Search River Cruise FAQs

Absolutely. We have a lot of solo travellers on our river cruises. Find out more about solo river cruises.

You can book online whenever you like, or call us free on 0800 096 0082.

To book you'll need these details for everyone who’s travelling:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Home address
• Contact number
• Passport number
• Emergency contact details

If you're taking out the optional Saga Cruise Travel Insurance, which is tailored for the over 50s, we’ll also need your medical history to check your eligibility. It’s underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited.

You can call 0800 096 0082 and register your interest with a fully-refundable deposit. Once you have made the advanced registration we will contact you before the cruises go on general sale, giving you the opportunity to be the first to book.

Making an advance registration gives you the opportunity to secure your choice of cabin at the best possible price.

The traditional way to book a cruise is to reserve your cabin number at the time of booking. However, if you’ve decided what type of cabin you want, but don’t have a preference for a particular cabin or bed configuration, then our cabin guarantee could be for you. You are guaranteed the minimum grade cabin in the category shown, just not the specific cabin or location onboard. This will be allocated to you later on, sometimes as you embark the ship.

If you choose not to accept your allocated cabin, which could be located anywhere on the ship, this will be treated as a cancellation by you and cancellation charges will be payable in accordance with our booking conditions.

If you aren’t sure, have a look at our accessibility and support section. Or call 0800 096 0082 and one of our advisors will be able to help you decide.

You can read our brochures online or order a copies by post. If you’d like them posted, just choose which you’d like us to send and they’ll appear on the top left of the page. Then enter your address and we’ll post them out.

Of course. The best way to do this is to update your communication preferences at MySaga Or call us free on 0800 092 3665.

Please note it might take up to six weeks for us to stop mailing you.

You can do this at any time on Manage My Booking. Otherwise, call 0800 506 066 and one of our guest advisors can do this for you.

You can do this within Manage My Booking up to 4 weeks from departure. Otherwise, call 0800 506 066 and one of our guest advisors can do this for you.

We offer a 14-day cooling off period. So if you change your mind in that time, you can cancel or change your booking without any charges. Just call 0800 506 066 to speak to one of our guest advisors.

After that we’ll charge our normal cancellation or amendment fees. You’ll find these in our booking conditions.

Please call our guest service advisors on 0800 506 066, who will be able to discuss options with you.

COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer a mandatory requirement although we do highly recommend that all guests travelling with us are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, where available.

If requirements for the countries we visit change and proof of vaccination, testing, or additional documentation is required, we will inform you.

Mask wearing is no longer mandatory unless a requirement for a destination we are due to visit. If face masks are required in any of the destinations you visit, these will be provided for you onboard.

There isn't a residential doctor onboard but there will be a trained first aider. If you take regular medication, it may be helpful to prepare a list in case you need medical services during your cruise.

Testing for Covid-19 is no longer required and will only be conducted in the following circumstances:

• If you are tested by the Medical Centre
• If testing is required by a destination we are visiting

If you return a positive result, you and the person you are sharing your cabin with will be required to isolate in your cabin. You will need to take a Covid-19 test on day 5 of isolation and will only be able to leave your cabin if you return a negative result.

You must inform us if you have symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting in the 48 hours leading up to your cruise, influenza or COVID-19, or if you have been in contact with any confirmed cases of these in the 10 days leading up to your cruise as you may be unable to travel if you are suspected of having a transmissible illness.

If you’re travelling anywhere that needs them, we’ll tell you when you book. And we’ll remind you in your confirmation documents.

You can also check the latest advice on the NHS Fit for Travel website. If you need any jabs we recommend speaking to your doctor at least 12 weeks before you leave.

The weather can affect river levels and sometimes impacts on an itinerary. In the unlikely event of this happening we will do our utmost to ensure the cruise remains as close to its original itinerary as possible or we will offer a suitable alternative if necessary.

We publish the latest information on our travel updates page. If we need to make any changes because of global events we’ll get in touch to talk them over.

On our river cruise ships you can pay for drinks by cash or card. However, they only accept payment in Euros.

You can pay for excursions by cash in euros or in pounds by card. It’s a good idea to bring foreign currency for any excursions you’re going to take.

You can also pay by card in plenty of places when you’re ashore – though you might want to check fees and let your card provider know you’ll be travelling.

Just go to the UK government foreign travel advice website.

Cruise tickets are not required, but please remember to pack the following documents in your hand luggage as they will be needed to board the ship:

• A valid 10-year passport with at least six months validity remaining. This is required even for cruises around the UK.
• Copy of any visa that you've been required to obtain.
• If you have arranged your own insurance, please ensure that it covers you for COVID-19 and remember to bring your policy documents with you.

Additional luggage labels are available at the ship, if required.

You should receive the following: 

• Details of your domestic travel arrangements (UK travel pick up times, car parking permits, domestic flight details depending on the option that you've chosen) 
• Eurostar tickets (if you've booked this option)
• Health Declaration form (you will need to take this with you and fill out on the day of your cruise, ready to hand in when you board) 
• Luggage labels
• Emergency contact numbers for whilst you're away.

You should receive your final travel pack approximately 7-14 days before your departure date.

If you need a visa for your river cruise, we’ll send you the form about eight weeks before you leave. If it hasn't arrived by then, please get in touch or email us at reservations@saga.co.uk.

Luggage trolleys are not available at Eurostar stations.

Unfortunately due to the way that your Eurostar seats are booked, you will only be able to use the printed ticket that we send to you with your final travel documents.

You can call Eurostar direct on 03432 186 186 to book the Eurostar Assist Service. You will need to quote your booking reference, coach and seat number from your ticket. Therefore, you won't be able to do this until you receive these in your final travel documents.

Eurostar policy is that they can assist within the station but not outside. Guest will be required to get to the coach unaided which can be up to 600 metres away.

In the UK: The Eurostar Assist team will take you to and from the train with your luggage, but only if it weighs less than 15kg. Find out more. 

In France and Belgium: Eurostar use an external assistance provider in France and Belgium and they will help you with one item of luggage only, weighing up to 15kg.

In the Netherlands: Eurostar use an external assistance provider in the Netherlands and they will take you to and from the train but won't be able to help you with your bags.

You may take up to two items of luggage, each measuring up to 85cm long at the widest point, along with a piece of hand luggage.

We recommend taking one main item of luggage that you can lift on your own and walk up to 600 metres with, along with one small item of hand luggage as there won't be anyone to assist you with this at the stations.

There is no reserved seating for Saga guests. Please note that the stations can be busy, particularly at peak travel times so seating can be limited.

About two weeks before you leave. You will be required to check in 1.5 hrs prior to departure.

Yes, you will be sent your Eurostar tickets with your final travel documents. You will need to ensure you take this with you as you will need to scan it so that you can get through the barrier at your arrival and destination stations.

Depending on the number of guests departing, an airport representative may be available at London Heathrow and London Gatwick.

Yes, you can. Just call us for free on 0800 506 066.

Eurostar is an unsupported travel option so there won't be anyone from Saga to help you with your luggage. You will need to be able to lift your luggage on and off the security scanner, on and off 3 steps when alighting the trains and into the storage area on the train. You will need to be able to manage your luggage to the coach waiting area.

Yes. There’s a buffet car on the train. We recommend that you take something with you as it is a long journey and food can be limited.

There won't be a Saga representative on the train with you. There will be a representative on hand up to two hours before your train departs. You will then be met at your arrival station by our local agent who will guide you to the coach waiting area.

Yes, you can. You can book both included and optional excursions ahead of departure. Subject to availability, you may also book onboard. Excursions will be available to book between eight and ten weeks before your cruise departs. We will email you when they available to book. The exact date your excursions will be bookable can be found on our Excursion availability page.

You can then book your trips through Manage my booking. It is best to book as soon as possible in case a trip sells out. If a trip has sold out, you might be able to book on board.

Please note: If you are booked on the Spirit of the Douro, included excursions don't need to be prebooked.

Yes, there just needs to be one hour in-between the excursions to allow time for lunch and in case of any delays.

If you do want book two excursions that have less than one hour between them, please call us on 0800 506 066 and one of our guest advisors can help to arrange this for you.

If the distance between the port and nearest amenities is not within reasonable walking distance, we will provide a complimentary shuttle service. The locations where this service is provided are listed on the letter that accompanies the shore excursion booklet that we send to guests. The specific times of operation will be confirmed in the Daily Program onboard.

They’re a great way to see more of the places you visit. Many excursions have an experienced guide who’ll answer questions and tell you lots of fascinating facts and stories about the place you’re visiting.

If you'd rather explore ports independently, walking of up to approximately 1 mile should be expected from your ship to the nearest points of interest. For distances greater than this a free transfer service will be provided. Interactive maps and audio headsets are also provided in selected ports to assist with independent exploration. These are not currently available for the Douro.

