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Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first time cruiser, especially if you’re a first time cruiser, these tips will go a long way to ensure that your cruise experience is everything it should be.

1. Go In A Day Early: Unless you live within two or three hours of the pier, it’s advisable to spend the night before your departure at a hotel close to the pier. That way you take away the risk of missing the ship and you eliminate the stress that goes along with delayed or canceled flights or auto mechanical problems. You’ll wake up refreshed and be able to truly enjoy the first day of your cruise instead of being exhausted from traveling all day. It’s well worth the price of the hotel. (If you’re driving, be sure to get a hotel that allows free parking. With what the cruise lines are charging for parking these days, it can almost pay for the price of a hotel).

2. Inside Or Outside Room: Rooms on board the ship come in many different shapes, sizes, and locations, some even include a balcony. Your budget will dictate for a large part the type of room you choose. For the claustrophobic person, inside rooms with no windows may present a bit of a problem.

3. Location Of The Room: The location of the room, meaning the front, middle, or the back of the ship, can make a difference in the amount of movement you experience while in your room. If you suffer from sea sickness, you’ll do much better if you book a room towards the middle. The same is true for choosing a room lower in the boat as opposed to on one of the higher levels. To be safe, pack Dramamine.

4. Carry-On Luggage: A porter will greet you at the pier before you check in and take your luggage. Most people will turn over every bag they have and then go on their merry way to check in. A wiser plan would be to have each person carry on a small bag. This bag should contain one set of clothing for each of the following:

• Casual, such as shorts and a top.
• Swimwear and appropriate footwear.
• Evening wear suitable for dinner.
• A small variety of toiletries that would enable you to freshen up, such as deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush and hairspray.

Although it’s not common, occasionally luggage on the way to rooms is lost. A small carry-on will at least make it possible for you to function while on your cruise. Also, sometimes your luggage is not delivered to your room until after you are already at dinner.

5. Shore Excursions: The cruise ship will offer you rates for excursions at each of your destinations. Excursions will range from guided tours to scuba diving to swimming with dolphins. A service charge has been added by the ship to each package, and almost every excursion can be purchased much cheaper on shore when you reach your destination. An added side note to this, however, is that if you book your shore excursion on your own, be certain it ends in plenty of time for you to return to the ship before it sets sale. While booking the excursion on your own usually saves you quite a bit of money, if something goes wrong and you’re late getting back to the ship, it will set sail without you. If you’ve booked your excursion through the cruise line and the excursion arrives back late, the ship will wait on you and the others in your group, so the extra money you spend for the excursion does come with some peace of mind.

6. Soft Drink Cards: Although the price of your cruise includes all of your food, soft drinks are extra. Buying individual cokes can be quite expensive, but the ship does offer a way to save you money on pop. Soft drink cards may be purchased at the beginning of the cruise. They generally run around $30, and for that you’ll be able to drink all the pop you want.

7.Credit Cards: Be sure you have a credit card for check-in. The card must be in your name and have available credit. A hold will be placed on the card for any incidental expenses you incur during the cruise. If you do not have a credit card, most cruise lines will allow you to place a cash deposit at check-in, but it’s best to check with the cruise line ahead of time to confirm their policy.

Follow these simple tips and you’re sure to have a more rewarding experience. Good luck.

It’s widely agreed that there’s nothing quite like a luxury river cruise. If you’ve never been on one before, you’re in for a dream vacation. Experienced travelers as well as first time vacationers will love the exclusive privileges and perspectives that European river cruises provide.

River cruises in Europe are an incredibly special way to enjoy your countries of choice from the comfort of what is essentially a resort and a reliable mode of transportation all rolled into one. Rather than driving in unfamiliar areas and trying to find sightseeing spots on your own, relax on the decks of a river cruise ship and watch the scenery go by. It really is quite lovely-you’ll see churches, castles, villages, and more as you float down famous rivers like the Rhine or the Danube.

Planning your river cruise vacation is simple. All you need to do is figure out where you want to go and how long you want to stay. Everything else, from lodging to food to transportation, is handled for you. You can enjoy excursions in to bustling european cities like Budapest, Vienna and Krakow.

European river cruises are more than just enjoying the scenery. There is a lot to do every day, both on the ship and off of it. Vacations aboard these vessels can last from four days to two weeks. You can even pick different themed cruises that cater to a wide assortment of popular passions-music, tulips, gardens, even luxury spa treatments. Your experience both on and off the ship will be tailored to fit these interests, thus making your vacation special.

On the boat, you can experience unique local cuisine, entertainment, fun activities, and more. Depending on the tour and theme you choose, your cruise ship will take several stops along the river to allow you to get off and explore. There are a variety of scheduled places to visit, such as popular tourist spots like France’s Eiffel Tower or Munich’s wide selection of beautiful parks. These tours will also help you learn the history and culture of the areas you visit, complete with guides who are there to answer your every question. You can even wander a little and enjoy a bit of the local color.

European river cruises are truly a wonderful way to enjoy Europe’s finest buildings, memorials, landscapes, and more. Make your next vacation special with a romantic riverboat cruise. You’ll cherish the memories of your cruise for years to come.

[Via - Discover the Secrets of European River Cruises]