tend to be casual to smart casual and not everyone will change after a river cruise shore excursion.

Personally we always prefer to change for dinner but a sparkly top, or a blouse and smarter bottoms would be perfect – we will go into more detail in the next section.

Pack for the season

One of the things we love about a European River cruise is that they go at all times of year. But this does affect what you wear on a river cruise and it is really important to dress for the seasons. Some general guidance is

What to Wear on European River Cruise in Summer

If you are traveling on a European River Cruise in summer it is especially important to havre lightweight breathable fabrics. However you can still get rain and cold evenings in summer so pack some layers and also a packaway rain jackets

What to Wear on European River Cruise in Spring

If you are doing a river cruise in the spring in Europe be aware that the weather can be extremely changeable and you are likely to experience rain.

As such be sure to bring plenty of water proof and water resistance clothing as well as layers for the colder days and nights.

What to Wear on a Winter river cruise

River Cruising in Europe in Winter can be cold wet and requires a completely different packing list. Therefore please check out our what to wear on a river cruise in winter and out w hat to wear on a river cruise to Christmas markets posts for further information.

What to Wear on European River Cruise in Fall

Similar to cruising in Spring, doing a river cruise in Fall can have extremely changeable and wet weather. Therefore it is always a good idea to take water proof and water proof clothing, a good umbrella and plenty of lightweight layers with you. Also a pair of boots instead of sandals will be helpful.

What to wear on a Rhine River Cruise

There are two main types of river cruises in Europe. A Rhine River Cruise and a Danube River cruise. As these river cruises take in different locals, the packing list for a Rhine River cruise is slightly different to a Danube river cruise.

Rhine River Cruises usually start in Amsterdam and will take in cities along the Rhine such as Cologne in Germany , Strasbourg in France and Basel in Switzerland. These places are often more practical so you will want coats appropriate for the weather, t shirts, blouses and some sensible and comfortable walking shoes.

Also if you plan to do a bicycle tour in Amsterdam, be sure to have some shoes with a thick low heel.

What to wear on a Danube River Cruise

A Danube River Cruise on the other hand usually starts and end in cities such as Vienna and Budapest. And will usually take in some German cities such as Nuremberg.

In Vienna, some of the key attractions will see people opting for more smart casual dress codes however generally speaking a casual outfit is fine for daytimes on Danube River cruises.

And again, comfortable walking shoes are the most essential thing on your packing list no matter where you are traveling to.

What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe

So now you know everything you need to consider, we will turn our attention to our river cruise packing list which will help you pack effectively whether you are a first-time river cruiser or a seasoned cruiser.

Note : This what to wear on a river cruise in Europe for women does not include a men’s packing list . Check out this what to wear on a river cruise in Europe for men post for more information.

In my opinion T shirts are the most versatile item you can take with you on a river cruise no matter the time of year you are cruising.

T shirts are a great breathable and comfy option for summer that pair with any type of bottom and for those traveling in winter they are a great base layer.

T shirts can also be dressed up with a bold piece or jewellery to transition a day time look into a night time one.

Click here to shop t Shirts

Although the dress codes on river cruises do not dictate that you have to change for dinner and on some of the more busy itinerary days you may find you don’t have time to change. ;

However when I can we always do change. A blouse is the perfect evening wear item for a river cruise as it provides a but more coverage which can protect from mosquitos and can take a casual look into the smart casual realm.

I would also add one sparkly or dressier top if you want to get dressed up one evening for dinner.

Click here to shop blouses

Trousers / Shorts / Skirt

I would pack at least one of each the above for a week long river cruise in Europe to give myself plenty of options for changeable weather.

I personally would only pack jeans for spring, Fall and winter river cruises as I find jeans in Europe in summer toon hot but this is a very personal choice. I would replace this with an extra pair of shorts or a skirt for a summer river cruise packing list.

Otherwise you can’t go wrong with a pair of black pants for Europe. Ee love the  Athleta Brooklyn ankle pant for travel currently.

And skirt wise, I like to have a midi or maxi skirt. These can be worn even in churches in Europe which makes them most versatile. However for embarking / disembarking a river cruise I would try and avoid any skirts that drag on the floor.

Just remember if you are planning to visit a religious site that at least one of your bottoms covers your knees so you aren’t refused entry or have to buy something to get inside.

Pack Away Rain Jacket

Rain is possible at any time of year in Europe but particularly when traveling outside of summer. You won’t want to take up lots of room with bulky jackets so get a pack away rain jacket.

Note if you are cruising in winter check out our other posts for what types of coats and jackets to take.

Click here to shop packaway rain jackets.

Cardigan / layers

Evenings on a river cruise can get chilly and there can even be some cool days. Therefore we recommend having a couple of cardigans or sweaters with you including one that is slightly smarter for evenings.

If you are traveling outside of summer you will want to add some more sweaters and jumpers to your packing list.

Click here to shop cardigans

Pashminas are my number one travel item wherever I go but especially for river cruises.

Pashminas are great to add an extra layer if you get cold or are somewhere air conditioned and can act to provide a bit modesty for when you are visiting cultural or religious sites where required.

Click here to shop pashminas

If you are traveling to Europe in summer be sure to pack lightweight pjs especially if you stay includes days before or after your cruise. Many European hotels don’t have air conditioning so make sure you stay cool.

Pack enough for every day of your trip – obviously. We recommend packing nude or flesh coloured underwear as this is most versatile. There is nothing worse than realising you have only have black bras and want to wear a white top.

It may surprise you to find that many river cruise ships have pools. It is worth checking your specific ship amenities before you pack swimwear and travel to see if yours has one.

And remember if your ship does not have a pool it may have a hot tubs, jacuzzi or a spa that you wish to use. If they do you will want to pack your swimwear with you.

Also it is worth noting that you will see all types of swimwear on cruises so pack a one piece of two piece, depending on what you feel most comfortable in.

Best Shoes for a River Cruise in Europe

Most river cruise excursions are walking tours and you can really rack up your step count in river cruise excursions in Europe. Also the terrains you will be walking over are often uneven i.e. cobblestone streets and uneven bridges. Therefore you need a shoe that can cope with these surfaces.

Our go to shoe is a sneaker. We love the brands Clarks, Hoka , AllBirds and Sketchers Go Walks but pick whatever you feel more comfortable in.

You also can’t go wrong with a plain white sneaker as they go with everything. One of my favorite pairs of white sneakers is the  Adidas Cloud Foam shoes . However I would avoid wearing white sneakers on a river cruise in Winter as the terrain can be quite muddy and can spoil your shoes.

Just be sure that if you buy a new set of sneakers for a river cruise that you bed them in before you go as there is nothing worse than getting sore feet and blisters when you are traveling.

If you are traveling in summer and are worried sneakers will be too hot then a sandal is a great alternative. But as you will be doing so much walking you will want to ensure that whatever you pick has great arch support so you don’t hurt your back or feet.

Click here to shop sandals with arch support

Boots are great for if you are going on a river cruise in Fall, Spring or Winter. I would pack a pair of water resistance boots as a must for a river cruise during these seasons but make sure you do not pack thin heeled boots.

Many of the places you will be visiting on a river cruise will be very old cities that have lots of cobbled streets where thin heels can be a hazard for instance I always put thin heeled boots on my what not to wear in Amsterdam and what not to wear in Paris lists for this reason.

Instead chose thick heel boots, flatter boots or wedges.

For tips on how to pack boots in a suitcase check out this post.

What to pack for a river cruise (non Clothing)

Cross body anti theft bag.

Pickpockets are found anywhere that there are tourists but I find this is even more true in cities in Europe. Therefore you will want to protect yourself from pickpockets while on a river cruise and the sites you are visiting.

Out favourite pick pocket deterrent is to wear a cross body anti theft bag like this. I prefer these to a fanny pack as these can often mark you out as a tourist in Europe.

Click here to shop anti theft bags.

Travel documents 

A Passport and/or identification is always required. On top of that remember also your travel insurance, vaccination certificates and visas as well as any other line or country specific documentation.

Mosquito Spray

Mosquitos on river cruises are notorious. Mosquitos love water and they are attracted all around the rivers of Europe. Make sure you aren’t chewed alive by taking a good mosquito spray with feet with you.

Compact Travel Umbrella

Rain can happen even if you are traveling to Europe in the summer.

Pack any meds you need in your carry on and be sure to have prescriptions with you.

The contrast between the nice weather on a warm weather cruise with the cruise ship air conditioning is the perfect recipe for getting dry lips. 

We always recommend packing lip balm that has an SPF so your lips are protected when on beach excursions etc. Again my favorite brand is Sun Bum.  Click here to shop lip balm for cruise ships.

Although most ships provide toiletries I will always pack some on my own as I think they are better quality than those you get on board most cruise ships.

For more information on the  best toiletries to bring on a cruise  check out this post.

It is important to be sun safe whereever in the world you are cruising.

Many people find a lanyard is the best way to keep their cabin key safe and on them at all times on a cruise. You should keep your cruise card with you at all time as this acts as identification on board the ship and also as your payment method.

When looking for a cruise lanyard we think that the best ones are waterproof so can be used on shore excursions where you will be spending a lot of time in the water and can also be used to keep small amounts of cash and a government issued id. 

Click here to shop the best lanyards for cruise travel.

Reusable Water bottle

You will be doing a lot of walking on river cruise excursions and it is good to stay hydrated. To stay healthy and save the environment we recommend always cruising with a travel water bottle.

And there are lots of great cruise themed water bottles out there too! Click here to shop reusable water bottles for travel.

Most new ships will have USB charging ports next to the bed however this is by no means on all ships. Don’t get caught out and take a charger with you and a spare cable.

Travel Adaptor

Depending on where you are from, who you are sailing with and where you may need to take a travel adaptor with you to ensure that all your electronics will work.

I personally never travel anywhere without my trusty Universal travel adaptor that works in pretty much all locations.

Click here to shop universal travel adaptors.

What not to pack for a river cruise

So now you know what to pack for a river cruise, we thought it would be worthwhile pointing out the things that you should not pack for a river cruise.

You can bring these from home but if you want to save on luggage space and potentially do your trip with carry on only I recommend buying your toiletries on arrival if you will have time. Europe has great supermarkets and pharmacies where there are always decent selections of toiletries in the cities.

For a full list of what toiletries to pack for a cruise check out this post.

Expensive Jewelry

AS you don’t have any formal nights on a river cruise and given the pickpockets at tourist destinations expensive jewellery is better left at home.

Instead bring bold costume jewellery that can transition outfits from day to night.

But whatever jewelry you plan on packing, be sure to check out our guide on how to pack jewelry for travel without tangling.

Next Reads: Looking for more cruise related wardrobe and packing advice? Be sure to check out our cruise packing list guides:

• Cruise carryon packing list
• River Cruise Capsule wardrobe
• Can I take a corkscrew on a cruise
• Can I take a hairdryer on a cruise
• Can I take a straighteners on a cruise
• What are the best toiletries for cruises

Have you been on a European River Cruise? Where did you go and what did you wear? We’d love to hear your tips in the comments below.

What to Pack for a European River Cruise for All Seasons

Europe Packing List , Packing , Packing Tips

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If you’re heading off on a Europe river cruise soon and unsure what to bring, get advice from the experts: the TFG readers! They’re sharing their top tips on what items to pack for your exciting trip!

River Boat Cruise Europe Packing List

Table of contents.

Europe remains a much-visited continent and while hitting the towns and cities is one way to see what it has to offer, taking a European river cruise is becoming increasingly popular! A river cruise is definitely a unique kind of trip, as it’s a little slower, a bit more intimate, and still full of breathtaking views and history. 

So, when it comes to what to pack for a European river cruise , there are a lot of things to take into account. For instance, it’s super important to bring clothes that are versatile and pack well, as you won’t have as much space for luggage, and there won’t be features like an ironing board available, either. 

A second important factor is the weather in Europe can vary drastically from season to season, so it’s always important to dress for the time of year. Readers highly recommend looking at weather forecasts ahead of time and using a weather app like The Weather Channel . 

How Long Are European River Cruises and When Is Best to Go?

The length of a cruise varies, as some are as short as four days, while others can be as long as 15 days! You can download this printable packing list for free to plan your European adventure, no matter the length!

Peak season tends to be May to September, but it can get very crowded and be quite hot and humid! Readers say cheaper cruises are offered in spring, especially for tulip season in places like the Netherlands. And, of course, some of the most popular European river cruises are to partake in the enchanting Christmas markets in Eastern Europe or in such popular countries as Austria and Germany . 

The clothing and shoe items you bring will depend on the activities you have planned, whether it’s strolling through gorgeous tulip gardens in Amsterdam or trekking through snowy streets buying gifts at the Christmas markets in Salzburg!

Perhaps you aren’t embarking on a river cruise, but still need help with general packing for Europe, these resources are useful:

• The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Europe in Spring
• The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Europe in Summer
• The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Europe in Fall
• The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Europe in Winter
• How to Choose the Best Travel Shoes for Europe

Readers are happy to share their top tips and tricks to prepare for an amazing European river cruise, both for warmer and colder months. Read further below to see a river cruise packing list for all seasons!

If you’re wondering what to pack for a cruise vacation , check out this awesome cruise packing list!

What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe

While your typical cruise is mostly about having fun onboard, river cruises are all about exploring the sights of each destination you stop at and experiencing the culture around you. For this reason, river cruises are much more casual and easy to dress for. The main things to focus on when choosing clothes are comfort, packability, and because it’s Europe, a little bit of style, too! 

Taos Plim Soul Leather Sneakers are sturdy and stylish for a slow cruise down the waterways

Readers say most of your time will be spent sightseeing, taking walking tours, visiting ancient ruins, and overall being on your feet most of the day. For this reason, dressing comfortably is the #1 priority when packing–especially shoes! 

Though because you’ll be out and about in stylish European cities, choosing chic, neutral pieces is always a great idea. A good rule of thumb is to keep things polished and simple to fit in with the European style. 

The Columbia Freezer Dress is mid-length and perfect for Europe | Sizes XS-XXL

TFG readers tell us that it’s good to have some modest options, even in warmer weather, in case you visit churches and other culturally significant sights where covered shoulders and longer bottoms are. Things like long shorts and midi-length dresses are great, and they’re also super stylish! 

Travelers and readers report that river cruises don’t have a formal night, and the dress codes aren’t as strict, so you won’t need a fancy dress. However, if you want a bit more oomph, a cute pair of sandals or wedges in the spring and summer and a nice pair of boots in the fall and winter will cover you even for nicer dinners! 

Regardless of the time of year, readers recommend always bringing layers. Spring cruises can be chilly, and fall cruises can be super warm! It’s best to prepare for different weather situations, and layering is always key, no matter the season.

Find out the top reader recommendations for the best white sneakers !

What to Pack On a European River Cruise in Spring and Summer

According to readers, packing for a European river cruise in the spring and summer is pretty easy! Some staples are comfy and versatile pants or shorts, light summer dresses, t-shirts, and blouses. Definitely make sure you bring a sweater to layer, too. 

Spring in Europe can definitely be rainy, so readers also recommend bringing a light rain jacket, too. Here’s what to wear on a European river cruise in the spring and summer! 

J. Jill Wearever Smooth-Fit Slim-Leg Pants | Sizes XS-4X Regular, Petite & Tall

Pants for a Spring and Summer European River Cruise

For pants, opt for a comfortable pair that still looks nice, is versatile enough to wear with different tops, and easily transitions from day to night. Your river cruise trip will include a lot of walking under the sun, so staying cool and having ample mobility is super important to keep in mind when choosing your travel pants! 

TFG readers LOVE the Wearever Smooth-Fit Slim-Leg Pants by J.Jill . This pair is made for travel! They allow for lots of movement, they’re flattering, versatile, and pack amazingly well! Plus, these are a super chic option, so they’re great for a European adventure! 

They can take you from casual sightseeing by day to a nicer dinner by night. (Check out the more of these awesome pants here !)

J.Crew Long Chino Shorts | Sizes 00-16

If shorts are your preference, a pair of long lightweight shorts would be perfect for staying cool while sightseeing, or even dressed up with sandals and a cute blouse for dinner! Like the classic chino shorts pictured from J. Crew, a longer length is much more versatile than something shorter.

If you want more pants or shorts ideas for a European river cruise, check out these articles:

• Best Cropped Pants
• Best Lightweight Elastic Waist Pants
• Best Summer Shorts for Women
• Best Rompers and Jumpsuits

Madewell Whisper V-Neck Pocket Tee | Sizes XXS-XXL

Tops for a Spring and Summer European River Cruise

In the spring and summer, choose simple, easy tops that are interchangeable with your pants and can be layered for cooler evenings. A classic tee like the Whisper Cotton V-Neck from Madewell is a perfect addition to a European travel wardrobe. It’s lightweight, breathable, chic, and makes for an effortless outfit paired with slacks and sandals. 

Eddie Bauer Departure 3.0 Long-Sleeve Shirt Sizes: XS-XXL Regular | S-L Petite | M-XXL Tall | 2X-3X Tall

It can get quite hot and steamy in certain parts of Europe during summer, so if you want an excellent item to protect your arms in the summer, a UPF shirt like the Eddie Bauer Departure Long-Sleeve is endlessly versatile! 

The sleeves can be rolled up or down, and the top is lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, AND has sun protection! It’s the perfect top for sightseeing or sitting on the deck and enjoying the view! You can grab the Departure shirt in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes here !

Overall, when picking tops for spring and summer river cruises, think breathable, simple, and versatile. 

If you want more shirt and t-shirt ideas for a European river cruise, check out these articles:

• Best T-Shirts for Women
• Best Travel Shirts Recommended by Readers
• Best Linen Shirts for Summer
• Top Women’s Wrinkle-Free Shirts 

Quince Linen Button Front Dress |   Sizes X S-XL

Dresses for a Spring and Summer European River Cruise

Dresses are always fun and stylish travel options, especially in Europe! While readers say river cruises aren’t overly fancy, many like the option of dressing up a bit at dinner or styling up a sightseeing look. 

