If you’re concerned about what to wear on a river cruise in Europe, don’t be. European river cruising is very informal, and most of the time, comfort and practicality are more important than dressing up.
Of course, there are occasions when you may want to be a little more chic, and Europe’s variable weather and seasonal differences have to be taken into account. But with a little forward planning and an understanding of where you’re going, you should be able to plan your river cruise wardrobe with ease.
Dress for the Season
Budapest, Hungary
The river cruising season in Europe is long. Typically, river cruises begin around March, which is early spring on the Rhine and Danube and the very beginning of the bulbfields season in the Netherlands. But March can be chilly. As you sail along the Rhine into Switzerland, bear in mind that at higher altitudes here, the ski season is still in full swing.
In contrast, July and August in central Europe—Austria, Hungary, parts of southern Germany, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria—can be searingly hot, with temperatures well over 86°F, or 30°C.
Fall in Europe tends to be pleasant and mild, especially in September and early October. But the river cruise season extends to the end of October, when the nights are getting longer and there’s a chill in the air after dark.
River cruising then peaks again in December, as towns and cities along the Danube and Rhine burst into life with colorful Christmas markets. You could easily be cruising in December with crunchy snow underfoot, the riverbanks sparkling with frost in the morning light.
Vienna, Austria
As such, look hard at the time of year you intend to take your European river cruise and pack appropriately. While some times of the year can be unpredictable, you can pretty well guarantee that it will be hot in July and August and bracingly cold in December.
At other times of year, layers, a lightweight waterproof jacket, and comfortable footwear are the most important things to remember. You can build the rest of your river cruise packing list from there.
Leave the Formalwear at Home
River cruising in Europe is a different picture from any ocean cruise you may have been on. There are no formal nights, or dress-up nights. Of course, most people change for dinner and you probably wouldn’t arrive in the dining room in shorts, tank tops, or gym gear, but essentially, this is a very informal environment.
Dressy outfit
Perhaps bring a couple of dressier items for the captain’s cocktail party—a collared shirt, blazer, and long pants for men, a silky top and palazzo pants for women, for example—but there’s really no need to worry about a nightly changing dress code or formal wear. There’s also no need to bring your most expensive jewelry.
Layers Are Your Friend
Lightweight jacket
The weather in Europe can be unpredictable and can change dramatically from one day to the next. A day could start out shiveringly cold and end up blisteringly hot, by which time you’ll be relaxing in a riverside beer garden or a vine-shaded wine tavern, peeling off your layers.
So pack layers and prepare to be flexible. Wicking fabrics are great for the heat, all the more so if you’re hiking or cycling, while lightweight fleeces will keep you warm and can be bundled into a day pack when the day heats up. A lightweight waterproof is essential, too, ideally with a hood.
For women, a light wool shawl or pashmina can be perfect for covering bare shoulders or warming up on a cold, windy day. You will also need to cover up to enter a church or monastery; bare shoulders and above-the-knee shorts and skirts are frowned upon. Men and women should remove hats when walking into a religious institution, too.
Fleece hat
If you’re traveling in winter, bring gloves and a fleece hat, as well as a warm, waterproof coat. Wear fleeces rather than woolen sweaters, which will take up a lot of space in your luggage. Consider silky, insulating long johns to wear under your jeans or hiking pants for a winter cruise, when it really can be cold.
Consider “Athleisure” Wear
Biking in Ybbs, Austria
River cruising in Europe used to be a staid kind of vacation. You’d sit in a coach, or follow a guide around a city on foot, and that would be it.
Nowadays, river cruising is a different prospect. There are wonderful opportunities for hiking, guided or otherwise, even if you just take off along the river towpath on your own for a couple of hours. Cycling tours are offered in just about every port; a tour on two wheels is one of the best ways to see cyclist-friendly Vienna, for example, or to freewheel past fields blazing with spring color in the Netherlands. There’s kayaking on the Danube or even around Amsterdam’s canals, for something different.
There are also opportunities on board for fitness, whether you enjoy sunrise yoga on the upper deck or want to burn some calories in the fitness room.
So if you’re planning on being active, pack your gym gear, sneakers and yoga pants. It’s far more comfortable taking off on a cycling tour or a hike in something stretchy or in padded bike shorts than in jeans.
Plan Your Footwear
Sneakers
River cruising in Europe can be fairly intense, with a different port every day and a variety of walking tours to choose between. Many of the towns and cities along Europe’s rivers are criss-crossed with ancient cobblestone lanes. These can be challenging to negotiate, especially if it’s raining and they’re slippery. You can also guarantee that there will be uneven surfaces.
So planning what to wear on a river cruise in Europe extends to packing the most comfortable footwear you have for negotiating these medieval lanes, clambering over ruined castles, and wandering through vineyards. A walking tour of Rüdesheim in Germany or the climb up to Dürnstein Castle in Austria is not a time for heels or flip-flops.
