Myth-busting River Cruising: 13 Common Misconceptions
If you've never cruised before - or you've only been on an ocean cruise - you probably have a lot of preconceptions about river cruising. But don't let that stop you from trying something new. If you do, you'll be missing out on beautiful natural scenery, fantastic food and the chance to experience your chosen destination from a unique perspective.
Still not sure? We're debunking travel myths. Here are just a few of the biggest myths we've heard about river cruises:
Myths about river cruising
Myth: "River cruises are expensive."
Fact: River cruises are excellent value for money.
While we don't seek to be the cheapest, we know you won't find the same quality experience for less with someone else. We want our guests to travel well and spend well. Over the last 40 years, we've built strong relationships with our suppliers to ensure we get the very best rates. And we pass those savings on to you to ensure your holiday is unbeatable value for money.
Things work best in threes, that's why we've got three price guarantees:
- If you find the same holiday cheaper with another company (you won’t!), then we'll match the price.
- As a rule, you'll get our lowest prices by booking early. But if we ever drop the price after you've booked, we'll give you the value of the difference back (we think it's the decent thing to do).
- No hidden extras - the price we quote is the price you pay.
And, unlike some of our competitors, we also include all the things we know are important to you, like regional airport departures at no extra cost, an excursion or local tour on nearly all touring days and expert Riviera Tour Manager with you throughout your trip.
Myth: “I’ll have to pay more to travel from my local airport.”
Fact: There are no regional supplements for any of our holidays.
Our pricing is fair and straightforward - with no hidden fees. Unlike some of our competitors, they include a range of thoughtful extras we know are important to you, like departures from regional airports at no extra cost, naturally, so you can enjoy hassle-free travel.
Myth: "I'll have to pay extra for drinks."
Fact: In 2025 and 2026, we're offering a free drinks package with all European River Cruises so you can focus on the important things - like enjoying yourself.
We know there's nothing quite like a cool sip of your favourite drink at the end of a busy day exploring.
With our drinks package, you can savour the views along the riverbank and toast your holiday with like-minded explorers after another fascinating adventure ashore. Over a leisurely lunch on board, you can complement your meal with a glass (or three) of cool, crisp wine or a refreshing beer.
Myth: "We’ll have to sit with others at mealtimes."
Fact: That's completely up to you.
Dining onboard is an informal affair. The restaurant features tables ranging from 2-8 seaters, so you have some flexibility to choose.
Myth: "I’ll have to dress up for mealtimes."
Fact: There's no dress code in any of our onboard restaurants.
Unlike the typical ocean cruise, there isn’t a formal dress code. While you might choose to change after a busy day exploring, there's no need to dress up unless you want to.
Myth: “I won’t get to experience the local cuisine.”
Fact: Every evening, you can sample authentic local flavours crafted by our team of experienced multinational chefs.
You absolutely will taste the very best of your chosen destination! Our chefs prepare dishes every evening inspired by the regions you cruise through. It might be a traditional Hungarian soup flavoured with smoky paprika or a French cassoulet. Our expert sommeliers carefully select a choice of wines too, often using grapes from vineyards that you’ve just passed. You are sure to feel even more connected to the land.
Find out more about our five-star dining
And, if you're looking for a proper foodie holiday, many of our excursions also offer the opportunity to taste local cuisine, including our two gastronomy-themed river cruises.
Myth: "There won’t be a window in my cabin."
Fact: There's a window in every cabin on our first-class fleet.
All cabins include a window included in the price you pay and over 80% feature a French or full balcony and the rest feature a large picture window. So, whether you choose an upper, middle or lower deck cabin, you can always admire the ever-changing views.
Myth: "It will be claustrophobic on board."
Fact: Our cabins are some of the most spacious on any river cruise ship.
There’s a maximum of just 169 guests on board a river cruise ship and there are lots of communal spaces, like the sun deck, bar and multiple restaurants so you’ll never feel claustrophobic. Our luxurious suites and cabins are spacious, ranging from 16 square metres to a whopping 32 square metres on our new MS Riviera Radiance - making our river cruise cabins and suites among the largest on any river cruise vessel!
Stay on MS Riviera Radiance
Myth: “There’s nothing to do in the daytime on board.”
Fact: Our river cruise ships feature an exciting range of extras.
Every vessel in our first-class fleet includes a spacious sun deck and bar - the social hubs of the ship. They're the perfect place to chat to your fellow travellers. And, assuming you can pull yourself away from the views, most vessels feature a state-of-the-art fitness centre and pampering spa - complete with everything you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle - as well as splash pools, hairdressers and nail salons. So if the sun is shining, cool down in the pool before sunbathing with your favourite book, indulge in a massage, treat yourself to a blow-dry or work off some of those holiday calories in the gym. The choice is yours.
See what's available on your next adventure and check out your floating boutique hotel.
Find out more about our river cruise ships
Myth: "There won’t be evening entertainment."
Fact: We plan a wide range of onboard entertainment.
From quizzes hosted by your fun-loving Cruise Directors and Cruise Concierges to authentic experiences inspired by the fantastic destinations you'll visit on your river cruise, there's entertainment on board (almost) every evening.
You can enjoy a lively Hungarian folklore show along the Danube, tuck into a plate of delicious French cheese, bread and mustard on a French river cruise or listen to a live performance of popular music spanning the years by a highly talented violin soloist while cruising the Rhine.
Featured French river cruises
Myth: “I’ll be forced to do every excursion and won’t be able to explore by myself.”
Fact: There's time at leisure built into every itinerary.
You can absolutely choose to do your own thing! Not only is free time built into every itinerary, but you can choose to opt out of any excursion you don’t wish to do. Unlike ocean cruises, river ships often dock in the heart of the cities you’re visiting, so you could simply head out once the ship is moored. On some days you might have to get the coach with the group to the destination but then you can explore by yourself.
Find out more about our onshore experiences
Myth: “I’ll have to clock watch on an excursion to make sure I make it back to the boat.”
Fact: Our itineraries are crafted to give you the optimum time in each destination.
There's no around running after tour guides on a Riviera Travel river cruise. Our itineraries are designed to ensure you can enjoy a leisurely pace, with time to stop and smell the roses, marvel at the architecture or meet the locals.
River cruise ships aren’t like ocean cruise ships – you can hop on and off much quicker and - once you're off the ship - you'll be right in the heart of all the action. This means less time travelling and more time at the destination so there's plenty of time to explore and relax.
Myth: “I’ll be seasick on the boat.”
Fact: It's extremely rare to become seasick on a river cruise.
No waves means rocking is almost non-existent, and river cruise ships move at a fraction of the speed of an ocean vessel, so you are much less likely to experience seasickness on a river cruise. However, if you do start to feel queasy, head up to the sundeck and look in the direction of travel. By focusing on a steady point in the distance, you should start to feel better quickly (and try these tips recommended by the NHS).
Check out more tips for life on board
So, now you know the facts, is river cruising starting something you'd like to try? From our most popular river cruises along the Rhône to far-flung cruises along the Nile and Mekong, our selection of European and worldwide river cruises offers something for everyone:
There are just a few of the most popular myths we've heard, but if you have a question about river cruising that you'd love an answer to, why not chat with our friendly team of experts?
