What deposit do river cruise lines ask for?

By Richard Jasinski·Updated 10 November 2026

These 26 river cruise lines state their deposit on their own websites, read 10 November 2026. Each card gives what the line says about it, with the ship, sailing, length, price or number where it names one, then why to choose it, what to ask for and the limits it publishes.

What deposit do river cruise lines ask for?

26 river cruise lines in the Uncompromised Travel table say on their own websites that they ask for a stated deposit; Travelmarvel, DouroAzul and VIVA Cruises have the most Google reviews under the line's own name.

Who is on this page and why. The Uncompromised Travel river cruise lines table holds 48 companies: the river cruise lines ChatGPT names most often when asked about river cruises, plus river lines added by hand from the trade, each kept only if its own website sells river voyages under its own name. Their own websites were read on 10 November 2026, with their Google and Trustpilot listings matched by name. This page carries every line in the table that, on its own website, states its deposit: 26 lines. Cards are in alphabetical order. Each line on a card gives what the company's own website says, with a link to the page it came from; a second reader checked 288 of the table's rows against the pages. No company paid to be on this page.

A-ROSA

Best for: Drinks-inclusive sailings on Rhine, Danube and Douro
Deposit: Asks for a part payment of 25% of the travel price once the booking is confirmed and the risk coverage certificate is issued, with the final payment due 30 days before departure; bookings made within 30 days of departure are paid in full at once.
Why choose them: Began sailing the Danube in 2002 with A-ROSA BELLA and A-ROSA DONNA and now lists 15 river ships. Trustpilot: 2.9 out of 5 from 342 reviews, newest 6 November 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Premium All-Inclusive fare, which includes one free change of travel date up to 30 days before departure.
Not the fit if: you use a wheelchair: there are no wheelchair-accessible cabins and no passenger lifts except on A-ROSA ALVA, SENA, ALEA and CLEA.
Published price: from €1,561 per person, Premium All-Inclusive, cabin B with balcony, Rhine & Scheldt Metropolises Experience, 27 March to 3 April 2027. Read 10 November 2026.
Money protection: Risk coverage certificate (Sicherungsschein) under Section 651r BGB, issued before the 25% down payment is due.
Enquiry: arosa-cruises.com/company/contact.html

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: my-a-rosa/faq.html, company/history.html, river-cruises/rhine/cruise/rhine-scheldt-metropo.

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Abercrombie & Kent

Best for: Guided river journeys and canal barge cruises
Deposit: On US bookings, asks a deposit of 10% of the programme price for Small Group Journeys and Private Journeys (its European river cruises are sold as Small Group Journeys) and 25% for Canal Barge Cruises, with final payment due 120 days before departure.
Why choose them: Founded by Geoffrey Kent, it has sold travel since 1962. Trustpilot (whole company): 4.4 out of 5 from 795 reviews, newest 3 November 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Canal Barge Cruise, which includes all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on board and transfers to and from the vessel.
Not the fit if: you travel with children under 12: journeys including a European River Cruise have a minimum age of 12.
Money protection: ATOL number 2881, issued by the CAA, for flight-inclusive packages (UK bookings).
Website: abercrombiekent.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: booking-terms-and-conditions-for-journeys, home page, terms-&-conditions-tailor-made-holidays-uk.

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Amadeus River Cruises

Best for: European river cruises with wine at dinner
Deposit: Asks for a deposit of 10% per person to confirm a reservation, with the balance due no later than 20 days before departure.
Why choose them: Suites on its ships measure 26.4 m2 (284 sq ft) with a walk-out balcony.
Ask for: Ask for excursion Package C, which includes every excursion on the cruise at a reduced price when booked in advance.
Not the fit if: you use a wheelchair or scooter: neither is permitted on board and guests must manage the gangway, stairs and ramps without one.
Money protection: Listed in the Austrian carrier directory under number 2004/0052, with customer money insured under the Austrian travel agency insurance ordinance (RSV).
Enquiry: lueftner-cruises.com/en/company/imprint.html

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: en/company/terms-conditions/terms-conditions.htm, en/why-amadeus/suites-staterooms.html.

