By It should be worth your time and the price you paid. Started June 21, 2021, By In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1224277, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions, C858B0A9-6769-424D-B129-59363EDAC023.jpeg, B5073042-BF8A-4EEC-BD19-0938D8732763.jpeg. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. However, Crystal Cruises has some excursions that incur an added cost, and all of the American Queen Steamboat Company excursions are additional (although they do offer hop-on hop-off bus tours). AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Sunny Chanel is a freelance writer based in San Francisco who has written thousands of pieces on topics such as travel, parenting, pop culture, products, and entertainment for a variety of online sites. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. It should be fun. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. There's a salon that provides hair and nail services, as well as a small spa for massage treatments. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. We preferred the top floor. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. On Tauck's four newer ships, you'll find 67 cabins: nine measuring 150 square feet, four measuring 190 square feet, 32 measuring 225 square feet and 22 suites measuring 300 square feet. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 Kids love the Junior Adventurer dinners or Disney movie nights, and there is also a Just Teens program with dinners and separate tour groups at various destinations. Viking has built its name on destination immersion, and the company doesn't provide extras such as gyms, spas, bikes or pools on its ships. We operate independently from our advertising team. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. River Cruising Along The Rivers of France Whether the Seine, the Sane or the Rhne, on a river cruise with Tauck you'll feel it the moment you step ashore in village and towns - that palpable realization of the true meaning of joie de vivre, enjoyment of life. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. Typical starting price: $2,199 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $314 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail: Mississippi, Ohio/Tennessee/Cumberland, Columbia/Snake Rivers, Specialty Cruises: Music festivals, music of the '50s and '60s, bourbon, Cajun/Creole, wine, Kentucky Derby, Amenities (may vary per ship): Wi-Fi, bicycles for shore, library, fitness center, smoothie and juice bar, pool, sun deck, spa, fitness, hiking sticks, Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages (wine, local craft beer, spirits), in-room dining, one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, hop on hop off buses onshore, ground transfers, Wi-Fi, daily entertainment. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? Love Scandinavian Design? Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. In terms of enrichment, both lines bring on local entertainers, although Scenic is more likely to bring on a band to play classic rock and music you can dance to, as opposed to folk performers. One of the Tauck tenets is "lagniappe," or a little something extra, such as a Champagne reception in the Baden-Baden casino or roses to put on the graves of veterans at an American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg. But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. By submitting your contact information, you agree that your email address may be shared with a travel expert who can help me find the perfect cruise for you. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? The river cruises ships all have comfortable, well-appointed cabins and an array of perks like complimentary in-room dining, pillow menus, and epic views that make the journey feel luxurious. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. Tauck's alternative restaurant, Arthur's, has evolved into a casual grill, with a menu offering everything from hamburgers and salads to pastas and steaks. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) In 2023, they will launch Seven River Journeys which will cover seven rivers and 14 countries over the course of 45 nights (starting at $24,999 per person, double occupancy). Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Yes. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. They are smaller than traditional cruise ships and boast more tailored offerings, such as carefully curated cuisine that is reflective of the areas being visited. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. It all boils down to what is important to you. . The line also offers a "bite to eat" snack menu that can be delivered to your cabin as room service, or to any of the lounges as a small plate. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? (Scenic has its own lower-priced counterpart, Emerald Waterways.). All of the cruise lines selected offer intriguing and interesting excursions that are included in the price (except for the American Queen Steamboat Company), from a private tour of the Louvre to kayaking down the Mekong. Wine plays a role on both ships, with regional varietals served at every meal. Keep in mind that the itineraries are still destination-immersive, so you might not have as much time to use these as you think you will. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. We welcome your feedback. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Scenic is based in Australia, and about half of the passengers on its river cruises are from Down Under (with the rest from other English-speaking countries such as New Zealand, the U.K., Canada and the U.S.). Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. Click the links in the right column to access current price comparisons among all major river cruise companies and for tips on how to save. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). Since Aqua Expeditions ships are so much smaller than the average river cruise liner, they can visit more remote destinations and the excursions reflect that, from watching Amazonian pink dolphins to receiving a blessing from a Buddhist monk while traveling the Mekong. While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. Featuring modern luxury ships, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, our clients love Avalon, and some of their river itineraries are our biggest sellers. If you're able to provide your travel agent's contact info, I may be able to work with him or her to recommend a cruise that is best for you. Throughout the voyages, they feature special drinking and dining events for guests along with entertainment themed to the country you're visiting such as a string quartet or folk dancing. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. The river cruise division of Tauck is a relatively new component of the brand established in 1925 by Arthur Tauck, a true pioneer in the travel industry. Cabins are located across three decks and available in seven categories; the line claims the ship offers more suites than any other European river vessel. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." Some sailings have Loft Suites, which are two stories with floor-to-ceiling windows and have two full bathrooms, a dining area, a lounge with a Queen sofa-bed, a balcony, and an upstairs bedroom. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, 17 Cruise Lines That Include Alcohol in Your Fare, 7 Challenging Cruise Ports We Can Help You Navigate. There is a wide variety of cabin categories from a 350 square foot suite that sleeps four with a balcony to Category D, the most affordable cabin, which is about 170 square feet, sleeps two, and features small windows. Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Then, there are the ships inEgypt,China,Vietnam and Cambodia, which the line either owns or charters, and in 2023 Viking launches its first ship on the Mississippi. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. COVID-19 procedures are available here. On a Viking river cruise, you receive a fair amount in your fare: a daily shore excursion with more elaborate options available for a fee; Wi-Fi; beer, wine and soda with meals and bottled water; and some entertainment and enrichment. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you inthe captains seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruisedown the worlds most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. It should re-energize and transform. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. They include all excursions, all gratuities to staff, cruise/tour directors (noting that most companies have one onboard but they have three) and even local guides. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger than full balcony cabins, while still letting in fresh air. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. Both have hotel-style amenities, including high-tech TVs with entertainment on-demand and information channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, safes, included mini-bars that are replenished daily, hair dryers and designer bath products (L'Occitane on Scenic, Molton Brown on Tauck). When she's not out shopping, she's plotting her next trip to Disneyland, remodeling her 1920s bungalow, and hanging out with her tween and their new puppy. Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. Guest lectures and performers also come aboard to highlight the destination, from Viennese opera to Portuguese fado, and local craft and culinary demonstrations are sprinkled throughout voyages as well, such as lace-making and Austrian apple strudel. I've come up with 4 that I think might suit us, and I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has experienced any of them. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". It's easy to see the world's sights. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Fully stocked minibar, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, L'Occitane bath products, fitness center, free bicycles for use in select ports, whirlpool, library with books, cards, and board games. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. At 445 square feet, they are among the largest on the rivers with wraparound balconies, a separate bedroom and living room and another French balcony. The Panorama Dining Room serves daily four-course la carte dinners along with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks, or guests can choose the more casual Panorama Bistro or Sky Grill. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. The line is mostly known in the United States. Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. View travel requirements for countries around the world. A View with a Room. While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Read on for our look at .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}Viking River Cruises vs. Tauck and some ideas of why you should pick one over the other. The line also offers a "bite to eat" snack menu that can be delivered to your cabin as room service, or to any of the lounges as a small plate. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. Because how you see the world matters. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. What category cabin did you have? You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. River cruise ships dock near city centers, enabling visitors to explore on their own or take advantage of the array of excursions organized by the cruise line, from going on a strenuous hike to touring a castle, or sipping wine at a vineyard. CC Help Jenn While Scenic has casual dining in its River Cafe, it closes at 6 p.m. Arthur's can be a real boon, particularly if you've already snacked at a local cafe and want a simple nosh at night, instead of a full-blown three-course meal. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. Spacious ships carry between 84 and 130 guests, and since the single supplement is waived on select cabins, it's a good choice for solo travelers . 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? These sleek ships generally host less than 200 passengers and go where giant cruise liners cannot, such as the Danube, Rhine, Rhne, Mekong, Mississippi, and Nile Rivers. Scenic and Tauck are both lines that carry lower passenger loads than most of their competitors and have put a significant effort into upgrading vessels. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. Typical starting price: $,1999 for 7 nights (per person, based on double occupancy $285 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail: Danube, Rhine, Seine, Moselle, Douro (Portugal), Mekong, Egypt, Africa (river and rails), Columbia, Specialty cruises: Christmas markets, wine, Onboard amenities (may vary by ship): Wellness activities, Wi-Fi, sun deck, pool with swim-up bar, massages, hair salon, flat-screen TVs that also works like a computer with on-demand entertainment, Inclusive: All meals, drinks (unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast), tours at every destination, bikes and hikes, onboard entertainment. A) next door to a junior suite.Being close to the entrance of the staircase, you do hear people going by your room in the morning. On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. These range from shoeshine, concierge service and restocking the mini-bar in Standard Suites, to packing and unpacking, arranging in-room cocktail drinks and even running a bath in the top suites. Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Tauck prides itself on offering off-the-beaten-track experiences in each destination, including multigenerational family tours that are curated to include itineraries for both kids and adults. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. On a similar seven-night June 2023 cruise on the Danube, Tauck is about $1,000 more expensive than Viking for a standard cabin (this can be even more as Viking offers a lot of promotional deals). Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. Viking provides a shore excursion daily, along with drinks with meals, in a casual environment, while Tauck is all-inclusive, with a fair number of luxurious extras. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. Inclusions: All meals and drinks (regional wine, beer, soft drinks with lunch and dinner; sparkling wine with breakfast), Pros:You get to pick your own firmness of the beds and pillows. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. These are guided by local experts who know the history and culture; since Viking has so many river cruises going at any one time and provides a more stable stream of employment, the company is often able to scoop up some of the better guides in a town. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. Typical starting price: $2,195 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $313 per night, all-inclusive), Where do they sail:Danube, Main (Germany), Rhine, Moselle, Rhne, Douro (Portugal), Seine, Bordeaux, Volga (Russia), Mekong (South East Asia), Irrawaddy (Myanmar), Specialty cruises: National Geographic, Christmas markets, Onboard amenities (may vary by ship):Laundry,wellness area, gym, massage services, hair salon, Wi-Fi, e-bikes, L'Occitane products, pillow menu, shoeshine, Inclusive: Meals, butler service, gratuities, transfers, excursions, beverages (with the exception of certain specialty wines and rare spirits), minibar fully restocked daily, chef-prepared picnics, 24-hour in-room dining, entertainment.
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