Planning a European river cruise soon? Whether you're eyeing the Rhine, Danube, or another iconic waterway, it’s essential to understand the extra costs on river cruises—even with “all-inclusive” lines like Viking and AmaWaterways. We sailed both just weeks apart in 2025, so our observations are current and from direct experience. While some of these expenses may apply to other European river cruise companies too, we’re focusing on what we encountered ourselves. There are always exceptions, so please weigh these as guidelines, not hard rules. Have your own “hidden fee” story from a cruise? Drop it in the comments—we want this to help everyone budget better before boarding.
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1. Laundry
If you're used to ocean cruises, you may expect a self-service laundry onboard—but on European river cruises, that isn’t the norm. Only the AmaMagna has a small passenger-accessible launderette; Viking and other AmaWaterways ships typically do not. On Viking, laundry is complimentary only for Veranda Suite guests and above. On AmaWaterways, suite passengers get one free bag; everyone else pays per item.
Prices aren’t outrageous—but they add up. We tote Earth Breeze detergent sheets cut into strips for cabin sink washes and pack Downy Wrinkle Release Spray to freshen outfits mid-cruise. You can also bring magnetic hooks to hang things in your cabin—handy and affordable. Links to these travel lifesavers are in our Cruise Essentials Store.
Quick takeaway: Laundry can cost you $0–$50+, depending on your suite category and needs. Viking slightly edges out if you're in a higher category, while AmaWaterways offers that rare spin on the AmaMagna—sharp move, Ama.
2. Gratuities
Crew tipping: Viking recommends about $20 per person, per day. AmaWaterways suggests €125 per person for crew + €30 for the Cruise Manager on a weeklong trip—almost identical totals when averaged.
Shore tipping: Bring small euro bills—plan €3–5/day for guides and €2–3/day for drivers.
Quick takeaway: These costs level out between the two lines, so it's a tie here. Just know you’ll spend around €130–155 per person per week on tipping, depending on your cruise duration.
3. Optional Shore Excursions
On Viking, you’ll get one included excursion per port, often a walking or city tour. You can see options listed online, but you’ll only see prices after booking via My Viking Journey. We paid $238 per person for two WWII-related excursions in Nuremberg—worth it but not budget-friendly.
In contrast, AmaWaterways includes multiple excursions per day, often 2–6 diverse options with varying activity levels. We didn’t pay extra for excursions at all on our Ama cruise.
Quick takeaway: AmaWaterways wins here for value and activity flexibility, especially if you like variety without surprise fees.
4. Airport Transfers & Extensions
Viking charges around $79 per person for airport-to-ship transfers if booked independently—and includes transfers if you purchase their extension packages. Ama charges around €30 per person, but surprisingly, doesn’t include transfers with land extensions—a rare miss.
Arriving a day early is a smart reminder—flights go wrong, and missing embarkation is costly. Both lines offer extensions, with AmaWaterways including guided tours during those days; Viking does not—unless you book a pricier premium extension.
Quick takeaway: Viking edges this category with included transfers and better extension location options, but both lines require advancing planning. If you go independent, we usually book through Viator or Welcome PickUps.
5. Pre-Cruise Extensions
These one-two day packages can range from $500 to over $3,000 per person, depending on your location and duration. We based our estimates on 2025 Rhine River itineraries, but your costs may vary.
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| Lucerne, Switzerland on AmaWaterways Extension |
Ama includes tours each day in extensions; Viking doesn’t unless you pay more. For those seeking structure and support, Viking’s transfers and land options make it the winner here. DIY extensions can save money but require research and offer less backup.
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Watch the Video: 🎥 Extra Costs on Viking vs AmaWaterways River Cruises 2025
Our Favorite Cruise Essentials (we bring these on every river cruise — and they work for ocean, expedition, and land trips too):
Earth Breeze Detergent Sheets – Lightweight, eco-friendly laundry solution.
Downy Wrinkle Release Spray – Skip the ironing and still look sharp.
Magnetic Hooks (100 lb) – Instantly add hanging space in your cabin.
Airfly Pro for QuietVox – Use your wireless headphones with the ship’s audio system.
Women’s Black Fleece – Warm and packable for cool European evenings.
Men’s Brooks Waterproof Running Jacket – Keeps you dry during those rainy shore excursions.
Travelon Classic Messenger Bag – Secure and organized for day trips.
Cole Haan Zerogrand Stitchlite – Stylish, lightweight walking shoes.
Osprey Daypack – Comfortable and roomy for touring days.
Bagail Compression Packing Cubes – Fit more into your suitcase without the bulk.
…and dozens more in our Cruise Essentials Store.
6. Travel Insurance
This one isn’t exciting—but it’s necessary. Policies through Viking or Ama typically run 8–10% of your total trip cost. Buying independently might save you a little, but these policies are complex and highly variable based on age, coverage needs, and travel dates.
Quick takeaway: Neither line wins here. We shop around independently—but only after understanding what’s covered.
7. Drinks & Beverage Packages
Meals include wine, beer, and soft drinks on both lines. AmaWaterways also offers a nightly Sip & Sail cocktail hour for free. If you want drinks outside those times, Viking’s Silver Spirits package runs $25/person/day, totalling $175 per person for a 7-night cruise.
Buying individually, cocktails cost $8–$15 each—two per day could total $224–$420. Bottom line: if you’ll want more than one drink daily, Viking may end up saving you money. We didn’t spend much extra on either cruise—meals plus Ama’s happy hour worked for us.
8. Airfare
Airfare remains one of your biggest expenses. Viking often runs free or 2-for-1 airfare specials—in fact, while recording, a flash sale popped up. But read the fine print. These promos may come with routing or upgrade limitations. Of course some of these specials don’t work if you’re traveling solo, but it never hurts to ask!
We prefer booking flights ourselves for status, preferred schedules, and flexibility. Our searches showed that cruise-line airfare rarely saves us money. Yet for convenience, or limited-time offers, Viking takes this category.
9. Final Payment Policy
This surprises many: While most lines require final payment 90–120 days before departure, Viking often requires full payment 12–18 months in advance—often tied to discounted fare requirements. AmaWaterways follows the more typical 90-day window.
Quick takeaway: AmaWaterways wins this one for budget flexibility.
Summary: How the Lines Stack Up on Hidden Costs
Viking wins on: laundry, transfers & extensions, drinks, airfare
Tie in: gratuities and travel insurance
AmaWaterways wins on: optional excursions and final payment policy
There’s no single “better” line—just different financial expectations. We didn’t total everything up because airline class, excursions, or DIY planning can change your budget. Use our insights to plan a cost-savvy, surprise-free European river cruise.
Let us know in the comments: What unexpected expenses did you encounter on your river cruise? Your stories could help others cruise smarter.
Such interesting tips and tricks like the laundry one. I didn’t realise how expensive tipping would be I woykld have to factor that into my budget . I’ve always wanted to do a river cruise so this was very helpful advice.
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