Cruise Passenger readers get an insight into the very best deals on unforgettable river journeys.
From Europe’s grand waterways to the ancient wonders of Egypt and the vibrant cultures of Vietnam and Colombia, these river cruise deals prove luxury travel doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.
Right now, travellers can save as much as $7,400 per couple on select voyages, with standout offers including APT’s seven-night Mekong cruise from $5,495 per person (down from $9,195) and a five-day Murray River escape aboard the PS Emmylou from just $2,295 per person. Whether you’re dreaming of sailing past the Eiffel Tower, exploring the Nile in style, or uncovering Colombia’s colourful river communities, these limited-time deals combine immersive experiences, premium inclusions and exceptional value.
Avalon Waterways
The Rhine and Moselle
- Cruise onboard one of Avalon’s award-winning Suite ShipsSM.
- Sail from Basel to Amsterdam.
- From price based on 11/10/26 departure.
Delight in the Rhine and Moselle Rivers onboard an Avalon Waterways river cruise. Starting in Basel, Switzerland, sail north through France and Germany, before finishing in vibrant Amsterdam.
The highlights:
- Join a full-day guided tour to the Black Forest, where you’ll visit the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum, an authentic water mill, and see a
- traditional butter-making demonstration.
- Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host.
- Explore Heidelberg Castle with a local guide, famous for its Great Vat – the ‘World’s Largest Wine Barrel’.
- Take a guided city walk through Koblenz amid ancient fortress walls, towers, squares and monuments.
- Visit the former bunker of Germany’s Central Bank, where millions of German Mark (the currency at the time) were kept in an underground vault during the Cold War.
- Choose a guided walking tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites.
What’s included:
- Modern Suite Ships featuring boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama SuitesSM voted #1 Cabins by cruisers in the 2025 Cruise Critic awards.
- Flexible dining with world-class menus and dining styles to suit every taste.
- Regional beer and wine with your meals, and an included Happy Hour each night.
- A choice of daily excursions, from thrilling Active excursions to immersive.
- Discovery excursions and Classic sightseeing – all with local guides or your Adventure Host.
- Fewer guests means more space on board, and bigger suites and staterooms.
Price:
- Deluxe Stateroom from $6,301 per person twin share.
- Panorama Suite from $9,443 per person twin share.
- Save up to $6,400 per couple on 2026 departures.
Paris to Normandy
- Cruise onboard one of Avalon’s award-winning Suite ShipsSM.
- Sail round-trip from Paris.
- From price based on 04/08/26 departure.
This Avalon river cruise combines time in France’s unparalleled capital of Paris with beautiful scenery along the Seine River and the picturesque region of Normandy.
The highlights:
- Take a guided tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of Claude Monet.
- While sailing, enjoy a traditional French lunch of authentic crêpes followed by a pastry demonstration.
- Join a guided hike to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard, home of King Richard the Lionheart.
- Enjoy the Normandy Abbeys Route, with over 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustinian abbeys and churches built along the Seine.
- Take a full-day guided tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites of the Normandy Landing Beaches.
- Take a guided bike tour to discover the lesser-known hidden gems of Rouen.
- Discover the ancient heart of Paris with your local guide.
What’s included:
- Modern Suite Ships featuring boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama SuitesSM, voted #1 Cabins by cruisers in the 2025 Cruise Critic awards.
- Flexible dining with world-class menus and dining styles to suit every taste.
- Regional beer and wine with your meals, and an included Happy Hour each night.
- A choice of daily excursions, from thrilling Active excursions to immersive Discovery excursions and Classic sightseeing – all with local guides or your Adventure Host.
- Fewer guests means more space on board, and bigger suites and staterooms.
Price:
- Deluxe Stateroom from $6,184 per person twin share.
- Panorama Suite from $8,533 per person twin share.
- Save up to $4,200 per couple on 2026 departures.
APT
Vietnam and Cambodia Highlights
- Cruise onboard the luxury Mekong Serenity for seven nights.
- Sail down the Mekong from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City.
- $5495 per person from price based on 19/07/26 departure.
Sail from Cambodia to Vietnam on a seven-night journey aboard the boutique luxury Mekong Serenity. Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, receive a traditional Buddhist blessing, explore Phnom Penh and riverside villages along the Mekong, before finishing in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City.
The highlights:
- Journey by speedboat to the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war.
- Indulge in a tantalising five-course Khmer dinner, while enjoying a traditional Apsara dance performance accompanied by live musicians in the gardens of a private gallery.
- Witness the sun rising above Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Observe the iconic temple complex shimmer in the reflective ponds in front of this World Heritage-listed monument, while brilliant shades of orange and pink light up the sky.