An airy linen dress like the one pictured by Quince  is perfect for a summer cruise! Something breathable is a must for warm days. It can be worn with comfy sneakers on a walking tour and with sandals for an evening out! Plus, it’s modest enough to be worn in religious or culturally significant sites.

Eddie Bauer Aster Crossover Dress Sizes: XS-XXL Regular | S-L Petite | M-XXL Tall | 2X-3X Plus

Another cute sundress option is the Eddie Bauer Aster Dress . This dress can handle any adventure your cruise takes you on! It’s flattering, hits right at the knee, and is lightweight!  Another hot tip from readers is to consider linen dresses , as this amazing fabric draws away moisture and keeps you dry and cool. 

For more dress ideas for a spring and summer European river cruise, read these articles:

• Best Travel Dresses for Europe  
• Best White Dresses for Women
• Best Vacation Maxi Dresses
• Best Midi Dresses for Summer

Quince Cashmere Duster Cardigan Sweater | Sizes XS-XL

Layering Item for a Spring and Summer European River Cruise

Definitely pack a layering item! Even if it’s hot during the day, temperatures can definitely drop at night, so bringing a sweater along is always a smart idea. Springtime in Europe can be a bit unpredictable as well, so overall, it’s best to be prepared with a trusty cardigan. 

This Quince Cashmere Cardigan is absolutely dreamy! It’s long, soft, and warm, and perfect for lounging on board the ship, or for a sightseeing excursion where you might want to layer up. 

J.Crew Juliette Collarless Sweater-Blazer | Sizes XXS-3X

In the summer, it’ll be much hotter and the occasion for a layer may not be necessary. However, if you opt for one here and there, you could don a breathable merino wool sweater-blazer that’s unstructured and can double as a light layer. The J. Crew Juliette Blazer is a top reader favorite and so chic for those European cruise stops!

For more layering ideas for a spring and summer European river cruise, read these articles:

• Best Cardigans for Women  
• Best Travel Blazer Brands According to Our Readers
• Best Versatile Sweatshirts

Eddie Bauer Girl on the Go Trench Coat Sizes: XS-XXL Regular | XS-XL Petite | S-XXL Tall | 1X-3X Plus

Jackets for a Spring and Summer European River Cruise

Springtime in Europe can often be a little bit rainy and have unpredictable weather, though it depends on the countries you’ll be passing through. Because of this, readers have told us that another essential item for river cruises in Europe is a rain jacket. 

A lightweight and packable rain jacket will really come in handy, whether it’s protecting you from sudden rain showers or simply blocking the wind on an evening spent by the water! 

One of the most popular rain jackets on the blog is the Eddie Bauer Girl on the Go Trench . Readers rave about this jacket! It’s cozy and waterproof, while still being lightweight and breathable. TFGs also love the flattering fit, and that it’s available in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes, right here .  

Also available on Amazon here !

J.Crew Classic Denim Jacket | Sizes XXXS-3X

In the summer, you may not need a rain jacket as much, but you could pack a lightweight jacket that can be worn on deck or when you’re off the boat visiting markets or significant sites.

The J.Crew Classic Denim Jacket   is uber-popular because of how versatile and durable it is, but it also has adequate secure pockets to store items without worry. If you want to know more about this amazing jacket, read here ! 

For more jacket ideas for a spring and summer European river cruise, read these articles:

• Best Packable Rain Jacket 
• Lightweight Denim Jackets for Travel
• Best Waterproof Trench Coats
• Best Rain Jacket With a Hood  

Waterproof Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles  

Shoes for a Spring and Summer European River Cruise

Comfortable walking shoes are the most essential item to pack for a cruise! You’ll be walking a LOT, and often on cobblestone streets. While it’s nice to dress stylishly in fashion-forward cities, if you’re not comfortable, it’s definitely not worth it! Luckily, there are cute and comfy options for travel. 

Spring can definitely bring the odd rain shower, so besides packing a lightweight rain jacket , consider some waterproof shoes, like the Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles . These are a top reader favorite and the ultimate European cruise shoe, especially in the springtime. They can handle rain, puddles, and slippery surfaces with ease! For more waterproof sneaker options, check out these !

But don’t forget slip-ons! They’re an excellent choice for spring and summer weather because of how easy they are to put on and take off, and many of them are made with a breathable upper. 

Readers are huge fans of the Ecco Soft 7 Slip On Sneakers . They have a pretty, minimalist look that suits Europe perfectly, and they’re also amazingly comfortable and supportive–they really do it all! 

Ecco Flowt 2 Cushioned Band Sandals

Sandals are essential summertime footwear. A cute and comfy walking sandal is ideal for wearing around the ship, to dinner, or even to sightsee in, especially on hot summer days. Readers are obsessed with the Ecco Flowt and many wear these to Europe. 

They’re a chic, strappy sandal with an ultra-comfy footbed, and the leather straps give it a slightly dressier feel, making them a perfect addition to a European-style travel wardrobe! 

Another popular sandal for walking is the Taos Trulie Sandals . They boast a cork footbed that absorbs shock and have easy velcro straps for a snug, comfy fit. And, they come in wide sizes too!

For more sandal and sneaker ideas for a spring and summer European river cruise, read these articles:

• Best White Sneakers
• Best Slip On Sneakers
• Most Comfortable Walking Sandals
• Best Tan Sandals for Summer

Wallaroo Victoria Sun Hat

Accessories for a Spring and Summer European River Cruise

A lot of readers suggest a sun hat for a summer cruise because they’re handy for long days under the sun, and can add a cute touch to your sightseeing look! Readers adore the Wallaroo Victoria sun hat . It’s stylish, adjustable, easy to pack, and offers UPF 50+ sun protection! In fact, we also love Wallaroo so much, that we culled together a review on their winning hats —take a look!

A scarf or wrap is always a great option to dress up an outfit, keep yourself warm if temperatures drop in the evening, or cover your shoulders when the sun is shining strong.

  Mersea Classic Wrap

The Mersea Wrap is bestselling on the blog, and for good reason! It’s beautiful, cozy, and was designed with travel in mind! Users love that you can both snuggle up with it on a plane ride and layer it over a dress for a night out! 

For more accessory ideas for a spring and summer European river cruise, read these articles:

• Best Sun Hats According to Our Readers    
• Best Sun Protective Clothing for Women
• Best Travel Wrap and Shawls for Vacation

Here are comfortable walking sandals that are stylish, too!

What to Pack on A European River Cruise in Fall and Winter

When packing for a European river cruise in the fall and winter, you’ll definitely need to bring more layers like long sleeve tees, merino wool sweaters, and cozy leggings, as well as additional accessories to keep you warm.

And if you’re planning a winter cruise, a warm, insulated coat is a must! As far as shoes go, readers say boots are the best option. Here’s how to dress for a European river cruise in the colder months! 

Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants | Sizes XS-3X Petite, Regular, Long

Pants for a Fall and Winter European River Cruise

In the fall and winter months, comfy pants will be your go-to! Readers suggest basic, dark pants for cooler weather cruises in Europe, and they absolutely go with anything and can be worn anywhere! While you’ll want to stay warm, especially in the winter, making sure your pants are breathable and allow for a good amount of mobility is important because river cruises involve a lot of walking. 

Readers love Betabrand Yoga Pants , which look like dress pants but feel like comfy yoga pants! These pants are absolutely amazing for travel. You can really move and be active in them, yet they look so classy and nice, so you can wear them for fancier outings as well.

Camii Mia Fleece Pants | Sizes 25W-38W

With pants for winter specifically, make sure to always layer beneath with thermals to stay warm. You can opt for cold weather pants too, such as the highly popular Cami Outdoor Slim Pants that are fleece-lined but also water and wind proof. The Christmas markets can be magical, but they’re still chilly! 

For more pants ideas for a fall and winter European river cruise, read these articles:

• Best Cold Weather Pants
• Most Comfortable Pants for Women
• Best Fleece Lined Leggings
• Best Faux Leather Leggings

J.Crew Cashmere Classic-fit Crewneck Sweater   | Sizes XXXS-3X

Tops for a Fall and Winter European River Cruise

Long sleeve shirts and sweaters are more practical for fall and winter in Europe. Simple long sleeve tees are great to mix and match with various bottoms, and can easily be layered under a sweater and a coat. 

A warm, cozy sweater is a MUST for a European river cruise when it’s chilly! Readers love cashmere sweaters, and the top selling J. Crew Cashmere Sweater is lightweight, yet super warm! It comes in sizes XXXS-3X .

ibex Merino Wool Scoop Neck 24 Long Sleeve | Sizes XS-XL

A reader fave for layering is the ibex Scoop Neck Long Sleeve . It’s composed of merino wool, is odor-reducing, breathable, and keeps warmth in. It’s a wonderful travel piece, not just for fall/winter, but other times of the year as well!

If you want a more dressy top, this Linen Button Down Shirt from Quince has a classic, sophisticated look. Wearers say it’s super flattering and slimming fit and is so versatile.

If you’re going to be out and about for long periods of time in the winter, admiring historical architecture or exploring markets, readers suggest layering with thermal tops or even other pieces of merino wool clothing  to be extra toasty. 

For more shirt ideas for a fall and winter European river cruise, read these articles:

• Best Merino Wool Sweaters for Women
• Best Long Sleeve T-Shirts
• Best Thermal Underwear: Tops and Leggings
• Best Tunic Sweaters

Wool& Rowena Swing Dress | Sizes XS-XL

Dresses for a Fall and Winter European River Cruise

Some readers report being able to wear a dress here and there on their fall and winter river cruises. These make easy all-in-one outfits, so opt for a midi-length dress or skirt that will keep the chill away.

A lovely dress option for fall is the Wool& Merino Rowena Dress . It has long sleeves for coverage and a flared A-line skirt that’s elegant and demure. Perfect for dinners or those occasions when you want to elevate your look! 

Quince Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater Dress | Sizes XS-XL

If you plan on booking a cruise during the Christmas market season, a knit dress made of wool or merino wool is the way to go! Quince is endlessly a winner with readers and the Turtleneck Sweater Dress looks cozy enough for walking the market stalls to a dinner at the captain’s table.

With all the dresses, you can add ankle boots or knee-high boots to accentuate your look—and don’t forget cozy tights to keep the legs warm!

For more dress ideas for a fall and winter European river cruise, read these articles:

• Best Winter Dresses for Women
• Best Merino Wool Dresses
• Best Convertible Travel Dresses

Columbia Pardon My Trench Jacket | Sizes XS-3X

Jackets for a Fall and Winter European River Cruise

During the fall, Europe temperatures average between the 40s and 70s Fahrenheit ( that’s 4 and 21 Celsius) , and by October there can be rain to contend with. Readers suggest packing a waterproof jacket, and a very popular one is the Columbia Pardon My Trench . It’s a modern, coat with a hood that has water-resistant construction for lightweight coverage on drizzly days.

Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka Sizes: XS-XXL Regular | XS-S Petite | 1X-3X Plus

If you’re embarking on a winter European river cruise, it’s going to be beautiful and festive, but also very cold! You’ll definitely want to pack a warm winter coat so you can comfortably shop at Christmas markets and take in the gorgeous sights around you! You’ll also want your coat to be waterproof to protect you from rain, or even snow! 

Responsibly sourced down jackets are a hit with readers for cold days in Europe, and a TFG fave is the Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka . It has a minimalistic yet polished look that can handle any weather with ease and is not bulky to wear.

Another highly recommended winter jacket is the Columbia Carson Pass II . It has a thermal lining for optimal warmth, and the outer fabric is waterproof yet breathable and offers plenty of mobility. And don’t forget to protect your extremities with a knit hat , a scarf , and winter gloves !

For more jacket ideas for a fall and winter European river cruise, read these articles:

• Travel Raincoats for Women
• Best Fall Coats
• Best Winter Parka for Travel
• Best Women’s Down Parka

Blondo Dagger Waterproof Boots

Shoes for a Fall and Winter European River Cruise

When the weather turns in the fall, the best shoes to wear should be waterproof and super reliable. Europeans love their leather boots , and it never hurts to follow their lead when preparing for your own trip! 

Readers suggest a waterproof boot like the Blondo Dagger , which is a top seller on the blog! These boots are not only stylish and sure to spice up any outfit, but they’re fully waterproof, cushioned for support, and have great traction, even on wet and slushy streets.

Sorel Emelie III Chelsea Boots

When full-on winter hits in Europe, a boot that doesn’t let in any moisture (aka, cold) is what many readers say keep their tootsies warm. The Sorel Emelie Chelsea Boots is one such popular pick, known for its sturdy traction on a variety of terrain. These puppies will keep your feet dry, and the cushy molded footbeds mean they’re comfy enough to walk all day through snowy and slushy cobblestone streets!

Besides ankle boots, don’t discount long boots. There are many options that are waterproof and cushioned, check out the most comfortable knee-high boots for more!

Readers strongly emphasize the importance of layering when it comes to winter cruise attire. Not only should you wear thermal underwear beneath clothes, but merino wool socks will be your feet’s best friend on chilly outings, so definitely pack those!

For more shoe ideas for a fall and winter European river cruise, read these articles:

• Best Waterproof Boots
• Best Women’s Leather Boots 
• Chelsea Boots Women Love
• Best Black Ankle Boots 

Find out our readers’ picks for the best black ankle boots for traveling!

What Luggage and Handbags to Bring for a European River Cruise  

Luggage may seem like a no-brainer but one thing to consider on a boat is tightened spaces to deal with on board and in your sleeping cabin. It’s best to bring a lightweight, durable suitcase that is easy to store and has secure wheels that won’t roll off on you! 

Conversely, a day bag that you’ll use for sightseeing should be sturdy and have good organizational ability. Generally, backpack or crossbody styles are most popular. 

Since pickpockets are something to consider in Europe, having a bag with anti-theft features is a plus too! See what readers recommend for both luggage and a travel day bag!

Delsey Paris Chatelet 21” Hardside Carryon Suitcase With Brake

Luggage for a European River Cruise

Carryon suitcases are highly recommended for travel to Europe in general, and especially for a cruise down the European famous waterways. The overhead bins on airplanes to Europe tend to be a bit smaller, as will the ship’s storage space be when you get on board. Readers say smaller bags are much easier to maneuver through Europe’s tiny streets, staircases, elevators, and hotel rooms, too. 

The Delsey Paris Chatelet 21” is a perfect little option for this type of travel. At 21”, it’s just small enough to be allowed on most planes to Europe, while providing a decent amount of packing space. This hardside version also comes with a brake too, so it won’t roll around on the ship! 

Away The Carry On

Another reader favorite is Away The Carry On  21” Suitcase , as it’s small and easy to maneuver, and readers rave about how much they can fit quite a bit as it has packing compartments on both sides!

If your cruise is bound for the winter markets, a big reader tip is to take a packable duffle. The Wandf Packable Duffel Bag is a top choice and can easily be stored in your suitcase until you’ve you’re ready to find some gems and take them home.

Compass Rose Compression Slim Packing Cubes

Seasoned travelers in the TFG Community swear by Compass Rose Packing Cubes for your carryon. They help keep things organized and save SO much space! Check out this 5-part video series on how to use packing cubes and our review on why they are so popular for packing clothing!

For more luggage options for a European river cruise, read these articles:

• Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe
• Best International Carry On Luggage
• Best Hardside Luggage 
• Best Softside Luggage

TUMI Voyageur Just In Case Backpack

Personal Item for a European River Cruise

Your carryon personal item or day bag is a detail that shouldn’t be missed. TFGs love bags that are roomy enough to carry daily or airplane essentials, but have good organization too, so it’s easy to find things. Also, it has to be lightweight, so it doesn’t feel cumbersome or awkward to carry while sightseeing.

A huge reader fave is the Tumi Just In Case Backpack !! I’ve owned the Carson backpack , and the Just In Case is a packable, compact version that looks attractive is spacious enough, and goes with virtually every kind of outfit!

You can read about why readers love Tumi in this review !

Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag

Since pickpockets are a concern for some, many readers opt for a bag with anti-theft features for peace of mind. The Travelon Messenger Bag is chock full of such features. It’s equipped with cut-proof shoulder straps, lockable compartments, and a variety of organizational pockets both outside and inside to keep items hidden discreetly.

Its main compartment is ultra roomy too, capable of holding items such as iPads, cameras, and notebooks. You can even carry a water bottle and umbrella!

Another great method of protecting belongings is using a Secret Bra Wallet to stash vital cash and cards. It clips onto a bra strap (and even underwear!), and is perfect in case of emergencies. See our full review on this amazing anti-theft tool.

For more personal item options for a European river cruise, read these articles:

• Best Crossbody Purses
• Best Anti-theft Travel Bags
• Best Convertible Backpack
• Best Travel Tote Bag

Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag

Final European River Cruise Tips

These last tips are really helpful to remember even the little things:

• Many readers recommend a hanging toiletry bag for cruises. They’re easy to pack and don’t take up the entire bathroom counter, as counter space will be quite limited on board the cruise ship!
• Another great storage tip a reader shared is to bring a shoe organizer to hang over a door, saying that it comes in handy for so many things, not just shoes. You can store bathroom items, sunscreens , medicine, accessories, and more! It’s a smart way to add extra storage place in small rooms. 
• Readers talk about the benefits of handwashing on board. While many cruise lines offer laundry services, a lot of TFGs find handwashing their clothes to be much more convenient. Find tips for washing clothes while traveling here !   
• For the hotter season, one reader recommends bringing a travel fan . Europe is known for not having air conditioning, so having a little portable fan to bring around with you while sightseeing is a wonderful way to cool off!

If you want more Europe assistance, check out our ultimate packing ebooks and our   dedicated packing lists split by country! 

Have you done a European river cruise? Share your top tips in the comments below!

For more tips on European travel, please read:

• The Ultimate Packing Guide for Vacation in Europe
• Nine Month Packing List for Europe 
• 3 Week Packing List for Europe
• 2 Week Packing List for Europe

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We hope you liked this post on what to pack for a river cruise in Europe. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Thank you for this section on European River Cruises! I will be going on one in the Spring and this information is so great!

