5 River Cruise Lines: What's Actually Included vs What Costs Extra (2027)

River cruises look expensive — until you actually break down what's included. We compared Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Emerald, and Uniworld line by line so you know exactly what you're paying for before you book.2027 prices just changed — and not equally across all five lines. Viking and Avalon saw the biggest increases while AmaWaterways held relatively flat. We'll show you what shifted, what it means for your budget, and which lines are quietly offering the best value right now.In this video we cover: — What's actually included (and what costs extra) across all 5 lines — A full stateroom comparison: fixed window, French balcony, veranda & panorama suite — Gratuities: only 2 of these 5 lines include them — and it changes the real price — Shore excursions: from 1 included tour to 3 choices per port depending on the line — The current promotions worth stacking: free upgrades, prepaid gratuities, airfare deals & onboard credits — How river cruise pricing compares to premium ocean cruises in Europe — Which line wins at each price point — entry level, mid-range, and all-inclusiveIf you're comparing river cruise lines for 2026 or 2027, bookmark this one. These are real numbers from real bookings — not brochure math. 🚢 Get a free personalized quote, perks & onboard credits: https://www.digitalroamads.com/cruising We book river cruises every month across all five of these lines. If you have questions about which is right for your trip, drop them in the comments — we read every one.