Yes, these headsets make it easy to hear the tour guide when in busy areas and are light, simple to use, and provide excellent sound quality. The device can be held to the ear and comes with over ear headphones.

Devices are in the cabins on arrival and you'll leave it in your cabin at the end of your cruise. The cruise director will show you how to use it. You can then bring it on excursions and charge it overnight in your cabin’s docking station.

If you use a hearing aid, you will need to hold your audio device to your ear for commentary. Alternately we would suggest you bring your own ‘over ear’ headphones. These must have a 3.5mm jack and cannot be wireless.

To help you choose the most suitable excursions we’ve graded each according to the amount of walking involved.

• Grade 1 – Panoramic Tour - A slower paced excursion with walking at your own discretion. For example, on coach tours when the only walking is at photo stops. Many river cruise destinations are smaller towns where panoramic tours are not possible.
• Grade 2 – Easy Activity - Minimal walking: Up to approximately 550 yards on mainly flat terrain with the possibility of some steps.
• Grade 3 – Moderate Activity - Between 550 yards to one mile over mixed terrain with the possibility of some steps. Please refer to individual tour activity descriptions as some of these tours may not be suitable for those with mobility concerns who are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability.
• Grade 4 – Strenuous Activity - Considerable walking of more than one mile over terrain which may be uneven and have many steps. Generally these tours are aimed at able walkers who can manage the pace of the tours within the time frames of the itinerary.
• Grade 5 – Very Strenuous Activity - Walking at a moderate pace over long distances frequently in excess of 2.5 miles. Dependent on the specific tour there may also be very uneven terrain, steep slopes or a large number of steps. A high level of physical fitness and sturdy footwear are required to participate. Please refer to individual tour activity descriptions for more specific information.

DISTANCE FROM SHIP TO TOUR VEHICLES
Local port safety, water levels in the river and whether or not you are moored alongside another vessel can result in significant additional walking being required between the ship’s gangway and tour vehicles. This distance depends upon the berth we are assigned on the day and is therefore not included in the excursion walking grade. Should you have any concerns please see the onboard team, who will be able to provide up-to-date information.

We recommend comfortable, low-heeled shoes.

If you’re visiting churches, cathedrals or other holy places, you may be required to dress modestly with no shorts or bare arms. More information is provided about this onboard if required.

Please also bear in mind that some places – especially museums – don’t let you carry bags and cameras. You might need to pay to check them into a locker or safety deposit box.

Tips for local drivers and guides are not included in your holiday price. Tipping is not compulsory but it will always be gratefully received if you do feel pleased with the services that have been provided. The amount is up to you but our onboard teams can offer guidance if required.

No. You’ll need to buy refreshments unless we say otherwise on the individual tour descriptions provided. Complimentary bottled water is available on all ships for you to take with you if you wish.

One of our onboard team will usually accompany you during your excursions. However there may occasionally be times when this is not possible and in this situation local escorts or guides will be with you instead.

You can smoke or vape where it’s allowed in public places, but not when you’re on our coaches.

You can book your trips through Manage My Booking and make payment by debit or credit card.

If you cancel your excursion within 48 hours of arrival at the port, refunds will only be given if you are unable to participate for health reasons or illness and these are given at the discretion of our Onboard Team.

Refunds will not be given should you choose to not take part due to inclement or warm weather or if you change your mind on the day.

The price includes all entry fees for sites and attractions unless we say otherwise. Our prices are right when we publish them.

Scheduled departure times and durations as detailed on your shore excursion information ahead of departure are correct at time of advertising, however they are subject to final confirmation onboard.

Your booking will cover you on our excursions for loss or damage during (or to do with) an excursion up to twice its cost. This excludes death or personal injury caused by our negligence.

Full details on each excursion including the walking requirements will be provided when your shore excursions go on sale 4-6 weeks before departure. Due to the nature of the destinations visited on our river cruises, the majority of our excursions do require a good level of physical mobility.

Yes, they can. We do everything we can to give you accurate information, but sometimes details can change.

We’ll of course try to let you know about any changes to excursions before you go. But sometimes something might even change during the trip. If there’s a major change you’ll be able to cancel with no charge.

Sometimes, very unusually, we might cancel an excursion if we think it’ll be unsafe or for some reason outside our control. Excursions also have minimum and maximum numbers and are covered by our booking conditions.

Yes, if there is availability. You will only be able to do this from 11 months prior to departure.