Getting ready to go on a river cruise, your recommendations are so helpful! Thank you.

Hubs and I did our Rhine river cruise in June. This article on What to Pack for a River Cruise was beyond helpful. I used this knowledge as my baseline and it was invaluable. Because of this advice, I packed a great wardrobe for our grand adventure. Thanks TFG!

So excited for my first European River Boat Cruise! I just can’t get enough tips and advice to plan my perfect vacation. Lots of good tidbits here, thanks.

Thanks for all of the tips. Have seen and purchased many products that I’ve seen in this group. I think I will be much better prepared for my river cruise next year.

Can’t wait to one day go on my first European river cruise…

Just returned from my 2nd European river cruise—this time on the Rhine from Antwerp to Basel then a few days in Paris. Fabulous trip! One thing I’d like to add is don’t forget packing cubes, regardless of the season. I liked the compression cubes for underwear, socks, pajamas, scarves, etc.—items I didn’t worry about wrinkles. Non-compression cubes worked to keep other categories organized.

Thanks for all the tips! Going on our first river cruise this Christmas and am already starting to pull together my cold weather capsule wardrobe – started with your recommendations from the Nordy’s Sale!

My gosh, I feel prepared to go after just reading that!

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River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

You booked your river cruise, and the departure date approaches. Now you're panicking about what to pack.

You want to pack light, given you won't have much space in your cabin to store bulky suitcases. However, you also want to be prepared with the right clothing and gear for changeable weather on the river, visits to religious sites and the many walking and cycling tours you plan to do in port. How will you fit everything in a carry-on?

It seems like a lot, but there's no need to feel overwhelmed about packing for a river cruise. I've been on more than 125 cruises, including many river sailings.

Below are my top packing tips and a river cruise packing list for a river cruise in Europe, the United States, Asia or Africa. Follow these tips to take the stress out of your pre-trip prep.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What to pack on a river cruise

The first thing to understand is that where you cruise will dictate what you pack. The Nile River in July will be quite different than the Rhine in November, and you'll need different clothing and gear.

However, river cruises are often during warmer times of the year in places that may not see ice and snow. Typically, heavy outwear isn't needed. (At least not much of it — I was on a Tennessee River cruise in early November, and it snowed for several hours one day!)

Here's what to pack to get maximum use out of minimal luggage.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know.

Lightweight layers

The key to river cruise packing is layering.

On some rivers in Asia and Africa, such as Egypt's Nile River, it can get extremely hot during the day — we're talking 90-plus degrees Fahrenheit — but cool in the evenings.

Late-summer weather in Europe can also change frequently. During a river cruise in the Netherlands in early September, some days were hot and others rainy and chilly. For all these destinations, you'll want to be able to peel layers off and put them on again.

Layers are also convenient should you need to cover up your shoulders and legs to enter religious buildings like temples, monasteries and cathedrals.

Light scarves are useful for covering shoulders in religious places and covering your head and face when it's hot or dusty. Colorful scarves can also be a great accent piece for a dinner outfit on board.

For the best layering, think about packing several thin long- and short-sleeved T-shirts, as well as a jacket, such as an outdoorsy zip-up jacket or vest from Patagonia. I often bring a dark denim jacket for layering. It's warm and looks stylish when worn over T-shirts and accented with scarves.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Casual clothes for day and night

River cruises involve full days of touring on land, so casual and comfortable clothing is key.

Cargo pants or shorts are a great idea on a river cruise, especially for the popular cycling and walking excursions. You can stash your phone, a thin wallet and even sunscreen or bug spray in the large pockets, leaving your hands free to navigate a bicycle or walking sticks.

It may sound counterintuitive, but for very hot places in Southeast Asia, India, Egypt, Amazon region and Europe in August, it's best to wear long sleeves when touring, even in the hottest summer months. This will protect you from sunburn.

Prepare for various temperatures and pack lightweight breathable fabrics. I prefer thin cotton tops, while my husband likes the moisture-wicking shirts from Arcteryx and similar brands. Both kinds take up little suitcase space and dry quickly when hand-washed.

Some of the newer riverboats from lines like AmaWaterways and Scenic have small pools on deck, so pack a swimsuit if you'd like to take a dip.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

When it comes to dining, river cruises are generally casual. You can even have dinner wearing what you wore on the afternoon's excursions — within reason. I wouldn't wear cargo shorts to dinner, but I'd wear jeans.

That said, especially on Europe river cruises, most folks like to wear a nicer shirt or top for dinner layered with a nice scarf, vest or a thin easy-to-fold jacket. Passengers on higher-end river cruise lines in Europe (such as Uniworld and AmaWaterways) tend to dress up in the evenings more than guests on more affordable cruises.

No river cruise line will expect you to bring suit jackets or sparkly clothes. However, I've seen women in cocktail dresses and men in sport coats on Europe and Mississippi river cruises.

Related: What to wear on a cruise: Cruise attire and cruise line dress codes

Bring a pair of sturdy sneakers or light trekking shoes for excursions that may require long city walks in Europe and the U.S. or hiking on dirt roads or rocky paths in more rural areas in India, Laos, Cambodia and the Amazon. Alpine-style hiking boots are not necessary.

For Southeast Asia and India river cruises, bring a comfortable slip-on shoe, like a pair of Crocs, that are easy to get off and on because you'll have to remove shoes before going into temples. You're usually allowed to wear socks, so bring multiple lightweight ankle or no-show socks you can easily wash in your cabin sink when they get dusty from walking on dirt roads.

Ideally, bring a third pair of shoes to wear inside your cabin and around the boat's interior, such as sandals, boat shoes, flats or whatever casual lightweight shoe you prefer. I never travel without my hot pink Birkenstocks; they're cute and versatile, without or with socks.

Accessories and travel gear

Clothing isn't the only thing you'll need to pack for your river cruise. The No.1 accessory you should pack is a lightweight backpack, fanny pack or sling bag that is easy to carry on walking or biking tours or on more active treks.

Riverboats that offer the use of bicycles should provide helmets, but the options may not always fit the way you like. If you plan on cycling a lot (we cycled daily, sometimes twice a day on a recent AmaWaterways Netherlands and Belgium river cruise), consider bringing your own. The helmet may take up valuable real estate in your luggage, but it's a must if you're fussy about what you put on your head.

I like to wear a thin baseball cap under the helmets I borrow from cruise lines. The visor of the cap keeps the sun or rain away from your eyes. Also, if you're uncomfortable wearing a previously-worn helmet, a ballcap can be a barrier to keep you from touching the hat directly. You can also tie a bandana on your head before putting on the borrowed helmet.

Ask your cruise line if it gifts passengers a reusable aluminum-style water bottle to fill up on board and use during shore excursions. If yours doesn't, bring your own lightweight refillable water bottle as an eco-friendly practice to cut down on single-use plastic waste.

Related: 20 must-have cruise items — including a roll of duct tape

If river cruising in Southeast Asia, India, South America or Africa, bring a small bag of your preferred medicines because you might not find the brands or names you're used to in port. Also, bring your pain reliever of choice, and anti-diarrhea medicine, just in case.

Also, carry a small container of insect repellent, for excursions and your room, on cruises in tropical places where mosquitos and other bugs are prevalent.

Since evening entertainment on a river cruise is minimal — typically a bit of music after dinner or nothing at all — consider packing your own evening entertainment.

Bring books, an e-reader or a tablet, but make sure to download books and movies to your device before your trip. Wi-Fi can be weak on riverboats anywhere in the world, so you may not have a signal to read the newspaper in real-time or stream the latest episode of your favorite show.

Tips for river cruise packing

River cruise boat cabins are often on the small side compared to cabins on big cruise ships, so you don't want to over-pack.

Riverboat cabins are also not as uniform as those on ocean-going ships. European fleets may be more similar, but lines in North America and Asia can have quirky, one-of-a-kind ships. Don't assume you'll have as much room on one line as you did on another.

Riverboats may not provide much (or any) space under the beds for bulky suitcases, and closets (if there are any) are compact, so small suitcases or soft duffels are ideal.

There are exceptions, such as the high-end riverboats in Europe from lines like Uniworld and AmaWaterways; larger riverboats like the 417-passenger American Queen on the Mississippi River; and luxury lines like Aqua Expeditions cruising in Asia and the Amazon. These ships offer more storage space in generally larger cabins.

Related: Cruise ship packing mistakes you want to avoid at all costs

Many riverboats also don't include self-service laundry rooms (though some deluxe Europe riverboats will). Some don't have laundry service either. If you want to pack light, bring undergarments and layering tops that dry quickly, so you can wash in the bathroom sink and hang them to dry.

River cruise packing list

With all this in mind, here is a suggested packing list for your river cruise vacation:

• Multiple lightweight tops and T-shirts, including long-sleeved versions for sun protection.
• Bottoms, such as leggings, lightweight cargo pants, jeans, khakis, slacks and skirts.
• Evening wear like casual dresses, slacks and nice shirts.
• Multiple pairs of lightweight underwear and socks.
• A lightweight cotton scarf or sarong.
• A lightweight but warm jacket, cardigan and/or thin fleece for chilly mornings or evenings.
• Sturdy shoes, such as sneakers or simple hiking shoes.
• A comfortable slip-on shoe for visiting religious sites or for evenings on board.
• Light backpack or fanny pack for excursions.
• Water-proof zip-top or small bag for your phone and camera for protection in rainy weather and when aboard small launches used for excursions.
• Local and U.S. currency in small bills for purchasing drinks, snacks and souvenirs and for tipping local guides.
• Reading materials (books and e-readers) and/or a tablet.
• Sunscreen and bug spray.
• Sunglasses.
• Lightweight compact umbrella for both rain and sun protection. (Many river cruise lines provide umbrellas, but they're often the large non-folding kind that aren't convenient to carry around all day.)
• Prescriptions and basic medicines.
• Chargers for your electronics, plus a portable charger to ensure your phone is always juiced up on long excursions.
• Multi-prong adaptors so you can use both the North American 100- to 120-volt and European 220- to 240-volt outlets on the river cruise boat. (The newest luxury riverboats may have standard USB charging outlets in the lamps on the bedside tables.)

Bottom line

The key to river cruise packing boils down to two important themes.

First, don't over-pack or bring giant suitcases that won't fit in your cabin.

Second, dress for success with lots of lightweight layers. Understand the climate and the activities you'll experience in your river cruise destination, and you have a recipe for the perfect packing job.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

What to Pack for a River Cruise in Europe: The Ultimate Packing List

What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe

A river cruise in Europe is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you want to make sure you look your best. But what should you pack?

The best way to decide what to wear on a river cruise is to think about the weather and activities you’ll be doing. In general, you’ll want to pack comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that you can easily layer.

For a summer cruise, you’ll want lightweight, breathable clothing that you can easily cool down in. This includes items like shorts, skirts, dresses, T-shirts, tanks, and linen pants. You’ll also want to pack a swimsuit, cover-up, and sunglasses.

For a winter cruise, you’ll want to pack warmer clothing, such as sweaters, jackets, and pants. You’ll also want to pack a hat, scarf, and gloves.

No matter what time of year you’re cruising, you’ll also want to pack comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on and off the ship, so you want to make sure your feet are comfortable.

Here are some additional tips for packing for a river cruise:

• Pack versatile pieces that you can mix and match.
• Don’t forget your toiletries and medications.
• Be sure to pack a camera to capture your memories.

The best way to decide what to wear on a river cruise in Europe is to consider the weather, the activities you’ll be doing, and the dress code of the ship.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about packing for a river cruise in Europe, including what to wear for different activities, day and night, and tips for packing light.

What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe: The Basics

No matter what activities you’re planning on doing, there are a few essential items that you’ll need to pack for a river cruise in Europe.

Comfortable shoes

You’ll be doing a lot of walking on a river cruise, so it’s important to pack comfortable shoes. Sneakers or walking shoes are a good option, as they’ll provide you with the support and cushioning you need.

Casual clothing

You’ll be spending most of your time on the ship, so you’ll want to pack casual clothing that you can move around in comfortably. Jeans, t-shirts, and shorts are all good options.

A light jacket or sweater

The weather in Europe can change quickly, so it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater in case it gets chilly.

If you’re planning on swimming in the pool or taking a dip in the ocean, you’ll need to pack swimwear. A swimsuit, cover-up, and towel are all essential.

A hat is a good way to protect yourself from the sun. A sun hat or baseball cap will do the trick.

Sunglasses are another essential for protecting your eyes from the sun.

Sunscreen is important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Be sure to apply sunscreen before you go outside, and reapply throughout the day.

A camera is a great way to capture your memories of your river cruise. A point-and-shoot camera or a smartphone will do the trick.

A guidebook

A guidebook can help you learn about the different cities and towns you’ll be visiting on your cruise.

A passport and visa

If you’re traveling to Europe from outside the EU, you’ll need to have a valid passport and visa.

You’ll need to have some cash on hand for things like tipping, buying souvenirs, and taking public transportation.

• Credit cards

It’s also a good idea to bring a credit card or debit card with you, as you can use them to make purchases at shops and restaurants.

Medications

If you take any medications, be sure to pack them with you. You may also want to pack a first-aid kit.

It’s a good idea to have travel insurance in case you need medical attention or your luggage is lost or stolen.

These are just the basics of what to wear on a river cruise in Europe. Depending on the specific activities you’ll be doing, you may need to pack additional items. For example, if you’re planning on hiking or biking, you’ll need to pack appropriate clothing and gear.

Be sure to pack light, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking on your cruise. And don’t forget to have fun!

What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe: For Different Activities

In addition to the basics, you’ll need to pack different clothing for different activities on your river cruise.

Daytime activities

During the day, you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so you’ll want to pack comfortable clothing that you can move around in easily. Jeans, t-shirts, and shorts are all good options. If you’re going to be walking in the sun, be sure to pack a hat and sunglasses.

If you’re going to be visiting any churches or other religious sites, be sure to pack something that covers your shoulders and knees.

Evening activities

In the evening, you’ll likely be going out to dinner or to see a show. For these occasions, you’ll want to dress a little more formally. A dress or skirt and blouse, or a pair of slacks and a button-down shirt, are all good options.

If you’re going to be attending a formal night on the ship, you

3. What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe: For Different Climates

The climate in Europe can vary greatly from one region to another, so it’s important to pack clothes that are appropriate for the time of year and the region you’ll be visiting. Here are some tips on what to wear on a river cruise in Europe, depending on the climate:

Summer in Europe is typically warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 65F to 85F. The weather can be hot and humid in some regions, so it’s important to pack lightweight, breathable clothing. You’ll also want to pack a swimsuit and some sun protection, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

Some essential items to pack for a summer river cruise in Europe include:

• Lightweight pants or skirts
• T-shirts or blouses
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Lightweight jacket or sweater

Spring in Europe is a time of transition, with temperatures ranging from 45F to 65F. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack clothes that can be layered. You’ll want to pack a mix of lightweight and heavier clothing, as well as some rain gear in case of showers.

Some essential items to pack for a spring river cruise in Europe include:

• Sweaters or cardigans

Fall in Europe is a beautiful time of year, with temperatures ranging from 45F to 65F. The weather can be cool and crisp, so it’s important to pack layers. You’ll want to pack a mix of lightweight and heavier clothing, as well as some rain gear in case of showers.

Some essential items to pack for a fall river cruise in Europe include:

Winter in Europe can be cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from 25F to 45F. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack warm, waterproof clothing. You’ll also want to pack a hat, gloves, and scarf.

Some essential items to pack for a winter river cruise in Europe include:

• Warm pants or skirts
• Hats, gloves, and scarf

4. What to Pack for a River Cruise in Europe

In addition to knowing what to wear on a river cruise in Europe, it’s also important to know what to pack. Here is a packing list for a river cruise in Europe:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Contact lens solution and case (if needed)
• Glasses case (if needed)
• First aid kit
• Electronics
• Laptop (if needed)
• Tablet (if needed)
• External hard drive (if needed)
• Driver’s license
• Travel insurance
• Passport photos

Tips for Packing Light

When packing for a river cruise in Europe, it’s important to pack light. Here are some tips for packing light:

What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe?

Q: What is the weather like in Europe during river cruise season? A: The weather in Europe during river cruise season (April to October) can vary greatly depending on the region. In general, the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15C to 25C. However, there can be some exceptions, so it is important to check the weather forecast before you pack.

Q: What should I wear on a river cruise in Europe? A: The best way to dress for a river cruise in Europe is to layer your clothing. This will allow you to adjust to the changing weather conditions throughout the day. In general, you will want to pack comfortable, casual clothing that is appropriate for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Here are some specific items to consider:

• Tops: T-shirts, blouses, sweaters, cardigans, jackets
• Bottoms: Jeans, pants, skirts, dresses
• Shoes: Sneakers, sandals, walking shoes
• Accessories: Hats, scarves, sunglasses, sunscreen

Q: What should I avoid wearing on a river cruise in Europe? A: You should avoid wearing anything too revealing or too formal on a river cruise in Europe. This includes clothing that is too short, too tight, or too revealing. You should also avoid wearing anything that is too formal, such as suits or evening gowns.

Q: Where can I buy clothes for a river cruise in Europe? A: You can buy clothes for a river cruise in Europe at a variety of stores, including department stores, specialty stores, and online retailers. Here are some specific stores to consider:

• Department stores: Macy’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue
• Specialty stores: The Gap, Banana Republic, J.Crew
• Online retailers: Amazon, Zappos, Asos

Q: How much should I budget for clothes on a river cruise in Europe? A: The amount of money you should budget for clothes on a river cruise in Europe will depend on your personal style and budget. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from \$100 to \$500 on clothing for a week-long cruise.

