Last minute vs. booking in advance –
what is worth it?
Day tours: can be booked spontaneously
Day tours on the Rhine (1–2 hours) can usually be booked until shortly before departure. GetYourGuide confirms immediately. Last minute is usually problem-free on weekdays. Weekends in summer and Advent can be fully booked - then it's better to book 2-3 days in advance.
Multi-day cruises: book early
Rhine cruises lasting several days (Viking, A-ROSA, Phoenix) are fully booked much earlier - especially for Advent and New Year's Eve, often a year in advance. For good cabins and departure dates: book as early as possible.