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AmaWaterways

Best for: Europe, Nile and Mekong river cruises
Deposit: For US bookings asks a deposit of $400 per person for Europe, Colombia and Asia, $1,200 for Egypt and $2,400 for Africa, with final payment no later than 90 days before travel; Canada deposits are $500, $1,500 and $3,000 per person.
Why choose them: Offers over 100 river cruises across 35 countries on 12 rivers. Google: 4.1 out of 5 from 67 reviews; Trustpilot: 1.7 out of 5 from 109 reviews, newest 24 October 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Not the fit if: you need a doctor on board, as medical doctors are not available on any vessel.
Money protection: ATOL 11232 for flight-inclusive UK packages; ABTA bond, membership no. Y6393.
Website: amawaterways.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms-conditions/booking-sales, home page, uk/terms-conditions/booking-sales.

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Antara Cruises

Best for: Ganges and Brahmaputra cruises in India
Deposit: Asks a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the total cruise fare within 15 days of reservation when booking more than 91 days before departure, or 20% within 7 days of confirmation at 90 to 61 days; the balance is due 60 days before departure.
Why choose them: Sails four cruise ships, four catamarans and one private houseboat, sailing in India since 2009. Google: 4.5 out of 5 from 19 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Ganga Vilas sailing from Kolkata to Varanasi, 19 nights, or a private charter on MV Nauka Vilas.
Not the fit if: you need a fixed route: routing depends on water levels and the Master's decisions and itineraries can change without notice.
Website: antaracruises.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: deposit-and-cancellation-terms, about-us, terms-and-conditions.

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Aqua Expeditions

Best for: Small-ship Mekong and Amazon expeditions
Deposit: Asks for a deposit of US$1,000 per person to confirm a cabin booked 91 days or more before departure, with the final balance due 90 days before departure; bookings made 90 days or less before departure need full non-refundable payment.
Why choose them: Founded in 2007 by Francesco Galli Zugaro, it runs excursions in groups of no more than 12. Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 11 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a high-water departure, mid-August to November, when Aqua Mekong sails between Ho Chi Minh and Siem Reap.
Not the fit if: you want to sail to Siem Reap from December to mid-August: low water keeps the ship between Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh, with a complimentary flight to Siem Reap instead.
Website: aquaexpeditions.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: booking-policies, aqua-experience/our-story, destinations/mekong-river-cruise.

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Assam Bengal Navigation

Best for: Brahmaputra and Ganges expedition cruises in India
Deposit: Confirms a reservation on a deposit of 20% of the total cost, or full payment when booking within 6 weeks of departure, with final payment due 6 weeks before departure.
Why choose them: Says it pioneered long-distance river cruising in India on the Brahmaputra in 2003, a year after the company was formed.
Ask for: Ask for one of its special cruises that waive the single supplement, or a single cabin on ABN Rajmahal or ABN Charaidew II.
Not the fit if: you cannot walk or stand for long periods on uneven ground: many excursions involve this and no personal assistants are provided.
Enquiry: assambengalnavigation.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms-and-conditions, our-story.

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Avalon Waterways

Best for: Suite Ships with open-air balconies
Deposit: On its US terms, asks a non-refundable deposit of $250 (USD) per person on most cruises, with final payment due 90 days before departure.
Why choose them: Its Panorama Suites in Europe measure 200 square feet, which it says is an average of 30% larger than others. Google: 4.2 out of 5 from 22 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.4 out of 5 from 1,905 reviews, newest 25 October 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Avalon Choice Excursions on your sailing, in Classic, Discovery or Active style.
Not the fit if: you use a wheelchair or walker: outside the United States you must be able to walk up and down steps and ramps without one; many of its small ships have no lift.
Enquiry: avalonwaterways.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms, why-avalon/suite-ships.

