3 Essential Packing Tips for River Cruising

Darley points out art inside her room on a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise.

I’ve taken two river cruises in Europe with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises along the Rhine River and also in Bordeaux and have recently posted a few helpful podcasts to assist others who need travel tips related to river cruising. My Bordeaux cruise was during warmer months, so in general packing lighter layers was key. For the Rhine River, sailing from Amsterdam through France and Germany and into Switzerland, I sailed in the fall and needed some warmer layers and a heavier coat. It was still a great time to cruise.

Whether you are traveling solo or with a group, scroll down to read a few travel tips and listen to the “Travels with Darley” podcast for more.

1️⃣ Comfort is key. Pack comfortable walking shoes and layers for various weather conditions. Especially in Europe, be prepared for those cobblestone streets. You want to explore!

2️⃣ Don’t overpack! The great thing about river cruising is once you’re on board you only have to unpack once. Fun note: many Uniworld ships 🚢 have laundry machines.

3️⃣ Do dress for festivities. There are special occasion nights on board so check your itinerary to see what to wear. It’s fun to get dressed for a delicious occasion.

Enjoy the ride! While there are lots of things to do on land, take the time to relax and enjoy the scenery as you float down rivers that people have been traveling for centuries. The scenery and this type of slow travel is good for the soul!

Darley takes a retro sidecar tour of Bordeaux in France, during a Uniworld cruise.