What’s Included on a River Cruise (And What’s Not)

Have you ever ended an ocean cruise with a bill that made your jaw drop?

You’re not alone — and you’re definitely not the only one who’s felt nickeled and dimed by the time you disembark.

In this episode of Europe Unveiled, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s actually included on a European river cruise — and just as importantly, what’s not. Whether you’re a first-time river cruiser or just trying to figure out what all the hype is about, this episode will give you the real-deal breakdown.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• What’s typically included in your river cruise fare
• What most lines don’t include (and how to budget smart)
• The real-world value of inclusions like Wi-Fi, drinks, and excursions
• A cruise line comparison: AmaWaterways, Viking, Avalon, Scenic, Riverside, and Emerald
• Insider tips to help you cruise confidently and avoid surprises

We’ll also compare the average cost of add-ons on a 7-night ocean cruise — like Wi-Fi, drink packages, and excursions — so you can see why river cruising can actually be the better value, even if the upfront cost looks higher.

• If you’ve been thinking, "Are river cruises worth it?" — this one’s for you.

Resources & Links Mentioned in this Episode:

For European travel tips & inspiration, join our Facebook community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/europeanrivercruises

Want even more travel tips, access to our Travel Resource Hub with 40+ downloadable guides, and first dibs on my hosted river cruises? Join my VIP group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/luxuryvacationsbysonia

Grab your free Insider Guide to River Cruising in Europe:

https://brysontravelgroup.myflodesk.com/yourrivercruiseguide

Schedule your complimentary consultation to start planning your dream river cruise vacation:

https://calendly.com/brysontravelgroup/45min

My Campsite Bio link:

https://campsite.bio/srectenwald

Hey, friend — welcome back to Europe Unveiled, where we trade overwhelm for ease and unveil the magic of European travel one river at a time.

I’m your host, Sonia Rectenwald — a certified European travel expert, certified river cruise and group travel specialist, owner of Bryson Travel Group, and the face behind the voice of Europe Unveiled.

Let me ask you something:

Have you ever been on an ocean cruise and felt like you were being nickeled and dimed to death?

You pay the cruise fare, get onboard all excited for your trip — but then?

You start seeing those extra charges pile up. Drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, excursions — everything feels like an upcharge.

And then at the end of the cruise, that dreaded envelope with your final bill shows up under the door…

That "wait… how did I spend that much?" moment?

Yeah. Nobody likes that feeling.

That’s exactly why I’m such a fan of river cruising.

Yes, the upfront price can feel like a bit of a splurge — especially if you’re used to big ship pricing — but when you look at what’s actually included in that price? It’s a game changer.

So today we’re pulling back the curtain on what you’re really getting with a river cruise — what’s included, what’s not, and how it all adds up to a vacation that feels a whole lot more carefree.

Segment 1: What’s Typically Included

Let’s start with the best part — river cruises are far more inclusive than most ocean cruises, which means fewer surprise charges and more relaxing.

Here’s what’s usually covered in your fare on most European river cruise lines:

Your stateroom – whether that’s a cozy French balcony cabin or a full suite with a balcony and butler service.

All your meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. And these aren’t buffet trays — we’re talking chef-prepared, locally inspired dishes served with wine and a view.

Drinks – Wine, beer, and soft drinks are typically included with lunch and dinner. Many cruise lines also include specialty coffees and even a daily happy hour with cocktails.

Daily shore excursions – Yup, you heard that right. Every day, you’ll have at least one guided excursion included in your fare. That could be a walking tour, a wine tasting, a castle hike, or something more leisurely.

Wi-Fi – That’s right, no upcharge for staying connected. While signal strength can vary depending on location, you won’t be paying extra for access.

Airport transfers – If you book your flights through the cruise line, they’ll often take care of your transfers between the airport and the ship.

It’s all designed to feel effortless — and honestly? It does.

You’re not constantly reaching for your wallet or wondering what the next thing will cost. You can just… enjoy.

Segment 1.5: What These Inclusions Would Cost on an Ocean Cruise

Now, just to put things in perspective — let’s talk about what these included amenities would actually cost you on a typical 7-night ocean cruise:

Wi-Fi: On most major ocean cruise lines, Wi-Fi isn’t included — and can cost anywhere from $18 to $32 per person, per day. That adds up fast for two people.

Drinks packages: If you want unlimited wine, beer, cocktails, and specialty coffee, you're usually looking at around $65 to $100+ per person, per day. Multiply that by 7 nights, and yeah — ouch.

Shore excursions: Most ocean cruises charge separately for tours — often $75 to $150 per excursion, per person. On a 7-night sailing with 5–6 port days, that’s a significant extra expense.

Gratuities: Tips on ocean cruises are typically pre-set at $16–$20 per person, per day — and sometimes higher if you're in a suite.

Transfers: Transportation between the airport and ship is usually not included. Private transfers can run $50–$100 each way depending on location.

Specialty dining: Want to dine at the nice steakhouse onboard? Expect $35 to $70 per person, per meal depending on the restaurant.

So while a river cruise might look more expensive upfront, when you add up all of this — it often ends up being a better value, and it’s so much simpler.

Because on a river cruise?

You’re not constantly pulling out your wallet. You just enjoy — and that’s the real luxury.

Segment 2: What’s Not Included

Alright — now let’s talk about what’s not typically included. Because as dreamy as river cruising is, I want you to go in with your eyes wide open.

Here’s what may cost extra depending on your cruise line:

Gratuities – Some lines include tips for the crew and guides, but many don’t. You’ll want to budget around $18–$25 per person, per day.

Premium drinks – Your wine and beer with meals are included, but if you’re someone who loves a bourbon nightcap or a specialty cocktail outside of dinner, you might want to add a drink package.

