Is river cruising right for you?

Imagine drifting along Europe’s dreamy Danube or Asia’s mighty Mekong, waking each morning to a brand new view – medieval castles one day, floating markets the next. With river cruising, you unpack once and glide effortlessly into new towns, cultures and cuisines, all from the comfort of your luxurious floating hotel.

This is slow travel at its finest – intimate, immersive and wonderfully relaxing. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or dipping your toe into cruising for the first time, this style of travel offers a beautiful blend of discovery and ease.

Curious to see if river cruising is your perfect match? Let’s find out – your dream holiday might just float this way.

Keen to set sail? Our cruise specialists at House of Travel know the rivers like locals. Get in touch and we’ll help you find your perfect cruise.

1. What’s all the fuss about river cruising? 

Think of river cruising as your boutique hotel on the water — where the scenery comes to you, and everything’s taken care of. No packing and repacking. No airports. No language worries. Just you, your glass of wine, and a front-row seat to Europe’s fairytale towns or Asia’s colourful riverside life.

The magic? You’ll only unpack once but wake up somewhere new each day. One morning it’s cobbled lanes and cathedrals, the next it’s a bustling riverside market or vineyard-draped hills.

This is travel without the faff — and all the feels. It’s blissful, it’s beautiful, and it might just be your new favourite way to holiday.

2. Who takes a river cruise?

Generally river cruises seem to appeal to curious, sophisticated travellers who relish a little luxury, excellent dining and a preference for hosted style holidays. The age tends to skew slightly older on cruise lines such as Uniworld, Viking, Scenic or APT and slightly younger on others, like Emerald Waterways. Some cruise lines are especially good for active travellers, Avalon Waterways, which offers excursions including bike tours, jogging and even painting classes.

3. What should I ask my consultant?

There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to planning your river cruise — our consultants have heard it all, and they’re here to help you get the most out of your holiday.

Here are a few smart questions to start with:

• What’s included in the fare?
  Most river cruises include your accommodation and meals, but what about drinks, shore excursions or gratuities? Some cruises are all-inclusive, while others offer optional extras like premium dining or speciality tours — it’s worth knowing what’s covered upfront.

• What kind of stateroom should I book?
  Even entry-level cabins come with great views, but a little upgrade can go a long way. Ask about balcony cabins or spacious suites if you want to treat yourself — and we say, why not?

• When’s the best time to go?
  Shoulder seasons (think spring or autumn) often mean better prices and fewer crowds. But they can also mean shorter days or limited opening hours at certain attractions. We’ll help you weigh it all up and pick the perfect time.

4. What should I expect onboard?

Think elegant, easy and oh-so-enjoyable. River cruising is all about relaxed luxury — with fewer than 200 guests onboard, the experience feels intimate, personal and incredibly welcoming.

Expect gourmet meals, beautifully designed cabins (some feel more five-star hotel than ship), and a friendly crew who’ll likely remember your name before the end of day one. Don’t worry — the name badges help you remember theirs too!

Dining is a delightfully social affair. You’ll be encouraged to switch seats and mingle, but you’ll also find it easy to make fast friends if you prefer familiar faces at dinner.

Evenings are low-key and lovely: cultural performances, local guest speakers, maybe a movie night — and nearly always a pianist setting the mood in the lounge bar.

5. What should I expect on land?

Get ready for those pinch-me moments. River cruise excursions are where the magic really happens — and while you’re always welcome to wander on your own, the guided experiences are next level.

We’re talking private ballet performances in palaces (yes, really), castle visits hosted by real-life royalty, and local experts who bring every destination to life with stories, insights and secret spots you’d never find on your own.

Cruise lines like Scenic and APT are known for going above and beyond. One day you could be sipping wine in a centuries-old cellar, the next you’re standing in the shadow of a cathedral you’ve only ever seen in books.

And the best part? Everything’s organised for you. So all you need to do is soak it in.

6. Where can I go by river cruise?

If there’s a river, chances are there’s a cruise that’ll take you somewhere spectacular.

Europe is the heartland of river cruising — and it’s simply made for it. Glide along France’s dreamy Seine, Rhône, Dordogne or Garonne. Sail the Rhine through Germany, Switzerland and The Netherlands, or follow the majestic Danube as it winds through Austria, Hungary, Romania and beyond. Portugal’s golden-hued Douro is perfect for vineyard-hopping, and Italy’s Po River offers a taste of la dolce vita with a local twist.

