Europe River Cruise Packing Tips
By Heidi Sarna
Updated March 2026
I've taken more than 125 cruises all over the world. Many on river boats and canal barges in Europe.
And, in large part, I know what to pack based on how many times I didn't bring the right stuff — good ole trial and error!
Here are my 14 Europe river cruise packing tips, hope they help you prepare for your next river cruise on the scenic and historical rivers of Europe.
1. Comfortable Walking or Exercise Shoes
Sounds like a no brainer, but good walking shoes are vital. I often see travelers in flip-flops or even heels; I can't imagine. Given the cobblestoned streets, steps and the lumpy bumpy terrain that goes along with vineyard tours or walks around beautiful ruins of ancient castles and old towns, the right shoes are key to a successful day of touring. Also, necessary if you plan on doing any cycling in port. For me, I bring my sneakers, the same ones I go running in at home. Whatever shoes makes your feet happy, bring those and wear them.
2. Large Scarf or Shawl
When touring churches and cathedrals, whether you think it's fair or not, women will often be asked to cover their shoulders or legs if wearing short-shorts or a mini skirt. A pretty scarf or thin sarong comes in handy for covering up when needed.
I also use my light-weight scarves, most of which come from India, to cover my shoulders and neck and sometimes my head when it's super hot outside. You can even use them as a beach towel; it's endless!
3. Dinnertime Attire
Like all of cruising, dress codes have relaxed over the years, including on river cruises. I've been on several river cruises recently — Douro River with Uniworld and also in non-European locales including the Hooghly River in India with Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN) and coastal/river cruise in Maine with American Cruise Line. On all three, dinnertime garb ranged from elegant silk dresses and blouses and crisp button-down shirts to more casual polos, t-shirts, jeans and sundresses. People wore what they were comfortable wearing, there really are no rules, except for a few low-bar basics — such as asking guests not to wear swim or gym garb, shorts or tank tops, to the restaurant.
I personally like getting a bit dressed up for dinner — usually for me, I pack slacks or formal jeans, silky tops, a maxi dress or two and tailored denim skirts — even though there are no mandatory formal nights on river cruises these days. That said, there's often a captain's gala evening where you may be encouraged to up your game a bit; I would say most (not all) people do. On my recent Douro River cruise, the gala night saw some women in sequins and some men with sport coats. But, it's really up to you.
QuirkyCruise Contributor Alison Abbott Knows a Thing or Two About Packing
Here are 3 things Alison always packs for travel:
- A bandana.
It serves a multitude of uses in addition to hair tie. Most of the older medieval towns have some sort of fountain in the central square. Soaking a bandana there or with your water bottle can bring a cool relief around the neck. It also provides additional sun protection. They are available in a wide range of colors and fairly inexpensive. - St. Lucia tunic from Coolibar.
My go to outfit that always makes it into my suitcase is a St. Lucia tunic from Coolibar. I have it in several colors, it can be dressed up or down and provides UV UPF 50 sun protection you WEAR! The fabric is soft, lightweight, doesn't wrinkle and dries overnight if you need to wash it during a trip.
- Rubber coated clothes pins.
I always include small rubber coated clothes pins in my travel essentials. Pin down towels on the rail so they don't fly overboard. Clip small garments to a hanger in the shower for laundry. Use as a book mark and a chip clip for those delicious, not so healthy snacks we all end up buying when on the road.
Globetrotting Alison shares more packing tips HERE.
4. Small Foldable Umbrella
This is for rain and for the scorching heat that you'll likely encounter cruising in July and August. Yes, ships often to have umbrellas to borrow, but more times than not, they're the large golf umbrellas that are not convenient to carry around on a walking tour etc.
5. Sunglasses, Plus Hat or Visor
Another obvious one, but just say'in … don't forget to bring your sunglasses and whatever you prefer to wear on your head. You'll appreciate a hat or visor when it's boiling hot outside or when it's windy on deck.
Subscribe to our monthly small ship cruise email
Subscribe to QuirkyCruise.com for monthly curated newsletters highlighting our top small cruise ship reviews, round-ups & offers!
6. Basic Meds
Bring the basics, the stuff you prefer, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, cough syrup etc.
Most river cruise line don't have doctors or nurses on board like the big ships do, and so generally the purser won't distribute meds, even basic pain relievers. If you don't bring them with you, you (or someone in your party) will have to go in search of a pharmacy in port.
7. Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Always a must-bring, especially when cruising in the summer.
