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.
How to Use Our Charts
Select 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.).
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Rhine River Cruise Guide: What Does A Rhine Cruise Cost?
What’s a Rhine River cruise going to cost me, and how does it compare to others? Check out our Rhine River Cruise Pricing Charts.
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Rhône River Cruise Guide: What Does A Rhône Cruise Cost?
What is a Rhone river cruise going to cost me and how does the cruise I am looking at compare to Rhone river cruises offered by other companies?
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Douro River Cruise Guide: What Does A Douro Cruise Cost?
What’s a Douro river cruise going to cost me and how does it compare to those offered by other operators? Check out our Douro River Cruise Pricing Charts.
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Danube River Cruise Guide: What Does A Danube Cruise Cost?
What is a Danube river cruise going to cost me and how does the cruise I am looking at compare to Danube river cruises offered by other companies?
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Seine River Cruise Guide: What Does A Seine Cruise Cost?
What’s a Seine river cruise going to cost me and how does it compare to other operators on the Seine? Check out our Seine River Cruise Pricing Charts.
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European Christmas Markets River Cruises Pricing Charts
Is a Christmas cruise the right choice for you? I think so. Read about my experience on a Christmas Market cruise a decade ago on the Rhine, where I learned that the magic of Christmas is felt just as easily across the Atlantic.
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Bordeaux River Cruise Price Comparisons
What is a Bordeaux river cruise going to cost me and how does the cruise I am looking at compare to Bordeaux river cruises offered by other companies?
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Rhine-Main-Danube River Cruise Price Comparisons
What’s a Rhine-Main-Danube river cruise going to cost me and how does it compare? Check out our Rhine-Main-Danube river cruise price comparisons.
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Lower Danube River Cruise Price Comparison
River cruises along the Lower Danube river for 2019 begin at $346 per person per day and range as high as $638 per person per day. Where’s the best value?
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.
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