17 Dangerous River Cruise Mistakes You Need To AVOID (Former Director Warns)

If low water forces your river cruise onto a second ship or a motorcoach, AmaWaterways' own terms say that doesn't entitle you to any credit or refund. That clause is in the paperwork you agree to when you book, and several more of these 17 mistakes are spelled out there too. I spent 22 seasons as a river cruise director. In order, this video covers cancellation charges and final payment dates, telling the line about mobility needs, French balconies and lower-deck windows, missed flights and transfers, travel documents, ports where the ship docks out of town, low water and refunds, skipped days, walking shoes, getting back to the ship on time, Medicare outside the U.S., food allergies, phone roaming charges, pickpockets and STEP, and Europe's emergency number, 112. At the end are the three parts of your cruise line's terms to read before you pay a deposit. Facts were checked in October 2026 from the cruise lines' own pages, U.S. and EU government sites, and Cruise Critic. Lines change their policies, so confirm with yours before you rely on anything here. This channel is independent and not sponsored by any cruise line. Nothing here is insurance, legal or financial advice.