A Rhine River cruise is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the beauty and history of the Rhine. The castles, cathedrals, towns and vineyards create a rich tapestry through time. The Rhine River, one of the major European waterways, is famous for its importance in trade and commerce throughout history. From the Holy Roman Empire, through the medieval period and to the current day, it remains a vital northern corridor. It originates in Switzerland and flows northerly through the German Rhineland and Netherlands, emptying out in the North Sea.
Planning the trip is definitely part of the adventure… and I am all about researching like crazy before I go. If you are wondering if a Rhine river cruise is for you, how to pick which cruise to take, what to pack for your river cruise, the best things to see and do during your travels on the Rhine River, this guide is for you!
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Why Take A River Cruise
There is a certain magic onboard a floating hotel navigating the rivers of Europe. If you have cruised on large ocean ships you will find river cruising a completely difference experience. Ocean liners can have thousands of passengers and often comprise a “mini-city at sea”. River ships are small boutique hotels on the water, averaging between 100 and 140 passengers.
There are several reasons to take a river cruise. One our favorites is the ability to visit multiple cities without having to pack, travel, and unpack every few days. They also provide overviews to see which places you might want to visit in the future for a longer stay. The high level of customer service is also a big attraction. The smaller passenger loads with a greater staff to guest ratios provide a much more personalized journey. In the cruise rankings each year, top ocean cruise lines usually only achieve rankings in the high 80s percentile. The top river lines are in the mid to high 90s in overall customer satisfaction. For us, relaxing on the top deck of the ship enjoying the passing scenery on both sides of the river is always a treat.
The Ten Best Things to See and Do on a Rhine River Cruise
Many of the Rhine River cruise itineraries sail through Germany between Amsterdam and Basel, Switzerland, alternating directions. Exact itineraries will vary based on the cruise and cruise line you select. While this is by no means a comprehensive list, here are ten of our top recommendations for things you won’t want to miss during your voyage on the Rhine.
1) Amsterdam
Plan on spending a few extra days here. The city is intriguing with its endless canals, centuries of history and beautiful architecture. I could walk forever… just watch out for those hard-charging cyclists and remember that “cafes” don’t refer to just coffee! A private, open air boat canal trip, visiting the Anne Frank House and Museum and a night walk through the bright neon explosion of the unionized Red Light District is a definite eye opener! After all that walking make sure to treat yourself to a fresh, made to order stroopwaffle and enjoy the canal side dining.
2) Cologne Cathedral
Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest cities and the fourth largest in the country. The Cologne Cathedral, its’ centerpiece, took 632 years to build. If it were to be rebuilt today the costs are estimated to be over 10 billion euros! Make sure to get the ticket to climb the steps to the platform of the South Spire. It is well worth the 533 steps, both for the intricate stone work and for the amazing views! Afterwards enjoy the local beer, Kolsch, made and served only in Cologne. They serve it in small glasses but don’t let that fool you! They will keep refilling it automatically until you place your coaster over your glass. Just before sunset walk across the Cologne bridge to view the city skyline at sunset. As the twilight fades watch the bridge and the Cathedral shine as they illuminate the night sky.
3) Marksburg Castle
Marksburg Castle was built in 1100 as a keep (prison) and then was expanded to a Castle in 1117. The last expansion was in 1429 by the Count of Hesse. He added the artillery bays and the round towers of the outer curtain wall. There are 40 hill castles between Bingen am Rhine and Koblenz. Of those, Marksburg is one of only two that have never been destroyed. It is also the only one that has never fallen into disrepair. A tour through this hilltop fortress offers a unique glimpse into life through the centuries on the Rhine.
4) Bike the Rhine
At some point in your cruise, find an opportunity to take advantage of the bike paths through the Rhine Gorge. Our cruise offered a 16 mile scenic bike excursion from the port of Koblenz to the port of Boppard. We were actually moving down the river faster that our ship until we discovered a local Biergarten (beer garden). After this “re-fueling” stop we were back on the path down the Rhine Gorge. This was a definite highlight of our Rhine River cruise – cobblestones and all – and one of our Best of 2019 picks!
5) Cruising the Upper Middle Rhine Gorge
This is the most famous and picturesque section of the Rhine River. The Upper Middle Rhine Gorge is a UNESCO world heritage site. Our half day sailing through 36 castles from Boppard to Rudesheim had a live narration of the history represented by these hillside fortresses. A beer and bratwurst feast on deck made the experience complete.
6) Wine Tasting
Another feature of the Rhine Gorge are all of the terraced vineyards lining each side of the river. This area is sometimes referred to as the “German Tuscany” and each cruise line offers of variety of wine excursions and tastings. Ours was in a private castle and winemaker of Schloss Vollrads.
7) Heidelberg Castle
Our tour to this beautiful city departed from our port in Speyer, Germany. If you can opt for a visit you will not be disappointed! Its’ Castle, Philosophers Walk and the baroque old town definitely left me wanting a return trip with more time in this romantic city.
8) Strasbourg, France
This was one of my favorite cities of the entire trip. The port is actually in Kehl, Germany, which is a short bus ride into Strasbourg. From the very first warnings from our guide about the highly skilled pick pockets taking advantage of distracted tourists, the city’s beauty mesmerized me. The original settlements in the area were in year 12 BC, so in 1988 Strasbourg celebrated its 2,000 year anniversary!
It was fascinating to learn that between the years of 1850 and 1950 this beautiful city changed national identities four times! Having been part of France since 1681, it became German in 1871. It went back to being French in 1918 after the Great War, became German in 1940. It has now been part of France since the end of 1944. Our guide’s grandparents were born in a German Strasbourg and still identify more with Germany than with France! (Side note: Our friend caught two well-dressed young girl pickpockets as they were reaching into her purse just in time!)
9) Colmar, France
It is a bit of a drive from the port of Breisach, Germany, but oh so worth it! Colmar is often referred to as “the most beautiful small town in France”. It is rumored to be the basis for Belle’s hometown in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”. Strolling through the half-timbered houses, colorful flowers and uneven cobblestones is like walking into a fairytale. The one thing I would have done differently is skip the tour and hire our own taxi to Colmar. This was also one of our Best of 2019 picks! With more time I would love to explore the surrounding Alsace region. Famous for its wine production, picturesque towns and hillside vineyards, this area is definitely on the must return list.
10) Switzerland or Bavaria
Make sure to spend some extra time after your cruise in either Switzerland or Bavaria. We had already been to Zurich and Lake Lucerne so we opted to grab a rental car and go “castle-ing” through Bavaria as our grand finale.
The Most Scenic Spot on the Rhine River
Our itinerary was called “Castles of the Rhine”… which does not mean seven days of cruising past castles. While there are usually historic castles and cathedrals accessible from each port, the most scenic and famous part of any Rhine River cruise castle viewing is the UNESCO world heritage site called the “Upper Middle Rhine Gorge”. This area stretches from Koblenz to Bingen, Germany and consists of 40 castles, primarily constructed between the 12th century and the first half of the 14th century.
Ours was a half a day cruise, with live narration, from Boppard to Rudesheim, learning about the castles with a castle map and a feast of german sausages and beer on deck to enjoy the scenery. The castles were often perched over small river front villages and amongst terraced vineyards. With our fill of medieval castles, we arrived in Rudesheim ready to enjoy the quaint town and take part in regional wine tasting festivities.
The Best Rhine River Cruise Line
There are several highly rated river cruise lines that offer excellent itineraries for cruising the Rhine. Uniworld River Cruises, Crystal River Cruises, Tauck River Cruising, Viking Cruises and AMA Cruises, all of which consistently achieve high rankings. Many travelers have such a great experience on the cruise line they choose first that they become champions and loyal followers of that brand. We love Uniworld and our experience each time has been exceptional. Friends of ours who take AMA extoll its virtues, while the Viking Long Ships enchant first timers with their masterful marketing campaigns on PBS, and still other friends insist on nothing but Tauck for their land or water adventures.
Our First Uniworld Experience – The Christmas Markets
On our first river cruise – the German Christmas Markets – we chose the river ship that was rated number one in the world that year by Conde Nast Traveller. It just happened to be a Uniworld ship.
Our experience was extraordinary. The staff went out of their way to ensure that each passenger had what they needed. They did mid-cruise surveys, memorized drink orders and accommodated special requests to the point that they would show up even before you could request them. The Chef would make the rounds through the dining room each night checking in and getting feedback. A highlight for me was the third night of the cruise. Our Chef was making his rounds and I asked if one of my favorite local dishes would be on the menu at some point during the week. He said “no, but when would you like to have it?” So on the night I designated, our party had a custom meal delivered to our small group.
Our Second Uniworld Experience – Provence & Burgundy
When it came time to choose our Provence and Rhine River cruises, Uniworld was the top of our list. We introduced good friends to the Uniworld experience through Provence and Burgundy. Based on our fantastic experience we all chose Uniworld again for our Rhine River adventure.
Uniworld – Castles of the Rhine
When we boarded our Rhine Cruise on the SS Antoinette it took less than 24 hours for my special breakfast requests and lattes to start arriving before I could even order. One of our favorite lounge servers on the Provence cruise was one of our dining servers on our Rhine cruise … such a fun surprise! On the SS Antoinette my new favorite people included the Restaurant Manager and our lounge ambassador … Dace! Her personality and energy each day was a joy, not to mention the best custom iced coffees ever!
While we highly recommend Uniworld, the good news is that whichever line you choose they each have avid and loyal fans.
The Best Time to Cruise the Rhine River
If you google the best months to travel the Rhine River areas, the overwhelming response is the months of May through September. The weather can be more unpredictable the months of March, April and October. On the whole they average cooler temperatures and more rain. I like to hedge my bets for the best chance of sun with the fewest crowds, so we generally choose May to early June (before schools are out and the summer crowds descend on Europe), or September, when the weather is usually still great and schools are back in session.
In the case of our Rhine cruise, however, we did not follow our own advice. We were attending a wedding in Italy on July 6th, so we added this to our trip. It was a great reminder of why we don’t travel in July … it was both extremely hot and crowded. In August, there is not only the heat to contend with but also the fact that many Europeans are on holiday themselves for the month of August, so more businesses are closed and the locals are also on vacation! Hence, the months of May, early June and September are tried and true favorites.
Things to Know Before Booking a River Cruise
Travel Agencies
Often times travel agents will offer both any advertised specials by the cruise line and then have a few perks of their own, especially if river cruises are a large part of their offering.
Our river cruise was booked through a travel agent, and as one of their featured sailings we received a shipboard credit, a special excursion and a bottle of Tattinger Champagne in our cabin. We would love to assist you in booking your next river cruise here.
Cruise Line Promotions
Throughout the year each cruise line offers various promotions. In addition to the current promotion, Uniworld frequently has an offer that if full payment is made at the time of booking you will get an additional 10% discount.
If you are a repeat cruiser, we can also get you a discount as part of the “River Heritage Club” benefits.
Cruise Pricing
I am not familiar with the exact structures for other cruise line specials, but keep in mind that some lines offer “all-inclusive pricing” and some don’t, so you may need to add into your price the costs of drinks, tips, internet, taxes and / or excursions. After our first cruise Uniworld converted to all-inclusive pricing, which makes it very easy. I just went through a pricing exercise for friends looking at a Danube cruise and by the time I added in whatever items weren’t included the Uniworld pricing was extremely competitive.
On our Provence-Burgundy cruise the price went down after we had paid in full and Uniworld honored the lower price and refunded the difference to us.
Pricing on the different cruise lines and ships can vary greatly based on your month of travel, your itinerary, and what is included in your price. There are also different levels of cabins and suites available. An average price range for a seven day cruise in a mid-level cabin is often between $ 3,500 and $ 5,000 per person.
Demographics
Lastly, yes, the average age is definitely more mature travelers. That said, we have found all ages represented on the cruises we have done.
What to Wear and Packing Tips for a Rhine River Cruise
Dinners on the ship are not dressy. Most passengers choose casual chic attire, much like what you would wear to a restaurant to meet friends for a casual night out. The Captain has a welcome and farewell dinner and the beginning and end of the cruise where some passengers dress up a little more, but definitely not formal.
Day time touring attire depends on the month, the weather and what activities you choose. In the spring and fall layers are great. July and August will see more shorts and sundresses, but fair warning … Amsterdam and Cologne can get rain all year long. A jacket and travel umbrella are always a good idea. Our time in the Netherlands in mid-July had quite a bit of rain. It was cold enough that we had to spend a few hours shopping for a jacket for Scott as his “light jacket” never made it into the suitcase. I always travel with layers and a light weight travel rain coat, and I have always had an occasion or two to use them. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must! Here are a few packing suggestions:
Women
Daytime: sundresses, shorts, jeans or slacks, sleeveless or short sleeve tops, a couple long sleeve tops, light jacket, comfortable walking / light hiking shoes, light weight travel rain coat
Evening: simple black dress, one maxi dress, one skirt, cute tops, slacks, kimonos, light sweater or wrap
Men
Daytime: shorts, short sleeve shirts, jeans or slacks, a few long sleeve tops, light jacket, comfortable walking / light hiking shoes, light weight travel rain coat
Evening: short & long sleeve button down shirts, slacks, loafers, sport coat optional
Onboard Uniworld – The Food, Dining and Entertainment
Each river ship has a dining room and a bar/lounge area indoors for relaxation, evening entertainment and destination briefings. Entertainment can vary from a local dance troupe to a vocalist with accompaniment. It always amuses me when the ship pulls over to the side of the river after the entertainer finishes and drops them off to return home. If nightlife, casinos and theatre scale entertainment are more your style, river cruises might be too quiet for you. However, if you travel with your favorite people, the party is wherever you are… right?
The food and lounge service is definitely on point. I recommend that you make sure to ask for what you want, as the staff really prides itself on getting to know you and catering to your preferences. Hence, whether it’s an evening cocktail or a special dietary requirement just let them know early on in your journey.
The food and wine on each cruise was tailored to the specialties of the region… and always delicious. On the Christmas Markets and Rhine River cruise there was a bigger focus on German offerings. On our Provence-Burgundy trip it highlighted the tastes and palette of Southern France. Since each cruise will vary in their cuisine and wine pairing, choosing a favorite is based more on personal preference. I will add that if food and wine is your focus, Southern France definitely spoiled us.
Your cruise includes three meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are usually in a large buffet format with the opportunity for individual orders and requests. The dinner service is a fine dining experience with the ship’s sommelier ready to assist with recommended wine pairings. (On the occasion we find ourselves in port during lunch or dinner hours we will usually take advantage of the opportunity and get a local eatery recommendation!)
Onshore – River Cruise Adventures and Excursions
In general, river cruises offer so many things to do each day that you will find it is easy to overbook yourself. Make sure to always leave some time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Uniworld Cruises offer a menu of included tours and activities that you choose from each day, with free time to explore on your own. Each option will have an activity level.. ie. “Moderate”, “Somewhat Strenuous” or “Go Active”. Our bike ride from Koblenz to Boppard was in their “Go Active” category, as was our kayak adventure to the Pont du Gard on our Provence cruise. I love these offerings and while they are outdoors and active they are by no means strenuous.
Sometimes we opt to skip the tours and explore on our own. Hiring a local taxi can help you explore the outskirts of the area as well. As a rule, we try to eat lunch in town to experience as much of the locale as possible, and if our ship happens to be docked overnight we do the same for dinner as well. The onboard concierge is very helpful with local recommendations.
