How Much Does a River Cruise Cost?
Six factors decide the price. Here is how each one moves your quote.
Request My River Cruise QuoteHow much does a river cruise cost? The honest answer is “it depends” — but on exactly six things. Understand them and you can predict whether a quote will land high or low before you ask for it.
The Six Things That Set the Price
| Factor | Pushes the cost up | Brings the cost down |
|---|---|---|
| The line | All-inclusive luxury lines | Lines that include less and price for value |
| The cabin | Suites and full balconies on upper decks | Window cabins on the lowest deck |
| The month | Peak spring, summer and Christmas markets | Early spring and late-season sailings |
| The river | Far-flung rivers with long flights and land days | Busy European rivers with many ships |
| The length | Two-week crossings | Short sailings of four to eight nights |
| Occupancy | Traveling alone in a double cabin | Two sharing; some lines take a third guest |
Fare vs. Total Cost
The fare is only part of the cost of a river cruise. To compare fairly, add what the fare leaves out: flights, hotels, transfers, gratuities, drinks between meals and any tours you would pay for. A fare that looks high can turn out lower once these are counted — and the reverse is just as common.
Viking, for example, includes one guided excursion in every port, beer and wine with lunch and dinner and Wi-Fi, but charges for gratuities and drinks outside meals. Scenic, Uniworld and Tauck fold gratuities in. Neither approach is better; they just need to be counted the same way. Our sister site River Cruise Critic discusses value line by line.
River Cruise Cost: Common Questions
How much does a river cruise cost compared with an ocean cruise?
River cruises usually cost more per night than mainstream ocean cruises, but they often include more: guided tours in port, wine and beer with meals and Wi-Fi on many lines. Compare what you would pay in total, not the headline fare.
Why does the same cruise cost different amounts on different dates?
Lines price each departure by season and demand. Spring blossom, summer and the Christmas-market weeks are in demand; early spring and late autumn sailings often cost less for the same ship and route.
What extra costs should I expect on board?
It depends on the line. On less inclusive lines, plan for gratuities, drinks outside meals and optional excursions. On all-inclusive lines, extras may be limited to spa treatments, premium wines and shopping.
One more factor deserves a mention: currency. Many European river fares are set by lines that also sell in euros or pounds, and the dollar price can move with exchange rates and new-season pricing. That is another reason to compare quotes from the same week rather than prices remembered from months ago.
Find Out What Your Cruise Will Cost
Name a river and a month, and our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will send a free quote with the full cost laid out.
Get an Itemized Quote