Cost comparison

[CanDMan47]

I've been on two ocean cruises, and am now interested in possibly doing a river cruise. I know all prices are subject to many factors, but I'm wondering if the prices are higher/lower/same based on similar types of rooms and length, or however they set the price. do they do the all you can eat restaurants? That goes to price.

 

I downloaded a brocure from American Cruise Lines, but they wony give me prices without contact, and I'm not ready to take that step. Any pricing comparisons you know about would be helpful, thanks.

[caviargal]

Cannot comment on American Cruise Line as my interest is always Europe.

 

Prices on a river cruise generally are affected by:

 

- Cruise Line

- Date

- Itinerary

- Type of accommodation

- Level of luxury

- Inclusions

 

I suggest you start with the sticky's at the top of the forum page and get acquainted with the lines offering river cruises. See which may fit your tastes.

 

Better yet, find a good TA that knows river cruises and have them assist you.

[deise17311]

We are Elite on Celebrity and Princess and always book a suite and we found a 7 day river cruise (just booked our first) much for expensive then 7 day ocean cruise...others will debate this but it is our opinion even with included excursions and wine, they are pricey!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Host Jazzbeau]

We are Elite on Celebrity and Princess and always book a suite and we found a 7 day river cruise (just booked our first) much for expensive then 7 day ocean cruise...others will debate this but it is our opinion even with included excursions and wine, they are pricey!

 

No question River Cruises are more expensive than ocean cruises -- the dis-economy of small scale is an iron law of economics. Maybe if you compare to an ocean cruise with 150 passengers it would work out the same, but comparing to ships with thousands of pax the cost per passenger is always going to be much higher on the river.

[DaKa2002]

We have only river cruised in Europe once; close friends have done several. Will do it again - it is slowly coming to the top of our bucket list again. Some thoughts to consider follow.

Most river cruise ships are limited in size by the locks they must navigate: not very long or wide. Heights are also very limited by the bridges they must travel under, typically there are three decks.

Types of rooms are very limited, and often quite small.

Usually only one dining room; meals served for everyone at the same time.

Number of passengers usually between 100 and 150; you get to know everyone!

The itinerary is paramount - most days are spent in towns and villages, while cruising the river is typically done in the evening and at night.

Many river cruise lines include snacks and all meals, tours at each stop, local wines with evening meals.

You typically won't find pools, climbing walls, arcades, etc. Some may provide a very small spa and fitness room.

Just our perspective on river cruising.

[Talisker92]

No question River Cruises are more expensive than ocean cruises -- the dis-economy of small scale is an iron law of economics. Maybe if you compare to an ocean cruise with 150 passengers it would work out the same, but comparing to ships with thousands of pax the cost per passenger is always going to be much higher on the river.

i agree, also there are not the other profit centers on river cruises that they have on ocean ships, such as casinos, bars, spas, etc.

[aquilegia]

River cruises are more expensive for the reasons Host Jazzbeau has stated. But most of the main river cruise lines include wine and beer with meals, and also daily guided excursions.

[Hydrokitty]

I've been on two ocean cruises, and am now interested in possibly doing a river cruise. I know all prices are subject to many factors, but I'm wondering if the prices are higher/lower/same based on similar types of rooms and length, or however they set the price. do they do the all you can eat restaurants? That goes to price.

 

I downloaded a brocure from American Cruise Lines, but they wony give me prices without contact, and I'm not ready to take that step. Any pricing comparisons you know about would be helpful, thanks.

 

I have to refer you to the reviews for ACL. I sailed with them once on the Lewis & Clark journey and cannot in good conscience recommend them. Basically I found their office staff to be charming, the rooms were nice, the itinerary and shore excursions marvelous...the food was low quality and boring, the service in the dining room was interminably slow (45 minutes for berries cottage cheese) and food handling was downright unhealthy! (dairy products sit uncovered and unchilled for several hours) and they were not cheap!!!

 

I won't repeat the reasons why river cruises cost more than ocean cruises. I've done both and each has its pluses and minuses. I can say that after 6 river cruises with Vantage, I've never had a bad one and with 3 ocean cruises I've only had 1 bad one and 2 fantastic ones. But please be very cautious about booking with ACL and if you do really want to do their Pacific Northwest try to eat your meals on land!