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Budget River Cruises

There are many ways to cruise on a budget. A little bit of research goes a long way and knowing what to look for makes it easy. Follow these tips for finding a budget cruise that feels outrageously expensive.

Cruising on a shoestring
Cruising on a shoestring
1
  • Hot Deals
  • About Budget River Cruises

EXCLUSIVE 2 FOR 1 Offer*: - Greek Island Explorer Cruise, 8 days

7 nights

Spend seven nights on a coastal cruise aboard the MS Caledonian Sky. Admire the intoxicating landscape of blue-domed churches, old ports and spectacular beaches that Greece is c...

twin share from
$6,490* pp

Departing Date :

Limited Availability

EXCLUSIVE 2 FOR 1 Offer* Cambodia and The Mekong, 11-days

11 days

Embark on the luxury Mekong Serenity for a seven-night Mekong River cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia. Experience a Buddhist blessing, visit Phnom Penh and discover charming i...

twin share from
$7,090* pp

Departing Date :

21 Jul 2025

EXCLUSIVE 2 FOR 1 Offer* Premium European River Cruise, 14-nights

14 nights

Enjoy the best of Europe on a 14-night premium river cruise. Begin in Budapest, Hungary, before heading to Vienna. Explore some of Germany's most beautiful towns along the Rhine...

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$7,790* pp

Departing Date :

Limited Availability

Experienced Cruise Lines

Budget cruises are often run aboard older cruise liners that sail shorter routes. Don't let their age fool you though, these cruise liners are often every bit as grand and luxurious as newer ships - just with extra character. Look out for older ships from cruise lines that own newer bigger ships, as these can often yield great bargains. This means that all the major cruise lines have the potential for great budget cruises.

Cruise Seasons

Finding a budget cruise in peak season is rare, and there's no reason why you can't have as good a time at the start and end of the cruise seasons. For example, take an Alaskan cruise in less popular September, and you could witness the other-worldly Northern Lights and pay much less for your cruise than the high season cruisers.

Budget Itineraries

Repositioning cruises are sold as budget cruises as cruise lines must move their vessels to a different region for the start of a new cruise season. More days at sea and fewer stops make these cruises cheaper, but if you're on a five-star cruise liner you probably won't even mind. Remember to factor in travel costs to and from each port that could include two one-way airfares. Repositioning transatlantic cruises or transpacific cruises, at a bargain price is what all budget cruises should aspire to.

Cheap River Cruises

River cruises are run all year around. Avoid school holidays and peak holiday times including public holidays and you could be on to a winner. You could take a Murray River cruise and sample some of Australia’s best wine regions. Pick a less popular time of year for a cheap river cruise and you’ll have plenty left to stock up on some vintage.

Timing

Book a cruise early or late and you can get a cheap cruise with all the trimmings.

To book your budget cruise or find out more, call one of our Travel Consultants on 13 70 79. Don't forget to ask about our great deals on flights, transfers, travel insurance and more.

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