What Is Included on Riverside Luxury Cruises?
Everything You Need to Know About Dining, Suites, Excursions & Service
One of the most common questions travelers ask before booking is: 'What is actually included on a Riverside Luxury Cruises vacation?' Riverside Luxury Cruises is designed to deliver a premium, boutique river cruise experience where many of the essentials are already part of your fare. From elegant accommodations and exceptional dining to personalized service and immersive European itineraries, Riverside focuses on creating a seamless luxury vacation.While inclusions can vary slightly by itinerary, you'll find that most cruises provide excellent value through a wide range of amenities and services. This guide walks through exactly what's included on a typical Riverside sailing from suites and dining to beverages, Wi-Fi, excursions, and service along with what's usually considered an optional extra.
Quick Answer
Most Riverside Luxury Cruises Include:
- Spacious luxury accommodations
- Gourmet breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Daily housekeeping
- Personalized onboard service
- Selected guided shore excursions
- Fitness facilities
- Evening entertainment
- Port charges and taxes
Usually An Additional Cost:
- Premium alcoholic beverages and top-shelf spirits
- Specialty wines from vintage cellar collections
- Spa treatments and massage services
- Boutique purchases and personal shopping
- Optional premium and private excursions
- International airfare and travel insurance
Some optional experiences, premium beverages, spa treatments, and specialty excursions may have an additional cost.
Every Riverside voyage begins with beautifully appointed accommodations designed for comfort and relaxation. Many Riverside suites are among the largest available on Europe's rivers.
If having extra space is important to you, Riverside's suites deliver exceptional value on the river, offering plush king beds, marble bathrooms, separate sitting areas, and panoramic river views.
- Spacious suites with king-size beds
- Premium mattresses and luxury linens
- Marble bathrooms
- High-end bath amenities
- Sitting areas and beautiful river views
- Climate control, TV, safe, and hair dryer
What's Included Onboard
Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Guests receive complimentary onboard Wi-Fi throughout their cruise
- Stay connected with family
- Share travel photos
- Check email
- Browse the internet
- Plan independent sightseeing
- Internet quality may vary depending on the ship's location along the river
Wellness & Fitness
- Riverside ships offer inviting wellness spaces where guests can stay active or relax
- Fitness equipment
- Wellness facilities
- Walking track or open deck (where available)
- Relaxation spaces
- Spa treatments and massage services may be available on select ships for an additional fee
Beverages Included
Included Daily Beverages
Beverages are generously included with meals and throughout your sailing. Premium spirits, specialty cocktails, and select vintage wines may be available for an additional charge depending on the sailing package.
- Wine with lunch and dinner
- Beer with meals
- Soft drinks
- Coffee & specialty teas
- Bottled water & infusions
- Sommelier-selected pairings
Shore Excursions
Most itineraries include at least one guided excursion in many ports, giving guests an easy way to explore each destination without added planning. Some premium or small-group experiences may require an additional fee.
01. Historic Walking Tours
Explore old towns and city centers with a knowledgeable local guide.
02. Castle & Cathedral Visits
Step inside some of Europe's most iconic landmarks and architecture.
03. Wine Tastings
Sample regional wines paired with insight into local winemaking traditions.
04. Museum & Local Market Visits
Discover regional art, history, and culture in every port.
05. Scenic Coach Tours
Take in the countryside and picturesque villages beyond the riverbank.
Destinations You'll Explore
Depending on your itinerary, Riverside sails through some of Europe's most beautiful regions, including iconic rivers and storied cultural destinations.
Danube River
Explore Europe's majestic waterway connecting historic capital cities, baroque abbeys, and charming riverside villages including Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Passau.
Rhine River
Sail through castle-dotted riverbanks, medieval towns, and vibrant European cultural centers from Amsterdam through Cologne, Strasbourg, and Basel.
Rhône River
Cruise the heart of southern France, from the gastronomy capital of Lyon to the Roman monuments and Provençal charm of Avignon.
Main & Moselle Rivers
Discover wine villages, rolling vineyards, timbered towns, and peaceful river scenery along Europe's most picturesque tributary waterways.
Personalized Service
Boutique Hospitality & Attention to Detail
The intimate size of the ships creates a welcoming environment where guests feel genuinely cared for. Staff members quickly learn guest preferences and provide attentive service.
- ✦Daily housekeeping
- ✦Concierge assistance
- ✦Friendly onboard staff
- ✦Personalized guest service
- ✦Luggage assistance
- ✦Port information & daily guidance
Onboard Amenities & Evening Entertainment
Onboard Amenities
- Observation lounge with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows
- Spacious sun deck with 360-degree river views
- Fitness center equipped with modern wellness machines
- Comfortable lounges designed for conversation
- Library and quiet reading corners
- Outdoor seating and scenic viewing areas
Evening Entertainment
- Live piano music in the main lounge
- Guest performances by local musicians
- Authentic cultural performances in port
- Destination presentations by guest experts
- Guided wine tastings with the onboard sommelier
- Pre-dinner and late-evening cocktail hours
Gourmet Dining Throughout Your Cruise
Dining is one of Riverside's signature experiences. Menus change regularly to reflect the destinations visited during your cruise.
