River Cruise Destinations and typical Costs!

Major river cruise lines operate on many of the world’s most famous rivers, offering scenic journeys through Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Here’s a list of the key rivers that the major river cruise lines typically cover:

Europe:

1. Danube River – Popular for cruising through countries like Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania.
2. Rhine River – Flows through countries like the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland.
3. Seine River – Primarily in France, including Paris and the Normandy region.
4. Douro River – Flows through Portugal and Spain, particularly known for wine cruises.
5. Elbe River – Passes through Germany and the Czech Republic, including cities like Dresden and Prague.
6. Main River – Located in Germany, connects to the Rhine and the Danube.
7. Moselle River – Flows through France, Luxembourg, and Germany, known for its picturesque vineyards.
8. Volga River – Russia’s longest river, with cruises from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
9. Rhone River – Flows through France, passing through Lyon and the Burgundy region.

Asia:

1. Yangtze River – China’s longest river, with cruises often departing from cities like Chongqing and Shanghai, reaching the famous Three Gorges.
2. Mekong River – Flows through Southeast Asia, passing through countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
3. Irrawaddy River – Located in Myanmar, offering cruises through the country’s rich cultural and historical sites.
4. Ganges River – India’s most important river, often visited for cultural and spiritual river cruises, particularly in Varanasi.

Africa:

1. Nile River – Egypt’s iconic river, with cruises departing from Luxor or Aswan, often including visits to ancient temples and tombs.
2. Zambezi River – Located in southern Africa, typically explored via river safaris and cruises in countries like Zimbabwe and Zambia, near Victoria Falls.

North America:

1. Mississippi River – Cruises in the U.S. along this iconic river, with routes often between New Orleans and Minneapolis.
2. Columbia and Snake Rivers – In the Pacific Northwest, offering scenic river cruises through Oregon and Washington.

South America:

1. Amazon River – Cruises in the Brazilian Amazon, exploring the rainforests and wildlife of the region.

Australia:

1. Murray River – Australia’s longest river, offering cruises through the state of South Australia.

These rivers are often served by major river cruise lines such as Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, Avalon Waterways, Scenic Cruises, Tauck River Cruises, American Queen Voyages, and others. They offer a range of itineraries from luxurious, all-inclusive trips to more specialized or adventure-focused options.

The cost of a river cruise can vary widely depending on factors like the river you're cruising on, the cruise line, the type of cabin, the length of the cruise, the time of year, and what’s included in the fare. Here's an overview of the typical cost ranges for river cruises, based on these variables:

1. Cruise Length and Type of Cabin:

• Shorter Cruises (3 to 7 days):

  • Economy/Standard Cabins: From $1,000 to $3,000 per person.
  • Deluxe/Upper Deck Cabins: Can range from $2,500 to $5,000 per person for a standard 7-day cruise.
  • Suites: Can range from $4,000 to $7,000+ per person for a basic suite.

• Longer Cruises (10+ days):

  • Economy/Standard Cabins: From $2,500 to $5,000 per person.
  • Deluxe/Upper Deck Cabins: Typically range from $4,000 to $8,000 per person.
  • Suites: Can start around $6,000 and go up to $12,000+ per person or more, especially for luxurious, high-end suites or extended itineraries.

2. Included vs. Not Included:

• All-Inclusive Cruises (Many premium lines like Uniworld, Scenic, and AmaWaterways):
  These cruises generally cover almost everything, including:

  • Accommodations, meals, drinks (sometimes including alcohol), shore excursions, onboard gratuities, and Wi-Fi.
  • Price Range: $3,000 to $10,000+ per person for a 7-night cruise.

  Example: An 8-day Rhine or Danube river cruise with shore excursions and drinks included could range from $4,000 to $8,000+ per person, depending on the cruise line and cabin category.

• Standard or Less-Inclusive Cruises (Lines like Viking, Avalon, and Emerald Waterways):

  • These cruises might include meals, but excursions, alcohol, and tips can be extra.
  • Price Range: $2,000 to $6,000+ per person for a 7-night cruise.

  Example: A 7-night Danube River cruise could start at around $2,500 for a basic cabin, with additional costs for excursions, drinks, or premium packages.

3. Premium Cruises:

Luxury river cruise lines such as Uniworld, Scenic, and Regent Seven Seas tend to offer all-inclusive packages with higher-end amenities. These cruises often have:

• Larger, more luxurious cabins, often with balconies.
• Fine dining, premium beverages, and more personalized service.
• Enhanced shore excursions and extra amenities (e.g., butlers, fine wines, spa treatments).
• Price Range: $5,000 to $20,000+ per person for longer or more luxurious itineraries.

Example: A 14-day luxury cruise on the Danube with a suite could cost between $10,000 and $18,000+ per person.

4. Seasonal Pricing:

• Low Season (Winter, Early Spring): River cruises often have lower prices in the off-season (late November to early March). This is when you'll find more budget-friendly options, but also when weather can be colder or less predictable.
  • Prices can be 10-25% lower compared to peak season.
• High Season (Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall): Peak cruising season is typically May through September. This is when you’ll find the highest prices and the best weather conditions for cruising.
  • Prices can be 15-40% higher during the summer months for similar itineraries.

5. Additional Costs:

Keep in mind that the prices quoted are for the cruise itself, but you may also need to budget for:

• Airfare (if not included in a package).
• Optional excursions (if not included).
• Travel insurance.
• Gratuities (if not included).
• Premium drink packages, spa treatments, or specialty dining.

6. Special Cruises:

Some river cruises may offer specialized experiences, such as wine-themed cruises, Christmas market cruises, or holiday-themed itineraries, which can also affect pricing.

• Wine or Themed Cruises: Prices can be higher due to specialized experiences, adding $1,000 to $3,000+ per person depending on the duration and itinerary.

• Christmas Market Cruises: A 7-night Christmas market cruise in Europe can start around $2,500 for an inside cabin and go up to $7,000+ for more premium options.

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Example Pricing Breakdown:

Viking River Cruises (example):

• 7-Day Rhine Getaway (Amsterdam to Basel):
  • Standard Cabin: Around $2,199 to $2,999 per person.
  • Veranda Suite: Around $4,399 to $6,499 per person.
  • All-Inclusive (including excursions, drinks, etc.): From $4,000 per person.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection (example):

• 7-Day European Waterways (Danube River):
  • Standard Cabin: Around $3,200 to $5,000+ per person.
  • Deluxe Suite: Around $6,000 to $10,000 per person.
  • Luxury Package (all-inclusive): Prices could range from $5,500 to $10,000+ depending on cabin and cruise dates.

 

 

 

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Conclusion:

In general, river cruise prices range from $1,500 to $20,000+ per person depending on the length of the trip, the river, the cruise line, and the inclusivity of the package. For a more affordable cruise, expect to pay around $2,500 to $5,000 per person for a 7-night standard river cruise. For a luxury experience, the price can easily exceed $10,000+ per person.

It’s always a good idea to book early or during a sale for the best rates, especially for popular itineraries or peak seasons.