How Much Should I Budget Per Day on a River Cruise?
Real talk from someone who’s actually done it.
Planning a river cruise? One of the most common questions I get is:
“How much should I expect to spend per day?”
It’s a smart question – but the answer depends on a few key factors: the cruise line you choose, your itinerary, what’s included, and how you like to travel once you’re onboard and ashore.
So, let’s break it down – not just by the numbers, but based on my real experience.
What I Actually Spent Per Day
This can vary significantly depending on what river you’re on and the itinerary you choose, so let me give you two completely opposite examples:
- AmaWaterways Rhine River Cruise – Our daily average (per person) came out to around $600–$650. That included everything – cabin, all excursions, onboard meals and drinks, tips, pre- and post-hotels, transportation/private driver, and any extras we picked up.
- AmaWaterways Nile River Cruise (Secrets of Egypt & the Nile) – Our daily average (per person) came out to $960. That also included everything – cabin, excursions, onboard meals and drinks, tips, pre- and post-hotels, transportation/private driver, and any extras we picked up.
*This itinerary is typically considered a bucket list trip, and you can see that we spent much more per person per day on this one than on a more traditional European cruise.
We’re not big souvenir shoppers, so most of our spending above the river cruise went to experiences – excursions and tours. Those added touches elevated the trip without any financial surprises once we were there.
One note: Neither of these totals included our airfare to or from the destination and the U.S.
One tip: We were able to snag a great deal on the AmaWaterways Rhine itinerary because we booked as soon as the sailing was released — that’s usually when you’ll find the best pricing.
Unexpected (but Welcome) Expenses
There were a few expenses I didn’t initially plan for but was very happy we budgeted in.
For example we tipped our driver and local guides more than expected because the service was so incredible – these are people who truly make the trip memorable. I literally always end up overtipping, so I don’t know why I thought either of these trips would be any different than my norm. 😅
Also, the onboard laundry service is always a win. When you’re traveling in hot destinations like Egypt, having fresh, clean, pressed clothes every day felt like pure luxury and was well worth the small extra cost. We literally used the laundry service every day!
Lastly… cheese: I spent more than I care to mention on cheese (in Europe, not Egypt). I don’t know why this was an “unexpected” expense – even at home I can’t seem to avoid loading up in the cheese aisle of HEB (my local grocery store). Yet for some reason I am regularly surprised by the ridiculous quantity of cheese purchases I make while traveling. 😂
Hidden Costs to Be Aware Of
River cruises are much more inclusive than ocean cruises, but there are still a few things that can sneak up on first-time cruisers:
- Crew gratuities
- Optional excursions that go beyond the standard walking tours
- Premium wines or cocktails outside of mealtimes
- Spa treatments or purchases from the onboard boutique
None of these are “gotcha” expenses – they’re just the extras that aren’t built into the base fare. I always recommend budgeting an additional $50–$100 per person, per day fun money, for flexibility.
Note: There are some river cruise lines that include all gratuities in your fare as well!
Pleasant Surprises — What Ended Up Being Included
One of the biggest surprises? How much is already included.
The AmaWaterways cruises we mentioned in this blog included champagne with breakfast, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, airport transfers, Wi-Fi, bottled water, a selection of multiple daily tours, and even a cocktail reception (that included drinks at no charge) with live music each night – all at no additional charge.
On an ocean cruise, each of those things would’ve been a separate charge. But on the river, it was all rolled in – and that simplicity makes it feel like you are truly on vacation.
Worth Every Penny Moments
There was one moment that stands out: standing on the sun deck at sunset as we drifted quietly down the Nile, watching the landscape turn gold and seeing villagers tend to their land as we passed.
No crowds. No chaos. Just peace.
That’s when I was reminded – this is what you’re really paying for.
The stillness at times, the intimacy, the once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and the views that unfold right in front of you.
Where We Chose to Splurge
We usually splurge on a larger mid level suite – and that is exactly what we did on both trips. We enjoy having the extra living room space and love to spread out a bit – the added cost is worth it to us.
I know some people say that it’s not worth upgrading since you don’t spend that much time in your cabin, but I actually do spend a lot of time there. I personally love my “room time”.
We also tend to splurge on private tours and/or exclusive experiences. Most river cruise lines include one or more excursions daily, which helps cut down on additional costs. But sometimes there are special activities outside the cruise line that are absolutely worth booking.
If you’re budgeting for a river cruise, consider setting aside a little extra for those — whether it’s a private wine tasting, a cooking class, or a premium excursion. Those are the moments that create the stories you’ll tell for years.
The Best “Value Moments”
Some of the most memorable parts of our trip didn’t cost anything extra:
- Watching the ship pass through tiny farming villages where kids waved from the shore
- The nightly dinners with new friends made onboard
- A temple discussion with our onboard Egyptologist that made me completely rethink something I thought I knew about the Bible
Those were the “value moments” – the ones that remind you this isn’t just a trip, it’s an experience.
Spending Onboard vs. Ashore
We don’t spend much ashore – mostly a hot tea, some cheese, a snack, or an occasional local meal – and you may be surprised that you don’t end up spending much off the ship either.
Onboard, you’ll barely have to open your wallet. Everything feels taken care of, which makes it so much easier to just relax and enjoy.
Would I Spend Differently Next Time?
Not really. I’d probably splurge on a larger cabin again – waking up and seeing the river pass by while you’re lying in bed never gets old.
Truly, there’s nothing I feel like we would do differently in terms of spending.
Cheryl’s Take: Setting a Daily Budget for Your First River Cruise
For first-timers, I recommend thinking in terms of experiences, not just expenses.
Here’s a simple starting point for a traditional (non bucket list location) European river cruise:
Category | Estimated Cost |
Base cruise fare | $575–$700 per person, per day |
Small extras & gratuities | $50–$100 per person, per day |
Pre/post stays | $600–$1,200 total for 3 extra nights |
Private tours or exclusive experiences | $250–$500 per person for the week |
If you’re looking for a ballpark number, plan for $660–$900 per person, per day for a mid-range to luxury river cruise with all the extras.
And remember: the more inclusive the cruise line, the easier it is to relax and stop worrying about “what’s next.”
Final Thoughts
When travelers first see the daily price of a river cruise, they sometimes get sticker shock – especially if they’re used to ocean cruise sale fares.
But unlike ocean cruises, river cruises are more like all inclusive resorts with very few add-ons. Ocean cruises may look cheaper upfront only because you haven’t yet added everything you’ll actually want or need to complete the experience.
Plus, a river cruise isn’t about volume for the masses – it’s about value and experience.
You’re docking in the heart of Europe’s most charming towns, dining on regional cuisine, sipping wine from the vineyard you toured that morning, and stepping straight into centuries of history – without ever feeling rushed or crowded.
When you look at it that way, a $600-a-day experience that includes your room, all meals, drinks, wifi, tours, and transfers feels like a pretty incredible deal.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you’re ready to find the river cruise that fits your budget and travel style, that’s where we come in. We’ll help you compare options, calculate the true cost, and even find any special promotions or perks to make the most of your investment.
Schedule your complimentary River Cruise Consultation to start planning your journey today.
