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One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. 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). 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 reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. Scenic vs. Tauck Cruise Comparison | Cruise Critic Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. 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. 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. 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. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? What category cabin did you have? Email us at reviews@insider.com. 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. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! On Tauck's four newer ships, you'll find 67 cabins: nine measuring 150 square feet, four measuring 190 square feet, 32 measuring 225 square feet and 22 suites measuring 300 square feet. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. We welcome your feedback. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. Tauck vs Avalon Waterways Compared | Travelstride We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. Love Scandinavian Design? They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. 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. 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. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. 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? I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. 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. On both lines, the excursions will include walking and coach tours of local towns and villages, visits to castles and historic monuments, and experiences such as wine tasting. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. 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 water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. 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. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. 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 is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. There are a fair amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itineraries, which are almost always awe-inspiring. River cruise ships dock near city centers, enabling visitors to explore on their own or take advantage of the array of excursions organized by the cruise line, from going on a strenuous hike to touring a castle, or sipping wine at a vineyard. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. Learn more. 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. But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. 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. 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. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. 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. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. 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. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. 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. as well as other partner offers and accept our. 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. (Scenic has its own lower-priced counterpart, Emerald Waterways.). Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. 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. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? River Cruise Ships - Avalon Waterways Small Cruise Ships Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. COVID-19 procedures are available here. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks 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. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. 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. 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. 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. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. 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. Expires February 28. 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. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. You'll Adore these Ships. 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. Tauck River Cruise or Viking River Cruise - Fodor's In Portugal, visit the Burmester Cellars for a fine dining experience along with a traditional Fado musical accompaniment. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. Thanks. Normandy River Cruise 2023 / 2024 | Tauck 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. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. While Tauck also has a Lagniappe event, as well as an offsite dinner, it's not as prominently promoted as the Scenic events; it's not even listed in the daily program. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. 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. 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. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. 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. Yes. 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 . (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. 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. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. Overall, the crowd is older and more sedate than you'd find on Scenic; the dance floor is rarely used on Tauck ships, while on Scenic, it's not unusual for dancing to occur if the right band is playing. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. By But it's only because we've taken such pride in bringing you river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony stateroom design, featuring beds with a view. 1. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? 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. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. 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. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. 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. 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. I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. 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. . The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. 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. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. 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. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. 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. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? 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. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. 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. Pros: The ships are smaller than most with just over 100 passengers and children are allowed. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. 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. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. We had cabin 308 (cat. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. 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. Solo travelers will appreciate that there are dedicated Solo Traveler Suites with no surcharge for a non-double occupancy booking, which is unheard of with cruising.