Q: What are some tips for packing for a river cruise in Europe? A: Here are some tips for packing for a river cruise in Europe:

• Pack light. You will only have limited space in your suitcase, so it is important to pack light.
• Pack versatile clothing. Choose clothing that can be layered and that can be dressed up or down.
• Pack comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking on a river cruise, so it is important to pack comfortable shoes.
• Pack a raincoat or umbrella. The weather in Europe can change quickly, so it is important to pack a raincoat or umbrella in case of rain.
• Pack a hat and sunglasses. The sun can be strong in Europe, so it is important to pack a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.

Here are a few key takeaways:

• Pack layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures.
• Choose comfortable, breathable fabrics that will wick away sweat.
• Opt for waterproof shoes or boots that can handle wet and slippery surfaces.
• Don’t forget your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• Pack a small day bag for excursions and sightseeing.
• And most importantly, have fun!

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What to Pack for a River Cruise in Europe

Just a few weeks or months from now, you might be lucky enough to find yourself cruising along the Danube for a well-earned vacation, relaxing on the deck between cities and maybe even enjoying an onboard massage or two.

But, before you board, we know you may have a few questions about how to prepare for your cruising experience in Europe . To take the stress out of packing, we’ve checked in with our in-house cruising experts to ensure you know exactly what to pack. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know before you set sail.

Travel to: River Cruise in Europe

What will the weather be like?

Of course, the weather is one of the first things you should consider when assessing what to pack for your cruise. Like most countries, the weather in Europe during spring and fall can vary greatly, and winter is often chilly. Summer, on the other hand, will be quite warm. No matter the season, temperatures in Europe can fluctuate, so it is best to pack a few light layers.  Aim to pack clothes that are versatile and can be mixed or matched around with other pieces in your suitcase to create new outfits. And for the mornings, stepping out on the deck to catch the sunrise will usually call for a jacket to keep the wind away. 

If you’ve booked a river cruise to explore the magical Christmas markets during the European winter, warm clothes are a must, as is a good jacket, sturdy shoes, a warm hat, a scarf and gloves.

See Also: River Cruises for Singles and Solo Travellers

What will the dress code be on the ship?

Generally, river cruises have a more relaxed dress code than ocean liners. In fact, on most river cruises, no formal wear is required at all.

Men are advised to pack a nice pair of slacks that can be worn casually during the day, or with a nice shirt or jacket in the evening. Although not required, some men might feel more comfortable wearing a jacket while travelling with a luxury cruise operator. To change it up, you can accompany your slacks with a couple of comfortable dress shirts and some t-shirts or long-sleeve shirts for daywear. Most importantly, don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes such as leather walking shoes that can be dressed up with a button-down shirt.

Ladies should take a smart casual approach for footwear and pack at least one pair of shoes that are appropriate for dinner. Packing black pants is a great tip, so you can dress them up with a few evening pieces, or you can wear them casually during the day. Light summer items such as long pants, shorts and skirts are easy enough to pack and are versatile options to have on hand.

To keep away the cold, a light sweater or jacket will be perfect for the evenings. Keep your wardrobe limited to just two or three colours so that you can easily swap around outfits. Or, if you’re a colourful dresser, then go for it and pack a suitcase full of rainbow outfits! If you’re a savvy packer, you should be able to squeeze all of the above items into a carry-on bag.

Another essential tip for the ladies is to pack a light scarf to cover shoulders when visiting some religious sites. At many Catholic and Orthodox churches in Europe, it’s considered as a sign of respect to cover your shoulders upon entering.

One thing to keep in mind: some cruise lines have a no-jeans, no-shorts policy for dinner, so check before you sail.

What activities will I need to prepare for?

While cruising used to have a stereotype as being an option for travellers who don’t like to do much at all, many ships these days cater for all kinds of guests and even carry bicycles on board for guests to use! Active programs are growing in popularity for most cruises, and a gym may even be available, so activewear is a must if you’re planning on working out on vacation.

Having said this, what is absolutely essential, are comfortable walking shoes. Many European cities have historical centres riddled with romantic, winding, cobblestoned streets which are a highlight of any European trip. Each day you’ll be stopping to explore new cities or small towns, and you’d hate to have to skip that because of a poor shoe choice, so pack wisely!

Also, many ships have a swimming pool or jacuzzi onboard, so if the season is right, don’t forget your swimsuit and slip-on shoes, plus any other poolside essentials such as a hat and sunscreen.

See Also: 6 Crucial Tips For Planning Your Romantic Honeymoon Cruise

Will I need a day bag?

While on board, you won’t need to carry much more than your cruise card and perhaps your phone if you wish. A small clutch or an over the shoulder bag is perfect for most day-to-day activities. While a backpack might seem like the logical choice for when you’re out and about, these can easily become a target for pickpockets. A tote bag is a great alternative, which will fold away when you’re not using it.

What other essentials should I pack besides clothing?

Make sure you pack an adaptor or power converter to charge your electronics. Most ships have both 110v & 220v outlets onboard, but it would be best to check before leaving to make sure you’re prepared. Don’t forget to pack some reading material or a kindle if you intend to lounge on the sundeck while sailing to your next destination.

Of course, you need to ensure you’ve packed your travel documents including your passport, flight itinerary and confirmation of any additional hotel booking information. Don’t forget to also have emergency numbers of all family members home and travel insurance information with you also.

How much luggage can I pack?

Less is more. Accommodation is tight on most river cruise ships, so keep that in mind when packing your luggage. Stateroom storage space is minimal and your suitcase will have to fit under the bed, so a medium size piece is a much better choice than a larger suitcase. Most closets are quite small and drawer space is limited, but if you’ve packed smart, you should find the storage space to be just right.

See Also: Why River Cruising NEEDS To Be Your Next Trip

Will there be washing facilities on my river cruise?

There are usually laundry services available onboard which, while usually pricey, are well worth budgeting for halfway through your trip. Some cruises even offer a complimentary service!

What to leave at home

• Do not pack your computer if you can help it. Unless you’re expecting to work on the trip, your smartphone should be sufficient for the occasional Facebook status update or Instagram post. Satellite internet onboard is much slower than on land, and streaming videos on Youtube can be difficult. Try to limit your use of technology and enjoy the sailing experience one day at a time!
• Forget about packing a fancy wardrobe. Yes, river cruises try to maintain a classy atmosphere, but everyone understands that the priority is to explore the ports of call. Leave your high heels and dress shoes behind and take flats instead. Just remember; comfort is everything.
• Don’t worry about packing an outfit for every day of your trip. If you really need to, you can always hand-wash single items in your stateroom, or pay for laundry service onboard. Remember, pack a few accessories and you can create a brand new outfit daily by wearing virtually the same clothes!
• Leave your hairdryer at home. Many of the major river cruise lines supply this for you. 

Did you find this artilce helpful? Share in the comments below any packing tips or tricks to other travellers can read and enjoy!

Finally settled down in Vienna after 9 years of leading tours in Europe, Leona first joined TourRadar in 2016. She speaks four languages and enjoys cooking authentic traditional recipes, walking in the hills around Vienna and arranging beer coasters so they're all facing the same way.

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What to Pack for a Europe River Cruise in Any Season

You’ve planned your Europe river cruise, but you’re not sure of how and what to pack. Maybe you’re wondering about the weather for a Christmas Markets river cruise, formal nights or simply the best way to pack. What electronics and accessories should you pack?

Here are some tips that have helped me to prepare and pack for river cruises in Europe. I hope my packing advice will help you prepare for your Europe river cruise, too.

In This Post...

How to Pack for a Europe River Cruise

Whether you’re going for 10 days or one month, pack as though you’ll only be gone for a week. There’s always someplace to do laundry, even if it means paying $25 for a bag of laundry and have the ship do it.

After all, you’ve spent at least $4,000 per person for this cruise…what’s another $25 when you consider the advantages.

Should you pack an umbrella? All river ships have umbrellas for their guests to use in port. Keep in mind, these are not tiny umbrellas and can be cumbersome. Perhaps pack your own collapsible umbrella just in case you’re staying in Europe before or after your cruise.

Depending upon your river ship, cabins may be a bit smaller than a typical ocean cruise ship stateroom. There’ll be ample room under the beds to stash your unpacked bags, but countertop and closet space as well as bathroom vanity space can be limited. Consider an over-the-door hanging shoe rack. Great for stowing bits of loose items in each shoe compartment and folds flat when it’s time to re-pack.

What Luggage Should I Use?

If you’re still dragging a two-wheeled suitcase behind you, it’s time to upgrade your luggage to a four-wheeled spinner suitcase. It’s like a suitcase with power steering.

You don’t have to spend a fortune for an American-made Tumi or German-engineered Rimowa set of luggage. Inexpensive French-made Delsey has some of the most lightweight luggage anywhere, is exceptionally roomy and offered in a variety of colors and models.

Luggage that weighs around 10lbs. or less, like Delsey, is ideal. If the bag or online description doesn’t state the weight, you can always find it online at the luggage brand’s website.

I always travel with my 19″ small carry-on with easy front access to my laptop.

Now that you know the type of luggage and packing cubes to get, focus to keep the contents as lightweight as possible. Airline requirements aside, it’s never any fun to begin your vacation with a wrenched shoulder or stiff neck.

What Type of Clothes Will I Need?

It all depends on the time of year for your river cruise. That sounds obvious, but there can be challenges, especially if you plan to travel a bit before or after your cruise. If you’re taking a Tulip Time river cruise from Amsterdam, it can be chilly in early spring. A summer departure from Budapest can be very warm.

A Grand European river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam (or reverse) takes you through several countries, all of which could have their own weather-related issues.

SPRING OR FALL RIVER CRUISE IN EUROPE

The weather on a spring or fall Europe river cruise can be unpredictable. Early spring can bring chilly winds that rush down the river or bright blue cloudless skies to make a walk on the sun deck totally enjoyable. Fall cruises can be chilly and drizzly or totally gorgeous autumn days. You just never know. So it’s important be able to dress in layers no matter what the season.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS RIVER CRUISE

These cruises deserve their own how-to dress information. River cruises on the Rhine from late November and onward can be quite chilly if not altogether cold. Gray days can prevail, but sunny days are not out of the question.

Be prepared with hats, warm scarves, gloves and a lightweight coat made for colder weather. To use my iPhone and still keep my hands frost-free, I have these exact Isotoner gloves. They’re designed for use with touchscreens.

Some devout spring and fall river cruisers bring silk undergarments and then layer with thin clothing like cotton tops for women and long-sleeve pullovers for men. A flannel-lined water-repellent windbreaker or lightweight parka (that you wear from home) plus hat and gloves are a good idea, too. Even for spring and fall, bring one warm scarf to tuck inside your jacket. Add a few dressier, thin scarves too, for a quick way to change an outfit.

CASUAL OR DRESSY

Keep it simple. Unlike on an ocean cruise, there are no formal nights on a river cruise. The dressiest it gets is the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on the last night. Men sometimes wear a sport coat over a collared shirt or turtleneck T. Some women opt for a sparkly top and a nice pair of pants…but that’s about it. During the day, it’s all about comfort.

Blend in. Keep your white sneakers, USA-emblazoned baseball caps and neon clothing at home. While extremely stylish, Europeans dress mostly in dark colors year round. It’s quite common to see both men and women wearing a beautifully-colored scarf to add a bit of punch to a drab outfit.

Build your cruise wardrobe around one central color scheme, whether brown, black or charcoal. Pieces that you can mix and match will make your life so much easier. Seriously, no one will notice if you wear the same outfit twice.

Shoes to Pack for a River Cruise

All European river cruise require some amount of walking, much of which is on cobblestones. Ancient ruins aren’t equipped with elevators. Don’t bring your new pair of walking shoes unless you’ve spent time at home breaking them in for your trip.

Women can leave their high heels at home too. Generally, three pairs of shoes works fine. One pair of walking shoes – preferable not white, dressy low-heeled shoes in black, and a pair of black or dark colored flats.

Almost every river cruise line gives passengers slippers to wear so you can leave yours at home.

Will My Valuables Be Safe?

Except for wedding rings or something that doesn’t scream “steal me”, leave the good stuff at home. ALWAYS keep your carry-on bag with you. If a crew member or someone at the pier offers to help you up the gangway, tag right along side of them. Don’t let your carry-on out of your sight.

After all, your carry-on bag has your meds, vitamins, travel documents, makeup etc. Your passport should either be on you in a hidden pouch or in a deep zippered compartment in your zippered cross-body bag that’s worn in front of you.

Electronic Devices and Accessories

Newer river ships have multiple electric outlets in both 220 and 110 voltage. USB outlets can be found on the desk as well as bedside on the newest of river ships.

It doesn’t convert your hair dryer to 110 voltage, but your river cruise line or hotel will provide hair dryers.

A nice perk on all river cruises is free wifi. So yes, you can bring your iPhone, iPad and MacBook and it’ll almost feel like home.

Be sure to buy an extra camera battery or regular batteries. Also, extra SD cards for your camera. Don’t take a chance of losing all your photos with a non-brand name SD card.

Recap of How and What to Pack

Now you should have a good idea of how and what to pack for a European river cruise. To recap:

• Get lightweight, four-wheel spinner luggage.
• Leave valuable jewelry at home.
• Pack only enough clothes for one week.
• Dress like a European – dark colors to mix and match with pretty scarves.
• Bring already-broken-in walking shoes.
• Electric adapters, devices and cameras
• Know and practice how to use your new camera or Kindle
• Keep your carry-on bag with you at all times during travel connections.

Back to River Cruise FAQs

This article contains affiliate links. You can read our affiliate policy in this disclosure .

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Hi Shari, Thank you so much for reading my packing article and sending your comment. I don’t know your itinerary, but here’s a link to my Christmas Markets river cruise, different cruise line but you may very likely visit some of the same towns so I hope this info will be helpful. Have a terrific time! I’m jealous! Thank you again. https://cruisemaven.com/christmas-markets-river-cruise-with-amawaterways/

Thank you for a very informative reading. We are doing our 1st river cruise ever after over 32 cruises on main line ships. This is a bucket list for me on Viking Christmas tours. Looking forward to December, 2022.

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Updated on April 17, 2024 by Elyse Sterling

Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips (2024)

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: January 4, 2024

Home >> Travel Tips >> Cruises >> Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips (2024)

A common question for first-time river cruisers is how to pack for a cruise . We have learned a lot sailing on Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises over the years. We’ve learned that packing for a river cruise differs from what you would pack for a cruise on one of the bigger cruise lines.

With this in mind, we’ve put together our Viking River Cruise packing list. Our list is loaded with helpful cruise packing tips that help you to get ready for your river cruise.

You will find an example 7-10 day packing list at the end of the article to use as a starting point for your packing.

Table of Contents

How to Pack for a Viking River Cruise

One of the great advantages of a river cruise is being able to unpack once and relax for the rest of your cruise. However, even with all the great packing hacks we mention here, the secret to packing for a cruise is still to pack light.

River cruise cabins are smaller than hotel or ocean vessel rooms, so pack only essentials to avoid clutter.

Related: 10 Travel Safety Tips to Put in Place Before You Go

Storage in Your Cabin

One thing we love about Viking River Cruise vessels is the ample storage in the cabins. While the cabin may not be that spacious, there is plenty of drawer and cupboard space to stow your things. Empty suitcases or bags slide easily under the beds to minimize clutter.

Pack Your Cruise Carry On Bag Wisely

When you set sail on a Viking river cruise, smart packing matters. Remember your essentials: a change of clothes, basic toiletries, and vital medications in your carry-on bag. Having the best wheeled underseat luggage helps you travel light and keeps you prepared for emergencies on your Viking river cruise.

If you’re using a fly-cruise package and the airline misplaces your luggage, it might arrive late or at the next port. This delay could disrupt your Viking river cruise packing plans.

While it rarely happens, if your bags do get delayed on the river cruise, you have no need to worry. Freshen up and explore the ship without waiting for your belongings during your Viking river cruise.

Related : Avoid lost luggage issues. We’ve rounded up the Best Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags to help you find lost luggage fast.

Best Time to Take a River Cruise

There are many river cruises in Europe , but there are numerous others aroudn the globe. Consider voyaging along rivers in China, Vietnam, or Egypt for a diverse experience beyond the usual European route.

When preparing your attire for a Viking River cruise, consider the chosen cruise destination and the prevailing weather conditions. Seasons play a crucial role.

Many opt for European river cruises during spring and autumn, characterized by varied weather. Europe’s summer can also be unpredictable, unlike parts of Asia where summer often brings heavy rainfall

Related : Take a Look on Board Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Sea

Review the Shore Excursions

When assessing your river cruise itinerary, pay close attention to planned excursions and those you’ve already reserved.

Consider packing attire suitable for specific excursions, like versatile hiking or walking shoes for comfortable strolls.

Some activities, like the Russian Banya or Budapest’s spas, might necessitate a swimsuit, providing unique bathing experiences.

Shore excursions are pivotal in European river cruises, often offering cultural evening events such as opera or ballet. For these, consider slightly more formal attire.

Help reduce single-use plastic when you travel .

It is extremely important to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your travels. While Viking provides bottled water on excursions, using a reusable filtering water bottle is environmentally conscious, budget-friendly, and ensures safe refills anywhere.

Explore our guide for the best travel-friendly filtering and purifying water bottles that suit your preferences.

Best Luggage for a Cruise

What kind of luggage is best for a cruise?  The best luggage for a river cruise is sturdy, easy to maneuver through airports, and easy to stow under the bed.

We prefer a soft duffle-style bag with wheels and a telescopic handle. They are easy to pack, easy to carry, and pack flat when not in use. They are also more forgiving if you overpack a little or pick up too many souvenirs on your trip.

Samsonite Wheeled Duffel

We like the Samsonite wheeled duffel bags because they are lightweight, easy to carry and with changeable packing options, are so easy to pack. They also come in different sizes depending on your requirement. Perfect for cruises.

Cruise Luggage Tips

• If you are traveling as a couple, we recommend taking one large suitcase or bag between you for a cruise and one carry-on bag each.
• You maximize the room in your cabin this way and only have to worry about one case while traveling.
• With this in mind, consider baggage weight allowances if your river cruise includes domestic flights within the country.

