Here’s What Each River Cruise Line Includes

With more than 10 cruise lines plying the European rivers trying to remember which ones includes gratuities or shore excursions can be difficult. Keeping straight which ones include all drinks or just drinks at meals or during a happy hour, is even more confusing.

To help travel advisors point their clients in the right direction, TMR is breaking down which cruise lines include what in the base fare. (All European river cruises include Wi-Fi, so it is not included in the lists below.)

Which European river cruise line includes gratuities in the base fare?
Riverside Luxury Cruises
Scenic
Tauck
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
VIVA Cruises

Which European river cruise line includes at least one free excursion in every port?
AmaWaterways (multiple choices)
Avalon Waterways (multiple choices)
Emerald Cruises
Riverside Luxury Cruises (multiple choices)
Riviera River Cruises
Scenic (multiple choices)
Tauck (ALL excursions are included)
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises (multiple choices)
Viking
VIVA Cruises

Which European river cruise line includes open bar all day long?
Riverside Luxury Cruises (if choosing the all-inclusive pricing)
Scenic
Tauck
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
VIVA Cruises

Which European river cruise line only includes beer and wine at lunch and dinner?
AMADEUS
AmaWaterways (a Sip & Sail cocktail hour also includes select beer, wine, and spirits)
Avalon Waterways (an evening Happy Hour also includes select beer, wine, and spirits)
Emerald Cruises
Riviera River Cruises (all non-alcoholic and select alcoholic drinks are also complimentary after 5pm)
Viking

Which European river cruise lines include transfers to/from airport or hotel and the ship?
AmaWaterways (

Which European river cruise line includes open bar all day long?
Riverside Luxury Cruises (if choosing the all-inclusive pricing)
Scenic
Tauck
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
VIVA Cruises

Which European river cruise line only includes beer and wine at lunch and dinner?
AMADEUS
AmaWaterways (a Sip & Sail cocktail hour also includes select beer, wine, and spirits)
Avalon Waterways (an evening Happy Hour also includes select beer, wine, and spirits)
Emerald Cruises
Riviera River Cruises (all non-alcoholic and select alcoholic drinks are also complimentary after 5pm)
Viking

Which European river cruise lines include transfers to/from airport or hotel and the ship?
AmaWaterways (only if air is purchased with Ama)
Emerald Cruises
Riverside Luxury Cruises (only from/to Budapest, Munich, and Vienna airports)
Scenic
Tauck
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Viking (only with Viking Air purchase