river cruise packing tips

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.

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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MORE TIME TO TRAVEL

Explore new places and savor new tastes

Cruise Hacks: 8 Tips To Help You Pack For A River Cruise

One of the most common questions first-time river cruisers often ask is how to pack for a river cruise. Having taken many over the years, here are some tips:

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may receive compensation if you click a link, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please read my privacy and disclosure policies at the end of this page.

Tips to Help Pack for a River Cruise

1 – pack light.

It’s never a good idea to over-pack. This is especially true on a river cruise, where space in your cabin tends to be more limited than in a hotel room or on an ocean-going vessel.

Riverboat cabins average about 200 square feet of space. While the ships are configured to provide ample storage room (with drawers, closets, and room to stash your suitcases under the bed), pack thoughtfully and only take what you’ll really need.

A wardrobe of predominantly neutral colors (black, white, beige, tan and gray) will allow you to mix and match outfits. 

For example, this Nautica short sleeve shirt for men can easily transition from daywear to dinner. If it gets chilly, it can be layered under a sweater or sweatshirt.

Leave any heavy or bulky garments at home that will take up excess real estate in your suitcase.

Life only gets more complicated when you have too much “stuff,” especially if you are planning pre- or post-cruise excursions or other travel requiring additional unpacking and packing.

2- Layer your wardrobe

Remember when you pack for a river cruise: Not only can the weather change (often unpredictably) from port to port but also from morning to night.

In addition to a heavier jacket (to wear or carry on the plane), pack several sweaters or sweatshirts and blouses/shirts with both short and long sleeves. On excursions, you’ll be able to shed your heavier clothing as the day goes on and leave it on the bus. 

The lightweight, hooded puffer jacket above can work for cool or rainy weather. It weighs less than 8 ounces and can be squished into its bag and tucked into any suitcase. It comes in a rainbow of colors to complement your wardrobe.

A good-looking scarf is always chic and easily packable. Moreover, it will keep your neck warm when it’s windy or cool.

3- Go casual

Dress on riverboats tends to be far more casual than on ocean-going vessels.

Many passengers don’t change for dinner, remaining in the same outfits they’ve worn during the day. In fact, the cruise schedule can be so intense that there often isn’t enough time to change before dinner.

Men can easily opt to leave their sports jackets home and women can feel comfortable and elegant in a pair of slacks and nice sweater or blouse. Some passengers choose to dress up (although it’s optional) for the Captain’s Dinner.

A dress shirt or dark polo shirt for men and a nice shawl for women can top off a casual outfit and kick it up a notch. Even in summer, air-conditioning can make for chilly dining rooms, so having something to throw over your shoulders is nice.

This cashmere blend shawl is lightweight and easy-to-pack. It can add a splash of color to a neutral outfit and also comes in neutral colors.

Don’t pack or carry expensive jewelry. If you want to glitz up at night, bring costume stuff so you don’t have to worry about securing it in the safe in your cabin.

This sterling silver, layered, paper clip necklace is trendy and elegant. It comes initialed, almost making it a lovely bon voyage gift for a friend going on a river cruise.

Read my post on Travel Jewelry: What To Take and What Not To Take

4- carefully choose footwear.

Shoes are among the heaviest and bulkiest items you’ll be taking, so don’t take more pairs than you need.

You’ll be doing considerable walking (averaging at least 2-3 miles per day) so be sure to bring along comfortable athletic or walking shoes that have proven themselves at home. Rubber soles are helpful because decks and gangways can be slippery when wet.

Take a second pair along—perhaps ones that transition into evening, so you have a backup should something go wrong. These lightweight, round toe ballet flats are a knock-off of a famous brand.

A lightweight pair of flip-flops can double for slippers in your cabin and give your feet a rest.

5- Avoid the heavy, hold-everything tote

Even if you carry a large bag en route to your destination, you’ll want to stow it away once you get onboard.

This is the lightweight, almost indestructible Longchamps tote I take on most trips.