- Witness a mesmerising performance from your VIP seats at Phare Circus in Siem Reap. Combining captivating acrobatics, theatre and storytelling, this unforgettable spectacle showcases the country’s rich culture and talent.
- Journey by local tuk tuk around a riverside village and gain an insight of village life. Travel along the shaded lanes, past stilted houses and see a varying range of crops growing.
- Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony for good luck, health and safe journey, with resident monks at a monastery in Oudong.
What’s included:
- Seven-night cruise aboard APT’s boutique luxury river ship, the Mekong Serenity.
- Freedom of Choice inclusions in three locations.
- Locally inspired dining: a total of 31 meals.
- Private air-conditioned coach.
- Return airport transfers, porterage and gratuities.
Price:
WAS: $9195 per person, NOW: $5495 per person. Save $3700 per person ($7400 per couple).
Magnificent Europe
- Sail on board APT Solara or APT Ostara.
- Enjoy this 15-day river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.
- $9695 per person from price based on 09/10/26 and 23/10/26 departures.
APT is currently offering huge savings on its most popular river cruise, Magnificent Europe. Explore Europe’s waterways aboard the luxury APT Solara or APT Ostara, from the funky cafes and beautiful architecture of Amsterdam to the famous baths of Budapest. You’ll also discover, smaller, quaint riverside towns among the icons of this stunning region.
The highlights:
- Visit the breathtaking Namedy Castle, owned by Princess Heide von Hohenzollern, a royal escape set near the Rhine River. After wandering through the castle and its manicured gardens, you’ll attend a cocktail party and enjoy live music from a talented pianist.
- Namedy won’t be the only castle you’re invited to. Head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where APT have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you.
- Enjoy the welcoming notes of a traditional hunting horn blower (a Jagdhornbläser) in Austria, before you settle into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a show featuring music from the classic film, ‘The Sound of Music’.
What’s included:
- 14 nights on a new-generation luxury river ship, the APT Solara or APT Ostara.
- A total of 41 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages.
- Experiences in 14 destinations.
- In-suite dining and beverage service in all suites.
- The services of an expert Cruise Director.
- Transfers, port charges and gratuities.
- Flights are included with the award-winning Singapore Airlines.
- No fuel surcharges.
- Complimentary deposit cancellation guarantee.
Price:
WAS: $11,695 per person, NOW: $9695 per person. Save $2000 per person plus flights included.
TravelMarvel
Treasures of Egypt and the Nile
- Sail aboard the brand new Travelmarvel Sirius.
- Travel on an 11-day round-trip from Cairo.
- $5995 per person from prices based on 19/09/2026 departure.
Explore the enduring beauty of Egypt on this exciting river cruise, from the bustling streets of Cairo to the beautifully-preserved Dendera Temple complex and the lesser-known, serene city of Aswan. Cruise aboard the new Travelmarvel Sirius and uncover the stories of ancient Egypt etched into its temples, monuments and landscapes. From bustling bazaars to awe-inspiring archaeological wonders, every stop offers a new glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture.
The highlights:
- Enjoy a guided city tour in Egypt’s capital: stand before the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza and wander through the alleyways of Old Cairo, where centuries-old churches and mosques reflect a rich tapestry of faith and culture. End your day at Khan el Khalili bazaar, a sensory feast of spices, silver and storytelling.
- Explore Karnak, the largest religious structure ever built and a sacred site for over 2,000 years. Here, you can wander through Hypostyle Hall and see 134 towering columns, which still bear traces of original inscriptions and paint.
- Journey to the Valley of the Kings and Queens and explore Egypt’s most sacred burial grounds, which is home to the famous tomb of Tutankhamen.
- Move from ancient wonders to modern engineering and see the colossal Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970 and transforming Egypt’s relationship with the Nile.
- Disembark your luxury river ship and glide across the Nile aboard a traditional felucca, a wind-powered sail boat with no motor to disturb the peace.
- Step into one of Egypt’s most elaborate temple sites and see masterpieces of celestial symbolism and ancient architecture at the Temple of Dendera.
What’s included:
- Seven-night Nile river cruise on the Travelmarvel Sirius.
- 25 meals: 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners, plus select local wine and beer included with lunch and dinner.
- Transfers, port charges, tipping and entrance fees.
- Three nights in premium accommodation.
- The services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director, qualified Egyptologist Tour Directors, and expert local guides.
- Exclusive charter flights within Egypt as per the itinerary.
Price:
WAS: $8895 per person, NOW: $5995 per person. Save $2900 per person.
Murray River Explorer
- Journey down the Murray River aboard PS Emmylou.
- Spend five days on a round-trip from Echuca.
- $2295 per person with price based on 02/06/26 and 23/06/26 departures.
