Chicagomom

Ocean cruises often tell you to arrive a lot later than we show up, and we've never had a problem. But then, I've never been on a river cruise, so I don't know how they differ.

Is that due to the more erratic nature of their ports, or for other reasons? We're thinking more in line of just walking around town than taking a guided tour somewhere.

We are looking at the Grand Circle European River Cruise from Vienna to Amsterdam, and I'm wondering what meal times will be since they are less flexible than on an ocean cruise. We often have free time from lunch to dinner, but I don't have how much time that allows us for sightseeing. Also it seems they sometimes have informational meetings before dinner, so that would cut into our free time as well. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks for all your responses. They are most helpful!!!

I've been on several ocean cruises, but never a river cruise. How is the boarding procedure different? What time do the ships generally leave port? How early can you board?