4 Things to Consider Before Booking a River Cruise

Booking a river cruise is an exciting experience and with river cruise operators creating more possibilities tailored to the cruiser, it can be easy to jump in head first. But, wait – not so fast. Like any vacation, it’s best to do your research before booking. So, if your clients are thinking about booking a river cruise, here are some things to consider.

1. When can they go?
   Depending on when your client can take a river cruise, they might have different options available to them. For example, they can opt for tulip time cruises through Amsterdam in the spring, jump onboard Oktoberfest cruises in the fall or take to the water for Christmas Market cruises in the winter. Many clients might even prefer these trending cruises because they offer an authentic experience and a glimpse into what life is like during a particular season.

   And, don’t forget: river cruises are super popular right now, so you will want to book far in advance. River boats have limited occupancy, so if your clients are thinking of booking, try to plan 12 months out. Fall is a popular time to book, as well as at the start of the New Year. These times typically offer new itineraries and promotions.

2. Who’s all going?
   This is an important question to know the answer to because the standard on many river cruise lines is double occupancy. That means that if your clients are traveling with a family, they may need to book multiple rooms to accommodate everyone. But, no worries. With a little research, you will find there are plenty of river cruise operators that offer rooms that cater to families like AmaWaterways, Tauck and Uniworld. That being said, another important consideration is if your clients need accessible cabins. Some popular river cruise operators don’t currently accommodate to those with limited mobility, but there are many others that do – like Scenic, Emerald Waterways and Vantage. Be sure to ask your clients if they need any specific accommodations so that you can help as best you can.

3. All-inclusive or sticking to the basics?
   Do your clients prefer luxury to value? Do they want to pay more to have finer amenities and all-inclusive service, or would they prefer to stick to the basics? Asking them these questions will give you a better idea of which cruise lines will be the best fit. If they want an upscale, all-inclusive experience then Uniworld, Scenic or Tauck might be good options. If your clients prefer value and just want a soft place to rest their heads after a long day of exploring, then Emerald Waterways, which continues to win the Cruise Critic Editor’s Pick for Value, might be for them.

4. Did you read the fine print?
   One of the best things about a river cruise is that there tends to be fewer additional fees than ocean cruises. And, if your clients are seeking an all-inclusive experience with excursions, tips and amenities covered, you can trust that they will receive that when they choose to book through an all-inclusive river cruise operator. But, if the river cruise isn’t all-inclusive, they will have to pay to take part in some of the unique experiences offered. Make sure your clients are aware of this before sending them down the river to their dream destinations.

Considering these questions is just a part of helping your clients book the best possible river cruise. You want to really understand your clients’ preferences and needs so the cruise is exactly what they’re looking for.