How Much Does a River Cruise Cost? A Realistic Breakdown
- Emma Guse
- Jul 16
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 11
How much does a river cruise cost?
It’s a fair question. River cruising is often seen as a luxurious way to travel, but when you break it down, it’s often a better value than expected.
Unlike ocean cruises, which start with a lower base fare and pile on extras, river cruises include much more upfront, so while the sticker price might seem high at first glance, you’re actually getting a seamless, nearly all-inclusive experience.
So, let’s get into it. What does a river cruise really cost, and what should you expect to pay per night?
The Average Cost of a River Cruise
The base rate of most European river cruises range from $3,000 to $7,500 per person for a 7-night sailing. However, pricing can swing lower or higher depending on:
The cruise line you choose
The time of year
The river and itinerary
Your cabin choice
To help make sense of it, here’s a per-night cost estimate based on different categories of river cruises:
Cruise Type | Per Person (Per Night) | 7-Night Cruise Price |
Budget-Friendly Lines | $350 – $500 | $2,450 – $3,500 |
Premium River Cruises | $500 – $1,000 | $3,500 – $7,000 |
Luxury & Boutique Lines | $1,000 – $2,500+ | $7,000 – $17,500+ |
Of course, these are general ranges, and pricing will fluctuate based on promotions, early booking discounts, and cabin categories.
What’s Included in a River Cruise Price?
One of the reasons river cruises are a great value is because most costs are included upfront, which means fewer surprise expenses.
Accommodations: Staterooms with river views, often with French balconies or step-out balconies
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with locally inspired cuisine
Daily Excursions: Guided tours in every port, often multiple options at no extra charge
Beer, Wine and Soft Drinks: Typically included with lunch and dinner; some lines include unlimited drinks
Airport Transfers: Often included when flights are booked through the cruise line
Entertainment and Cultural Activities: Local musicians, enrichment lectures, and onboard entertainment
Port Fees and Taxes: Already built into the price
What’s Not Always Included?
Flights: Unless part of a promotion, airfare is separate, but can be booked through the cruise line.
Gratuities: Some cruise lines include them, while many charge them separately.
Premium Alcohol: Most lines include wine and beer at meals, but some charge extra for all-day drinks.
Optional Excursions: A few cruise lines offer one excursion per day, while others offer multiple daily excursion choices in your base fare. Some cruise lines charge for exclusive, higher-end excursions as well.
Breaking Down River Cruise Pricing Factors
Some river cruise lines are more inclusive than others, and that impacts the overall cost.
Budget-Friendly Lines (Emerald, Riviera Travel, Gate 1): Lower base fares but fewer inclusions, and excursions and drinks may cost extra.
Premium Lines (AmaWaterways, Viking, Avalon Waterways): More included excursions, high-end dining, and a good balance of value and luxury.
Luxury & Boutique Lines (Uniworld, Scenic, Tauck): Fully all-inclusive pricing, with gratuities, premium alcohol, and exclusive tours included.
Not sure which line is the best fit for you? That’s where I come in: I’ll help match you to the right one based on your budget and travel style.
The Destination and Itinerary
Some river cruise destinations are naturally more expensive due to demand and operating costs. Factors like destination, time of year, and cabin availability all figure into pricing.
Higher-Priced Destinations
The Rhône & Seine (France): France has higher docking fees and food/wine costs.
The Douro River (Portugal): Shorter season and smaller ships drive up prices.
Christmas Market Cruises: Limited sailings and high demand increase prices.
More Affordable Destinations
The Danube & Rhine (Germany, Austria, Hungary): More competition keeps pricing reasonable.
The Main & Moselle Rivers: Often priced lower than the Danube and Rhine.
The Time of Year You Travel
Peak Season (May–September): Highest prices, best weather.
Shoulder Season (April & October): Often 20-30% less than peak season.
Low Season (November–March): Cheapest rates, but cooler temperatures.
Cabin Choice & Upgrades
Lower Deck (Fixed Windows or Portholes): The most budget-friendly option.
French Balcony (Sliding Glass Doors): Mid-range, offers fresh air but no step-out space.
Twin Balcony (French + Step-Out Balcony): Exclusive to AmaWaterways, offering the best views.
Suites: Larger rooms, often double the price of standard staterooms.
Is a river cruise ship balcony worth the cost? If you love sitting in your pajamas with your coffee while watching castles and vineyards pass by, it’s a great investment. However, with smaller ships, public sundecks are always a quick walk from any cabin.
Other Common Expenses Beyond the Cruise Fare
While your river cruise includes accommodations, daily excursions, and many onboard amenities, there are several important costs to plan for beyond the cruise itself.
Gratuities
Most river cruise lines do not include gratuities in the base fare. Viking, for example, adds a daily service charge of approximately $17.50–$20 per person per day to cover the onboard crew. You can pre-pay these in advance or adjust them onboard before disembarkation. Some guests also tip the cruise director or housekeeping staff separately for exceptional service.
In addition, tips for local guides and drivers during shore excursions are appreciated and often expected. Even when excursions are included, it’s customary to tip around €1–2 for drivers and €2–5 for local guides, or approximately $5–10 per person per excursion in USD. Having small bills or local currency on hand makes this easy.
Travel Insurance
This is one of the most overlooked, but essential, expenses. Travel insurance typically costs 7% to 13% of your total trip cost, depending on your age, coverage, and provider. For a $12,000 river cruise package, expect to pay $850–$1,500 per couple. Most policies include trip cancellation, emergency medical coverage, baggage loss, and travel delays. If you’re 65 or older, or if your trip includes pre/post extensions, that price tends to be on the higher end.
Airfare
Flights to Europe vary widely based on departure airport, travel dates, and cabin class. Here’s a ballpark:
Economy: $800–$1,200 per person roundtrip
Premium Economy: $1,800–$2,400 per person
Business Class: $3,800+ per person
Some cruise lines offer airfare promotions (like free or reduced airfare), but this may not include your preferred routing or pre/post-stay flexibility.
Hotel Nights Before or After the Cruise
I almost always recommend arriving at least one day early before embarkation to recover from jet lag and reduce stress if there are travel delays.
A quality hotel in Europe typically runs $250–$450 per night.
Post-cruise nights vary by city but are usually comparable.
Airport transfers to/from the ship or hotel are sometimes included but often cost $60–$120 per person roundtrip if booked independently.
Bar Drinks & Specialty Beverages
Many river cruises include wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, but drinks from the bar outside of meals (i.e. premium cocktails, specialty coffees, and upgraded wine lists) are often an extra charge. Expect to pay $8–15 per drink, plus a 15–20% service charge on most purchases.
Optional Excursions
In every port, at least one guided excursion is typically included. However, cruise lines often offer upgraded or optional experiences, such as wine tastings, cooking classes, concert tickets, or private tours, for an extra cost. These usually range from $50 to $300 per person depending on the experience.
Other Personal Expenses
Spa treatments, laundry services, fast Wi-Fi upgrades, souvenirs, and international phone usage are not included. Depending on your preferences, these small charges can add up quickly.
Real-Life Example: A Full Trip Breakdown
Let’s say Roger and Roberta from Indianapolis are planning a 7-night Danube River Cruise with Viking. They want to fly in a day early to explore Budapest and relax before embarkation, and they plan to extend their stay one night in Prague after the cruise. Here's what their full trip cost might look like, from doorstep to return:
Expense | Cost (Per Couple) | Notes |
Cruise Fare | $11,998 | Veranda stateroom (French Balcony + Outside Balcony) |
Gratuities (Onboard Staff) | $280 | Viking charges $20 pp/day × 7 nights |
Tips (Local Guides & Drivers) | $140 | $10 pp/day × 7 days |
Bar Drinks / Specialty Beverages | $100 | A few cocktails, cappuccinos, or glasses of wine outside meal hours |
Optional Excursions | $300 | Private tour in Vienna + Exclusive Mozart concert |
Travel Insurance | $1,100 | Based on total trip cost and age 65+ |
Airfare (Premium Economy) | $2,198 | Indianapolis to Budapest, returning from Prague |
Airport Parking | $120 | 10 nights at Indianapolis International Airport economy lot |
Pre-Cruise Hotel in Budapest | $350 | 1 night at a centrally located 4-star property |
Post-Cruise Hotel in Prague | $375 | 1 night at a boutique hotel in Old Town |
Meals Off-Ship | $250 | Includes lunch/dinner in Budapest and Prague |
Souvenirs | $200 | Christmas market gifts, local wine, and keepsakes |
Transfers (Airport/Hotel/Ship) | $180 | Roundtrip private car service |
Laundry Onboard | $75 | Mid-trip refresh for longer stays |
TOTAL TRIP COST: $17,666 for two people
Why This Matters
While the cruise fare may advertise $5,999 per person, that’s only part of the full picture. Most couples will spend $5,000–$7,000 beyond the cruise itself, depending on travel preferences. And that’s before upgrades like business class airfare or longer land extensions.
This is where working with a knowledgeable river cruise travel advisor can save you time, stress, and even money. I’ll help you navigate airfare promos, transfer logistics, insurance options, and excursion planning, at no extra cost to you.
How to Get the Best Deal on a River Cruise
If you want the best value for your budget, here are some tips:
Book Early: Most river cruises sell out 12–18 months in advance, and early booking discounts can be substantial.
Take Advantage of Special Promotions: Some lines offer free airfare or reduced single supplements. I'll be happy to work with you to identify the best available promotions.
Travel in the Shoulder Season: Prices in April and October are significantly lower than summer.
Work with a Travel Advisor: I have access to exclusive group rates and added perks, like onboard credit.
Is a River Cruise Worth the Cost?
Yes. I believe when you factor in what's included, river cruising offers incredible value. Unlike ocean cruises, where you pay extra for excursions, drinks, and specialty dining, a river cruise is a seamless, nearly all-inclusive experience where most of your costs are covered upfront.
If you’re wondering whether a river cruise fits your travel budget, let’s talk! I’ll help match you with the right cruise line, itinerary, and promotions to maximize your experience and value.
Reach out today, and let’s plan your perfect river cruise!
What You Can Expect When We Work Together
My clients are thoughtful travelers. They want this trip to be smooth, meaningful, and worth the time and money. I work one-on-one to help each client find the right itinerary, cabin, and extras based on what matters most to them.
Here’s what I offer:
Honest guidance on which cruise line fits your style
Access to current availability and seasonal pricing
Group perks, upgrades, or added value when available
Flight and insurance coordination
Friendly and engaged support the entire way, including in-destination
There’s no cost to work with me as I’m paid a commission by the cruise lines, not by you, as they understand the value and customer retention of working with a trusted travel advisor. 100% complimentary. No fees. No catch.
Let’s Find the Right Fit for You
There are so many incredible ways to see the world by river. Whether you’re curious about the Rhine, the Mekong, or the Nile, I’m here to help you navigate your options and plan a trip you’ll always remember.
Request a quote, download my free planning guide, or learn more about working with me. You bring the vision. I’ll help with the details. Let's get started!
Emma Guse is a River Cruise Specialist with Travelmation, helping solo travelers, couples, families, and groups plan unforgettable river cruises with ease. Known for her down-to-earth style and expert guidance, she handles the details so you can focus on making memories.
Emma's services are 100% complimentary and included in the base rates of every river cruise line. Learn more about Emma HERE or submit an inquiry HERE.
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