Frequently Asked Questions:
River Cruises

River cruise ships are built specifically for inland waterways, allowing them to navigate rivers, locks, and low bridges that ocean ships cannot access. They are much smaller than ocean cruise ships, typically carrying fewer than 200 guests, which creates a more intimate onboard atmosphere.

Instead of spending days at sea, river cruises sail directly through the heart of cities, towns, and scenic countryside, with ports often just steps from major attractions. Ocean cruise ships, by contrast, are designed for open-water voyages, carry thousands of passengers, and offer a wider range of onboard entertainment while visiting coastal destinations.

Both offer expertly planned vacations with guided sightseeing, but the travel experience is different.

• On a river cruise, your ship travels with you, so you unpack once while sailing between destinations.
• On a guided tour, you'll travel by comfortable motorcoach or train, allowing you to explore a wider variety of regions, including places beyond the reach of rivers.

River cruises tend to move at a more relaxed pace and focus on waterfront cities and villages, while guided tours offer greater flexibility to visit iconic landmarks, scenic countryside, and inland destinations. Both include expert guidance, carefully planned itineraries, and the opportunity to experience local culture without the stress of planning every detail.

It is recommended that all guests purchase travel insurance. 

Your insurance should include coverage for trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation, even during pandemic events. You can purchase this at the same time you book your trip, and this will be automatically added to your booking. 

To travel on an international river cruise, yes, it is required to have a passport. Make sure that each traveler's passport contains at least three blank visa pages and is valid for six months after the completion of the trip. Before booking your trip abroad, ensure your passport information up to date and ready to go. 

You might, depending on your destinations. Grand European Travel is pleased to offer our guests a fast and easy way to obtain visa requirements per destination. Using our CIBT Destination Entry Guide, simply enter your destination(s) to receive clear directions on every step of the visa process.

Yes, you can book flights through Grand European Travel.

Our Travel Specialists are here to provide a seamless booking experience, including flights, travel insurance, pre and post-river cruise extensions, and more. 

Most major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Europe. Credit cards and most debit cards can be used for ATM cash withdrawals onshore (there are no ATM machines onboard the ships). We recommend bringing at least one credit card plus an ATM card. Try to avoid carrying euro notes larger than €100, as merchants may be hesitant to accept them due to counterfeiting. Limited currency exchange is available onboard (cash only) and all major hotels have exchange facilities. Travelers Checks are not recommended.

It’s always a good idea to let your credit card issuer know of your plans and to call your bank so they can expect foreign transactions on your account.

Once you travel with any of our partners you are eligible to receive up to 5% Past Traveler discount on all vacations booked directly through Grand European Travel.

River cruising offers the unique opportunity to travel through Europe's historic waterways, but conditions such as water levels, weather, and lock operations can occasionally require itinerary adjustments. When changes are necessary, our operators work to provide the best possible alternative while maintaining the quality of your vacation.

Your Experience Director will keep you informed throughout your journey and provide updates to the daily program as needed. (Please note that changes to the itinerary or included shore excursions do not qualify for a refund.)

Yes, depending on your river cruise itinerary you can add pre and/or post cruise extension packages to your booking.

The price listed for Trafalgar river cruises is per person based on two guests sharing a stateroom. Solo travelers are required to pay a supplement that varies by stateroom category. Please contact our team for more information.

Trafalgar aims to deliver the best possible experience for every guest that chooses to travel. 

If you have any specific requirements for when it comes to mobility (included but not limited to requiring a wheelchair, wanting to travel with a service animal, a mobility scooter or any mobility equipment) there are some key steps to follow before you book your river cruise which are taken care of by our Travel Specialist Team. This starts with contacting us to fill out a ‘Specific Requirements’ form before you book.  

The reason that we need this before you book is so our team can carefully review your requests and requirements to provide the best possible experience. This includes being able to provide you with detailed information regarding bringing any mobility aids. This also includes but is not limited to considerations for travel style and destinations, space availability and facilities, and specific terrain to expect and any internal protocols we need to follow including with fellow guests. To get a copy of the ‘Specific Requirements’ form please follow the steps below:

Select your chosen river cruise itinerary and departure date and have the information handy

Call us and ask our team for a ‘Specific Requirements’ form to fill out which they will send to you direct

You’ll then be asked to fill out the form to outline any requests and details and send back to our team

Our Travel Specialist Team can review your requests and make recommendations based on your requests and outline any considerations around your request.  

Trafalgar’s river cruises are exciting and relatively active vacations. While there will be time to relax, there is also much to see and experience on ship and on shore. Included experiences generally involve a considerable amount of walking, navigating steps, and traversing cobblestoned streets. 

Some on-shore included and Optional Experiences may involve walking over uneven surfaces or navigating steps. If you have mobility limitations, certain sites may be more challenging to access. A reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy your trip comfortably and confidently. 

River ships, while spacious, are not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and some do not have elevators. Trafalgar reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse passage or require a guest to end their trip if their physical condition may affect their own health, safety, and enjoyment, or that of other travelers. 