Best Bags for Cruise Excursions

The ideal bag for shore excursions should prioritize comfort, practicality, and anti-theft features while avoiding excessive bulkiness.

For women, consider opting for anti-theft crossbody purses over large shoulder totes. These practical, stylish alternatives prevent overfilling for comfort, blend in discreetly, and offer security.

Given the extensive walking during river cruise town explorations, prioritize comfort to avoid pickpocketing incidents

Read Our Guide to the Best Crossbody Bags for Travel  

Crossbody Bags for Travel 

Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Bag

Sherpani Prima, Anti Theft Crossbody Bag

Travelon Anti-Theft Cross Body Bag

Read Our Guide to the Best Anti Theft Handbags and Purses for Travel  

Anti Theft Fanny Packs

Discover the resurgence of trendy fanny packs, the perfect lightweight companion for day excursions during your river cruise or leisurely days on board.

We have reviewed some of the best and most stylish fanny packs for travel here , but these are a few of our favorites. Some even transition beautifully from day to evening.

Travelon Addison-Anti-Theft-Convertible Crossbody/Belt Bag

Travelon Origin Anti-Theft Waistpack/Sling Bag treated with Silvadur antimicrobial technology

Daypacks for Cruise Excursions

When you choose a travel daypack, prioritize features like hidden pockets, secure zippers, and adaptable designs that remain snug against your back. Make sure you can easily shift your bag to the front in crowded settings.

You can avoid the risk of pickpocketing if you opt for a sling bag. These types of bags provide added security. You can explore our curated collection of Sling Backpacks for men & women .

Read Our Complete Guide to Buying an Anti-Theft Backpack

Best Cruise Purse for Evening Excursions and Onboard

If you want to bring an additional purse for evening excursions or evenings on board, consider a handbag for travel with a small anti-theft wristlet or clutch for evenings. Or, pack a separate anti-theft clutch that won’t take up much room in your bag.

Perfect for carrying your phone, lipstick, room card, and money without having to pack an extra purse.

Baggallini womens Horizon Travel Crossbody cross body handbag

Baggallini Women’s Cross Over Bag with Wristlet

Travelon Anti-Theft Boho Clutch Crossbody Bag

Related: A Complete Guide to the Best Anti-theft Travel Gear

Example Viking River Cruise Packing List

Below is a packing list that will give you all the essentials you need. Continue reading beyond this list to understand the best reasons why you should bring these specific clothing items. This cruise packing list is for a seven to ten-day cruise. You may want to increase some clothing items depending on the type and duration of the cruise.

• 5 – 7 Tops to mix and match with bottoms.
• 1-2 Dressier tops for special evenings.
• 3-4 Bottoms to mix and match with tops.
• 1  Dressier pant/skirt/dress for special evenings.
• 1-2 Long sleeved sweaters depending on the season.
• Lightweight jacket/cardigan for cooler days.
• Scarf/stole – either lightweight for summer or woollen for winter.
• Underwear for the duration of your trip.
• Socks for the duration (including compression socks for the flight).
• Swimsuit if the itinerary or excursions call for it.
• Travel umbrella.
• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho.
• Sunglasses and reading glasses.

Seasonal Additions

• Winter jacket – Lightweight, packable puffy down jacket for travel.
• Warm winter hat.
• Pair of gloves.
• Winterweight scarf/woolen stole.
• Pair winter shoes – opt for lightweight over heavy boots.
• Sun hat for summer
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes.
• 1 pair of day shoes for around the boat or casual evenings.
• 1 pair of dressy shoes for special evenings.
• 1 pair of flip-flops or similar for relaxing in your cabin.

Tech and Accessories

• Extra SD cards for the camera
• External phone charger
• Kindle or E-Reader
• Batteries and chargers for all devices
• Travel adapters (if you need them)
• A power strip (if you think you need one)

Personal Items

• Toiletries and all medications – (quality shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap, and body wash are provided onboard.)
• Hair straightener or curler if you use one – You DO NOT NEED a hairdryer
• Electric shaver if you use one

What to Wear on a River Cruise

How should i dress for a viking cruise.

Viking has a well-earned reputation for delivering an upscale river cruise experience. While this is undoubtedly true, many equate this with the need to dress up during the cruise.

Usually, this is not the case. While a certain level of dress is expected and always appreciated, on a Viking River Cruise, you will not find the need for formal wear as you might on a big cruise line.

How to Pack for a Cruise

To avoid overpacking for your cruise, choose clothing that will work for multiple combinations so you can mix and match outfits.

Start with a predominantly neutral color scheme -black, white, beige, tan, and grey. Depending on your style, you can highlight this with one or two pastels or brighter accent colors.

See our top five best women’s travel pants that are stylish, comfortable, and versatile – perfect for river cruising.

Anatomie Skyler Travel Pant (use code GET15OFF for 15% off your order)

Cashmere Classic Cardigan

Round Neck Stripe T

Bluffworks Travel Palma Chino Pants

See our guide to the must-have travel essentials for women for more travel packing list tips for ladies.

Cruise Packing Tips

• If you are creating a packing list for a seven-day cruise, select five to seven tops to compliment three to four bottoms.
• A brightly colored scarf, shawl, or jacket will give you additional options for each combination and can be used to dress up any outfit.
• You may wish to choose one additional dressier outfit or elegant top to dress up one of your mix-and-match combinations.
• You may want to increase this accordingly for each additional week you are traveling.

See the end of the article for a complete example river cruise packing list.

Bluffworks Ascender 5 Pocket Travel Pants

Goodthreads Men’s Long-Sleeve Solid Oxford Shirt

Nautica Men’s Classic Fit Polo Shirt

Levi’s Men’s Cargo Short

Always keep comfort in mind when choosing clothing for a cruise. Easy care, wrinkle-free, breathable fabrics are best.

Layer Your Outfits

Depending on the season and destination, the weather could be changeable from port to port. Layering is the best way to combat changeable conditions when traveling even from morning to night or when transiting in airports.

Allow for one heavier, windproof jacket, although leave overly bulky or heavy clothing at home. They can become cumbersome when on the move. You can find our top-rated women’s travel jackets and men’s travel jackets with hidden pockets here .

Pack some long-sleeved sweaters or cardigans as well as short and long-sleeved tops and shirts. This way, you can be warm in the cooler mornings and evenings and shed easy-to-carry layers as required during the day.

Scarves and Shawls

A nice scarf or pashmina is the perfect travel accessory for layering when it gets a little cool. It can also dress up an outfit for evenings.

A lightweight scarf also makes great layering for sun protection and as a shoulder and head cover for entering places of worship.

Bluffworks Lightweight Travel Utility Scarf

Dalle Piane Cashmere Stole

Cruise Day Wear

True to the ethos of destination-focused cruising, you will have plenty of time ashore exploring independently or on one of the many included and optional shore excursions.  So comfortable, casual wear will make up the majority of your wardrobe.

• Comfortable trousers or jeans are best, or shorts or skirts are also appropriate if the weather calls for it.
• Lightweight, breathable tops. Both long and short-sleeved.
• A lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler weather. (a packable down puffy jacket is good for cold or winter weather)
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Hat and sunglasses

Consider any places of worship you may be visiting where respectful dress is required. You may be denied entry if you are considered to be inappropriately dressed.

Another good reason to always carry a lightweight travel scarf .

Looking for practical and stylish travel wear?

Read our Buying Guide to the Best Pickpocket Proof Clothing for Travel .

We’ve put together a collection of the most stylish anti-theft hidden pocket clothing for travel for both men and women.

Cruise Evening Wear

Except for a few evening experiences such as the ballet, an evening at the orchestra or opera, most evenings will be spent dining on board.

While the restaurants offer a fine dining experience, the dress code is optional. Of course, you may choose to dress up, but many passengers will opt for “elegant casual”. There are no “formal nights” on a river cruise.

For ladies – Dresses, skirts, or pants with a blouse or sweater are appropriate.

For men – Trousers and collared shirts are acceptable. Ties and jackets are a personal choice.

Look for easy-care, wrinkle-free dress shirts you can wash and not worry about ironing like this travel range from Bluffworks .

Bluffworks Wrinkle Free Azores Blouse

Bluffworks Wrinkle-Free Travel Zenith Dress Shirt

A river cruise schedule can be quite busy. So much so, some days will barely allow time to change before dinner.

Think about your mix and match. A smart dress shirt or polo can quickly dress up a casual look for men, and a lovely shawl and change of shoes can quickly transform a casual outfit for ladies.

There is no need to bring any fancy jewelry. It will only be something for you to worry about on the cruise.

Pack for the Conditions

Cold and Wet Weather

If you are cruising in the shoulder season or taking a winter river cruise, such as a Christmas market river cruise , you may want to prepare for cold and wet weather.

• A pair of lightweight gloves and hat that can slip easily into your daypack or handbag.
• A scarf or shawl is great for layering in minor changes in weather and a must if cruising in the winter months.
• A lightweight rain jacket or quality rain poncho . Consider a jacket that can double as your day-to-day jacket for cooler days, or choose a waterproof jacket that will fold down for easy storage and carrying.
• All river cruises offer complimentary umbrellas on board as just one of the thoughtful cruise accessories on offer . However, they are quite large, so they are not always ideal for taking out for a full day of sightseeing. A small, quality travel umbrella is perfect for keeping in your daypack or handbag, and you always have it in case of an unexpected downpour.

Our favourite travel accessories for wet weather. 

Totes Women’s Reversible, Packable Travel Rain Poncho

The North Face Venture Rain Jacket

totes Women’s Bucket Rain Hat

Windproof & Lightweight Folding Travel Umbrella.

Sun and Hot Weather

If cruising in the warmer months, don’t get caught without sun protection. There is nothing worse than a sunburn on your holiday.

Too many people forget about sun protection when sightseeing around cities and local attractions. Even in the shoulder seasons, the sun can be very harmful, so always be prepared with at least the basics.

• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts are perfect for hot sunny days. Collared shirts are always better.
• A travel umbrella works equally as well as a sun parasol.
• A lightweight travel scarf is great for additional sun protection on the neck and shoulders and comes in handy when visiting places of worship. They are also good if visiting dusty areas to cover your face.

Foldable and Packable Sun Hats for Travel

SunLily Women’s Roll-n-Go Sun Hat

Scala Women’s Packable Cotton Hat

Foldable & Packable Fedora Panama Straw Hat

Best Shoes for a River Cruise

Shoes take up the most room in our luggage and can sometimes add the most weight – See our tips on how to pack shoes to solve these issues. Especially when considering some men’s shoes. In saying that, consider carefully what shoes you will pack for a river cruise.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

While many consider cruising to be quite a relaxed or even sedentary way to travel, river cruises are quite the opposite. At each port, you will have numerous shore activities and excursions to choose from, including lots of free walking tours.

You will be doing a considerable amount of walking and even some easy-to-moderate hikes on some excursions. 

Comfortable walking shoes will be very important. Also, choose shoes with a good grip. Walking around Europe on the cobblestones can sometimes be perilous, especially in the wet.

See our guide to the best travel sneakers for comfy, grippy, cobblestone-proof footwear.

Forsake Davos Mid Men’s Waterproof Outdoor Sneaker Boot

Allbirds Men’s Risers Sneakers

Skechers Men’s Relaxed-Fit Memory Foam Slip-On Loafer

Thankfully today, you can find some very stylish, practical, and, more importantly, lightweight walking shoes on the market.

Tip: Break in your walking shoes before you leave on your cruise

ECCO Women’s Soft 7 Sneaker

Skechers Women’s Go Joy Walking Shoe

Allbirds Women’s SuperLight Tree Runners

Additional Day and Evening Shoes

You may like to take a second pair of day shoes for around the ship that can transition to evening and one pair of dressier shoes for evening excursions.

We always like to take a pair of flip-flops or a similar comfortable sandal for relaxing in the cabin or making those quick trips to the snack and coffee station.

Fly – Cruise Tip

If taking a fly-cruise package and you have a long-haul flight before your cruise, consider wearing compression socks on the flight over. Swollen feet from flying are bad at the best of times.

On a river cruise, you will launch straight into tours and excursions; there would be nothing worse than squeezing swollen feet into shoes for a walking tour.

Personal Items, Adapters & Chargers

Toiletries and personal products.

Embarking on a river cruise grants you ample shore time to easily grab any toiletries you need along the way. With Viking River Cruises, skip packing basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, or body lotion—unless you have specific preferences.

They offer an exclusive, luxurious range by Freyja, supplied in generously sized, refillable bottles, sidestepping leaks and the burden of tiny containers. These premium products are replenished daily or upon request, ensuring you’re always catered to.

Plus, there’s a convenient onboard shop for any urgent needs.

Medications

Don’t forget any medicines you might need for the duration of your cruise, plus additional just in case of any delays.

Tip for Travelling with Medications

Check any travel advice for the countries you will be traveling to regarding prohibited medication lists . If your medication appears on a banned medications list for that country, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork and approvals before leaving home.

Additional Handy Toiletries We Recommend

Don’t forget to carry some hand sanitizer with you. We find the ones that clip to your bag are the best as you never leave them behind and are easy to access when needed.

Hand Sanitizer Travel Sized Pump Bottle

One of the less desirable aspects of travel is having to use public conveniences, something you will often do on a river cruise. We always keep some of these handy wipes in our bags. Whether at an airport or on a shore excursion, throw a few in your bag, and you will never get caught out.

Flushable, individually wrapped wipes for travel.

Adapters and Chargers

Travel Adapters

Viking longships have 110 / 220-volt outlets and USB ports in every cabin, so you shouldn’t need a power adapter unless you have hotel stays included in your cruise itinerary or either side of the cruise. (Not every cruise company will have this, so you should check in advance if cruising with a different company)

You will find power points next to the bed and near the desk, which will likely be ample for most travelers.

If you find you need more charging space for cameras, phones, or even a laptop, we recommend bringing a  power strip from your home country. We always travel with one, just in case.

Cruise Excursion Tip

Bring your headphones – I find the earpieces issued with the audio devices for tours very uncomfortable and difficult to attach to my ear.

I have found the plug-in headphones you would typically use with your smartphone are compatible with the audio devices on board. They are much more comfortable to wear for long periods and produce better sound.

Generic Premium Earbuds/Headphones with Stereo Mic & Remote Control for Smartphones

Charging Bank

A quality, fast charging bank is great for travel days and essential for full-day shore excursions, especially for anyone who uses their phone as their primary camera. They are not expensive and can be a lifesaver when you really need that bit of extra battery.

Dandelion Travel Adapter with 2 USB Ports

Power strip with 3 AC Outlets, 2 USB Ports

The Smallest and Lightest High-Speed Power Bank

Do You Have All Your Chargers and Cords?

Always do a final check of all your devices, cameras, and electronic equipment to make sure you have all the right cords, batteries, and chargers. You may not be able to get a replacement should you forget one.

What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe for Every Season?

Picture this: Gliding through historic cities, lusciously green vineyards, and centuries-old castles, all from the comfort of your floating hotel. Bliss, right? But let’s hit pause on that dreamy movie reel. Your unforgettable European river cruise begins even before you board the ship, with a suitcase prepared for any adventure or weather Europe may present.

Between the Rhine’s romantic allure and the Danube’s charismatic charm, Europe’s waterways are as diverse as the packing list they inspire. That’s right! Every twirl in Vienna, every wine tasting in Bordeaux, and every cobblestone encounter in Rome demands a thoughtful ensemble.

So, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a river cruising newbie, let’s embark on the journey of packing not just right, but ‘European river cruise’ right! With this guide, not only will your packing list be shipshape, but you’ll also keep the various river cruise clothing and line’s dress code – and your Instagram feed – in absolute harmony.

Is There a Dress Code on River Cruises?

It’s the million-euro question that tickles every cruiser’s sartorial curiosity. Well, worry not, fashion voyagers! Although there’s no universal answer, I’ve got the tea on this.

European river cruise dress codes are like that cool, low-key friend who doesn’t demand a gala-gown for a get-together but appreciates when you put an effort to look neat. They lean towards ‘country club casual’ – comfortable, but stylish. After all, you wouldn’t want to explore majestic chateaus or significant cultural landmarks in your pajamas, would you?

Here’s where it gets interesting – various river cruise lines might dance around a bit when it comes to dress codes, much like a samba. While Viking River Cruises embody ‘relaxed elegance’ in cruise clothing during the day and night, Avalon Waterways might encourage a touch of sparkle for their Captain’s Dinner. Onboard entertainment or theme nights may also call for a zesty outfit twist. So, pack that sparkly dress or that sport coat you’ve been saving for a special occasion!

When the shore calls, remember that Europe houses countless religious sites. Visiting these requires modest attire, so those knees and shoulders need a cover-up. And remember, always keep an eye on your river cruise line that’s specific dress guidelines – the river cruising world is not one to rock the boat with a fashion faux pas!

Understanding the European Climate

So, we’ve danced around the dress code, now let’s jive with the European climate . If there’s one thing Europe loves, it’s surprising you with weather as changeable as a chameleon in a rainbow!

Sailing west? Expect mild summers and cooler, often wet winters – so pack your waterproof jacket! Eastern Europe’s cold weather might call for a cozy packable down jacket for those winter river cruises. And if you’re flirting with a summer cruise to the Mediterranean, sizzle in light summer dresses but don’t forget a light jacket for cooler evenings.

European river cruises often cast off in peak season from April to October . Spring and fall cruises witness mild to warm weather, while summer cruises in summer weather can range from warm to downright hot, especially in Southern Europe. Winter cruises offer a colder but magical experience with the holiday markets.

Now, what does this all mean for your suitcase? It’s simple – be prepared for all seasons! ‘Cruise’ through your packing decisions with layers for cooler weather and ocean cruises, breathable fabrics for the summer, and never forget your comfortable walking shoes for those cobblestone streets. Trust me, your suitcase will be a weather-ready fashion fortress!

