What is the best time to river cruise in Europe
John Parsons
Updated on May 05, 2026
The European River cruising season runs from March through December, though the best time to take a river cruise in Europe is during the late spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October).
What is the best time of year to do a river cruise?
Make sure that you know what to expect in whichever season you choose to plan your cruise of the Main River: The cruising season starts in March and runs through December, though the most popular time to visit is either during the warm summer months or during the festive Christmas Markets of December.
What is the best time to do a river cruise on the Danube?
The Danube River is a charming destination to visit at almost any time of the year, though most travel experts agree the that best times to take a Danube cruise are Spring (April and May) and Fall (September and October).
What is the best time of year to cruise the Rhine River?
Late April to early June and September to early October are widely considered the best times to cruise the Rhine River due to ideal weather and crowds, though cruise prices are correspondingly higher during these periods.What is the best time to cruise to Europe?
April to November is the best time of year to cruise Europe, and you will have the widest selection of ships during this time. Note that a few cruise lines operate in the Mediterranean year-round, so if you must travel during the winter, there will be a ship available.
What are the most popular Viking River Cruises?
It’s obvious why past and current guests have chosen the Grand European Tour, the most the popular Viking river cruise. You’ll have much to do and see while cruising and stopping along the Rhine, Danube and Main Rivers.
What is the most picturesque river cruise in Europe?
- Tulip Cruises. A Tulip Time cruise is one of the most iconic (and picturesque!) river cruises you can take. …
- Douro Cruises. Scenic Azure on the Douro. …
- Moselle Cruises. …
- Main Cruises. …
- Christmas Markets Cruises. …
- Elbe Cruises. …
- Danube Cruises. …
- Rhine Cruises.
What is the weather on the Rhine river in May?
Spring (March through May) Highs range from 71.8°F (22.1°C) and 56.1°F (13.4°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months.Is it worth the money to get a balcony on a cruise?
Are balcony cabins worth it on a cruise? These days, balcony cabins may not cost as much as you think, and for many people, they are definitely worth the splurge! When you book a balcony cabin, you’ll have a private outdoor space where you can get a sea view at any time.
What should I pack for a Rhine River cruise?- Think casual. …
- Stick to a neutral color palette. …
- Don’t overpack. …
- Prepare for changeable weather. …
- Make sure you bring walking shoes and/or sneakers. …
- Leave heavy purses or totes at home. …
- Bring a lightweight power strip.
What is the weather like on the Danube in May?
Budapest Weather in May Afternoon highs in Budapest in May average between 67 degrees and 74 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 23 degrees Celsius), rising as the month progresses.
What is the weather like on the Rhine River in October?
According to the Weather Channel, the average daily temperature fluctuates from around 56 degrees F at the beginning of October to 47 degrees by the end of the month. … An average of 2.9 inches of rain falls during the month.
What is the weather like on the Danube in October?
I normally travel end of October to mid November and the weather is absolutely beautiful. Very little or no rain. There are days that it is freezing and then there are days that are so warm that you only need a vest on the upper deck. Weather is so unpredictable these days.
What are the worst months to take a cruise?
Hurricane Season Storms in August and October have a moderate risk of developing into hurricanes while September has the highest risk of all. For these reasons, September is the worst month of the year to take a cruise.
Are European river cruises worth it?
In a nutshell: yes, river cruises in Europe are worth their cost if your main concern is not the price tag itself but instead the value of what you’re getting in return. Clearly this is not the cheapest possible way to travel around Europe; you get good value, yes, but let’s not beat around the bush here.
Why you should never go on a cruise?
Cruise vacations can often expose you to too much sun while lying on deck or when hitting the beach at one of your ports. Too much sun can not only increase risk of cancer, but it also can cause heat stroke, cataracts, dizziness, fatigue and skin blisters or burns.
Can you get sea sick on a river cruise?
It’s extremely rare for anyone to get seasick on a river cruise. First, there are virtually no waves on a river. Sure, it can get windy, but waves and rocking are almost non-existent. If your river ship is tied up in port at night, you might experience a slightly gentle sway now and then when a cargo boat goes past.
Are river cruises worth the money?
Most river cruises are not a good choice for families or for people who enjoy extensive on-board entertainment. The daily costs for these trips generally are higher than for ocean-going cruises, although that is not always the case.
What is a French balcony on a ship?
French Balconies look and act like a regular balcony, with the only exception being that there is a railing placed directly behind the glass, meaning you cannot step out onto a separate space — without splashing into the river, that is.
What is the average age on a Viking River cruise?
Viking River is not for the young of body or of heart…. average age 70 and older.
What is the average cost of a river cruise?
On average, U.S. river cruise prices run about $400 to $500 per person, per night. While the U.S. cruise lines tout themselves as “inclusive,” it’s important to understand exactly what that means.
What is the most scenic river cruise?
- Seine, Saone and Rhone Rivers Cruise. …
- Rhone River Cruise. …
- Danube River Cruise. …
- Rhine and Moselle Rivers Cruise. …
- Snake and Columbia Rivers Cruise. …
- Amazon River Cruise With Jean-Michel Cousteau. …
- Mekong River Cruise. …
- Chobe River Cruise.
What is the number 1 cruise line?
Large Ship Line #1: Disney Cruise Line.
Where is it best to have a cabin on a cruise ship?
Best for a Great View Cabins at the very front or very back of a cruise ship are most likely to have the best views, as they offer the widest vistas of the ocean stretching out behind or in front of the ship — or in the case of forward cabins, your next port of call.
What is the weather like on the Rhine River in September?
September is not a particularly rainy month and the climate is mild on the Rhine, there are rainier areas in Germany, but the general weather pattern is that from around Strasbourg to the Netherlands the temperatures decrease and the rain becomes more frequent, but that pattern is not very pronounced.
What is the weather on the Rhine river?
ContinentEuropeCountries it flows through or bordersSwitzerland, Principality of Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands
What is the dress code on a Viking River cruise?
What is the dress code? During the day, dress is casual including shorts (if the season is warm), slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours.
What is the dress code for dinner on Viking River Cruises?
There are no “formal nights” in the evening; evening dress is “elegant casual” for all dining venues, performances and special events. On these occasions, required attire for ladies includes a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse; for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt.
What do you wear on a European river cruise in the winter?
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.
What do you wear on the Danube cruise in September?
A Danube River cruise packing list during the months of May through September starts with essentials like lightweight trousers, shorts, comfortable walking shoes, a sweater for cooler days, a combination of short and long sleeve shirts to layer, and one set of semi-formal clothes for specialty dinners.
How often does the Danube River flood?
As the Danube’s water level is regulated by a system of locks along its way, floodings are rather rare. However, strong rain can lead to high water and even to regional floodings (as devastating as in 2013). These floodings occur every ten to fifty years now and can happen at any time throughout the season.
