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Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. Best River Cruises: Viking, Avalon, Tauck, UniWorld - Insider Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. 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. Pro: The boats boast a boutique design and feel with unlimited premium spirits and wines. They offer a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, so guests relish in lavish, five-star treatment and the boats have only about 15 to 20 cabins, meaning, no more than 30 to 40 guests per sailing. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. 2 spot. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. 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. 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). deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. Pros: Adventures by Disney guides add a wonderful touch to each journey with storytelling, educational information, and goes above and beyond to ensure every guest has a great time. CC Help Jenn Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. River Cruises: Avalon Waterways All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. The 10 Best River Cruise Lines - Travel + Leisure Tauck vs AMA Waterways Compared | Travelstride The pours at lunch and dinner are generous, so if you're not a liquor drinker -- or don't like alcohol at all -- you might not need all the extras that Tauck provides. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. What category cabin did you have? (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). We can chat later about other destinations. The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. And yes, Sunny is her real name. 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. (Scenic has. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. Grownups may enjoy adult-only dinners and wine tastings, and there is actually a nice variety of adult-exclusive sailings (generally when school is in session), which offer more sophisticated offerings. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. 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. For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. But it's only because we've taken such pride in bringing you river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony stateroom design, featuring beds with a view. 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. Travelstride helps you search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned trips from 1,000+ companies. River Cruise Reviews, Viking River Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises 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. On Viking, you can pay extra for a better bottle of wine, whereas Tauck has a wine cellar with some special bottles that are included in your fare (although they don't exactly volunteer these premier offerings; you have to ask). The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. 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 main restaurant setup is very similar on the lines, with buffets at breakfast and lunch plus live cooking stations and made-to-order menu items. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Viking Kadlin (Photo: Viking River Cruises), Viking Einar (Photo: Viking River Cruises), Tauck ms Emerald (Photo: Tauck River Cruises), Viking Helgrim (Photo: Viking River Cruises), P&O Cruises Reveals Nicole Sherzinger as Godmother of New Ship Arvia, Carnival Miracle Set to Become Fourth Carnival Ship to Sail From Galveston, Life at Sea Cruises Opens Sales for World's First Three-Year Cruise, Oceania Reveals Giada de Laurentiis as Godmother of New Ship Vista. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. The shore excursions on the designated family cruises are kid-centric and could include visiting a castle and dressing up as a medieval knight one day, watching Hungarian cowboys perform, going on a treetop climb or visiting a salt mine. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. For each, passengers are divided into groups (around the same size on both lines) and have individual audio headsets that make it easy to hear the commentary without having to cluster around the guide. The cabin window is wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling glass that stretches 11 feet wide and opens up 7 feet wide, thus basically turning your room into a veranda. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Please choose only one for now. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. If you are the type of passenger who doesn't want to reach for your wallet at the end of a trip, both lines are great choices. 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. Tauck recently renovated many of their ships, most of which carry just 84 or 98 guests, while a few larger boats accommodate a max of 130 guests. One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. Typical starting price: $4,599 for 7 days (per person based on double occupancy $657 per night, all-inclusive), Specialty cruises: Danube Christmas markets, Oktoberfest, Rhine food and wine, Seine National Geographic photography, Amenities (may vary by ship): High-speed Wi-Fi, gym, sun-deck, walking track, bikes for shore use, pool or whirlpool, fitness classes, salon, massage, Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages (local wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals), daily excursions, all gratuities onboard and at restaurants, daily cocktail hour, select meals off the ship during excursions, onboard entertainment. 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. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. 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 reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. 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. AmaWaterways Vs. Avalon Waterways River Cruises: 8 Key Differences Yes. First, about Tauck. A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? Without a doubt, the most visible presence in the river cruising world is Viking River Cruises, thanks to effective TV, radio and direct mail advertisements. Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Avalon River Cruises | Avalon Waterways River Cruises in Europe While there are plenty of places to curl up with a book or play a game in the public spaces, a bevy of activities will lure you onshore. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. Avalon offers many onboard presentations, including the celebrity-driven Storyteller Series, which is set to include the likes of Candace Bushnell ("Sex and the City"), Gillian Flynn ("Gone Girl"), Cheryl Strayed ("Wild"), and Diana Gabaldon (Outlander"). Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? We believe that travel should be easy. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. Choose Viking ifyou want a good introduction to a port without a lot of handholding, don't mind paying for special excursions and want the best berthing in town. 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. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. On both lines, the main restaurant setup is very similar, with buffets at breakfast and lunch plus live cooking stations and made-to-order menu items. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. The itineraries would be suitable for older teens interested in culture and history, and the option of bike tours and independent exploration with the Scenic TailorMade devices mean they aren't forced into day after day of walking or bus tours. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. COVID-19 procedures are available here. As part of its company's commitment to making your time in port seamless without having to deal with worrisome currency issues, the line gives each passenger 20 euros to buy a meal when an excursion spans the lunch hour. In addition to food and drink with carefully curated cuisine reflective of the areas being visited many river cruises include land excursions, which is a huge advantage that adds tremendous value. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. Avalon Waterways River Cruises - 2023 & 2024 River Cruises Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Some of the shore excursion options are truly special, such as truffle hunting in Bordeaux, visiting Highclere Castle where "Downton Abbey" was shot or cognac blending in Camus. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. 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. While in Russia, visit the Palace of Prince Vladimir for an exclusive concert and ballet performance inside the last Imperial palace to be built in St Petersburg. River cruising is a very different animal than "big ship" cruising - and I would hate to think that you booked 14+ days on a river boat - only to discover that you hated the the experience. Egypt European River Cruises Europe River Cruise Route Guide Rhine River Cruise Port Guide Request Danube River Cruise Port Guide Request Europe River Cruise Companies Onboard Reviews French River Cruise Port Guide Request . About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Ships offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes, although Tauck has more vegan and vegetarian options. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? 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. Started August 27, 2021, By Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Tauck not only has a cruise director onboard its ship, but it has three additional Tauck guides who give the daily briefings, attend the shore excursions (although local experts actually give the tours), hand out spending money or give you a rose to place at the gravesite of a veteran in an American military cemetery. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). These excursions are all included in the price of the cruise and are considered part of the river experience, although they aren't included for the sole domestic option on our list, the American Queen Steamboat Company. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. Viking also has an alternative restaurant, the Aquavit Lounge, but it's much more limited in its menu and only serves food during certain hours. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Powered by Invision Community. The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Riviera **: Riviera's beverage package, which includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner, ranges from $99 per person to $299 per person depending on the duration of the cruise. Comparisons - River Cruise Advisor No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. In addition to traditional ships, there are also sleek black U by Uniworld boats, which offer a modern take on river cruising with a younger demographic in mind. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. I think they'd maybe be my first choice, and I know everything is included with them, but I like to get a bargain if I can. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. Tauck River Cruise or Viking River Cruise - Fodor's 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 . Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. 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. You'll Adore these Ships. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. For example, guests staying in suites enjoy exclusive dining, priority reservations, and a private Captain's cocktail party, while those staying in standard rooms will lack many special perks. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. Tauck River Cruise Experts | Learn About Tauck River Cruises The line claims the ship offers more suites than any other European river vessel and these cabins -- while not true two-room suites -- are 300 square feet. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. RIVER CRUISE BRANDS - Harr Travel Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. "The itinerary was. Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. Site Map|Global Site Map|Terms of Use|Privacy Policy, You can add one more tour operator from the list, Get guided help to find the right trip for you, Travel tips, stories, top 10 lists and more, Get yours before you leave, easier, cheaper. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Normandy River Cruise 2023 / 2024 | Tauck Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf.