Question 1

What time can I board the ship on day 1 of my river cruise?

Accepted Answer

Your vessel will be available for boarding from 11am, but please keep in mind that while the ship is being prepared for departure, most onboard facilities - including staterooms – will not be available until 3pm. Suites are available for check-in from 12 noon. Once everything is ready, you’ll be able to access your stateroom or suite and start enjoying your time on board. 
If you arrive before 3pm, baggage may be left with the Front Desk, and you are welcome to relax in the lounge or explore the surrounding area. All baggage must be clearly labeled with luggage tags displaying your first and last name. Please always keep hand luggage with you. This cannot be stored on the ship.

Question 2

What is the latest I can arrive at the ship on day 1?

Accepted Answer

On embarkation day, please make sure you arrive at the port no later than two hours before the ship’s scheduled departure time. This allows for a smooth boarding process and ensures you’re comfortably settled before sailing.

Question 3

What time does the ship leave the port on day 1?

Accepted Answer

Your ships scheduled departure time will be detailed in your travel documents. Please review the port information.

Question 4

What happens if I am delayed and miss the boat on day 1?

Accepted Answer

If your delay results in missing the embarkation point of your cruise, you will need to travel to the ship’s next port of call at your own expense. Please contact the ship using the telephone number listed on your travel documents to confirm its location and receive further instructions. Trafalgar is not responsible for missed transfers or additional costs resulting from delayed or missed flights.

Question 5

What about disembarkation at the end of my cruise?

Accepted Answer

All guests are required to vacate their staterooms and suites no later than 8am on the day of disembarkation to allow staff to prepare for the next voyage. As you await any pre-booked departure transfers, you may choose to relax in the public areas of the ship, which are available until 1pm. Your Experience Director will provide details on timings for airport transfers for guests that have included or purchased transfers through Trafalgar.

Question 6

What is the difference between a river cruise ship and an ocean liner?

Accepted Answer

River cruise ships are designed to sail along inland waterways. They are narrow, have a flat bottom and are relatively low so they can seamlessly pass through locks and under bridges that are plentiful along Europe’s waterways. River ships are more intimate than ocean liners and Trafalgar’s river cruise ships carry an average of 128 guests, compared to ocean liners that are built for open seas and can carry thousands of passengers. Visit our dedicated ship pages to review the deck plan and ship information for your selected river cruise.

Question 7

Where does the ship dock during my river cruise?

Accepted Answer

River cruise ships typically dock right in the heart of cities and towns, often just steps from iconic sights and local neighbourhoods. Because rivers flow directly through these destinations, stepping ashore is easy and convenient, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture, scenery, and stories of each place from the moment you arrive. With most sailing taking place overnight, you’ll often wake up each morning in a new and charming riverside destination.

Question 8

When the ship is docked, can I get off and explore on my own?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. When the ship is docked, you’re free to explore at your own pace or relax on the Sun Deck and enjoy the passing scenery. Each ship offers complimentary bicycles and safety helmets, giving you the flexibility to discover your surroundings independently. Your Experience Director and Experience Manager are always on hand to share local insights and recommendations, helping you make the most of your time in each destination.

Question 9

What is the difference between a stateroom and a suite?

Accepted Answer

Our ships offer a range of stateroom categories, designated by deck and location. River view staterooms and suites are thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience, featuring individual climate control, a flat-screen TV, internal telephone, safety deposit box, hair dryer, complimentary bottled water, and a private bathroom stocked with bath and body products. 
Suites are larger and have more amenities than staterooms such as a seating area and minibar with included beverages. A full description of each stateroom category with images, by ship, can be found on our ship page.

Question 10

Where can I find my cabin/stateroom number?

Accepted Answer

Your stateroom number will be included in your travel documents on your river cruise/tour ticket.

Question 11

Where do I store my luggage onboard?

Accepted Answer

To maximise the space in your stateroom, your suitcase will be stored under your bed, so we suggest your main hold luggage/case does not exceed 76cm x 45cm x 25cm (30” x 18” x 10”).

Question 12

Is there a safety deposit box in every stateroom?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each stateroom and suite is equipped with a safety deposit box. We recommend leaving valuables at home whenever possible. Please note that Trafalgar cannot be held responsible for valuables left in staterooms or suites.

Question 13

Is there a hairdryer in every stateroom or suite?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every stateroom has a hairdryer in the bathroom as well as shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and handwash.

Question 14

What is the electrical current onboard?

Accepted Answer

The electrical current onboard is 220V (European standard), and each stateroom and suite includes one 110V outlet. We recommend bringing a multi-port USB charger, which allows you to conveniently charge multiple devices such as phones, tablets, and cameras from a single outlet. As electrical plugs, voltage, and outlets vary by destination, Trafalgar does not supply travel adaptors. To stay connected throughout your journey, a universal travel adaptor is recommended.

Question 15

What is the ratio of guests to crew?

Accepted Answer

Our experienced crew looks forward to welcoming you onboard and delivering a seamless river cruise experience. With an attentive 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio, you can relax knowing every detail is thoughtfully taken care of. In addition to the ship’s crew, every Trafalgar river cruise features both an Experience Director and an Experience Manager, offering a higher level of personalised service than most operators who travel with a single Cruise Director. Your Experience team is your go-to resource throughout the journey, sharing local insights, ensuring your included shore experiences go without a hitch, and coordinating Optional Experiences to help you make the most of every destination.

Question 16

Are gratuities included, or do I need to pay these on my river cruise?

Accepted Answer

Gratuities for the shipboard crew (porters, housekeeping, wait staff etc.) are included during your river cruise package.  
For other personnel, we recommend the following guidelines:

Team Member
Suggested Amount Per Person

Experience Director
€2–3 per day

Experience Manager
€1–2 per day

Drivers
€1 per day

Local Specialists
€2 per excursion

Gratuities that are not included in your cruise fare are discretionary and should reflect the level of service provided.

Question 17

What meals and drinks are included each day on the river cruise?

Accepted Answer

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily are included in your river cruise price. Breakfast is a 90-minute buffet with a live egg station and fresh regional options, including juice, tea, coffee, and water. 
Lunch runs for 90 minutes and features a generous buffet with a rotating specialty dish at a live cooking station. Included drink options are wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water, with local wines changing daily over a 7-day rotation. 
Dinner is served à la carte, offering a three-course menu with a daily choice of three starters, mains, and desserts inspired by the destinations visited. Included drink options are wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water, with local wines changing daily over a 7-day rotation. Optional specialty dishes are available for purchase.

Question 18

I have special dietary requirements; can I travel on a river cruise?

Accepted Answer

If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when making your reservation or before you travel so we can share the details with our local teams. We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs, though options may vary depending on what’s available locally. This information can be shared when completing your Passenger Information Form. If you carry an auto-injector for nut or other allergies, or have a medical condition requiring special attention, please let us know as soon as possible. 
A variety of gluten-free options are available onboard and clearly identified. While travelling, we encourage you to inform the waitstaff of any dietary requirements so they can best assist you.

Question 19

Is there a dress code for mealtimes onboard?

Accepted Answer

Your ship’s main restaurant is a relaxed, welcoming space. Smart casual is perfectly suitable for evenings, though we kindly ask that shorts and T-shirts are not worn to dinner.

Question 20

Are all drinks included or will they be available for purchase onboard?

Accepted Answer

Complimentary juice, tea, coffee, and water are included with breakfast. At lunch and dinner, regional wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water are also included. Coffee stations are available onboard throughout the day, offering a complimentary selection of teas and coffees. 
Should you wish to enjoy additional beverages, these are available for purchase in the lounge bar from 2:00pm until closing. Any purchases will be charged to your stateroom and settled at the end of your river cruise.

