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. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. Read on for our look at .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}Viking River Cruises vs. Tauck and some ideas of why you should pick one over the other. 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 . Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . One of the Tauck tenets is "lagniappe," or a little something extra, such as a Champagne reception in the Baden-Baden casino or roses to put on the graves of veterans at an American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg. While there are plenty of places to curl up with a book or play a game in the public spaces, a bevy of activities will lure you onshore. 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. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. 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 entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. 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. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. There's a salon that provides hair and nail services, as well as a small spa for massage treatments. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. 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. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. 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 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. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. It's easy to see the world's sights. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. Email us at reviews@insider.com. 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. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. Then, there are the ships inEgypt,China,Vietnam and Cambodia, which the line either owns or charters, and in 2023 Viking launches its first ship on the Mississippi. 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. 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. Started August 27, 2021, By 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. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. 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). 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. 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. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. 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. 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. For each, passengers are divided into groups (around the same size on both lines) and have individual audio headsets that make it easy to hear the commentary without having to cluster around the guide. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. 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. I've been researching river cruises for August/September that include the Moselle River, which I think will visit smaller cities than cruises that travel strictly on the Danube. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. 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. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. 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. River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. 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. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. 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 line is mostly known in the United States. 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. 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. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. Yes. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. 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. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. By submitting your contact information, you agree that your email address may be shared with a travel expert who can help me find the perfect cruise for you. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. Scenic Sundowner events are cocktail parties at an unusual or particularly beautiful locale, while Scenic Enrich immersive activities may include a concert, performance or special dinner offsite. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. 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. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? They are more expensive, but do things first class. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. 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. 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. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Are They Defined? AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. 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. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. By The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. 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. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. 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. Some rooms have balconies. 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. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. 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. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. 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. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. For us, 120-140 sq ft would just be too small. 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 Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Expires February 28. It should be fun. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. 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. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). 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. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. 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. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. Typical starting price: $2,195 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $313 per night, all-inclusive), Where do they sail:Danube, Main (Germany), Rhine, Moselle, Rhne, Douro (Portugal), Seine, Bordeaux, Volga (Russia), Mekong (South East Asia), Irrawaddy (Myanmar), Specialty cruises: National Geographic, Christmas markets, Onboard amenities (may vary by ship):Laundry,wellness area, gym, massage services, hair salon, Wi-Fi, e-bikes, L'Occitane products, pillow menu, shoeshine, Inclusive: Meals, butler service, gratuities, transfers, excursions, beverages (with the exception of certain specialty wines and rare spirits), minibar fully restocked daily, chef-prepared picnics, 24-hour in-room dining, entertainment. In Portugal, visit the Burmester Cellars for a fine dining experience along with a traditional Fado musical accompaniment. 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. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. 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. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? Typical starting price: $,1999 for 7 nights (per person, based on double occupancy $285 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail: Danube, Rhine, Seine, Moselle, Douro (Portugal), Mekong, Egypt, Africa (river and rails), Columbia, Specialty cruises: Christmas markets, wine, Onboard amenities (may vary by ship): Wellness activities, Wi-Fi, sun deck, pool with swim-up bar, massages, hair salon, flat-screen TVs that also works like a computer with on-demand entertainment, Inclusive: All meals, drinks (unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast), tours at every destination, bikes and hikes, onboard entertainment. In Europe, the Danube River and the Rhine River are two of the most popular cruises for first-time river cruisers. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. Thanks. 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. Cabins are located across three decks and available in seven categories; the line claims the ship offers more suites than any other European river vessel. While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. 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. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. 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.). You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? Do they have bicycles? The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. 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. The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. 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. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger than full balcony cabins, while still letting in fresh air. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. As part of its company's commitment to making your time in port seamless without having to deal with worrisome currency issues, the line gives each passenger 20 euros to buy a meal when an excursion spans the lunch hour. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. 1. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink).
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