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Century Cruises

Best for: Yangtze, Danube and Rhine cruise tours
Deposit: Asks for a non-refundable deposit of at least $500 per person (US dollars) at booking, with final payment due at least 120 days before departure.
Why choose them: Century Star will host 174 guests in 87 cabins on the Danube.
Ask for: Ask which cabin categories on its European tours come with complimentary international flights.
Not the fit if: your plans may change: the $500 per person deposit is non-refundable and cancelling within 30 days of departure costs 100% of the full fare.
Website: centurycruises.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms, ships/century-star.

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CroisiEurope

Best for: French family line on European rivers
Deposit: On its French booking terms, asks a 30% deposit at booking for CroisiEurope sailings, with the balance 30 days before departure (45 days for Visages et Fleuves du Monde trips).
Why choose them: Runs a fleet of 50 ships and barges. Google: 3.6 out of 5 from 134 reviews; Trustpilot: 3.8 out of 5 from 448 reviews, newest 9 November 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a CroisiFamille river cruise, where up to 2 children up to 16 sail free in a paying cabin.
Not the fit if: you may cancel late: from 90 days before a river cruise you lose 20% of the price, rising to 100% from 8 days.
Website: croisieurope.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: information/conditions-generales-ventes-2026, home page.

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Delfin Amazon Cruises

Best for: Small-ship Amazon cruises in Peru's Pacaya Samiria
Deposit: Asks a deposit of USD 750 per person for bookings made 91 days or more before departure, with the balance due 90 days before; bookings within 90 days are paid in full, non-refundable.
Why choose them: Delfin III, its largest vessel, carries up to 44 guests in 22 suites.
Ask for: Ask for a Delfin II Suite or a Delfin III Suite or Upper Suite on a departure where the single supplement is waived.
Not the fit if: you might cancel late: from 150 days before departure the deposit is not refunded; it grants no other refund or reschedule, even in case of force majeure.
Website: delfinamazoncruises.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms-and-conditions, home page.

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DouroAzul

Best for: Douro cruises from Porto to Barca D'Alva
Deposit: Under its terms for Spirit of Chartwell bookings by non-consumers, treats a reservation as valid once it receives 20% of the total cruise price by bank transfer, with the remaining 80% due up to 30 days before embarkation.
Why choose them: Says the World Cruise Awards recognised it again in 2026, after wins in 2021, 2023 and 2024. Google: 4.1 out of 5 from 335 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the 30-passenger Spirit of Chartwell, which it operates itself.
Not the fit if: you may need medical care on board: its ships have no medical staff or clinical facilities.
Website: douroazul.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms-and-conditions/?lang=en, douroazul-world-cruise-awards-2026.

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Excellence River Cruises

Best for: German-language river voyages from Switzerland
Deposit: Asks a deposit of usually 20% of the arrangement price within 10 days of the invoice, with the balance due 1 month before departure; special-price offers must be paid in full within 7 days of the invoice.
Why choose them: Says its fleet holds the Green Award and the Fair Cruise Award and has twice won the Myclimate Award.
Ask for: Ask for a sailing with a double cabin on the main deck for one person without supplement.
Not the fit if: you do not speak German: German is the language on board, including daily programmes and menus.
Published price: From CHF 2'495 per person, main deck cabin, 9 days Basel to Amsterdam and back on the Excellence Crown, departing 1 June 2027, coach travel from Switzerland included. Read 10 November 2026.
Money protection: Stiftung Gesetzlicher Garantiefonds der Schweizer Reisebranche (Garantiefonds).
Website: excellence.ch

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: vorteile/faq, flusskreuzfahrten/der-rhein-fine-dining-mit-hugo.

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Gate 1 Travel

Best for: Escorted tours with chartered river cruises
Deposit: Takes a non-refundable deposit of $300 per person at reservation on most bookings, with full payment due 90 days before departure; some destinations, such as India and the USA, need $500 per person with full payment at 120 days (terms for US bookings, in US dollars).
Why choose them: Founded in 1981, it began with tours to Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Greece and Turkey.
Ask for: Ask for the Cancel for Any Reason waiver, which allows cancellation up to 72 hours before departure for a future travel credit.
Not the fit if: you use a wheelchair, walker or scooter: none can be accommodated on its international river cruises.
Enquiry: gate1travel.com/terms

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms, about.aspx.