Question 21

Are there laundry services onboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes, self-service washing machines, dryers, and ironing boards are available onboard, with washing detergent available upon request from Reception. Dry-cleaning services are not offered; however, limited laundry services may be available for an additional fee.

Question 22

Is Wi-Fi available onboard the ship?

Accepted Answer

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, allowing you to stay connected during your journey. Please note that connectivity may be limited in remote areas or while transiting locks, and internet speeds may be slower than those at home. 
The onboard network may not support high-bandwidth activities such as video streaming or video calls. Portable internet hotspots may be available for rent; please inquire at the Front Desk for details

Question 23

Is the water safe to drink onboard and are ice machines available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each ship is equipped with a modern filtration system, and the tap water in your stateroom or suite is safe to drink. For added comfort, drinking water is also provided in your room, along with two complimentary reusable water bottles. 
On most ships, a convenient self-service ice machine is available. If needed, ice buckets can also be requested from the bar.

Question 24

What options are there for keeping fit and working out onboard?

Accepted Answer

The Fitness Area is open 24 hours a day, giving you the flexibility to work out whenever it suits you. It is equipped with a selection of weights, yoga mats, and electronic fitness equipment. Light yoga and stretching sessions are also offered daily, providing a relaxed way to stay active during your river cruise.

Question 25

Are spa or massage services available for purchase?

Accepted Answer

Massage services are available onboard for an additional fee and can be booked at Reception. Any charges will be added to your onboard account and conveniently settled prior to disembarkation.

Question 26

Is smoking and vaping allowed?

Accepted Answer

All public areas and staterooms onboard are non-smoking. Smoking and vaping is permitted only in designated areas on the aft section of the upper Sun Deck. 
If you have purchased a pre or post-cruise extension package, hotels reserved for Trafalgar guests are non-smoking except in designated areas, and smoking is not permitted on sightseeing or transfer vehicles.

Question 27

Can I invite guests onboard during my river cruise?

Accepted Answer

No. Only booked passengers are allowed to board the ship at any time. Visitors are not permitted onboard the ship and cannot participate in shore excursions. Guests wishing to meet friends or relatives are welcome to do so onshore.

Question 28

Could my itinerary change for any reason; and if so why?

Accepted Answer

River cruising is influenced by factors such as water levels, weather, and lock operations. While Trafalgar makes every effort to operate itineraries as planned, adjustments may be required to ensure safety and continuity of the journey. Every evening, your Experience Director will provide details of the following days' program and will advise of any changes to the planned daily program. Changes made to included shore excursions will not result in eligibility for a refund.

Question 29

What different kinds of experiences will I have on my tour?

Accepted Answer

Trafalgar river cruises feature a range of on-shore experiences both included and optional as outlined in your itinerary.
Iconic experiences are the must-see experiences included in your trip itinerary as part of your tour price.
Be My Guest experiences are unique local experiences included as part of your river cruise price, exclusive to Trafalgar and there’s one on every itinerary. Step into the lives of your hosts who open their homes, wineries, farms and more to share stories about their families, history and their communities, over good food and great hospitality.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences, included on each and every river cruise as part of your price. They are chosen with great care, based on the positive social or environmental impact they have on their communities and those who experience them.
Optional Experiences are additional add-on experiences that are booked and paid for (credit card or cash) when you are on your river cruise.

Question 30

How accurate are the on-shore experiences and tour descriptions?

Accepted Answer

Every effort is made to operate included and Optional Experiences as described in your daily itinerary. However, circumstances beyond Trafalgar’s control may require adjustments. Trafalgar reserves the right to modify, alter or cancel any excursion, when necessary, always prioritizing guest safety and overall experience.

Question 31

What time do on-shore experiences depart?

Accepted Answer

Departure times are coordinated daily. Each evening, your Experience Director will provide a briefing outlining the next day’s activities, departure times and important details. A digital daily program is also available in the lobby.

Question 32

What transportation is used on-shore?

