But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. 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. 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. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. 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. Please choose only one for now. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 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. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. 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. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. 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. 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. 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 latter are true suites, with two rooms. 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. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. Click here . In Memphis, opt for The Elvis Experience with a tour of Graceland. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. 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. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. COVID-19 procedures are available here. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. Site Map|Global Site Map|Terms of Use|Privacy Policy, You can add one more tour operator from the list, Get guided help to find the right trip for you, Travel tips, stories, top 10 lists and more, Get yours before you leave, easier, cheaper. 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. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. 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. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. 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. A View with a Room. Yes. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. All rights reserved. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? Powered by Invision Community. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Are They Defined? 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. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. Typical starting price: $2,199 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $314 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail: Mississippi, Ohio/Tennessee/Cumberland, Columbia/Snake Rivers, Specialty Cruises: Music festivals, music of the '50s and '60s, bourbon, Cajun/Creole, wine, Kentucky Derby, Amenities (may vary per ship): Wi-Fi, bicycles for shore, library, fitness center, smoothie and juice bar, pool, sun deck, spa, fitness, hiking sticks, Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages (wine, local craft beer, spirits), in-room dining, one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, hop on hop off buses onshore, ground transfers, Wi-Fi, daily entertainment. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. Con: There is a striking difference in style between standard cabins and suites, Knowing these more curated cabins exist might lessen your experience in entry-level rooms. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. 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. 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. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. 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 they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. 1. By I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . 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. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. 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 These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. 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. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. 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. 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. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. 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. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. 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 . Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. 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. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. 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. In fact, there are many kid-friend amenities, such as cooking classes, a young travelers' lounge, and a game room complete with PlayStation, games, movies, and local treats. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. 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. What category cabin did you have? Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. 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. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. 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. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. 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. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. 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. Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). We welcome your feedback. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. 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. 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. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. Expires February 28. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. Choose Tauck ifyou 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. Email us at reviews@insider.com. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. Avalon's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). "The itinerary was. 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. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. 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. Because how you see the world matters. We can chat later about other destinations. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. 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. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. Thanks for all the input. 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; gratuities; money to buy lunch in port; and special events such as dinner at a one- star Michelin restaurant. Venturing off the beaten path away from well-traveled highways is part of the appeal, as are the opportunities to savor a real taste of daily life along Europe's rivers. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. 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 . 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 cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. 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. LauraS 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 operate independently from our advertising team. Do they have bicycles? Besides stringing words together professionally, Sunny once co-founded a luxury subscription box, curated a whimsical pop-up shop in San Francisco called Treasure Hunters Club, and recently inherited a vinyl-only records store in San Francisco. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? Read on for our look at Scenic vs. 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. 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. 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. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. At least one Tauck director comes on each shore excursion so if you want to ask what time the bus leaves for the umpteenth time or your Quietvox battery dies, help is a few steps away. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. 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. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. Learn more. With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. 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. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. Click the links in the right column to access current price comparisons among all major river cruise companies and for tips on how to save. 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? AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) 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;. 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). Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. There are a fair amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itineraries, which are almost always awe-inspiring. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. The food was delicious, service was excellent. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. 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. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). 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.
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