The absolute must-bring items for a European river cruise

Knowing what to pack for a European river cruise ensures you don’t find yourself with too much luggage and contents that never see the light of day.

Clothes that don’t need an iron

If you don’t want to be a crumpled mess or spend a small fortune on getting your clothes pressed, opt for crease-free clothing. Most ships don’t have irons in cabins. Aside from the captain’s welcome dinner or if you opt for say a classic concert in Vienna, leave your fancy threads at home.

River cruising is definitely less formal than ocean cruising and cruising in general is more casual these days. Pack one dressy outfit and heels/sandals for women. Pack swimmers too as many ships have a small pool or spa on the top deck and bring clothes you can layer due to the large variation in temperatures and the fact the ship’s air conditioning can be on the cool side.

Don’t forget a European adaptor for charging devices in your cabin.Credit: Greg Straight

A wide rather than high suitcase

New ships like Travelmarvel’s Polaris, Vega and Capella are designed with clever beds high enough to store suitcases underneath. Genius. However not all ships are designed this way and with cabin space at a premium, you want to ensure your luggage doesn’t take up most of the floor space. Laundry costs are also generally kept pretty low so don’t bring more than you really need and opt for clothes you can wear more than once. A travel clothesline could be handy if you’re someone who likes to wash their smalls.

Good walking shoes

With stops in new ports almost every day, good walking shoes are a must. Many towns and cities you visit in Europe have cobblestone or uneven streets. Tour buses also are generally not allowed right into the historic heart of towns or villages so even without trying you will get your step count up. It’s also great to stretch your legs on the top deck while taking in the passing scenery so pack a pair of runners (and workout clothing) too. A pair of slip-on shoes to wear to dinner also comes in handy. Make sure your shoes are broken in before you travel.

Leave the hairdryer at home

On Travelmarvel ships, hairdryers are supplied (check with your cruise line) but pack your own shampoo and conditioner in reusable travel containers.

A medical kit

Once you’re on the river it becomes harder to locate a chemist or pharmacy. Some of the port stops are at small villages with only souvenir shops. Pack cold and flu medications, Band-Aids, painkillers, an antihistamine, Imodium and, just in case, a prescribed antibiotic. It goes without saying to bring all your prescription medications and the prescriptions themselves and keep them in your hand luggage (don’t check them in on the plane).

A lightweight, rainproof jacket + hat

A jacket that rolls down to nothing will be a wardrobe staple. Pack one with a hood, and you’ll stay dry no matter the weather. Depending on the season, a puffer jacket is also invaluable but opt for one that doesn’t take up half your luggage space. And pack a sun hat and beanie too.

Bring cash and comfy shoes for explorations ashore.Credit: Travelmarvel

A mini backpack

A small backpack or cross-body bag big enough for your phone, wallet, drink bottle, boarding passes etc will prove invaluable. A small handbag/purse is all you need for dinner. Remember to leave your passports onboard in the room safe.

Your own coffee

Australians are not going to find the coffee onboard anywhere near as good as at home. Seasoned cruise goers swear by the Aeropress; others travel with a small plunger and coffee grounds. Onboard Travelmarvel’s Polaris and Vega, complimentary barista coffee is served in the morning and at lunch – a step up on the automatic coffee machine at the self-serve coffee and tea station. Another hot tip is to download the European Coffee Trip app and search the night before for the highest rated cafes in your next port.

Small amount of cash

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere but bring €60 to €100 in cash, including small change for public toilets and purchases at local markets or small stores that only accept cash.

European adaptor

Pack a European adaptor for charging devices in your cabin. One that is fitted with multiple USB sockets is handy. Pack USB charging cables too and you can charge your phones and other personal devices at the same time.

The writer travelled as a guest of Travelmarvel on its 14-day European Gems cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. See travelmarvel.com.au