COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Powered by Invision Community. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). Tauck River Cruise or Viking River Cruise - Fodor's It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Viking River vs AmaWaterways vs Tauck River Cruises QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 There is also destination-themed entertainment; for example, while sailing through Austria a musician is likely to play musical pieces from "The Sound of Music.". A good mid-tier option is theRoyal Balcony suite, which comes with a great view and perks like daily fruit skewers, canapes, and petit fours. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. In contrast, Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer Inspiration-class vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship its size. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. Book a cruise on American Queen Steamboat Company, Book a cruise on Adventures by Disney River Cruise, Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. 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. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. ABC Cruiser, I was leaning towards the Heartland (Rivers and Castles) land and cruise itinerary with AMA before reading your review, and now I'm pretty sure that's what we'll go for. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. They are more expensive, but do things first class. Scenic also has special "TailorMade" devices that allow travelers to head out by themselves and follow GPS guided tours that are pre-programed into the personal audio systems. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Are They Defined? We operate independently from our advertising team. She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. 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). Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. 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. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? CC Help Jenn Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. Tauck - Nile River Cruise While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. 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. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. 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. The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. 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.). Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. Viking also has optional shore excursions that it sells in some ports; these excursions generally are limited to small groups and take you into smaller venues or provide immersive experiences that expose passengers to a port's culture and traditions on a deeper, often hands-on, level. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. We preferred the top floor. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. 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. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. Started June 21, 2021, By Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. Choose Viking ifyou are more a do-it-yourself person on shore and with tips, and don't mind paying for your Happy Hour and after-hours drinks. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. 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). Thanks for all the input. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. 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. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. On both lines, the excursions will include walking and coach tours of local towns and villages, visits to castles and historic monuments, and experiences such as wine tasting. 6 Best River Cruise Lines (2022) | TravelAwaits 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. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. 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. Prices shown reflect discount. Normandy River Cruise 2023 / 2024 | Tauck The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. 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. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? Solstice vs. Millennium Class on Celebrity Cruises, Meraviglia Class vs. Seaside Class on MSC Cruises, Virtual Cabin Crawl: Symphony of the Seas Cruise Ship, 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. 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. Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019, See all activities, themes, and interests >, The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel featuring Oberammergau - Southbound 2022, Belgium & Holland in Spring - Northbound 2023, Holiday Magic: Danube Family River Cruise - Westbound 2022, The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards and Castles, The Danube from the Black Sea to Budapest, Active & Discovery on the Danube (Eastbound), Save $600 off trips to every continent on earth, Redeem anytime before 2023. Like most cruises, the food served is reflective of your destination's local cuisine and there is also a light menu and options for vegetarians, vegans, and kids. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. A View with a Room. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. 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. 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. Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. 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). Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. Tauck is a much more deluxe experience, with alcohol and spirits included at all times, plus an in-room mini-bar stocked with bottled waters and sodas; all excursions; Wi-Fi; bikes onboard;. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). The food was delicious, service was excellent. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? (Scenic has. Expires February 28. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. Scenic vs. Tauck Cruise Comparison | Cruise Critic We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. 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. 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. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. Tauck also makes sure there's at least one special event in the evening per cruise, where passengers are taken to a castle, restaurant or historic venue for a private dinner or concert performance. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. Where they sail:Danube, Main (Rhine-Main-Danube canal), Moselle, Rhine, Specialty Cruises:Christmas market, Jewish heritage, tulip season, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Spa, gym, 24/7 in-suite dining, pantry snacks, pool, yoga, laundry, flat-screen TV with on-demand movies, Inclusions: All meals, 24-hour butler service, beverages (select wines, champagnes, spirits and coffee), Wi-Fi, ETRO and Caudalie products, a variety of complimentary shore excursions (some cost extra). Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. 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. 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. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Choose Viking ifyou want what has become the industry standard for river cruising, a semi-inclusive experience with a line that does more sailings on more rivers than anyone else. It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. It should be fun. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. 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 . COVID-19 procedures are available here. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. The River Cafe offers light bites from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for everyone, while Table La Rive is an upscale Chef's Table for upper-deck passengers only. Visit a farm along Normandy's Cider Route to taste the region's elegantly crafted apple ciders and calvados, and see how they're made; in Normandy, cider is an art, like winemaking, centuries old. Started August 27, 2021, By Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. 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. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. 2 spot. With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. Viking vs. Tauck vs. Uniworld vs. Avalon?? - Cruise Critic Community Do they have bicycles? Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). Please choose only one for now. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. Compare Avalon River Cruises vs Uniworld - Global Journeys Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. 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. Avalon vs Tauck, AMA vs Viking - River Cruising - Cruise Critic Pros: The ships are smaller than most with just over 100 passengers and children are allowed. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. Typical starting price: $2,309 for 3 nights (per person based on double occupancy $796 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Mekong, Amazon, Indonesia, Amenities (may vary by ship): Pool, Jacuzzi, private or outdoor cinema, sun deck, gym, massage, library/game room, bikes for onshore use, snorkeling equipment and wet suits, scuba diving, laundry, internet (intermittent, depends on location), Inclusions: All meals, beverages (premium selected wines, and beer, non-alcoholic drinks), excursions with local guides, group transfers between the vessel on recommended flights. Comparisons - River Cruise Advisor 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. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. They are the least expensive, since we'd probably go cruise-only and make up our own land tour before/after, but the cabin seems pretty small, and we'd really like the option of bikes, which is offered on Tauck and AMA, but not on Viking or Avalon, as far as I can make out (please, correct me if I'm wrong). 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. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? 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. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. 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. 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. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. Tauck vs Avalon Waterways Compared | Travelstride Large private bathrooms include full showers and. 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. Lower Danube River Company Routes Comparison Dream Destinations Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. And yes, Sunny is her real name. Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. Tauck is a much more deluxe experience, with alcohol and spirits included at all times, plus an in-room mini-bar stocked with bottled waters and sodas; all excursions; Wi-Fi; bikes onboard; gratuities; money to buy lunch in port; and special events such as dinner at a one- star Michelin restaurant. First, about Tauck. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. 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.
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