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. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. On a similar seven-night June 2023 cruise on the Danube, Tauck is about $1,000 more expensive than Viking for a standard cabin (this can be even more as Viking offers a lot of promotional deals). Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. Expires February 28. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. The line is mostly known in the United States. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. 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. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) We can chat later about other destinations. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. Prices shown reflect discount. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . LauraS Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. 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. 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. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. 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. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. 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. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. We operate independently from our advertising team. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. 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. While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. Yes. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. 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. We welcome your feedback. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Last minute changes OK. Email us at reviews@insider.com. 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. Started June 21, 2021, By But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. 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. 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 rights reserved. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. 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. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. The cabin window is wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling glass that stretches 11 feet wide and opens up 7 feet wide, thus basically turning your room into a veranda. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. 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. It should be fun. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. By River cruising is a very different animal than "big ship" cruising - and I would hate to think that you booked 14+ days on a river boat - only to discover that you hated the the experience. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." 1. 2 spot. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. 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. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. 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. 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. Typical starting price: $3,990 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $570 per night, all-inclusive), Where do they sail:Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhne, Seine, Specialty Cruises: Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, music, family sailings, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Putting green, sun deck, minibar with complimentary water and soft drinks, Molton Brown toiletries, TV, Jacuzzi, Included: Meals, beverages (house wine, beer, and premium spirits available all day), gratuities, transfers upon arrival and departure, excursions. It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. Thanks. 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. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. 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. 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. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. 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;. River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Viking Kadlin (Photo: Viking River Cruises), Viking Einar (Photo: Viking River Cruises), Tauck ms Emerald (Photo: Tauck River Cruises), Viking Helgrim (Photo: Viking River Cruises), P&O Cruises Reveals Nicole Sherzinger as Godmother of New Ship Arvia, Carnival Miracle Set to Become Fourth Carnival Ship to Sail From Galveston, Life at Sea Cruises Opens Sales for World's First Three-Year Cruise, Oceania Reveals Giada de Laurentiis as Godmother of New Ship Vista. We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. 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. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. 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. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. 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. Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. In addition to traditional ships, there are also sleek black U by Uniworld boats, which offer a modern take on river cruising with a younger demographic in mind. A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. I've come up with 4 that I think might suit us, and I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has experienced any of them. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. We had cabin 308 (cat. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. Learn 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. COVID-19 procedures are available here. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. 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. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. 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. The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. 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). 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. 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. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. 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. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. 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. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. 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. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.).
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