Knowing what’s included in your river cruise (and what’s not) can sometimes be a deciding factor as to which river cruise company to book. While our comparisons identify much of what’s included, sometimes the answer requires more than a simple yes or no. For example, while most of the river cruise companies that we write about offer complimentary shore excursions in ports of call, some charge for “optional” excursions. Also, airport transfers are included when air tickets are purchased with the river cruise company, but may not be included otherwise. What about port charges? Not all companies include those either. What follows is our cheatsheet for what each company includes in their river cruises.
AmaWaterways: Beer, wine and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner; sparkling wine with breakfast; and complimentary cocktails during Happy Hour, which was introduced in 2018. Complimentary shore excursions included in every port, along with complimentary Special Interest Tours. AmaWaterways features twin balconies, both a French and an outside balcony, in many staterooms. In addition to the main dining room, AmaWaterways features The Chef’s Table restaurant, with multi-course, wine-paired dinners at no additional charge. Light lunches and breakfast are served in the lounge, along with full lunches and breakfast served in the main dining room. There are other nice touches on board like gluten-free snacks, fruits, Gemstone detox water, 24/7 coffee stations and more. Airport transfers are included when purchasing air through AmaWaterways. Pre-paid gratuities are offered. Wifi included (and it works well). Port charges not included.
Avalon Waterways: Beer and wine included with lunch and dinner; sparkling wine with breakfast. Coffee, tea and non-alcoholic beverages complimentary 24/7. In addition to the main dining room, Avalon offers small group (30 people) reservations to Panorama Bistro (light menu paired with wine). When weather permits, grilled lunches are available on the Sky Deck. Meals can also be served in the Club Lounge and Panorama Lounge. Some optional tours require a fee. Airport transfers included when purchasing air from Avalon. Avalon’s beds face floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors for gorgeous views while your head is propped on the pillow. Stocked in-room mini-bar incurs charges for each item selected. Wifi included. Port charges not included.
CroisiEurope: All beverages included except for premium champagnes and wines. Complimentary shore excursions included in every port. Wifi included. Port charges included.
Crystal River Cruises: Everything is included, except for port charges. All of Crystal’s new-builds feature Panoramic Balcony Windows, which function, in essence, like balconies. Wifi included.
Emerald Cruises: Complimentary shore excursions in every port. Wine, beer and soda complimentary with lunch and dinner. All staterooms restocked daily with bottled water. Owner’s Suites come with complimentary stocked mini-bars. Room service included for suites. Laundry concierge available for a fee; complimentary for suites. Wifi included. Port charges included.
Riviera: Riviera’s beverage package, which includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner, goes for $159 a week. Wifi included. Port charges included.
Scenic: Everything is included for all guests, regardless of ship or suite.
Teeming River Cruises: Excursions are optional, and guests can choose which excursions to add to their cruise on an a la carte basis for a fee. Guests have the option to purchase a Standard Drink Package, which includes Beer & Wine with lunch and dinner or the Premium Drink Package, allowing guests access to premium beverages 24/7. Specialty coffee and tea beverages are available anytime. Bikes are available on certain ships. Personalized discounted airfare is available for guests. Port charges not included.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection: Uniworld charges for at least one optional excursion, the Vienna Evening Concert at 75 euros. Free laundry service in higher-end suites across its fleet. Additionally, most Uniworld ships have complimentary self-service laundry facilities for passengers to use; only River Royale, River Baroness, Douro Spirit, and River Victoria lack this feature in the European-based fleet. Room Service and Butler Service on Uniworld is at the suite level only. Wifi included. Port charges not included.
Viking River Cruises: A complimentary shore excursion is included in every port; there are also additional optional shore excursions available on every itinerary. Beer, wine and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner. Specialty coffee and teas available anytime. Optional Silver Spirit beverage packages are available for an extra fee, making drinks all-inclusive. Room service, stocked mini-bars and laundry are included for Explorer Suites. Bicycles and gyms are available ashore and arranged by Viking. Airport transfers included when booking air (or receiving free air) with Europe. Some promotions offered prepaid gratuities or shipboard credits. Port charges included.
Viking River includes WiFi. Missing from your entry.
Thank you great information.
We have found, for your money, Emerald Waterways is the best European river cruise line. The service, room sizes, amenities, and their people are
the best. This year will be our 5th year river cruising in Europe.
Thanks for your comment.
Curious as to why Emerald when everything is included on Scenic? What makes Emerald stand out?
Please send newsletters.
You’ll need to subscribe, here https://landing.rivercruiseadvisor.com/subscribe
Thank you for putting this together. A lot simpler than looking at the brochures.
Thanks for the feedback!
Do any of these river cruise companies offer single rooms (without a single supplement)? Thank you for all the helpful info!
Some do, such as Riviera. We have a page about solo travel here, https://rivercruiseadvisor.com/2019/05/single-supplements-for-solo-travelers-2019-update/
Avalon Waterways offers 5 cabins per sailing without a single supplement.
Riviera River Cruises offers 13 departures just for solo travelers at no surcharges
Also on all other departures we offer 6 cabins with no surcharge
On Viking Ocean Cruises, at least, in addition to what you mentioned, complimentary self laundry is provided.,not just for suites. At least one restaurant offers dining with wine paring , all restaurants are complimentary. Weather permitting there is open outdoor seating, great at breakfast time before the heat of the sun.Two pools,towels provided poolside, excellent first class entertainment as well as invited experts who give talks on local history, culture and such, great movies are shown, weather permitting outdoor movies by the pool under the stars, complimentary popcorn, and blankets, afternoon tea with chamber music. A good library.A wonderful gathering place in the Atrium, called the Living Room, where complimentary coffees and pastries and drinks are served, trivia games , music and conversation.Highly recommended.
I know you are mentioming river cruises but many of the thins I have mentioned also apply.
Yes, some of this applies to Viking’s river cruises. The river ships don’t feature all that the ocean ships do, but Viking does strive for continuity between its river and ocean experiences.
We travelled on AMAREINA from Amsterdam to Budapest in October 2019 and everything was included except some high end wine & spirits. There were NO port charges or any other extras. We could not fault their organising of the voyage.
Were you cruising with APT or AmaWaterways? I’m assuming APT by the way you spelled organising. APT is AmaWaterways’ Australian partner, and APT’s inclusions are different from Ama’s. Generally, APT includes more (but may be priced higher initially).
I believe airport transfers when purchasing Air is only included on the day of your pre or the end of your post land package and if you are only doing the river cruise, it is included if it’s the day of embarking and the day your leave the ship. If you come in one day before the ship embarks, you pay for your transfer for example. That has been my experience.
That is true. Typically, transfers for those who purchase air are included only if you stay with the cruise program – and not deviate by coming in a day early, which we always recommend doing.