Full-Ship River Cruise Charters
Every cabin, every lounge, every deck — reserved for your group.
Request a Charter QuoteHow a Full-Ship Charter Works
A full-ship charter means your organization or family contracts for every cabin on a river ship for a set sailing. No other passengers are aboard. The crew, the dining room, the lounge and the sun deck are yours for the length of the cruise.
- 1. Brief. You share the occasion, approximate head count, preferred river and season, and a budget range.
- 2. Availability. We ask the lines which ships and dates are open for charter on that river.
- 3. Proposals. Lines respond with ships, itineraries and pricing; we compare them side by side with you.
- 4. Contract. You sign a charter agreement with the line, which sets the deposit schedule, payment dates and cancellation terms.
- 5. Customization. Excursions, menus, events and branding are worked out over the following months.
- 6. Guest management. Names, cabin assignments, special needs and travel arrangements are gathered before final deadlines.
The Whole Vessel, Your Way
Because nobody else is aboard, a charter allows things a regular sailing cannot: a private keynote in the lounge, a gala dinner for your whole party, an exclusive evening at a castle or winery ashore, welcome signage and printed programs, and an onboard schedule that follows your agenda rather than a standard one.
The line’s experienced crew still runs the ship, the hotel and the safety program. You set the tone; they deliver it.
Custom Itineraries Within the River
A charter is not a blank canvas. River ships are built for specific rivers and sail within networks of locks and docking berths that are booked by many operators. In practice, lines can often adjust which towns you visit, how long you stay and which direction you sail, and sometimes add an overnight in a key city — but the ship will generally stay on its home river system. On some rivers, such as the Elbe, water levels can also affect what is possible; see River Cruising Safety for background.
Rivers and Ships to Consider
Danube
Long, scenic and lined with capitals — Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest — ideal for gala nights and grand venues.
Rhine & Moselle
Castles, vineyards and medieval towns; easy access from major airports.
Seine, Rhône & Saône
Paris, Normandy, Burgundy and Provence; strong for food and wine themes.
Douro
Portugal’s port wine valley, with smaller ships suited to more intimate groups.
U.S. rivers
Mississippi, Columbia and others, with no passports needed for American groups.
Hotel barges
French and other European canals, for intimate charters of a handful to about twenty guests.
Full-Charter Questions
Can we choose any route we like?
Within limits. A charter usually stays on the river system the ship normally sails, and the route must work with lock schedules, docking availability and the line’s operating plan. Within those limits, port choices and timing can often be adjusted.
Do we have to fill every cabin?
On a full-ship charter you are contracting for the whole ship, so the cost is generally based on the vessel rather than how many cabins you fill. Some groups invite partners or clients to make use of spare cabins.
Is a charter more expensive than booking individually?
Pricing depends on the line, ship, season, itinerary and what you add. A charter is quoted as a package for the whole vessel; it can compare well to individual fares once you factor in private events and customization. We will show you the numbers for your dates.
Check Charter Availability
Tell our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise your river, season and head count and we will ask the lines which ships are open.
Request a Charter Quote