On AmaWaterways, there's no doctor on any ship. On Uniworld, any medical care you need on a river cruise comes from local providers, at your expense. That's in writing, and it's one of 25 things that matter more once you're past 60.

I spent 22 seasons as a river cruise director. Counting down from 25, this video covers what you can bring home through U.S. customs (salami, cheese, wine, plants and flowers), the $800 duty-free allowance, EU tax refunds, pay toilets, German and Austrian Sunday closing, why you should pay in euros, not dollars, which ATMs to avoid, card fees and PINs, who tips the local guide, included vs optional excursions, what your fare leaves out, when your price is locked, single supplements and solo cabins, loyalty perks, minimum ages for grandchildren, bringing your own wine, Christmas markets, tulip season and water levels, the Rhine Gorge, the Wachau and the Main-Danube Canal, the last morning on board, packing your medicines, hearing aids and tour headsets, walking ratings and a walking test you can take at home, elevators that skip the Sun Deck, accessible cabins, and number one: why there's no doctor on board, and who pays.

Facts were checked in October 2026 from the cruise lines' own pages, U.S. and EU government sites, Rick Steves 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 medical, insurance, legal or financial advice.