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Grand Circle Cruise Line

Best for: Small-group Danube and Seine cruises with airfare
Deposit: Asks a deposit of $750 per person to secure a river cruise reservation, with final payment due at least 90 days before departure unless the programme's rate chart says otherwise.
Why choose them: Founded in 1958 by Ethel Andrus to serve Americans over 50. Trustpilot (whole company): 4.0 out of 5 from 20 reviews, newest 7 November 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a departure with a free or low-cost Single Supplement, or for roommate matching, which carries no single supplement even without a match.
Not the fit if: you use a wheelchair or motorised scooter: most trips are not accessible and guests needing help must travel with an able companion.
Enquiry: gct.com/about-us/contact-us

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms-and-conditions, about-us/people-and-culture.

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Heritage Line

Best for: Small-ship Mekong and Vietnam bay cruises
Deposit: Asks a 15% deposit on confirmation for Mekong and Myanmar cruise-only bookings, with the balance 90 days before departure; cruise and travel packages take a 20% deposit and Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha Bay cruises are paid in full on confirmation.
Why choose them: The Jahan cruises the lower Mekong with 26 staterooms and suites, all with large balconies.
Ask for: Ask for a selected cruise with no single supplement for solo travellers.
Not the fit if: your children are under 5: they are not allowed on board unless Heritage Line grants special permission.
Enquiry: heritage-line.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms-conditions, cruise/lower-mekong-river.

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Mekong Kingdoms

Best for: Small-boat Mekong voyages in Laos
Deposit: Asks a 50% non-refundable deposit on booking confirmation for overnight cruises, with full payment due 30 days before departure.
Why choose them: Its 50-metre boat Bohème has 13 cabins.
Ask for: Ask for The Bohème Journey, a 7-day cruise package with a stay at Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane or Avani+ Luang Prabang.
Not the fit if: you may need to cancel, as overnight cruises carry a 50% non-refundable deposit and cancelling less than 31 days before departure costs 100%.
Published price: from USD 3,750 per person, twin cabin, Bohème Vientiane to Luang Prabang upstream, 5 nights, 3 January 2027 sailing. Read 10 November 2026.
Enquiry: mekongkingdoms.com/contact-us

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: offers/vientiane-luang-prabang, our-boats/boheme, our-boats/boheme/schedules-and-prices.

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nicko cruises

Best for: River cruises for German-speaking travellers worldwide
Deposit: Under its German package travel terms, asks a deposit of 20% of the cruise fare once the contract is concluded, in exchange for the insurance certificate; the balance is due 30 days before departure and bookings made less than 30 days out pay the full fare immediately.
Why choose them: Sails a fleet of 22 ships and says it has been market leader for river cruises in Germany since 2007. Trustpilot (whole company): 3.2 out of 5 from 387 reviews, newest 5 November 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Single-Spezial departure, where the single supplement is cut by 50%.
Not the fit if: you want an English-only ship: most river ships run in German and English; CYRANO DE BERGERAC runs in French and German.
Published price: from €5,199 per person including flight, MEKONG NAVIGATOR, 13 days, departing 3 April 2027. Read 10 November 2026.
Money protection: Insurance certificate naming the insurer, required before any payment under its package travel terms.
Website: nicko-cruises.de

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: en/payment, en/fleet/river-fleet, en/fleet/flussschiffe/cyrano-de-bergerac.

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Nour El Nil

Best for: Dahabiya sailing between Luxor and Aswan
Deposit: Asks a 25% deposit within 14 days once your booking is confirmed.
Why choose them: Its dahabiyas board at Esna, some 33 miles south of Luxor; they sail to Aswan. Google: 4.6 out of 5 from 114 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the dahabiya voyage from Esna to Aswan with its stop at Gebel Silsileh.
Not the fit if: you need a fixed itinerary: it reserves the right to vary its route and is at times told of new river rules only hours in advance.
Enquiry: nourelnil.com/booking-form

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: booking-form, itinerary.

