River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat
Editor's Note
You booked your river cruise, and the departure date is approaching. Now you're panicking about what to pack.
You want to pack light, given that you won't have much space in your cabin to store bulky suitcases. However, you also want to be prepared with the right clothing and gear for unpredictable weather on the river, visits to religious sites, and the many walking and cycling tours you plan to do in port.
How will you fit everything in a carry-on?
It seems like a lot, but there's no need to feel overwhelmed about packing for a river cruise. I've been on more than 125 cruises, including many river sailings.
Below are my top packing tips as well as a river cruise packing list for a river cruise in Europe, the U.S., Asia or Africa. Follow these tips to take the stress out of your trip prep.
What to pack on a river cruise
The first thing to understand is that the location of your cruise will dictate what you pack. The Nile River in July will be quite different from the Rhine River in November, and you'll need different clothing and gear.
However, river cruises often operate during warmer times of the year in places that may not see ice and snow. Typically, heavy outerwear isn't necessary (though I was once on a Tennessee River cruise in early November where it snowed for several hours one day).
Here's what to pack to get maximum use out of minimal luggage.
Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here’s what you need to know
