These excursions are all included in the price of the cruise and are considered part of the river experience, although they aren't included for the sole domestic option on our list, the American Queen Steamboat Company. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. 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. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It's easy to see the world's sights. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. Where they sail:Danube, Main (Rhine-Main-Danube canal), Moselle, Rhine, Specialty Cruises:Christmas market, Jewish heritage, tulip season, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Spa, gym, 24/7 in-suite dining, pantry snacks, pool, yoga, laundry, flat-screen TV with on-demand movies, Inclusions: All meals, 24-hour butler service, beverages (select wines, champagnes, spirits and coffee), Wi-Fi, ETRO and Caudalie products, a variety of complimentary shore excursions (some cost extra). Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. 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. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. 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. 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. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. 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. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? 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. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. 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. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. It all boils down to what is important to you. We believe that travel should be easy. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. Prices shown reflect discount. 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. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. For us, 120-140 sq ft would just be too small. 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. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. 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;. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. 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. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. 2 spot. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. 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. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . 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. 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. Tauck also makes sure there's at least one special event in the evening per cruise, where passengers are taken to a castle, restaurant or historic venue for a private dinner or concert performance. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. 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.). And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. Thanks. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. 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. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. "The itinerary was. They are more expensive, but do things first class. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. 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. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. 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. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. It should be fun. 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). The iconic river ships of No. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? 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. 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. Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). We operate independently from our advertising team. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. Tauck recently renovated many of their ships, most of which carry just 84 or 98 guests, while a few larger boats accommodate a max of 130 guests. Price Comparisons: A Look At Pricing Differentials For European River Cruises, How River Cruising Compares To Luxury Ocean Cruising, River Cruise Reviews, Viking River Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Are They Defined? 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. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. 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. 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. Thanks for all the input. 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. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. It should re-energize and transform. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. 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. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. 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. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. This cabin is more expensive than anything on Tauck, but if you're a luxury lover who wants to take an itinerary only operated by Viking and not an upscale line, it might be a good substitute. 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). Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. 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. 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. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. Some sailings have Loft Suites, which are two stories with floor-to-ceiling windows and have two full bathrooms, a dining area, a lounge with a Queen sofa-bed, a balcony, and an upstairs bedroom. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. 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. 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. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. 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. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. 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. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. 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. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. Expires February 28. 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. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. Tauck and Scenic include more in their fares than anyone else, with gratuities, all alcohol, transfers, choice of shore excursions, all dining and Wi-Fi included. 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. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. 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). We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". 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. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon There is a very low crew to guest ratio. 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. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. We had cabin 308 (cat. 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. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. 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. Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. In Portugal, visit the Burmester Cellars for a fine dining experience along with a traditional Fado musical accompaniment. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. 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. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. First, about Tauck. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? By Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. There's a salon that provides hair and nail services, as well as a small spa for massage treatments. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan.
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