How to Choose a Themed River Cruise

Choosing among themed river cruises is about matching the theme, the river and the date. Here is a simple way to decide.

Five Questions to Answer First

• How strong is your interest? A passion justifies a hosted departure; a casual interest may be served by a regular sailing.
• Which river suits the theme? Wine favors Bordeaux, the Douro and the Moselle; music the Danube; tulips the Dutch waterways.
• Is the theme included or an add-on? Golf, for example, is a paid program on the line we found; many wine and beer departures include their events.
• Who is the host? Lines name hosts for some dates; ask before you book.
• Does your companion share the interest? Check that the regular program still suits them.

Groups, Clubs and Special Occasions

Wine clubs, alumni groups, choirs and golf societies sometimes build their own theme on a river cruise. Our sister site Group River Cruises explains how group cabin blocks work. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can also check whether an existing themed departure fits your group’s dates. For more specialty ideas on the ocean, see Special Interest Cruises.

Mixing Themes and Interests

Couples and friends rarely share every passion. Themed departures handle this well, because the theme runs alongside the normal program: one of you can join the wine tasting while the other takes a cycling tour or a walk through the old town. Some itineraries naturally combine interests — a Rhine and Moselle sailing touches wine, beer and castles; a Danube sailing pairs music with Vienna’s coffee houses and Budapest’s thermal baths. When you request a quote, list each traveler’s interests and let our advisors find the best overlap.

It is also worth asking what happens if the host for your date changes. Lines sometimes adjust hosts or programs; knowing the policy in advance avoids disappointment.