This week, the River Cruise Collective partners have a broad range of river cruise deals and advantages on offer for Cruise Passenger readers.
We’ve featured an exclusive deal from Murray River Paddlesteamers, who are celebrating the launch of the brand-new, $7 million luxury PS Australian Star with offers of up to 20 per cent off overnight cruises in 2026 and 2027. Book today and be one of the first to experience a new dawn in Australian river cruising.
APT are offering savings of up to $5000 per couple on a range of exciting itineraries; however, we’ve spotlighted the Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges river cruiseโ a rare journey along one of the most culturally and spiritually rich waterways in the world. Abercrombie & Kent continues to target solo travellers with incredible savings of 50% on the single supplement, with their Cruising the Blue Danube: Budapest, Vienna & Prague itinerary, which features 11 days of exclusive sightseeing, as well as a two-night stay in historic Prague.
Avalon Waterways is offering enticing deals on an array of itineraries, with savings of up to $9600 per couple on specific 2026 itineraries, including the Rhine & Rhรดne Revealed with 2 nights in French Riviera for Wine Lovers (Southbound), which features plenty of wine tastings, pairings and even the presence of a Certified Sommelier throughout the French cruise.
An exclusive triple savings offer on AmaWaterways‘ Taste of Bordeaux and Magna on the Danube Festive Delights itineraries is not one to missโ scroll down to see their specially curated journeys, which highlight the best of European food, culture and nature. On the other side of the world, Scenic is exploring the striking Mekong with deals including economy flights and a complimentary suite upgrade on board the sleek Scenic River Cruise II.
Tauck stands by its sought-after all-inclusive approach with excellent savings on the booking prices, spotlighting the stunning Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence and the Romantic Capitals: Paris to Prague itineraries for potential passengers.
1. APT: Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges Cruise
- 12-day river cruise aboard the Ganges Voyager.
- Travel from the spiritual Kolkata to charming Varanasi through Matiari, Khushbagh, Murshidabad and more.
- Save up to $5000 per couple ($2500 per person).
APT is currently offering thousands of dollars in savings per couple on 2026 tours of eight days or more. The deal, which is available until July 2, 2025, includes their unique Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges Cruise, which takes guests on a journey through the rich culture of India.
The highlights:
You’ll explore the rarely travelled lower Ganger River, aboard the intimate, boutique Ganger Voyager, which features an elegant East India Dining Room, a Spa and Fitness Centre, and an outdoor panoramic Observation Deck. With just 56 guests aboard, the ship is built for comfort, style and considered hospitality.
You’ll cruise through vibrant villages dotted along the shores of the Ganges, with opportunities to visit radiant flower markets, distinct terracotta temples and awe-inspiring palaces. You’ll ride a toto (an electric rickshaw) in Murshidabad, taking you to the 18th-century Katra Mosque to learn about the Mohammedan rulers. Guests will then delight in a delectable High Tea in the grounds of the four-storeyed Kathgola Palace, one of APT’s exclusive Signature Experiences.
Your final night culminates in a deeply spiritual experience: witnessing the sacred Aarti ceremony in Varanasi, one of the worldโs oldest continually inhabited cities. Take your private seat and witness the ritual as priests and devotees present the Ganges with offerings of fire and mantric chants accompanied by music in the nightly display of respect and worship.
What’s included:
- Experiences in 10 destinations.
- Freedom of Choice inclusions in two locations.
- Locally inspired dining โ a total of 28 meals.
- Seven nights aboard the Ganges Voyager.
- Four nightsโ luxury accommodation.
- Set out on a privately chartered heritage tram ride as you explore some of the most picturesque sights of Kolkata.
- Indulge in a delectable high tea at Glenburn Penthouse and learn all about Kolkata during a fascinating talk from a local resident.
- Delight in Indian high tea in the grounds of the four-storied Kathgola Palace.
Price:
- Prices start at $8995 per person.
- Save up to $5000 per couple ($2500 per person) when you book INKK10 – 10 Day Kolkata and Lower Ganges Cruise or INKV12 – 12 Day Kolkata, Varanasi and Lower Ganges Cruise – 14 Sep 2025. Valid until July 31 2025 or until sold out.
2. Murray River Paddlesteamers: 4-night Explorer Cruise
- Experience river cruising in Australia like never before, embarking from Echuca in Victoria.
- Be one of the first to board the $7 million PS Australian Star.
- Save up to 20 per cent on overnight cruises in 2026 and 2027 aboard PS Australian Star when you book by June 30, 2025.