You’ll need to take a few things along with you on excursions (e.g., your camera, cell phone, your identification card from the ship, perhaps a small notepad and pen, a credit card, and currency to tip guides and drivers)—but pare your wallet and bag down to the bare essentials so you aren’t burdened with carrying a heavy bag on walking tours.

*Read my tips on Decluttering Your Wallet .

A crossover bag or small backpack often works well during the day. It’s nice to bring a wristlet or other small purse to carry your keycard and cell phone to dinner. I always carry an almost weightless foldable nylon shopping bag for market visits or shopping excursions.

This lightweight Scottevest vest is my husband’s favorite vest for travel. 

Men (and some women) find it convenient to wear a vest with pockets during the day. They also make it easy to get through TSA security; you can take off your vest without emptying your pockets.

6 – Prepare for extremes

If you’re traveling during winter or shoulder seasons, tuck a warm hat and gloves in your suitcase just in case it gets very chilly some mornings or late evenings, when you’re outside or on the deck.

Most vessels have umbrellas you can borrow in case of rain but you may want to bring along a light raincoat or waterproof poncho.

In summer and shoulder seasons, bring along a sunhat, pair of sunglasses, and suntan lotion in case the weather gets warm enough that you want to use the outdoor Jacuzzi on the deck.

7 – Keep your valuables close at hand

Even if you need to check your luggage, be sure to keep your valuables (e.g., medication, electronics, etc.) in a carry-on that doesn’t leave your person.

It’s tempting to entrust a deckhand or concierge with your carry-on but I learned my lesson when I lost my laptop.

Read my cautionary tale on PBS Next Avenue: What to do if you lose a laptop while traveling .

This is another case where less is more. Internet connections can be pretty iffy on any type of cruise and you don’t want to be tethered to your electronics so just take the essentials.

Electricity in Europe and Asia (as well as other destinations) usually is 220 rather than the 110 volts used in the U.S. Although most cell phones and laptops work on either one, the plugs on these devices require country-specific adapters with different shapes or numbers of prongs so they can plug into the electrical outlets you’ll find on the ship (or on land).

You do not need a converter that changes one voltage to another but you will need to purchase the appropriate adapters (which are relatively inexpensive). This Dandelion travel adapter, available on Amazon, will be helpful on the cruise and at hotels abroad.

Even though many newer riverboats (e.g., Viking Longships) have outlets for both voltages, it’s unlikely there will be enough of them in the right places to recharge your cameras, laptop, smartphones, e-reader and/or to plug in your electric hair care accessories outside the bathroom.

For added convenience, bring a lightweight power strip (of the appropriate voltage) with multiple (three to six) outlets that you can keep by your desk or at your bedside.

This flat plug power strip with AC and USB ports can be a lifesaver on a cruise and takes up almost no room in a suitcase.

(N.B. Most riverboats provide hairdryers but if you use a curling or straightening iron, bring one that’s dual voltage.)

Bottom line: How to Pack for a River Cruise

The romantic days of traveling with oversized steamer trunks are over. Most cruisers, even on ocean-going vessels, no longer use cruising as an opportunity to dress to the nines. Under no circumstances should anyone think about bringing a suitcase of more than 28” onboard a riverboat. You might even make it with only a carryon!

Also on More Time to Travel:

• U.S. River Cruises: 10 Reasons Why People Love Them
• Packing for a Viking Ocean Cruise: What NOT to Pack
• 18 Cruise Hacks
• The Ultimate Viking Ocean Cruise Packing List

Do you have any tips to share on how to pack for a river cruise?

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18 Comments

Fabulous information. Thank you! This covers it all.

Hope it’s helpful on your upcoming river cruise!

When it comes to packing for travel —- less is so much more (i.e. better). Are you tired of my black slacks? Get over it. 🙂

Black slacks are the best! Admittedly, I often pack one pair for day and one for evening!

