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Luxury cruise lovers, take note—Celebrity Cruises is officially entering the river cruise market, and early access opens soon. Starting September 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM EDT, guests can place a fully refundable $500 deposit to unlock priority booking for Celebrity’s inaugural European river cruise collection, launching in 2027. You can find a link to our river cruise packing list at the end of this post!
This marks a major milestone: it’s the first time a mainstream luxury cruise brand is offering all-inclusive river sailings on the Danube and Rhine Rivers, with immersive itineraries and curated land extensions in Prague and Budapest.
What Sets Celebrity’s River Cruises Apart?
• All-Inclusive Luxury: Fares include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, and onboard experiences—no surprise charges.
• Edge-Class Inspired Ships: Each vessel will host ~180 guests and feature design elements from Celebrity’s award-winning Edge Class, including outward-facing architecture and elevated amenities.
• Immersive Itineraries: Smaller ships mean access to culturally rich cities unreachable by ocean vessels—think storybook villages, UNESCO sites, and authentic culinary excursions.
• Pre/Post Extensions: Optional stays in Prague and Budapest offer deeper cultural immersion and seamless travel logistics.
Amsterdam on the Rhine
Why Book Early?
Celebrity’s river cruise debut is generating intense demand. According to Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty, there’s an “avalanche of interest” in this new offering A. Early deposit holders will receive exclusive booking access before the general public, ensuring first pick of cabins, dates, and itineraries.
Whether you're sailing with Celebrity or Viking, packing smart is key to comfort and style. We've curated a full guide based on our 15-day Grand European Tour—including layering strategies, modesty essentials, anti-theft gear, and footwear that works on cobblestones.
💡 Every affiliate purchase helps fund our charitable travel mission.
🚫 Top 10 River Cruise Booking Mistakes
Whether you're booking with Viking, AmaWaterways, Tauck, or Avalon, these tips help you avoid costly missteps—from choosing the wrong cabin to missing out on airfare perks. This guide applies to all river cruise lines.
For our readers who value luxury, logistics, and curated experiences, this is a rare opportunity to lock in a river cruise that blends Celebrity’s signature hospitality with immersive European exploration. We’ll be vetting excursions, comparing cabin categories, and sharing affiliate-friendly booking tips as more details emerge.
Stay tuned for our exclusive excursion guides, visual ship previews, and SEO-optimized booking strategies to help you navigate this exciting new chapter in river cruising.
Planning a Viking River Cruise? Use this guide to avoid the most common Viking River Cruise booking mistakes so you can book smarter and sail smoother—whether you’re on the Danube, Rhine, Seine, or Grand European Tour.
#10 — Booking a Season You’ll Hate (Viking River Cruise Timing Mistakes)
Season matters more than people think.
Spring: Stunning tulips and fresh hillsides, but high water from snowmelt/rain can trigger ship swaps or bus transfers.
Late summer/early fall: The flip side—low water can make stretches too shallow, with similar itinerary tweaks.
Fall & winter: We love the quiet vibe—fewer tourists, crisp air, and often great promos.
We don’t stress about river levels (they’re rare and out of our control), but we do book for the overall vibe. Think about whether you want sunny, busy ports or a bundled-up stroll through calm riverside towns.
#8 — Not Asking About Viking Air Plus (Flight Control You Might Want)
Viking-arranged air is convenient (and includes transfers/coverage if things go sideways), but you sacrifice control. Viking Air Plus (about $150 pp) lets you customize airline, routing, layover length, and arrival date—perfect if you like to pick your own schedule or arrive early.
In-flight & tour audio tip: an AirFly Pro for QuietVox lets you use your own wireless earbuds with plane entertainment and Viking’s tour headsets.
#7 — Chasing Small Credits Instead of Real Value
Credits are nice—just don’t let them run the show.
AAA: Some bookings offer up to $200 pp onboard credit (varies by cruise length/channel).
Explorer Society: Returning guests may qualify for travel credits when booking again within the window.
Referrals: You and your friend can each get a $100 travel credit.
Agency incentives: Some advisors add $100–$300 per stateroom.
Ask about them—but prioritize the right itinerary, timing, and cabin first.
#6 — Picking the Wrong Cabin for Your Travel Style
Think about how you actually cruise.