Accepted Answer

Trafalgar works with reputable motorcoach providers selected to meet our quality standards. Coaches are typically air-conditioned and include rest stops as needed. In certain destinations, equipment standards may vary, but the best available transportation is always arranged.

Question 33

Does each sightseeing group have its own English-speaking guide?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you’ll be guided by your expert Experience Director or Experience Manager, and on some experiences, a Local Specialist or Local Host, too. All guides are English speaking, and you’ll use state-of-the-art QuietVox audio-headsets so you don’t miss a word.

Question 34

What are Optional Experiences?

Accepted Answer

Optional Experiences are add-on experiences that are designed to complement your included sightseeing and itinerary. They offer additional insights into the culture and character of the areas you’re visiting and provide some wonderful highlights to your travels. They are not included in your river price. Details of Optional Experiences offered on your selected river itinerary can be found on Trafalgar.com.

Question 35

How do I book Optional Experiences once onboard?

Accepted Answer

Optional Experiences are available to book with your Experience Director onboard at the start of your river cruise. Trafalgar offers a cashless onboard environment, so all purchases will be charged to your onboard account and paid by credit card (Mastercard or Visa). Optional Experiences cannot be reserved before your river cruise. 
Some Optional Experiences require a minimum number of guests to operate, and please note that refunds are not available for cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time, or for pre-paid tours.

Question 36

What about pre/post river extensions that we have booked with Trafalgar. How do I purchase Optional Experiences?

Accepted Answer

If you're joining a pre- or post-cruise extension, your Experience Director will also be on hand to help you book Optional Experiences. Payment is by credit card only, as cash is not accepted.

Question 37

Is there onboard entertainment?

Accepted Answer

There’s plenty to enjoy onboard. Twice during the river cruise, local entertainers come aboard to perform. Plus, enjoy a fascinating baking demonstration with our Executive Chef or Pastry Chef, visit the wheelhouse or join a Nautical Talk with the Captain (depending on the sailing schedule). And for some relaxed fun, the game room is a great place to unwind and connect with others.

On your cruise

Embarkation Day

What time can I board the ship on day 1 of my river cruise?

What is the latest I can arrive at the ship on day 1?

What time does the ship leave the port on day 1?

What happens if I am delayed and miss the boat on day 1?

What about disembarkation at the end of my cruise?

Onboard Experience

What is the difference between a river cruise ship and an ocean liner?

Where does the ship dock during my river cruise?

When the ship is docked, can I get off and explore on my own?

What is the difference between a stateroom and a suite?

Where can I find my cabin/stateroom number?

Where do I store my luggage onboard?

Is there a safety deposit box in every stateroom?

Is there a hairdryer in every stateroom or suite?

What is the electrical current onboard?

Crew and Experience Team

What is the ratio of guests to crew?

Are gratuities included, or do I need to pay these on my river cruise?

Food, drink and dietary requirements

What meals and drinks are included each day on the river cruise?

I have special dietary requirements; can I travel on a river cruise?

Is there a dress code for mealtimes onboard?

Are all drinks included or will they be available for purchase onboard?

Facilities and amenities onboard

Are there laundry services onboard?

Is Wi-Fi available onboard the ship?

Is the water safe to drink onboard and are ice machines available?

What options are there for keeping fit and working out onboard?

Are spa or massage services available for purchase?

Is smoking and vaping allowed?

Can I invite guests onboard during my river cruise?

Itinerary

Could my itinerary change for any reason; and if so why?

What different kinds of experiences will I have on my tour?

How accurate are the on-shore experiences and tour descriptions?

What time do on-shore experiences depart?

What transportation is used on-shore?

Does each sightseeing group have its own English-speaking guide?

What are Optional Experiences?

How do I book Optional Experiences once onboard?

What about pre/post river extensions that we have booked with Trafalgar. How do I purchase Optional Experiences?

Is there onboard entertainment?

I have special dietary requirements; can I travel on a river cruise? 

What different kinds of experiences will I have on my tour?