What does a river cruise really cost? If you’ve spent any time looking at cruise line websites, you know that lead-in rates rarely tell the whole story. Between port charges, gratuities, laundry and varying levels of shore excursion inclusions, comparing “Line A” to “Line B” is often an apples-to-oranges nightmare.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you book a cruise through us. See our affiliate relationships.
To solve this, we developed the True Per Diem. Our charts strip away the marketing and calculate the daily cost per person based on a standardized set of criteria. We factor in the base fare, mandatory fees and typical “add-ons” to give you a transparent look at the value offered by every major river cruise line, from the value-focused to the ultra-luxury. We cover the rivers of Europe and the rest of the world, from the Rhine and Danube to the Nile, Mekong and Amazon.
How to use our charts
Choose a river below to view our detailed pricing analysis. Each guide includes:
- The low-to-high range: Real pricing for both entry-level cabins and balcony suites.
- True Per Diem: The “all-in” daily cost so you can compare value across different brands.
- Inclusion breakdowns: What your money actually buys (drinks, tours, Wi-Fi, etc.).
Quick compare: the six most-requested rivers
| River | Sample sailings | True Per Diem range (per person, per night) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danube | 7 nights | $380–$842 | Danube guide |
| Rhine | 7 nights | $416–$1,099 | Rhine guide |
| Rhône | 7–9 nights | $408–$999 | Rhône guide |
| Seine | 7 nights | $424–$913 | Seine guide |
| Douro | 7 nights | $573–$1,149 | Douro guide |
| Bordeaux | 5–7 nights | $372–$740 | Bordeaux guide |
Each range runs from the lowest to the highest True Per Diem among the lines we chart for sample 2027 sailings. Rates and incentives change often, so open each guide for lines, dates and inclusions.
Western Europe
Central and Southern Europe
Special routes and seasons
Africa
Join Ralph in Africa: see our South Africa Safari 2027 hosted trip.
Asia
Looking at India’s Brahmaputra? Read about Viking’s first India river cruise, coming in 2027.
The Americas
Looking for our ranking of the best European river cruises? See 7 Best River Cruises in Europe.
Yes, River Cruise Advisor, Send Me Your River Cruise Recommendations
When you ask for our recommendations, Ralph personally reviews your preferences and responds at no cost. If you would like help booking, he can refer you to his daughter, Britton Frost, a Cruise Planners travel advisor, or to another qualified travel advisor when appropriate. Britton’s booking assistance costs you nothing extra; she is compensated by the cruise line. She can help you compare fares and promotions, choose the right itinerary and stateroom, manage important booking details and serve as your advocate if questions or problems arise. You are never obligated to book. Ralph gives his recommendations based on your preferences. River Cruise Advisor may earn a commission or other compensation from cruise lines or travel advisors when you book, and we have commercial relationships with some of the lines we write about. See our affiliate relationships.
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