What’s more, given that you will most likely be on walking tours most days, make sure that your footwear is comfortable and worn in. Your first river cruise in Europe is not a time to break in new walking boots. Bring Band-Aids, just in case.
Walking boots
If you’re visiting Europe on a river cruise for the Christmas markets, pack footwear that’s warm and sturdy. A pair of ankle-length walking boots or even knee-length snow boots is ideal. Streets can be icy and in freezing temperatures, there can be snow underfoot, so wear something with a good grip.
If you’re cruising in Europe in the midst of summer, do bring flip flops or something light to wear when you’re on board, enjoying scenic sailing. On a blissful day cruising the Rhine Gorge or Austria’s leafy Wachau Valley, it’s perfectly acceptable to wander around the ship in something this casual.
Factor in Swimming and Spas
Munich, Germany
Swimming in a river or spending a day in an old-fashioned spa may not be the first things that spring to mind when you consider a European river cruise. But when it’s hot in midsummer, you’ll be surprised at how many locals you see swimming in Europe’s rivers—and maybe at how much you want to join them.
In Vienna, the Donauinsel, or Danube Island, is a long, skinny artificial island created in the 1970s and 1980s as part of a flood prevention program. This is Vienna’s summer playground where locals picnic and swim in designated areas in the river. The water is safe for bathing but there are no facilities; you’ll need to bring a swimsuit and a towel. You can swim in the Danube in Budapest, too, where there are swimming beaches on leafy Margaret Island. So pack swimwear if you think you might be tempted.
Budapest is also known for its many thermal baths and taking off for a spa day in Budapest is one of the most authentic experiences you can have. You’ll need swimwear and a towel—and swimwear must be in suitable fabric, not cotton—and a swimming cap. The rules are strict in these ornate and traditional spas. No cap, no swimming.
FAQs
What should I wear in the evenings?
Evening wear
Evenings on river cruises are very relaxed. The vast majority of people change for dinner but there’s really no need for a suit and tie, or a long dress with heels. For men, smarter pants and a collared shirt are fine, while women may opt for a pretty top or a floaty dress. Bring a shawl in case you decide to go on deck after dinner and look at the view, or the stars.
Once per cruise there may be a captain’s dinner, which has a more celebratory air and merits dressing up a little. But still, a suit and tie are not necessary.
If you decide to go ashore after dinner to a beer garden or a riverside wine tavern, the dress code will be extremely casual. Jeans are absolutely fine for adventures like these.
Of course, if you decide to extend your river cruise with a city stay and think you may be trying some more formal restaurants, you’ll need to check whether these have a dress code. Similarly, if you want to do something like heading to Vienna’s swanky Hotel Sacher for afternoon tea and the famous cake, you’ll find people dress up a little more. Nothing too formal, but not jeans and a baseball cap.
What should I consider packing beyond clothes?
Power adaptor
Other things on your European river cruise packing list should include a power adapter, as any hotel you stay at before or after your cruise will have European sockets. If you’re using your phone as a camera all day long, a power bank is a good idea.
Your suitcase will fit under your bed once you’ve unpacked but there’s really no need to bring a giant case with outfits for every possible occasion. If you bring a large, hard-sided suitcase and it won’t fit under the bed, simply open it and push it under the bed in its open position.
For summer cruising in Europe, you will need sunglasses, a hat, and high-SPF sunscreen. The sun in central Europe can be intense. Bring bug spray if you plan to spend a lot of time on deck in the evening, which you should, as this is one of the most beautiful times of day. A water bottle is also a good idea as you can overheat walking around in the sunshine. Rainy days are not uncommon so bring a collapsible umbrella; the ship may provide full-sized umbrellas but these can be cumbersome to carry around.
In terms of bags for daywear, a cross-body bag is ideal in cities; while crime is unusual, pickpocketing is possible, so minimize the risk. There is no need to take your passport ashore; leave it in the safe in your river cruise stateroom instead.
What don’t I need to pack for a European river cruise?
You certainly won’t need a hairdryer as these are provided in every stateroom. Irons are not permitted, as they can be a fire hazard, so use your ship’s pressing service instead. Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and soap will be provided in your stateroom so you won’t need supplies of those.
For women, ultra-high heels are not necessary. Riverboats only have a few decks so you’ll most likely be using the stairs a lot. Lower heels or flats are fine, and deck shoes for men are fine, too.
One thing you certainly don’t need to pack for a river cruise is motion sickness meds. Riverboats don’t venture out into open water and there will be smooth sailing all the way. Bring your regular prescription medication, of course, but there’s no need to pack a large medical kit as you can buy anything you need over the counter in a European pharmacy.
Budapest, Hungary
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