How Much Does a Danube River Cruise Cost?

As part of our series on cruising the Danube River, we compare the costs of a Danube River cruise and independent travel on the river. In addition, we help you navigate some of the unexpected costs -- like pre- and post-cruise stays, port excursions fees, and other parts that can add up.

Save travel costs with a European river cruise

We know that European cruise prices can be hefty upfront. The most high-end can even be in the tens of thousands. Still, they are often a cheaper alternative to traveling abroad on your own. Traveling Europe and the Danube River independently, you’ll be faced with the cost of hotels, transportation, tours, dining, and whatever else comes up along the journey. These costs add up quickly, especially if you choose to stay in nicer hotels or fly between cities. 

All said and done, a Danube River cruise cost is most often the cheapest of the two. On board your luxurious cruise ship, you’ll be able to stay in a suite with the comforts of a five-star hotel. Comparatively, the average nightly cost of a five-star hotel room in Europe is just over $700. Imagine paying that for 8 nights -- a total of $5,600 just for your stay! While you could take the hostel and backpacking route to save a few bucks, we believe Europe (and vacation in general) is best enjoyed when you can relax in complete comfort.

Port excursion on a Danube River cruise

Meals are usually included with our cruise lines, so you don’t have to search for food, knowing a world-class meal is waiting for you after a long day of exploring. Most cruises book your port excursion tours ahead of time, so you don’t have to waste time or money on another. 

Lastly, don’t forget that your ship is your transportation -- saving you potential thousands of dollars in transportation costs. The average airplane ticket within Europe is approximately $200. If you plan to fly to all the countries along the Danube -- a total of ten -- you’ll be paying $2,000 just to get from place to place. A Danube European river cruise cost, on average, is far less than the cost of booking hotel rooms, transportation, and all the other things that go into traveling Europe.

Breaking down unexpected Danube River cruise costs

As the EU’s longest river, the Danube offers a ton of things to do on any of its river cruises. These voyages tend to be all-inclusive, but you can still be faced with a few unexpected costs depending on your cruise line and journey. 

A Vienna tour included with a Danube River cruise price

Several folks traveling the Danube decide to spend extra time at the start of their cruise or the final destination, opting for a pre- or post-cruise package. These allow you to extend your vacation, and come in an inclusive package that is tacked onto your existing European river cruise price. Connecting you with ground transportation, hotels, dining, and more opportunities, they offer a convenient way to save on a standard vacation. The cost of these can be anywhere from a few hundred to upwards of $2,000, depending on the vacation you want.

Some Danube River cruises include a limited number of excursions for you to take part in, and then charge port excursion fees if you plan to take part in any additional excursions beyond that. The average excursion cost is only a few hundred dollars, and is a great investment if you’re hoping to take advantage of the tours and activities arranged by your cruise line.

The last, more common unexpected expense is exploring each city you’ll visit along your river cruise. The Danube is filled with a number of exciting cities, and it’s enjoyable to participate in the culture, dining, and nightlife of each. If you’re picking up souvenirs, eating at restaurants, or grabbing cocktails at an interesting bar, these costs can add up. While your cruise ship has its own dining and drinks, it's best to estimate anywhere from $500 to $1,000 for additional fun in the city. 

Learn more about our Danube River cruise costs

​Our Danube cruise prices can vary based on the cruise line, length of the trip, and amenities included. At Authentic Voyages, we only offer the best. We constantly evaluate our offerings to ensure we’re connecting you with cruises that we’d take ourselves. To learn more about our current Danube cruise offerings, contact one of our river cruising experts today!