We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. 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. Tauck River Cruise Experts | Learn About Tauck River Cruises 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. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. It should re-energize and transform. You'll Adore these Ships. Last minute changes OK. Spacious ships carry between 84 and 130 guests, and since the single supplement is waived on select cabins, it's a good choice for solo travelers . (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. 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. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. 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 line is mostly known in the United States. Uniworld requires proof of COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests, except those under the age of 12, who must have a negative test result within 72 hours of embarkation. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . 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. 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. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. Prices shown reflect discount. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. The best river cruises were selected based on the following criteria: Typical starting price: $724 for 3 nights (per person based on double occupancy $241 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, Seine, Moselle, Mekong, Nile, Rhne, Ganges, Main, Saone, Amazon (Peru), Specialty cruises: Photography, storytellers, wine, beer, culinary, garden, Christmas market, Jewish heritage. 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 Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Every evening, the forward section of the lounge on Scenic ships becomes the Italian restaurant Portabellos (L'Amour on its French ships), and every passenger can dine here at least once during their cruise, at no additional cost. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. Throughout the voyages, they feature special drinking and dining events for guests along with entertainment themed to the country you're visiting such as a string quartet or folk dancing. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. 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. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. COVID-19 procedures are available here. 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. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. 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. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise - APT (15 Days From Calgary to Vancouver) 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. One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. In addition to food and drink with carefully curated cuisine reflective of the areas being visited many river cruises include land excursions, which is a huge advantage that adds tremendous value. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. 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. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. 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. 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.). Finish with an Inside Passage 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. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Pro: The boats boast a boutique design and feel with unlimited premium spirits and wines. 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. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. Avalon Waterways River Cruises - 2023 & 2024 River Cruises In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. There is no room service on Viking. 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. 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 want a good introduction to a port without a lot of handholding, don't mind paying for special excursions and want the best berthing in town. On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . Powered by Invision Community. The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. 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. Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Fully stocked minibar, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, L'Occitane bath products, fitness center, free bicycles for use in select ports, whirlpool, library with books, cards, and board games. 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. And yes, Sunny is her real name. 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. 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. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain, Egypt, Peru, Mekong, India, Specialty cruises: Gen Z on the U (for families with teens), lectures, Christmas markets, Jewish heritage, Amenities (may vary per ship): Pool, spa, bicycles for land exploration, pillow menu, massage, library, flat-screen TVs, fitness center, wellness classes, airport transfers, laundry, Asprey bath products, Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages (including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water), most excursions, gratuities, Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. 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. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. We had cabin 308 (cat. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. Do they have bicycles? Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. 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. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. 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. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Lower Danube River Company Routes Comparison Dream Destinations "Free choice" dining allows you . Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? Which River Cruise Ship Should You Choose? Here Are the Key Differences Viking River vs AmaWaterways vs Tauck River Cruises Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. Typical starting price: $4,599 for 7 days (per person based on double occupancy $657 per night, all-inclusive), Specialty cruises: Danube Christmas markets, Oktoberfest, Rhine food and wine, Seine National Geographic photography, Amenities (may vary by ship): High-speed Wi-Fi, gym, sun-deck, walking track, bikes for shore use, pool or whirlpool, fitness classes, salon, massage, Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages (local wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals), daily excursions, all gratuities onboard and at restaurants, daily cocktail hour, select meals off the ship during excursions, onboard entertainment. River Cruise Lines: World's Best 2021 - Travel + Leisure The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Since Aqua Expeditions ships are so much smaller than the average river cruise liner, they can visit more remote destinations and the excursions reflect that, from watching Amazonian pink dolphins to receiving a blessing from a Buddhist monk while traveling the Mekong. The Rivers They Cruise. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. 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. 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. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? On Viking, you can pay extra for a better bottle of wine, whereas Tauck has a wine cellar with some special bottles that are included in your fare (although they don't exactly volunteer these premier offerings; you have to ask). All Inclusive French River Cruises 2023/2024 | Tauck There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. as well as other partner offers and accept our. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. Tauck vs AMA Waterways Compared | Travelstride The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you inthe captains seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruisedown the worlds most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. 6 Best River Cruise Lines (2022) | TravelAwaits Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? The Most Popular Tour Operator Comparisons by Travelers - Travelstride It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. Avalon offers many onboard presentations, including the celebrity-driven Storyteller Series, which is set to include the likes of Candace Bushnell ("Sex and the City"), Gillian Flynn ("Gone Girl"), Cheryl Strayed ("Wild"), and Diana Gabaldon (Outlander"). Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. Tauck vs Avalon Waterways Compared | Travelstride
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