Roll along the majestic Murray River on a five-day cruise aboard the PS Emmylou, a beautifully restored replica paddle steamer that blends old-world charm with modern comfort. Discover the region’s rich heritage with a guided tour of Perricoota Station, visits to charming riverside towns like Echuca, and an unforgettable barbecue beneath a starlit sky. Back on board, savour gourmet cuisine and uninterrupted views of Australia’s iconic river landscapes as life slows to the gentle rhythm of the paddle steamer.
The highlights:
- Dine under the stars with a riverside barbecue at Layfield Lane. This gourmet feast sets the mood for an evening of chatter and live entertainment by a warming campfire.
- Hop aboard a coach for the ‘Henry Hopwood Town Tour’, an engaging guided experience that leads you through the historic centre of Echuca. You’ll uncover the fascinating stories behind local landmarks, explore the differences between the steam era and modern times, and gain a deeper appreciation for the unique character that defines this river town today.
- Explore historic Perricoota Station on a guided tour of the property’s heritage farm, elegant homestead and beautifully maintained gardens.
What’s included:
- Four nights aboard the PS Emmylou, the world’s sole wood-fired paddle steamer offering overnight cruises.
- Experiences in three destinations.
- Locally inspired dining with all meals included.
- Selected wines and beer are included with dinner service on board.
- Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director.
- Return train journey from Melbourne to Echuca.
Price:
WAS: $3295 per person, NOW: $2395 per person. Save $900 per person.
AmaWaterways
Best of Holland and Belgium
- Journey through Holland and Belgium aboard AmaStella.
- Travel on an eight-day round-trip from Amsterdam.
- $5275 per person with price based on 14/11/26 departures.
Discover a captivating world of windmills, waterways, striking architecture and timeless artistry on this unforgettable journey through Holland and Belgium. At every port, these often-overlooked European gems reveal a rich tapestry of history, innovation and charm, making this a cruise well worth discovering.
The highlights:
- Cruise the iconic historic waterways of Amsterdam, where gabled houses and houseboats line the banks.
- Visit the fairytale Slot Zuylen Castle, situated on the river Vecht in the charming, tiny village of Oud-Zuilen near Utrecht.
- Experience the storybook scenery of Ghent, with its elegant canal houses and medieval spires.
- Indulge in a chocolate tasting in Belgium’s beautiful capital, Brussels, or visit the impressive Gaasbeek Castle.
- Sample frothy Belgian beers and crisp, crunchy waffles in Antwerp.
- Visit the UNESCO-listed windmills of Kinderdijk, iconic symbols of Dutch craftsmanship and resilience.
What’s included:
- All meals on board are included, along with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner.
- Spacious stateroom aboard AmaStella, which has a capacity of just 156 passengers.
- Inclusive Sip & Sail cocktail hour before dinner.
- Coffee, tea, and bottled water are available around the clock.
- Premium beverages and imported wines are available for purchase.
- Shore excursions led by expert local guides.
- Onboard Wi-Fi.
- The services of a professional Cruise Manager throughout your journey.
Price:
WAS: $6400, NOW: $5275. Save $1125 per person.
Magic of Colombia
- Spend eight days on the incredible AmaMagdalena
- Sail from Barranquilla to Cartagena Turistica.
- $4706 per person with price based on 05/09/26 departure.
Cruise the majestic Magdalena River and discover vibrant Colombia on an intimate and immersive journey that reveals a side of the country only accessible by river. As your voyage winds through remarkable destinations, each stop uncovers a new layer of Colombia’s identity, from colourful musical traditions and rich cultural heritage to the enduring stories that have shaped the nation through generations.
The highlights:
- An exclusive “Carnaval” celebration on board, bringing colour, music, dance and the lively spirit of Colombia on your first evening.
- Go on a village tour in Sitio Nuevo, where you’ll wander through quiet streets, watch artisans at work and savour the flavours of local delicacies.
- Board a small boat and explore the emerald wetlands of Boca de Tacaloa.
- Enjoy an exclusive open-air jazz performance in Mompox.
- Learn from local families about the music, stories and dance that bring the Cumbia region’s soul to life.
- Wander through the vibrant city of Cartagena and experience its lively plazas.
What’s included:
- All meals on board are included, along with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner.
- Spacious stateroom aboard AmaMagdalena, which has a capacity of just 60 guests.
- Inclusive Sip & Sail cocktail hour before dinner.
- Coffee, tea, and bottled water are available around the clock.
- Premium beverages and imported wines are available for purchase.
- Shore excursions led by expert local guides.
- Onboard Wi-Fi.
- The services of a professional Cruise Manager throughout your journey.
Price:
WAS: $5831, NOW: $4706. Save $1125 per person.
Book your river cruise here