What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe during Spring and Summer

Think flowers blooming, sun-kissed vineyards, and of course, fashion that’s as refreshing as a spritz on a Venetian gondola. European river cruising during these seasons is your perfect excuse to flaunt your flair for fashion while basking in the beauty of Europe.

As an advocate for chic comfort, I’d say Cropped Pants and, Summer Shorts are non-negotiables for both ladies and gents. Nothing screams ‘I’m ready for an adventure’ more than Breathable Tops for Men and Women paired with these.

And for my fellow fashionistas, Light Summer Dress or a Skirt and blouse combo would look stunning against any European backdrop. Don’t forget a Stylish Cardigan for those unpredictable cooler moments or romantic evening strolls along the Rhine.

As for footwear, your cobblestone conquerors should be comfortable yet chic. A pair of Slip On Sneakers can handle anything from visiting religious sites to wine tasting (because let’s be real, balance may become an issue). Walking Sandals are also a great option, offering breathability and support for those longer walking tours.

Accessorizing on a river cruise in Europe is just as crucial as picking the right clothes. Your best allies? A Sun Hat that’s as practical as it is Instagrammable, and Sunglasses to keep you looking and feeling cool. Remember, being on a river cruise is not just about seeing Europe’s stunning sights, it’s also about making a fashion statement as you pass them by!

What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe during Fall and Winter

Ah, the charm of fall and the majestic aura of winter in Europe , captivating, aren’t it? Imagine cruising through the continent, wrapped in layers of warmth and style as you admire the changing leaves or snowflakes drifting down. However, as they say, “forewarned is forearmed”, and the European weather can be as tricky as a river bend. The keyword here is “ layering. ”

Picture this: You’re roaming the cobblestone streets of Vienna or maybe sipping mulled wine at a Christmas market in Strasbourg, but you’re shivering like a Chihuahua in a snowstorm. Nightmare, right? That’s where Cold Weather Pants step in, paired with Faux Leather Leggings or Fleece Lined Leggings underneath to lock in the warmth. Top it up with Wool Sweaters or Tunic Sweaters , add an ‘extra pair of jeans’ and you’re set to take on the chill like a pro.

And for the ladies looking to bring the fashion game on board, why not opt for Winter Dresses worn with Thermal Underwear ? Trust me, you’ll not only look chic but feel warm and cozy too! On those wet April days, arm yourself with a waterproof jacket. After all, being prepared never goes out of style.

As you set foot on shore for excursions, nothing screams comfort like Boots and Thick Socks . Wrap this up with Leather Jackets or Denim Jackets that are as stylish as they are functional, and you’re all set to experience the European fall and winter in all their glory, straight from the heart of a river cruise!

And don’t forget the Knitted Sweaters and Long Sleeve Shirts for over dresses and tees. Cruise or not, the European chill doesn’t discriminate.

Special Events and Theme Nights

Now, let’s talk about the show-stoppers, the nights that are the “pièce de résistance” of your river cruising experience: Special Events and Theme Nights . These are the moments that bring the glitter and glamour of Europe straight to the deck of your river cruise ship. So, naturally, you wouldn’t want to miss the chance to make a style statement, right?

Picture a themed night dedicated to the entrancing culture of Europe. Maybe it’s a masquerade ball, a roaring 20s night, or a night inspired by the elegance of French fashion. For the ladies, this is your moment to twirl in that Gala Dress you’ve been saving for a special occasion. Wear it with your go-to Heels and you’ll be ready to rule the night!

For the gentlemen, a Suit and Tie should be your go-to. You can never go wrong with a classic black suit, a crisp white shirt, a sleek tie, and a pair of shining Black Leather Shoes . This suit will make you look stylish and ready to impress whether you’re attending a live show, an event, or a captain’s party.

Speaking of gala dinners, these are the perfect occasions to channel your inner Bond or Hepburn. The elegance of such nights demands an equally sophisticated outfit. So, why not opt for a cocktail dress or a suit that makes you feel like you’re on the red carpet?

Remember, fashion on these European river cruises isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good. So dress to impress, but most importantly, dress to express!

Essential Accessories and Gear

As we continue our packing voyage, it’s time to look beyond clothes and into the world of essential accessories and gear . These can make your river cruising experience in Europe not just fashionable but also comfortable and hassle-free.

The unpredictable European weather may occasionally throw a curveball at you. Be it the April showers in the romantic city of Paris or the radiant sun in the vineyards of the Rhine, you need to be prepared. So, don’t forget to include Umbrellas and Sunscreen in your packing list. These will not only save you from unexpected weather changes but also let you enjoy the beauty of Europe without any hiccups.

Next up, the unsung heroes of any travel expedition – the travel accessories. Packing a Universal Plug Adapter would be a smart move, considering the different plug types across Europe. Power Banks are another lifesaver, especially when you’re busy capturing the mesmerizing views from your river cruise.

Lastly, let’s talk about practicality. While sipping a coffee at a riverside café, you wouldn’t want to worry about your essentials, right? Here’s where RFID Wallets come in handy, keeping your credit cards safe from potential skimming. Keep a Travel-Friendly Water Bottle with water at all times to stay refreshed on your excursion to the shore. And guess what can make your packing even more efficient? Packing Cubes ! They’re a magic trick to fit everything in your suitcase without causing a chaotic mess.

Packing right is the first step towards an unforgettable European river cruise. So, don’t shy away from investing in these small yet significant items for the cruise packing list. They might just make your journey a tad bit smoother!

Packing Tips and Tricks

As we’re nearing the end of our river cruise packing list saga, let’s dive into some ingenious packing tips and tricks that could make your European river cruise a breeze.

First off, let’s master the art of creating a travel capsule wardrobe. The goal is to select pieces that are compatible with one another to create a range of outfits. For instance, a good pair of jeans can pair well with different tops, and a neutral color cardigan can go with multiple dresses or tops. This way, you have numerous outfit options without overpacking.

Next on the list is mastering the art of layering , crucial for dealing with Europe’s changeable weather. You can layer a cardigan or a lightweight jacket over your tops or dresses for chilly mornings or evenings. If the day warms up, you can simply take it off and enjoy the sunshine. Layering ensures you are ready for all weather conditions without needing to pack your entire wardrobe.

Finally, let’s talk about some luggage space-saving hacks . Rolling your garments rather of folding them can help you save an incredible amount of luggage space. Also, it tends to reduce wrinkles, a win-win situation! If you want to go a step further in organizing, packing cubes are your best friends. They compartmentalize your belongings, making it easy to locate your items when needed.

With these tips and tricks, you can pack light, pack right, and be ready to embark on your fantastic European river cruise!

As we dock this voyage through the vast sea of packing tips, let’s take a moment to reflect on our adventure. We’ve covered everything from understanding the dress code on river cruises to the significance of the European climate on our packing decisions. We’ve ventured into the specifics of what to wear in Europe’s varying seasons, right from breezy summer shorts to cozy wool sweaters.

We’ve also discussed the fun of dressing up for special events and theme nights, painting a vivid picture of elegant gala and cocktail dresses, sophisticated suits, and culturally-inspired attire. On the practical side, we’ve explored essential accessories and gear that will make your trip smooth and comfortable. And let’s not forget the ingenious packing tips and tricks that will transform you into a packing pro, capable of fitting a whole trip’s worth into one suitcase!

Now that you’re equipped with all the knowledge, you’re ready to embark on your European river cruise! So go on, pack those bags, and prepare to sail through Europe’s breathtaking landscapes, intriguing history, and diverse cultures. Here’s to unforgettable adventures, laughter-filled moments, and stories that will last a lifetime. Bon voyage!

What do you wear on a day river cruise?

On a day river cruise, comfort is key! Casual clothes such as breathable tops, lightweight pants, as well as comfortable shoes are a necessity. You’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing and walking tours, so your outfit should support these activities. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you leave – if it’s likely to be hot, you might want to wear a sun hat and apply plenty of sunscreen.

Do river cruises have a formal night?

Yes, many river cruises do have at least one formal night, often referred to as the Captain’s Dinner. This is a chance for guests to dress up and enjoy a special evening. Women might choose to wear a cocktail dress or a nice pair of trousers and a blouse, while men often opt for a suit or a sport coat with a nice pair of pants. However, each cruise line has its dinner attire and own specific dress code, so it’s best to check in advance.

Do you need a swimsuit for a cruise?

Absolutely! Even though river cruising in Europe might not immediately bring to mind lounging by the pool, most river cruise ships do indeed have hot tubs or thermal baths. So, if you fancy a relaxing dip after a day of exploring, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit! Plus, if your itinerary includes visits to wellness centers or thermal baths in cities like Budapest, your swimwear will come in handy.

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What to Wear on a European River Cruise

• Post author: Linda
• Post published: February 20, 2020
• Post category: Viking / Travel Blog / Tips

Maybe you have just booked your first European river cruise and are looking forward to traveling down the beautiful Rhine or Danube. Undoubtedly you are excited at all the sites you will see. But are you confused about what to wear? You have also probably heard that river cruises tend to be much more casual than the typical ocean cruise. So, how casual is ‘casual’ and what should you pack?

We hope that this post will help you have a complete understanding of the types of clothing you need to pack so that you are not just comfortable, but also confident that your clothing will be completely appropriate for every activity.

Dressing for Each Activity

Let’s take a look at the kinds of activities that you will likely participate in as part of your cruise. There are daily site seeing excursions, cocktail hour, dinner, special evening events both aboard the ship and onshore, some active pursuits such as biking, hiking, canoeing or even workouts and swimming onboard your ship.

• Daily Wear Onboard the Ship – Outside of the dining room during meals and the lounge areas in the evening, you can feel free moving about the ship in just about anything. It is not uncommon to see a few folks in their pajamas grabbing a cup of coffee to take back to their stateroom early in the morning. Although I would not recommend staying in your PJ’s all day, typical lounge wear like yoga pants, shorts, etc. are just fine for hanging out during the day.

A lot of the river ships do not even have fitness centers or swimming pools. However, if your ship does and you wish to participate, then it’s very easy to dress for these activities. Pretty much anything you would ordinarily wear to the gym or to a resort pool will be just fine for your cruise.

• Active Pursuits – If you are participating in some outdoor activities like hiking or biking, you are going to want to dress in clothes that work for your level of physical activity and the weather. Technical clothes such as hiking pants or shorts, shirts, shoes or biking shorts are appropriate for any of these types of activities.

• Daily Site Seeing Excursions – First, regardless of the time of year, dressing in layers is always recommended. Obviously in cool temperatures, you will want to bring along a layer or two so that you can adjust to changing weather conditions. Even in warmer times of the year, you will want to be sure to have a layer to protect you from rain or the cooler temperatures inside of air-conditioned buildings. (Although frankly, we’ve rarely encountered super cold air conditioning anywhere in Europe.)

It’s kind of humorous, but if you research what to wear in Europe, you will read articles that tell you that you should dress like Europeans so that you do not stand out as a tourist. I have news for you, unless you are really experienced with the nuances of the local dress, you are going to look like a tourist. You will also hear that Europeans don’t wear jeans or shorts or sneakers, and that is simply not true anymore.

That said, you should not consider all of Europe as one monolithic culture. For example, eastern Europe tends to be a bit more conservative than western Europe, and southern Europe tends to be more relaxed than northern areas. Overall though, Europeans tend to be a bit more put together, even when dressed casually. So, what does this all mean for your day wear while you are on the cruise? Basically, it means you should dress casually and comfortably, but not sloppily.

Women can wear pants, jeans, casual dresses and skirts just about anywhere. I have noticed that although more European women are wearing shorts these days, they are typically the younger set. Older women still tend to wear slacks or capris. However, if the weather is warm and you want to wear tasteful shorts, there will very likely be other women on your excursions who opt to wear them too.  Simple tops, including sleeveless ones are generally fine as long as they are not too revealing. Just keep in mind that there are some churches and holy sites that require knees and shoulders to be covered. So be sure you understand your itinerary for the day, so that your shorts or shirts do not present a problem for entry into these sites.

For both men and women, your footwear needs to be comfortable since you will be doing a fair amount of walking. In summer, sandals, sneakers and walking shoes are all appropriate anywhere you will be touring. In cooler weather, comfortable boots or booties can be added to the list.

Don’t forget to bring along a hat and sunglasses. While Europeans have not fully embraced the baseball hat, you do see a few.  A lot of folks on your tour will be wearing them, so you will definitely not feel out of place.

For women, I recommend carrying an anti-theft purse while you are out and about touring.  Although crime is not a huge issue in most places, there are always some opportunists that are looking to take advantage of the tourist crowd.  So play it safe and leave expensive purses on the ship – or even at home.

Tip: Be sure you carefully review and understand all the details of your itinerary and excursions before you leave home. That way you will be sure you are packing the right clothes for all of the activities in which you will be participating.

• Cocktails, Dinner and Onboard Evening Activities – During breakfast and lunch, most everyone is dressed pretty casually. Usually you are having these meals either right before or right after your daily excursion, so most folks are dressed in their daily excursion wear. On most days you will have sufficient time after returning from your excursion to shower and change before cocktails and dinner, and most folks make an effort to dress up, even if just a bit.

For gentlemen, dress slacks, khakis or chinos, paired with a collared shirt (including polo shirts) are all acceptable. Shorts and blue jeans are generally not part of the dress code. I have to say though, I have seen a few men wearing jeans at dinner and nothing was said. But jeans are in opposition to most dress codes, so I would recommend not even trying.

Although a few river cruise lines will ask gentlemen to wear a jacket for special events such as a Captain’s Dinner, in most cases you can leave the sports coats, suits and ties at home.

You may be tempted to bring along some of your nicer jewelry for dressing up your outfits, but frankly most women do not bring many, if any, expensive pieces. However, there are typically safes in each stateroom, if you really want to bring some nice pieces.

In addition, a lot of women do not carry purses to dinner. Considering that river cruise ships are relatively small, you are never very far from your stateroom, so you can easily walk back to your stateroom if you need something.

UPDATE (August, 2022): Having just completed a European river cruise last month, there has been a notable change in the habits of travelers.  It seems like most everything is much more casual now, most notably during the dinner service.  While there has not been a change in the documented dress code, on our cruise jeans and shorts now seemed to be acceptable for both men and women during dinner on the ship.  So, you may want to keep that in mind if you are packing for an upcoming cruise.

Now that you know what is ‘acceptable’ dress, understand that there will be some people who really want to get dressed up in jackets and cocktail dresses. They enjoy dressing up and are more comfortable dressed that way. However, the vast majority of folks will be dressed nicely, but casually.

TIP: You may think that you have to have unique outfits for every day and evening. Consider creating a capsule wardrobe, so that you can mix and match pieces and reduce the overall amount of clothes you need to pack. For more tips on packing light , check out our blog post on this topic.

• Onshore Evening Activities – One possible exception to the casual nature of the river cruise could be some optional onshore activities such as a formal concert or a ballet performance. Certain performances may require suits and dresses. So, if you are participating in any of these activities, you may want to ask for some guidance from your cruise line regarding appropriate clothing.

Final Thoughts

Let me just conclude by saying that everyone has a different idea about what is appropriate. You may feel differently about the types of clothing suggested in this post – and that is fine. Other than the dress code guidelines that are particular to each cruise line, there are no rules. If you are happy with your choices – then go for it!

This Post Has 10 Comments

We went on the Rhine River Cruise with Vikings and all we needed were comfortable casual clothing.

Thanks for the comment. We have been on three Viking River Cruises and have found them to be a little more casual than some of the other cruise lines. There is no real ‘formal’ nights on Viking River.

We have been on 8 Viking river trips. On one of our earlier trips men wore jackets and neckties to the final dinner and women were wearing long skirts or dress trousers. However, on all of our later trips this was not the case. Everyone was primarily dressed as they were during the daytime. No jackets to be seen..at all. Women wearing mostly trousers and nice shirts.

Thank you for the comment. We have noticed it has been slightly more casual each trip we have been on.

We have been on three Viking cruises and my husband has found black jeans and regular jeans appropriate for dinner.

Thank you for the comment. We have seen the same thing on Viking, but some other river cruise lines are a little more strict.

We went on a Viking cruise and our luggage did not arrive for two days. So for the Captains dinner and a concert in Vienna, we wore jeans. We felt under dressed, but no one said anything. Nice causal was the norm for dinner.

I know how you feel. We were on the Grand European cruise with Viking and my luggage never showed up. I wore hiking pants the first few days until we went to the store and I got some new clothes. Just like you, no one said anything but I felt a little casual at dinner.

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• Jan 5, 2023

What to Pack for a European River Cruise: The Ultimate Checklist

Updated: Apr 14, 2023

Going on a European river cruise is an exciting adventure, but packing can be a bit intimidating if you're unsure what to bring. With this helpful guide, you'll know exactly what essentials to pack and be ready to enjoy your journey down Europe's majestic rivers.

#1 Clothing: Think layers and choose items that are comfortable and airy.

Cruise days in Europe can be quite varied when it comes to temperature and weather, so the best way to pack is by choosing items that offer several layers. Pack comfortable, breathable clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, blouses, and light jackets. Select airy pieces such as linen blazers or cotton dresses for evening activities. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen for warm days in the sun. And of course, don't forget some stylish accessories that will create different looks from day to night!

In addition to clothing, pack a few smart pieces that can easily be dressed up or down in a pinch. A pair of trousers that can be worn with skirts and blouses, as well as casual tops will allow you to mix up your look from day-to-day. On cooler nights, throw on a long cardigan for warmth with an evening dress without the need for a bulky coat. To complete the look, pack several pairs of shoes — including sandals and dressy flats — to take you from sightseeing during the day to dinner aboard the ship. Finally, don’t forget plenty of socks and underwear!

#2 Shoes: Bring walking/touring shoes, soft-soled shoes for boat activities, and waterproof shoes or boots for wet weather.

You don’t want to be uncomfortable while sightseeing, so bring a few pairs of shoes that are both fashionable and comfortable. A pair of waterproof boots might come in handy if you’re planning activities in wet weather, such as a walking tour. For shore excursions remember to pack your favorite pair of walking/touring shoes.

