River Cruise Cost Per Person, Explained
Fares are quoted per person. Here is how to get from that to what you will pay.
Request My River Cruise QuoteRiver cruise cost per person is how the industry speaks, but it is not how you pay. Here is how per-person pricing works and how to turn it into the number that matters — your trip total.
Per Person, Double Occupancy
When a line or advisor quotes a fare, it nearly always means per person with two sharing a cabin. Port charges and taxes are also usually per person. So a couple’s cruise total is two fares plus two sets of taxes, before flights and extras. When you compare two quotes, make sure both are stated the same way — per person or per cabin — and that both include taxes.
Traveling Solo
Solo travelers pay a single supplement on most river ships because cabins are built for two. The supplement is set by each line and can change with promotions; some sailings reduce or waive it, and Tauck states that it charges no single supplement in its Category 1 cabins. Our sister site Singles River Cruises covers solo options in depth, and our advisors will always show the solo total, not just the double-occupancy figure.
Third Guests and Children
A small number of larger river cabins and suites take a third guest, often at a lower fare for that person. Children’s fares depend on the line — Viking, for instance, does not accept guests under 18, while family-oriented departures on other lines welcome younger travelers. Ask us before you plan around a triple cabin; they are few.
From Per Person to Trip Total
- Fare per person × number of travelers.
- Plus port charges, taxes and fees per person.
- Plus flights and transfers, if not included.
- Plus pre- and post-cruise hotel nights.
- Plus gratuities if the line does not include them.
- Plus travel insurance.
Insurance options are explained by our sister site Cruise & Travel Insurance. Ask for your quote as a trip total and our advisors will add these lines for you.
Cost Per Person: FAQ
Is the price per person or per cabin?
Almost always per person, based on two people sharing a cabin (double occupancy). Multiply by two for a couple’s cruise fare, then add per-person taxes and any extras.
What is a single supplement?
A charge for one person using a cabin priced for two. It varies by line and sailing, and some lines periodically reduce or waive it. A few ships have dedicated solo cabins.
Can three people share a river cruise cabin?
On some ships, in a limited number of larger cabins or suites. River cabins are compact, so triple space sells out early.
Get Your Per-Person and Total Price
Tell us how many are traveling and how you will share cabins. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will send a free quote with both figures.
Get Both Figures