One of the most common questions we hear from readers and clients planning a Rhône sailing is simple: what does a Rhône river cruise actually cost?
Our Rhône River Cruise Guide breaks down pricing across multiple cruise lines using our “True Per Diem” approach – a daily cost comparison that factors in incentives, inclusions and extras so you can see how each sailing really stacks up.
Comparison charts serve as a guide and attempt to answer the most frequently asked questions from our readers:
- What is a Rhône river cruise going to cost me?
- How does the cruise I am looking at compare to Rhone river cruises offered by other companies?
- What is the price for an entry-level cabin?
- What’s the price for an upgrade?
- What’s included in a 2027 Rhône River cruise?
- What Rhône river cruise incentives are there for 2025?
- Our goal is to provide a True Per Diem for each cruise, or the daily cost breakdown of the trip once all extra fees are added to the cruise fare.
Why Cruise The Rhône?
The Rhône is the river for travelers who want France distilled into one itinerary. Sailing between Lyon and Arles (or Avignon), Rhône cruises focus less on capital cities and more on regional identity – wine, cuisine, Roman history and the relaxed elegance of Provence and Burgundy.
Most itineraries operate between Lyon and Arles or Avignon. Some ships begin or end in Port-Saint-Louis on the Mediterranean, while others include stops in Tarascon between Avignon and Arles.
Along the way, guests experience a side of France that feels layered and lived-in. Rhône cruises may include:
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Walking tours through Lyon, France’s culinary capital.
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Visits to Roman ruins in Arles and Vienne.
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Wine tastings in Beaujolais and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
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Excursions to Pont du Gard, one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world.
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Time in Avignon, home to the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes.
For art lovers, Arles carries particular significance. Vincent van Gogh lived and painted here for over a year, and the city’s light and landscape still reflect the scenes captured in his work.
The Rhône River Cruise Experience
Most Rhône itineraries sail seven nights between Lyon and Arles or Avignon, with some programs extending north on the Saône River toward Burgundy. Unlike multi-country rivers such as the Danube, the Rhône offers a more focused regional experience entirely within France.
Sailing alternates between vineyard-lined countryside and historic river towns shaped by Roman and medieval influence. The pace feels balanced – mornings are often spent on guided tours, while afternoons may include scenic cruising or time to explore independently.
Most cruise lines include at least one shore excursion per day. Depending on the company, guests may choose between:
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Classic guided walking tours.
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Active options such as biking along the Rhône or Saône.
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Culinary-focused experiences centered on wine, cheese and regional cuisine.
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Optional specialty excursions available for an additional fee.
Evenings tend to reflect the region – local wines, seasonal menus and a relaxed atmosphere rather than late-night programming.
Bon Voyage!
Understanding The Pricing Charts
The prices in this chart are based on double occupancy. The upgrade costs for a cabin with a balcony are per person. The value of the incentive is broken down per day, per person. True per diem will include the savings of incentives/discounts offered at the time of research as well as the imputed value of items that are not included.
Prices and details reflect information available at the time of research. Cruise lines offer varying incentives with differing time limits or deadlines, and it is best to check with a travel agent or the cruise company’s website. The incentives that are included in the charts were current at the time they were compiled and may no longer apply or there may be a new special offer.
What Does A Rhône Cruise Cost?