When packing your shoes, try to go light with only a few pairs that can easily be slipped on and off when entering and exiting the boat. But, don’t forget to pack all weather preferences – whether you expect hot or cold temperatures or dry or wet weather.

#3 Electrical Supplies & Chargers: Pack a multi-plug outlet adapter, USB charging hubs, and surge protector strips.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, make sure to bring plenty of electrical outlets. With the ever-growing demand for charging devices and battery packs, not all cabins are sure to provide enough sockets to charge multiple gadgets at once. Consider packing a travel multi-plug adapter so that you don’t have to waste time plugging in each device separately. Additionally, USB hubs and surge protector strips will come in handy if you expect to be needing more outlets onboard your vessel.

Along with why multi-plug adapter and USB chargers, make sure to make a note of what devices you will require for your river cruise. Chargers for phones and other electronic devices should not necessarily be the same as those found in European countries. Being aware ahead of time of what electrical items you will need will ensure that everything runs smoothly during your trip. Most travelers bring adapters that work with US electronics plugs but remember that it is important to check if they are compatible with the country or countries in which you are visiting. Be prepared and make sure to pack extra batteries if needed - there’s nothing worse than running out of power during a sightseeing tour!

#4 Health Essentials: Include medications, sunscreen, insect repellent, bandaids and any other necessary health items you may need.

Make sure to pack any medications you take regularly and extra prescription drugs in case of emergency. In addition, don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, bandaids and other health essentials you may need while on your trip. It is also important to carry basic first aid items such as creams and ointments for cuts or insect bites, as well as medical documents that could be useful if needed at any ports of call. While onboard the vessel, make sure to check up with the staff regarding any precautions before jumping into activities at the various ports.

Have a conversation with your doctor prior to departure, so you are well informed of any necessary preventative measures you should take while traveling. While on board, there may be times where the vessel’s medical staff can provide over-the-counter medicine; however, it is still important to bring medications in an airtight container and paperwork for personal prescription items. Remember that in certain countries, there may be a limited selection of products available; therefore, researching which items will be accessible at each port of call is something you should also look into when packing for your trip.

#5 Necessary Documents: These include a valid passport and visa (if needed), travel insurance information, and any medical documents such as shot records or prescriptions if applicable.

Make sure to pack copies of travel documents like your passport, tickets, reservation confirmations, currency, and credit cards for easy access and secure storage. Additionally, don’t forget to bring a list of important phone numbers from home that you can reach out in case of emergency. Lastly, it is recommended to make some extra photocopies of all your travel documents and share them with a trusted family or friend for safe keeping.

Tip #1 River Cruise Clothing

Planning for a European river cruise can be tricky, with different weather conditions throughout the peak season between May and September, as well as during the holiday seasons. To ensure you have a seasonal wardrobe appropriate for various temperatures during your trip, packing lightweight items that can be layered is key. This way, you will have the flexibility of adding or removing layers depending on whether you need to stay hotter or cooler.

Tip 2: Remember, river cruise ships do not have a strict dress code

Packing for a European river cruise can take a bit of planning so you'll be comfortable on board and during shore excursions. Opt for light layers of clothing such as jeans or khakis, quick-drying convertible travel pants, and a mix of long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts and sweaters. Make sure to leave any overly casual items like sweatpants at home - smart casual looks are the way to go!

Packing for a European river cruise can present some unique challenges when it comes to deciding what to wear. Generally, the daytime attire should be comfortable and allow for plenty of exploration but you can also bring dressier options for evenings. For most people, casual pants with a collared shirt is enough and you are welcome to dress up further if desired. Don’t forget to pack something extra special for the gala dinner near the end of your trip!

Tip 3: Look over your trip's itinerary

European river cruises come with a variety of excursions included in each itinerary such as walking tours, train rides and sightseeing at castles, religious sites and wineries, travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes and clothing they can layer throughout the day. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and rain gear in case of unpredictable weather. In addition, make sure to pack a camera, binoculars, your passport and any other needed items!

If you plan on taking part in any activities like biking, hiking or visiting popular tourist attractions, consider bringing clothing that will be comfortable and appropriate for each activity. Finally, check to see if there are any dress codes for the specific tour sites you visit - such as vineyards or historical structures - and make sure you bring those necessary items with you!

Tip 4: Pick a neutral color scheme

When it comes to packing for a European river cruise, it's best to stick with neutral colors. Neutrals are easy to mix and match to create different outfits. Black, white, and gray tops go easily with bottoms in khaki, blue, olive green or black. If you still want some color, try going for darker or jewel tones that don't stand out too much.

When packing for a European river cruise, it is best to keep your wardrobe subdued and neutral. Dark colours or neutral tones tend to be more accepted abroad and will help you fit in with the local culture while avoiding any unwanted attention. Whenever travelling to an unfamiliar place it is always worth blending in so as to avoid standing out, and this applies especially when going on a river cruise!

Tip 5: Pack less than what you need

Planning to go on a European river cruise? Make sure that you pack light. Instead of packing 14 outfits for a 7-night trip, consider staple pieces that you can combine together. Opt for neutral colors such as black and white and add accessories or layer with a jacket or sweater for added flair. Remember the best advice when it comes to packing is to keep it minimal!

Thankfully, many river cruises offer laundry services so that you don't have to overpack. Therefore, when packing, focus on including only the essentials and consider condensing your wardrobe down to just a carry-on bag.

Tip 6: Do not forget accessories

To help add variety to your wardrobe without bringing a lot of extra items, you can accessorize with jewelry and scarves that won't take up too much space in your suitcase. For men, packing a few belts and watches can help achieve the same look. Finally, leave the more expensive pieces at home and bring some more affordable accessories instead in case they get lost or misplaced.

Whether it is your first river cruise or your 10th, we would love to help you find the right ship and the right river for your adventure. You can contact us here to set up a consultation.

Want to learn more about river cruising? Start with these articles.

River Cruise In Your 30's? - 6 Reasons it is the BEST Way to See Europe!

4 exciting reasons to book an avalon waterways river cruise, row, row, row your boat four amazing river cruises you need to be on in 2022 and beyond.

Contact the River Cruise Queen to start planning your river cruise today.

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Packing Essentials For a River Cruise

By Helene Sula

You're setting sail down the scenic Danube.

It's a beautiful, cool night and your stomach starts to growl. Not to worry, you have a myriad of choices for dinner. But, what should you wear? Better yet, what are the packing essentials for a river cruise in Europe or beyond?

Taking a river cruise is one of the best ways to see a place. It’s relaxing, beautiful, and makes your travel all the easier. But the tough part is packing. What do you need to wear for dinner? Do river cruises require formal wear? What about for the excursions? And what about adapters?! I know many might have questions on what to pack on a river cruise so I’m making a detailed list to ensure you have everything you need.

See my full review of my Budapest and Austria Cruise on the Danube right here.

Why take a river cruise?

I find river cruises to be a wonderful way to see and really experience a destination. I recently traveled with Avalon Waterways on their Active and Discovery cruise starting in Budapest, Hungary and traveling through Hungary through Austria. I not only got to see beautiful places along the way, I felt I had sufficient time at each place to really engulf myself in each city. Because Avalon Cruises offer so many excursions for so many skill levels, there are a range of ages and interests on the ship, making this an exceptional cruise. I also made friends along the way, had delicious food, and had the luxury of visiting multiple cities and countries while I spent the night in the same comfortable room each night. 

If you’re still on the fence, check out this quiz to see if river cruise travel is right for you . 

What to pack on a river cruise

Remember, you're not going anywhere internationally without a passport! Pack that first!

Packing for a river cruise first depends on the length of time you’ll be there. I often tell people to pack as minimally as possible, but because you have the luxury of just one place to put all your stuff, you can often pack a bit more. I still wholeheartedly believe in a carry on bag (even if you are taking a three week trip). 

The bag is totally essential! I recommend the Osprey Porter 46 Liter backpack . I carry on nearly all of my trips. The Osprey bag allows for extra room and space and is an effortless bag to manage and carry all your stuff! I also love the multiple pockets that make organizing your packing a breeze.

See how I pack this bag right here: How to Pack for a Long Trip in A Carry On

If you're interested in even more organization, I recommend packing cubes . This is also great for separating formal wear from athletic clothes.

Dressing for a River Cruise

The benefit of taking a river cruise is that they are usually a lot less formal than a typical cruise. You can wear jeans, pants, or a dress to dinner. Shorts are usually not permitted in the evening, but you can wear a blouse, nice jeans, or a skirt or slacks. Especially on the Avalon River Cruise I’d say the dinner time dressing was “business casual.” I felt comfortable with all the items I brought. I do suggest bringing at least one nicer outfit since most cruises offer a fancier evening. 

During the day, you can wear whatever you like: shorts, t-shirts, or athletic wear. Sometimes, for lunch in the dining room, you’ll want to wear something a bit more upscale than athleisure. I suggest jeans or pants with a short or long sleeve shirt, depending on the weather. 

For your excursions, you should dress depending on what your excursion calls for. If you’re biking, I recommend leggings or pants, hiking shoes if you’re trekking, or even a nice dress if you’re heading to a concert or dinner. Usually, your excursion is fairly self-explanatory for what to wear. 

There does tend to be a dress code at night for a river cruise. This is usually fairly casual, but at night or for dinner you'll want to dress “smart casual.” This typically means a dress, jeans, trousers, skirt, or pants. Formal wear is not necessary. Although, I did bring a silk skirt for a formal evening at the opera. This wasn't necessary but nice to have!

The Essentials

For your clothing on a river cruise, I suggest bringing neutrals. This will allow you to easily mix and match pieces and feel like you have a few different outfit options. I like to bring black, white, and beige whenever I travel. I also suggest adding a few pops of color: a dress, scarf, or skirt so that you have options no matter the weather.

Remember, the clothing you bring will depend on the season. But here's what I typically suggest:

1 white top (great for layer and pairing with jeans). These basic tops are my favorites and I own them in every color.

1 black top

2 nice blouses to wear for dinner or formal events

A jacket or cardigan, it can get cool in the nights for Spring and Summer or bring a heavier one for Fall and Winter. Since weather can be unpredictable, I always recommend a rain jacket.

1 bra and 2 sports bras as well as a shirt to sleep in.

Leggings ( these are my favorite for travel, and I've tested quite a few).

Depending on the weather you might want bringing a pair of shorts or an additional pair of pants.

Skirts (I recommend bringing 2 since you can mix and match them with your tops).

I also recommend to bring a casual dress and two more formal dresses for dinner.

Underwear and socks for the length of the trip as well as bottoms to sleep in.

I swear by my white Adidas Superstars . As in, it's kind of my thing. I even made a gif about it and share them on my Instagram stories. To me, they go with nearly everything and can be dressed up and down.

I also recommend bringing a pair of more formal shoes, either sandals or closed-toe shoes depending on your weather. In the evenings you will want to dress up and you might have a formal night out, so these shoes are recommended.

Remember to bring the right shoes for your activities: hiking boots for hikes, running shoes if you plan to workout or run, boots if it's winter. Flip flops are also a good option if swimming.

Bottom line for shoes: make sure you're comfortable! You'll be doing quite a bit of walking so it's best to be comfy.

Accessories  

Other than my backpack, I prefer a crossbody bag for my purse. I like one that has a flap or zipper to hold my valuables. This helps to avoid pickpockets and leaves your hands free. I like this purse from Fossil, it's a beautiful but durable leather that holds up for years.

Other things to bring:

Scarf (make this a colorful one to add a pop of color to your wardrobe)

Hat (opt for one that can be easily packed, like this one )

While you'll find that many cruises come standard with things like shampoo and soap, there are some times you'll want to pack. I never leave home without a brush and leave-in conditioner to tame my mane.

I like the Wet Brush and feel it's easy to pack and get out tangles. I also like this leave-in conditioner (it smells great too!).

If you bring a curling iron or straightener you will need to bring an converter . In Europe the voltage is 220 so your converter will need to be equipped with this.

You'll also want to bring your makeup as well as a make up bag. I have an extremely detailed post on how to pack your makeup bag as well as the best travel makeup.

Other things to bring are: medication, sunscreen, and other toiletries.

Electronics

In this modern age, it seems like we never leave home without our electronics. Especially with how great digital cameras and smartphones are for capturing the moment. Make sure to bring:

Camera and charging cord, I recommend this DSLR camera .

Phone and charging cord. I also bring a portable charger to ensure I always have power.

Adapters for your plugs.

I personally wear a Fitbit and sometimes to forget the charging cord, which is why having a packing list so important!

You might want to bring on your laptop or iPad. There is WiFi on board the Avalon river cruise . There are also some computers for you to use if you don't want to lug an additional device.

I also recommend that you bring headphones since you will most likely go on walking tours that include a live guide and you'll carry an audio guide for the tour.

Storage On Board A River Cruise

I think you might be pleasantly surprised by the amount of room for storage on board your cruise. In particular, on the Avalon river cruise , because of the revolutionary “Open-Air Balcony” you'll not only have ample space in the closet, the room is quite large.

The great thing about a river cruise is that you'll pick many of your activities ahead of time, this was you can be prepared when packing. Make sure to review your itinerary and check to see what you might need. For example, you might go for a swim, hiking, or a formal night out. It's nice to be prepared.

Take a look at how long your cruise will be, the season, and typical weather conditions for where you'll be heading.

Things you don't need to pack

On your cruise you will usually find some handy essentials. I found this to be the case on the Avalon Waterways River Cruise . My room came complete with a robe, slippers, nail file, cotton pads, soap, conditioner, and a hairdryer- this is so handy!

Tips for Packing

I always recommend that you lay everything out so you're able to see what you need and how well it will mix and match together. The key to success when packing is to use neutrals that can go together so that you can create multiple outfits out of what you've brought.

Can I do laundry on board?

Yes! On the Avalon River Cruises laundry service is available for a fee.

Money in Europe/Beyond

The great thing about booking a cruise is that most of your activities are pre-paid, or attached to your credit card. That means you won't have to worry too much with cash. But I do recommend having some of the place's local currency on hand for small purchases.

Make sure to call your bank ahead of time to let them know you'll be making international purchases. Then you can use local ATMs to get out cash.

Here's the full packing list for a river cruise:

• Suitcase/backpack (I recommend the Osprey Porter Bag )
• Packing Cubes
• T-shirt to sleep in
• Jacket or Cardigan (coat if it's cold)
• Rain Jacket
• Sports Bras
• Pants/shorts (depending on weather)
• PJ pants/shorts
• Walking shoes – I like these
• Sandals/Closed-toe shoe
• Crossbody purse
• Hat (I like a felt hat because it's easy to pack)
• Makeup & Makeup bag
• Straightener or Curling Iron
• Converter , if bringing a hot tool like a straightener
• Leave in Conditioner
• Phone and charger
• Camera and charger
• Portable charger
• Other electronics and cords (for example I bring a FitBit and charger)

Other posts to read:

Transatlantic Crossing on Cunard's Queen Mary 2

QUIZ: Should You Take a River Cruise?

My Guide to Foolproof Travel Beauty

How to Plan a Stress Free Trip to Europe

This trip is a project managed by  iambassador  in partnership with  Avalon Waterways . Helene in Between maintains full editorial control of the content published on this site.

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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Pack less wear more, spend less see more

Europe packing list: summer river cruise and fall

13 August 2023 by Jo

Hi Frugalistas!  I’m back talking about packing lists.  Mr Frugalfirstclass and I are off on a long planned river cruise in Southern France, followed by almost 3 weeks touring Paris, Normandy and Italy.  While I’ve written previously about a European river cruise packing list , I need to update and rethink my plan for what to wear on a river cruise in Europe this time round.  We are away for 4 weeks across the end of summer and early fall, so I need a one bag packing list that copes with what is likely to be changeable weather conditions.  This is my Europe packing list summer river cruise and fall edition:

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Europe packing list: summer river cruise and fall essentials

As I normally recommend I’m starting with deciding on shoes and my basic colour palette.  

In my previous river cruise packing list, I recommended taking a pair of flat shoes that could be glammed up with removable decorative shoe clips for the evening.  Because of the weather I’m not doing this, although I still consider it a good plan for proper fall and spring cruising.  Instead I’m taking a sneaky third pair of shoes – a pair of light ballet flats that pack down to nothing.  Mine are Repetto, but of course other brands are available:

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A pair of leather sneakers will be my go to day shoe.  I prefer leather over fabric as it is easier to wipe clean if they get a bit grubby.  Obviously there are many brands and styles, but it is worth choosing something that has a good arch support and which doesn’t feel too heavy in case you want to pack them:

Along with trusty espadrilles.  Mine have a closed toe, but an espadrille sandal, or a sandal with a good thick rubber sole can work just as well:

Ecco, Clarks, Teva, Skechers and Rockport all have excellent walking sandals with supportive soles:

My basic colour palette for this trip revolves around black, with flashes of white and other colours.

My bottoms are three pairs of black pants:  one pair of loose linen, a pair of crepe palazzo style, and a pair of ankle length slim fitting (slightly stretchy).  I’ve chosen a dressier linen style with a zip and button closure rather than elastic and a tie waist as they are more versatile:

I’m also adding a pair of white jeans and a navy linen skirt.  My white jeans are NYDJ Marilyns.  I like them for travelling as they have a bit of stretch and are not too heavy a denim – excellent for travel:

Tops are a loose white linen shirt, a selection of Tshirts (white and striped) and a black singlet top.  The black singlet top is a bit of a secret weapon – I’m planning on wearing it under the linen shirt with the shirt buttons opened as well as on the cruise for dinner.

Are you planning a trip to Paris?  My France Travel Planning Facebook group is a welcoming place where you can ask questions and plan your trip of a lifetime.  You can join it here >>

Our river cruise dress code is smart casual rather than formal.  To make the singlet top more “dinner appropriate” on the cruise I’m packing a black crepe tuxedo style jacket (which works very well paired with my bottoms and a Tshirt in the day time), a very light organdie shirt and a chiffon open cardigan.  The latter two items are excellent travel items as they pack down to absolutely nothing and won’t crease.   Paired with the black singlet, black trousers and the ballet flats they will make a smart dinner outfit.  For more casual dining I will pair them with my white jeans.