Balcony vs. Standard: Verandas are lovely for quiet time, but an entry level stateroom can free budget for excursions, gratuities, or a future cruise.
Ship layout/noise: Light sleepers should avoid cabins directly under the walking track.
Mobility: Near-elevator cabins can make days simpler.
Rafting: In port, ships often dock side-by-side—your paid-for balcony view could be…another balcony.
#5 — Underestimating Viking’s Early Final Payment Timeline
Unlike many ocean lines (90–120 days), Viking typically asks for final payment much earlier—often about a year outfor first-time guests. It’s a big financial commitment. Past guests or multi-booking situations may see more flexibility, but assume early pay unless told otherwise.
#4 — Flying in on Embarkation Day (Major Stress Risk)
Air travel isn’t what it used to be. Arrive at least a day early. If you’re not booking a Viking extension, DIY your hotel and transfers—but give yourself buffer time. If you do want bundled convenience, Viking’s extensions include hotels, transfers, and a local rep on site.
#3 — Waiting Too Long to Decide on Pre/Post Extensions
Extensions sell out. If you’re even considering one (e.g., Lake Como before a Rhine sailing), reserve it when you book to hold space—you can usually cancel before final payment if you change your mind. DIY can be cheaper, but the Viking bundle is convenient if you value transfers + support. Extensions can cost anywhere from about $500 - $3000 per passenger, but you may find them well worth the cost!
#2 — Choosing the “Wrong” Direction for Your Trip
Viking sails the same itinerary in both directions all season. Direction changes the feel: some prefer downstream (often smoother, potentially less engine vibration at night, and sometimes more time in port), others choose based on airfare convenience or the city they want to explore pre-cruise.
We like exploring before the cruise when energy is highest, then heading home after disembarkation—but pick what suits your style.
#1 — Not Coordinating Details with Your Travel Companions (Ship/Date/Direction)
Because Viking runs multiple ships and both directions on the same itinerary, it’s surprisingly easy to end up on different ships—or the opposite direction—on the same date.
Do this before anyone clicks “Book”:
Uncheck “Hide sold-out dates” on Viking’s site (or you might not see the sailing your friends are quoting).
Click “All sailings” (promotional views can hide other options).
Triple-check the itinerary name, exact date, direction, and ship name—together.
Consider using a trusted advisor to align everyone.
Changing later can mean penalties, losing your cabin category, or finding the correct sailing sold out.
What to Pack for These Conditions (Reader-Requested)
We keep links minimal in the article body and place the rest here for easy access—things we actually use on Viking River Cruises:
If you remember just three things: pick your season intentionally, know Viking’s early payment timeline, and triple-check ship/date/direction with your travel buddies. Do that—and your Viking River Cruise will feel as smooth as the sailing.
If you’ve ever tried using your wireless headphones on a plane, a river cruise, or even during a guided excursion, you know how frustrating those outdated headphone jacks can be. That’s where the AirFly Pro comes in—our go-to Bluetooth adapter for travel that we’ve personally used on long-haul flights, in cruise ship cabins, at the gym, and even on European river cruises with QuietVox audio systems.
Whether you're sailing with Viking Ocean Cruises, Uniworld, or AmaWaterways, many ships and tour excursions still rely on wired audio connections. The AirFly Pro solves that by letting you pair your Bluetooth headphones or hearing aids with these systems, wire-free. It's truly the best Bluetooth solution for QuietVox tour systems, in-cabin entertainment, and group tours where you want to stay immersed—together.
In this post, we’ll share why we think the AirFly Pro is one of the smartest pieces of travel gear for audiophiles and casual cruisers alike. From watching a movie with a partner on the same screen using two sets of headphones, to following along on shore excursions hands-free, this little device has become a must-pack item for cruise excursions.
We’ve been using AirFly products for years—on planes, in hotel gyms, and on cruise excursions—but the new AirFly Pro is a big leap forward. It allows two sets of wireless headphones to connect simultaneously, which is perfect for couples or travel partners. Whether you're watching a movie in flight, following along with a workout, or listening to a tour guide through a shared audio feed, both of you can enjoy the same audio—without wires and without compromise.
