I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? It all boils down to what is important to you. Love Scandinavian Design? However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 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. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. Every evening, the forward section of the lounge on Scenic ships becomes the Italian restaurant Portabellos (L'Amour on its French ships), and every passenger can dine here at least once during their cruise, at no additional cost. It should re-energize and transform. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. Thanks. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. In addition to food and drink with carefully curated cuisine reflective of the areas being visited many river cruises include land excursions, which is a huge advantage that adds tremendous value. 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. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. 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. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. 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. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. 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. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. 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. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. 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. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Thanks for all the input. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). 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. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Last minute changes OK. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. And yes, Sunny is her real name. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. We operate independently from our advertising team. 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. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." 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. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? When she's not out shopping, she's plotting her next trip to Disneyland, remodeling her 1920s bungalow, and hanging out with her tween and their new puppy. 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. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? 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. Please choose only one for now. 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. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. 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. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. Scenic Sundowner events are cocktail parties at an unusual or particularly beautiful locale, while Scenic Enrich immersive activities may include a concert, performance or special dinner offsite. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. Tauck's alternative restaurant, Arthur's (named after Chairman Arthur Tauck Jr.), is a casual grill, with a menu offering everything from hamburgers and salads to pastas and steaks. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. 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. Because how you see the world matters. 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 . Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. 1. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. Yes. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. 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. Do they have bicycles? Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. Powered by Invision Community. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Price Comparisons: A Look At Pricing Differentials For European River Cruises, How River Cruising Compares To Luxury Ocean Cruising, River Cruise Reviews, Viking River Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises. 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. 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. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. 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. 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 like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. 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. In Memphis, opt for The Elvis Experience with a tour of Graceland. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Tauck not only has a cruise director onboard its ship, but it has three additional Tauck guides who give the daily briefings, attend the shore excursions (although local experts actually give the tours), hand out spending money or give you a rose to place at the gravesite of a veteran in an American military cemetery. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. 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. Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. By On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. 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. 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. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. 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). In Europe, the Danube River and the Rhine River are two of the most popular cruises for first-time river cruisers. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. 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. 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. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. (Scenic has its own lower-priced counterpart, Emerald Waterways.). It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. 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. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. They are more expensive, but do things first class. 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. 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. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. 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. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. 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? Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. Expires February 28. 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. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. 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. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Click here . COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. 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. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. 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. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Started June 21, 2021, By Some rooms have balconies. 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. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. 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. 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). Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. Both have hotel-style amenities, including high-tech TVs with entertainment on-demand and information channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, safes, included mini-bars that are replenished daily, hair dryers and designer bath products (L'Occitane on Scenic, Molton Brown on Tauck). Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. In 2023, they will launch Seven River Journeys which will cover seven rivers and 14 countries over the course of 45 nights (starting at $24,999 per person, double occupancy).
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