5 Affordable River Cruise Lines
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, information is ever changing. You can be assured that here will be new safety measures taken onboard. Please follow the links in the subheadings to visit the individual cruise lines to find to-to-date advice, itineraries and prices.
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Are all river cruises expensive? Can you find an affordable river cruise without sacrificing luxury? These 5 river cruise lines represent great value for money with lots of extras included. Most offer all inclusive river cruises along the most popular rivers of Europe and beyond. Many include excursions and offer the same facilities found on luxury ships - but with a less expensive price tag.
Lets face it River Cruising, at least on the face of it, is more expensive than some other holidays. However, when you consider what is included in the price, it quickly becomes apparent that a river cruise can be an affordable option, especially if you do your homework.
If budget isn’t an issue, you might want to compare this selection with those listed in my related article 5 Most Luxurious River Cruise Lines. However, if you are looking for something a little more affordable, you should check out the following cruise lines, which still offer luxury but with a more accessible price point - at least on some dates and itineraries.
1) Emerald Waterways
Emerald Radiance. Image Credit: Emerald Waterways
Emerald Waterways is sister company to Scenic Cruises, featured in the post mentioned above. However, whereas Scenic is at the ultra-luxury end of the industry, Emerald Waterways is a worthy affordable sibling.
Prices will vary by length of cruise and itinerary, but currently, at the time of writing, you can pick up an 8 day European cruise from under £150 per person per night.. Whilst this price is exclusive of flights, it pretty much covers everything else - for example full board plus wine, beer or soft drinks with meals; a range of exclusive tours, excursions and activities; gratuities and airport transfers. There are fly-cruises, and even a free Eurostar option on some sailings.
What to Expect on Emerald Waterways
On each Emerald Waterway ship you will find generously proportioned and well appointed suites and staterooms. Each ship has a pool and carries a fleet of bikes which are free to use.
Expect fabulous food with chefs making the most of regional ingredients, and well-stocked bars, comfortable lounges and a sun deck on which to catch some rays and enjoy the sights. With lots of fabulous destinations to choose from, my opinion is you get a good quality cruise with Emerald Waterways, but without a hefty price tag.
2) Amadeus River Cruises
Amadeus Silver III. Image Credit: Amadeus River Cruises
Amadeus is an Austrian river cruise line and one of the oldest, having been established for over 30 years. In the U.K. Amadeus River Cruises are sold exclusively via Fred Olsen Travel.
Infinity Pool, Amadeus Provence. Image Credit: Amadeus River Cruises
This river cruise line could easily be included in the luxury selection but offers some really good deals, making it worth bringing to your attention. Again, prices are determined by length of cruise and the itinerary but are merry competitively priced. What’s more, this price includes return air travel from London.
What’s included in an Amadeus River Cruise?
Other inclusions you can expect are gourmet meals; free-flowing red & white wines from Europe’s famous wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every lunch and dinner onboard; all onboard entertainment including talks, cooking demonstrations, musical performances and nightly piano music. There is free WiFi, a fleet of bikes and bottled water. However no excursions are included.
Indoor Pool, Amadeus Queen. Image Credit: Amadeus River Cruises
Amadeus offers an “unpackaged” excursion programme to allow guests to do as little or as much as they like. These are very clearly priced and you can either pre-book one of three packages or just book individual excursions onboard. This helps keep the Amadeus River Cruise prices affordable.
We had the opportunity to visit Amadeus Silver III on a recent press trip and found her to be extremely comfortable and welcoming. We were served with a light buffet in the lounge, and I can confirm the food is absolutely delicious.
Panorama Bar, Amadeus Silver III. Image Credit: Amadeus River Cruises
What to expect from an Amadeus River Cruise
You can expect all the facilities of a 5 Star hotel but without the 5 Star price. There are a range of cabin grades including luxurious suites with walk-out balconies, cabins with juliette balconies or pull-down windows affording you a virtual balcony. The cabins are equipped with modern bathrooms and a walk-in wardrobe.
Panorama Restaurant, Amadeus Silver III. Image Credit: Amadeus River Cruises
There is the Panorama Restaurant serving delicious meals with waiter service and, depending on the ship, you may even find a separate cafe serving light bites, wonderful Viennese Coffee and delectable treats. There is a Salon/Library for relaxation inside and a sun deck complete with lido bar if you prefer to be outdoors. There is also an outdoor River Terrace with glass protecting you from any unexpected breezes.
Standard stateroom, Amadeus Queen. Image Credit: Amadeus River Cruises
You will find comfortable staterooms and elegant decor throughout which is luxurious without being ostentatious and makes you feel very comfortable in your surroundings.
