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.