First-Timer's Guide to U.S. River Cruising

You can leave your ball gowns at home

The dress code on a river cruise is decidedly less formal than on some of the large ocean voyages. Daytime dress is casual and dependent on the temperature: jeans, running shoes, athletic wear. Comfort is key. For dinner, khakis or nice jeans with a shirt or sweater is fine. And bring rain gear.

You won't get seasick

Because the ships travel on rivers, not oceans, there are no significant waves, and even passengers who are prone to motion sickness are rarely (if ever) affected.

There are ways to save

To get the best rates, book far in advance, choose a less expensive room, go during shoulder season (November, January, February and March on the Mississippi, for instance), and forgo all-inclusive alcohol packages (if the cruise line charges extra for drinks) and certain optional shore excursions. Plus, you'll pay much less for an inside, viewless stateroom, if your ship has these, notes American Queen Steamboat Co. (AQSC) founder and CEO John Waggoner: “A lot of people who are budget conscious say, ‘I'm only using my room to sleep in anyway.’ “ And the lines also often have early-booking discounts, through which you can save as much as $600 per person by planning many months ahead.

Find out what's included in the fare before booking

Avoid surprises at the end of your cruise. On some AQSC itineraries, for example, you'll be billed for port charges of $119 to $599 per guest as well as $19.50 per day for gratuities. Some cruise lines include complimentary hotel stay the night before the cruise.

Choose a cruise that's your speed

Some are slow paced, which may be better for less mobile passengers or those who simply want more relaxation than action. Others have activities such as kayaking or have bikes and helmets to borrow when you're in port. Look at the kinds of excursions offered, and call the cruise line or read reviews to get a sense of the pace and decide whether it fits your travel style.

OARS/James Kaiser

You don't need to sign up for every outing

Many of the cruises provide multiple options for shore excursions each day. “First-timers have a tendency to overschedule themselves,” points out Richard Marnell, executive vice president of marketing at Viking Cruises. His advice: Sign up in advance for whatever interests you most and play the rest by ear. Some of the best moments of any trip are unplanned.

Plan some time apart from your travel mates

If you're vacationing with a partner or group, you don't need to stay together for every activity and meal. Consider enjoying at least one experience without anyone you came with — do it alone or with someone you've met on the cruise — whether you're exploring the streets of a city or taking some other shore excursion. “Each of you will meet new friends you otherwise wouldn't have, and invariably you'll come back with stories to tell each other,” Marnell says.