You will need to contact our guest advisors on 0800 506 066 so that they can check availability and prices.

We do not accept air miles as payments towards any fares, we can however add airmiles to your booking so that you can collect your points.

If you require assistance at the airport then you will need to speak to one of our guest advisors on 0800 506 066 at least 48 hours prior to your departure date.

Instructions will be included in your final travel documents.

Once you have cleared customs our representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals area. They will take your name and direct you to your transport. Once all our guests have cleared customs you will begin your journey to the ship.

When entering the airport you should check one of the screens available to find out which zone you should go to, to check in and drop off your luggage.

For departures this will start at check-in. You will have to manage your luggage from your transport drop-off point to the check-in desk which could involve distances of up to 600 metres.

For arrivals this may only be available until you reach baggage reclaim.

If your domestic flight arrives at the same terminal as the international flight leaves from, we allow 3 hours connection time.

If your domestic flight arrives at a different terminal as the international flight leaves from, we would allow 5 hours connection time.

We advise that you check the name showing on your confirmation invoice is correct and matching your passport as soon as you receive it.

If there are any issues then please contact one of our guest advisors as soon as possible on 0800 506 066 so that they can go through the process of getting this updated for you.

This varies depending on airline so you will need to check your final travel documents where this will be detailed.

If you're travelling on different airlines for your outbound and inbound journeys then you will need to adhere to the lowest restrictions.

On arrival to the airport you will need to take your passport to the check in desk to obtain your boarding pass.

All flights are now ticketless so you won't receive anything within your final travel documents.

Baggage will only be checked through if issued on one ticket.

UK Domestic flights connecting via London would not have the luggage checked through as these would have two separate tickets. For example if you are flying from Edinburgh to Budapest via London Heathrow or London Gatwick.

All regional flights from local UK airports will have luggage checked through. For example if you are travelling from Edinburgh to Budapest via Amsterdam.

You can take small amounts of liquid but there are tight restrictions. Please check hand luggage restrictions at UK airports for full details.

If your airline needs extra details for the Advanced Passenger Information system, we’ll let you know when you book.

If you are advised that this is needed and aren't able to provide it at the point of making your booking, then you'll need to make sure you provide this 65 days before your departure date. You can update these within Manage my booking.

These are the hand luggage restrictions at UK airports.

• European flights: at least two hours before your flight.
• Long haul flights: at least three hours before your flight.
• UK domestic flights: at least one hour before your flight.

Don’t worry though: we’ll include these details in your final travel documents.

We’ll let you know in your final travel documents, which you’ll get around two weeks before you leave.

If you want to book an airport hotel or lounge we recommend talking to our partners at Holiday Extras. They can find out your terminal details from your flight numbers (which are on your confirmation invoice and in Manage my booking).

To book with Holiday Extras, either go through their website or call them for free on 0800 093 5431.

We’ll send them with your cruise confirmation. And you can also see them in the documents section of Manage my booking . If you haven’t booked yet, you can check our booking conditions.

Our river cruises are exclusively for over-50s. You can travel with a companion who is over 40 though.

No, it’s fine. It normally just means there aren’t any spaces left. If there are any issues with your booking, we’ll get in touch to let you know.

Yes. You’ll need comprehensive travel insurance covering your river cruise.

We include optional Saga Cruise Travel Insurance in the price of all our cruises, which is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Ltd. Saga provides additional cancellation rights as detailed in our booking conditions, guests are eligible for the additional cancellation cover when taking the optional insurance policy with their cruise. See what's covered.

If you don’t want our optional Saga Cruise Travel Insurance, we'll offer you an opt-out price reduction off the price of your cruise, but it's essential that you obtain alternative comprehensive travel insurance cover including adequate cancellation cover, covering the total cost of your cruise and the destinations you are visiting.

If you have the optional Saga Cruise Travel Insurance and your health changes, please tell us as soon as you can so we can reassess if our optional travel insurance is still suitable for you. If we are no longer able to cover you, we will refund the cost of the optional travel insurance if you have already paid for it, or offer the opt-out price reduction on your cruise instead.

If this is the case, you will then need to arrange your own cover, but it's essential that you obtain alternative comprehensive travel insurance cover including adequate cancellation cover, covering the total cost of your cruise and the destinations your are visiting.

Failure to notify us of any changes may result in the decline of any potential claims.

If you’re planning on travelling more than once a year, our sister company Saga Services Ltd offer annual travel insurance, which may better suit your needs.

