If you’re new to river cruising—maybe because you’ve previously sailed on an ocean cruise or it’s your first time on any cruise vacation—then you will probably be asking the question: “What’s included on a river cruise?”
The short answer is this: river cruises offer excellent value for money because so much is included in the fare. River cruising is a relaxing and stress-free vacation, particularly when you also know you’re not going to get a large, unexpected bill when it’s time to check out. Here’s a detailed look at what is included on a river cruise, from dining to drinks, excursions, entertainment, and more.
Accommodation
Vista Balcony Suite
Whether you want a room with a view, a balcony stateroom, or a luxurious suite, your hotel-style stateroom is always included in the cost of your cruise fare. Unlike ocean ships, there are no inside cabins on river vessels, so there’s always plenty of natural light—and you won’t miss any of the passing scenery.
In all rooms, you’ll have a king-size bed—with optional twin bed configuration—luxurious linens and bedding, premium toiletries, bath towels, bathrobes, and slippers, plus a hair dryer, filtered water, mini bar, snacks, and complimentary continental breakfast service. There’s a morning housekeeping service and evening turndown.
Staterooms come in five categories, and you can also book spacious suites with river-facing beds. There are Infinite Veranda suites—similar to those found on Celebrity’s Edge class ocean ships—where the panoramic floor-to-ceiling window drops down to halfway at the touch of a button, creating the feel of a balcony.
Skylight Infinite Balcony Suite
You could also be one of the first to book the first-ever Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites on a river cruise ship. These innovative accommodations feature a separate living area and a large ceiling window that bathes the room in natural light.
Extra perks for passengers in suites, which are all included in the price of the room, include butler service, complimentary laundry, exclusive dining experience, 24-hour room service, upgraded drink package, personalized mini bar, cocktail hour, specialty tea and coffee delivery service, in-room espresso machine, and priority booking for shore excursions and specialty dining.
Food and Dining
Restaurant
From the luxury of starting the day with a complimentary in-room breakfast to the most novel dining experience you’ll ever find on a river vessel, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to food.
With an unprecedented eight restaurants and bars, Celebrity’s ships offer the most awesome dining on Europe’s rivers, including 24-hour complimentary room service for passengers staying in suites.
The line’s riverboats take a cue from the oceangoing Edge-series vessels, which have the eye-catching Magic Carpet hanging over the side of the ship. Instead of a Magic Carpet, you’ll have the chance to dine as you float above the water on the first-ever cantilevered dining pods on a river vessel.
Steak
Cuisine on river cruises is at the same level as the best restaurants and hotels on dry land, and first-time river cruisers can expect to be amazed by the choice on offer. From fresh-baked morning pastries to upscale and intimate evening dining, you can also decide where you want to eat and at what time you want to eat.
In addition to plenty of familiar favorites, there will be destination-driven menus highlighting seasonal and regional specialties that are all included. Maybe you’ll try a crisp and golden Wiener schnitzel in Vienna, a hearty Hungarian goulash in Budapest, or delicious Dutch apple cake in Amsterdam. You’ll experience a tempting range of flavors at every mealtime.
Drinks
Wine
Nothing beats sipping your favorite cocktail out on the warm deck as the sun dips over the horizon, or trying new wines and grape varieties to complement regional cuisine at lunch and dinner. However, what you don’t want to think about is how much these beverages are going to cost.
Celebrity’s fares include the Classic Drink Package, covering select wine, beer, cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks all day. There’s an option to upgrade to a Premium Drink Package, which is an extra complimentary perk for guests staying in suites.
Having inclusive drinks takes away the worry of having to sign for every drink, and it creates a more relaxed and seamless ambience. If you want a second coffee in the morning, or a final nightcap before retiring to your stateroom, you don’t need to think twice.
Cocktail
The all-inclusive package also gives you the freedom to try a new cocktail—or mocktail—that you might not have ordered before. You can also enjoy a drink in your stateroom, as a stocked mini bar is also included in the fare, along with some pre-packaged snacks to nibble with your drink.
Also, if you’ve already cruised on the line’s ocean ships, you will find a selection of Celebrity-favorite venues, including the Martini Bar, Sunset Bar, and Café Al Bacio, in which to have a drink. All you have to do is decide where you want to go, and what drink you wish to order from your included package.
Read: Ocean vs. River Cruises: Which One Is Best?
Shore Excursions
Budapest, Hungary
As you sail into some of Europe’s best-known cities, such as Vienna, Budapest, Cologne, and Amsterdam, you are going to want to make the best of your time in town. Schedules are designed to balance scenic cruising as you gently sail from one destination to the next with time ashore.
