Repeat after me: River cruises are not the same as ocean cruises when it comes to fashion. I learned this lesson after my first Viking vacation, sailing the Danube. I chose outfits for that trip based on my prior cruises aboard Norwegian and Princess, but quickly learned I’d committed two cardinal packing sins:
- I brought too much.
- I didn’t bring what I needed.
I’m a river cruise packing pro now, having cruised the Nile and Burgundy’s canals. Learn from my mistakes. Here are tips for packing a smart and stylish river cruise wardrobe.
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Ocean vs River Cruise: What’s the Fashion Difference?
Think of your river cruise boat as a floating hotel where you relax at the end of busy touring days. This differs greatly from ocean cruise ships that offer 24/7 entertainment, dining and activities. I know many cruise lovers who never visit a port. For them, the cruise ship is the vacation destination.
Onboard a river cruise, there are no formal dinners, nightclubs or shows that require special occasion dresses. There are usually no fitness centers or pools. And you’ll be touring a lot on a river cruise. Comfy shoes and day outfits are essential to stay fresh.
What to Bring on a River Cruise
The good news is that it’s much easier to pack for a river cruise if you avoid overthinking and packing a lot of “just in case” items. For my Egyptian river cruise, I debated packing a second bathing suit for days until I reminded myself that I was the only person who dipped into the Viking hot tub, and I did so exactly once.
Outfit Essentials for Busy Excursion Days
Pricing for river cruises routinely includes multiple daily excursions. I didn’t skip one on any of my cruises. The days were long, busy and wonderful. You’ll want comfortable outfits in breathable fabrics. And don’t forget layering separates to add and subtract as the temperature changes.
Consider packing the following for touring days on a river cruise:
- Flowy midi dresses, relaxed button-down linen shirts, tailored shorts.
- Breathable fabrics: cotton, linen, tech blends.
- Layers for morning/evening chill or air-conditioned interiors.
- Crossbody or shoulder bags for city stops.
You’re Only as Happy as Your Toes
Expect to log thousands of steps on a river cruise, possibly 20k or more. You’ll want comfortable walking shoes or sandals unless you want to be limping by Day Three. I favor Brooks running shoes or Teva sandals. They’re lightweight, supportive and come in enough color and style options so you can find one that’s cute enough.
After Dark on a River Cruise
It’s super quiet when the sun goes down on a river cruise. Groups gather in the ship lounge for cocktails and conversation. Often, there’s a casual lecture about the next day’s sights. There might be entertainment, but it’s low-key, not a Broadway-style production like you’d find on an ocean cruise.
Dress for your river nights like you’re going out to a restaurant dinner on a Saturday with your best friends. Casual chic is the best way for me to describe the look, and here are the key elements:
- Versatile dresses, dressy tops + trousers, jumpsuits.
- Lightweight accessories like scarves and jewelry for color and sparkle.
- One neutral sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings on deck.
Be Prepared for Weather
Sunscreen is your skin’s best friend. Pack one that smells great, so reapplying is a treat, not a chore. Your hat and sunglasses will feature prominently in your photos. Be sure to choose ones that make you feel great. You’ll project that confidence in your pics.
Other weather-ready items to pack include:
- Quick-dry layers or packable jackets for rainy stops.
- Activewear for biking or hiking excursions.
- Bathing suit and swimsuit cover-up for a hot tub dip.
About that hot tub…if you choose to soak, you’ll likely be climbing into the tub in full view of your fellow passengers. I felt comfortable in a modest one-piece. And I was happy to have a cover-up to toss on for lounging on the deck.
Additional River Cruise Packing Tips
- Restrict your wardrobe color palette for mix-and-match outfit options.
- Use packing cubes. On cruises, I remove them from my suitcase and put them in the stateroom dresser, so unpacking takes just a few minutes.
- A travel steamer or wrinkle-release spray works wonders to freshen your clothes so you can get the most wear out of them.
- A power adapter is essential for cruising abroad.
Because you don’t need multiple special occasion outfits, swimsuits and shoes, it’s quite possible to pack for your river cruise in a carry-on. However, if I’ve leveraged a free checked bag by using my airline credit card or upgraded my seat with points, I’ll bring a bigger bag. The extra room means I never have to say no to a souvenir.
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