Straight talk from a river cruise specialist
If you’ve started researching river cruises, you’ve probably seen the phrase “all-inclusive” about a hundred times. But here’s the thing – much like all-inclusive resorts or the big ocean cruise ships, every river cruise line defines “all-inclusive” a little differently. Some include practically everything. Others…not quite as much.
We at Yellow Umbrella Travel are here to tell you exactly what’s included, what’s extra, and how to spot the real value. So let’s break it down.
What’s “Included” on a River Cruise
1. Your Cabin
Every cruise fare includes your room, which is usually referred to as a “cabin”, and is based on two guests occupying the room. It’s your floating hotel room – with a private bathroom, comfortable bed, climate control, and storage for your luggage. You enjoy the convenience of unpacking once, but getting to see several cities!
Entry-level cabins typically have a picture or porthole-style window and are on the lower levels of the ship; mid-range and higher categories offer French balconies (floor-to-ceiling glass door that opens to a railing, but you can’t step outside) or full walk-out balconies. Some river cruise lines, like Uniworld, Tauck, and Riverside Luxury Cruises, even offer marble bathrooms, butler service, and luxe details that make it hard to leave your room.
Fun fact: Some river cruise lines offer cabins that are specifically designed for single occupancy (only one person in the room) at a lower rate.
2. Meals and Dining
Meals are a big highlight on river cruises, and yes – they’re included. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in your fare.
Breakfast and lunch are typically buffet-style, with some à la carte options, and dinner is often a multi-course, sit-down experience with standard dinner options and some that reflect the region you’re sailing through. On the Danube? Expect schnitzel and strudel on some menus. In France? Local cheeses and Burgundy wine.
Lines like AmaWaterways and Avalon even include exceptional dining experiences, such as chef’s tables or themed regional nights, at no extra charge. Others, like Riverside, have options to add multi-course “Michelin star-like” dining experiences with wine pairings that you can pay extra to enjoy.
3. Beer, Wine, and Soft Drinks
Beer, wine, and soft drinks are typically included with lunch and dinner on almost every river cruise line. But this is one area where “all-inclusive” can mean a variety of things.
For example, AMA Waterways offers beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, tea & coffee station all day, champagne at breakfast, and a “Sip & Sail” event each night, with alcoholic beverages included. They consider this “all-inclusive,” but you would still need to pay for additional bar drinks outside of meal times and the Sip & Sail event daily.
Some river cruise lines, like Tauck, Uniworld, or Riverside, allow you to order whatever liquor you want, whenever you want – and it is truly all-inclusive.
Pro Tip: If you want cocktails or premium drinks outside of mealtimes, and your river cruise line isn’t fully all-inclusive when it comes to drinks, you can often buy a drinks package. But we don’t think this is necessary! Paid drinks are pretty reasonably priced, and you spend a great deal of time off the ship during the day, so you may find yourself having a drink locally instead, which makes the expense of a drinks package unnecessary.
4. Daily Excursions
River cruises often include at least one guided shore excursion per port, and these excursions are usually the best parts of the river cruise experience, as local guides often lead them with rich knowledge of the history of the area.
You’ll walk through medieval towns, visit local markets, or join a wine tasting – all led by experienced local guides. Better river cruise lines like AMA Waterways, Avalon, and Uniworld often offer multiple included activity choices per day, from slower-paced walking tours to active options like biking or hiking, and even specialty and exclusive outings and excursions, while budget-focused lines like Viking offer just one daily, slower-paced basic tour.
5. Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is included across all major river cruise lines now. This is such a great perk, with impressive savings over a traditional ocean cruise, because if you’ve ever taken a regular cruise, you know how ridiculously pricey internet packages are. (We just recently completed an Alaskan cruise and paid $600 for internet alone!)
The skinny: It’s not always lightning fast (you’re sailing through valleys, after all), but it’s good enough for emails, social posts, and trip updates. And we have found that it’s often at speeds that let us watch Netflix at night or even host Zooms when we have no choice but to work while we’re on the river.
6. Entertainment and Enrichment
You won’t find big stage shows or casinos on a river cruise – that’s ocean cruise territory. River cruise ships focus on local enrichment: think regional musicians, cooking demos, history talks, and onboard wine tastings. You get a much more immersive, authentic experience of the local culture in the area you’re traveling to.
7. Port Fees and Taxes
Sometimes included, sometimes not. It depends on the cruise line. These usually run about $150-$300 per person, so make sure to ask before booking if you’re unsure. (When you book through Yellow Umbrella Travel, we’ll make sure you know exactly what’s included in your pricing.)
8. Airport Transfers
If you book your airfare through the cruise line or arrive on embarkation day (the day you board your river cruise ship), airport transfers are often included. If you come in early or stay later—which we highly recommend—private transfers can be added at an extra cost.
What’s Not Usually Included
1. Airfare
Flights to and from your arrival and/or departure city aren’t included in the river cruise fare, though many river cruise lines run air specials that can sometimes save you some money if booked through their packages.
Pro Tip: Be very clear on the terms when you book an air package with your river cruise.