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Pandaw

Best for: Small-ship Mekong and India river expeditions
Deposit: Asks for a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total booking value on confirmation, with the final balance due 61 days before departure or the booking is cancelled and the deposit forfeited; some special offers need higher non-refundable deposits.
Why choose them: Founded in 1995 by Scottish historian Paul Strachan, it sails ships with fewer than 30 cabins each.
Ask for: Ask for a departure with no single supplement, which it offers on a wide selection of expeditions and dates.
Not the fit if: you use a wheelchair: wheelchairs are not allowed and some river stations have steep and sometimes slippery banks.
Enquiry: pandaw.com/contact-us

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: passenger-information/terms-conditions-carriage, about, passenger-information/booking-conditions.

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Thurgau Travel

Best for: Swiss river voyages on its own ships
Deposit: Asks a deposit of 20% of the package price within 14 days of the written booking confirmation, with the balance due at the latest 30 days before departure; last-minute and credit-card bookings are paid in full at once.
Why choose them: Founded in December 2001, it sails 19 ships on over 50 waterways in more than 25 countries. Google: 4.4 out of 5 from 181 reviews; Trustpilot (whole company): 4.6 out of 5 from 1,004 reviews, newest 8 November 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the excursion package with audio guide when you book, as most excursions are sold that way.
Not the fit if: you cannot leave the ship on your own in an evacuation, as guests must be able to do so and must tell Thurgau Travel before booking if not.
Published price: from CHF 1'390 per person, Rheinzauber Holland on MS Thurgau Gold, 9 days, departing 17 February 2027. Read 10 November 2026.
Money protection: Garantiefonds der Schweizer Reisebranche (Swiss travel industry guarantee fund).
Website: thurgautravel.ch

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: vertrags-und-reisebedingungen, pressebereich/thrugau-travel-schuetzt-seine-gaes, reise/rheinzauber-holland/?id=3917269.

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Travelmarvel

Best for: Rhine, Danube and Douro cruises plus Asia
Deposit: For UK bookings, its 2027 Book Early Package holds a Europe river cruise with a £99 deposit, with the rest spread over time; in the US it holds a place for up to seven days with no deposit.
Why choose them: It added the Contemporary River Ships Polaris, Capella and Vega to its European fleet in 2022. Google: 4.5 out of 5 from 926 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the 2027 Book Early Package on Europe river cruises and the deposit it holds the booking with.
Not the fit if: you may need to change plans late: its one free amendment applies only when you are more than 100 days from departure.
Money protection: ABTA and ATOL (UK packages).
Website: travelmarvel.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: en-gb/articles/reasons-to-book-early, en-gb/media/travelmarvel-our-story, en-gb/why-choose-travelmarvel/book-with-confiden.

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Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Best for: River cruises with drinks and gratuities included
Deposit: On its 2028 Asia-Pacific terms, asks a deposit of at least 10% of the fare, less discounts, within 48 hours of booking, with final payment due 120 days before the start date.
Why choose them: Its cruises of 7 nights or more include onboard meals, premium beverages, onboard gratuities and scheduled excursions. Google: 3.6 out of 5 from 33 reviews; Trustpilot: 2.6 out of 5 from 34 reviews, newest 13 October 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Generations programme departure if you are travelling with children.
Not the fit if: you need mobility devices or personal care on board: it provides neither and cannot guarantee full accessibility in all locations.
Published price: From $2,969 per person, double occupancy, Delightful Danube, 8 days Budapest to Regensburg, 19 March 2028 (early booking offer; regular $3,299). Read 10 November 2026.
Money protection: Travel Industry Compensation Fund, TICO registration number 50018458 (Ontario); California Seller of Travel CST #2075415-20.
Website: uniworld.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: ap/terms-and-conditions/2028, home page, ca/terms-and-conditions/2028.

