River Cruising Blog - September 2024

Riverboat cruising in Europe and beyond is an ideal way to unwind, expand your horizons, try new things, forge new friendships, savour delicious food, and leave the travel details to someone else. On our Amsterdam to Budapest journey, we explored four countries with just one unpacking session at the start and end of the trip. Our riverboat was our home for 15 days.

When we first arrived, my impressions were mixed. The average age of our fellow cruisers was 70, with some facing mobility challenges. Our group's birth years spanned from 1935 to 2007, making me wonder what 15 days on a Viking longboat would be like with such a diverse age range. But, deciding to go with the flow, I relaxed and embraced the experience. Our cabin was lovely—definitely worth the early booking.

I could write endlessly about this trip, but I’ll keep it brief to share some key takeaways and tips for those considering riverboat cruising

A Record-Setting Trip

We had 181 passengers and 50 staff on board, and we set a new seven-year record for alcohol consumption on a Viking River cruise boat. I’m tempted to blame the 56 Aussies on board ( as there were only six Kiwis) for that! The rest of the passengers were mainly from the USA, with a small group from Canada.

What To Pack

Most of my packing revolved around showcasing our fashion collection, as the season was changing in New Zealand and our new summer line was hitting the stores. With temperatures ranging from 20 to 40 degrees and activities like e-biking, swimming, hiking, wandering, and socialising, I needed versatile options.

Here’s what worked for me:

• Lightweight Linen Pants & Cotton Tops: Perfect for dressing up or down. Floral pants were less versatile, and my bathing suit options (3) were overpacked since swimming opportunities were limited.
• Shoes: I brought heeled dress sandals (worn every night), flat slides, and two pairs of walking shoes — Allbird sneakers for dressing up and Asics for serious walking. Plenty of lightweight half socks, like our Marley socks, were also great for daily washing and drying.
• Evening Wear: Long-sleeved chiffon and viscose tops were fantastic for the evenings and attracted lots of attention. Cotton and linen dresses, a pair of jeans, and cargo shorts were frequently worn. It was colder in Weymouth, Dorset (our first stop), so I relied on long-sleeved cotton shirts, a casual jacket, and jeans. Tops were versatile and often recycled, creating the illusion of a larger wardrobe.
• Poly Dresses: I packed two permanently pressed poly dresses (Teddy and Munroe) that only got worn once. If you prefer dresses over pants, these would be a good choice for boat dinners.

What I Learned

• Leave Toiletries Behind: The boat provides shampoo, conditioner, soap, body cream, and a blow dryer. Check if your cabin has laundry facilities to avoid extra packing.
• Day Pack Essentials: A lightweight day pack with side holders for water, a sunhat, and sunblock is a must. Consider packing a small paper fan for 35+-degree heat.
• Adapters: Temu offers great adapters that cover the UK, Europe, the USA, and other regions. Essential for charging multiple devices.
• Try Local Wines: Venture beyond your usual wine preferences. Local varietals were delicious and different from what I’m used to at home. I regret not broadening my wine horizons sooner.
• Embrace New Experiences: Say 'YES' more often. Trying new foods and connecting with people led to wonderful moments. From smoky beer to spaghetti ice cream, every experience added to the adventure.
• Excursions: Some Viking excursions felt pricey, but most delivered value that I might not have sought independently. Note that tour guides expect tips.
• Stay Well: With confined spaces and potential sickness, build your immunity. I used my tried-and-true remedies and ended showers with a cold blast of water (for at least a minute or two) to build my immunity.

Final Thoughts

River cruising is for everyone. We opted for a more luxurious experience, but there are affordable options that still offer great experiences. The key benefit is the convenience of unpacking just once while travelling through multiple countries. Viking and other river cruise companies provide comprehensive care from airport arrival to departure.

We’re now enthusiastic converts and look forward to our next adventure. River cruising has opened up a world of possibilities—four countries in 15 days, loads of new information, connections and memorable experiences.

If you're considering river cruising, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to share more about the experience and provide a packing checklist.

Annah

Trending Now

Popular Products

Pretty As A Picture Dress - Painting Party

Shannon Yoga Legging - Navy Florencia

Lola Dress - Periwinkle Array

Trending Now

Popular Products

Pretty As A Picture Dress - Painting Party

Shannon Yoga Legging - Navy Florencia

Lola Dress - Periwinkle Array

Trending Now

Popular Products

Pretty As A Picture Dress - Painting Party

Shannon Yoga Legging - Navy Florencia

Lola Dress - Periwinkle Array

Lifestyle

Recent Post

Lamington Wreath

River Cruising Blog - September 2024

Dog Mums Celebrating Mother's Day With Their Fur Babies

About Us