Packing is the only part of traveling I don’t like, even though I’ve managed to become pretty good at it. Your post is very helpful since I’ll be on a river cruise for the first time next month. Shoshanna is a lovely model for the scarf, but the question is — who is that man in the Polo shirt? 🙂

Guess he caught your eye more than the bling:-)

Wonderful information – and just in time. I’m going on a Viking river cruise in early Dec. and while I’ve been on nearly 20 ocean cruises, this is a first and I’ve been wondering what to take. Thank you so much!

Sounds like a Christmas Market Cruise…If so, one more tip: Leave room in your suitcase! 🙂

Great article! Now if only we could pack light :-). We just got back from a trip to the Riviera Maya (where you’d think you only need sandals, a bathing suit and shorts) and we still lugged big suitcases. No more though. That’s the last time, we swear! If you’re going to be taking local buses and ferries, you just have to travel light. (If you’re on a long multi-week cruise, taking taxis or pre-arranged transport to/from the ship, then you can throw the kitchen sink into your suitcase.)

Having big suitcases makes it very difficult to travel by train, too. You usually can’t keep them near your seat and the theft risk from the front of the car is great.

As we travel more, we take less but still haven’t figured out a way to pare things down to one suitcase for both of us!

Great tips!

One of the best things about river cruising is you don’t need to overpack or worry about schleping your stuff from city to city. Unpack once and be done for the remainder of your trip!

Fantastic tips!! Thank you for sharing!

Packing is such a worry for many of us; this article certainly helps. And combined with the mantra that travel is not a fashion show, it should all fall into place. Invest in a good pair of black pants, black flats and loads of form fitting tee shirts and you are good to go.

Sensible advice for sensible packing! Thanks, Phyllis~

I do like that you encourage people to pack for extreme whether depending on what time of year they are taking their cruise. After all, even if you’re taking a cruise to get away from the winter weather, it can still be chilly in the morning. You always want to pack at least one set of clothes that could keep you warm in unexpected weather.

It’s good to know that when it comes to going on a river cruise that there are some things that we need to remember to do. I am glad that you mentioned that we need to layer our wardrobe to help keep us warm the whole time. This is something that we will have to remember when we go out on one.

Me and my husband are thinking about our next river cruise with my whole family. I think i found your blog at the right time. And these tips are really helpful about river cruise. I will keep following these when we are going for this. Thanks for the sharing such a informative article.

Hi Mary, Glad to hear that these tips will be helpful for your trip. River cruising is a wonderful way to travel! Best, Irene

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

What to Wear on a Viking River Cruise

A Viking River Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you want to make sure you look your best. But what should you wear?

The good news is that there’s no need to pack a formal wardrobe. You’ll be spending most of your time on the ship, where the dress code is casual. But you’ll also be doing some sightseeing and exploring, so you’ll need to dress for the weather and the activities you’ll be doing.

In this article, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide to what to wear on a Viking River Cruise. We’ll cover everything from packing essentials to dressing for different activities. So whether you’re planning your first Viking River Cruise or you’re a seasoned cruiser, read on for all the information you need.

What to Wear on the Ship

When packing for a Viking river cruise, it’s important to consider the climate of the region you’ll be visiting, as well as the activities you plan to participate in. In general, you’ll want to pack a mix of casual and dressy clothes, as well as comfortable shoes for walking.

Casual Wear for Everyday Activities

For everyday activities on the ship, you’ll want to pack comfortable clothes that you can move around in easily. This includes items such as:

Dressy Wear for Evening Events

In the evening, you’ll want to dress up a bit more for dinner and other evening events. This includes items such as:

• Skirts and blouses
• Cocktail dresses
• Dress shoes

Comfortable Shoes for Walking

Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking on your Viking river cruise, it’s important to pack comfortable shoes that you can wear for long periods of time. This includes items such as:

• Walking shoes
• Tennis shoes
• Hiking boots

Swimwear and Cover-ups for the Pool and Spa

If you plan on spending time at the pool or spa on your Viking river cruise, you’ll need to pack swimwear and a cover-up. This includes items such as:

Other Items to Consider

In addition to the above items, you may also want to pack the following items on your Viking river cruise:

• A light jacket
• A swimsuit cover-up
• A toiletries bag
• A phone charger
• A first-aid kit

Packing Tips

When packing for a Viking river cruise, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Pack light. You won’t need as many clothes as you would for a traditional cruise, since you’ll be able to do laundry on board.
• Pack versatile clothes. Choose clothes that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
• Pack comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on your Viking river cruise, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes that you can wear for long periods of time.
• Pack for the weather. Be sure to pack clothes that are appropriate for the climate of the region you’ll be visiting.
• Pack a few extras. You may want to pack a few extra items, just in case you need them.

