Budget Rhine River Cruises
Discover a varied offer of budget river cruises that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Strasbourg and Mainz. Each affordable adventure will provide you with memorable experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market.
9 best Budget Rhine river cruises
Compiled by
SteffRhine travel expert at TourRadar
- A Bountiful Christmas in Alsace and the Black Forest (port-to-port cruise)
- Rhine City Break in Winter 2027
- Trans-European cruise from Budapest to Strasbourg (port-to-port cruise) (20 destinations)
- Holland and its tulips (port-to-port cruise)
- Alsace: land of tradition and gastronomy (port-to-port cruise)
- Rhineland Christmas on the Romantic Rhine - MODIGLIANI
- Christmas Markets on Rhine, MS Vista Rio
- Holland and Belgium, MS CruceRio
- Classic Rhine, MS CruceRio
A Bountiful Christmas in Alsace and the Black Forest (port-to-port cruise)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I was expected to pay for drinks and did not have water either. I would have liked to have seen the Christmas market at night.”
Adam, traveled in December
A captivating Rhine River voyage costs approx. $180 per day, featuring comfortable cabin accommodation, French cuisine with drinks, and guided market visits. Take in sweeping views from MS L'Europe while sailing between Strasbourg and Breisach.
Duration 4 days Destinations Strasbourg, Breisach, Freiburg im Breisgau, Ungersheim, Colmar Age Range All Ages Welcome Ships MS L’EuropeMS Victor Hugo River Rhine Price Per Day $192 Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$768
Duration 6 days Destinations Duisburg, Cologne, Rudesheim am Rhein, Mainz, Bonn Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA SENA River Rhine Price Per Day $143 Operator A-ROSA From
- US$858
Trans-European cruise from Budapest to Strasbourg (port-to-port cruise) (20 destinations)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. Excellent value for money!”
Gabrielle, traveled in October
No departure dates availableDuration 13 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Germany, France Age Range All Ages Welcome Ships MS Douce FranceMS ModiglianiMS Mona LisaMS France River DanubeRhineMain Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises Holland and its tulips (port-to-port cruise)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Perfect food perfect sailing.”
carol, traveled in April
This value-packed river cruise includes all meals, drinks, and port fees. MS Lafayette provides comfortable accommodation across various cabin categories, plus complimentary Wi-Fi and headsets for excursions. Optional transfer from Antwerp to Amsterdam available for additional fee.
No departure dates availableDuration 4 days Destinations Amsterdam, Keukenhof, Rotterdam, Antwerp Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Lafayette River Rhine Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises Alsace: land of tradition and gastronomy (port-to-port cruise)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“excellent crew and excursions included.”
Chui, traveled in October
An enchanting Rhine River adventure costs approx. $140 daily, providing comfortable cabin accommodation, regional cuisine, and guided tours. Marvel at Strasbourg's cathedral, float through Colmar's canals, and wander traditional Alsatian villages.
No departure dates availableDuration 5 days Destinations Strasbourg, Breisach, Munster, Riquewihr, Ribeauville Age Range All Ages Welcome Ships MS BeethovenMS Douce FranceMS Gerard SchmitterMS L’EuropeMS LafayetteMS ModiglianiMS Victor HugoMS France River Rhine Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises 
The Rhine River sailing costs approx. $260 per day, offering meals, drinks, and accommodation aboard MS Modigliani. Guests enjoy panoramic cabin views, welcome cocktails, and a special Christmas Eve celebration dinner.
No departure dates availableDuration 3 days Destinations Strasbourg, Colmar, Breisach Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Modigliani River Rhine Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises Christmas Markets on Rhine, MS Vista Rio
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Beautiful Christmas Markets. Wonderful staff.”
Leesa, traveled in December
Duration 5 days Destinations Dusseldorf, Koblenz, Mainz, Rudesheim am Rhein, Cologne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Ship MS Vista Rio River Rhine Price Per Day $97 Operator Crucemundo From $968
50% Off- US$484+$115 upfront costsYou save $484
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Ship MS Vista Rio River RhineThe ScheldtMeuse Price Per Day $237 Operator Crucemundo From
50% Off- US$1,899+$86 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Dusseldorf, Koblenz, Mannheim, Strasbourg, Speyer, Mainz, Rudesheim am Rhein, Andernach Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Ship MS Vista Rio River RhineMoselle Price Per Day $237 Operator Crucemundo From
50% Off- US$1,899+$86 upfront costs
What our customers ask about Budget Rhine River Cruises
When is the most affordable time to cruise the Rhine River?
Travel data shows the best deals on Rhine River cruises appear during March-April and October-November. March leads with 14 budget-friendly departures while September and October combine for 12 departures. December cruises particularly those featuring Christmas markets between Strasbourg and Breisach often offer good value. Recent travelers report finding excellent rates in March with weather that's still suitable for exploring the riverside towns and castles.
What type of accommodation can I expect on budget Rhine River cruises?
Budget Rhine cruises provide practical comfortable cabins that include private bathrooms and river views. The MS Lafayette features double-occupancy rooms with adjustable twin beds and panoramic windows across its main and upper decks. Another vessel the MS Modigliani offers 79 cabins with modern touches and French balconies. A recent traveler noted: "The room was bigger than a lot of hotel rooms we have stayed at. The room had good storage and the drop down window was a great feature."
What meals are typically included on budget Rhine River cruises?
Standard packages include three daily meals: buffet breakfast lunch and dinner. Ships such as MS Beethoven and MS Lafayette serve French-inspired dishes with local specialties. Guests enjoy complimentary wine and beer during meals plus special welcome and farewell dinners. A recent guest shared: "The food was varied and good and wine and beer are included with lunch and dinner. The food & wine were exceptional and the crew was gracious and ready to serve!"
Which budget-friendly areas along the Rhine River are worth visiting?
Several stops along the Rhine offer good value for visitors. These include Strasbourg's old town Colmar's Little Venice and the wine communities of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé. Many budget cruises dock in Breisach where travelers can explore the medieval center or take trips to the Black Forest. A recent cruise passenger noted: "Wonderful trip packed full of many beautiful villages and towns" with special mention of Koblenz and Rüdesheim's included walking tours.
What's the typical group size on budget Rhine River cruises?
Ships that operate budget Rhine cruises generally carry between 80-180 passengers. For example the MS Lafayette accommodates 82 guests while the larger MS L'Europe can host up to 180. Booking records show most travelers are couples (67-80%) followed by solo travelers (7-33%) and some families. A recent visitor observed their ship was "not fully occupied only 110 passengers" which created a more personal atmosphere.
How much should I budget for optional activities not included in the cruise price?
Extra activities typically cost between $50-75 per person daily. Popular choices include a Strasbourg canal tour ($35) visits to Heidelberg Castle ($45) and local wine tastings ($40). A recent cruise passenger observed: "With the price paid for this cruise it should be ALL inclusive. Optional excursions should be refundable when a passenger is unable to go."