How to Read Your River Cruise Quote
Know exactly what you are agreeing to before you pay a deposit.
Request My River Cruise QuoteA river cruise quote can run to a page of figures and fine print. Here is how to read one line by line, so you know exactly what you are agreeing to before you pay a deposit.
The Lines on a Typical Quote
| Line on the quote | What it means | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Ship and sailing date | The exact departure, ship and itinerary. | Is this the direction and embarkation city I wanted? |
| Cabin category | The grade of cabin, often by deck. | Is the cabin assigned now, or later? |
| Cruise fare (per person) | The base fare, usually for two sharing. | Is this per person or per cabin? |
| Promotion | Any offer already deducted or added. | When does it end, and can it combine with others? |
| Port charges and taxes | Government and port costs. | Are they included in the total? |
| Air and transfers | Line-sold flights, if requested. | Can I choose my flight times? |
| Deposit | What secures the booking now. | Is it refundable? |
| Final payment date | When the balance is due. | What happens if I cancel after it? |
| Cancellation schedule | Penalties that rise as departure nears. | When do penalties begin? |
Comparing Two Quotes Fairly
When two quotes look different, line them up item by item. Are both for the same cabin type? Do both include taxes? Does one include flights or gratuities and the other not? Is one a non-refundable fare? Often the gap closes once the extras are added in — or widens, revealing that the cheaper-looking quote is the better buy after all. Our cruise advisors will do this with you and explain any line you are unsure of.
Protect what you pay with insurance chosen early; Cruise & Travel Insurance explains why the purchase date matters.
River Cruise Quotes: The Fine Print
How long is a river cruise quote valid?
Until the cabin sells or the promotion changes. Fares are not held without a deposit, so a quote is accurate on the day it is sent and should be acted on soon if you like it.
What is the difference between refundable and non-refundable fares?
Some lines offer a lower fare with a non-refundable deposit and a higher, more flexible one. The quote should say which you are looking at.
Can the price go down after I book?
Sometimes a better promotion appears. Whether you can move to it depends on the line’s rules and how close to departure you are; ask our advisors to keep an eye on it.
Keep every quote you receive. If a new promotion appears before your final payment date, our advisors can check whether your booking can move to it under the line’s rules.
Have a Quote You Want Checked?
Send us the details of a river cruise quote you have received, or ask for a new one. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will explain every line, free.
Ask About My Quote