Some river cruise lines don’t include any shore tours in the fare, but with Celebrity, you’ll have a choice of one shore excursion every day. This will enable you to discover different destinations with the best hand-picked local guides. It’s the best way to learn about a town or city if you’ve never been before.
These tours will take in the main highlights, and if time allows, you will be equipped with the know-how to do some exploring on your own before returning to your river ship. Your cruise also includes a useful onboard concierge service to assist with bookings, arrangements, and general inquiries throughout the journey.
Entertainment
Entertainment
When river cruising, the destinations featured in the port-rich itineraries—which include somewhere new every day—are the stars of the show. However, there will also be a program of included entertainment in the lounge and public areas.
This may include pre- and after-dinner live music, visiting performers such as musicians and dancers, a cooking demonstration by the executive chef, insightful enrichment activities, and talks looking at the history, geography, and culture of the countries and destinations featured on your chosen itinerary.
Sundeck
Celebrity Compass
The sundeck on a river cruise ship is a top spot in every sense to watch the world drift by at a leisurely pace, take in panoramic 360-degree views, or enjoy your favorite cocktail before dinner. The Sunset Park area on Celebrity river ships is reminiscent of a chic private beach club, without the entry fee, and has been designed to maximize outdoor space.
Notably, the open decks offer the most usable outdoor space of any river ship and remain fully accessible throughout your entire journey. On some river vessels, the entire sun deck is out of bounds for extended periods of time when the ship is sailing beneath low bridges.
You’ll find areas with retractable shades to curl up with a book, and a variety of comfortable seating in a space designed for year-round comfort. This flexible area has been created to enable guests to enjoy more time outside, whether they are in port or cruising between destinations.
When it’s time to cool off on a hot day or after an excursion, there’s a lovely infinity-edge plunge pool that invites guests to take a dip while taking in the sights.
WiFi
Even though you’re on vacation, you’ll likely want to stay in touch with friends and family, post some of your photos on social media, and keep up to date with the news back home. Complimentary WiFi is provided throughout your journey, which will enable you to send and answer emails, use messaging services, and browse the internet.
As you’ll always be sailing close to land and shore-based cellular networks, you can expect the WiFi to be fast and reliable. However, just bear in mind it might become patchy and slower on occasion, especially if you are sailing through hilly or mountainous terrain, which can affect the signal.
Read: What Is a River Cruise Like?
FAQs
What is included in river cruise pricing?
Steak
When it comes to what’s included on a river cruise, it’s likely much more than you imagine, especially if you are coming to river cruises from ocean sailings. In addition to meals, you will be pleasantly surprised by the number of inclusions that would otherwise result in a sizable extra charge at the end of your cruise.
A natural extension of Celebrity’s premium ocean cruises, the line’s river cruises include more extras than most other companies sailing on European rivers. You will be treated to unlimited drinks, a daily shore excursion, complimentary WiFi, and more throughout your journey.
Are meals included on river cruises?
Yes, all your meals are included in the fare, along with a wide choice of dining venues—again, unusual for river cruise vessels—at no extra cost.
Are shore excursions included on a river cruise?
Vienna, Austria
Yes, one shore excursion per day is included in the fare.
What’s not included on a river cruise?
Flights and transfers are not included in the cruise fare price. However, to save you time and hassle, Celebrity offers the convenience of booking your complete vacation, including air travel, with Flights by Celebrity℠. You can relax knowing that Celebrity’s team of dedicated specialists is available to help you every step of the way, making sure you get to your ship and back home. You can purchase airport transfers online in your Guest Account or via the Celebrity Cruises app.
Budapest, Hungary
If you want to extend your vacation and explore more of the region, optional extras include pre-and post-cruise experiences. Other options include a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay in your embarkation and disembarkation destination, allowing you to arrive well-rested for your river cruise, or before the journey back home. These can be added during the booking process on the website, through your travel advisor, or by Celebrity’s river cruise experts.
It is also possible for solo travelers to book a double river stateroom for single occupancy for an additional solo supplement fee.
Cocktail
If you want to upgrade to a Premium Drinks Package, that is available to purchase. Also, items from the 24-hour room service menu are available at a nominal cost, with the exception of guests staying in suites.
Other extra items that are not included on a river cruise are additional shore tours, laundry services, and spa treatments. Travel protection is recommended, and for your convenience, CruiseCare insurance is available at an additional cost as part of your cruise purchase.
Celebrity Compass
Now that you have discovered what is included on a river cruise, explore Celebrity’s European river itineraries and book your dream vacation today.
