Blog / Cruise Comparisons, published , Tim Cruise Travel Agency
River Cruise Inclusions Compared: Drinks, Excursions, Wi-Fi & Gratuities
River cruises tend to include meals, wine with dinner and guided tours, but the details still vary: when drinks are poured, how many tour choices you get and who covers the tips. This guide compares seven river lines using the inclusions they list for US travelers.
Sources checked October 26, 2026. Inclusions can differ by river, region and booking market, so we confirm the itinerary you choose.
| Cruise line / fare | Dining | Drinks | Wi-Fi | Crew gratuities | Shore excursions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AmaWaterways Official source | ✓ Included all meals onboard | ✓ Included wine, beer, soft drinks at lunch and dinner; Sip & Sail hour in Europe | ✓ Included Wi-Fi | ? Confirm on quote show on quote | ✓ Included choice of guided tours each day |
| Avalon Official source | ✓ Included all meals onboard | ✓ Included wine, beer, soft drinks at meals; nightly Happy Hour | ✓ Included Starlink Wi-Fi | ? Confirm on quote show on quote | ✓ Included Avalon Choice excursions |
| Viking River Official source | ✓ Included all onboard dining | ✓ Included beer, wine, soft drinks at lunch and dinner | ✓ Included Wi-Fi | ? Confirm on quote show on quote | ✓ Included one tour per port |
| Tauck Official source | ✓ Included two dining venues, snacks any time | ✓ Included unlimited, including premium spirits | ? Confirm on quote not listed on that page | ✓ Included all gratuities, onboard and ashore | ✓ Included itinerary excursions |
| Amadeus Official source | ✓ Included full board | ✓ Included wine, draft beer, soda, coffee, tea at lunch and dinner | ✓ Included Wi-Fi | ✓ Included onboard gratuities | ? Confirm on quote varies by itinerary |
| Riviera Official source | ✓ Included all onboard meals | ✓ Included drinks throughout the day | ✓ Included Wi-Fi throughout the ship | ? Confirm on quote show on quote | ✓ Included daily guided excursions |
| Uniworld Official source | ✓ Included all meals onboard | ✓ Included unlimited, including fine wines and premium spirits | ✓ Included ship-wide Wi-Fi | ✓ Included all onboard staff | ✓ Included wide choice of excursions |
The tours matter as much as the bar
On a river cruise you are docked in or near town most days, so the included tours shape the trip. Some lines give one set tour per port, others offer several options a day at different activity levels. Ask how much walking each one involves and whether the options run at the same time.
Flights, transfers and pre- or post-cruise hotels are separate questions from what is included on the ship. We list those on the quote too.
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways includes all meals onboard, wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, a Sip & Sail cocktail hour before dinner on European cruises, Wi-Fi and guided excursions with expert local guides. Coffee, tea and bottled water are available around the clock. Premium drinks and imported wines cost extra.
Best fit: travelers who like to choose between gentle walks, active hikes or bike rides, and tastings.
Avalon
Avalon includes wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, a complimentary Happy Hour every night except the first, and Starlink Wi-Fi. Avalon Choice lets you pick among several styles of excursion, from city tours to active outings.
Best fit: travelers who want flexibility day to day and a relaxed drink before dinner.
Viking River
Viking River includes one shore excursion in each port, all onboard dining, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and 24-hour specialty coffees, teas and bottled water.
Best fit: first-time river cruisers who want each day organized. Plan to buy an optional tour if a museum or special-interest visit matters to you.
Tauck
Tauck includes itinerary excursions, unlimited drinks onboard, including regional wine, beer and premium spirits, and all gratuities to Tauck Directors, local guides, ship crew and wait staff.
Best fit: travelers who want almost nothing to pay for once they arrive.
Amadeus
For cruises in its US brochure, Amadeus includes free-flowing wine, draft beer, soda, coffee and tea with every lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, bottled water in every stateroom, and all onboard taxes, fees and gratuities. Bicycles and a wireless audio system for guided tours are also included. Ask us which excursions are part of your itinerary.
Best fit: travelers who want tips handled and like to explore on their own by bike.
Riviera
Riviera's US site lists drinks throughout the day, including wine, beer, cocktails and house spirits, all onboard meals, daily guided excursions with local guides, Wi-Fi throughout the ship and port charges. Crew gratuities are not on that list, so we show them separately on your quote.
Best fit: travelers who want an all-day drinks plan and a tour in each town.
Uniworld
Uniworld includes all meals onboard, unlimited drinks including fine wines and premium spirits, ship-wide Wi-Fi, a wide choice of excursions and gratuities for all onboard staff.
Best fit: travelers who want a broad all-inclusive model and boutique ship style.
Comparing two river quotes
Use the same river, season, length, cabin type and party size. Note when drinks are served, which tours you would actually take, and who pays the tips onboard and ashore. Read the water-level policy as well: low or high water can change docking spots or the route. A broad bundle keeps spending simple, while a lighter one suits people who like to explore on their own.
Frequently asked questions
Are drinks included all day on a river cruise?
It depends on the line. Tauck, Uniworld and Riviera include drinks throughout the day. AmaWaterways, Avalon, Viking and Amadeus include wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, and AmaWaterways and Avalon add a cocktail or happy hour.
Does an included excursion mean every tour is free?
No. Some lines include one tour per port, others let you choose among several each day, and special tours or extensions can cost extra.
Which river lines include gratuities?
Tauck includes all gratuities, including tour directors, local guides and ship crew. Uniworld includes gratuities for all onboard staff, and Amadeus includes onboard gratuities in the fare for US guests. For the others, we show tips separately on your quote.
Official sources
Checked October 26, 2026.
- AmaWaterways: FAQ
- Avalon: It's all included
- Viking River: About river cruising
- Tauck: Distinctively inclusive
- Amadeus: US amenities
- Riviera: What is included (US)
- Uniworld: All-inclusive luxury
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