3) A-Rosa River Cruises
A-Rosa River Cruises are a German-owned cruise line sailing the main European rivers - The Rhine, The Rhone/Soane, The Moselle, The Danube, The Seine and The Douro. There are currently 12 river cruise ships in the A-Rosa fleet, each with around 100 cabins (give or take) carrying around 250 passengers.
A-Rosa’s fares are generally based on their Premium All Inclusive rate, but you can also book last minute cruises on their Basic rate which is on a bed and breakfast basis with use of most onboard facilities. This is a great value way of experiencing a luxurious river cruise on a more limited budget. Cheaper too than a multi-city short break.
What does A-Rosa River Cruises Premium All Inclusive Include?
Rendering of new family cabin on new “E-Motion” ship Arriving 2021 Image Credit: A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH
Booking the Premium All Inclusive rate gives you the best value for money. It includes Full Board Plus - all meals and snacks plus wine, beer and soft drinks throughout the day; transfers to and from a train station; early booking discounts; discounted spa treatments; and bottled water plus much more. If you are a family, one of the best inclusions is that under 15’s travel completely free on many cruises. Read more about river cruising as a family in Cruise Mummy’s post here.
What does A-Rosa River Cruises Basic Fare Include?
If you are more of a free-spirit and like to be spontaneous, you can save even more by opting for the Basic Cruise price. This includes the extensive buffet breakfast (you can add FullBoardPlus* for around an extra €29 per person, per day if booked in advance, or €39 per person on embarkation). Alternatively, you can purchase lunch or dinner onboard when you need to (each lunch is €19 pp and Dinner €29 pp). However, you leave the choice of ship, cabin category and cabin number to A-Rosa, and cannot take advantage of any other discounts or free child places.
*FullBoardPlus includes extensive lunch and dinner buffets with regional and seasonal specialities, Live Cooking à la minute as well as tea, coffee and cake in the afternoon, but not alchoholic drinks.
What To Expect From an A-Rosa River Cruise?
Heated Whirlpool on an ARosa River Cruise. Image Credit: ARosa River Cruises
The first thing to note is that the main language onboard some ships within the fleet is German. However, A-Rosa also have international ships on which English is also spoken and which carry an International Host to help with language barriers. The ships have a very relaxed atmosphere and casual dress code.
Features vary by ship but you can generally find a spacious sun deck with sufficient recliners, sunshades and awnings; a heated outdoor Whirlpool and/or swimming pool; deck games such as Shovelboard, putting green and/or giant chess board plus a deck bar. There will be a very comfortable lounge/bar with a small dance floor and stage for nightly entertainment plus a buffet restaurant for all meals. There is an opportunity for waiter service for a supplement. There is also a spa, sauna and small fitness room.
Cabins and suites measure 4.5 to 16.5 m2 and are all outside with most featuring Juliette balconies. They are very well appointed and include flatscreen TV, shower and toiletries. Suites are more expensive, and as you would expect, have additional complimentary features and inclusions.
Stateroom corridor, A-Rosa Flora.
We were fortunate to cruise overnight between Cologne and Amsterdam on a press trip on A-Rosa Flora. Our cabin featured a lovely, comfortable canopy bed and juliette balcony. We found the food to be delicious and plentiful (the biggest selection of cheeses I’ve ever seen on a buffet), and felt very at home in the comfortable surroundings. The decor may not be to everyones taste (the A-Rosa Flora featured a lot of bright pink and lime green) but it is still very attractive.
Check out their website for their latest itineraries and prices
Read Francesca’s account of her experience on ARosa Flora here.
4) CroisiEurope
CroisiEurope is a French independent family-run cruise line. It has a fleet of 56 ships and barges sailing 170 itineraries in 30 Countries.
CroisiEurope developed an affordable cruising concept offering the best value in river cruises at great prices, and appealing to every traveller. They boast that you won’t find any unnecessary extras onboard, which helps keep prices down but the all-important comforts are taken care of.
MS Douce France Exterior. Image Credit: CroisiEurope
What’s included in a CroisiEurope River Cruise?
These cruises offer exceptional value for money as so much is included in the price. Your fare includes your accommodation in an ensuite cabin with flat TV; all meals with unlimited drinks (except premium brands); complimentary WiFi and all port fees. The prices do not usually include transportation to or from your departure point, excursions, tips or transfers unless stated.
What to expect from a CroisiEurope River Cruise?