🌍 Especially Handy on Cruises
If you’ve ever been on a Viking River Cruise, or any river cruise for that matter, chances are you’ve used a QuietVoxreceiver. It’s how guides communicate during walking tours and shore excursions. Normally, you'd plug in wired earbuds—but with AirFly Pro, we can connect our own Bluetooth headphones or earbuds instead. It's more comfortable, especially in warm weather, and gives us consistent sound without tugging cords or fiddling with unfamiliar earbuds.
The same goes for ocean cruising. Cruise lines like Viking Ocean, Celebrity, and Princess often offer in-cabin entertainment systems, but they still use headphone jacks. The AirFly Pro transforms those jacks into Bluetooth-friendly transmitters. You can lie back and listen with your favorite noise-canceling headphones—no cords required.
🎥 Bonus Tip: Don’t miss our River Cruise Packing Listvideo below—featuring must-haves like the AirFly Pro, cruise-approved power strips, walking shoes, and more.
Dual Headphone Pairing: Stream to two Bluetooth headphones at once. Ideal for couples or friends traveling together.
Long Battery Life: 25+ hours of use—perfect for transatlantic flights or full-day excursions.
Charge While You Use: Forgot to charge before takeoff? No problem. AirFly Pro works while charging with the included cable.
Freedom to Move: With a 10m/33ft reach, you’re not tethered to your seat or device.
Want to grab one for your next cruise or flight? Scan the QR code below to shop the AirFly Pro directly on Amazon and upgrade your travel audio experience!
💡 Tip for Travelers with Bluetooth-Compatible Hearing Aids
If you wear modern Bluetooth hearing aids, you may be able to pair them directly with the AirFly Pro, depending on the model and Bluetooth version. This can be life-changing on guided tours, where the QuietVox system or in-flight entertainment may have previously been difficult to use. With the Pro’s strong and stable connection, audio can stream directly to your hearing aids, reducing background noise and helping you stay more engaged—whether on a city walking tour or just watching a movie mid-flight.
💼 Compact and Cruise-Ready
The AirFly Pro is about the size of a car key fob and fits easily in a pocket or day bag. It charges via USB-C and holds up for 20+ hours of use, meaning you can charge it once and use it for your entire cruise or international flight.
🧭 Frequently Asked Questions About the AirFly Pro for Travel and Cruising
Q: Can I use the AirFly Pro with Viking River Cruise QuietVox systems? Yes! Just plug the AirFly into the QuietVox receiver’s headphone jack, and pair your Bluetooth earbuds or hearing aids. It works seamlessly on guided tours across Europe.
Q: Is AirFly Pro compatible with cruise ship in-cabin entertainment systems? Absolutely. Many cruise lines still use headphone jacks in their cabins. The AirFly Pro lets you enjoy movies and music wirelessly with high-quality audio.
Q: Does AirFly Pro work with Bluetooth hearing aids? Yes, many newer Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids can pair with the AirFly Pro. This is especially helpful on tours or flights where wired headphone use is uncomfortable or difficult.
Conclusion:
If you’re planning a river or ocean cruise, flying overseas, or just want to make your wireless audio setup more flexible, the AirFly Pro is hands-down the best Bluetooth transmitter available today. From sharing audio with a travel partner to listening in on guided tours with your own earbuds—or even your Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids—it makes travel smoother, more enjoyable, and definitely more modern.
There are variations. We use the Pro version, so we can pair TWO devices with ONE transmitter, but check them all out. Trust us—once you travel with it, you won’t go back.
Planning what to wear on a Viking River Cruise? Whether you're sailing the Danube, Rhine, or Main aboard a Viking Longship, packing smart is essential for comfort, style, and cultural respect. In this complete guide, we share firsthand tips from our 15-day Grand European Tour—from layering strategies and modesty essentials to anti-theft gear and footwear that works on cobblestones. If you're headed to Budapest, Amsterdam, or anywhere in between, this post will help you pack with confidence and cruise like a pro. Scroll to the bottom to find our printable packing list.
And we’ve created a handy Viking River Cruise Packing List with direct links to everything we used and wore! 🧳
🎥 Be sure to watch our video here for visuals, stories, and bonus tips. Remember—every penny we earn from affiliate links and YouTube goes to charity. Your thumbs up, comment, or subscribe helps us help others.
Before You Pack: Start with the Weather
Don't guess—check AccuWeather.com before you go. Look at both forecasted and historical average temperatures, especially for higher elevation stops like Rothenburg ob der Tauber. We ended up buying extra layers there!