It gives you up to 120 days of total cover a year and up to 45 days per trip (which you can extend unless you’re travelling to the USA, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean Islands). You will then be able to receive an opt-out price reduction on your cruise.

Call us on 0800 015 8055 or get a quote online to find out more.

If we can’t give you optional Saga Cruise Travel Insurance, our sister company Saga Services Ltd may be able to offer you standalone travel insurance.

To find out more please call 0800 015 8055 or get a quote online.

Saga Travel Insurance is provided by our sister company. Saga Services Limited are part of the insurance directory. That means we may be able to help cover you if you have a serious medical condition. Find out more about the Money Helper travel insurance directory.

At Saga we offer comprehensive cover to suit your needs when joining us for a river cruise.

To enable us to do this we require details of your medical health so that we can assess whether we can offer insurance to suit your needs.

Yes, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is not a substitute for travel insurance – it is complementary to it.

An EHIC or GHIC does not cover you for all the medical costs that you can incur or for repatriation, lost baggage or cancellations.

You may cancel your Saga optional travel insurance policy at any time prior to your departure date and receive the relevant discount.

Please contact us 0800 506 066 for river cruises.

To cruise on our river ships with our optional travel insurance the lead booker must be over the age of 50, while additional travellers can be aged 40 or over. 

There is no upper age limit.

Non-UK residents can cruise with us. However, we are unable to offer our optional travel insurance to non-UK residents.

An excess of £70 will apply to each claim as follows:

• Section 1 – Medical and associated expenses
• Section 2 – Curtailment
• Section 5 – Baggage
• Section 6 – Money and documents
• Section 10 – Travel delay (other than compensation for each 12-hour period where no excess applies)

Unfortunately, this is not possible as our optional travel insurance is a set price for all travellers subject to a medical screening.

Please refer to your policy booklet for details of what activities are covered.

If you need to discuss any matters concerning your optional travel insurance please contact the Cruise Customer Care team by calling free on 0800 373 034.

If you need to get in touch with us for any other reason, please visit our contact us page.

To make a claim, please call 0800 092 2502 from the UK or +44 1444 442376 from abroad. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Please have you booking number (which is your policy number) to hand when calling.

If you would like to receive your documents in a different format, such as Braille, large print or audio, please contact us on 0800 373 034.

If you use Text Relay in other areas of your life, rest assured, we can also interact with you this way. 

For more information on how to use this service in conjunction with Saga, please refer to your usual Text Relay service provider

Losing a loved one is always difficult, and we understand that organising the administration of your loved one’s estate can feel like a long and different task, but we are committed to providing you with guidance and support during this different time.

Please call one of our specialist team members on 0800 373 034 or email Ocean Cruises at cruise.postsales@saga.co.uk and River Cruises at rivercruise.postsales@saga.co.uk.

Our team will ensure any policies and bookings are cancelled, discuss any refunds available and stop any future promotional mailings and emails which can take up to 6 weeks. We will need confirmation of the executor details to progress with any refunds that may be applicable.

Here are some support services that you may also find helpful:

Cruse

A freephone national helpline staffed by trained bereavement volunteers, who offer emotional support to anyone affected by bereavement. 

Phone - 0808 808 1677

Online - www.cruse.org.uk

Marie Curie 

A free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of bereavement.

Phone - 0800 090 2309 

Online - www.mariecurie.org.uk

Life can be unpredictable. So, when the unexpected happens, we all need extra support.

There are no hard and fast rules around how our personal circumstances can impact us, which is why it’s important to let us know, so that we can make sure our colleagues are offering you the right level of support during your booking journey and when you're on holiday with us.

If you have an insurance policy or are looking to purchase insurance with us, you can inform us of any additional support you may need.

You may require additional support: 

• If you suffer from a physical disability (either temporary or permanent)
• If you’re living with a mental health condition such as dementia
• If you’re living with learning difficulties
• If English is not your first language
• If you have caring responsibilities or are cared for
• If you’ve recently lost a loved one
• If you have a long-term illness
• If you have a hearing, sight or speech impairment
• If you have experienced a significant life event, such as a relationship breakdown or financial loss or;
• If you just require a little bit of extra help

You can contact us by calling 0800 373 034 or by emailing Ocean Cruises at cruise.postsales@saga.co.uk and River Cruises at rivercruise.postsales@saga.co.uk.

We're only too happy to help. We understand that insurance can be complicated and it's important that you're comfortable and confident that your insurance meets your needs.