Purchasing air through the river cruise line may seem like an easy way to go, but there are some essential things to keep in mind. When you purchase air through the cruise line, there’s less transparency about what you are actually buying, and you may face surprises. For example, they have the option to place two people sharing a cabin on two separate flights. This means that you and your travel partner could end up traveling separately! It doesn’t happen a ton, but it does happen. And in some cases, flight rates may actually be better when booking independently.
2. Gratuities
Tipping varies by cruise line. Some, like Tauck, Uniworld, and Riverside, include gratuities in the fare. Others, like AmaWaterways and Avalon, leave it up to guests, or you can pre-pay gratuities.
Here’s what to expect for Europe:
- 30 Euros per guest/per week for the Cruise Manager
- 145 Euros per guest/per week for the crew (to be divided among all ship personnel)
- Local guides at the end of each tour
- 3 Euros per guest for a half-day tour
- 5 Euros per guest for a full-day tour
- Motorcoach drivers
- 2 Euros per guest for a half-day tour
- 3 Euros per guest for a full-day tour
*Tipping may be different in other countries/rivers, like the Nile, Magdalena, etc.
Pro Tip on Tipping: Gratuities to your Cruise Manager and the ship’s crew may be paid with a credit card (charged in Euros) by adding them to your onboard bill or with cash. Tips for local guides and motorcoach drivers may only be paid in cash, directly to them, at the end of the tour.
3. Travel Insurance
Always optional—but in our opinion, always worth it. Travel insurance not only protects your financial investment, but it can also cover medical emergencies, flight delays, or cancellations. River cruise itineraries can change due to water levels, and having travel insurance means you’re covered if plans shift. If you could see all the things we see, you would never leave the country without travel insurance!
4. Premium Excursions
Depending on the cruise line, some (or all) excursions are included, but there are often “optional” or limited-space tours—like truffle hunting, private high-end wine tastings, a trip to Abu Simbel, or behind-the-scenes castle visits—that may cost extra.
5. Spa and Laundry Services
Available on most ships but not included in the fare. On luxury lines, you might have limited laundry service included, but spa treatments are always extra.
Pro Tip: AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna ship and four Uniworld ships have self-service laundry (with complimentary detergent) on board at no additional charge. For carry-on-only travelers (like our CEO!), this is a huge perk that allows you to pack light.
6. Premium Beverages
If your river cruise line isn’t fully all-inclusive, cocktails and fine wines outside of meals can be added to your onboard tab.
7. Pre- and Post-Cruise Stays
Adding a few days before or after your cruise in cities like Budapest, Prague, or Amsterdam is one of the smartest moves you can make. Those hotel stays and tours aren’t included – but they’re 100% worth it. You’ve already paid for the airfare – you might as well make the most of your entire stay and add some extra days!
Quick River Cruise Comparison
Cruise Line | Drinks | Excursions | Gratuities | Overall Style |
Avalon Waterways | Beer/wine with meals | 3 daily | Extra | Modern, active |
AmaWaterways | Beer/wine with meals + Sip & Sail | All Included – multiple options daily | Extra | Mid luxury |
Uniworld | All beverages | All included | Included | 5-star boutique |
Tauck | All beverages | All included | Included | Ultra-inclusive |
Riverside Luxury Cruises | All beverages | All included | Included | True luxury, Elegant boutique |
The Bottom Line
River cruises are among the easiest, most immersive ways to see Europe, Egypt, and many other parts of the world. With so much already included, they’re a surprisingly great value, especially when you consider all the perks – the quality of food, included excursions, and the service you get to experience.
The key is knowing exactly what’s covered (and what’s not) before you book. That’s where working with a river cruise specialist like Yellow Umbrella Travel really matters – we’ll walk you through the options, explain the differences, and make sure you get the best experience for your budget.
River Cruise FAQ
Are river cruises all-inclusive?
Pretty close. Your cabin, meals (including wine and beer with lunch and dinner), daily excursions, and Wi-Fi are included. Fully all-inclusive lines like Uniworld, Riverside, and Tauck also include gratuities, premium drinks, and more.
Do river cruises include alcohol?
Yes, beer and wine are complimentary during meals. If you want cocktails or premium spirits outside of lunch and dinner, you can either purchase a drink package or sail with a fully all-inclusive line.
Are tips included on river cruises?
Depends on the river cruise line. Tauck, Uniworld, and Riverside include them. AmaWaterways and Avalon do not, so you’ll want to plan for this.
Do I have to pay extra for excursions?
Most excursions are included – at least one or more per port, depending on the river cruise line you choose. Optional premium experiences, such as exclusive private tours or premium wine tastings, can be offered at an extra cost.
Is airfare included in river cruise pricing?
Usually not, but most river cruise lines offer special airfare promotions from time to time.
What’s the best river for first-time cruisers?
You can’t go wrong with the Rhine or Danube in Europe. They’re scenic, full of historic cities, and offer a mix of culture, fairytale castles, and easy-to-love itineraries for a first river cruise experience.
Looking for more adventure or in-depth history instead? You might want to start with an Egyptian river cruise down the Nile or a one-of-a-kind experience on Colombia’s Magdalena River.
Ready to Plan Your River Cruise?
Let’s find the perfect itinerary for you – whether it’s castles on the Rhine, vineyards on the Douro, or Christmas markets on the Danube.
Connect with us HERE to get started!