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to pack everything you need for your Viking river cruise. With a little planning, you can enjoy your trip without having to worry about what to wear.

What to Wear in Different Climates

The climate of the region you’ll be visiting will play a major role in determining what to pack for your Viking river cruise. Here are a few tips on what to wear in different climates:

Cold Weather Climates

If you’re visiting a region with a cold weather climate, you’ll want to pack warm clothes that will keep you comfortable in the cold. This includes items such as:

Warm Weather Climates

If you’re visiting a region with a warm weather climate, you’ll want to pack light, comfortable clothes that will keep you cool in the heat. This includes items such as:

Temperate Climates

If you’re visiting a region with a temperate climate, you’ll want to pack clothes that can be layered to accommodate the changing weather. This includes items such as:

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to pack the right clothes for your Viking river cruise, no matter what

What To Wear On A Viking River Cruise?

When packing for a Viking river cruise, it is important to consider the weather, the activities you plan to do, and the dress code of the restaurants and other venues you will visit.

The weather on a Viking river cruise can vary depending on the time of year and the region you are visiting. In general, the weather is mild in spring and fall, and warmer in summer. The following are some tips for dressing for the weather on a Viking river cruise:

• Spring: Pack layers, as the weather can change quickly. A light sweater or jacket is a good idea for cool mornings and evenings. During the day, you can dress in pants, shorts, or skirts, depending on your personal preference. Comfortable shoes, such as sneakers or sandals, are also a must.
• Summer: The weather in summer can be hot and sunny, so it is important to pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Dress in light-colored clothing, as it will reflect the sun’s rays and keep you cool. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also essential.
• Fall: The weather in fall can be cool and rainy, so it is important to pack layers and waterproof clothing. A raincoat or umbrella is also a good idea.

The activities you plan to do on your cruise will also affect what you pack. If you plan on doing a lot of walking, hiking, or biking, you will need to pack comfortable shoes. If you plan on visiting museums or other attractions, you will want to pack more formal clothing.

The dress code on Viking river cruises is casual elegant. This means that you should dress comfortably, but also in a way that is stylish and appropriate for the various venues you will visit. In general, this means that you should avoid wearing jeans, shorts, or casual t-shirts. Instead, opt for dresses, skirts, pants, and blouses. You should also pack a few pairs of shoes, including sandals, sneakers, and dress shoes.

When packing for a Viking river cruise, it is important to pack light. This is because you will be limited on the amount of luggage you can bring on board. The following are some tips for packing light:

• Pack only the essentials.
• Choose versatile pieces of clothing that can be worn in multiple ways.
• Pack layers, as you can always remove layers if you get too hot.
• Roll your clothes instead of folding them, as this will save space.
• Use packing cubes to organize your clothes.

Where to Buy Clothes for Your Cruise

You can buy clothes for your cruise at a variety of retailers, including online retailers, department stores, and specialty stores. The following are some of the best places to buy clothes for your cruise:

• Online retailers: Online retailers offer a wide variety of clothes for cruises, and you can often find great deals on clothes. Some of the best online retailers for cruise clothes include Amazon, Zappos, and Nordstrom Rack.
• Department stores: Department stores also carry a wide variety of clothes for cruises. You can find clothes from a variety of brands, and you can often find sales on clothes. Some of the best department stores for cruise clothes include Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Nordstrom.
• Specialty stores: Specialty stores that cater to cruise passengers often carry a wide variety of clothes that are specifically designed for cruises. These stores can be a great place to find unique and stylish clothes that you won’t find at other retailers. Some of the best specialty stores for cruise clothes include Cruise Critic, The Travel Store, and The Cruise Shop.

