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. The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 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. On Viking, you can pay extra for a better bottle of wine, whereas Tauck has a wine cellar with some special bottles that are included in your fare (although they don't exactly volunteer these premier offerings; you have to ask). The 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. Both have hotel-style amenities, including high-tech TVs with entertainment on-demand and information channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, safes, included mini-bars that are replenished daily, hair dryers and designer bath products (L'Occitane on Scenic, Molton Brown on Tauck). Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. Viking or Avalon? Crystal, Tauck, or Uniworld? - Wallace Pierson Travel The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. CC Help Jenn Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. 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.). The latter are true suites, with two rooms. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. On a similar seven-night June 2023 cruise on the Danube, Tauck is about $1,000 more expensive than Viking for a standard cabin (this can be even more as Viking offers a lot of promotional deals). Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. Choose Viking ifyou are more a do-it-yourself person on shore and with tips, and don't mind paying for your Happy Hour and after-hours drinks. 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. Scenic vs. Tauck Cruise Comparison | Cruise Critic Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. River Cruise Ships - Avalon Waterways Small Cruise Ships It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Avalon Waterways River Cruises - 2023 & 2024 River Cruises Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Last minute changes OK. 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"). There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. 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. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. 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). 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. 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. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. While other river cruise cabins shove your bed against a wall for a view of the other wall, our Comfort Collection Beds SM beds face the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. Because how you see the world matters. 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. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. 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. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. By A View with a Room. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. 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. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. And yes, Sunny is her real name. Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. 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. 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. Love Scandinavian Design? But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. 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. Lower Danube River Company Routes Comparison Dream Destinations Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Viking vs. Tauck vs. Uniworld vs. Avalon?? - Cruise Critic Community Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. 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. Started August 27, 2021, By 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. It's easy to see the world's sights. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. 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. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. 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. Solstice vs. Millennium Class on Celebrity Cruises, Meraviglia Class vs. Seaside Class on MSC Cruises, Virtual Cabin Crawl: Symphony of the Seas Cruise Ship, 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. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. 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. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. You'll Adore these Ships. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. It should re-energize and transform. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. 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. as well as other partner offers and accept our. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. 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. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Thanks. I've come up with 4 that I think might suit us, and I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has experienced any of them. AMA has a modern fleet like Avalon and offers a few things that Avalon does not and that we would enjoy including bicycles, in room free internet and movies, tables for two in the dining room, and an onboard masseuse. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. The food was delicious, service was excellent. "The itinerary was. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. A good mid-tier option is theRoyal Balcony suite, which comes with a great view and perks like daily fruit skewers, canapes, and petit fours. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. Yes. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). Tauck River Cruise Experts | Learn About Tauck River Cruises Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. Comparisons - River Cruise Advisor Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. 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 ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. 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. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. 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. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. Compare Avalon River Cruises vs Uniworld - Global Journeys Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. 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 core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. Started June 21, 2021, By The Most Popular Tour Operator Comparisons by Travelers - Travelstride 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). 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 -. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Tauck vs. Viking River Cruises - Cruise Critic 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. The Rivers They Cruise. 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. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. 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. 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. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. 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. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. 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. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. Typical starting price: $2,309 for 3 nights (per person based on double occupancy $796 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Mekong, Amazon, Indonesia, Amenities (may vary by ship): Pool, Jacuzzi, private or outdoor cinema, sun deck, gym, massage, library/game room, bikes for onshore use, snorkeling equipment and wet suits, scuba diving, laundry, internet (intermittent, depends on location), Inclusions: All meals, beverages (premium selected wines, and beer, non-alcoholic drinks), excursions with local guides, group transfers between the vessel on recommended flights. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. The line is mostly known in the United States. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. 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. All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. 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. 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. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. 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. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. It should be fun. 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. 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. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise - APT (15 Days From Calgary to Vancouver) Also check out Avalon rivercruises. However, Crystal Cruises has some excursions that incur an added cost, and all of the American Queen Steamboat Company excursions are additional (although they do offer hop-on hop-off bus tours). "Free choice" dining allows you . Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. 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. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. 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. 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. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. 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
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