8. Leggings or Exercise Shorts/Pants
This gear is a must if you plan on cycling in port or hitting the ship's fitness room. Many river boats have small gyms with a few cardio machines and some weights.
9. Bathing Suit
If you're lucky, your river boat will have a small pool, so definitely don't forget your swimming suit so you can enjoy a refreshing soak in the pool while enjoying the passing scenery.
10. Cross Body, Waist Pouch or Backpack
For me, the key is a small bag; you don't want to be lugging around a big heavy backpack. I prefer a cross body bag that I can also wear around my waist.
11. Theme Night Garb
Many Europe river cruises have a 70s night or similar. Details should be the pre-cruise docs emailed to you before the cruise. Many river cruisers will pack a few accessories to join the fun — for a 70s-theme party, think tie-dyed t-shirt, flared pants and other hippie attire.
12. Phone Charger
This is obvious, but definitely don't forget your device chargers. And according to avid traveler Ben Lyons, CEO of EYOS Expeditions, no need to bring a tangle of cords — Ben packs super light including always charging his phone in his laptop and only bringing half the lap-top cord, to lighten his load.
13. Adaptors
Many river cruise ships, especially the newest vessels, allow you to plug your USB phone cable right into the base of a lamp or the vanity dresser area. That said, it's a good idea to bring an adaptor that allows American-style plugs (two flat prongs) to fit into continental European outlets (which take two round prongs). Many river boats will have the American-style 110-volt outlets.
READ MORE: Learn the ins and outs of what adapters, converters and chargers to bring on your next cruise.
Heidi's 5 Quirky Packing Hacks
Check out five quirky things I've included in this list of packing hacks for trips anywhere in the world.These are items that take up very little room in your luggage, but that can be a big help.
14. Earplugs & Eye Mask
They're both handy for the plane and for noise or light in the cabin; for instance, if your cabin-mate keeps the lights on when you're ready to go to sleep.
When it comes vital Europe river cruise packing tips, QuirkyCruise Contributor Anne Kalosh says ear plugs have come in handy for her when her cabin was near the engine room.
And More Packing Tips …
If you plan on cycling on your next Europe river cruise, I've got a whole post on packing when you plan on lots of bicycling in port (one of my favorite things to do!).
READ THE FULL POST: Heidi's “16 European River Cruise Cycling Tips & Packing Pointers.”
And since we're on the topic of packing..
Check Out My Alaska Cruise Packing Tips
Here are 3 of my 11 tips:
- Layers Layers Layers.
On an Alaska small-ship cruise, you'll need to put on and peel off throughout the day, as hiking, for example, may get you heated up, while kayaking or skiffing near a glacier on a cloudy day will put a chill in the air. Alaska temps in the summer can vary from the cool damp 40s in the mornings to the balmier 70s on a bright sunny afternoon. Go to your nearest REI, The North Face, Patagonia or Athleta store, all brands that make an effort to imbibe fair and sustainable business practices,including some being certified as B Corps companies and get a few long-sleeved wicking tops for layering and a warm fleece. Pack several pairs of comfortable leggings or similar work-out pants that aren’t too thick, so you can wear one on top of another if need be. And one under your waterproof rain paints. - Bathing Suit!
Yes, if you’re considering a polar plunge in the chilly Alaska waters, or a dip in the hot tubs some small ships offer, then bring your bathing costume!
- Extra Socks!
Trust me … they'll get wet, bring extra so you always have a dry pair to wear.
Read the rest of my 11 Alaska cruising packing tips HERE.
So Let's Get Packing!
Hope you enjoyed my Europe river cruise packing tips and also my pointers for smart packing when planning a quirky cruise in Alaska.
By the way, if you'd like help planning and booking a small-ship cruise and would like the assistance of a great travel advisor, show your interest in the form below.
Interested In A River Cruise?
For years, we've been referring our readers to our favorite travel advisor, Kevin Flink, because of his excellent customer service and expertise in travel planning. Kevin owns a franchise of Cruise Planners, one of the highest producing land and cruise travel agencies in the world, which means he gets access to various discounts and perks from cruise lines, hotels and insurance companies that he can pass on to his clients.
To show your interest in booking a river cruise (or any cruise!) with Kevin, please tell us a bit more about what you’re looking for and we will be happy to get you both connected.
* Your personal information will be used solely for purposes of responding to your request.
Don’t miss a post about small-ship cruising, subscribe to QuirkyCruise.com for monthly updates & special offers!
© This article is protected by copyright, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the author. All Rights Reserved. QuirkyCruise.com.
HEIDI SARNA