Plan ahead for colder environments like:
Underground wine cellars
WWII bunkers
Chilly churches and abbeys
Layer Like a River Cruise Pro
Layering is key on Viking cruises. Weather changes quickly—sunshine in the morning, wind or rain by afternoon, and cooler air on deck at night.
Here’s a sample women’s outfit formula that worked across 15 ports:
Some churches and mosques require shoulders and knees to be covered, and Viking will note this in excursion details. Lightweight scarves come in handy for this and can double as layering items or sun protection. A wide-brim hat for women has always worked well for us—since we already wear one for sun protection, we haven’t needed to add a scarf. It’s a stylish and practical solution.
In major cities like Vienna, Budapest, or optional extensions to Rome or Barcelona, theft can be a concern—especially in crowded tourist areas, train stations, and popular landmarks. Staying alert, using anti-theft bags, and keeping valuables secure can make all the difference.
These items are functional and discreet, and worth the peace of mind.
Footwear: What Really Works
Viking river cruises involve lots of walking on cobblestones, marble stairs, and uneven ground, so stable grippy soles are best. We also got caught in the rain more than once!
👟 Bring:
Two pairs of comfortable sneakers or trail shoes. You can rotate if your shoes get wet.
On Viking Longships, there’s no dress code. You’ll see:
Jeans, slacks, polos for him
Casual dresses, pants, capris, blouses, fancy t-shirts and scarves for her
No formalwear, ties, or gowns needed
For special nights like the Evening Concert in Vienna, a step up is appreciated. Sometimes you will even see passengers show up to dinner in their touring clothes because time is limited on some days! A crossbody bag is nice for evenings out or even onboard!
👓 If you need a replacement (like sunglasses), don't wait. Some towns require a long uphill walk just to shop. The crew is a great resource for quick recommendations!
We hope this post helps you pack confidently for your Viking River Cruise. With the right gear and planning, you’ll be ready for any weather, excursion, or dining room vibe. 🙌
🎥 Watch our full What to Wear on a Viking River Cruise video here—and please consider liking, commenting, or subscribing. All proceeds from our YouTube channel go to charity, and your support truly makes a difference.
Electronics ☐ Universal power adapter or cruise-approved power strip ☐ Phone + charger ☐ Camera or GoPro + chargers ☐ DJI Gimbal (optional for filming) ☐ AirFly for QuietVox ☐ iPad / Kindle / Tablet
Organizational Gear ☐ Packing cubes or compression bags ☐ Magnetic hooks (for walls/doors) ☐ Wrinkle release spray ☐ Laundry sheets
Planning a European river cruise soon? Whether you're eyeing the Rhine, Danube, or another iconic waterway, it’s essential to understand the extra costs on river cruises—even with “all-inclusive” lines like Viking and AmaWaterways. We sailed both just weeks apart in 2025, so our observations are current and from direct experience. While some of these expenses may apply to other European river cruise companies too, we’re focusing on what we encountered ourselves. There are always exceptions, so please weigh these as guidelines, not hard rules. Have your own “hidden fee” story from a cruise? Drop it in the comments—we want this to help everyone budget better before boarding.
P.S. A reminder that all proceeds from our YouTube channel and social media are donated to charity. If this post helps you, please give us a thumbs-up or subscribe. Your support makes a difference!
1. Laundry
If you're used to ocean cruises, you may expect a self-service laundry onboard—but on European river cruises, that isn’t the norm. Only the AmaMagna has a small passenger-accessible launderette; Viking and other AmaWaterways ships typically do not. On Viking, laundry is complimentary only for Veranda Suite guests and above. On AmaWaterways, suite passengers get one free bag; everyone else pays per item.
Prices aren’t outrageous—but they add up. We tote Earth Breeze detergent sheets cut into strips for cabin sink washes and pack Downy Wrinkle Release Spray to freshen outfits mid-cruise. You can also bring magnetic hooks to hang things in your cabin—handy and affordable. Links to these travel lifesavers are in our Cruise Essentials Store.
Quick takeaway: Laundry can cost you $0–$50+, depending on your suite category and needs. Viking slightly edges out if you're in a higher category, while AmaWaterways offers that rare spin on the AmaMagna—sharp move, Ama.