Each river tells its own story:

• Culture buffs will feel right at home on the Seine, Rhine, Danube or Po

• History lovers will be in awe of the Rhine Gorge and medieval gems along the Danube

• Foodies and wine lovers? You’ll be in heaven on the Rhône or Seine, where gastronomy flows as freely as the river

And the adventure doesn’t stop at Europe. Explore ancient wonders on Egypt’s Nile, discover the magic of Asia’s Mekong or Ganges, or delve into the wild corners of Africa and South America as river cruising expands into new frontiers.

7. How do I choose the right itinerary?

Start with what lights you up. Is it grand old castles, vineyard strolls, food markets, or maybe riverside bike rides? Think about what you’d love to see and do — then find an itinerary that ticks those boxes.

It’s also worth thinking beyond the cruise itself:

• Where does the journey begin and end?

• How easy is it to get there from New Zealand?

• Fancy a few extra days to explore Paris, Budapest or Amsterdam before or after you cruise?

Your House of Travel consultant can help you piece it all together. They’ll know which routes run when, where to find the best connections, and even which direction to cruise for the best scenery (and sunshine!).

8 |  How can I choose between cruise lines?

I recommend thinking about the type of experience you’re looking for, All Inclusive or more stripped back. Ask your consultant for the cruise line that will best meet your preferences within your budget and style. It’s that simple. As a general guide, here’s what to know about a few of our most popular river cruise line:

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. Exceptional luxury and all-inclusive, you’ll find an outdoor heated pool, wellness center with workout equipment, running/walking track, and e-bikes. Plus Scenic works with National Geographic to bring a photographer and lecturer along on some departures. For something a little different look at combining your Scenic River cruise with a Scenic Eclipse Expedition yacht voyage.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. Admirers of fine hotels adore Uniworld’s ships, which average just 130 guests and are each works of art in their own right. Even better, exclusive excursions — like golfing on France’s most prestigious courses —are included.

Viking River Cruises. You can count on this cruise line’s high quality and consistency. Your cruise includes one excursion per port, and Viking’s tend to be exceptionally immersive. Except for a walking track and putting green, you won’t find fitness facilities. River Ships in the Douro are smaller due to the nature of the river and so are often the first to sell out each season. The Douro is also perfect for wine lovers. You can also match your Viking Cruise with one of their extensive Ocean Cruise collection and expect the same great service and style onboard.

9. What is the dining like onboard?

In a word? Delicious. Whether it’s a perfectly cooked coq au vin on the Rhône or a just-baked strudel as you drift through Austria, dining on a river cruise is a big part of the experience — and it’s exceptional.

Most ships offer multiple dining venues, including open-air spots for those long, lazy lunches with a view. Menus are inspired by the regions you’re sailing through, with chefs showcasing seasonal, local ingredients in dishes that are both classic and creative.

Special dietary requirements? No problem. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or watching your waistline, you’ll be beautifully catered for.

And let’s not forget the bar. Expect fine wines, premium spirits and cocktails designed to match your destination — think Aperol spritz on the Danube or sake on the Mekong.

Want something truly special? Some cruises, like Uniworld, even offer private dinners in local homes. That’s next-level memory-making.

10. Any good packing tips?

River cruising keeps it classy — but not formal. Think stylish smart-casual, not suits and sequins. You’ll want comfy clothes and good walking shoes for your onshore adventures, and something a little dressier for dinner — like what you’d wear for a special night out. If you’d pack it for an anniversary dinner, you’re on the right track.

Don’t forget:

• Layers – a warm jumper or light jacket is perfect for cooler evenings

• A waterproof – trust us, you’ll thank yourself if the skies open

• Swimwear and activewear – for the pool, spa or a quick gym session

• A crossbody bag or daypack – handy for exploring towns and villages

• A universal adaptor and charger – because those memories won’t capture themselves

And if you’re not sure what to expect on a specific cruise line, just ask. Our consultants can give you the inside scoop.

11. Do you have a favourite river cruise?

Now that’s a tough one! Every cruise has its own magic — and each line brings something special to the table. But if you’re asking what’s next on my list? It’s a Christmastime cruise through Europe.

Picture this: fairy lights twinkling on riverside villages, mulled wine in hand as you wander through open-air Christmas markets, and celebrating Christmas Day onboard while castle-topped hills roll by like something out of a snow globe. Some cruises have you toasting 25 December on board, others wind through festive markets along the Danube or Rhine and have you home again just in time to carve the ham. Either way? Absolute magic.

Still got questions? We’d love to help.

Pop into your local House of Travel store — our cruise specialists are full of inspiration and know exactly how to match you with your perfect sailing. Let’s plan your Best. Holiday. Ever!