When you’re planning that dream river cruise, what does your river cruise fare actually include? And what will cost you extra? Read on for our handy guide to whether river cruises are all-inclusive.
What’s included in your river cruise fare?
As a general rule, river cruises are more inclusive than ocean cruises. Your fare will include things like drinks, specialty restaurants and shore excursions, though this will vary from line to line and by destination. That also helps to explain why river cruises can seem more expensive than ocean cruises, but you may find that you’re getting better value in the end.
Dining
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and snacks are all included in your river cruise fare.There will usually be two to three dining options onboard your vessel (though some very small ships will only have one), serving buffet-style breakfast and lunch and a la carte
dinner. While ocean cruises will charge an additional fee for specialty dining restaurants,
you can choose between these multiple options on the rivers with no extra charge.
Drinks
This is the first big difference you’ll notice between river and ocean cruises – drinks! While
ocean cruises only include basics like water, tea and coffee, on river cruises you can expect barista coffee and fresh juice at breakfast, and soft drinks, wine and beer with lunch and dinner. Many lines expand this to include complimentary drinks all day, though this may not cover things like premium spirits and cocktails.
Onboard activities
While you won’t find any waterslides or rock climbing walls on a compact river ship, there’s still plenty to keep you entertained – and you won’t have to pay anything for it. Take a dip in the pool or soak in the hot tub, work out in the gym, join a morning yoga class on the sundeck, or play deck games like shuffleboard and quoits. Some ships even feature things like salt therapy rooms and cinemas. You can also join in organised activities from painting workshops and mixology classes to informative lectures. Most river ships sailing in Europe also have a fleet of bicycles or e-bikes that are free to use in port.
Shore excursions
While you won’t find any waterslides or rock climbing walls on a compact river ship, there’s still plenty to keep you entertained – and you won’t have to pay anything for it. Take a dip in the pool or soak in the hot tub, work out in the gym, join a morning yoga class on the sundeck, or play deck games like shuffleboard and quoits. Some ships even feature things like salt therapy rooms and cinemas. You can also join in organised activities from painting workshops and mixology classes to informative lectures. Most river ships sailing in Europe also have a fleet of bicycles or e-bikes that are free to use in port.
WiFi
It’s easy to stay in touch with family or share your latest snaps on social media with free Wi-Fi on most river cruise ships. In Europe, you’ll find Wi-Fi connection all over the ship, though in places like Southeast Asia and India the service may be more restricted and only available in certain public areas. Just remember to turn off international roaming on your device so you don’t get hit with a surprise bill.
Gratuities
Most river cruise lines will include gratuities (or tips) in your fare. These will be a set amount per guest per day that is distributed among your Cruise Director and the rest of the crew. If you feel that specific crew members have provided truly exceptional service, you can leave them an additional tip at the end of your voyage. Most river cruise lines will include gratuities (or tips) in your fare. These will be a set amount
per guest per day that is distributed among your Cruise Director and the rest of the crew. If you feel that specific crew members have provided truly exceptional service, you can leave them an additional tip at the end of your voyage.
Transfers
No true river cruises sail in Australia, so you’ll need to fly to your departure point whether
that’s Vienna or Vietnam. Happily, transfers from the airport (or your hotel if you had to
stay overnight before sailing) will usually be included with your fare. For luxury lines that will mean a stylish private car transfer or you may share a coach for some of the more budget-friendly lines.
What extras will I have to pay on a river cruise?
A few things fall outside the all-inclusive fares on most river cruises, so you will need to pay for:
Treatments in the spa or salon
Drinks outside of mealtimes (depending on the cruise line)
Premium alcohol (like top shelf spirits or bottles of wine)
Gratuities for local guides or drivers on shore excursions
Some special shore excursions or experiences
Which river cruise lines are truly all-inclusive?
The more luxurious the line, the more things will be included in your fare. Of course, these cruises will be more expensive but you can expect a genuinely all-inclusive journey as well as sumptuous accommodations, stellar service and delectable dining.
Luxury lovers should sail with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Scenic, Viking River Cruises and Tauck.
The main difference you’ll find when comparing these all-inclusive lines to others is around the alcohol policy. On every cruise, you’ll enjoy all the standard inclusions discussed above though you will notice that alcohol isn’t included outside of mealtimes. Drinks will be added to your room tab for you to pay when you disembark and there are no drinks packages like you would find on an ocean cruise.
If you’re not a big drinker, this could be a great time to save! River cruise lines like Avalon
Waterways and AmaWaterways serve wine and beer during lunch and dinner, but drinks at other times come at an additional charge.
Are there any budget river cruise lines?
In short, no. You won’t find the kind of crazy cheap deals you see for ocean cruises where
you can sail for $100 a day. However, if you do the maths and add in all the things that are included in your fare (like drinks, shore excursions and Wi-Fi) river cruising can also offer very good value. Look out for special offers that also include things like airfares and pre- or post-cruise hotel stays.
FAQS
Q: Are river cruises all-inclusive?
A: Most river cruise fares include accommodation, all dining, alcoholic drinks with meals,
some shore excursions, onboard Wi-Fi, gratuities and airport transfers.
Q: Will I have to spend any extra money onboard a river ship?
A: Some extras are not included in your fare, like premium alcohol, drinks outside of
mealtimes, spa treatments and specialty excursions.
Is alcohol free on a river cruise?
A: Alcoholic drinks (like beer and wine) are generally included free of charge at lunch and
dinner. You may have to pay for drinks outside of mealtimes.
Is alcohol free on a river cruise?
A: Alcoholic drinks (like beer and wine) are generally included free of charge at lunch and
dinner. You may have to pay for drinks outside of mealtimes.
Can I buy a drinks package on a river cruise?
A: No, river cruise lines do not offer drinks packages.
