COVID-19 procedures are available here. 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 . 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. 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. Tauck's alternative restaurant, Arthur's (named after Chairman Arthur Tauck Jr.), is a casual grill, with a menu offering everything from hamburgers and salads to pastas and steaks. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. 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. 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. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. 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. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. Book a cruise on American Queen Steamboat Company, Book a cruise on Adventures by Disney River Cruise, Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. 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. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. There is no room service on Viking. Local entertainers will also come aboard to perform music, song and dance from the region. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. We had cabin 308 (cat. 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. The Panorama Dining Room serves daily four-course la carte dinners along with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks, or guests can choose the more casual Panorama Bistro or Sky Grill. The line's revamped older ships have 49 cabins: eight measuring 150 square feet, four measuring 183 square feet, one measuring 182 square feet, 20 measuring 225 square feet and 14 suites measuring 300 square feet. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). 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. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. 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: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Pro: The boats boast a boutique design and feel with unlimited premium spirits and wines. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. In addition to food and drink with carefully curated cuisine reflective of the areas being visited many river cruises include land excursions, which is a huge advantage that adds tremendous value. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. 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. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. 1) Avalon's Rhine & Moselle on Affinity (Amsterdam to Basel, 14 days) 2) Tauck's Rhine & Moselle (Amsterdam to Basel, 13 days) 3) AMA's Europe's Rivers & Castles (Trier to Nuremberg, 7 days -. Keep in mind that the itineraries are still destination-immersive, so you might not have as much time to use these as you think you will. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. 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. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain, Egypt, Peru, Mekong, India, Specialty cruises: Gen Z on the U (for families with teens), lectures, Christmas markets, Jewish heritage, Amenities (may vary per ship): Pool, spa, bicycles for land exploration, pillow menu, massage, library, flat-screen TVs, fitness center, wellness classes, airport transfers, laundry, Asprey bath products, Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages (including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water), most excursions, gratuities, Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. 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. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. For us, 120-140 sq ft would just be too small. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. In Memphis, opt for The Elvis Experience with a tour of Graceland. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. 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. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. 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. 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 Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing. Junior Suites are 240 to 250 square feet, two Royal Panorama Suites are 475 square feet and, on some ships, Royal Owners Suites are more than 500 square feet. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. 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. 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. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. 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. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. You'll Adore these Ships. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. In Europe, the Danube River and the Rhine River are two of the most popular cruises for first-time river cruisers. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. By They even pay the public restroom fee for you. 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). On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. In Portugal, visit the Burmester Cellars for a fine dining experience along with a traditional Fado musical accompaniment. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. 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. 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. 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. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. 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. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. 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. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. 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. The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. 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 late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. 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. These sleek ships generally host less than 200 passengers and go where giant cruise liners cannot, such as the Danube, Rhine, Rhne, Mekong, Mississippi, and Nile Rivers. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. 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. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. 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. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The river cruises ships all have comfortable, well-appointed cabins and an array of perks like complimentary in-room dining, pillow menus, and epic views that make the journey feel luxurious. 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. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". Started June 21, 2021, By Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! 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. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. There is also destination-themed entertainment; for example, while sailing through Austria a musician is likely to play musical pieces from "The Sound of Music.". LauraS COVID-19 procedures are available here. Some rooms have balconies. 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. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. CC Help Jenn Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. 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. First, about Tauck. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. 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. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. All rights reserved. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. 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. At 445 square feet, they are among the largest on the rivers with wraparound balconies, a separate bedroom and living room and another French balcony. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. What category cabin did you have? Because how you see the world matters. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. 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. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). 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.
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