Summer 2027 Rhône Pricing
| AmaWaterways | Avalon | Emerald | Riverside | Riviera | Scenic | Tauck | Uniworld | Viking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ship | AmaKristina | Avalon Poetry II | Emerald Liberte | Ravel | MS Lord Byron | Space Ship | MS Lumiere | SS Catherine | Buri |
| Rate | $5,579 | $5,351 | $10,390 | $6,567 | $5,141 | $12,890 | $8,990 | $5,299 | $3,499 |
| Sailing Date | June 10, 2027 | June 8, 2027 | June 12, 2027 | June 9, 2027 | June 9, 2027 | July 9, 2027 | June 11, 2027 | June 13, 2027 | June 13, 2027 |
| Nights | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 7 |
| Itinerary | Colors Of Provence | Burgundy & Provence | Sensations Of Lyon & Provence | Rhône River Roaming | Burgundy, The River Rhône & Provence | Idyllic Rhône | Savoring France | Burgundy & Provence | Lyon-Avignon |
| Embark/disembark | Arles - Lyon | Lyon-Arles | Marseille-Lyon | Paris-Lyon | Avignon-Lyon | Lyon-Nice | Lyon-Paris | Arles-Lyon | Avignon-Lyon |
| Cabin Category | Category E | Category D,E | Stateroom E | Category 1 | Lower Deck | Category E | Category 1 | Classic | Standard F |
| Square Footage | 160 | 172 | 170 | 188 | 161 | 160 | 150 | 162 | 150 |
| Room With A View? | Window | Window | Window | Balcony | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window |
| Per diem | $797 | $764 | $1,484 | $938 | $734 | $1,841 | $999 | $757 | $500 |
| Gratuities (on ship) | $25 | $25 | Included | Included | $25 | Included | Included | Included | $25 |
| Gratuities (on shore) | $5.00 | $5.00 | Included | Included | $5.00 | Included | Included | Included | $5.00 |
| Beverages | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Current Incentive | $500 | $375 | $5,195 | N/A | $1,542 | $6,445 | N/A | $530 | N/A |
| Value of Incentive | $71 | $54 | $742 | N/A | $220 | $921 | N/A | $76 | N/A |
| True Per Diem | $756 | $741 | $742 | $938 | $544 | $921 | $999 | $681 | $530 |
| Per Diem/Square Foot | $4.72 | $4.31 | $4.37 | $4.99 | $3.38 | $5.75 | $6.66 | $4.21 | $3.53 |
| Balcony Upgrade | $1,599 | $1,899 | $850 | N/A | $950 | $1,550 | $1,250 | $470 | $1,800 |
| Balcony Per Diem | $984 | $1,012 | $864 | N/A | $680 | $1,142 | $1,138 | $748 | $787 |
| updated 2/22/2026 |
* Per Diem – The rate divided by the number of nights on board, indicated per person but based on double occupancy. Solo travelers will, in most cases, pay single supplements.
* Beverages – All river cruise companies below offer complimentary soft drinks, speciality coffees, beer and wine during lunch and dinner.
* Current Incentive (per person) – Companies offer a range of incentives, from early-booking savings to two-for-ones and reduced or free air. The incentives are always changing so be sure to check with your travel advisor or the cruise company about current offers.
Autumn 2027 Rhône Pricing
| AmaWaterways | Avalon | Emerald | Riverside | Riviera | Scenic | Tauck | Uniworld | Viking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ship | AmaKristina | Avalon Poetry II | Emerald Liberte | Ravel | MS Lord Byron | Space Ship | MS Lumiere | SS Catherine | Delling |
| Rate | $5,179 | $4,751 | $9,590 | $7,493 | $3,784 | $13,290 | $8,490 | $4,699 | $3,299 |
| Sailing Date | October 21, 2027 | October 26, 2027 | October 16, 2027 | October 6, 2027 | October 22, 2027 | September 25, 2027 | October 25, 2027 | October 24, 2027 | October 20, 2027 |
| Nights | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 7 |
| Itinerary | Colors of Provence | Burgundy & Provence | Sensations Of Lyon & Provence | Savoring France | Burgundy, The River Rhône & Provence | Idyllic Rhône | Savoring France | Burgundy & Provence | Lyon & Provence |
| Embark/disembark | Lyon-Arles | Lyon-Arles | Marseille-Lyon | Paris-Lyon | Lyon-Avignon | Lyon-Nice | Paris-Lyon | Lyon-Arles | Lyon-Avignon |
| Cabin Category | Category E | Category D,E | Stateroom E | Category 1 | Lower Deck | Category E | Category 1 | Classic | Standard F |
| Square Footage | 160 | 172 | 170 | 188 | 161 | 160 | 150 | 162 | 150 |
| Room With A View? | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window |
| Per diem | $740 | $679 | $1,370 | $833 | $541 | $1,899 | $943 | $671 | $471 |
| Gratuities (on ship) | $25 | $25 | Included | Included | $25 | Included | Included | Included | $25 |
| Gratuities (on shore) | $5.00 | $5.00 | Included | Included | $5.00 | Included | Included | Included | $5.00 |
| Beverages | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Current Incentive | $250 | $1,000 | $4,795 | N/A | $1,135 | $6,645 | N/A | $480 | N/A |
| Value of Incentive | $36 | $143 | $685 | N/A | $162 | $949 | N/A | $69 | N/A |
| True Per Diem | $734 | $566 | $685 | $833 | $408 | $949 | $943 | $603 | $501 |
| Per Diem/Square Foot | $4.59 | $3.29 | $4.03 | $4.43 | $2.54 | $5.93 | $6.29 | $3.72 | $3.34 |
| Balcony Upgrade | $1,599 | $1,899 | $850 | N/A | $950 | $1,550 | $1,750 | $1,650 | $1,400 |
| Balcony Per Diem | $963 | $837 | $806 | N/A | $544 | $1,171 | $1,138 | $838 | $701 |
| updated 2/22/2026 |
Which Company Is Right For Me?
