What to Pack for a River Cruise
Here are the essentials that you need to pack for your next river cruise.
If you’re reading this blog post then you’re probably about to set off on a river cruise.
You’ve made a great choice - river cruises are a fantastic way to travel, and the small size of the ships means that you’re able to dock right in the centre of the action.
I embarked on my very first river cruise with Viking in 2024 and had an amazing time exploring French towns and cities along the Seine.
Our ship, the Viking Skaga, was able to sail right into Paris and dock next to the Eiffel Tower reading for embarkation. Now that’s not something that an ocean ship would ever be able to do!
My biggest piece of advice is to check what facilities are available on your ship - as river ships tend to be much smaller than ocean ships, they will have fewer facilities that you need to pack for.
For example, if your ship doesn’t have a swimming pool or self service laundry machines, you won’t need your swimwear or laundry detergent.
River ships often tend to be quite luxurious, and you’ll find that things like shampoo and shower gel will often come included. Due to their size, it’s rare to find an inside cabin on a river ship, so you also won’t need a sunrise alarm clock to replicate the sun!
Here’s everything that you need to pack for your next river cruise, using everything that I learned from my cruise with Viking.
Things to remember when packing for a river cruise
River cruises tend to be less formal than ocean cruises
So you might not need that three piece suit or cocktail dress. Make sure that you double check the requirements for your cruise line and pack accordingly.
For example, I recently travelled with Viking River Cruises and didn’t need a single cocktail dress, but I did bring a change of clothes so that I could freshen up each evening.
Expect to do lots of walking
As river ships will often dock in a new port every day, expect to spend a lot of time out exploring. While some cruise lines may include coach tours, it’s best to prepare for lots of time spent on your feet.
Make sure you pack comfortable footwear and a portable charger ready for those long days.
Not all river ships have pools or hot tubs, so you might not need your swimwear!
Check what facilities your ship has available. Even if it does have a hot tub or two, you might not need your bathing costume if you’re sailing the Seine in the winter, for example.
You’re unlikely to need your travel sickness medication
Personally I prefer to have this on hand just in case, but river cruises are known for being incredibly smooth due to the lack of waves that you experience on the ocean.
It’s the ideal type of cruise for someone who struggles with sea sickness.
Be prepared for all weathers
As you’ll spend lots of time out and about, make sure that you’re prepared in case the weather changes.
Pac-a-macs are ideal as you can easily pop one in your day bag, and a little umbrella is a must in case you get caught in a sudden downpour.
Check which currency you need and change some money in advance
You might be able to do this on the ship but it’s often more expensive, so it’s better to be prepared.
My River Cruise Packing List
Documents
These documents are must when travelling by cruise - don’t forget to take out travel insurance!
Passport
Booking confirmation with the cruise line
Travel insurance confirmation
Payment cards
Travel essentials
Choose a large, durable suitcase - I particularly like hard shell cases like this one from Tripp.
Backpack: You’ll need something that can carry all of your essentials in your hand luggage, but is also suitable for day trips. I have this one from Nordace which I love.
Packing cubes are a great way to keep your suitcase organised. You can buy them on Amazon here.
Headphones for the journey, such as these noise cancelling ones.
Mini electric fan: ideal for warmer climates or for stressful airport moments!
Neck pillow: essential for getting comfortable during your flight.
A water bottle that you can refill as needed
Unless you’re sailing in your own country, you may need to pack a travel adaptor
Entertainment
You’ll likely need to fly to and from the river cruise, so make sure you have lots of entertainment to keep yourself occupied.
While the ship itself will have plenty of things to do, there will generally be fewer facilities than with larger ships (no theatre or cinema), so it’s worth bringing some of your own activities.
Here are some suggestions:
Physical books or a kindle (I have a list of recommendations on my Amazon shop front)
Portable games console such as a Nintendo Switch
Small board games or card games
A puzzle book and pen
Camera and any accessories
Chargers including a portable charger
For your cabin and around the cruise ship
These are all optional items that can enhance your cruising experience.
Laundry bag to store your worn clothes
Magnetic hangers: I don’t personally use these but lots of people love them for extra storage
Lanyard: Again, not something that I use but some people like these for their cruise card
A bottle of alcohol to drink in your cabin. Make sure you check what’s allowed with your cruise line, but Viking have a very generous alcohol allowance.
Clothing
Daywear
I’d recommend packing lots of layers that you can customise depending on the weather, as well as some spare outfits just in case.
Shorts/trousers
T-shirts and tops
Dresses
Cardigan/hoodie/jumper
Underwear and socks
Swimwear (if applicable)
Comfortable shoes for walking - perhaps walking boots in the winter or sandals in the summer
A backpack to carry your essentials around on day trips
Evening wear
Personally, I always like to have a change of clothes for dinner time - even if formal wear isn’t required! Make sure you check the evening dress code with your cruise line.
Change of clothes for each evening
Pyjamas
Personal items
Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the personal items that you may need while away on your trip.
River cruise lines will often provide things like shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Unless you prefer to use your usual products, it might be easier to leave them at home (check what your cruise line provides on their website).
Medication: including any painkillers and prescription medication you might need
Sanitary items
Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel if you would prefer to use your own
Skincare
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Makeup
Hairbands
Glasses/sunglasses
Suncream and bug spray if sailing in a warm climate
Hand sanitiser
Deodorant
Perfume
Is there anything that I missed from my list? Leave a comment and let me know.