TV and Films

On river ships, the staterooms or cabins are usually equipped with a TV and on the more luxurious boats or in some suites, there may be a DVD player in the room upon which you can watch DVDs available in the river ship library. Though there is a satellite service, sometimes it is not always possible to get a good signal.

On barges, the cabins are not equipped with TV, though there may be a TV or DVD player in the lounge, with a few choices for films.

What to Wear

Deciding what to wear and what to bring can be confusing and frustrating, and cruise preparation is no exception, providing the usual packing panic. However, following some guidelines will provide useful as it is important to bring the appropriate clothing, shoes, and accessories in order to keep you feeling comfortable and prepared for all of the activities and events you wish to participate in while on your cruise.

Daily Wear

Life on board the river ships and barges is generally casual during the day, so dressing for day consists of wearing what makes you feel comfortable, and comfortable, relaxed clothing is de rigueur.

Evening Dress

Dressing for evening will vary depending on if you are aboard a river ship or barge. River ships typically tend to have three categories for evening dress, including casual, informal, and formal, which will be noted in the program on board. Casual evenings usually call for comfortable and relaxed clothing, with the exception of jeans, shorts, and t-shirts. Informal evening attire typically consists of pantsuits or dresses for women and lightweight jackets for men, tie optional. Formal or gala evenings are dressier, often with gowns and or cocktail dresses for women, and jacket and tie, business suits, or even tuxedos for men. The river ship will inform you of dress recommendations and should you have any questions prior to boarding, address them to your travel agent. Barge trips are causal and evening dress need not vary too much from day dressing and is often slightly less casual, yet keep in mind that there is typically a ‘Captain’s Dinner’ on the final evening when people dress-up a bit more.

Weather

Layering is a good technique in either warmer or cooler seasons. For warmer temperatures, make sure to bring lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics. For cooler temperatures, you might want to bring a pair of gloves or a hat, and a lightweight rain jacket can prove essential. River ships usually have umbrellas for use, as do some high-end barges, but feel free to bring your own, should you prefer.

Footwear and Sport Gear

Regardless of weather, it is absolutely vital to have comfortable footwear and walking shoes. Also, if you are the sporty type, bring workout gear so that you can jog or power-walk on deck or workout in the fitness center, if the ship has one; or if on a barge, you can run on the towpath or take one of the bikes for a spin through the countryside. It is also recommended to bring a swimsuit in order to take advantage of the pool, sauna, or spa on a river ship.