What’s included in the price of a river cruise?

Choosing a river cruise can feel overwhelming, especially when each cruise line structures its inclusions differently. 

Following a recent in-house river cruise survey, where we spoke directly to our customers about what matters most when planning a holiday, one theme became clear: travellers want greater transparency around what is - and isn’t - covered in the fare. 

With this in mind, we’ve put together a clear, easy-to-follow guide that highlights exactly what you can expect from the price of a river cruise. Using our trusted river cruise line partners as examples, we break down their inclusivity levels, what’s typically included and how they compare with one another. 

Whether you’re searching for a fully all-inclusive, luxury experience or a more flexible, great-value option, this guide will help you understand the differences and choose the cruise line that best fits your travel style. 

APT Cruising is a long-established premium river cruise line known for its highly curated itineraries and exceptional onboard service. Their ships combine contemporary comfort with a fully escorted style of travel, offering guests a well-rounded experience.

APT Cruising sails on all the major European rivers as well as the Mekong, providing a broad choice of destinations. This cruise line appeals to travellers who want a premium, well-organised, largely all-inclusive holiday, with most elements taken care of in advance. 

✅ Return flights from the UK 

✅ Complimentary home to airport transfers 

✅ Full board accommodation 

✅ All meals onboard, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between 

✅ Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks with meals on European river itineraries 

✅ Shore excursions in every port 

✅ Port charges and taxes 

✅ Free Wi-Fi

✅ Onboard gratuities 

Emerald River Cruises delivers a fresh, contemporary take on river cruising, with ships that focus on modern design, bright interiors and relaxed elegance. Their Star-Ships are known for innovative features such as indoor pools that transform into cinemas, as well as spacious cabins and inviting social areas. The atmosphere on board is friendly and unfussy. 

Emerald River Cruises operates across Europe’s iconic rivers - including the Rhine, Danube, Rhône and Douro - and also offers itineraries on the Mekong. The line is ideal for travellers who appreciate modern style, excellent value and a balance of included experiences with the flexibility to personalise their journey. 

✅ Full board accommodation 

✅ All meals onboard, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between 

✅ Selected drinks with meals 

✅ Complimentary hot drinks throughout the day 

✅ Shore excursions in most ports 

✅ Port charges and taxes 

✅ Free Wi-Fi

✅ Onboard gratuities 

Riviera Travel has earned a reputation for offering high-quality holidays at competitive prices, and their river cruises follow the same principle. Their ships are sophisticated and understated, focusing on comfort, spaciousness and attentive but unobtrusive service. Riviera Travel’s excursions are a standout, led by knowledgeable local guides who provide genuine insight into each destination. 

Their river cruise program spans the classics, such as the Rhine, Danube, Seine and Douro, alongside a handful of more scenic, lesser-known waterways. Riviera Travel suits travellers who want exceptional touring, straightforward pricing and a reliably high standard of service, without the luxury extras that can drive up the cost.

✅ Return flights from the UK or the option of rail travel

✅ Complimentary home to airport or home to train station transfers 

✅ Full board accommodation 

✅ All meals onboard, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between 

✅ Complimentary drinks with lunch and dinner on European river itineraries

✅ Complimentary hot drinks throughout the day 

✅ Shore excursions in most ports 

✅ Port charges and taxes

✅ Free Wi-Fi 

Scenic River Cruises is synonymous with luxury river cruising, offering an elevated, fully all-inclusive experience from the moment you step aboard. Their Space-Ships are generously proportioned and elegantly styled, with butler service for every suite and a choice of refined dining venues. Scenic River Cruises’ excursions are a major draw, ranging from small-group tours to exclusive Scenic Enrich events and Scenic Freechoice activities designed for different interests and fitness levels.

Scenic River Cruises operates on Europe’s legendary rivers and the Mekong, offering immersive itineraries. This is the perfect choice for travellers who want a five-star, indulgent river cruise where everything is taken care of and no detail is overlooked. 

