One of the most common questions we hear from readers and clients planning a Rhine sailing is simple: what does a Rhine river cruise actually cost?
Our Rhine 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 Rhine river cruise going to cost me?
- How does the cruise I am looking at compare to Rhine 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 Rhine River cruise?
- What Rhine river cruise incentives are there for 2027?
Why Cruise The Rhine?
After the Danube, the Rhine is Europe’s next most popular river for those new to river cruising. With most departures sailing between Amsterdam, Netherlands and Basel, Switzerland, Rhine cruises can visit several countries in just one week, including the Netherlands, France, Germany and Switzerland. Some itineraries extend inland to Belgium, Luxembourg or The Hague.
What we love about the Rhine:
- A Balanced Pace. Rhine cruises strike a good balance of scenic cruising and port time, thanks to the relatively small number of locks.
- Castles for Days. The Rhine Gorge is lined with them. More than on any other river in Europe. Most are clustered around Rüdesheim and Koblenz, both standard ports of call.
- A Foodie’s Paradise. From Rüdesheim’s famous coffee to Cologne’s crisp Kölsch beer, the Rhine blends cultural and culinary highlights. And don’t miss the Tarte Flambee in Strasbourg.
- Kinderdijk. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a postcard view of the Netherlands with its 19 historic windmills.
- Amsterdam. A favorite start or end point for most Rhine itineraries, Amsterdam rewards extra time with museums, canals and moving history.
The Rhine River Cruise Experience
Most Rhine itineraries run between Amsterdam and Basel, lasting seven nights. Longer sailings may add extensions into Belgium or the Moselle. Along the way, the scenery is a major part of the experience: you’ll pass vineyard-clad hillsides, charming half-timbered towns and the dramatic castles of the Rhine Gorge.
Ports such as Cologne, Koblenz and Strasbourg provide a mix of historic architecture, regional cuisine and cultural highlights. Amsterdam and Basel, the typical start or end points, add cosmopolitan bookends to the journey.
Understanding The Pricing Charts
The prices in this chart are based on double occupancy. Upgrade costs for a balcony cabin are shown per person. The value of any included incentive is broken down per person, per day. True Per Diem reflects the cost once incentives and discounts are applied, plus the imputed value of items not included in the fare.
One notable trend: what used to be considered “shoulder season” in the fall is now often priced higher than summer sailings. This reflects how popular autumn has become on the Rhine – a season of golden vineyards, cozy festivals and harvest celebrations. While lower fares may have once tempted travelers to try a fall sailing, today it’s less about bargains and more about the fact that autumn on the Rhine has become a favorite season to cruise.
Prices and details reflect information available at the time of research. Cruise lines frequently adjust promotions, and it is best to work with a travel advisor to confirm active offers.
What Does A Rhine Cruise Cost?