Use of mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers or scooters for tours or onboard use must be approved in advance. If you need assistance during the trip, we recommend traveling with a companion who can support you. 

Trafalgar does not employ staff nurses or doctors on board its ships, nor can the onboard gift shop carry medications sold over the counter in the U.S. and other countries. Should you require medical attention, care must be obtained at local medical facilities at your own expense. Trafalgar is not responsible for any medical costs incurred or for the quality of medical care received. 

Each itinerary includes mix of walking each day to enjoy each destination and the on-shore experiences on offer as outlined in your itinerary. This includes but is not limited to walking from a coach to an iconic sightseeing experience, walking to a restaurant, walking tours, and more.

Each destination and its terrain can also vary. For example, cities in Europe often have uneven terrain and cobblestones which are part of the charm and beauty of these centuries-old destinations and their historic centers. Some destinations may have steep inclines or steps, and there are times when more walking is required than others.

Our trips all have a Balanced Activity, which ranges between 2 - 3 miles per day. If you have mobility issues and would like more information and help finding your perfect tour, please call us to discuss your requirements and options.   

To provide the best duty of care for all guests, it’s important to advise your Travel Specialist of any dietary concerns that might affect you on your river cruise at time of booking. For example, if you carry an auto-injector for nuts or other allergies etc. (like an EpiPen), or have a condition requiring special attention it is important that we know as soon as possible. If you forget to do this when you book, this information can be shared when completing your Passenger Information Form. 

Trafalgar will do their best to accommodate special dietary requests, including vegetarian, vegan, and medically recommended diets. A variety of gluten-free options are available onboard and are clearly identified. While traveling, you can also inform the waitstaff of any dietary requirements so they can best assist you.

Unfortunately, we’re unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements which includes salt-free, Kosher, Halal, requests for specific dietary supplements such as soy or almond /specialty nut milks, and high protein or low-carb meals.  

Due to limited storage space onboard ships and motorcoaches, guests are asked to bring one (1) suitcase and one (1) carry-on bag per person, excluding purses. Additional fees may be assessed onsite for excess baggage. Note that your suitcase will be stored under your bed onboard the ship, so it's suggested that your main hold luggage/case not exceed 30” x 18” x 10”. In some destinations there are health and safety restrictions around how much weight Crew Members and Drivers are able to lift, therefore a maximum of 50lbs weight restriction is strictly enforced.

Guests are responsible for their baggage and personal belongings at all times. Trafalgar is not responsible for loss, theft or damage. A Travel Protection Plan covering lost, stolen or damaged baggage is strongly recommended. 

Porterage is included for your luggage upon arrival at the ship for your main hold luggage/ bag (one item per person).

Electrical current onboard is 220V (European standard), and each stateroom and suite includes one 110V outlet. We recommend bringing a universal travel adapter and multi-port USB charger, for charging multiple phones, tablets, and cameras from one outlet. Electrical plugs, voltage and outlets differ throughout the world. Trafalgar cannot supply travel adapters for guests.

Trafalgar ships offer a range of stateroom categories, designated by deck and location. River view staterooms and suites are thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience, featuring individual climate control, a flat-screen TV, internal telephone, safety deposit box, hair dryer, complimentary bottled water, and a private bathroom stocked with bath and body products. Suites are larger and have more amenities than staterooms such as a seating area and minibar with included beverages.

Yes, every stateroom has a hairdryer in the bathroom as well as shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and handwash.

Trafalgar river cruises have a 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio, so you can relax knowing every detail is thoughtfully taken care of. In addition to the ship’s crew, every Trafalgar river cruise features both an Experience Director and an Experience Manager, offering a higher level of personalized service than most operators who travel with a single Cruise Director.

Your Experience team is your go-to resource throughout the journey, sharing local insights, ensuring your included shore experiences go without a hitch, and coordinating Optional Experiences to help you make the most of every destination.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily are included in your river cruise price. Breakfast is a 90-minute buffet with a live egg station and fresh regional options, including juice, tea, coffee, and water. 

Lunch runs for 90 minutes and features a generous buffet with a rotating specialty dish at a live cooking station. Included drink options are wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water, with local wines changing daily over a 7-day rotation. 

Dinner is served à la carte, offering a three-course menu with a daily choice of three starters, mains, and desserts inspired by the destinations visited. Included drink options are wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water, with local wines changing daily over a 7-day rotation.

At times, optional specialty dishes are available for purchase.

The ship’s main restaurant is a relaxed, welcoming space. Smart casual is perfectly suitable for evenings, though Trafalgar kindly asks that shorts and T-shirts are not worn to dinner.

Complimentary juice, tea, coffee, and water are included with breakfast.

At lunch and dinner, regional wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water are also included.

Coffee stations are available onboard throughout the day, offering a complimentary selection of teas and coffees. 

Should you wish to enjoy additional beverages, these are available for purchase in the lounge bar from 2:00pm until closing. Any purchases will be charged to your stateroom and settled at the end of your river cruise.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, allowing you to stay connected during your journey. Please note that connectivity may be limited in remote areas or while transiting locks, and internet speeds may be slower than those at home. 

