Is A European RIver Cruise Worth The Money?

As with many things in life, it’s subjective. But European river cruising is a popular and growing segment of the travel industry, so those travelers must be onto something! I sailed on my first European river cruise this past March with AmaWaterways, and now I understand what all the adoration is about. But is a European river cruise really worth the money? Let me break it down for you based on my own experience.

The Food: One of My Favorite Parts of a River Cruise

I have to start with the food because it’s one of my favorite parts of any vacation! Not only do I enjoy eating, but I enjoy it even more when I don’t have to cook it. And the food on AmaWaterways did not disappoint! The main dining room, Journey's Restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast and lunch offer buffet selections as well as à la carte options from the menu. Dinner is menu-based, and there’s usually bread and cheese available to enjoy while you wait for your meal. Honestly, you had me at bread!

There are also snacks available throughout the day in the lounge, along with a 24/7 coffee and tea station. If you aren’t in the mood for a full sit-down meal, AmaWaterways also offers lighter breakfast and lunch options in the lounge.

The Chef’s Table experience is included on AmaWaterways ships. Unlike many ocean cruises, where specialty restaurants often come with an additional charge, you don’t pay extra for this special dinner. It’s a seven-course meal with wine pairings, and all I can say is that I can’t wait to do it again! For me, experiences like this help make a European river cruise feel special. You aren’t just paying for transportation between destinations; you’re also getting memorable dining experiences along the way.

The Accommodations: Comfortable, Even Without a Balcony

The accommodations on AmaWaterways are first-class, and I say that as someone who stayed in a fixed-window cabin rather than one of those dreamy balcony cabins. These cabins are located lower in the ship, but ours was cozy and nicely appointed. I especially loved the bathrobes and slippers!

And the very best part of having accommodations on a river cruise ship? You only have to unpack once, even though you’re visiting multiple destinations and countries. No hauling your suitcase from hotel to hotel or repeatedly packing and unpacking. Your hotel travels with you! For me, that convenience is a big part of what makes a European river cruise appealing, especially if you want to see several destinations without constantly changing hotels.

The Convenience: You Don’t Have to Plan Every Detail

One of the best parts of a river cruise is that you don’t have to think about every little detail. What do I mean by that? Once you’re on board, AmaWaterways takes care of much of the planning. You can focus on enjoying your vacation, whether that means heading out on an excursion or doing what I love best: eating!

The daily schedule is available through the app, so you can see what’s coming up. Excursion information and schedules help you know where you need to be and when. For anyone who doesn’t want to spend their vacation figuring out transportation, coordinating activities, and planning every day, this is a major advantage.

Are Excursions Included on a European River Cruise?

Yes! On my AmaWaterways cruise, guided excursions were included in the cruise fare, with different activity levels available. Options included gentle walking tours, regular walking tours, and more active excursions. The gentle walking option is designed for travelers who prefer a slower pace, while the regular walking tours suit those comfortable with a typical sightseeing pace. The active options may include activities such as hiking or biking through the countryside, depending on the itinerary.

I loved having choices because not everyone wants the same kind of vacation. Some people want a leisurely stroll through a historic town, while others want to get out and explore more actively. Having different excursion options makes it easier to find an experience that suits your interests and activity level.

How Much Does a European River Cruise Really Cost?

A European river cruise is a significant investment, even if you choose a fixed-window cabin instead of a balcony stateroom. And the cruise fare isn’t necessarily the only expense you’ll need to consider. When budgeting for a European river cruise, remember to account for flights to your embarkation city and home from your final destination, gratuities, and any additional drinks that aren't included in your fare. You may also want to arrive a day or two early or extend your trip after the cruise, which means budgeting for hotels and meals before or after your sailing. Optional excursions and other activities can add to the cost as well.

AmaWaterways includes a lot in the cruise fare, from dining and selected beverages to guided excursions and onboard amenities. The exact inclusions can vary by itinerary and fare, so it’s important to check the details before booking. For travelers who value comfort, convenience, great food, and the opportunity to explore several destinations without constantly changing hotels, the price may be well worth it.

Is a European River Cruise Right for You?

Here’s where I think you need to be honest with yourself about your travel style. If you enjoy having the major details taken care of for you, appreciate good food, love exploring historic European towns, and want to unpack just once, a European river cruise could be an excellent fit. But if you’re a wanderer like me who prefers to decide what the day looks like as you go, you may find the schedule a little restrictive at times.

I survived by wandering around Amsterdam and exploring Switzerland on my own before and after the cruise. Don’t get me wrong—AmaWaterways was amazing! But sometimes I just want to go at my own speed, stop when something catches my eye, and see where the day takes me. That doesn’t mean river cruising isn’t for independent travelers. It simply means you should understand that there’s a schedule to work around, particularly when you’re joining included excursions and group activities.

So, Is a European River Cruise Worth the Money?

For me, the answer is yes! After experiencing my first European river cruise with AmaWaterways, I understand why so many travelers love this style of vacation. The food was wonderful, the accommodations were comfortable, the excursions made exploring easier, and the convenience of visiting multiple destinations without constantly packing and unpacking was hard to beat.

Is it inexpensive? No. But when I consider what’s included and the overall experience, I feel it was well worth the money. Would I sail on a European river cruise again? Absolutely! I'm trying to figure out my next one now!

If you’re considering a European river cruise and aren’t sure whether it fits your travel style or budget, I’d be happy to help you compare the options and figure out what makes the most sense for your next adventure.

Ready to explore Europe by river? Let’s talk about finding the right itinerary for you!