Our stateroom onboard CroisiEurope’s Douce France. Image Credit: Cruiselowdown
CroisiEurope have one of the most extensive river cruise reach in terms of countries. As well as usual itineraries across the rivers of Europe, they are one of the few companies to offer cruises along the River Po in Italy. They also offer Russia, The Mekong in Asia, The Ganges in India and also South Africa. There are specialist and themed cruises on offer too - you can even combine their South African itineraries with a Safari.
Accommodation onboard your chosen vessel will be very comfortable. Staterooms/Cabins will generally have full length glass doors or panoramic river-facing windows with your bed facing the view. The beds provide hotel-style comfort and there is plenty of storage. The cabins have air conditioning and heating, a safe, satellite TV and hairdryer. For the most luxurious and contemporary experience, choose one of CroisiEurope’s many Premium Ship Categories which offer larger cabins, updated decor, furnished sundecks and much more.
Breakfast is served - Fresh bread and pastries are waiting for you at your table. Image Credit: Cruiselowdown
Excursions are not included in the price of your cruise, but you can choose from the “Classic” or the “Discovery” packages as add ons.
Breakfast is continental buffet style, whilst lunch and dinner are table-served. All menus have been carefully designed and planned by Michelin-starred chefs and food is really the star of the show on a CroisiEurope cruise.
Menus change daily, and you can expect a 4 or 5 course banquet each evening. However it is worth noting that there is no choice - each course is set! When you receive the menu in the morning, it is possible to request an alternative should there be something you can’t eat or dislike on the menu. Of course CroisiEurope are able to accommodate any dietary requirements you may have.
Just three of the delicious courses on CroisiEurope’s Douce France (I ate the others too quickly to photograph). Image Credit: Cruiselowdown
We had an overnight press stay on CroisiEurope’s MS Douce France and must say we were very comfortable. The cabin was decorated in contemporary style with a bright, shiny en-suite shower, and we enjoyed our complimentary chocolate hearts. The bar and lounge were very sociable areas but the ‘piece de resistance’ was definitely the 5 course meal we had in the lovely dining room.
All in all CroisiEurope offer a very affordable option for exploring the rivers and canals of Europe and beyond.
MS Jane Austen. Image Credit: Riviera River Cruises
Riviera River Cruises is part of award-winning Riviera Travel, an experienced travel company with a good reputation for knowledgeable tour guides and well-crafted itineraries. Riviera run a fleet of fourteen river cruise ships in Europe, including two 5-Star ships new in 2019. In 2020 they are introducing their first 5-Star all-suite river cruise ship, the MS Geoffrey Chaucer.
Their cruises represent great value for money as all flights, Eurostar and transfers are included in the fare.
Whats Included on a Riviera River Cruise?
Unlike some other river cruise lines, Riviera River Cruises include return air fares from regional airports (or Eurostar if you prefer), plus overseas transfers. They also include £200 per cabin on board credit on some cruises (£400 on Budapest to the Black Sea itinerary). Daily excursions are also included in the price, and of course full board including three main meals, snacks and even a midnight snack if you can manage it. There is also free-wifi. Whilst drinks are not included, there is an option to purchase a drinks package. Gratuities are optional and discretionary.
What to expect from a Riviera River Cruise?
MS Lord Byron Hardy Suite. Image Credit: Riviera River Cruises
The ensuite cabins and suites are among the largest and most comfortable found on any river cruise ship, and are equipped with all the high-quality amenities you would expect from any top hotel. You will find thick fluffy towels, and complimentary toiletries, plus there's air-conditioning and heating, a small desk, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, telephone, and complimentary Wi-Fi. There are even amenities for making tea and coffee in your cabin plus tea and coffee making facilities. Choose a cabin on the middle or top decks if you want floor to ceiling windows opening onto a juliette balcony.
MS George Eliot Bistro. Image Credit: Riviera River Cruises
Dining is very good on a Riviera River Cruise - there is an early risers tea/coffee and pastries; full breakfast buffet with egg and omelette stations; extensive lunch buffet and afternoon tea. The main event is the four-course dinner consisting of entrée, soup, main and dessert served in the dining room (ou have a choice at each course). The Captain also hosts an extravagant six-course Gala Dinner featuring specialities of the region cruised.
MS Lord Byron Wilde Bar. Image Credit: Riviera River Cruises.
You will find comfortable lounge areas with a choice of seating, plus a well-stocked bar. On most ships there is a ‘Chefs Restaurant’ in the stern for which reservations are required.
Entertainment on board is low key consisting of a resident musician, tour presentations and an occasional quiz night.