What Is the Cheapest European River Cruise?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to explore Europe, a river cruise can be a great option. Not only do they offer stunning views of the countryside, but they also provide a comfortable and convenient way to travel between different destinations.

However, with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the cheapest European river cruises available.

What is a River Cruise?

A river cruise is exactly what it sounds like – a cruise that takes place on a river rather than the open sea. There are many different rivers that are popular for cruising in Europe, including the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and Douro. River cruises typically involve smaller ships than ocean cruises and focus more on sightseeing and cultural experiences than onboard entertainment.

Cheapest European River Cruises

While river cruises can be expensive, there are some options that won’t break the bank. Here are some of the cheapest European river cruises available:

The Rhine

The Rhine is one of the most popular rivers for cruising in Europe and there are many different companies that offer affordable options. For example, CroisiEurope offers 5-day Rhine cruises starting at just $600 per person. These cruises typically stop at cities like Strasbourg and Cologne and include meals and excursions.

The Danube

The Danube is another popular choice for river cruising in Europe. One affordable option is Uniworld’s “Delightful Danube” cruise which starts at $1,999 per person for 8 days. This cruise stops at cities like Vienna and Budapest and includes meals as well as shore excursions.

The Douro

If you’re looking to explore Portugal’s wine country on a budget, a Douro River cruise may be the way to go. Viking River Cruises offers an 8-day “Portugal’s River of Gold” cruise starting at $2,549 per person. This cruise includes stops in cities like Porto and Salamanca as well as wine tastings and other cultural experiences.

Final Thoughts

While river cruises can be expensive, there are many affordable options available if you know where to look. The Rhine, Danube, and Douro are just a few of the rivers that offer budget-friendly cruises in Europe. Whether you’re looking to explore historic cities or scenic countryside, a river cruise can be a great way to do it without breaking the bank.