To celebrate the countdown towards the debut of their brand new $7 million vessel, Murray River Paddlesteamers is offering savings of up to 20 per cent on overnight cruises aboard the luxury PS Australian Star. The modern-day paddlesteamer will also sport a modern, energy-efficient, hybrid diesel/steam propulsion system featuring the 1907 wood-fired steam engine, adding a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to the journey.
Murray River Paddlesteamers will operate luxury cruises leaving from the Port of Echuca along the Murray River, which was named one of the 25 best places in the world to travel in 2025 by National Geographic. Support from Australiaโs iconic travel group, APT, will no doubt help Murray River Paddlesteamers to create incredible itineraries for guests aboard their ships.
The highlights:
- Guided tour of Restdown Winery & wetlands, followed by a delicious lunch.
- Explore Perricoota Stationโs enchanting gardens, the location for the iconic Australian television series, All the Rivers Run.
- Narrated town coach tour of historical Echuca sites.
- Cruise aboard the venerable 110-year-old PS Canberra, sipping on traditional morning tea.
- Riverside BBQ dining under the stars, campfire and live entertainment.
- Torrumbarry Weir and its surroundings.
- Experience all-day cruising with a historical commentary.
- Passenger lift to all decks and accommodation.
What’s included:
- Luxury air-conditioned Stateroom or Suite with private ensuite.
- All onboard meals including morning and afternoon teas.
- Regionally-inspired meals prepared by onboard chef.
- Limited edition Complimentary gift.
- Complimentary selected wine & beer with dinner service.
- Uniquely crafted onshore guided tours.
- Complimentary transfer to/from PS Australian Star in Echuca.
- Espresso coffee, tea, soft drink & bottled water.
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the ship and in your Stateroom.
Price:
- A saving of 15 per cent is available on four sailings in January, 2026, lasting three, four or seven-nights, with fares from A$2270 per person, twin-share, for a three-night journey, including the 15 per cent discount.
- A 20 per cent saving is available on newly released sailings aboard Australian Star throughout 2027. Fares are from A$2296 per person, twin-share, for a three-night journey, including the discount.
3. Avalon Waterways: Rhine & Rhรดne Revealed with 2 nights in French Riviera for Wine Lovers (Southbound)
- Cruise aboard Avalon View or Avalon Poetry II with a certified sommelier on this romantic wine lover cruise.
- Spend 17 days travelling through the best of the Netherlands, Germany and France.
- Save $9600 per couple on this 2026 itinerary when booking before July 1, 2025.
Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous European river cruise vacation along the Rhine, Saรดne, and Rhรดne Rivers. A Certified Sommelier will accompany you on your French river cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.
The highlights:
Enjoy spectacular views and romantic splendour on this magical journey that concludes with a night in Marseilles. Your adventure begins in Hollandโs popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten. Next, Cologne, Germany, a 2,000-year-old city best known for its Gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral, comes alive on a guided walk.
Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. You’ll continue your Rhine River cruise to Speyer for a guided walk and visit to the Wine Museum, or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle. In Tournus, enjoy an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar, before cruising to Lyon, where you’ll discover the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways.
What’s included:
- Stays in first-class French Riviera hotels.
- A certified Sommelier will accompany you on your French river cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.
- Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi.
- Panoramic windows throughout the ship.
- Elegant, contemporary design & decor.
- Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director.
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges.
- Covered Observation Lounge.
- Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day.
- Active shore excursions, both included and optional
- Fitness Centre.
Price:
- From $10,461 per person.
4. AmaWaterways: Magna on the Danube Festive Delights
- Cruise aboard the sleek AmaMagna and enjoy Christmas Markets along the storied Danube River.
- Sail from Budapest to Vilshofen, 28 December 2025.
- Exclusive triple savings offer (Save $1500pp, stateroom upgrade and $50 onboard credit).
The highlights:
Indulge your passion for awe-inspiring architecture, timeless music, breathtaking landscapes and culinary delights on this beautifully curated itinerary specifically designed for AmaMagna at the most festive time of year. An apricot brandy and chocolate tasting in Dรผrnstein and an exclusive wine festival in Spitz are only a few of the epicurean experiences in which you will indulge, in addition to either a Christmas feast or a delicious New Yearโs Eve gala dinner on board, depending on your departure.
