Like European hotel stays, flights abroad and just about everything else in travel, river cruises are getting more expensive. To get an idea of how much prices have changed in recent years, we compared average daily rates for weeklong Seine River cruises in 2019 to those in 2025, using equivalent itineraries and stateroom categories across five major river cruise operators.

In 2019, the average per diem was $529 per person. For 2025 departures, that figure has jumped to $634 per person per day. This represents a significant increase of nearly 20 percent—translating to more than $1,400 extra per couple for the same weeklong cruise. Such a drastic change in pricing is crucial for those researching the cost of river cruises, as it directly impacts their travel budgets and decisions.

To put it another way, what cost around $7,400 for two in 2019 now costs closer to $8,900 in 2025—before accounting for flights and additional expenses. The total cost can vary greatly depending on the cruise line, itinerary and additional services chosen.

Understanding the Cost of River Cruises

Several factors are contributing to the rise in prices.

• Rising operating costs, including fuel, staffing, food and docking fees.
• Increased demand, especially as travelers prioritized quality experiences post-pandemic.
• Global inflation, which continues to push travel prices upward across the board.

There is some question as to whether demand is waning, and it’s hard to get accurate numbers from privately held companies (although Viking is now a publicly traded company). What we do know about Viking is that its May 2025 bookings have been running ahead of expectations, showing improvement over the choppy environment in March and April.

Viking’s river cruises are outperforming its ocean cruises in terms of both volume and pricing over the last 45 days. And Viking is seeing price increases for both 2025 (+7%) and 2026 (+4%), despite macroeconomic uncertainty. Moreover, Viking is more than 95 percent booked for 2025 and around 28 percent booked for 2026, indicating strong forward demand and long booking curves that insulate it from short-term volatility. On specific rivers, the Douro River is nearing capacity, while the Rhine and Danube still have room for growth. We can assume that the other river cruise companies are experiencing similar trends.

So despite some temporary dips earlier in the year, momentum for the river cruise industry has resumed, and forward bookings and pricing trends remain strong. We are not expecting prices to decline anytime soon.

Travelers, like us, feel river cruising offers excellent value—particularly when it includes nearly everything: meals, drinks, gratuities and shore excursions. Such inclusivity can make river cruises a worthwhile investment compared to traditional travel experiences where many costs are hidden or additional.

What Are Travelers Willing to Pay for River Cruises?

We asked members of River Cruise Advisor Crew (our Facebook group): What would you be willing to spend for top-of-the-line river cruise experiences if your staterooms measured more than 250 square feet and everything was included (drinks, gratuities, shore excursions, and transfers)—except for flights? The results were insightful:

• 57% said “Not More than $650 per person per day.”
• 9% would stretch to $750 per person per day.
• 34% were willing to go as high as $1,000 per person per day for a luxury experience.

These responses suggest that while many travelers may be feeling the pinch, a sizable portion are still willing to pay top dollar for an exceptional cruise. This willingness to invest in quality travel experiences highlights the importance of service and amenities in attracting customers.

So the question becomes: What is that experience worth to you? For many, the convenience, comfort, and immersive travel make it a justifiable splurge. An unforgettable river cruise offers unique itineraries, scenic landscapes, and a chance to relax far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For others, careful planning and off-season travel may offer a way to keep costs under control without sacrificing the river cruise dream.

Let us know—what would you be willing to pay for the perfect river cruise experience? Share your thoughts and travel preferences with us.

Also see our Price Comparisons Chart, a helpful resource to analyze different cruise options and make informed decisions for your next travel adventure