https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/Avon Leisure Cruisesen-gbSun, 01 Nov 2026 22:27:02 +0000https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/how-to-get-on-and-off-a-river-cruise-boat-safely/https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/how-to-get-on-and-off-a-river-cruise-boat-safely/Sun, 01 Nov 2026 22:27:02 +0000The gangway connects your river cruise boat to the shore, and you'll use it several times throughout your trip. Most passengers step on and off without trouble, but the angle changes with water levels and the width varies between ports. This guide walks you through what you'll encounter, how to prepare if you have mobility concerns, and where crew assistance appears. Avon Leisure Cruises gather…https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/are-river-cruises-suitable-for-children/https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/are-river-cruises-suitable-for-children/Sat, 31 Oct 2026 22:26:33 +0000River cruises appeal to families looking for a quieter alternative to ocean holidays, but most operators set minimum age policies and design their itineraries for adults. The pace is slow, the onboard atmosphere is calm, and shore excursions often focus on museums, vineyards and historical walking tours. Avon Leisure Cruises explores what works for families and what doesn't, so you can decide w…https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/how-much-to-budget-for-a-river-cruise-holiday/https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/how-much-to-budget-for-a-river-cruise-holiday/Fri, 30 Oct 2026 22:26:07 +0000A river cruise fare covers your cabin, meals and entertainment on board, but the total cost of your holiday reaches further. Travel to the departure port, gratuities for crew, drinks outside mealtimes and optional shore excursions all add to what you'll spend. Understanding these parts now means you can plan a budget that matches the trip you want. Below you'll find how each cost works and wher…https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/what-to-do-if-you-miss-the-boat-during-a-shore-excursion/https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/what-to-do-if-you-miss-the-boat-during-a-shore-excursion/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 22:25:52 +0000Missing your vessel during a shore excursion is unsettling, but it happens more often than you might think. The moment you realise the boat has left, contact the crew, stay calm, and follow the steps below. You'll learn how to reach the next port, what costs to expect, and how to avoid the situation on future trips. Avon Leisure Cruises explains the practical side of catching up with your cruis…https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/what-is-a-lock-on-a-river-cruise/https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/what-is-a-lock-on-a-river-cruise/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 22:25:15 +0000A lock is a chamber built into a river or canal that raises or lowers a vessel between two different water levels. River cruise locks explained simply: the ship enters a sealed section of water, the level inside changes, and gates open on the other side once it matches the next stretch of river. You'll come across this often on European river routes, and once you know what's happening, it's one…https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/how-to-choose-your-first-river-cruise/https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/how-to-choose-your-first-river-cruise/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:32:52 +0000Your first river cruise starts with choosing one that fits how you travel. Avon Leisure Cruises explains the six decisions that most affect your experience: the route's length and pace, the cabin type, the season you sail, what your fare includes, how shore excursions are organised, and whether you travel alone or with others. Get these right and the rest follows.https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/what-gratuities-are-expected-on-a-river-cruise/https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/what-gratuities-are-expected-on-a-river-cruise/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:31:48 +0000Gratuities on a river cruise usually range from around ten to fifteen pounds per passenger per day, paid either as a daily amount or as a single sum at the end of your trip. Some operators include gratuities in the fare, while others leave them at your discretion or add them automatically to your onboard account. By the time you finish reading, you'll know how much to budget, when to tip, and h…https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/what-happens-if-the-river-water-level-is-too-low/https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/what-happens-if-the-river-water-level-is-too-low/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:30:41 +0000When river levels drop too low, your cruise operator will either alter the route, move you to a different vessel, arrange coach transfers between stops, or in rare cases cancel the sailing. You remain entitled to the itinerary you booked or a full refund if the changes are significant. The rest of this guide explains what triggers these decisions, which solutions work best, and how to protect y…https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/how-to-choose-between-a-river-and-ocean-cruise/https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/how-to-choose-between-a-river-and-ocean-cruise/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:29:28 +0000River and ocean cruises take you on the water, but they deliver completely different experiences. Vessel size, the ports you reach, onboard rhythm and the way the boat moves all shift depending on which you choose. By the end of this guide, you'll understand which style fits your priorities and how to match the journey to what you actually want from a holiday. Avon Leisure Cruises explores both…https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/how-to-avoid-seasickness-on-a-river-cruise/https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/how-to-avoid-seasickness-on-a-river-cruise/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:28:28 +0000River cruises move through calm, sheltered water where motion is minimal. Most passengers who struggle with seasickness on ocean voyages feel perfectly comfortable on rivers, because the waves, swell and deep rolling motion simply aren't there. Avon Leisure Cruises explores what makes river conditions different, what to do if you're still concerned, and how to prepare for the steadiest journey…https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/what-to-pack-for-a-river-cruise/https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/what-to-pack-for-a-river-cruise/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:27:25 +0000River cruising calls for a lighter, more flexible wardrobe than ocean voyages. Cabins are compact, the weather shifts from morning mist to afternoon sun, and you step off the boat several times a week to explore towns, vineyards and countryside on foot. Avon Leisure Cruises helps you work out what matters, what saves space and what you can skip.https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/what-is-a-french-balcony-on-a-river-cruise/https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/what-is-a-french-balcony-on-a-river-cruise/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:26:15 +0000A French balcony is a cabin feature on river cruise ships: floor-to-ceiling glass doors or windows that open fully, giving you direct river air and uninterrupted views from inside your cabin. You stand at the threshold, not outside on a platform. If you've booked a river cruise and seen the term on your cabin description, you'll know within the next few minutes whether it matches what you pictu…https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/what-does-all-inclusive-mean-on-a-river-cruise/https://avonleisurecruises.co.uk/what-does-all-inclusive-mean-on-a-river-cruise/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:25:09 +0000An all-inclusive river cruise fare covers accommodation, most meals, a selection of drinks and many shore excursions, so you step aboard knowing the bulk of your holiday is paid. Soft drinks and house wines at lunch and dinner are usually included; premium spirits, speciality coffees and champagne often aren't. Avon Leisure Cruises explains the typical inclusions and the extras you'll still pay…