River Cruise Problems and Fixes
What goes wrong on the rivers, and how to keep it from spoiling your trip.
Get Expert HelpRiver Cruise Problems, and How to Fix Each One
Every kind of travel has its catches, and river cruising is no exception. Most river cruise problems are predictable, and most can be avoided or softened if you know about them before you book. Here are the ones Mister Cruise is asked about most.
The Common Problems
| Problem | Why it happens | The fix |
|---|---|---|
| Water levels | Spring rain and snowmelt can raise rivers too high to pass under bridges; late-summer droughts can leave them too shallow, as on the Rhine in 2018 and 2022. | Choose your season with care, buy insurance, and know your line’s policy on itinerary changes. |
| Rafted ships | In busy ports ships moor side by side, so you may walk through another ship to reach shore and your view may be its windows. | Expect it in popular towns; it is usually for a few hours. |
| Closed sun deck | Under low bridges the sun deck is cleared and railings and canopies are lowered. | Check where low bridges fall, notably on the Main; enjoy the view from the lounge. |
| Lock noise and night sailing | Ships pass locks at all hours; engines and lock walls can be heard in some cabins. | Ask for a cabin away from the engine and bring earplugs. |
| Small cabins | River ships are narrow, so cabins are smaller than on many ocean ships. | Pack light, use under-bed storage, or upgrade a category. |
| Stairs and gangways | Not every ship has an elevator to every deck, and gangways steepen with high water. | Tell us about mobility needs up front; see Accessible River Cruises. |
| Early starts and busy days | Tours often leave right after breakfast in every port. | Skip a tour now and then; the ship is pleasant when it is empty. |
Problems You Can Avoid at Booking
- Picking a line whose touring style does not suit you — very active, or very sedate. Ask before you choose.
- Booking flights that land the same day the ship sails. Arrive a day early.
- Assuming everything is included. Check gratuities, drinks outside meals and optional tours.
- Traveling solo without asking about single cabins or reduced supplements. Singles River Cruises covers the options.
- Skipping insurance on a trip that can be disrupted by water levels or strikes. Cruise & Travel Insurance explains cover.
Are River Cruises Safe?
Yes, river cruising has a good safety record, and the rivers themselves are calm. Sensible precautions on gangways, in old towns and around water levels are covered in depth on River Cruising Safety.
Problem Questions
What happens if the water is too low or too high?
The line changes the plan. It may move guests by coach around a closed stretch, swap guests between two ships on either side of the problem, or replace a stop. Policies on compensation vary by line, so read them before you book.
Is a cabin on the lowest deck a problem?
It depends on you. Lower-deck cabins usually have high, fixed windows at river level and can be quieter than you expect; they also tend to cost less. If views matter, choose a higher deck.
Avoid the Common River Cruise Problems
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will steer you to the right season, line and cabin before you book. Ask for free quotes.
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