River cruises in Canada and the U.S. tend to be more expensive than those in Europe due to several factors:

  1. Operational Costs: North American river routes often involve higher operational costs, including wages and fuel, compared to Europe.
  2. Limited Competition: There are fewer river cruise operators in North America, which can lead to less competitive pricing.
  3. Infrastructure: The infrastructure for river cruising in Europe is more developed, allowing for more efficient operations and economies of scale.
  4. Seasonality: The cruising season in North America is shorter due to harsher winter conditions, which can lead to higher prices during peak periods.
  5. Market Demand: European river cruises are well-established with a higher volume of passengers, allowing operators to spread costs over more travellers.
  6. Experience and Inclusions: North American river cruises often offer unique experiences and high-end inclusions, which can drive up the cost.

These factors combine to make river cruising in Canada and the U.S. generally more expensive than in Europe. 

Contact me at dslupeiks@travelonly.com if you want to explore your options for River Cruising in North America.