When to River Cruise…..

If you are planning on a River cruise in 2014 but need help in when and where is the best time to visit then hopefully this guide might help.  You do have to be careful at the beginning of the season there is a lot of glacial flood water resulting in sections of the main European waterways experiencing high water levels which prevents ships sailing under bridges along many of the rivers.  Equally at other times of the year stretches of the river encounter low water which restricts the sailing schedules.

River cruises are dictated to certain areas at certain times of the year, so when you choose to go on a river cruise half the decision as to where they are sailing and when has already been made.

Winter –

In November and December the focus is on Christmas market cruises and festive breaks, particularly on the Rhine but also on the Dour.  These are an ideal introduction to River cruises.  January through to March is the best time for the Mekong, the Yangtze and the Nile

Spring –

In March and April the Dutch Waterways is a favourite, especially a visit to the Dutch Bulbfields.  Also Paris cruises are popular this time of year.

Summer –

May through to September is the best weather for visiting Central Europe.  The Rivers of Germany, including the Rhine, Moselle, Neckar and Main, as well as the Douro are popular, if you want to say a little closer to home then try the Scottish Highlands from July to October.  Late summer is the peak time for cruising the rivers of France including the Seine, Saone and Rhone, plus the Russian waterways.

Autumn – September seems to be the best and most popular time for a river cruise, this is when generally the weather is at its best.