Breakfast & Lunch
Fresh pastries, seasonal fruits, eggs made to order, yogurts, European cheeses, regional specialties, fresh salads, soups, seafood, and artisan desserts.
What's Usually Not Included?
Generally Included in Fare
- Suite accommodations
- Gourmet meals
- Wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Selected shore excursions
- Port charges and taxes
Usually An Additional Cost
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Specialty wines and spirits
- Spa treatments
- Boutique purchases and personal shopping
- Optional premium excursions
- Travel insurance
- International airfare (unless part of a package)
- Pre- and post-cruise hotels (unless included in a package)
Although Riverside includes many amenities, some items are generally additional. Always review your specific itinerary and booking confirmation for exact inclusions.
Is Riverside All-Inclusive?
Who Gets the Most Value?
- Spacious luxury suites
- Boutique service
- Gourmet cuisine
- European culture
- Scenic cruising
- Relaxed luxury
Additional Considerations:
- Premium beverages outside meal hours may cost extra
- Specialty spa treatments are not complimentary
- Select private excursions carry an added fee
Why Book Through a Luxury Travel Advisor?
A luxury travel advisor can help you understand exactly what's included before you book, compare itineraries, explain promotions, and recommend the best suite for your travel style.
Compare Itineraries
Evaluate inclusions and route differences across Europe's rivers.
Explain Promotions
Maximize value with exclusive agency perks and bundled promotional packages.
Recommend the Best Suite
Select the optimal suite category and location on the ship.
Coordinate Airfare
Seamless booking of international flights and schedule coordination.
Arrange Hotels & Transfers
Hand-picked luxury pre- and post-cruise hotels and private door-to-ship transfers.
Recommend Excursions
Custom recommendations for included tours and curated private excursions.
Angela Hughes Authority & Credentials
CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
Angela Hughes
With more than 40 years of luxury travel industry experience and visits to over 121 countries, Angela Hughes provides expert guidance for travelers seeking the world's most refined cruise journeys.
Her deep knowledge of European river cruising ensures you receive personalized suite selections, itinerary advice, and VIP service every step of the way.
"River cruising should be effortless, intimate, and deeply enriching. Riverside Luxury Cruises delivers an exceptional blend of boutique luxury, generous suites, and authentic European charm."
— Angela Hughes, Angela Hughes, CEO Trips & Ships Luxury TravelKEY QUALIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
- Over 40 years in the travel industry
- Traveled to more than 121 countries
- Founder of Luxury Travel University
- Global luxury travel speaker and trainer
- Weekly industry columnist
- Travel Leaders Network Advisory Board member
- 2024 Luxury Travel Influencer of the Year
- Named one of the Most Influential Women in Travel in 2026 by TravelPulse
- Featured in major travel publications globally
- Expert in luxury cruises, safaris, expeditions, river cruising, and premium travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything travelers need to know about what's included on Riverside Luxury Cruises before booking their next European river cruise.
Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are typically included throughout your cruise.
Wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water are generally included with meals. Premium beverages may cost extra.
Most itineraries include selected guided excursions, while additional premium experiences may be available for purchase.
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is generally available throughout the cruise.
Gratuity policies may vary by itinerary and booking package. Review your booking confirmation or consult your travel advisor for details.
International airfare is usually not included unless purchased as part of a cruise package.
Transfers may be included with certain packages or promotions. Confirm the details for your specific itinerary.
Yes. Guests have access to onboard fitness facilities throughout the cruise.
Absolutely. Its personalized service and relaxed atmosphere make it an excellent introduction to luxury river cruising.
Yes. A luxury travel advisor can explain inclusions, compare itineraries, recommend the best suite, and help coordinate every aspect of your trip.
Yes, 24-hour room service is included for all guests, allowing you to dine in the comfort of your suite.
No, while the fitness facilities and relaxation spaces are complimentary, spa treatments and massage services incur an additional fee.
What Is Included on Riverside Luxury Cruises?
Riverside Luxury Cruises includes many of the amenities travelers expect from a premium European river cruise spacious accommodations, gourmet dining, beverages with meals, Wi-Fi, personalized service, and guided sightseeing.
Rather than overwhelming guests with endless options, Riverside focuses on delivering exceptional quality in every aspect of the journey.
The result is a refined, boutique luxury experience where comfort, hospitality, and destination immersion take center stage.
At Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, we'll help you understand what's included, compare itineraries, choose the perfect suite, and plan a seamless Riverside Luxury Cruises vacation.
Our luxury planning services include:
What Is Included on Riverside Luxury Cruises?
Riverside Luxury Cruises includes many of the amenities travelers expect from a premium European river cruise spacious accommodations, gourmet dining, beverages with meals, Wi-Fi, personalized service, and guided sightseeing.
Start Planning Your Riverside Cruise