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Victoria Cruises

Best for: Yangtze cruises through the Three Gorges
Deposit: Asks for a deposit of $150.00 (US dollars) within 7 days of confirmation, with final payment due 45 days before sailing.
Why choose them: Established in New York City in 1993, it celebrated the 25th anniversary of its inaugural sailing in 2019.
Ask for: Ask for a cabin in the Luxury Amenities Program, which adds complimentary Wi-Fi, house wine and beer at dinner and a la carte dining.
Not the fit if: you travel alone: the single supplement adds 75% of the fare in a superior cabin and 100% in a suite.
Enquiry: victoriacruiselines.com/Contact.html

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: Reservation.html, Story.html, Cruise1.html.

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Viking

Best for: Europe, Nile and Mekong river voyages
Deposit: Offers a $25 deposit as a current offer on itineraries of 35 days or less departing April 2027 onward and states no standard deposit; 2027 departures pay in full by 17 December 2026 or 120 days before departure, whichever comes first. These terms sit with its US dollar fares for US residents.
Why choose them: Says it was voted #1 for Rivers in Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, the sixth consecutive year. Trustpilot (whole company): 1.7 out of 5 from 384 reviews, newest 10 November 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Viking Inclusive Value fare, with one shore excursion in every port, or the current Special Solo Traveler Fares.
Not the fit if: you are travelling with children: Viking says its river ships have no children on board.
Website: vikingrivercruises.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: home page, why-viking/awards/index.html, why-viking/new-to-river-cruising/about-river-cru.

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VIVA Cruises

Best for: All-inclusive river cruises with tips included
Deposit: Asks a deposit of 20% of the tour price after booking; the balance is due no later than 30 days before the cruise starts.
Why choose them: Says the Swiss shipping company Scylla AG, which owns a fleet of 40 ships, stands behind the brand. Google: 4.4 out of 5 from 289 reviews; Trustpilot: 3.9 out of 5 from 178 reviews, newest 6 November 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Culinary Cruise with Falstaff, where all shore excursions are included in the price.
Not the fit if: you want a doctor on board: there is none, though first aid can be given on all ships.
Money protection: Guarantee certificate handed over before the 20% down payment is due.
Website: viva-cruises.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: en-us/payment-options, en-us/about-us, en-us/faq/on-board.

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What deposit does each line ask for?

26 of the 26 lines state their deposit as an amount or a share of the fare; names are in alphabetical order. Terms for one market say so on the card.

A-ROSA: 25% of the travel price
Abercrombie & Kent: 10% of the programme price (US bookings, Small Group Journeys)
Amadeus River Cruises: 10% per person
AmaWaterways: US$400 per person
Antara Cruises: 10% of the total cruise fare
Aqua Expeditions: US$1,000 per person
Assam Bengal Navigation: 20% of the total cost
Avalon Waterways: $250 (USD) per person (US terms)
Century Cruises: at least $500 per person
CroisiEurope: 30% of the price
Delfin Amazon Cruises: USD 750 per person
DouroAzul: 20% of the total cruise price
Excellence River Cruises: 20% of the arrangement price
Gate 1 Travel: $300 per person (US bookings)
Grand Circle Cruise Line: $750 per person
Heritage Line: 15%
Mekong Kingdoms: 50% non-refundable deposit
nicko cruises: 20% of the cruise fare
Nour El Nil: 25%
Pandaw: 20% of your total booking value
Thurgau Travel: 20% of the package price
Travelmarvel: £99 (UK bookings)
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: at least 10% of the fare
Victoria Cruises: $150.00
Viking: $25 (current offer, US residents)
VIVA Cruises: 20% of the tour price

Which of these show a dated price on this page?

6 of the 26 cards show a price for a sailing, with its currency and a date or season. AmaWaterways, Assam Bengal Navigation, CroisiEurope, Delfin Amazon Cruises, Gate 1 Travel, Heritage Line, Pandaw, Victoria Cruises and Viking publish fares on their own websites without a sailing date, a per-person basis or a currency on the pages read, so no figure is shown for them. Ask every line for a written quote with the departure date and what it includes.