Vienna, home to a treasure trove of Baroque splendours, including its grand Schรถnbrunn Palace, gives you a glimpse into bygone grandeur with the magic of wintertime, while Budapest and Bratislava offer a vibrant mix of east and west adorned with holiday splendour. With plenty of daytime scenic sailing, you’ll be able to enjoy the extraordinary AmaMagna to its fullestโfrom the Al Fresco Restaurant to the enchanting decorations and seasonal traditions occurring inside the ship and out!
What’s included:
- Tastes of Slovakia tour in Bratislava.
- Melk Abbey visit.
- Full day in Salzburg or visit ฤeskรฝ Krumlov.
- 7 nights luxury accommodation.
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues, including The Chefโs Table specialty restaurant.
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast.
- Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks.
- Your choice of up to eight immersive excursions each day.
- In-room Entertainment on Demand.
- High-speed Wi-Fi access.
- An array of amenities on our flagship double-wide AmaMagna.
- Gratuities and Port Charges.
Price:
From $8720 per person, with triple savings (save $1500pp, stateroom upgrade and $50 onboard credit).
5. Abercrombie & Kent: Cruising the Blue Danube: Budapest, Vienna & Prague
- Cruise the Danube for seven nights over 11 days, with a two-night stay in the beautiful Prague.
- Sail aboard the Amadeus Riva, which carries a maximum of 158 passengers.
- Save 50% on the single supplement on select departures.
The highlights:
Cruise the Danube for seven nights in style, sampling the history and culture of five countries as you visit a centuries-old castle, attend a classical music concert in Vienna and finish amid the cobblestoned charms of Prague. You’ll experience 11 days of exclusive sightseeing, including a two-night stay in historic Prague.
Guests will be able to take in the elegant Sound of Vienna concert from premier seats in the famous Kursalon. In Bratislava, A&K will take you to visit the 18th-century Primate’s Palace and view St. Martin’s Cathedral. After a day of spectacular cultural tours, you’ll arrive back on board, where you’ll enjoy a private cocktail party and an exclusive Chef’s Highlights dinner. You’ll also visit the historic Salzburg, where nature meets architectural beauty. Expert guides will take you for a full day of exploration around the city’s beautiful lakes region.
What’s included:
- A range of stunning shore excursions.
- The vessel features a fitness facility, massage room, lounge, panoramic bar, sun deck and cafรฉ.
- Travelling Bell Boy Luggage Handling.
- English-Speaking Resident Tour Director and Local Guides.
- Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers.
- Travellerโs Valet Laundry Service.
- Internet Access.
- Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director.
- 24/7 A&K On-Call Support.
Price:
- From $15,300 per person.
6. Scenic: Treasures of the Mekong
- Cruise aboard a 5-star Scenic ship down the stunning Mekong.
- 15-day cruise from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Siem Reap in Cambodia, aboard Scenic Spirit.
- Book by July 30, 2025 and enjoy economy flights included and a complimentary suite upgrade on board Scenic River Cruise II.
The highlights:
Sail down the Mekong River with Scenic and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures and breathtaking wildlife of this dynamic region. Guests will stay on a luxurious Scenic River Cruise II and enjoy a complimentary suite upgrade. Scenic’s Enrich experiences will elevate your cruise, from soaring in a tethered balloon ride above the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat to embarking on an exclusive tour of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
A Vespa foodie night tour of Saigon will give guests an insight into the flavours of Southern Vietnam in a truly authentic experience. Scenic will also provide VIP seats to Phare Circus in Siem Reap, an almost hypnotic experience that tells the stories of Cambodia through theatre, music, dance and spellbinding circus tricks, earning its place as one of the top-rated modern cultural performances in the region.
What’s included:
- Exclusive Gala Dinner at an Angkor temple.
- 5-star Scenic ship with luxurious one-bedroom balcony suites.
- Up to four on board dining options, from casual to fine dining.
- 32 meals โ 12 breakfasts (B), 10 lunches (L) and 10 dinners (D).
- Complimentary beverages all day throughout your 7-night cruise.
- Same Scenic Tour Director from start to finish.
- Butler service for all guests throughout your 7-night cruise.
- Scenic Cruise Director and Tour Director with expert local guides.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your 7-night cruise.
- All tipping and gratuities.
Price:
From $7395 per person.
7. AmaWaterways: Taste of Bordeaux
- Cruise aboard AmaDolce.
- Sail on a round trip from Bordeaux on November 27, 2025.
- Exclusive triple savings offer (Save $1500pp, stateroom upgrade and $50 onboard credit).
