Here at GoRiverCruise, we usually suggest spending a night in your departure port before your cruise, especially when flying long distances to meet the ship. Not only does this make the journey a lot less stressful, it also means that, should there be any unfortunate delays, you won’t be in danger of missing your embarkation time.

Obviously, a pre-cruise hotel stay also gives you more of a chance to explore the city from which you are departing. Here are some fantastic ports that are perfect for an extended stay before your river cruise.

Basel

If you are a big fan of art galleries and museums then you are definitely going to want some extra time to discover Basel. As the starting point for many Rhine River cruises, it is a beautiful destination that uses its location on the river perfectly. The influence of kinetic artist Jean Tinguely is there for everyone to see, thanks to his famous, playful fountain and a museum dedicated to his work.

Elsewhere, the red sandstone minster brings the car-free Old Town to life and locals spend their summers dining in the many cafes along the river promenade.

Porto

Douro River cruises continue to be popular, with cruise lines launching new ships dedicated to this beautiful waterway. The vast majority of itineraries begin in remarkable Porto, where traditional boats that carry the port wine that you will no doubt taste bob up and down on the river.

The striking Dom Luís I Bridge is an impressive sight in the harbour area, welcoming people into the historic Ribeira district. Here, you will find plenty of restaurants and bars in which to spend a quiet (or not so quiet) night before your cruise.

New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the most vibrant cities in the US and the perfect introduction to a Mississippi River Cruise. The lively streets are filled with the sound of classic jazz and the smell of home-cooked comfort food, whilst nostalgic streetcars and horse and carts allow you to tour the city in style.

2018 is a great year to spend some time in The Big Easy as it will be celebrating its 300th birthday. Events will be held throughout the year and, come February, there is sure to be an extra special Mardi Gras.

Ho Chi Minh

Before embarking on your Mekong River Cruise, why not spend some time in Ho Chi Minh? Not only will this help you learn about and understand the struggles and atrocities that the city has been through, you can also immerse yourself in the culture by meeting the local people and feeling their warmth.

Highlights include the impressive religious buildings, especially the Jade Emperor Pagoda, and the Củ Chi Tunnels that were used extensively during the Vietnam War.

Paris

What better place to start your journey along the Seine than in the romantic city of Paris? So, before you head off to enjoy Monet’s House and Gardens or the Normandy Beaches, you have the choice between hidden gems and tourist hotspots in one of the most popular destinations in the world.

With famous galleries, iconic buildings and delicious cuisine all waiting to be uncovered, the chances are that you will want more than just an extra day in Paris. Luckily enough, most Seine River cruises also finish here, so you can add a post-cruise stay as well if you wish.

If you would like to spend some time exploring your departure port before you set sail, just ask our team to add a hotel stay to your holiday. We have knowledge of the best hotels for every budget and will help you find somewhere conveniently located close to the ship. Call us on 0800 954 0064 for more details.