If you would like an explanation on questions asked, wording or policies, please let the person you're talking to know.

Don’t be worried about asking questions or asking us to repeat a question, please do tell us if you need us to slow down or speak up. If you would prefer us to speak to someone you trust, who you would like to make decisions on your behalf, just let us know.

If at anytime a call becomes overwhelming, please let the person you’re speaking to know, and we’ll call you back once you’ve had a break.

It can be worrying after you've received a suspicious phone call, text, letter, or email, or you've been visited by a cold caller who you're not sure is genuine. 

Unfortunately, there has been a rise in scams since the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve set up the Saga Fraud and Scam Helpline for all Saga customers.

This 24-hour helpline is provided by Arc Legal Assistance. It's free and you can call any time of the day or night to talk to a trained adviser in complete confidence. 

Simply call 0800 656 9921 and quote 'Saga Scam Helpline'.

All of our river ships have lifts. For more detail as to which decks are accessible by lift, please visit our river cruise ship page and select the ship that you are interested in viewing.

Lifts will not operate in an emergency and you will need to manage the stairs unaided

This will be dependant on the ship that you are sailing on.

• Spirit of the Moselle - Yes
• Spirit of the Danube - Yes
• Spirit of the Rhine - Yes
• Spirit of the Douro - Yes

There is also complimentary tea and coffee served on board.

Irons and kettles are not allowed.

No, there is no place to exchange money onboard. You may exchange money ashore.

We recommend bringing an adaptor with you for any of your electrical appliances as they are not widely available oversees.

Gratuities on board are included in the cost of your holiday. Tipping shoreside e.g. for hotel staff, coach drivers or guides is not included, so if you have received good service, tipping is at your discretion.

An onboard account will be created for any incidentals that are not part of your all-inclusive cruise package. Your onboard account must be settled at the end of your cruise which should be done the night be you are due to disembark.

The ship accepts Visa, MasterCard and Maestro credit cards. Travellers cheques and other currencies are not accepted.

Your transfer to the ship may take up to 4 hours (up to 1 hour if travelling on the Spirit of the Douro) depending on where the ship is moored. These timings are approximate and can change depending on comfort stops and local traffic conditions.

It is sometimes necessary to close the outside deck when cruising through sections of river with very low bridges for safety reasons.

There is a limited laundry service available for an additional charge, but there are no ironing or dry-cleaning services on board.

Breakfasts will be served as a buffet.

At lunch you will have the option of buffet or waiter served.

Dinners will be waiter served.

Typically, breakfast will be served from 7.30am to 9.30am, lunch at noon and dinner at 7pm. However, exact times will be confirmed onboard as they are determined by excursion departures and other ship activities.

If your flight or train home is later in the day, we will look after you and your luggage until it's time for your travel home.

The ship will be made aware of any dietary requirements if stated at the time of booking and will do all they can to accommodate these.

If you have forgotten to tell us, then please call 0800 506 066 and one of our guest advisors can add this to your booking.

It is also a good idea to mention this to your Saga Cruise Director when you board and they will try to arrange alternative dishes wherever possible.

There will always be a vegetarian options available.

All-inclusive local drinks including selected wines at lunch and dinner, house-branded spirits with mixers or cocktails, draught larger and soft drinks.

The bar is open from 0900 to midnight on Spirit of the Rhine, Spirit of the Danube and Spirit of the Moselle and 1100-2300 on Spirit of the Douro.

Complimentary tea and coffee onboard.

Once you arrive at your ship, your luggage will be transferred from the coach to your cabin for you.

On the day of disembarkation your luggage will be taken to the coach for you, ready for your return journey.

It is common for two or more ships to moor alongside each other at busy or popular berths. We cannot tell in advance when this will occur and this situation is outside of our control. When this happens you will need to walk through other vessels when embarking or disembarking. It's important that you are able to walk up and down three flights of stairs and at least the length of the ship (up to 200 metres), unaided.

Ship berths are allocated by the river authorities and may not be centrally located or within walking distance.

A comfort stop will be provided for transfers longer than 2 hours. Please note that you may need €1.00 to use toilet facilities, although cards may be used.

If you’re on one of our river cruise ships, you don’t pay any extra to dine in any of our restaurants.

The smoking area varies on our river cruise ships, so please ask one of our onboard team.

There’s no smoking anywhere else on board, including on cabin balconies.

A big part of the cruising experience is what to wear and we know how important it is for many of our guests. During the day we advise casual wear, with the evening dress code starting from 6pm.

