River cruise

At the end of the Riviera cruise we took last year, we wanted to give something to our waiter (who was so attentive, nothing too much trouble) and to our lovely cabin steward, who gave me a lot of time when I was unwell. So as well as the envelope, we gave individually to these crew members, though very discreetly.

That’s how it was with Saga. We put a recommended amount in an envelope and left it in a box in reception, but the cabin stewards still made it plain they expected something individually and several of the single ladies were threatened into giving. So we wondered if we had it wrong.

We did a couple of River cruises with Riviera and they provided an envelope at the end of the cruise which was put into a box on the reception desk with whatever tip you wanted to leave. They did suggest an amount to leave but it was up to us. The tip apparently wasn’t shared with the reps so we tipped them separately, although on the second cruise the rep was nowhere to be seen when we left Eurostar so he never got his, we did try to find him to no avail.

Can I but in and ask about tipping? We’ve only ever done a Nile cruise with Saga and they had a pot which we paid into at the beginning. We’ve noticed that the safaris we’ve been on the tipping pot asked for at the beginning is rising considerably.

How did your cruise go hereiam

Very useful thread. I always fancied a river cruise but the dressing up thing worried me. Before reading this I know I would have most probably overdressed and not relaxed! Feel reassured now.

I love river cruising Noble Caledonia are the most expensive and more formal ones. I like Riviera Travel we have been on the Seine , the Danube and the Rhine with different companies. Do not worry about dressing up . There is usually a captain's dinner once a week and a nice sparky top would do for that . Remember there is not a lot of room for your clothes anyway . We went on one cruise where the water was more expensive than a beer at dinner . If you bought a large bottle of water you could finish it in your room so we took ours and refilled in from water we bought off the ship . I really enjoyed the company of these boats and got to know lots of differnt people .

We did the Danube last year. It was fabulous. No posh frocks needed. We changed for dinner because we were hot and sweaty after excursions not because it was expected.
Entertainment was a pianist and singer. Some people got up and danced. There were also quizzes, talks and demonstrations relevant to the area.
All very informal and great fun. Enjoy.

We did the Amsterdam to Budapest cruise a couple of years ago, along the Danube and the Rhine. It was wonderful ! It's pretty casual - for dinner I would wear pants and a nice top. A posh frock is not needed and you'd be overdressed . The only entertainment was a pianist in the bar at night. A fwe times there were talks about the areas we were cruising through, I remember a man showing us how to make pastry, etc. We had a fabulous time ! I'd highly recommend river cruising.

We did a Rhine cruise a few years back and found the dress code fairly casual during the day - trousers, trainers, sweatshirts etc.
Evenings were a bit smarter - blouses and evening trousers or simple dresses but no long frocks and very little bling.
The after-dinner entertainment was low key but quite
pleasant - a chap on keyboards or some local folk singers.
All in all, a very happy and laid back experience.

If you're never sure about evening dress code on a cruise, pack a black dress, bit of jewellery, job done!

We did a river cruise in Holland a few years ago, so quite a small boat.
There was no dressing for dinner, although we did remain at the same places at table for every meal. I don't remember any evening entertainment but your cruise company should be able to give you all this info.
I wore smart casual clothes, maybe with a couple of nicer things thrown in for the evening but by no means posh!

Love a river cruise. We did one along the Mekong. Quite a small boat so was very friendly. I didn't take as posh a frocks on this cruise as I did on an Ocean cruise. Smart trousers,pretty tops, comfy dresses. Wear what you feel happy in.