Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. 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. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. 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. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. We preferred the top floor. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! 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. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. 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. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . 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. Wine plays a role on both ships, with regional varietals served at every meal. The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. 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. "Free choice" dining allows you . We can chat later about other destinations. You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. On Tauck's four newer ships, you'll find 67 cabins: nine measuring 150 square feet, four measuring 190 square feet, 32 measuring 225 square feet and 22 suites measuring 300 square feet. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. 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. 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. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. What category cabin did you have? Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. 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. CC Help Jenn 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. 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. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. 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. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. COVID-19 procedures are available here. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. Last minute changes OK. Then, there are the ships inEgypt,China,Vietnam and Cambodia, which the line either owns or charters, and in 2023 Viking launches its first ship on the Mississippi. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Here are the most popular tour operator comparisons that travelers make when planning for their next adventure: Top Tour Companies for Seniors Compared: Road Scholar vs Smithsonian Journeys Go Ahead Tours vs Trafalgar Tauck vs Odysseys Unlimited Trafalgar vs Globus Tauck vs Senior Discovery Tours Collette vs Trafalgar Tauck vs Alexander + Roberts When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. Pro: The boats boast a boutique design and feel with unlimited premium spirits and wines. Thanks. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Cabins are located across three decks and available in seven categories; the line claims the ship offers more suites than any other European river vessel. The line is mostly known in the United States. Tauck's alternative restaurant, Arthur's (named after Chairman Arthur Tauck Jr.), is a casual grill, with a menu offering everything from hamburgers and salads to pastas and steaks. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. 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. A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? The latter are true suites, with two rooms. 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.". Another thing that sets Tauck's newer ships apart: "loft" design cabins, which have a raised platform seating area that provides extra space in lower-level cabins. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. 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. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. 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. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. You'll Adore these Ships. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Comparing Stateroom Sizes On River Cruisers, Staterooms: River Cruisers vs. Cruise Ships, Rhne & Sane River Stateroom Size Comparisons, Rhine, Main & Danube River Stateroom Size Comparisons. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. 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. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? 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. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. 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. 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. Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. 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. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. Choose Tauck ifyou don't want any extra charges at all when you leave the ship, love the convenience of having everything set up for you or want the feeling of a more deluxe experience. The Rivers They Cruise. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. 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. 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 perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. 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 . 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? We believe that travel should be easy. These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). River Cruising Along The Rivers of France Whether the Seine, the Sane or the Rhne, on a river cruise with Tauck you'll feel it the moment you step ashore in village and towns - that palpable realization of the true meaning of joie de vivre, enjoyment of life. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. 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. 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. It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? 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. 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. 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. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. 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. There's a salon that provides hair and nail services, as well as a small spa for massage treatments. 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. And yes, Sunny is her real name. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? 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. 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. Most cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows to save space in the cabin, and the most affordable is Category 1, which is about 150 square feet and has small windows and a little bathroom with a shower. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. We welcome your feedback. The line's revamped older ships have 49 cabins: eight measuring 150 square feet, four measuring 183 square feet, one measuring 182 square feet, 20 measuring 225 square feet and 14 suites measuring 300 square feet. A View with a Room. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. Started August 27, 2021, By Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. 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. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! While Tauck also has a Lagniappe event, as well as an offsite dinner, it's not as prominently promoted as the Scenic events; it's not even listed in the daily program. There is no room service on Viking. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. 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. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. 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. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. 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. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. 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. First, about Tauck. 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. 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. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. By Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. 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). Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? We operate independently from our advertising team. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. By During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. 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. Do they have bicycles? Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. 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. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. All rights reserved. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available.
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