What’s in the Fare?
Inclusive or pay-as-you-go — how to compare river cruises on total cost, not headline fare.
Compare Options FreeTwo river cruises on the same river, in the same week, can show very different fares — and still end up costing about the same once you are home. The difference is what is included. Understanding the two broad approaches, inclusive and pay-as-you-go, is the single best way to compare river cruises fairly.
What Almost Every River Cruise Includes
- Your cabin, with river views from every one on most ships.
- All meals on board — breakfast, lunch and dinner — usually with local dishes.
- Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
- Daytime docking in town centers, so you can often walk straight ashore.
- Onboard talks, music and the scenery itself, which is the main event.
Inclusive Lines
Lines that position themselves as all-inclusive — Scenic, Tauck and Uniworld are well-known examples — fold far more into the fare: drinks throughout the day (including spirits on many sailings), gratuities, a choice of excursions in port and often airport transfers. Some add extras such as specialty dining or bikes on board. The fare is higher, but you can leave your wallet in the cabin.
Inclusive lines suit travelers who like a drink with dinner and a nightcap, who want a fixed budget with no surprises, or who simply dislike signing bar bills.
Premium “Most Things Included” Lines
A large middle group — including Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon and Emerald — typically includes a guided tour in most ports, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, and Wi-Fi, with premium drinks and some optional tours extra. Policies on gratuities differ. For many travelers this is the sweet spot: a modest bar bill, plenty of included sightseeing, and a lower fare than the fully inclusive lines.
Pay-As-You-Go and Value Lines
Value-focused fares strip the cruise back to the essentials — cabin, meals and transport along the river — and let you choose what to add. If you do not drink much, like exploring ports on your own, or are happy with a simpler ship, this approach can stretch a budget a long way. Ask exactly what is included, as it varies a lot.
Inclusions change from season to season and promotion to promotion. Every option we send spells out the current inclusions for that specific sailing, so nothing is assumed.
The Extras to Count
| Item | Inclusive lines | Premium lines | Value lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wine and beer with meals | Included | Usually included | Often extra |
| Other drinks and bar | Usually included | Often extra or a drinks package | Extra |
| Gratuities | Usually included | Varies by line | Usually extra |
| Guided tour in port | Included, often with choices | Usually included | Sometimes included |
| Airport transfers | Often included | Sometimes | Usually extra |
| Wi-Fi | Included | Usually included | Varies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tips included on river cruises?
It depends on the line. All-inclusive lines such as Scenic, Tauck and Uniworld include gratuities; many premium lines add them on board or leave them to you. Ask for the current policy before you compare fares.
Are flights included?
Sometimes. Some lines run air promotions or include transfers; others are cruise-only. We always tell you whether a quote includes air so you can compare fairly.
Do I pay for shore excursions?
Most river lines include a guided tour in most ports, with optional paid tours on top. Value-focused lines may include fewer. We list what each option includes.
Compare the Total, Not Just the Fare
Tell us your budget and we will show inclusive and pay-as-you-go options side by side, with every extra counted.
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