Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. 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). Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. It should re-energize and transform. 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. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. 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. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. 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. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. Travelstride helps you search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned trips from 1,000+ companies. The line's revamped older ships have 49 cabins: eight measuring 150 square feet, four measuring 183 square feet, one measuring 182 square feet, 20 measuring 225 square feet and 14 suites measuring 300 square feet. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. Love Scandinavian Design? The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. 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). Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. While Scenic has casual dining in its River Cafe, it closes at 6 p.m. Arthur's can be a real boon, particularly if you've already snacked at a local cafe and want a simple nosh at night, instead of a full-blown three-course meal. 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. 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. Because how you see the world matters. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. 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. Do they have bicycles? What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. 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 Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. 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. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. The iconic river ships of No. Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. 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. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. Thanks. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. I think they'd maybe be my first choice, and I know everything is included with them, but I like to get a bargain if I can. 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. They are smaller than traditional cruise ships and boast more tailored offerings, such as carefully curated cuisine that is reflective of the areas being visited. 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.". No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. 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. The Rivers They Cruise. 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. 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). I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? 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. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. 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. Learn more. Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. 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. 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. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? When she's not out shopping, she's plotting her next trip to Disneyland, remodeling her 1920s bungalow, and hanging out with her tween and their new puppy. 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. 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. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . 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. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. 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. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. 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. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. 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. 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. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. 1. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. 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 large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Viking provides a shore excursion daily, along with drinks with meals, in a casual environment, while Tauck is all-inclusive, with a fair number of luxurious extras. We were next to one of the Tauck river boats in Wurzburg last year and both my husband and I commented on how luxurious it looked next to ours, which was very nice and brand new at the time. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. By The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. 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 cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. Without a doubt, the most visible presence in the river cruising world is Viking River Cruises, thanks to effective TV, radio and direct mail advertisements. I need to be able to contact Avalon, Scenic, Uniworld, Tauck directly to arrange terms of the lease of a vesssel, crew, with at least two meals per day provided. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. LauraS It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. 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. 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.). 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. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. 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. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. Scenic also has special "TailorMade" devices that allow travelers to head out by themselves and follow GPS guided tours that are pre-programed into the personal audio systems. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. 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. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. It all boils down to what is important to you. As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. 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 suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. 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. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. 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. Please choose only one for now. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. A View with a Room. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. 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. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. 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. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. 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). as well as other partner offers and accept our. We had cabin 308 (cat. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. 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. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. 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. Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride.
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