25 Questions to Ask Before Booking a River Cruise
Most river cruise booking decisions are made with incomplete information. The brochure shows the highlights; it rarely addresses the practical questions that matter for a specific traveller's situation. Here are 25 questions worth asking and the honest answers for CroisiEurope itineraries before you commit.
About the Cruise Itself
1. What is actually included in the price? For CroisiEurope: all meals, wine and beer with meals, drinks at the bar, non-alcoholic drinks throughout, port charges, onboard entertainment, and Wi-Fi. Note: shore excursions are NOT included for most European river cruises they are bookable separately. For Mekong, Africa, and Amazon itineraries, all shore excursions are fully included. Flights and travel insurance are not included.
2. What's not included? Flights, travel insurance, pre/post cruise hotels, gratuities (optional but customary €10-15 per person per day is standard), drinks outside meal service, premium spirits and cocktails, laundry, and any personal shopping ashore.
3. How many passengers are on board? CroisiEurope river ships carry 100-180 passengers. Canal barges carry 22. This is a fundamentally different social atmosphere to an ocean cruise ship of 2,000-6,000.
4. What languages are spoken on board? CroisiEurope ships are international both French and English are offered on board, with full commentary available in both languages at all excursions and announcements. CroisiEurope ships carry a mix of French and English-speaking passengers across most itineraries.
5. Can solo travellers book without a single supplement? Ask specifically when enquiring. CroisiEurope occasionally offers reduced or waived single supplements on certain itineraries call 1300 739 652 to check current availability.
About the Ship
6. How new is the ship? Ask for the ship's construction or refurbishment year. CroisiEurope's fleet ranges from recently built to refurbished.
7. Is there a gym or pool? River ships are narrow a pool is not possible. Some larger ships have a small fitness area. This is not the right product if gym access is essential.
8. Is there a lift? Not all river ships have lifts. If mobility is a concern, this is essential to ask. CroisiEurope Australia can advise by specific ship.
9. How is Wi-Fi? Onboard Wi-Fi is included but variable strongest in populated areas, weaker in remote river stretches. Not suitable for high-bandwidth work.
10. Is smoking allowed on board? Designated outdoor smoking areas only on CroisiEurope ships.
About Shore Excursions
11. Are all excursions included? Shore excursions are not included in the base price for most European river cruise itineraries they are bookable separately at additional cost. For Mekong, African river, and Amazon cruises, all shore excursions are included in the price.
12. Can I skip excursions and explore independently? Yes. Port time allows independent exploration if you prefer to set your own pace. The ship's daily schedule clearly states return times.
13. How much walking is involved? Most excursions involve 2-5 km of walking on uneven cobblestoned surfaces. Inform your booking agent of any mobility concerns alternatives can often be arranged.
14. Are excursions in small or large groups? CroisiEurope's shore excursions (bookable separately for European itineraries) are guided group tours led by local experts. Premium 'exclusive' excursion options with smaller groups are also available.
About Food and Drink
15. What are the dining times? Typically set sittings breakfast 7:30-9:00am, lunch 12:00-13:30, dinner 19:00-20:30. Flexibility varies by ship.
16. Is there a dress code for dinner? Smart casual no formal nights. Men do not need a suit or jacket, though some passengers prefer to dress up.
17. Can dietary requirements be accommodated? Yes inform CroisiEurope Australia at booking. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and most food allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.
18. Is wine really included with every meal? Yes. House wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks are included with both lunch and dinner. Drinks are also included at the bar throughout the day all part of the cruise price.
About Booking Logistics
19. When should I book to get the best price? Early booking (10-12 months ahead) typically secures the best pricing and cabin availability. CroisiEurope's early booking program may include price guarantees and cabin priority.
20. What is the cancellation policy? Varies by booking lead time. Generally: 50% deposit forfeited within 90 days of departure; 100% within 60 days. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
21. Do I need travel insurance? Yes comprehensive travel insurance including cruise cancellation, medical evacuation, and trip interruption is essential. Ask CroisiEurope Australia for guidance on suitable policies.
22. What currency should I bring? Euro for Danube, Rhine, Seine, and most European rivers. Portuguese Escudo is no longer used Euro in Portugal. Thai Baht for Mekong. A small amount of local cash per port is useful.
23. Do I need a visa? Australians do not need a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days (as of 2026 verify current requirements before travel).
24. How do I get from the airport to the ship? CroisiEurope Australia can arrange transfers. The ship is typically moored within 20 40 minutes of the major embarkation city airport.
25. Can I combine two cruises? Yes back-to-back itineraries (e.g., Rhine then Danube) are bookable and offer significant total destination coverage for longer trips.
Book Your 2027 River Cruise with CroisiEurope Australia
CroisiEurope Australia handles all bookings for Australian travellers local support, AUD pricing, no credit card surcharges on Visa or Mastercard.
Phone: 1300 739 652 | Email: contact@croisicruises.com
Website: www.croisieuroperivercruises.com.au | Office: Tweet World Travel, 544 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
2027 Early Booking is open now. Enquire today.
