It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. 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. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. 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. 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). There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. In Europe, the Danube River and the Rhine River are two of the most popular cruises for first-time river cruisers. It should be fun. River Cruises Guides | Tauck Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. Solo travelers will appreciate that there are dedicated Solo Traveler Suites with no surcharge for a non-double occupancy booking, which is unheard of with cruising. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. 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;. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Tauck and Scenic include more in their fares than anyone else, with gratuities, all alcohol, transfers, choice of shore excursions, all dining and Wi-Fi included. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. 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. 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. (Scenic has. As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. 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). The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. 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. 1. 15 of the Best European River Cruises - Travel + Leisure 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. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. 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. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. 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. The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. 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. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. 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. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. We welcome your feedback. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). Choose Tauck ifyou like open seating and want the choice of having room service and a true alternative dining venue where you can get casual, hot food. Tauck's shore excursion program is a little more comprehensive (although oddly, the guides themselves and the berths where the ships dock aren't necessarily better. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. They are composed of floor-to-ceiling windows that drop down halfway at the flick of a switch, and the balconies can be shut off from the main cabin area with folding glass doors. 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. Compare Avalon River Cruises vs Uniworld - Global Journeys I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. 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. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. 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. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. In Memphis, opt for The Elvis Experience with a tour of Graceland. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. The entry-level cabin, the Petit Suite, is about 188 square feet is larger than most standard rooms, while the Deluxe Suite has French balconies, and opulent Explorer Suites boast large windows. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. First, about Tauck. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. 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. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. 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. Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. While other river cruise cabins shove your bed against a wall for a view of the other wall, our Comfort Collection Beds SM beds face the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising. Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. Powered by Invision Community. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. Learn more. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. River Cruise Ships - Avalon Waterways Small Cruise Ships River Cruises: Avalon Waterways The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. What category cabin did you have? This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. Tauck River Cruise Experts | Learn About Tauck River Cruises Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. 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 - cruise only, or with Paris at beginning and Prague at the end to make 12 days, 4) Vikings' Vineyards & Vistas (Trier to Wurzburg, 7 days, or with Paris and Prague, like AMA above, called Cities of Light)- I did read Ruth's recent posting about that one. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). 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. 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. 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. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. Tauck vs AMA Waterways Compared | Travelstride Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. 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. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? Avalon vs Tauck, AMA vs Viking - River Cruising - Cruise Critic The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. The Rivers They Cruise. Notable excursions included in the price: Typical starting price:$1,999 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $285 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, France, Douro (Portugal), Elbe (Germany), Russia, Ukraine, Mekong, Egypt, Mississippi, Specialty cruises: Mississippi holiday season, Christmas along the Elbe, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Library, walking track, sports deck, Wi-Fi, laundry, flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies, outdoor dining, putting green, Inclusions: All meals, drinks (house wines, beers, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner), one free shore excursion per port, onboard entertainment. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. 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. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. 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. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. And yes, Sunny is her real name. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. 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. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. In contrast, Tauck-- an upscale tour line that offers river cruises -- is lesser-known; unless you're already familiar with the company's organized land vacations or seen its ships on Europe's rivers. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. 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. These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). Dinner is served to the table (although on Scenic, you'll have a buffet your first night onboard) and, on both lines, staff are attentive. I've been researching river cruises for August/September that include the Moselle River, which I think will visit smaller cities than cruises that travel strictly on the Danube. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. 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. 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. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). Expires February 28. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. 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. Comparisons - River Cruise Advisor Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. 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. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. 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. AmaWaterways Vs. Avalon Waterways River Cruises: 8 Key Differences The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. 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. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. 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. 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. Tauck vs Avalon Waterways Compared | Travelstride 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. For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. 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. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. 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.
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