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Blog >Booking-a-river-cruise > Can You Book River Cruises On Board?

05 Nov 2025 | By Lauren Redford In Booking-a-river-cruise

Can You Book River Cruises on Board?

 

In many cases, the perfect time to book your next river cruise is whilst you’re still sailing, as this can unlock exclusive deals and also ensure your next sailing is booked seamlessly and conveniently in advance. Many lines also offer a short window post-cruise, so that you can access the same incentives and offers once you return, if you book within the window.

 

Explore River Cruise Deals

 

How Does Book on Board Work?

 

 

Some river cruise lines, including Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, invite guests to book their next sailing whilst still on board – accessing incredible exclusive savings on their future river cruise getaway. Alternatively, cruise lines such as Viking River Cruises offer guests the chance to purchase Future Cruise Vouchers during their sailing that can then be used towards a future sailing, with bonus credit added based on the amount purchased, giving river cruisers the opportunity to save on their next cruise without the necessity of committing to a date or itinerary in advance.

 

Though many river cruise lines currently do not advertise the program, speaking to the guest services team on board is an excellent way to discover details of upcoming itineraries and any early booking benefits and promotions.

 

What are the Benefits of Booking on Board?

 

There are several benefits to booking your next cruise whilst on board – particularly the opportunity to secure percentage-based or credit-based savings on your next river cruise. However, booking on board also offers access to a wider range of cabins to choose from, particularly when looking to sail during popular seasons. Plus, many cruise lines allow you to amend or change the booking at a later date*, therefore you can secure your benefits without worrying if things change once you return from your cruise.


 

What is the Post-Cruise Window?

 

Your river cruise is a great opportunity to explore an exciting new destination each day, with very little time spent on board – unlike ocean cruise itineraries, which usually include days spent at sea. Therefore, you may find there is little time to book your cruise whilst still on board. Thankfully, the Book on Board window usually extends for approximately two weeks post-cruise*, giving you the opportunity to take advantage of the exclusive offerings once you return, and to spend a little more time planning your next adventure.

 

If you are hoping to book whilst on board, ensure you plan ahead and bring an up-to-date calendar! The team on board will be happy to help discover your next itinerary, but popular cabins and sailing dates will sell quickly.

Published 5th November 2025, Last updated 12th December 2025
By Lauren Redford

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