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Prices shown reflect discount. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. This cabin is more expensive than anything on Tauck, but if you're a luxury lover who wants to take an itinerary only operated by Viking and not an upscale line, it might be a good substitute. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Are They Defined? COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. AmaWaterways Vs. Avalon Waterways River Cruises: 8 Key Differences River Cruises: Avalon Waterways In Portugal, visit the Burmester Cellars for a fine dining experience along with a traditional Fado musical accompaniment. 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. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. 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. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. Scenic attracts more passengers in their 40s and 50s than you'll find on many vessels and, being Australian-owned, is not dominated by travelers from the United States. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. Love Scandinavian Design? 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. Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. First, about Tauck. Junior Suites are 240 to 250 square feet, two Royal Panorama Suites are 475 square feet and, on some ships, Royal Owners Suites are more than 500 square feet. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. 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. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. I need to be able to contact Avalon, Scenic, Uniworld, Tauck directly to arrange terms of the lease of a vesssel, crew, with at least two meals per day provided. 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. 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. The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. 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. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. 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. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. LauraS 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. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. What category cabin did you have? 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. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. Travelstride helps you search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned trips from 1,000+ companies. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. Avalon River Cruises | Avalon Waterways River Cruises in Europe We were next to one of the Tauck river boats in Wurzburg last year and both my husband and I commented on how luxurious it looked next to ours, which was very nice and brand new at the time. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. 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. Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. 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. I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . Tauck vs AMA Waterways Compared | Travelstride Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. 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 entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. We preferred the top floor. 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. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. 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. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. 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 and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. 15 of the Best European River Cruises - Travel + Leisure For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. 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. We operate independently from our advertising team. Learn more. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. 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. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. 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. 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. 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). We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. We had cabin 308 (cat. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. 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. 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. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. Venturing off the beaten path away from well-traveled highways is part of the appeal, as are the opportunities to savor a real taste of daily life along Europe's rivers. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. 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. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). 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. We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. 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. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. 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. 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 difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . 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. Because how you see the world matters. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. 9 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Shore Excursions, 12 Things You Don't Need to Take on a Cruise, Virtual Cabin Crawl: Symphony of the Seas Cruise Ship, How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. 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. The 10 Best River Cruise Lines - Travel + Leisure These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? 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.". On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. RIVER CRUISE BRANDS - Harr Travel If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. Pros: The ships are smaller than most with just over 100 passengers and children are allowed. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. Another thing that sets the Inspiration class of ships apart: "loft" design cabins, which have a raised platform seating area that provides extra space in lower-level cabins. 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. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. 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. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. 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 has its own lower-priced counterpart, Emerald Waterways.). Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. 2 spot. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. By Tauck River Cruise Experts | Learn About Tauck River Cruises River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. River Cruise Reviews, Viking River Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. All rights reserved. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. 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. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain's seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world's most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. 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. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. Although Scenic does not have walkout verandas, all cabins except those on the lower deck have "sun lounge balconies," an innovation that is an integral part of the room. 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. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. 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. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. 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 . Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. You'll Adore these Ships. We welcome your feedback. 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. 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. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. 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. Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. 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. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. There is no room service on Viking. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. One thing both lines have in common is that they use modern coaches branded with the line's logo and photos of the ships or exotic locations (making them easily identifiable in a crowd of coaches). Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. River Cruise Ships - Avalon Waterways Small Cruise Ships CC Help Jenn One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. It should re-energize and transform. 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. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. They are more expensive, but do things first class. Overall, the crowd is older and more sedate than you'd find on Scenic; the dance floor is rarely used on Tauck ships, while on Scenic, it's not unusual for dancing to occur if the right band is playing. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. 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. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. Yes. 1) Avalon's Rhine & Moselle on Affinity (Amsterdam to Basel, 14 days) 2) Tauck's Rhine & Moselle (Amsterdam to Basel, 13 days) 3) AMA's Europe's Rivers & Castles (Trier to Nuremberg, 7 days -. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. Tauck River Cruise or Viking River Cruise - Fodor's Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. The line is mostly known in the United States. 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. View travel requirements for countries around the world. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. Window cabins are 150 square feet to Viking's 135, and most of Tauck's cabins have a French balcony and are 225 square feet (while the standard on Viking is 205 square feet). It all boils down to what is important to you. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. AMA has a modern fleet like Avalon and offers a few things that Avalon does not and that we would enjoy including bicycles, in room free internet and movies, tables for two in the dining room, and an onboard masseuse.
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