Don’t Fly In the Day Your River Cruise Starts (Trust Me—I Learned the Hard Way)

Let me save you from making the same mistake I did.

Last year, I booked a gorgeous river cruise. I was so excited. Everything was planned to perfection—except one thing: I flew in the day the cruise started.

Big mistake.

My flight was delayed. My luggage got lost. And by the time I finally made it to the ship, it was 3am. I missed the welcome dinner, the first evening onboard, and honestly… it threw off the entire first part of my trip. I was tired, stressed, and playing catch-up while everyone else was already in vacation mode.

So here’s my advice, learned the hard way:

Give yourself time.

Budapest

How Much Time is Enough?

At minimum, plan to arrive two nights before your cruise begins.

Three nights is even better if you really want to enjoy the city before boarding.

Not only does it give your body time to adjust (hello, jet lag), but it gives you time to explore, slow down, and settle into the vibe before stepping on board.

Why It Matters:

• Flights get delayed. Bags get lost. And ships don’t wait. That buffer day could be the difference between boarding with a smile or sprinting in tears.

• These cities are worth more than a drive-by. Most cruises start in places like Amsterdam, Lyon, or Budapest—places full of character, wine bars, hidden alleys, and stories waiting to be discovered. You deserve more than one rushed night in a chain hotel near the port.

• Jet lag is sneaky. You think you’re fine. Until you fall asleep in the middle of a walking tour or skip dinner because your body says it’s 2am. One night won’t fix it. Two is decent. Three is ideal.

when the jet lag hits

The Real Perk?

You start your cruise rested and relaxed.

Not flustered. Not behind. Not begging the crew to hold the gangway open.

And yes, I can help with the hotel recs, city guides, and what to do with those extra 48–72 hours. Because when you travel with me, the booking is just the beginning.

Need help planning your pre-cruise stay? I’ve got you. And no, I’ll never let you fly in the day of—ever.

Pre-Cruise Travel – FAQ

1. Why shouldn’t I fly in the same day my river cruise starts?

Because too much can go wrong—and trust me, I’ve lived it. Flights get delayed, bags go missing, and ships don’t wait. At The Poodle Booked It, we always build in buffer time so you’re not starting your vacation stressed and exhausted. You deserve better than a panicked sprint to the gangway.

2. How many days before my cruise should I arrive?

At The Poodle Booked It, we recommend flying in at least two nights before your river cruise starts. Three is even better if you want to explore the city, adjust to the time zone, and fully sink into that pre-cruise calm. It’s not just practical, it’s part of the experience.

3. What should I do with the extra time before the cruise?

That’s where it gets fun. When you book through The Poodle Booked It, we’ll help you plan the perfect pre-cruise stay: boutique hotels, city tours, wine bars, local markets, and hidden-gem neighborhoods you’d otherwise miss. These cities, like Budapest, Amsterdam, or Lyon, are worth more than just a sleepover.

4. Isn’t one night enough to recover from jet lag?

Honestly, no. Jet lag is sneaky, and one night often doesn’t cut it. At The Poodle Booked It, we build itineraries that give your body (and brain) time to adjust. With two or three nights, you’re not just awake, you’re energized, present, and enjoying that first cruise dinner instead of nodding off into your soup.

5. Can you help me figure out where to stay and what to do before the cruise?

Absolutely. That’s one of our favorite parts. The Poodle Booked It will curate your pre-cruise stay with hand-picked hotels, personalized recommendations, and experiences tailored to your travel style. We’ll make those extra days feel like a bonus vacation, not just a buffer.