We operate independently from our advertising team. Powered by Invision Community. 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. Please choose only one for now. Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. 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. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. 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. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. Tauck recently renovated many of their ships, most of which carry just 84 or 98 guests, while a few larger boats accommodate a max of 130 guests. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. 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 . Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. 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. 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. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. 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 destination-themed entertainment; for example, while sailing through Austria a musician is likely to play musical pieces from "The Sound of Music.". Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. The Rivers They Cruise. Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. Wine plays a role on both ships, with regional varietals served at every meal. 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. 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. Click here . 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. 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. These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). Also check out Avalon rivercruises. 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. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". LauraS All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). 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. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. We believe that travel should be easy. Notable excursions included in the price: Typical starting price:$1,999 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $285 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, France, Douro (Portugal), Elbe (Germany), Russia, Ukraine, Mekong, Egypt, Mississippi, Specialty cruises: Mississippi holiday season, Christmas along the Elbe, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Library, walking track, sports deck, Wi-Fi, laundry, flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies, outdoor dining, putting green, Inclusions: All meals, drinks (house wines, beers, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner), one free shore excursion per port, onboard entertainment. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. 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. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. Started June 21, 2021, By Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. By Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? 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. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. 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. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. Tauck also makes sure there's at least one special event in the evening per cruise, where passengers are taken to a castle, restaurant or historic venue for a private dinner or concert performance. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. 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. 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. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. Last minute changes OK. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. We had cabin 308 (cat. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. We welcome your feedback. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. It all boils down to what is important to you. "Free choice" dining allows you . 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. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. 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. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. All rights reserved. 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. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. 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. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. Yes. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. 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. 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). Viking has built its name on destination immersion, and the company doesn't provide extras such as gyms, spas, bikes or pools on its ships. Email us at reviews@insider.com. 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. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? Local entertainers will also come aboard to perform music, song and dance from the region. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. 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. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. (Scenic has its own lower-priced counterpart, Emerald Waterways.). Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. 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. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. These are guided by local experts who know the history and culture; since Viking has so many river cruises going at any one time and provides a more stable stream of employment, the company is often able to scoop up some of the better guides in a town. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . 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. Ships offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes, although Tauck has more vegan and vegetarian options. Con: There is a striking difference in style between standard cabins and suites, Knowing these more curated cabins exist might lessen your experience in entry-level rooms. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. 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. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! 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). 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. There is no room service on Viking. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) 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. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. 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. Do they have bicycles? Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. Click the links in the right column to access current price comparisons among all major river cruise companies and for tips on how to save. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . For us, 120-140 sq ft would just be too small. As part of its company's commitment to making your time in port seamless without having to deal with worrisome currency issues, the line gives each passenger 20 euros to buy a meal when an excursion spans the lunch hour. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon 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. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. 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. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. 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. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. 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. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. 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. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. 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. And yes, Sunny is her real name. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. 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 These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. They are more expensive, but do things first class. What category cabin did you have? Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. 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). 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. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? COVID-19 procedures are available here. It's easy to see the world's sights. River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? 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. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley.
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