Packing Tips for a River Cruise: What You Really Need to Bring
Written By: Senior Travel Advisor, Christy Deneke
When I start chatting with clients about river cruises, one of the most common questions I get — usually right after “Is it really as magical as it looks?” (spoiler: it is) — is what should I pack?
Let’s start with one major realization that you must understand — River cruises aren’t like ocean cruises. They're more intimate, more immersive, and quite frankly, a lot less chaotic. You won’t necessarily require outfit changes to go from day tours to dinner, but choosing what to bring for your river cruise does still require a bit of strategy up front to prevent overpacking. After all, you don’t want to be stuck without the right gear when you're climbing castle steps in Austria or wandering through a French village on a crisp autumn morning.
So here’s my personal guide — what I tell friends, family, and travelers who want to pack smart, feel confident, and enjoy every step of the journey.
1. Season Matters (A Lot More Than You Think)
Spring & Fall:
I always tell folks, layer like your happiness depends on it. Mornings can be brisk, afternoons warm, and evenings cool again. You’ll want:
A good lightweight jacket or travel coat (rainproof is a plus!)
Comfortable walking shoes with excellent traction for cobblestones and stairs
A scarf or shawl (they’re not just for fashion — they can keep your neck warm, quickly cover a hairstyle on a windy day, and even cover shoulders and arms if needed.)
Summer:
It gets warm in the summers — but it’s not Caribbean beach weather. You’ll want:
Breathable fabrics — linen or cotton is your friend
Sun protection: a hat, sunscreen, and good sunglasses
A light sweater for evenings on deck
Winter:
If you’re lucky enough to do a Christmas Market cruise (and you should — they’re spectacular), pack warm. Think:
Warm Coat, gloves, hat, warm socks
Waterproof Boots with real traction (trust me on this one)
2. What Are You Actually Doing Each Day?
River cruises are active — in the best way. You're off the ship almost every day exploring cities, towns, and countryside. So pack for movement:
Walking tours = comfy, broken-in shoes or boots with traction
Bike rides = light athletic wear and shoes with support
Wine tastings or museum visits = a step up in style (smart casual always wins)
And don’t forget a lightweight day bag or pack — for water, souvenirs, and to toss any extra layers in when it warms up a bit
3. What to Wear Onboard
Most river cruise ships lean toward “elegant casual.” This isn’t the place for tuxedos or ballgowns — and that’s part of the charm. While some cruise lines steer a bit more dressy, others you can pop right to dinner in your daytime touring outfits.
Daytime: Relaxed and functional. You might head straight from lunch to a walking tour.
Evening: Think smart casual — a collared shirt or blouse, slacks, maybe a casual dress.
Captain’s Dinner or Chef’s Table: Bring one outfit that feels a little more polished, but don’t overthink it.
4. A Few Packing Tips I Swear By
Pack lighter than you think — take advantage of shipboard laundry services to help get you through your trip
Look for fabrics that travel well. Think wrinkle free as well as stain repellant!
Consider a capsule wardrobe, allowing you to mix-and-match pieces all during your trip to create many different outfits with just a few pieces of clothing.
Bring a universal adapter if you’re cruising in Europe. If you use medical equipment like a CPAP machine onboard, consider bringing more than one adapter.
Don’t forget meds, reading glasses, or those small things that are hard to replace in destination
An insulated refillable water bottle is a must if you prefer cold water on your day tours
Packing for a river cruise isn’t about having everything — it’s about having the right things. A little intention goes a long way. And when you’ve got what you need, you’re free to be fully present for the vineyards, the castles, the conversations — all of it.
If you’re planning a cruise and want help making it the trip you’ll talk about for years, I’d love to help. Or if you’ve already cruised and have your own packing wisdom, drop it in the comments — I never stop learning from fellow travelers.
Happy sailing!
