River cruising on a budget - tips and tricks
River cruises are a fantastic way to see the world, whether you're exploring Europe's hidden gems on a Rhine river cruise, soaking up the sunshine on a Douro river cruise, or immersing yourself in Southeast Asian culture on a Mekong River cruise – just to name a few destinations you can visit via river cruise ship.
Often available as a week-long adventure or a two-week cruise experience, river cruises will take you to major European holiday hotspots alongside destinations you may have never considered before – ports of call that are simply unavailable on ocean-bound cruise getaways. Cruises along the Danube and the Seine, for example, invite you to explore the rich histories and vibrant cultures of Europe; meanwhile, an adventure in Asia or Africa offers you a real sense of exploration, with fascinating experiences unlike anything else available back home waiting.
If you're one of the many people who have yet to experience a river cruise, you may be under the impression that it's a grossly expensive experience in comparison to ocean cruising. However, while there are luxury river cruises available alongside more affordable options, much like how there are luxury cruises available alongside more affordable cruise deals, river cruising is something everyone can enjoy – even those on a budget!
We know, though, that this is something that's easier said than done. So, keep reading for a few tips on how you can enjoy a cost-effective river cruise to some of the world's most picturesque places.
Choose an all-inclusive river cruise
When choosing your river cruise, you'll find that many river cruise lines offer inclusive fare options, and choosing one of the available 'all-inclusive' options can be a fantastic way of cutting down on unexpected costs.
With these, you won't have to worry about any extra expenditure whilst onboard; so, in addition to your accommodation and meals, you'll also have the chance to enjoy drinks, shore excursions, and more!
If you want to save even more, search for cruises that include flights and transfers! This means you'll have even fewer things to worry about ahead of your river cruise. A fantastic example of these are Rhine river cruises; often starting in Amsterdam, you'll need to fly or catch the Eurostar to the Dutch capital if you're travelling from the United Kingdom. Having this cost included in your cruise can be a huge weight off your mind and one less thing you need to worry about organising.
Keep an eye out for free attractions
In addition to organised excursions which are included in the price of your cruise, you can save when river cruising by searching for free attractions in the destinations you visit. Luckily, no matter where you're visiting, you'll be pleased to know that there will be plenty to see and do that's completely free of charge.
If you want to know what we mean, let's look at Cologne: an incredible city on the banks of the Rhine. It's landscape is dominated by Cologne Cathedral, a staggering monument to German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. Among the most exciting landmarks here, this is also a free attraction; when visiting, you can wander around this magnificent site for as long as you like without paying a penny!
Other highlights on traditional river cruise routes include the German National Museum of Contemporary History in Bonn, Begijnhof in Amsterdam, and the Geldmuseum in Vienna – all attractions that are free of charge.
Sample the local street food
Another way to save a bit of money during your river cruise is to, when buying food, opt for local street food vendors over lavish meals in restaurants. Every stop on a river cruise can be a gastronomic adventure, but it doesn't have to cost the Earth.
In some places in Germany, when you hop off your river cruise ship, you can indulge in some local currywurst for as little as €3, or a bowl of goulash in Budapest for a similar price. A delicious slice of apfelstrudel on the streets of Vienna is cheaper than a meal at a restaurant and an equally-excellent experience. All of these options are a fantastic way to indulge in local cuisines while keeping costs down, and they'll keep you fueled throughout a busy day sightseeing.
Street food can also mean that you don't need to slow down during your time ashore, while also avoiding any unexpected charges that might come with dining in a restaurant. Of course, on more inclusive river cruises, you'll also be able to enjoy something to eat when you re-embark your river cruise ship; with set breakfast and lunch times, ensuring you're back onboard to enjoy these before heading ashore again is a fantastic way to save even more during your river cruise!
Walk as much as you're able
Inter-city transport is one major expenditure that can catch you out on a river cruise, as it's not something you may have considered ahead of your adventure. If you're enjoying an overnight stay in a destination, you'll have plenty of time to explore everything; however, it's important to be aware of how much public transport can cost – that, and local taxis, if you're planning on staying out later than the public transport runs for.
When river cruising, you can save on transport costs by exploring on foot; you'll always dock in a central location, so walking is actually one of the best ways to explore. It's also a fantastic way to stumble onto hidden gems that you otherwise may have missed!
Book your next river adventure with Iglu Cruise today
Ready to embark on an unforgettable getaway? You'll find the latest river cruise deals here. Iglu Cruise, though, is home to so many more cruise deals; from luxury sailings and all-inclusive escapes to solo adventures and family cruises, you're certain to find something that suits your holiday preferences and budget.
And, for more travel inspiration, and insights on cruising, check out these blog posts from the Iglu Cruise creative team: