COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. They are the least expensive, since we'd probably go cruise-only and make up our own land tour before/after, but the cabin seems pretty small, and we'd really like the option of bikes, which is offered on Tauck and AMA, but not on Viking or Avalon, as far as I can make out (please, correct me if I'm wrong). Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! They are more expensive, but do things first class. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. 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. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. 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. 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.". 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. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? 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. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. Here are the most popular tour operator comparisons that travelers make when planning for their next adventure: Top Tour Companies for Seniors Compared: Road Scholar vs Smithsonian Journeys Go Ahead Tours vs Trafalgar Tauck vs Odysseys Unlimited Trafalgar vs Globus Tauck vs Senior Discovery Tours Collette vs Trafalgar Tauck vs Alexander + Roberts 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? What category cabin did you have? 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. Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. We can chat later about other destinations. Pros: Adventures by Disney guides add a wonderful touch to each journey with storytelling, educational information, and goes above and beyond to ensure every guest has a great time. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. 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. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. 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. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. Avalon Cruises - Avalon River Cruises 2021 2022 - Pavlus Travel Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? On both lines, the main restaurant setup is very similar, with buffets at breakfast and lunch plus live cooking stations and made-to-order menu items. Scenic vs. Tauck Cruise Comparison | Cruise Critic 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 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. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. 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. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. 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. 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. 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. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." 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. Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. AmaWaterways Vs. Avalon Waterways River Cruises: 8 Key Differences (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. 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. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. Avalon River Cruises | Avalon Waterways River Cruises in Europe Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon 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. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. It all boils down to what is important to you. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . River Cruise Lines: World's Best 2021 - Travel + Leisure 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 - cruise only, or with Paris at beginning and Prague at the end to make 12 days, 4) Vikings' Vineyards & Vistas (Trier to Wurzburg, 7 days, or with Paris and Prague, like AMA above, called Cities of Light)- I did read Ruth's recent posting about that one. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. 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. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. 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. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. 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. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. Please choose only one for now. Avalon's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. All Inclusive French River Cruises 2023/2024 | Tauck On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. Scenic attracts more passengers in their 40s and 50s than you'll find on many vessels and, being Australian-owned, is not dominated by travelers from the United States. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? The latter are true suites, with two rooms. 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. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. 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. 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. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). Avalon Waterways River Cruises - 2023 & 2024 River Cruises COVID-19 procedures are available here. 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. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. Which River Cruise Ship Should You Choose? Here Are the Key Differences For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Wine plays a role on both ships, with regional varietals served at every meal. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. Viking also has an alternative restaurant, the Aquavit Lounge, but it's much more limited in its menu and only serves food during certain hours. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. 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;. 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. 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. Although Scenic does not have walkout verandas, all cabins except those on the lower deck have "sun lounge balconies," an innovation that is an integral part of the room. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. 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. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. 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. 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. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Tauck River Cruise or Viking River Cruise - Fodor's Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. 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 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). CC Help Jenn 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 summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. 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. The 10 Best River Cruise Lines - Travel + Leisure Avalon offers many onboard presentations, including the celebrity-driven Storyteller Series, which is set to include the likes of Candace Bushnell ("Sex and the City"), Gillian Flynn ("Gone Girl"), Cheryl Strayed ("Wild"), and Diana Gabaldon (Outlander"). Local entertainers will also come aboard to perform music, song and dance from the region. 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. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. 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. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. 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.). We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. Choose Viking ifyou want what has become the industry standard for river cruising, a semi-inclusive experience with a line that does more sailings on more rivers than anyone else. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). A View with a Room. A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. 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. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Love Scandinavian Design? Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. While in Russia, visit the Palace of Prince Vladimir for an exclusive concert and ballet performance inside the last Imperial palace to be built in St Petersburg. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 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. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. 1. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. We believe that travel should be easy. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. Learn more. 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. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision.