Oct 17, 2018
Whether it’s your first river cruise or your fifteenth, here’s how to get the most out of your time on the waterways.
Explore more
How you sightsee on a river cruise is your choice. One day, you could be strolling cobblestone streets on a guided tour; the next, exploring ancient catacombs on your own.
Take advantage of all the options – Scenic’s complimentary e-bikes (electric bikes) are a brilliant way to take in the sights at your leisure.
You can even use our Scenic Tailormade device while riding, which guides you through your own personal tour and has a GPS locator, so you’ll never get lost.
Zoom along with the wind in your hair – no huffing and puffing needed – and soak up the views.
Discover the most scenic stretches of river
One of the best things about river cruising is being able to feast your eyes on sights you’d never be able to see travelling by land.
Scenic Tailormade offers commentary with over 1,500 points of interest with expert narration about the history, culture and landscapes of the regions you sail through.
Make the most of me time
With all the sightseeing, it can be easy to forget about taking some time out just for you – but spoiling yourself should be mandatory on a river cruise.
Scenic Space-Ships feature a Wellness area^, where you can enjoy a massage, get your hair cut, or just loll on the Sun Deck with a book and your favourite drink.
Get suitcase smart
Whatever time of year you go on a river cruise, it’s best to be prepared for rain, hail and shine.
Pack a raincoat, hat, plenty of layers, a fold-up umbrella and good, sturdy walking shoes.
Neutral clothing works well; that way, you can mix and match easily.
Go with the slow
River cruises are as calm as the waters you float on. There’s no rush from one port to the next; no jam-packed itineraries. Sometimes you’ll stay overnight in the spots you visit, meaning you can fully embrace a destination.
Make the most of the laid-back spirit by taking things slowly yourself, whether you’re savouring a mouth-watering macaron in France or taking time to admire the pastel tones of a beautiful sunset on the river.
Make new friends
River cruises have a boutique, intimate feel, with a limited number of guests on each ship. There’s ample opportunities to get to know your fellow travellers.
Try sitting with someone new at dinner or joining a group on an e-bike ride.
If you prefer lots of solo time, you can do that too – it’s all up to you.
