(Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) 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. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. 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. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. Comparing Stateroom Sizes On River Cruisers, Staterooms: River Cruisers vs. Cruise Ships, Rhne & Sane River Stateroom Size Comparisons, Rhine, Main & Danube River Stateroom Size Comparisons. 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.). With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. 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 -. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. What category cabin did you have? Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. 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. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. Some of the shore excursion options are truly special, such as truffle hunting in Bordeaux, visiting Highclere Castle where "Downton Abbey" was shot or cognac blending in Camus. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. 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. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. 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. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. Read on for our look at .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}Viking River Cruises vs. Tauck and some ideas of why you should pick one over the other. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. First, about Tauck. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. 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 Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. 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. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. 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. 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. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . 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. Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. Do they have bicycles? Thanks. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. 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. 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. Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. 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. 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. 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. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. 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). 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. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. Kids love the Junior Adventurer dinners or Disney movie nights, and there is also a Just Teens program with dinners and separate tour groups at various destinations. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. 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. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. Because how you see the world matters. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. Notable excursions included in the price: Typical starting price:$1,999 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $285 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, France, Douro (Portugal), Elbe (Germany), Russia, Ukraine, Mekong, Egypt, Mississippi, Specialty cruises: Mississippi holiday season, Christmas along the Elbe, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Library, walking track, sports deck, Wi-Fi, laundry, flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies, outdoor dining, putting green, Inclusions: All meals, drinks (house wines, beers, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner), one free shore excursion per port, onboard entertainment. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. 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. 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 . Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. 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. 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. 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. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Scenic and Tauck are both lines that carry lower passenger loads than most of their competitors and have put a significant effort into upgrading vessels. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. 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. 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. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. Powered by Invision Community. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. One of the Tauck tenets is "lagniappe," or a little something extra, such as a Champagne reception in the Baden-Baden casino or roses to put on the graves of veterans at an American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. Choose Tauck ifyou like open seating and want the choice of having room service and a true alternative dining venue where you can get casual, hot food. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. There is no room service on Viking. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. Please choose only one for now. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. It should re-energize and transform. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. 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. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. 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). (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. 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). Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. . While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. 2 spot. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Sunny Chanel is a freelance writer based in San Francisco who has written thousands of pieces on topics such as travel, parenting, pop culture, products, and entertainment for a variety of online sites. 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. For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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. Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). Thanks for all the input. Choose Viking ifyou want a good introduction to a port without a lot of handholding, don't mind paying for special excursions and want the best berthing in town. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Typical starting price: $,1999 for 7 nights (per person, based on double occupancy $285 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail: Danube, Rhine, Seine, Moselle, Douro (Portugal), Mekong, Egypt, Africa (river and rails), Columbia, Specialty cruises: Christmas markets, wine, Onboard amenities (may vary by ship): Wellness activities, Wi-Fi, sun deck, pool with swim-up bar, massages, hair salon, flat-screen TVs that also works like a computer with on-demand entertainment, Inclusive: All meals, drinks (unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast), tours at every destination, bikes and hikes, onboard entertainment.
— Actualités —