The onboard network may not support high-bandwidth activities such as video streaming or video calls.

Your Travel Specialist can assist you with booking optional pre- or post-cruise land extensions on many itineraries. If you are traveling with a group of 10 or more guests, the cruise or tour itinerary may be customized to suit the group’s needs.

In many ports, your river ship is small enough to dock within easy walking distance of the historic city center. Elsewhere, the ship may need to dock farther away and a motorcoach transfer will be provided. There may be times when your ship moors next to another ship or between ships, especially in busy ports. Docking locations are determined by the local harbor authorities, not Uniworld or the ship’s captain.

It's best to prepare for a variety of weather conditions, depending on your travel season and the regions through which you will be cruising. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows you to adjust to most temperatures, including artificially maintained temperatures, by adding or removing items throughout the day.

What to pack for daywear for onshore and onboard

Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is appropriate both onshore and onboard. Everyday slacks, khakis, walking shorts, and everyday skirts/dresses are recommended. For warmer temperatures, we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered, such as a mix of sweaters, lightweight knit shirts, slacks, and walking shorts. For early spring and late fall departures, you’ll find sweatshirts, heavier cotton or wool tops and long-sleeved shirts, and corduroy or heavy khaki pants perfectly suitable. Don’t forget to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavier-weight windbreaker for colder temperatures.

Bring good walking shoes

You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.

Is there a dress code?

While there is no formal dress code for dining ashore, concerts, special events onboard, etc. for evenings, any resort-type wear is perfectly suitable. Though, please note that shorts are not allowed at dinner aboard the ship.

Men may want to bring one sport jacket for dressier restaurant venues and for special events onboard such as the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell festivities. Women may wish to bring a cocktail dress or two for finer dining or entertainment experiences. 

Uniworld’s classically trained chefs use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients for all onboard meals, which feature both regionally-inspired and western dishes.

Uniworld Staff will do their very best to accommodate your needs given the resources available. Kindly inform your Travel Specialist in advance if you have specific dietary requests (e.g., low-fat, low-calorie, gluten-free, sugar-free, vegetarian, etc.). There is a “Traveling Lite” menu for guests seeking more health-conscious options, as well as light lunches, vegetarian options, and generous buffets that offer something for everyone.

Requirements vary by the country you are visiting and by your country of residence and are subject to change at any time. Please check with the government agencies of the countries you will be visiting for the most recent information. Obtaining required travel documents including visas is the guests' responsibility. 

Triple bookings are allowed only in some suites onboard the S.S. Catherine, S.S. La Venezia, and the S.S. Maria Theresa (excluding the Royal Suite). Note that ships that allow triple booking may change, so we suggest talking to one of our Travel Specialists for the most up-to-date information.

The electrical current is 220V, the European standard; however, each stateroom and suite has one 110V outlet.

Select ships offer complimentary Wi-Fi access. Please view your ship’s specific information page or contact your Travel Specialist to find out if Wi-Fi is available onboard. Service may be briefly interrupted in remote areas, while sailing, or when moving through locks, and the speed will likely be slower than what you are used to back home.

Optional excursions can be booked with your Cruise Manager and charged to your onboard account. Some optional excursions need a minimum number of participants to operate. There are no refunds for cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time or for pre-paid tours. On pre/post-cruise extensions, you may book optional excursions with your Local Host and pay by credit card (cash not accepted). Optional excursions cannot be reserved prior to the cruise.

Uniworld provides a daily printed program that includes updated weather information, and weather reports may also be accessed via the infotainment system aboard each ship.

Uniworld typically arranges a city tour in these rare situations or allows extra free time to explore the city’s top sites on your own. In such cases, the staff will do everything they can to make sure the locations visited and the excursions taken are similar to the ones originally planned.

For the comfort of all our guests, smoking is only permitted on the sun decks of Uniworld ships. Smoking is not permitted on motorcoaches. This policy applies to all forms of smoking materials including vapor e-cigarettes.

Uniworld also asks guests to refrain from smoking on shore excursions/tours, especially since many historical sites and other tourist attractions are now smoke-free as well.

Uniworld does its best to deliver all excursions as promoted, yet there may be times when circumstances beyond our control require us to make certain changes to scheduled activities. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise.

Uniworld makes every effort to follow itineraries exactly as promoted but reserves the right to make any necessary changes to ensure the safety of guests and ships. There may be times when circumstances are beyond control and may require certain changes to scheduled activities. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. Time permitting, Uniworld staff will let you know of any known changes before you board the ship.

Yes, each group has its own English-speaking guide. Our local experts are considered the best in the industry, and our complimentary QuietVox audio headsets make it easy to hear every word of their insightful commentary.

Depending on the itinerary, talented local performers (music, dance, traditional arts, etc.) may come onboard from time to time to provide after-dinner entertainment.

Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour.

You can check out more about river cruising in Europe here or reach out to your GET Travel Specialist.