Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. In terms of enrichment, both lines bring on local entertainers, although Scenic is more likely to bring on a band to play classic rock and music you can dance to, as opposed to folk performers. 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. Avalon Cruises - Avalon River Cruises 2021 2022 - Pavlus Travel Love Scandinavian Design? 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). In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. 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. A) next door to a junior suite.Being close to the entrance of the staircase, you do hear people going by your room in the morning. 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. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Click here . In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Another thing that sets Tauck's newer ships apart: "loft" design cabins, which have a raised platform seating area that provides extra space in lower-level cabins. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. Scenic vs. Tauck Cruise Comparison | Cruise Critic LauraS 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. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. 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. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. 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. 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. Normandy River Cruise 2023 / 2024 | Tauck Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. 6 Best River Cruise Lines (2022) | TravelAwaits 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. 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. Prices shown reflect discount. 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). On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. One thing both lines have in common is that they use modern coaches branded with the line's logo and photos of the ships or exotic locations (making them easily identifiable in a crowd of coaches). The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. We had cabin 308 (cat. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. We can chat later about other destinations. RIVER CRUISE BRANDS - Harr Travel 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. CC Help Jenn 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. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. 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. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. It's easy to see the world's sights. Tauck River Cruise Experts | Learn About Tauck River Cruises While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? "The itinerary was. Comparisons - River Cruise Advisor Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. Grownups may enjoy adult-only dinners and wine tastings, and there is actually a nice variety of adult-exclusive sailings (generally when school is in session), which offer more sophisticated offerings. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). 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. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. All rights reserved. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. 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;. 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. 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. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. 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. Egypt European River Cruises Europe River Cruise Route Guide Rhine River Cruise Port Guide Request Danube River Cruise Port Guide Request Europe River Cruise Companies Onboard Reviews French River Cruise Port Guide Request . Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. 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. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. 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. River Cruises Guides | Tauck The main restaurant setup is very similar on the lines, with buffets at breakfast and lunch plus live cooking stations and made-to-order menu items. AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. 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 . For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger than full balcony cabins, while still letting in fresh air. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. 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. 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. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. It should be fun. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. 1. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. The itineraries would be suitable for older teens interested in culture and history, and the option of bike tours and independent exploration with the Scenic TailorMade devices mean they aren't forced into day after day of walking or bus tours. 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. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). Pro: The boats boast a boutique design and feel with unlimited premium spirits and wines. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. 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. 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. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. 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. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. 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. And yes, Sunny is her real name. Avalon vs Tauck, AMA vs Viking - River Cruising - Cruise Critic The 10 Best River Cruise Lines - Travel + Leisure Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. Best River Cruises: Viking, Avalon, Tauck, UniWorld - Insider 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? We operate independently from our advertising team. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. 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. The line is mostly known in the United States. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Thanks for all the input. 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. 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. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise - APT (15 Days From Calgary to Vancouver) On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. 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. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Learn more. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? Keep in mind that the itineraries are still destination-immersive, so you might not have as much time to use these as you think you will. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Because how you see the world matters. The Rivers They Cruise. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. 2 spot. You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. AmaWaterways Vs. Avalon Waterways River Cruises: 8 Key Differences 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. 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). These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). 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. River Cruises: Avalon Waterways There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. What category cabin did you have? The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. Compare Avalon River Cruises vs Uniworld - Global Journeys While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. 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. 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. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. All Inclusive French River Cruises 2023/2024 | Tauck Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. The iconic river ships of No. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. 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. A View with a Room. 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. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. 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? Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. 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. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. 15 of the Best European River Cruises - Travel + Leisure The line also offers a "bite to eat" snack menu that can be delivered to your cabin as room service, or to any of the lounges as a small plate. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. For us, 120-140 sq ft would just be too small. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. Powered by Invision Community. 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. 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.". Viking vs. Tauck vs. Uniworld vs. Avalon?? - Cruise Critic Community 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. There's a salon that provides hair and nail services, as well as a small spa for massage treatments. River Cruise Ships - Avalon Waterways Small Cruise Ships Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program.
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