Value vs Price on a River Cruise
A discount only means something once you know what the fare includes.
Compare My OptionsA 20% discount on a fare that includes very little can cost more than full price on a fare that includes almost everything. To compare river cruise offers fairly, you first need to know what each line puts in the fare.
What the Main River Lines Typically Include
This is a general guide to standard fares on European river cruises for North American guests. Inclusions change and sometimes differ by itinerary, booking market or promotion, so always confirm them on your quote.
| Line | Shore excursions | Drinks | Gratuities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viking | One included guided tour in most ports; optional tours extra | Beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner | Not included |
| AmaWaterways | Choice of daily guided excursions, including active options on many sailings | Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, plus a daily cocktail hour | Generally not included — confirm |
| Avalon Waterways | Choice of included excursions in most ports | Wine and beer with lunch and dinner | Generally not included — confirm |
| Emerald Cruises | Included guided excursions | Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner | Varies by market — confirm |
| Uniworld | Included excursions | Beverages including spirits | Included |
| Scenic | Included excursions | Beverages including spirits | Included |
| Tauck | Included excursions | Beverages including spirits | Included |
Wi-Fi is included on most major river lines; speed varies with the river and region.
How to Compare Two Offers
Put each quote on the same footing before you look at the discount:
- Start with the per-person fare after all offers are applied.
- Add anything the line doesn’t include that you would actually buy: drinks outside meals, gratuities, extra excursions.
- Add flights and transfers if they aren’t part of the offer.
- Add pre- or post-cruise hotel nights if the itinerary starts or ends somewhere you’d stay anyway.
- Compare cabin to cabin: a French balcony on one line is not the same as a full balcony on another.
The total is your real price. Only then does the percentage off mean anything.
When a Higher Fare Is the Better Deal
All-inclusive lines often look expensive at first glance. If you enjoy a drink before dinner, plan to tip the crew generously, and would book several optional tours anyway, a more inclusive fare may cost less in the end — and you won’t be signing for extras all week. On the other hand, if you rarely drink and prefer to explore on your own, a line with a lower fare and fewer inclusions may be exactly right.
Things That Aren’t on Any Price List
Itinerary design
Overnight stays, docking in the city centre versus a coach transfer, and time in port can matter more than any inclusion.
Ship and cabin
Newer ships, larger cabins and full balconies cost more — and may be worth it on a longer sailing.
Who you travel with
Some lines suit active travelers, some lean towards a quieter, older crowd, and some welcome families on selected sailings.
For a deeper look at each line’s ships and style, see River Cruise Lines.
Compare Offers Like for Like
Send us two quotes, or just your dates. Our cruise advisors will compare the total cost of each line, inclusions and all.
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