Here is my packing list for our Viking Capitals of Eastern Europe river cruise. We sailed in late March/early April, so expected the weather to be variable with some chilly days and some warm days. I did not pack a coat other than my trench style raincoat, and that was all I needed with a sweater layered underneath for warmth on the cool days. River cruises are typically casual affairs and there are no dress up nights on Viking river cruises. I pack at least one casual dress or skirt to wear when I want to change out of my typical touring clothes. You will see most ladies in a casual dress, or slacks and a blouse or sweater at dinner, and men in khakis and a polo or something similar.
We each packed in a 22″ carry on bag and an 18″ backpack for this trip. We flew Delta, so there is no weight restriction for cabin bags or personal items. We sat in the Premium Select cabin (premium economy) and the under seat storage area is limited here due to the equipment for the electric seats. If you stuff your backpack too full, it will not fit under the seat in the Premium Select cabin, so be aware of this. I was prepared so didn’t overfill mine. My bag was the Travel Pro Max Lite 5 two wheel roller bag, which weighs about five pounds empty. It actually measures about 23″, but I had no problems fitting it in the overheads on any of the planes we flew. We cross pack one outfit in each other’s bag, and one outfit in our backpacks. This way, if we are forced to gate check our bags, we each still have at least three outfits if they lose one bag, and two each if they lose both. We sink wash things as needed along the way.
Now that I have had time to reflect, I am sure I could have packed less. I listed the items I could have omitted above. Without those items, I still would have had plenty of variety, and could have lightened my load a bit. It seems I almost always overpack, even though I am traveling with a carry on and a backpack. When will I learn???
Have you been on a European river cruise? What did you pack? Please let me know, as I am always open to new suggestions!