2. Gratuities
Crew tipping: Viking recommends about $20 per person, per day. AmaWaterways suggests €125 per person for crew + €30 for the Cruise Manager on a weeklong trip—almost identical totals when averaged.
Shore tipping: Bring small euro bills—plan €3–5/day for guides and €2–3/day for drivers.
Quick takeaway: These costs level out between the two lines, so it's a tie here. Just know you’ll spend around €130–155 per person per week on tipping, depending on your cruise duration.
3. Optional Shore Excursions
On Viking, you’ll get one included excursion per port, often a walking or city tour. You can see options listed online, but you’ll only see prices after booking via My Viking Journey. We paid $238 per person for two WWII-related excursions in Nuremberg—worth it but not budget-friendly.
In contrast, AmaWaterways includes multiple excursions per day, often 2–6 diverse options with varying activity levels. We didn’t pay extra for excursions at all on our Ama cruise.
Quick takeaway: AmaWaterways wins here for value and activity flexibility, especially if you like variety without surprise fees.
4. Airport Transfers & Extensions
Viking charges around $79 per person for airport-to-ship transfers if booked independently—and includes transfers if you purchase their extension packages. Ama charges around €30 per person, but surprisingly, doesn’t include transfers with land extensions—a rare miss.
Arriving a day early is a smart reminder—flights go wrong, and missing embarkation is costly. Both lines offer extensions, with AmaWaterways including guided tours during those days; Viking does not—unless you book a pricier premium extension.
Quick takeaway: Viking edges this category with included transfers and better extension location options, but both lines require advancing planning. If you go independent, we usually book through Viator or Welcome PickUps.
5. Pre-Cruise Extensions
These one-two day packages can range from $500 to over $3,000 per person, depending on your location and duration. We based our estimates on 2025 Rhine River itineraries, but your costs may vary.
Lucerne, Switzerland on AmaWaterways Extension
Ama includes tours each day in extensions; Viking doesn’t unless you pay more. For those seeking structure and support, Viking’s transfers and land options make it the winner here. DIY extensions can save money but require research and offer less backup.
This one isn’t exciting—but it’s necessary. Policies through Viking or Ama typically run 8–10% of your total trip cost. Buying independently might save you a little, but these policies are complex and highly variable based on age, coverage needs, and travel dates.
Quick takeaway: Neither line wins here. We shop around independently—but only after understanding what’s covered.
7. Drinks & Beverage Packages
Meals include wine, beer, and soft drinks on both lines. AmaWaterways also offers a nightly Sip & Sail cocktail hour for free. If you want drinks outside those times, Viking’s Silver Spirits package runs $25/person/day, totalling $175 per person for a 7-night cruise.
Buying individually, cocktails cost $8–$15 each—two per day could total $224–$420. Bottom line: if you’ll want more than one drink daily, Viking may end up saving you money. We didn’t spend much extra on either cruise—meals plus Ama’s happy hour worked for us.
8. Airfare
Airfare remains one of your biggest expenses. Viking often runs free or 2-for-1 airfare specials—in fact, while recording, a flash sale popped up. But read the fine print. These promos may come with routing or upgrade limitations. Of course some of these specials don’t work if you’re traveling solo, but it never hurts to ask!
We prefer booking flights ourselves for status, preferred schedules, and flexibility. Our searches showed that cruise-line airfare rarely saves us money. Yet for convenience, or limited-time offers, Viking takes this category.
9. Final Payment Policy
This surprises many: While most lines require final payment 90–120 days before departure, Viking often requires full payment 12–18 months in advance—often tied to discounted fare requirements. AmaWaterways follows the more typical 90-day window.
Quick takeaway: AmaWaterways wins this one for budget flexibility.
Summary: How the Lines Stack Up on Hidden Costs
Viking wins on: laundry, transfers & extensions, drinks, airfare
Tie in: gratuities and travel insurance
AmaWaterways wins on: optional excursions and final payment policy
There’s no single “better” line—just different financial expectations. We didn’t total everything up because airline class, excursions, or DIY planning can change your budget. Use our insights to plan a cost-savvy, surprise-free European river cruise.
Let us know in the comments: What unexpected expenses did you encounter on your river cruise? Your stories could help others cruise smarter.
