Your packing list for your river cruise isn’t going to look completely different than your list for any other vacation. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind while packing for your river cruise. Today, I am going to share what your river cruise packing list should look like. I will also share a few tips and tricks that will ensure you don’t forget the most important items while packing for your river cruise.  

Packing List for Your River Cruise: Essentials, Tips, and Tricks 

The first thing you will want to keep in mind while packing for your river cruise is you won’t have a ton of storage space in your room or suite. Therefore, you will want to pack what you need and not a ton of extras.  

Lightweight Layers and Casual Clothes 

It is important to understand that during some river cruises, you will experience cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings. Of course, the temperatures will rise during the day.  

When you pack lightweight layers, you can easily add a layer, or remove one, as the temperature changes throughout the day. A few lightweight items to consider packing include short and long sleeve t-shirts, jacket, and even a vest.  

It is usually best to wear comfortable casual clothing during a river cruise. Depending on the weather during your cruise, shorts or pants will work best. Lightweight materials are better than denim, especially when the hotter temperatures of the day arrive.  

It is best to consider your itinerary before getting dressed each day. Some attractions like temples will require your shoulders to be covered. Throwing a scarf in your backpack can be helpful for those days you require extra covering.  

A pair of jeans is acceptable while dining. Although, you may want to wear dress pants and shirts while on a higher-end river cruise line.  

Don’t forget your bathing suit for swimming or soaking in thermal baths.  

You may even want to pack workout clothes for your river cruise, so you can take advantage of the fitness classes and equipment offered on the ship.  

I prefer to bring clothes I can mix and match, so I can wear them in multiple ways. I also like to bring items of clothing that will dry quickly if I need to wash them in the sink.  

Shoes 

You are going to be tempted to wear your slides or flip flops for your entire cruise along the river. While those shoes are perfect for walking on the ship and poolside, they aren’t the best for excursions.  

When you leave the ship, it is best to wear sturdy sneakers with socks. I recommend bringing extra socks with you, because they can get dusty and sweaty while out walking around all day.  

Accessories and Other Travel Items 

There are so many other items, besides clothes, you need to add to your packing list for your river cruise. Start with throwing a lightweight backpack into your suitcase. Or use it as a carry on while flying to your ship’s destination.  

You can fill that backpack with medications, bug spray, sunscreen, a ballcap, sunglasses, and the extra socks I mentioned above.  

Since you never know when it may rain, a waterproof bag for your smartphone and camera can be helpful. Compact umbrellas can also be placed in your backpack to keep you dry while you are off the ship.  

Don’t forget to pack an adapter or two, so you can plug in your devices to charge when you are on the ship. After all, you don’t want your smartphone to die in the middle of taking pictures during an excursion.  

Kindles are nice to have when you have the time to read a book during a little downtime. Just download reading material beforehand, so you are not relying on the Wi-Fi connection during one of the busier usage times.  

Christmas Market Cruises 

Sailing on a river cruise during the winter holiday season will have you packing a little differently. The weather is going to be much colder at this time of the year. Therefore, you will want to pack plenty of warm clothes for these types of river cruises.  

Think warm sweaters, thermal underwear, wool socks, insulated boots, warm winter jacket, hat, gloves, and scarf. These items will keep you warm as you check out the multiple Christmas markets during your river cruise.  

These Christmas market cruises are one of the best reasons to take a river cruise! 

What Not to Pack for Your River Cruise 

There are a couple things you should never pack for a river cruise. The most important item to leave at home is a hair dryer. Most of the river cruise lines supply hair dryers in each stateroom.  

If you happen to bring a hair dryer, hair dryer brush, or curling iron from home, make sure they are dual voltage. If not, you are going to be taking the chance that you will be the person to blow a fuse. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person.  

Don’t worry about packing formal attire. River cruises do not have formal nights, so you won’t need those high heels, fancy dresses, suits, and ties. And yes, this leaves more room in your luggage for souvenirs! 

I also recommend leaving your laptop at home unless you absolutely need to bring it with you. The Wi-Fi on river cruises isn’t always the fastest. So, you may not be able to complete the work you need to do anyway. Besides, do you really want to be the only person working while on a river cruise? Wouldn’t you prefer to appreciate the views instead?  

As you can see, your packing list for a river cruise isn’t very daunting. Keep things simple and pack what you need without overpacking for the best results. And don’t stress if you need to re-wear an item or two throughout your river cruise. You won’t be the only one!  

So, are you ready to start creating your packing list for a river cruise?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a planning session with me. When you click this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

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