Optional excursions – While a guided tour is included daily, and some river cruise lines offer multiple included tours to choose from, some lines offer extra-special excursions — like a private concert at the Vienna Opera House or a wine blending experience in Bordeaux — that may have an extra fee.

Spa treatments – Massages, facials, salon services? All amazing, but usually not included.

Laundry – Some luxury lines include this in top-tier suites, but otherwise it’s pay-as-you-go.

Pre- and post-cruise hotels or land extensions – These are so worth it, but not built into your cruise fare unless you book a full cruise + land package.

The key difference? These are optional, not constant upsells.

Unlike ocean cruises where almost everything feels like an add-on, river cruises already cover the core experiences that make your trip feel magical.

Segment 3: Cruise Line Comparisons

Now let’s talk cruise lines — because not all of them include the same things, and that can affect your budget and your experience.

Here’s a quick feel for what a few of the most popular river cruise lines offer:

AmaWaterways: One of my absolute favorites — and not just because I host group trips with them! Ama includes beer, wine, and soft drinks with meals, multiple daily excursions, a Sip & Sail cocktail hour, and multiple dining venues including the Chef’s Table, a wellness host onboard with wellness activities like champagne yoga or guided bike rides. What really sets them apart is their variety of included excursions — on some days you’ll have up to eight options to choose from. That includes gentle walker groups, regular walking tours, active hikes and bike rides, even wine tastings. There’s no drinks package, but the bar prices are very reasonable — no sticker shock here.

Viking: Probably the most well-known name in river cruising — and they’ve done a great job with branding. Viking includes beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, and they offer a drinks package if you want more flexibility. When it comes to excursions, they include one walking tour per day — usually a city overview — and any additional or specialty tours come at an extra cost. They also don’t break tours into smaller groups or offer activity levels like gentle, regular, or active pace. So if you’re looking for flexibility or smaller group options, keep that in mind. Viking offers a beautiful, consistent product, but it’s not as inclusive as many travelers expect.

Avalon Waterways: Avalon is all about relaxed luxury and flexibility. They include wine and beer at meals, a nice range of excursion choices each day, and a really casual, welcoming onboard vibe. Their Panorama Suites with open-air balconies are a big draw.

Scenic: Scenic goes full tilt on the all-inclusive experience. We’re talking unlimited drinks (yes, cocktails too), gratuities, airport transfers, shore excursions — even personal butler service and electric bikes for exploring on your own. It’s a premium experience with almost everything bundled in.

Riverside Luxury Cruises: If you’re looking for true luxury on the rivers, Riverside delivers. Their ships are former Crystal vessels, so the interiors are stunning. They include all-day premium drinks, butler service in every cabin, spa access, and curated excursions. It’s a white-glove experience from start to finish.

Emerald Cruises: Emerald offers a sleek, modern experience with lots of inclusions. Daily excursions are included — and there are always a few to choose from — plus optional tours available at an additional cost if you want to personalize your trip. It’s a flexible model that lets you customize your experience without losing that upscale feel.

So yes — that initial price tag can feel like a jump, but this is where having a travel advisor really pays off. I help you compare what’s actually included, not just the base fare, so you know exactly what you’re getting and where the best value is for your travel style.

Sponsor Break

This episode of Europe Unveiled is brought to you by Bryson Travel Group — my boutique travel agency that specializes in European river cruises, group trips, and custom-curated vacations. If you’re dreaming of a river cruise but not sure where to start, let’s chat! schedule your complimentary consultation- that link is in the show notes or you can head on over to my website brysontravelgroup.com to schedule a travel consult and don't forget to grab your free river cruise guide - the link is in the show notes and I’ll help you choose the perfect cruise for your style, your budget, and your bucket list.

Segment 4: Tips to Budget Smarter

Let’s wrap up with a few quick tips so you can get the most value for your vacation dollars — without sacrificing the experience:

Know what you actually care about – If you don’t drink much, skip the all-day drink package. But if a private concert in a palace sounds dreamy, save room in the budget for that kind of splurge.

Book during promos – Some cruise lines offer free airfare, complimentary gratuities, or cabin upgrades if you book during the right window. (That’s where I come in — I track those deals so you don’t have to.)

Don't get distracted by the base price – A cheaper cruise that charges you for every little thing may end up costing more than a slightly higher-priced one that includes everything upfront.

Use a travel advisor – Seriously. I’ll help you break down what’s included, what’s not, and how to budget so you can just relax and enjoy Europe.

Recap & Takeaways

Let’s be honest — nobody wants to feel nickel-and-dimed on their vacation.

And with river cruising, you don’t have to.

Yes, you’ll see a higher price tag upfront. But when you consider:

All your meals

Drinks with lunch and dinner

Daily excursions

Airport transfers

Gorgeous accommodations

And the simplicity of it all…

…it starts to look like a whole lot of value for your money.

If you’ve ever ended an ocean cruise with that surprise bill and thought, “There’s gotta be a better way,” — this might just be it.

Outro

Thanks so much for hanging out with me today!

If you’re loving this podcast, go ahead and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode. I’ve got more insider tips and dreamy destinations coming your way.

And hey — if you’re ready to start planning your own river cruise, I’d love to help!

Visit brysontravelgroup.com to download my free guide, The Ultimate Guide to River Cruising in Europe, or book a complimentary consultation.

And don’t forget to come join our private Facebook group — Luxury Vacations by Sonia. It’s where I drop behind-the-scenes tips, early group trip invites, and all the fun stuff you don’t want to miss.

Next week? I’m taking you onboard — we’re going to walk through what a typical day on a river cruise actually looks like. Think cappuccinos, castles, and cocktails by the river. You’re gonna love it.

Until then —

Keep dreaming, keep exploring and keep Unveiling Europe… one river at a time.