Cruise

Sounds nice!

How long are you going for and where is the river?

Smart casual.

Binoculars

Where? When (weather)? How long?

I never dress for dinner on a River Cruise. I just wear trousers, tops, jumpers, and a rain or wind jacket.

River cruises are usually much more relaxed than the ocean ones. Casual stuff as already mentioned is enough.

Most people wear smarter for dinner that they have worn during the day but don't 'dress' for dinner. And, a bit more bling for the captain's dinner if you feel like it.

On the river cruises we have done there is usually a range of people - from those who enjoy dressing up and those who don't - either is fine!

I have seen a few people change for dinner on a river cruise, not many. There have only been 90-200 passengers on the vessels we have traveled. I like the casual dress. Jeans and Ts are fine too, I forgot to add to my list.

casual staff

Casual layers (elasticated waists!) and comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions.
We had to change for dinner because the weather was hot and our day clothes got sweaty. The laundry service was worth every penny.
The supplied toiletries were lovely.

Reports of river cruises sound great and the wear-what-you-please appeals greatly!
Can anyone recommend a company operating these cruises please?

Thanks for raising this Vonnie1953 as I am going on my first river cruise too and was wondering the exact same thing! Thanks everyone for your replies and reassurance that my usual casual/smart casual clothes will be fine. Our cruise is mid-Sept on the Rhine/Moselle rivers (Riviera Travel). I guess I'll just have to think 'layers' at that time of year when you never know what the weather will be like.

We went with Rivera, they are great. The dress was smart casual. I liked the evening arrangement where you could sit anywhere on tables of 10. This meant that you could get to know the other people thoughout the holiday.

Their guides are very knowledgeble, they give clear instructions about meeting places, toilets, good eating places.

We have been thinking of a river cruise for a long time but never got around to it. The main reason we are holding back is that my other half is a fussy eater and prefers good old English fayre. Can anyone let me know what the food is like on these cruises please? Thanks in advance.

I really don't want to be negative (ducks!) but does anyone know whether river cruising has an environmental impact like ocean cruises, and if so, whether there is a partcular operator to book with to miminise the impact? Thanks in advance.

Cangran
I do hope your childrearing days are behind you. I was told that I couldn't have children so decided on a winetasting cruise on the Rhine and Moselle to cheer ourselves up. During that cruise I managed the impossible and we had a healthy bouncing baby boy 9 months later! Must have been the wine!

We have been on lots of Viking cruises. Lindylo, I love the varied menus each evening, but Viking always have a choice of plain chicken salmon or steak mains every night, and maybe a simple Caesar salad for starters. Not that I have ever chosen from that side of the menu, but OH usually seems to. Lunch has loads of choice too, so picky eaters can always find a nice meal to have. Bonnie 1953, pack a t shirt for every day, a light jacket, a cardigan, hat, comfy shoes, and a change of clothes to feel fresh in the evening (anything goes).

MinniesMum that's a really heartwarming post

Love river cruising. Done the Nile twice. Loved the table seating of ten at a table. They were good friends thanks to on board entertainment by the end of the cruise that requires groups of ten!! Dress smart but casual,food was varied & most enjoyable. Apart from spotting a sheep on board which disappeared the day before lamb was on the menu.......

Definitely over MinniesMum but glad to hear how good that cruise was for you!

devongirl - even though I'm going on a river cruise (my sister's idea!), I too am concerned about the environmental impact of cruises (hopefully not so great with the smaller river cruise ships) and also am aware of local people in places visited likely benefiting very little from cruise passengers who have meals & accommodation already paid for.

If anyone is considering a first Viking cruise, only ever book when there is £1000 off per person, so usually a year or more in advance. After the first cruise you then get extra discounts by various means - past customer, on board deal, and others. We have usually had a discount by booking with our local cruise specialist travel agent too. It ends up being a cost effective holiday, what with the free excursions, free booze and local airport departure included.

Cangran, I think local providers of tourism products will benefit from the fact that cruises have a high proportion of Americans, who seem to spend loads!

Smart casual mix and match clothes for day and non formal evening wear. Good walking shoes/trainers. If you are interested in formal events onboard pack mix and match 2 "evening" trousers and 2 "evening" tops or a couple of dresses. Neutral "evening" shoes that will go with all outfits, flats or heels. To be honest nobody looks at you on cruises whether ocean or river. Most people mix and match. So don't worry too much. I use a laundry service onboard when I need to. Have a nice time!

Smithy, We cruise often on the continental rivers, Viking is our first choice.

Lindylo, the food is lovely, usually 3 choices at lunch and dinner, and steak, fish, vegetarian choices as standard. My DH opts most dinners for the steaks. Full English breakfast plus a lot of other choices. I love the omelettes as I don't have to prepare them myself.

I always fancied a river cruise. Rather them than an ocean liner.
Interesting reading about the type of clothes to take casual and smart casual, appeals to me thanks for bringing that up.