I couldn’t find a blouse or cardigan like mine, but this type of blouse will have the same effect and will pack down to nothing just the same.  It could also be worn under a cashmere cardigan in the day time if need be, or with the singlet underneath with the denim jacket.  It’s actually more versatile than the one I own:

My other jackets will be two of my essentials for European travel: my denim jacket (which the black singlet can of course also go underneath for a cool weather casual day look) and a cashmere cardigan for colder fall days.

I’ve decided to pass on my trench coat this trip, even though it is normally one of my essentials for traveling to Europe (so I can pack more clothes) and will layer instead.  For wet days I have a light rain jacket, which also does a respectable job keeping out the wind if I wear a jumper or cardigan underneath.

I’ve decided to pack two dresses which are proven to work well in the summer heat.  Firstly a linen dress:

And then a stylish wrap around midi dress which can also be worn for dinner as well as during the day in smart cities like Paris and Rome.

As always I’m packing my Europe travel essentials: a small light squishy toilet bag that takes up far less space than a more rigid version:

Then I’m using my Goo toobs and other silicone pots for my liquids and creams:

I’ve just recently bought these travel containers, but have trialed them and confirmed I can get a month’s worth of hair conditioner and facial creams in them.  

I always recommend packing cubes to help keep all my clothes together and wrinkle free:

I prefer a colourful packing cube – if you are travelling as a family it is good practice to buy everyone a set in a different colour to easily work out which cube belongs to whom.

While many hotels now have USB ports I do find a USB charger a good option:

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The Complete 2-Week Europe Packing List

Last Updated on November 15, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Putting together a 2-week Europe packing list can prove incredibly difficult regardless if it’s your first trip to the continent or if you are a seasoned traveller.

Especially if you’re trying to travel light and minimalistically, prioritising things for your trip to Europe can be a bit tricky. We have travelled extensively all over Europe and have refined this ultimate packing list in order to ensure that you have everything you need, but also not too much!

So if you’re after the perfect packing list for Europe, then look no further. We’re here to make sure that you’re perfectly well-equipped for your trip without bringing one item too many in your limited space!

Table of Contents

Europe Packing Tips

Before I jump right into what you actually need to pack for Europe, we do need to discuss a few things in order to ensure that you are completely prepared to leave on your trip to Europe.

One of the most important things to be aware of is the season where you’re travelling, along with the region. Europe is vast with an array of varied climates and what you need to bring to be prepared largely depends on where and when you are visiting.

What you eventually end up taking with you really inevitably comes down to if you’re visiting Europe in winter or summer, northern or southern Europe.

Another thing to keep in mind when you’re planning out a packing list for visiting Europe is just how much you plan to bring with you.

It can be really hard to know what you’ll need or use on your trip, especially if you haven’t travelled much in Europe before. However, it is always a great idea to try to limit the amount of stuff you cart around with you.

Packing light can be a lot more pleasant in almost every aspect of travelling, from not having to worry about the weight limits on airlines or hauling your bags up stairs, through train stations and luggage racks.

Packing light also has the added benefit of making your things a lot easier to pack up and move when you move destination. It is unlikely that you will plan to stay in just one location on your trip and you don’t want to have to unpack and repack a bunch of different things every few days – not only is this simply a pain, it can also be very stressful.

The packing list below is quite minimalist, however, in times of travelling for similar-length trips to Europe, I’ve found that it is beyond sufficient.

When it comes to selecting items of clothing, especially, try to stray away from anything that you cannot mix and match and, often, opting for darker colours can be a great option.

Thinking more in the mindset of bringing a small capsule wardrobe rather than individual outfits to wear will help you be able to pack light while also mixing and matching to create a new look every day.

The other tip when it comes to packing light is to find accommodation that offers laundry facilities. Planning to do a wash while on the road will allow you not to have to bring so many things considering the fact that you can do a load of laundry mid-way through your trip.

Many hotels and hostels offer laundry services or, alternatively, you could find an Airbnb that has a washing machine you could use yourself. Laundromats are also always an option, though I can’t imagine it’s the preferable option considering the limited amount of time you have when it comes to exploring Europe.

Finally, when it comes to bringing items such as a hairdryer, curling iron or straightener, I would recommend refraining from this.

The vast majority of accommodations will have at least a hairdryer on-site and, especially if you’re travelling to Europe from North America, the voltage in the plugs is completely different and you risk completely ruining your devices should you use them, even if you are using an adaptor.

All in all, there are a number of things that one needs to take into consideration when figuring out what to pack for Europe. Follow the guidelines below and you should be perfectly well-equipped for your trip!

Ultimate Packing List for Europe

This ultimate Europe packing list is perfect for those looking to pack light and be a bit more minimalist in their adventure. While this certainly isn’t a complete bare-bones packing list for those who want to, say, travel carry-on only, it is good for those looking to not bring everything but the kitchen sink.

This is intended that you pack in a larger main piece of luggage (whether that be a travel backpack , wheeled backpack or traditional suitcase) along with a smaller piece of carry-on luggage such one from Level8 .

If you want to keep your items all organised then we also suggest using some packing cubes like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Cubes

This checklist is also appropriate for all sexes and genders, just pick and choose some things as they don’t apply to you.

Figuring out what kind of clothing to bring is arguably the most important and most difficult thing about packing for Europe.

As mentioned earlier, it’s always a great idea to opt for neutral colours and items that you can mix and match to ensure that you can have some variety in your outfits without having to bring too many things and take up necessary valuable space in your luggage.

• Depending on the season or region of Europe you’re visiting, either bring a mixture of long-sleeve and short-sleeve tops, just long-sleeve or just short-sleeve tops to wear in Europe.
• I always recommend bringing one or two nicer tops or button-down shirts along with more casual t-shirts or tops. We like Bluffworks t-shirts as they’re both practical and also look good!
• Bringing one pair of jeans and one pair of another type of trouser is a great idea or one pair of lighter jeans and one pair of darker jeans. Having at least one pair of pants that can be dressed up is always a good idea
• You can browse some of our the best options in our best pants for travel in Europe guide.
• I, personally, love Bluffworks’ dresses , which have concealed pockets, a classic and flattering cut and can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the situation. Oh, it also is wrinkle-resistant and fully machine washable.
• If you’re visiting Southern Europe or simply travelling in the summer months, then having one or two pairs of shorts can be a great idea, especially when you need to keep cool or are heading to the beach.
• If your trip is during winter, having a tank top or light base layer will keep you warm without having to result in a bulky coat or jacket.
• Depending on the season or region, a cosy wool sweater or a light cardigan is a great idea when packing for 2 weeks in Europe. It can also be a good idea if you bring one that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion (are you seeing a trend here?).
• Of course, you likely don’t need to include a jacket at all if you’re travelling to, say southern Spain or Malta in July, however, depending on the season, a warm, lightweight jacket is always a good idea for your trip.
• We recommend a packable down jacket ( click here for men’s version ), however, we have written a detailed guide for the best jacket for Europe depending on your needs.
• No matter the region or season, a rain jacket is always a good idea, as you can get caught out in a storm regardless of where and when you are travelling.
• We love the North Face Resolve ( click here for men’s version) as it has consistently kept us warm and dry in the rainiest of conditions.
• How much underwear you bring really depends on at what point in your trip you want to do laundry. If you want to avoid washing at all, then go ahead and bring 14 or 15 pairs of underwear. They do take up valuable space, however.
• Like underwear, how many socks (and the kinds of socks) you bring really depends on your shoe preference and just how often you want to do laundry.
• Bringing a swimming suit is a great idea even if you’re not going to a seaside destination. You never know when you may go to a bathhouse, sauna or pool on your Europe trip no matter the season.
• If you happen to be travelling to a beachy destination like Italy or Spain , consider bringing 2 pairs so you have time to dry each suit between wearings.
• I, personally, like to bring one regular bra and one sports bra, but this really depends on your needs and preferences.
• If you’re not a pajamas person, then don’t bother. I am, so I bring them. One pair for 2 weeks is sufficient.

Shoes take up A LOT of space in your luggage so limiting the footwear you bring on your Europe trip can be the ticket for maximising the space in your bags.

We have a complete guide on the best shoes for Europe to help you pick the right footwear for you. This is just what we recommend bringing when you’re compiling a packing list for 2 weeks.

• A good pair of sturdy, stylish walking sneakers is essential. Pick comfortable walking shoes that you can walk in for hours and kilometres and not have sore feet.
• I, personally, love the Ecco Soft 7 trainers and wear them all the time. For a men’s version consider the Ecco Soft 7 Runner.
• Choose your second pair of shoes depending on your style and the season you’re travelling in.
• If you’re an active traveller, are visiting a largely outdoor destination, or simply plan to do a bit of walking and hiking, then a good pair of hiking boots such as the Merrell Siren Edge for women ( available on REI here ) or Merrell Moab 2 for men ( available on REI here ) is essential.
• Small, compact, and helpful for everywhere from the beach to a hostel shower to a public pool, a pair of flip flops should always make it into your luggage!

Accessories

Whether fashion accessories or handy electronic gadgets, some of these are absolutely essential items to bring with you on your trip to Europe!

• The most important accessory of them all!
• Perfect for add a splash of style to any outfit, sipping over your head or shoulders if you’re visiting a church, using as a makeshift blanket, and also for its traditional use, a scarf is absolutely necessary to bring with you no matter the season.
• A warm hat to keep you toasty in the winter in Europe is always welcome, as is a sun hat to protect you from the harsh rays during summer in Europe.
• An essential item on any winter packing list!
• A solid anti-theft handbag like the PacSafe Cityscape or day pack is perfect for keeping your valuables safe and secure while you’re out and about sightseeing and exploring.
• Buying water and using plastic water bottles is a thing of the past. There are an infinite number of great water bottles for travelling to choose from like a Hydro Flask and you’ll never need to buy a single-use plastic bottle again.
• If you’re more serious about your photography than simply relying on your phone, then bringing a good camera is a great idea.
• We love the Sony A6400 for its high-quality images at a decent starting budget and there being several great travel lenses to use with it. Make sure to bring extra memory cards!
• You always need to have something good to read, but don’t want to pack a bunch of heavy books to bring with you – a Paperwhite Kindle solves all of these problems and it is an absolutely essential item if you love to read.
• Buy a prepaid SIM card like the Orange 20GB SIM either as physical SIM or eSIM to ensure you can stay connected in Europe.
• Finding a universal plug adaptor with a number of different USB drives is a fantastic option and is an absolutely essential item when travelling to Europe from elsewhere in the world!
• Finally, a power bank will give you peace of mind should your phone die while you are out and about or if you forget to give something a much-needed charge when you need to use it.
• Making sure you have an adequate number of charging cords for all of your devices will ensure that you can make sure everything can get the best battery life possible.
• A travel pillow is nice to have if you have a long flight or are taking overnight trains or buses.
• World Nomads   offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.
• SafetyWing offers travel medical insurance policies that can are an option for long term budget travellers.
• Save your money and landfill space and forgo the travel-sized toiletries for refillable bottles of your shampoo and conditioner. We love GoToobs .
• You might want to bring earplugs if you’re staying at a hostel or budget accommodation where street noise can be an issue or for your flight.
• To avoid unnecessary spills in your toiletry bag, we recommend using a bar soap rather than a shower gel, but this is really up to you
• Keep your dry skin nice and hydrated!
• Bring as little makeup as you need. Personally, I limit myself to one lipstick, one eyeliner, mascara, a small eye shadow palette, foundation and a few brushes. I also make sure I have facial cleansing wipes for makeup removal and just to wash my face at the end of the day.
• If you’re a lens wearer, you need to pack this!
• Blisters and cuts happen, best to be prepared rather than have to hunt for a pharmacy to find these things while travelling.
• While you can get ibuprofen and the other over-the-counter pretty much everywhere, it’s always nice to have it on hand should a headache threaten to put a damper in your Europe trip. Ditto with other OTC medications you take regularly.

Piecing together the Europe packing list for 2 weeks doesn’t have to be all that difficult if you take into consideration all of the things outlined above. Think minimally and pack light and you’re sure to have a fantastic time on your adventure — wherever it may be that you’re going!

Are you trying to figure out what to pack for two weeks in Europe? Was this packing list helpful for your trip? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Best Shoes For Backpacking Europe

The Best Packing Cubes For Backpacking

The Best Travel Jacket for Europe (Women’s & Men’s)

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

This is a great comprehensive list. It helps to prioritize what is really essential and can serve as a thorough starting point even if you want to tweak it some to meet your needs. I would add socks, belt and 1 or two costume jewelry pieces to the list.

Great list. I reviewed it against my list and they were pretty close. I have been reading your other articles and they have been most helpful. Many thanks!

This is very helpful. Thanks. I always seems to pack too much. Helen

Can most of this fit in a carry on and a personal bag?

This can be really dependent on the kind of bag, how you pack and the airline’s requirements! Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful 🙂

Thanks this was very helpful for a first time traveler 😉

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Cruise Packing List Printable & Tips to Help You Pack

Looking for a cruise packing list printable? Feel free to print as many as you need!

Packing for a cruise is a bit different than packing for other travel. This is why I created this specific cruise packing list covering all the essentials you'll be needing on the ship.

Most people have no idea what to take on cruise ships, other than the clothes they will be wearing and some toiletries. Believe it or not, I use my own list all the time.

I just sailed on the Costa Smeralda ship from Barcelona to Rome and had everything I need because it was written down as I packed.

Being on a cruise without the things you need can put a damper on your vacation. Be prepared and pack all your favorite items in your bag the night before.

First Things First

Where you're going will, of course, have an impact on how you're packing. Choosing clothes for an Alaskan cruise if very different than packing for a Caribbean cruise.

We just took a cruise to Alaska and carried on! I'll be sharing that soon. Make sure you check on the best time to cruise to Alaska before you go.

We all have those items we don't want to be without. Whether it's your favorite sunglasses or that anchor earrings set you bought just for the cruise, it's no fun realizing you left something at home.

Who wants to worry about what you forgot during the entire drive to the airport? Been there, done that!

Now I mark things off my list as they go into my packing cubes and then in my suitcase.

By the way, I found the best packing cubes . My dirty clothes go right back in them and they are machine washable!

Cruise Packing List

I've been rerouted a few times and had my bag arrive at my destination in the middle of the night. It's frustrating when you don't have your toiletries.

Last year my husband and I vacationed in Europe and waited for our bags for three days. Fortunately, we were on a Viking Rhine River Cruise and they laundered our clothes every day. It was a good thing I followed my cruise packing list and brought a day bag!

First, you need to know specifically what you want to pack for a cruise. Gather your clothes and pack them as you decide what to take.

Look at the weather, and then look at it again! Pack a small umbrella just in case. I've never regretted having a compact umbrella stuck in the pocket of my backpack.

Formal Night

There are usually formal nights on the ship. If you want to dress up, I'd suggest bringing a nice pair of slacks and a few matching tops.

Long dresses are usually heavier, and as you probably don't want to wear the same dress to each restaurant, I think pants work better.

As I said, the most important thing to remember is your day bag and to use that cruise packing list. Write on the list. Check the boxes. You'll have peace of mind in knowing what is in your bag. Check those two off and you'll be set!

 Pack a Day Bag

On a cruise, you may not get your luggage until sometime in the evening. You’ll want to have your bathing suit, cover-up, and flip flops in case you decide to spend some time at the pool. Pack a book or iPad for reading while you’re lounging with a cocktail. Ah. Doesn’t that sound lovely?

Always be sure your medications are with you. Finally, you'll want to have your toiletries so you can freshen up before dinner.

Please don't forget your sunscreen! The ship may have what you need in an emergency, but why take chances when you can easily pack what you need in a separate bag?

Shore Excursions

Once you've booked your excursions, you'll have a better idea of what you need. Going to a private beach is a no-brainer as you'll need your bathing suit, cover-up, a hat, and sunscreen.

But going on a 5 mile hike requires different things. I'd pack a small lightweight backpack, good walking shoes, the best socks you have, and a hat.

Decorating Your Cruise Cabin Door

In addition, some cruise lines allow you to decorate your cruise door, so you’ll want to take supplies. You may find decorations in the shop, but why pay more when you can shop ahead of time and get exactly what you want? It’s fun to get creative. Who wants to have the same door as everyone else?

Amazon has some great craft supplies that will make your door the best on your floor, maybe on the entire ship! You can choose from a  Cruise Ship Door Cover Party Accessory  which will cover your whole door or simply get creative in designing the door decor yourself.

I went on a cruise with a large group and took photos, so it may give you ideas by taking a look at these 10 Ideas for Cruise Door Decorations .

Also, remember your identification should be with you, and not in your luggage. That may sound silly, but I was with a group once where someone had put her purse in her suitcase. Once your bags are checked, it’s not easy to get them before they're taken to your room.

Keep Valuables With You

Your laptop, camera, and other tech or valuables should also be in your day bag. I have never had anything stolen on a cruise, but it's really better to keep your valuables with you. Once you're in your room, you can put them in the safe.

Packing for Kids

If you have children, you will also want to be sure you have everything you need for them. Moms usually get stuck with packing for the younger family members!

Let them pack their own bag if they are old enough, with a little supervision from you, of course.

Getting on the ship with an entire duffle bag of stuffed animals is what I would have ended up with when my kids were young!

Ready to get started? Use the below cruise packing list printable. That's one thing out of the way. Have you chosen your excursions yet? Cruising is so much fun! Enjoy your vacation!

I have  packing lists  for other vacations, too. Print as many as you need. You may also want to check out these  cruise ship games  if you’re going with friends or family.

Before planning your next trip, check out this post on how to save money on cruises .

Join my Cruising board on Pinterest and save This Article to Pinterest for Later!

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