When packing for a Viking river cruise, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The weather: The weather on a Viking river cruise can vary depending on the time of year and the region you are visiting. In general, the weather is mild in spring and fall, and warmer in summer.
• The activities you plan to do: The activities you plan to do on your cruise will also affect what you pack. If you plan on doing a lot of walking, hiking, or biking, you will need to pack comfortable shoes. If you plan on visiting museums or other attractions, you will want to pack more formal clothing.
• The dress code: The dress code on Viking river cruises is casual elegant. This means that you should dress comfortably, but also in a way that is stylish and appropriate for the various venues you will visit.
• The amount of luggage you can bring: Viking river cruises have a limit on the amount of luggage you can bring on board. This is to ensure that there is enough space for everyone’s luggage.

What should I wear on a Viking River Cruise?

The best clothing for a Viking River Cruise depends on the time of year and the climate of your destination. In general, you should pack layers that you can easily remove or add as needed. For example, a long-sleeved shirt or sweater can be layered under a light jacket or coat on cool days. You may also want to pack a hat, scarf, and gloves for colder weather.

What should I wear for the different activities on a Viking River Cruise?

For excursions, you will want to dress in comfortable, casual clothing that you can move around in easily. This might include jeans, shorts, or a skirt, along with a T-shirt or blouse. You may also want to pack a pair of sneakers or hiking boots for walking.

For evening meals in the ship’s dining room, you will want to dress in something more formal. This might include a dress, skirt and blouse, or pants and a button-down shirt. You may also want to bring a jacket or sweater in case the dining room is cool.

What are the dress code policies on Viking River Cruises?

Viking River Cruises has a relaxed dress code. In general, you are expected to dress in a manner that is appropriate for the time of day and the activity you are participating in. For example, you will want to dress more formally for evening meals in the ship’s dining room than you would for an afternoon excursion.

What are some tips for packing for a Viking River Cruise?

Here are a few tips for packing for a Viking River Cruise:

• Pack light. You will only have limited space in your stateroom, so it is important to pack only the essentials.
• Pack for versatility. You will want to pack clothes that you can mix and match to create different looks.
• Pack for the weather. Be sure to pack layers that you can easily remove or add as needed.
• Pack comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking on your cruise, so it is important to pack comfortable shoes.
• Pack a swimsuit. You will likely want to take a dip in the pool or hot tub at some point during your cruise.
• Pack a camera. You will want to capture all of the amazing moments on your cruise.

What are some common packing mistakes to avoid?

Here are a few common packing mistakes to avoid:

• Overpacking. It is tempting to pack everything you think you might need, but it is important to remember that you will only have limited space in your stateroom.
• Packing too many heavy items. You will be doing a lot of walking on your cruise, so it is important to pack light and avoid heavy items.
• Packing clothes that you don’t like. You will be wearing your clothes every day on your cruise, so it is important to pack clothes that you feel comfortable in and that you like.

I have more specific questions about what to wear on a Viking River Cruise. Who can I contact?

If you have more specific questions about what to wear on a Viking River Cruise, you can contact Viking River Cruises customer service. They will be happy to help you with your packing list.

there are a few key things to keep in mind when packing for a Viking river cruise. First, you’ll want to dress in layers so that you can adjust to the changing temperatures throughout the day. Second, you’ll want to pack comfortable shoes that you can walk in for long periods of time. Third, you’ll want to pack clothes that are appropriate for the different activities you’ll be doing on your cruise. And finally, you’ll want to pack some essential items that will make your trip more comfortable, such as a swimsuit, a raincoat, and a hat. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to pack everything you need for a memorable Viking river cruise.

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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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We created Cruise Packing Tips to share our extensive knowledge on how to pack for a cruise. As seasoned cruisers who loves to pack just the right amount for each trip, we will help you get your cruise packing list down to a fine art.

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