A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. 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. By Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. I need to be able to contact Avalon, Scenic, Uniworld, Tauck directly to arrange terms of the lease of a vesssel, crew, with at least two meals per day provided. Viking River vs AmaWaterways vs Tauck River Cruises While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. But it's only because we've taken such pride in bringing you river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony stateroom design, featuring beds with a view. 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. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. 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. 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. We preferred the top floor. 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. Scenic vs. Tauck Cruise Comparison | Cruise Critic Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. 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. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. Lower Danube River Company Routes Comparison Dream Destinations Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. 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). The River Cafe offers light bites from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for everyone, while Table La Rive is an upscale Chef's Table for upper-deck passengers only. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. Avalon Cruises - Avalon River Cruises 2021 2022 - Pavlus Travel COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Local entertainers will also come aboard to perform music, song and dance from the region. 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? Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. There is a wide variety of cabin categories from a 350 square foot suite that sleeps four with a balcony to Category D, the most affordable cabin, which is about 170 square feet, sleeps two, and features small windows. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. 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). Overall, the crowd is older and more sedate than you'd find on Scenic; the dance floor is rarely used on Tauck ships, while on Scenic, it's not unusual for dancing to occur if the right band is playing. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) All Inclusive French River Cruises 2023/2024 | Tauck If you're able to provide your travel agent's contact info, I may be able to work with him or her to recommend a cruise that is best for you. 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. Compare Avalon River Cruises vs Uniworld - Global Journeys It's easy to see the world's sights. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. 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. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . 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: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. 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. They are composed of floor-to-ceiling windows that drop down halfway at the flick of a switch, and the balconies can be shut off from the main cabin area with folding glass doors. We had cabin 308 (cat. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. 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. 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. All rights reserved. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. 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. Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? 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. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? 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. Viking vs. Tauck vs. Uniworld vs. Avalon?? - Cruise Critic Community Normandy River Cruise 2023 / 2024 | Tauck 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. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. 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. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. 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. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. They are more expensive, but do things first class. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. "The itinerary was. Avalon River Cruises | Avalon Waterways River Cruises in Europe COVID-19 procedures are available here. 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. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. 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. 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. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. CC Help Jenn The cabin window is wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling glass that stretches 11 feet wide and opens up 7 feet wide, thus basically turning your room into a veranda. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Some rooms have balconies. Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. 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. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). 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. 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. 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). 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. 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. 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. 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. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. 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. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. The 10 Best River Cruise Lines - Travel + Leisure Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. Kids love the Junior Adventurer dinners or Disney movie nights, and there is also a Just Teens program with dinners and separate tour groups at various destinations. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. (Scenic has. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. 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;. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. 6 Best River Cruise Lines (2022) | TravelAwaits River Cruise Lines: World's Best 2021 - Travel + Leisure What category cabin did you have? The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Tauck's shore excursion program is a little more comprehensive (although oddly, the guides themselves and the berths where the ships dock aren't necessarily better. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? Started June 21, 2021, By 15 of the Best European River Cruises - Travel + Leisure With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. Tauck vs AMA Waterways Compared | Travelstride They include all excursions, all gratuities to staff, cruise/tour directors (noting that most companies have one onboard but they have three) and even local guides. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. 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. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? 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. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? . Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. Pros: The ships are smaller than most with just over 100 passengers and children are allowed. The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. Without a doubt, the most visible presence in the river cruising world is Viking River Cruises, thanks to effective TV, radio and direct mail advertisements. 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. Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Are They Defined? Do they have bicycles? It all boils down to what is important to you. Because how you see the world matters. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. COVID-19 procedures are available here. 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. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. RIVER CRUISE BRANDS - Harr Travel (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. 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. Powered by Invision Community. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. 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. 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. 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. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Started August 27, 2021, By Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. 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. Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. On Tauck's four newer ships, you'll find 67 cabins: nine measuring 150 square feet, four measuring 190 square feet, 32 measuring 225 square feet and 22 suites measuring 300 square feet. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. 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.