River Cruise Safety Checklist
The small things to handle before you go, on embarkation day and every day onboard.
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Your River Cruise Safety Checklist
Print this page or save it to your phone. None of it is complicated — it simply makes sure the small things are handled before they turn into big ones.
Weeks Before You Go
- Passport valid well beyond your return date, with blank pages; check entry rules for every country on the itinerary.
- Read the State Department travel advisories and CDC destination pages for each country.
- Enroll in STEP so the U.S. embassy can contact you in an emergency.
- Buy travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover; save the assistance number in your phone.
- Tell the cruise line about dietary, medical or mobility needs.
- See your doctor about medications, vaccinations and any fitness concerns for walking tours.
- Book flights that arrive at least a day before embarkation.
Pack in Your Carry-On
- Passport, cruise documents and insurance details
- All medications in original containers, plus extra days
- Copies of prescriptions with generic names
- Glasses, hearing aids and chargers
- A small flashlight and a phone power bank
- Comfortable, grippy walking shoes
- A light rain jacket and sun hat
On Embarkation Day
- Attend the safety briefing and find your life jacket in the cabin.
- Read the emergency instructions on the cabin door; note the nearest stairs and exits.
- Save the ship’s emergency phone number and the name of the cruise director.
- Ask where the ship is docked in each port and how docking locations are announced.
Every Day Onboard
- Check the daily program for all-aboard times and any changes to the route.
- Take a card or photo showing the ship’s name and docking address when you go ashore.
- Hold the handrail on gangways and stairs; decks can be wet in the morning.
- Stay seated or below when the sun deck is closed for low bridges.
- Wash hands before meals and report illness to the front desk early.
- Keep valuables in the cabin safe and carry only what you need ashore.
If Something Goes Wrong
You feel unwell
Tell the front desk. They can call a doctor to the ship or arrange a clinic visit.
You miss the ship
Call the ship’s emergency number. River ships stop often, so catching up by taxi or train at the next port is usually possible — at your own cost.
You lose your passport
Report it to local police and contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
The itinerary changes
Follow the crew’s instructions and keep receipts for any expenses for your insurer.
Extra Steps for Special Needs
- Mobility aids: confirm with the line, in writing, that your wheelchair, walker or scooter can be carried and stored.
- Diet: send allergies and dietary needs to the line ahead of time and remind the restaurant manager on the first evening.
- Medical devices: check power requirements and plug types for CPAP machines and chargers.
- Traveling companion: if you rely on help with daily tasks, many lines expect you to sail with someone who can assist.
Ready When You Are
With the checklist done, the rest is the fun part. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can find the right river cruise for you.
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