The ships also have bicycles available for guests use, so biking, walking, shopping, going to local cafes and people watching are always favorite things to do as well.
The Rhine River versus the Danube River
A common question first time cruisers ask is “Which is better… the Rhine or the Danube?” Both cruises have their own special magic. Some believe that the Danube, along Austria and through the Wachau Valley, is the most continuously scenic cruise. Others have told me that the Rhine River cruise was the best cruise they have ever taken. Both rivers have fairly flat bike paths that stretch for miles if you feel like grabbing one of the ships bikes and cycling along the river. As far as which is better, I would say that is based on which area fascinates you more. My advice is to try one. If you love it, try the other and then you be the judge!
Tips for Your Rhine River Cruise
Price comparisons
When comparing prices make sure which items are included and excluded from the quoted price. It also helps to check a few different travel agents to compare prices and promotions.
Promotions
Book during a promotion and get quotes from more than one travel agency to see what they can offer in addition to the cruise line specials.
Pre-Cruise and Post-Cruise
Always maximize pre- and post-cruise opportunities for additional exploration. Whether you choose the convenience of booking through the cruise line or on your own (we always book our own airfares and hotels, usually with points) it is definitely worthwhile to take advantage of your time over there to relax and enjoy the local areas more in depth.
Packing
Try to pack as lightly as possible. Most people over pack and it just isn’t necessary. There are washers and dryers on board as well.
Onboard Gyms
Uniworld has very small exercise rooms. We’ve never used them since we walk an average of 15,000 to 20,000 steps per day during the week. (If this is important to you, check your specific ship prior to booking to see if they have any exercise facilities.)
Time of year
If possible, try to avoid travelling during the hottest and most crowded times of the year, ie. the peak of summer.
Cruise Staff Tips
As an “all-included price” staff tips are already in your Uniworld cruise fare. That said, we always like to recognize exceptional service with an extra tip at the end of the week.
Mobile phones
If you want to have cell service while you are abroad, get an international plan before you leave the states. We only use one of our phones for cell service when we travel. Otherwise you can turn off your cellular data and just use the free wifi on board and at hot spots in the local towns.
Schedule
Make sure to leave some gaps in your schedule. Not everything needs to be decided in advance, and you’ll definitely just want some time to relax and enjoy.
Dining Room
Since river ships are a much more intimate environment, keep in mind that the dining room is designed for the number of passengers on the ship. If you get to dinner later you will likely be seated at a table with a few seats left. If there is a group of people you want to sit with be sure to get to the dining room early.
Rental Cars
Be aware that there are frequently excessive charges to pick up a rental car in one country and return it in another. When we disembarked in Basel, Switzerland we were touring through Bavaria before departing from Frankfurt airport. By catching a short ten minute uber ride from Basel over the border to Germany we were able to save about $ 300 on a four day car rental.
Local Currency
Wherever credit cards are accepted, using your card in the local currency is going to get the best exchange rate available. We only get enough local currency from ATMs that we need for small incidentals or places that do not accept credit cards. There are always extras fees when you buy local currency.
Tipping
While you are off the ship enjoying the local cafe vibe, remember that tipping in Europe, while still less than here in the US, has evolved to be around 5-10% of the bill.
Photos
As you are cruising and traveling – and grabbing those photos of the landscape before you – remember that sometimes the best lighting will be behind you. Point your camera in the other direction and capture the scene as it goes behind you as well.
The Big Question – Are River Cruises Worth the Money?
While River cruises are not a “low budget” vacation by any stretch of the imagination, remember that a Uniworld Cruise fare is a turn-key price that covers a luxury hotel stay, three meals a day, tours and excursions throughout the trip, unlimited beer, wine and cocktails, all taxes and impeccable service. The bottom line… do I think a Uniworld Rhine River Cruise is worth the money? Absolutely!
This is part of our ongoing series of “Bucket List Cruises”.
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