They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. 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. While there are plenty of places to curl up with a book or play a game in the public spaces, a bevy of activities will lure you onshore. Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. River Cruise Lines: World's Best 2021 - Travel + Leisure Avalon vs Tauck, AMA vs Viking - River Cruising - Cruise Critic Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. 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. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. 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. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. Dinner is served to the table (although on Scenic, you'll have a buffet your first night onboard) and, on both lines, staff are attentive. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. 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. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. 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. 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). We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. 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 open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. 6 Best River Cruise Lines (2022) | TravelAwaits 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. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . 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. Lower Danube River Company Routes Comparison Dream Destinations I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. 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. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. 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). Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. 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. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. 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. "The itinerary was. as well as other partner offers and accept our. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? River Cruises Guides | Tauck Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. Click here . Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. Love Scandinavian Design? What category cabin did you have? 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . The iconic river ships of No. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). 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. 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. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. Pro: The boats boast a boutique design and feel with unlimited premium spirits and wines. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. On a Viking river cruise, you receive a fair amount in your fare: a daily shore excursion with more elaborate options available for a fee; Wi-Fi; beer, wine and soda with meals and bottled water; and some entertainment and enrichment. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. CC Help Jenn 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). Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. You'll Adore these Ships. River Cruise Reviews, Viking River Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises 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. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. 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). Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. 1. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. (Scenic has. 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. Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. The food was delicious, service was excellent. 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 . Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. 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. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. At 445 square feet, they are among the largest on the rivers with wraparound balconies, a separate bedroom and living room and another French balcony. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. 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). Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. 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. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. Book a cruise on American Queen Steamboat Company, Book a cruise on Adventures by Disney River Cruise, Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. Which River Cruise Ship Should You Choose? Here Are the Key Differences 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. 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 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. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. Like most cruises, the food served is reflective of your destination's local cuisine and there is also a light menu and options for vegetarians, vegans, and kids. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. For each, passengers are divided into groups (around the same size on both lines) and have individual audio headsets that make it easy to hear the commentary without having to cluster around the guide. 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. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. 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. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. 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. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. 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. Guest lectures and performers also come aboard to highlight the destination, from Viennese opera to Portuguese fado, and local craft and culinary demonstrations are sprinkled throughout voyages as well, such as lace-making and Austrian apple strudel. We had cabin 308 (cat. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. River Cruise Ships - Avalon Waterways Small Cruise Ships Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. 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. Prices shown reflect discount. 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. Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. Avalon Cruises - Avalon River Cruises 2021 2022 - Pavlus Travel Scenic vs. Tauck Cruise Comparison | Cruise Critic River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. 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. The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. Avalon River Cruises | Avalon Waterways River Cruises in Europe There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). Viking also has an alternative restaurant, the Aquavit Lounge, but it's much more limited in its menu and only serves food during certain hours. 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 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. And yes, Sunny is her real name. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. 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 ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. It all boils down to what is important to you. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Compare Avalon River Cruises vs Uniworld - Global Journeys In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. 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. 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. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. 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. Wine plays a role on both ships, with regional varietals served at every meal. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. 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. 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. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. Learn more. A View with a Room. 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. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. 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. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise - APT (15 Days From Calgary to Vancouver) 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. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. Thanks. But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. These excursions are all included in the price of the cruise and are considered part of the river experience, although they aren't included for the sole domestic option on our list, the American Queen Steamboat Company. The 10 Best River Cruise Lines - Travel + Leisure 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. 15 of the Best European River Cruises - Travel + Leisure The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. It should be fun. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. Thanks for all the input. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. 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. In contrast, Tauck-- an upscale tour line that offers river cruises -- is lesser-known; unless you're already familiar with the company's organized land vacations or seen its ships on Europe's rivers. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. "Free choice" dining allows you . There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting.