River cruises are great for those looking to take a romantic getaway or honeymoon . But how much is a river cruise? The truth is, the cost of a river cruise can vary widely depending on the itinerary, destination, cruise line, and stateroom you choose.
To help you out, here are river cruise cost ranges for some of the most sought-after destinations. It’s important to keep in mind that cruise costs are always fluctuating; look for deals and discounts to get the most out of your trip. With that said, read on to learn more about how much a river cruise is.
How Much Is a River Cruise in Europe?
If you are on a budget, then you can find river cruises in Europe for around $250 per night per person. However, you may be able to find deals under this price point depending on the time of the year you go.
For luxury all-inclusive river cruises, prices can be as much as $1,500 per night per person. Of course, this all depends on the itinerary you choose and if you are traveling during peak season or not.
For example, Danube River and Rhine River cruises can be found at affordable prices. In comparison, river cruises through France can be more expensive due to popularity and what the region has to offer.
One plus of going on a river cruise is that Europe is one of–if not the–most popular river cruise destinations in the world. This means that almost river cruise line has an itinerary schedule in Europe, which increases competition and drives down prices.
Like any type of travel, if you book your river cruise during shoulder season, you’ll be sure to find better deals. Typically shoulder season for river cruises in Europe is late March and after September. You will find that many people want to do a river cruise starting in May, and the peak runs through September. It makes sense, as this is when the weather is best in Europe.
If you are looking to do a Christmas market cruise, the prices can vary depending on the itinerary. They are becoming more popular as they are a great way to experience the holiday season around Europe.
How Much Is a River Cruise in the U.S.?
While river cruises in the United States can be slightly more expensive than in Europe, you can still find great deals. Plus, if you are a U.S. resident, you don’t have to worry about the hefty cost of international flights, which can skyrocket your budget.
Finding deals on river cruises in the United States are no different than in Europe. Travelers still need to look for shoulder season discounts or package deals to get the best value.
River cruises in the United States can range from $300 to $1,000+ per night, depending on the amenities included. This means that if you are looking for a luxurious all-inclusive experience in a suite, you can expect to pay the higher end of this range.
You also need to consider what is included in your cruise package. For example, American Cruise Lines has packages that cover several excursions, pre-cruise hotel accommodations, meals and some drinks, and airport transfers.
In comparison, Viking’s river cruises on the Mississippi and St. Lawrence include soda, beer, and wine at lunch and dinner and one shore excursion at each port. As you can see, there is a big difference in what the package offers, so the pricing will reflect this.
While the Mississippi River is one of the most popular cruise itineraries in the United States, there are cruises on other rivers like the Columbia and Snake rivers. These are all great options if you don’t have a passport or don’t want to pay for international flights.
How Much Is a River Cruise on the Nile River?
Depending on the itinerary, Nile River cruises can start between $300 to $500 per person per night. Travelers can book short trips that last three days or go on longer trips of seven days. The downfall is that if you are flying from the United States, flights can be expensive and can make for a long journey.
There are several cruise lines that offer trips on the Nile River, including Viking, Avalon, Scenic, AmaWaterways, Uniworld, and Tauck. If you are set on experiencing the Nile River and the ports of call, it’s best to compare these cruise lines to see what amenities, experiences, and package deals they offer.
The most expensive time to go on a Nile River cruise will be during the peak season of January through April. Since this is a popular river cruise experience, it’s recommended to book as early as possible or wait for shoulder season, which is May through September. Keep in mind that during the summer months, the weather is hot, so be prepared.
Egypt does require a visa for entry, and you may need to take a domestic flight in Egypt to reach your port of departure. It’s best to check with your cruise line before booking, as they will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information and help guide you through the process.
How Much Is an Amazon River Cruise?
An Amazon River cruise is not cheap; in fact, they are some of the most expensive cruise experiences in the world. Travelers will have a hard time finding Amazon River cruises under $600 per person per night. Then you have to factor in the costs for transportation to the port of departure and return flight.
There are several cruise lines that operate on the Amazon River, such as Lindblad Expedition, Avalon Waterways, and Uniworld. These are small but luxurious fleets that spend days on the river. Other cruise lines like Seabourn and Oceania have itineraries that last over two weeks and offer Amazon forest excursions from the ports.
If you look for promotions for Amazon River cruises throughout the year, you may be able to find some discounted packages or specials.
How Much Is a River Cruise in Asia?
From the mighty Mekong to the Yangtze, river cruises in Asia are nothing short of spectacular. On average, you can expect to find river cruises that start in the $300 range per person per night and go up from there. Like the other cruises that we have discussed, the price will depend on the length of the itinerary, the package, and the cruise line.
Going on a river cruise in Asia may take more planning than other destinations. This is due to the areas of departure as well as visa requirements. With that said, be sure to plan far in advance and make sure you have all of the necessary documents and paperwork.
You can find Asia river cruise packages from companies like Viking, AmaWaterways, Uniworld, and Avalon. Each company offers something different, so do your research and book early for the best deals.
Is It Worth Taking a River Cruise?
River cruises provide a different experience than you get on the ocean. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the region while learning about the local history, nature, and culture. If you are interested in a river cruise, be sure to watch for deals and plan in advance.
Not sure what river cruise is best for you? We have articles that might help including Viking vs. AmaWaterways: River Cruise Comparison, Uniworld vs. Avalon River Cruise – Which One Is Right For You?, Uniworld vs. Tauck: Which River Cruise Company Is Best for You?, and more. Or feel free to reach out to one of our river cruise specialists.