Summer 2027 Rhine Pricing
| AmaWaterways | Avalon | Emerald | Riviera | Scenic | Tauck | Uniworld | Viking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ship | AmaCerto | Vista | Emerald Star-Ship | MS Oscar Wilde | Space Ship | Inspire | S.S Elisabeth | Sjofn |
| Rate | $4,979 | $4,751 | $9,590 | $5,284 | $11,590 | $7,690 | $5,699 | $2,999 |
| Sailing Date | June 9, 2027 | June 12, 2027 | June 12, 2027 | June 15, 2027 | June 9, 2027 | June 9, 2027 | June 13, 2027 | June 7, 2027 |
| Nights | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Itinerary | Enchanting Rhine | Romantic Rhine | Jewels of the Rhine | Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg | Rhine Highlights | The Romantic Rhine | Castles Along the Rhine | Rhine Getaway |
| Embark-disembark | Basel-Amsterdam | Amsterdam-Basel | Amsterdam-Zurich | Cologne-Cologne | Zurich-Amsterdam | Amsterdam-Basel | Basel-Arnhem | Basel-Amsterdam |
| Cabin Category | Category E | Deluxe Stateroom | Category E | Emerald Deck Suite | Category E | Category 1 | Classic | Standard F |
| Square Footage | 160 | 172 | 162 | 172 | 160 | 150 | 188 | 150 |
| Room With A View? | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window | French Balcony | Window |
| Per diem | $711 | $679 | $1,370 | $755 | $1,656 | $1,099 | $814 | $428 |
| Gratuities (on ship) | $25 | $25 | Included | $25 | Included | Included | Included | $25 |
| Gratuities (on shore) | $5.00 | $5.00 | Included | $5.00 | Included | Included | Included | $5.00 |
| Beverages | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Current Incentive | $250 | $1,000 | $4,795 | $1,585 | $5,795 | N/A | $570 | N/A |
| Value of Incentive | $71 | $143 | $685 | $226 | $828 | N/A | $79 | N/A |
| True Per Diem | $670 | $566 | $685 | $558 | $828 | $1,099 | $736 | $458 |
| Per Diem/Square Foot | $4.19 | $3.29 | $4.23 | $3.25 | $5.17 | $7.32 | $3.91 | $3.06 |
| Balcony Upgrade | $1,599 | $1,899 | $1,050 | $850 | $1,600 | $850 | N/A | $1,800 |
| Balcony Per Diem | $898 | $837 | $835 | $680 | $1,056 | $1,220 | N/A | $716 |
| Updated 2/6/2026 |
Autumn 2027 Rhine Pricing
| AmaWaterways | Avalon | Emerald | Riviera | Scenic | Tauck | Uniworld | Viking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ship | AmaSiena | Vista | Emerald Star-Ship | Emily Bronte | Space Ship | Grace | S.S Elisabeth | Rolf |
| Rate | $5,179 | $4,751 | $8,990 | $4,427 | $10,390 | $7,190 | $4,699 | $2,699 |
| Sailing Date | October 14, 2027 | October 16, 2027 | October 16, 2027 | October 25, 2027 | October 27, 2027 | October 13, 2027 | November 7, 2027 | October 26, 2027 |
| Nights | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Itinerary | Enchanting Rhine | Romantic Rhine | Jewels of the Rhine | Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg | Rhine Highlights | The Romantic Rhine | Castles Along the Rhine | Rhine Getaway |
| Embark-disembark | Amsterdam-Basel | Amsterdam-Basel | Amsterdam-Zurich | Cologne-Cologne | Zurich-Amsterdam | Amsterdam-Basel | Basel-Amsterdam | Amsterdam-Basel |
| Cabin Category | Category E | Deluxe Stateroom | Category E | Emerald Deck Suite | Category E | Category 1 | Classic | Standard F |
| Square Footage | 160 | 172 | 162 | 172 | 160 | 150 | 188 | 150 |
| Room With A View? | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window | French Balcony | Window |
| Per diem | $740 | $679 | $1,284 | $632 | $1,484 | $1,027 | $671 | $386 |
| Gratuities (on ship) | $25 | $25 | Included | $25 | Included | Included | Included | $25 |
| Gratuities (on shore) | $5.00 | $5.00 | Included | $5.00 | Included | Included | Included | $5.00 |
| Beverages | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Current Incentive | $250 | $1,250 | $4,495 | $1,328 | $5,195 | N/A | $570 | N/A |
| Value of Incentive | $36 | $179 | $642 | $190 | $742 | N/A | $81 | N/A |
| True Per Diem | $734 | $530 | $642 | $473 | $742 | $1,027 | $590 | $416 |
| Per Diem/Square Foot | $4.59 | $3.08 | $3.96 | $2.75 | $4.64 | $6.85 | $3.14 | $2.77 |
| Balcony Upgrade | $1,599 | $1,899 | $700 | $900 | $1,600 | $400 | N/A | $800 |
| Balcony Per Diem | $963 | $801 | $742 | $601 | $971 | $1,084 | N/A | $530 |
| Updated 2/6/2026 |
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. |
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