The highlights:
From romantic walks to red wine, Bordeaux is the cultural capital of all that is quintessentially French. Follow wine’s journey from countryside to cask as you tour centuries-old vineyards and taste Bordeaux’s finest vintages throughout your river cruise experience. Step into living history when you visit historic Roquetaillade Castle and Chรขteau Boutinet, delighting in their elegant dรฉcor and regal architecture.
Then, contrast their grandeur with the pastoral gems, including the historic village of Saint-รmilion and the seaside resort of Soulac-sur-Mer. Explore the cobblestone streets of Bordeaux and the rolling hills of the French countryside on foot or by bicycle, experiencing southern France according to your tastes. After indulging in Bordeaux’s colourful culture and rich flavours, you and your palate will remember this journey for years to come.
Whatโs included:
- Saint-รmilion excursion and Grand Cru Classรฉ wine tasting.
- Roquetaillade Castle with Sauternes wine tasting.
- A visit to the Bordeaux Citรฉ du Vin.
- 7 nights luxury accommodation.
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues, including The Chefโs Table specialty restaurant.
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast.
- Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks.
- Your choice of up to five immersive excursions each day.
- In-room Entertainment on Demand.
- High-speed Wi-Fi access.
- Gratuities and Port Charges.
Price:
From $4938pp, with triple savings (save $1500pp, stateroom upgrade and $50 onboard credit).
8. Tauck: All-inclusive savings
- All-inclusive covers all shore and onboard experiences.
- Pay one upfront price, with no additional options.
- No single supplement charges ever for all Category 1 staterooms.
Tauck stands out as the river cruise line that consistently delivers exceptional value through its all-inclusive pricing, offering extensive savings every time, not just during limited-time deals. As such, they proudly promote the benefits of an all-inclusive itinerary to a greater degree than almost any other cruise line, making luxury and comfort a standard, not an upgrade.
If it means a better travel experience, Tauck includes it โ aboard and ashore. Exclusive cultural experiences ashore are found nowhere else. All shore excursions. Superb accommodations. All gratuities. Entertainment, admissions, tastings, on-tour transportation, and transfers upon arrival and departure are all covered in one upfront price. And no options are sold, ever.
In addition to the all-inclusive savings, Tauck insists no single supplement is charged ever for all Category 1 staterooms on every itinerary offeredโฆ itโs a strong message for single travellers.
Romantic Capitals: Paris to Prague
This week, we’re spotlighting Tauck’s exclusively inclusive 14-day Romantic Capitals: Paris to Prague cruise.
Tauck’s journey from Paris to Prague transits the historic Rhine-Main-Danube canal, visits renowned wine regions, picturesque villages, and destinations off-the-beaten path, and includes multiple-night stays at premier hotels in the heart of Paris and Prague.
Exclusive excursions on this itinerary include:
- Private aperitif and dinner in Prague at Lobkowicz Palace, Prague Castle.
- Private evening at Schlosshotel Kronberg featuring a reception, dinner and music performance.
- Private visit to the motor racing track, Nรผrburgring, to view race cars with a local guide and learn about the history of racing here.
Tauckโs all-inclusive cruises take care of every detail:
- All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director.
- All private Tauck shore excursionsโ $8026 value.
- Unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship include regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted.
- 31 meals; select meals in local restaurants; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharges.
Price:
- From $14,840 per person.
Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence
In addition to the stunning Romantic Capitals: Paris to Prague itinerary, Tauck’s Savouring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence cruise is not one to miss. Guests will depart on a 10-day Rhรดne River cruise through vineyard-lined landscapes and historic towns, where wine is just one part of a region rich in culture, cuisine, timeless Provenรงal charm, and everyday moments that linger long after your cruise ends.
Exclusive excursions on this itinerary include:
- An evening at the 12th-century Duchรฉ d’Uzรจs.
- Pastry class for Tauck guests at Le Cordon Bleu Paris.
- Food walking tour in Paris featuring local specialties.
- Provenรงal lunch at a private ranch in La Camargue.
- Reception and dinner at Fouquet’s, followed by a city lights tour of Paris at night.
- Private wine tastings in Beaujolais and Chรขteaneuf-du-Pape.
- A walking tour of historic Vieux Lyon and a tasting at Les Halles de Lyon.
Tauckโs all-inclusive cruises take care of every detail:
- All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director.
- Tauck’s private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $4963.
- Unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship include regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted.
- 23 meals; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharges.
Price:
- From $10,590 per person.
