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In the back of nearly every traveler's mind when they begin planning a vacation is the question, how much will it cost?
The short answer: it depends.
Vacation planning is much like buying a car. You choose different options based on your preferences and priorities. With many choices available, pricing can vary widely.
I'll do my best to break down these components and shed some light on the factors that drive the costs for a River Cruise itinerary.
River cruises give culture-hungry travelers an alternative to traditional land trips. They operate on historic waterways around the globe, including Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, Russia, and the US.
One of river cruising's advantages is that travelers unpack once then travel effortlessly from port to port, never scrambling to repack and catch the next tour, train, or transfer. Ships usually travel at night and dock in the city center, so passengers step off the ship into the heart of their destination each morning.
The all-inclusive nature of river cruise price structures makes it a great value when compared to land-based itineraries, especially when you compare all the components.
Fares vary from one cruise line to another and from route to route, but travelers should plan to spend $2500 or more per person for a 7-day voyage, or $300 - $500/day. This includes transportation, accommodations, meals, beverages, tours, and more.
Let's take a look at what factors contribute to river cruise fares.
Where Will You Travel?
Pricing structures vary depending on what part of the world you're traveling to, and airfare to your embarkation point is also a consideration.
Europe is most affordable, with the broadest range of options, from cost-conscious to luxury. US fares tend to be similar to their European counterparts, minus the international flights.
The Amazon is the most expensive river to cruise, thanks in large part to the cost of getting there. Nile River cruise prices are also on the higher end, but airfare to Egypt is usually fairly stable.
When Will You Travel?
The summer and early fall months are peak seasons for most river cruises, depending on which continent you're exploring. Shoulder season, or the weeks before and after peak season, allows travelers to experience the beauty and history of these spectacular waterways with fewer crowds and cruise fares anywhere from 10 to 40% lower.
Let me give you an example: AmaWaterways' 2022 7-night Romantic Danube cruise between Budapest and Vilshofen ranges between $2149 in March and $4199 in September/October (per person base prices). Prices bounce up a bit in late November and December for the Christmas Market season.
How long is your Voyage?
Most river cruises run from 7 to 14 nights, though there are exceptions. Avalon Waterways offers 4-night cruises that cater to time-strapped travelers who want to “dip their toes” in river cruises. AmaWaterways recently announced a 46-night river cruise that will sail 7 rivers and visit 14 countries.
Who are you Traveling With? - Cruise Line
River cruise lines differentiate themselves on a variety of factors. There's a cruise operator to match a range of budgets from ultra-luxury experiences with in-suite butler service to budget-conscious options and in-between.
Depending on your travel style and budget, choose from luxury brands like Uniworld and Crystal, premium lines such as Amawaterways, and contemporary options like Viking and Avalon Waterways.
Cruise operators and even specific sailings can be geared to particular interests, such as gastronomy, wellness, music, genealogy, or golf. There's even a river cruise line designed for Millenials. Keep your interests and preferences in mind when considering your options.
Cabin Selection
Cabins on river cruise ships can vary widely from line to line. Standard cabins in Europe range between 150 - 170 square feet, and suites are around 220 square feet. The lower the deck, the less expensive the cabin.
In general, passengers choose from four categories: window only, French balcony, balcony, and suites. A French balcony is a large glass window that slides open to let fresh air in. It does not have the step-out veranda that a balcony cabin would.
Who are you traveling With? - Family & Friends
River cruises provide an excellent venue for traveling with a group of family or friends. Ships are intimate, averaging around 160 passengers in a relaxed setting. It's easy to go connect and/or go your own way exploration, meals, or relaxing on the sundeck.
Many cruise lines extend group benefits (for example a free stateroom) to groups as small as 10 passengers. Groups can be an informal cluster of couples that enjoy traveling together, a special interest group like a garden club, or a themed sailing centering on a chef, winemaker, or author for example.
Inclusions
River cruising is more inclusive than ocean cruising, though inclusions vary from one river cruise line to the next. So, in addition to the base price, it's also important to know which extras are bundled with your rate.
In general, the higher the base cruise fare, the more All-Inclusive the package. You can expect most cruise lines to offer certain standard inclusions, like WiFi, guided excursions, and beer and wine with lunch and dinner. Some operators include port charges and gratuities in their base fares; others don't. Here are some components that may or may not be included, depending on the cruise line you sail with:
Airport Transfers:
Transfers are not typically included in the fare, though some operators include them if the cruise line books your airfare. Uniworld, Scenic, and Emerald Waterways don't charge extra for transfers for any passengers, regardless of how they book their air.
Port Charges, Taxes, and Gratuities:
Gratuities for the cruise ship staff, tour guides, and motorcoach drivers are not mandatory but are often expected. Port charges and taxes, of course, are obligatory. Some lines roll these costs into their cruise fares.
Gratuities, when not included, can be added to your onboard account and paid in cash or by credit card. AmaWaterways offers an option to pre-pay gratuities.
Wi-Fi:
Included in most cases, but connectivity can be slow or spotty, except when you are docked in a city where ships have direct access to faster internet.
Beverages:
Many companies include complimentary beverages, but specifics vary by cruise line. Soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and tea are generally included.
In terms of alcoholic beverages, some include beer and wine with lunch or dinner, others allow you to drink your choice of beverage at any time. Some include premium brands, others only house options. Some offer the same beer and wine throughout the voyage, others swap in regional selections as you travel.
Shore Excursions:
Most packages include at least one shore excursion in every port, but the quality and variety of excursions can differ greatly. Some lines also offer premium excursions for a fee.
Wellness:
Some ships offer onboard fitness centers, fitness classes (think yoga on the sundeck), and a pool. Many have bicycles available for cycling excursions or independent exploration.
Laundry:
Options may include free laundry service, complimentary access to washers and dryers during your voyage, or laundry service for a fee.
Non-cruise Costs:
Keep in mind that the cruise fare does not cover all the trip costs. Airfare, pre- and post-cruise stays, and travel insurance also contribute to your bottom line.
Incentives:
Most river cruise lines offer a variety of incentives like early booking, free or reduced airfare, or discounts on pre- or post- land extensions. These offers change regularly, so be sure to check with your travel advisor to maximize your savings.
River cruising is an excellent way to explore a region's culture, history, and cuisine. Costs vary between cruise lines, itineraries, and reservation options. Consider the factors that hold the most value for you and best align with your travel style when planning your travels.
Have questions about river cruises? Email me and I'll be happy to help.
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