| Cruise Company | Best For |
|---|---|
| AmaWaterways | Travelers who like to stay active. Days include biking and hiking along the river and in towns, plus excursions mixing history, culture and outdoor adventure. Evenings highlight local food, wine and culture. |
| Avalon Waterways | Guests who want a combination of well-planned sightseeing and comfortable, thoughtfully designed ships. The ships are airy with panoramic windows, and excursions include early museum access, guided city tours and easy ways to see the landmarks before the crowds. |
| CroisiEurope | Travelers who want an approachable, no-fuss cruise with European charm. Excursions cover the main highlights, the line offers solid inclusions at a lower price point than some of the others. |
| Emerald Cruises | Travelers who want a polished experience without feeling stripped down. Excursions offer a good mix of sightseeing, active options and local experiences, and the inclusions tend to be strong for the price point. |
| Riverside Luxury Cruises | Luxury travelers who enjoy attentive service and a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. Onboard is where Riverside shines, with elegant public spaces, refined dining and staff who notice the little details. Excursions are thoughtfully curated and most cabins feature walk-in closets. |
| Riviera | Guests looking for value. Riviera is a UK-based company with competitive pricing and well-run itineraries. A good choice for those who want a solid cruise experience without paying luxury fares. |
| Scenic | Luxury travelers who want everything included. Excursions, dining and onboard wellness options like salt rooms and spas are all part of the experience. Ships feel luxurious, and service is highly attentive. |
| Tauck | Slower travelers who want seamless, expertly guided tours. Tour directors are top-notch, itineraries flow effortlessly and special-access experiences let you see sites in ways others can’t. |
| Uniworld | Those who enjoy elegance with personality. Ships are boutique in style, full of art and unique décor, with all excursions included and service and dining carefully considered. |
| Viking | Best for travelers who want a consistent, dependable experience. Ships are comfortable and excursions cover the cultural highlights. |
4 Responses
We are leaving this Tuesday for a Grand Circle cruise of the Rhône. I’ve noticed you don’t include them and I was wondering why?
Hi
We have to plan Rhone river cruise at 1-15 April 2024(Duration 6-7 days),embark city; Arles or Avignon or port saint Louis and disembark; Lyon. Our group 10 numbers with companion wife.
most of all in case of both (the group and the early birds)
how we can get incentives, looking forward to your advice with recommandation of cost effective cruise company.
best regards
Dr. kwon
Interested in river cruising. Have looked at Avalon. We would like to do a river cruise in 2022 I. France- our insurance company says that insurance is fluid and although the6 are covering covid 19 they are not yet covering g variants….he said we are likely waiting our money booking at this time due to the travel ban from Canadian to France and the uncertainty of the variants. However, we will keep looking. Recommendations are welcome. We have not done a river cruise before. Have not been to Europe.
My DNA home tests reveal 2000 yrs ago ancestors came from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Scotland, British Isles, Lyon France, Normandy, Romania, Budapest, Austria, & Faulkland Islands!! Germatic Tribes Pushed is Up & Out: Away!! I am Cold-natured.