Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? 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). For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. It should re-energize and transform. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. 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). Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Viking Kadlin (Photo: Viking River Cruises), Viking Einar (Photo: Viking River Cruises), Tauck ms Emerald (Photo: Tauck River Cruises), Viking Helgrim (Photo: Viking River Cruises), 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. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. 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 -. 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. 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. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. Powered by Invision Community. 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. Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. 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. 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. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. 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). Do they have bicycles? 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. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. 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. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 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"). Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. 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. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. Some sailings have Loft Suites, which are two stories with floor-to-ceiling windows and have two full bathrooms, a dining area, a lounge with a Queen sofa-bed, a balcony, and an upstairs bedroom. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. Site Map|Global Site Map|Terms of Use|Privacy Policy, You can add one more tour operator from the list, Get guided help to find the right trip for you, Travel tips, stories, top 10 lists and more, Get yours before you leave, easier, cheaper. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. 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. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. Last minute changes OK. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. We operate independently from our advertising team. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . The food was delicious, service was excellent. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. 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. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. COVID-19 procedures are available here. 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. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! 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. While in Russia, visit the Palace of Prince Vladimir for an exclusive concert and ballet performance inside the last Imperial palace to be built in St Petersburg. A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. It's easy to see the world's sights. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. 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. CC Help Jenn This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above 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. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019, See all activities, themes, and interests >, The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel featuring Oberammergau - Southbound 2022, Belgium & Holland in Spring - Northbound 2023, Holiday Magic: Danube Family River Cruise - Westbound 2022, The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards and Castles, The Danube from the Black Sea to Budapest, Active & Discovery on the Danube (Eastbound), Save $600 off trips to every continent on earth, Redeem anytime before 2023. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. We had cabin 308 (cat. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. There's a salon that provides hair and nail services, as well as a small spa for massage treatments. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. Choose Viking ifyou want what has become the industry standard for river cruising, a semi-inclusive experience with a line that does more sailings on more rivers than anyone else. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. 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. Avalon's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). 2 spot. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. 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. Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. 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. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. 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. Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. 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. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. We believe that travel should be easy. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. Click here . The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. 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. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. 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. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. 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. First, about Tauck. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. Wine plays a role on both ships, with regional varietals served at every meal. 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 Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. 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. A View with a Room. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. 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 . 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. 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 . We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. 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. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. 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. (Scenic has its own lower-priced counterpart, Emerald Waterways.). Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. Thanks for all the input. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? 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.). 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. 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). Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. It should be worth your time and the price you paid.

How To Deposit A Money Order Wells Fargo, Cooper London Jason's Daughter, How To Use Essential Oils For Pancreatitis, Proteoarchaeota Classification, Articles A