A-ROSA
Excellence River Cruises
Mekong Kingdoms
nicko cruises
Thurgau Travel
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Which of these lines name a scheme that protects your money?

10 of the 26 lines name a scheme, bond, licence or account that protects payments for some or all bookings; check the number with the scheme before you pay.

A-ROSA: Risk coverage certificate (Sicherungsschein) under Section 651r BGB, issued before the 25% down payment is due
Abercrombie & Kent: ATOL number 2881, issued by the CAA, for flight-inclusive packages (UK bookings)
Amadeus River Cruises: Listed in the Austrian carrier directory under number 2004/0052, with customer money insured under the Austrian travel agency insurance ordinance (RSV)
AmaWaterways: ATOL 11232 for flight-inclusive UK packages; ABTA bond, membership no. Y6393
Excellence River Cruises: Stiftung Gesetzlicher Garantiefonds der Schweizer Reisebranche (Garantiefonds)
nicko cruises: Insurance certificate naming the insurer, required before any payment under its package travel terms
Thurgau Travel: Garantiefonds der Schweizer Reisebranche (Swiss travel industry guarantee fund)
Travelmarvel: ABTA and ATOL (UK packages)
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Travel Industry Compensation Fund, TICO registration number 50018458 (Ontario); California Seller of Travel CST #2075415-20
VIVA Cruises: Guarantee certificate handed over before the 20% down payment is due

Who to contact first

Start with the 5 lines on this page that publish both a sailing price and their cancellation terms on their own websites, then add any other card that fits your dates and the sailing you want.

A-ROSA
Excellence River Cruises
Mekong Kingdoms
nicko cruises
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

What to ask each one to set out in writing:

What the fare includes, line by line: excursions, drinks, gratuities, wifi, flights, transfers and hotel nights before and after.
The ship: how many guests it carries, the cabin size and whether it has a French balcony, a full balcony or a window.
The deposit, when the balance is due, what you lose if you cancel and what the line does if low or high water changes the route.
Which scheme or licence protects your money and what you need to walk on the excursions if mobility matters to you.

River cruise deposits: the questions people ask

What should I ask a river cruise line before booking?

What the fare includes, line by line; how many guests the ship carries and the size of the cabin; the deposit and what you lose if you cancel; what happens if low or high water changes the route; and which scheme protects your money.

Can I book with these lines directly?

Yes. Each card links the line's own website or enquiry page; ask for a written quote that lists what the fare includes and the cancellation scale.

Do these lines all sell the same kind of river cruise?

No. Each card names the sailing, ship or offer the line's own website gives; ship sizes, lengths, rivers and prices differ, so compare the cards before you ask for quotes.

What happens if the river is too low or too high to sail?

19 of the 26 lines set out on their own websites what they do when water levels change a sailing, such as a ship swap, a coach transfer or a refund. Ask each line in writing before you book.

Which of these have the most Google reviews?

Travelmarvel, DouroAzul and VIVA Cruises, in that order. A count says how many people reviewed a line, not whether it fits your sailing; each card gives the rating and count, read 10 November 2026.

Which of these have Trustpilot profiles?

11 of the 26: A-ROSA, Abercrombie & Kent, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, CroisiEurope, Grand Circle Cruise Line, nicko cruises, Thurgau Travel, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Viking and VIVA Cruises. Each card gives the TrustScore, the review count and the newest review date, read 10 November 2026.

Which of these publish their cancellation terms?

23 of the 26 publish a cancellation scale on their own websites. Ask each for the full scale in writing before you pay a deposit.

Where can I check these facts myself?

Each card links the pages of the line's own website its lines were read from, with the date they were read.

How were these lines chosen?

Each one is in the Uncompromised Travel river cruise lines table, built from the river cruise lines ChatGPT names most often. On its own website it states its deposit. A line is on the page because its published facts fit the question, never because it paid.

Is any company on this page paying to be here?

No. No company on this page is a partner of Uncompromised Travel; none paid to be on it.