✅ Complimentary home to airport transfers 

✅ Full board accommodation

✅ All meals onboard, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between 

✅ Premium beverages throughout the day

✅ Complimentary suite mini bar restocked daily 

✅ Shore excursions in every port 

✅ Free Wi-Fi 

✅ Onboard gratuities 

✅ E-bikes available for independent exploration on European itineraries

Travelmarvel offers a relaxed, great-value approach to river cruising as APT Cruising’s sister brand. Their ships are contemporary and comfortable, with well-designed cabins, sociable lounges and friendly service. Travelmarvel focuses on providing core inclusions - such as meals, key sightseeing and onboard entertainment - while also giving guests the freedom to choose optional experiences. 

They cruise on popular rivers including the Rhine, Main, Danube and Douro, along with the Mekong in Asia. Travelmarvel is ideal for travellers who want a well-balanced mix of quality, value and flexibility, without the price tag associated with full all-inclusive luxury. 

✅ Return flights from the UK on many European departures 

✅ Complimentary home to airport transfers 

✅ Full board accommodation 

✅ All meals onboard, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between

✅ Selected drinks with meals included on many European itineraries

✅ Shore excursions in every port

✅ Port charges and taxes

✅ Free Wi-Fi

✅ Onboard gratuities

Uniworld River Cruises stands apart in the river cruise world thanks to its boutique, hotel-style ships, each designed as a unique work of art inspired by the region it sails in. Expect plush furnishings, exquisite dining and exceptional personalised service, supported by one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios on the rivers. Cultural immersion is at the heart of every Uniworld River Cruises sailing, with thoughtfully crafted excursions and onboard experiences that highlight local traditions. 

Their itineraries span Europe, India, Egypt and Peru, offering a mix of classic routes and more exotic adventures. Uniworld River Cruises is perfect for travellers who appreciate opulent décor, intimate service and a highly curated luxury service.

✅ Full board accommodation 

✅ All meals onboard, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between 

✅ Drinks throughout the day, including wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks 

✅ Shore excursions in every port 

✅ Free Wi-Fi 

✅ Onboard gratuities

✅ E-bikes available for independent exploration on European itineraries 

Wendy Wu Tours combines its expertise in escorted touring with a strong river cruise programme, particularly in Asia. Their cruises focus on cultural immersion, seamless organisation and expert local guiding. Ships are comfortable and well-appointed, and itineraries often form part of wider touring holidays that explore multiple regions in depth. 

They sail primarily on the Mekong and Yangtze, creating immersive journeys that highlight authentic experiences, regional cuisine and local traditions. Wendy Wu Tours is an excellent choice for travellers who want a culturally rich, fully supported journey through Asia, with the reassurance of experienced tour managers and comprehensive planning.

✅ International economy return flights from the UK 

✅ Complimentary domestic transportation and airport transfers

✅ Accommodation throughout the itinerary 

✅ All meals included 

✅ English-speaking national escorts and local guides 

✅ Sightseeing excursions, entrance fees to included attractions and daily tours as detailed on the itinerary 

✅ Taxes

✅ Visa fees (for UK passport holders)

Choosing the right river cruise line is an important decision - and booking with ROL Cruise ensures you receive expert guidance, exclusive value and exceptional support from the moment you enquire to the moment you return home.

Here’s why so many travellers trust us with their holiday plans: 

Every river cruise booked through ROL Cruise rewards you with Cruise Miles®, our official rewards programme. Cruise Miles® quickly add up and can be used to save money on future holidays, giving you even more value for choosing us. It’s one of the easiest ways to make river cruising more rewarding. 

Our team is made up of experienced cruise specialists who understand the differences between each cruise line, ship and itinerary. Whether you need help deciding between an all-inclusive luxury sailing or a great-value alternative, our experts will guide you with honest, informed recommendations tailored to your travel style. 

Booking with ROL Cruise means you’re never left to figure things out alone. From choosing the right itinerary to arranging your travel extras, and even offering support while you’re away, we’re here at every stage. Think of it as complete hand-holding, ensuring your river cruise is smooth and stress-free from start to finish. 

Many members of our team have sailed with the river cruise lines we sell, and we undertake extensive training to stay up to date with fleet updates, inclusions and itinerary details. This means you receive advice not just from brochures, but also from real experiences and in-depth product knowledge.