How much does a river cruise cost? Not as much as you might think

River cruises are known for their inclusions, from alcoholic beverages to gratuities and even select shore excursions in each port of call.

But how much does a river cruise actually cost? It depends on where you go and which cruise line you book. Some, like Uniworld and Tauck, offer an all-inclusive product that offers unparalleled experiences. Others, like Emerald Waterways and CroisiEurope, target a more price-conscious consumer and have more optional add-on fees.

But even on the "budget" level, river cruises still offer a far more inclusive experience than you will find at any hotel or on many oceangoing cruise ships.

Here's a look at how much a river cruise actually costs.

River cruises are mostly inclusive

The good news is that, like mentioned earlier, river cruises are mostly inclusive. This means that usually all of your meals, some shore excursions and some little niceties (like beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner) are probably factored into the base fare.

That base fare, however, often runs in the $2,000 to $4,000 range per person, making it decidedly more expensive than a big-ship cruise to the Bahamas.

But a river cruise offers another kind of included luxury: personal space. Most river cruise vessels hold just 100 to 200 people, and some even fewer than that. You could argue that one of river cruising's most important inclusions is that of personal space. There's no fighting for viewing spots on deck or staking out for the best seats in the lounge. There's also no need to hurry to dinner — everyone can be seated in the dining room.

Some river cruise lines — like Emerald Waterways, Gate 1 Travel and French operator CroisiEurope — position themselves as being more budget-friendly. But let's not mince words: They're still more expensive when compared to oceangoing cruises, at least up front.

Some river cruises are all-inclusive

River cruise lines overall generally offer some solid inclusions in the standard passenger fare, but some lines — most notably Tauck and Uniworld — offer even more luxury, premium experiences.

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On these lines, nearly all shore excursions and experiences are included, as are exclusive events and private after-hours access to notable attractions. These cruises will also include all but the most premium spirits and beverages at all hours of the day. Many will throw in pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, transfers and even airfare, depending on the promotion being offered.

Tauck also provides passengers with a bit of cash for pay-for-use public restroom facilities that may be the only options on a tour.

These all-inclusive river cruise lines also typically carry fewer passengers in larger and more lavish accommodations, contributing to the higher overall cost of the cruises themselves. But for those with the budget to afford it, these cruises truly pull out all the stops to ensure passengers are comfortable and well-looked-after for the entire journey.

What river cruise costs are typically not included?

Most river cruises don't include airfare or "items of a personal nature." That's code for gift shop purchases, spa treatments (if applicable) and other extra-cost items. Most lines, even all-inclusive ones, will typically offer top-shelf or premium spirits at an additional cost.

Unless you're on an all-inclusive line, gratuities to shipboard staff are also not included; nor are tips for drivers and tour guides at your discretion. And while most river cruise lines will offer pre- and post-cruise hotel stays as part of some itineraries, anything longer than a night will be at your own expense. Staying a few days before your river cruise and a few days after can sometimes remove the option of a free airport-to-hotel or airport-to-ship transfer; this depends on each individual cruise line.

And, of course, any sort of on-shore purchases, restaurants, bars and other establishments will not be covered by the cost of the cruise. It sounds like pretty straightforward advice, but I've stood by and watched as a group of tourists tried to charge pastries and coffee in Vienna to their cruise ship keycards. Don't be those guests.

Bottom line

For a couple setting out on a 10-day river cruise to Europe, you're probably going to be looking at between $6,000 and $10,000 total for a river cruise by the time you've factored in airfare, hotels, excursions and other incidentals. Expect that number to go up (way up) if you're setting out on an all-inclusive river cruise line that offers a more premium experience.

That sounds like a lot of money, and it is — but it might not be that much more than a big-ship cruise to the Caribbean. New ships like Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas and sister Star of the Seas command premium pricing running into the thousands of dollars and beyond per person; other adults-only cruise lines like Virgin Voyages are also priced at a premium.

River cruises tend to be more far-flung experiences in Europe and Asia, so airfare remains one of the most dramatic variables. Costs for hotel stays and incidentals on land can also add up.

However, few vacation experiences come close to river cruises in terms of inclusions. So, while they may cost more initially, you're not spending as much money, if any, once you're actually onboard.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise
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