First time on a river cruise? What to expect and explore

As cruises gain popularity among travellers, here's what to know before setting sail down a river

- CLAIRE FAHY

AS CRUISING REACHES new levels of popularity, river cruises offer travellers an opportunity to explore multiple cities in one leisurely trip. Unlike huge liners with multiple restaurants and a plethora of activities, the smaller river boats, which can dock right in the middle of port cities, often stay longer, encouraging passengers to get off the ship and see the sights.

While the best time to travel largely depends on your desired destination, the most popular months for river cruising, especially in Europe, are May and September, and most cruise lines recommend booking a few months out to secure a spot. Here's what you need to know before setting sail.

Choose your river

The river you select makes all the difference when it comes to your experience, which is centred around time spent in port and watching the landscape go by, instead of spending most of your time being entertained onboard.

Ralph Grizzle, a river cruise expert who runs the website River Cruise Advisor, said that he recommended the Danube for first-time river cruisers, since itineraries often include marquee cities such as Vienna and Budapest.