Ladies generally choose to wear a smart dress or an elegant blouse or top with trousers or skirt. Gentlemen can wear a smart open neck shirt and trousers. A jacket is optional, and we would ask that polo shirts, t-shirts, shorts and denim are kept for casual wear during the day.

You are welcome to dress up for the welcome drinks reception and Captain’s dinner.

You can see deck plans here (you’ll need to scroll down).

Spirit of the Moselle

Spirit of the Rhine

Spirit of the Danube

Spirit of the Douro

Yes. All our ships have free Wi-Fi. Although it can sometimes be a bit patchy because of the nature of river cruising.

Just go to our online Manage my booking service to log in. Or you can find the link at the top of the page on the Saga website. Only the lead passenger can log in. You’ll need your booking number, surname and date of birth.

On Manage my booking you can:

• Pay online
• Update your details
• Book excursions
• Book our return UK travel service
• See your itinerary, cabin and flight details
• View previously sent documents.

The best way is to pay online at Manage my booking. We don’t charge for debit or credit cards. (We don’t take American Express.)

For river cruises the deposit is £250 or 15% of the cruise cost, whichever’s more.

You’ll need to pay a deposit for each guest when you book.

The balance payment for your cruise is due no later than 90 days before your departure date. You can pay this online by visiting Manage My Booking.

You can pay by debit or credit card for no extra charge. (We don’t take American Express.)

We process refunds within 28 days of updating your booking. If we’re refunding to a debit or credit card, it can take up to ten days after we've processed your refund for the money to reach you. If it hasn’t arrived by then, please get in touch by emailing rivercruise.postsales@saga.co.uk or calling 0800 506 066 to speak to one of our guest advisors.

Log in to Manage my booking and go to the ‘payment history’ section. You’ll see what you’ve paid and when, as well as anything left to pay.

Once you’ve booked, write your booking reference number on your voucher and send it to Saga Cruise Limited, PO Box 250, Seaham DO, SR7 1BH.

We only accept vouchers for your final balance – you can’t use them for deposits.

You can find full details here.

Generally our river cruises include:

• Travel to your departure point including return economy flights if you need them
• Saga Cruise Director on board your ship
• All on board meals
• All-inclusive drinks, including selected wines at lunch and dinner, house branded spirits, draught beer and lager, and all soft drinks
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Drinks reception and welcome and farewell dinners
• Excursions in selected ports of call
• Audio headsets for exploring independently in selected ports of call
• Free Wi-Fi 
• All on-board gratuities and service charges
• All port taxes, fees, and charges.

We’ll never add extra charges or fees once you’ve booked (unless you choose to add something). So whatever happens to fuel prices or exchange rates, you don’t need to worry about the price going up.

The earlier you book, the better your chance of getting a bigger discount on our cruises.

This is because we set aside cabins at each grade with our highest 25% discount. Then we sell them first come, first served. As they’re sold we reduce the discount rate, so it’s best to book early if you can.

River cruises operate with a smaller crew than ocean cruises and do not have the crew available to provide assistance onboard. It's important to check if a river cruise is suitable for you. Find out more on our accessibility and support page.

If you’d prefer to talk to someone, get in touch with our guest experience team before you book.

and click on Optional Travel Insurance for more information.

If you have an insurance policy or are looking to purchase insurance with us, you can inform us of any additional support you may need.

You may require additional support if:

• You suffer from a physical disability (either temporary or permanent)
• You’re living with a mental health condition such as dementia
• You’re living with learning difficulties
• English is not your first language
• You have caring responsibilities or are cared for
• You’ve recently lost a loved one
• You have a long-term illness
• You have a hearing, sight or speech impairment
• You have experienced a significant life event, such as a relationship breakdown or financial loss or; If you just require a little bit of extra help.

You can contact us by calling 0800 373 034 or by emailing Ocean Cruises at cruise.postsales@saga.co.uk and River Cruises at rivercruise.postsales@saga.co.uk.

Yes, if there is availability. You will only be able to do this from 11 months prior to departure. You will need to contact our guest advisors on 0800 506 066 so that they can check availability and prices.

We can often upgrade cabins. If you’d like to find out more and get prices, use Manage my booking or call us on 0800 506 066.

If there’s something specific you need or want, just call us for free on 0800 506 066.

Our return UK travel service means a driver will pick you up from home and take you to the airport or departure point. Then they’ll be waiting for you when you get back, ready to whisk you back home again.

All river cruise guests get our return UK travel shared car service. We’ll provide a suitably sized vehicle for you and your luggage. You can choose to have the vehicle just for you and your travelling companions at a price of £2.50 per mile. Find out more.

If anything changes (like flight times), we’ll take care of things for you. If you’ve already booked your cruise, you can book the car service or get a quote online or get in touch.

If you need to update your UK Travel booking then please call 0800 506 066 and speak to one of our guest advisors. This can be for anything from updating luggage amounts or pick up location, to arranging a different method of travel for you.

You will need to tell us which travel option to arrange for you so this can then be added to your booking.

You can add the return chauffeur service online through Manage My Booking.

If domestic flights or car parking at the airport work better for you, then please call 0800 506 066 and speak to one of our guest advisors who will happily arrange this for you.

Our return UK travel service is available to anyone in mainland England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Wight and Channel Islands. We're not currently able to offer the service to those in the Scottish Islands, Isle of Man, Sark or the Isles of Scilly.

We start booking vehicles approximately 30 days before you cruise and aim to tell you 7-14 days before within your final travel documents. As I'm sure you'll appreciate, it's quite a logistics exercise so requests to change the time can only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

They’ll be waiting in the arrivals area holding a card with your name. So they should be easy to spot.

Your driver will meet you once you come through arrivals holding a card with your name, so they should be easy to spot.

You can choose between a return chauffeur service, domestic flights or airport car parking.

Please call us on 01293 450570. The line is open 24/7.

You will need to consider how much luggage you are able to take on your flight or Eurostar journey.

We use a mix of executive saloon, estate and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) to escort you. If you have a private journey and luggage is limited, you will most likely have a saloon or estate car. However, if shared, and/or have a larger luggage count, the MPV's offer the space required to escort you.

Note that MPV's may be configured with rear facing seats. We do ask providers to avoid rear facing where possible but we can't guarantee it.

It depends how far you’re travelling. Your driver will check with you when they pick you up.

We limit to a maximum of four guests in a vehicle, and the type of vehicle will depend on the luggage count. If you keep us informed of your exact luggage count we'll ensure you travel in comfort and luggage safely stowed away.

If your trip is under 100 miles, it might add up to 30 minutes to the journey. If it’s over 100 miles it might be up to an hour.

We’re more than happy to help you track down any new friends you meet. But we can’t share other people’s contact details. We can send them your details so they can get in touch though.

If you’d like us to do that, just email us at customer.relations@saga.co.uk with as many details about them as possible.

If you’ve given us your email in Manage my booking, we’ll send you a survey a couple of days before the end of your cruise.

If you’ve booked through one of our partners we won’t send you the link – you’ll need to ask a member of the onboard team.

• Flights: if your luggage goes missing at the airport or arrives damaged, you’ll need to report it to the airline or baggage handler. They’ll ask you to fill in a property irregularity report (PIR). They’ll either use this to track your luggage or you can use it to claim for damage with your airline. It’s important to report any damage before you leave the airport.
• Car service: please get in touch as soon as possible so we can track down your luggage quickly and arrange its safe return.
• On board: get in touch to let us know and we’ll do our absolute best to find it. If we can’t, you’ll need to speak to your insurer.

If you are still on your cruise and you have a concern please speak to your onboard team who will do everything they can to resolve any issues whilst you are away.

Alternatively, if you need emergency assistance you can contact our Duty Officer, 24-hours a day on 01303 771999.

Alternatively, if you would like to contact us on your return, email our Guest Relations team directly at customer.relations@saga.co.uk or fill out the online form.

You can also call to register your concern via our Contact Centre on 0800 373 034 or write to us at Customer Relations Department, Saga Cruise, PO Box 250, Seaham DO, SR7 1BH, if preferred.

We will always acknowledge your concerns within 3 working days and if we need some time to look into your feedback our team will explain this.

If your concern is in relation to a claim, please contact Collinson Insurance Services Limited. You can do this by calling them on 0800 092 2502, emailing complaints@collinsonInsurance.com or writing to Sussex House Perrymount Road Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 1DN.

Currently you do not require an ETIAS for travel within Europe. It is expected that this will be required in 2025, although there is no confirmed date of when this will be required.

When this does come into force, travel to the following countries will be subject to a valid ETIAS: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

You should be advised at the time of booking whether a visa is required for any of the destinations on your river cruise. This will also show on your confirmation document once you have booked and you will need to arrange these yourself before you travel and bring them with you.