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 . Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. 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 fun. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. 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. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. 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. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. We operate independently from our advertising team. Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. Travelstride helps you search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned trips from 1,000+ companies. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. 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. 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. 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. 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 -.
Best River Cruises: Viking, Avalon, Tauck, UniWorld - Insider Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. (Scenic has. 2 spot. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. 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.
15 of the Best European River Cruises - Travel + Leisure Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. 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. 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 perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air.
Tauck River Cruise Experts | Learn About Tauck River Cruises But it's only because we've taken such pride in bringing you river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony stateroom design, featuring beds with a view. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? 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. Another thing that sets the Inspiration class of ships apart: "loft" design cabins, which have a raised platform seating area that provides extra space in lower-level cabins. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. We preferred the top floor. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . Visit a farm along Normandy's Cider Route to taste the region's elegantly crafted apple ciders and calvados, and see how they're made; in Normandy, cider is an art, like winemaking, centuries old. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. Typical starting price: $3,990 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $570 per night, all-inclusive), Where do they sail:Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhne, Seine, Specialty Cruises: Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, music, family sailings, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Putting green, sun deck, minibar with complimentary water and soft drinks, Molton Brown toiletries, TV, Jacuzzi, Included: Meals, beverages (house wine, beer, and premium spirits available all day), gratuities, transfers upon arrival and departure, excursions. 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 Are They Defined? The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). You'll Adore these Ships. River Cruising Along The Rivers of France Whether the Seine, the Sane or the Rhne, on a river cruise with Tauck you'll feel it the moment you step ashore in village and towns - that palpable realization of the true meaning of joie de vivre, enjoyment of life. 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. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. 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. AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Because how you see the world matters. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. There is no room service on Viking. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. 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. Typical starting price: $4,599 for 7 days (per person based on double occupancy $657 per night, all-inclusive), Specialty cruises: Danube Christmas markets, Oktoberfest, Rhine food and wine, Seine National Geographic photography, Amenities (may vary by ship): High-speed Wi-Fi, gym, sun-deck, walking track, bikes for shore use, pool or whirlpool, fitness classes, salon, massage, Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages (local wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals), daily excursions, all gratuities onboard and at restaurants, daily cocktail hour, select meals off the ship during excursions, onboard entertainment. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. Email us at reviews@insider.com. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom.
River Cruises Guides | Tauck Lower Danube River Company Routes Comparison Dream Destinations I need to be able to contact Avalon, Scenic, Uniworld, Tauck directly to arrange terms of the lease of a vesssel, crew, with at least two meals per day provided. 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). In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. "Free choice" dining allows you . Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. 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. 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. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Fully stocked minibar, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, L'Occitane bath products, fitness center, free bicycles for use in select ports, whirlpool, library with books, cards, and board games. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. 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 Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. 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. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. 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. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . 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. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. 1. ABC Cruiser, I was leaning towards the Heartland (Rivers and Castles) land and cruise itinerary with AMA before reading your review, and now I'm pretty sure that's what we'll go for. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. The itineraries would be suitable for older teens interested in culture and history, and the option of bike tours and independent exploration with the Scenic TailorMade devices mean they aren't forced into day after day of walking or bus tours. Started June 21, 2021, By 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. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard.
Comparisons - River Cruise Advisor Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. "The itinerary was. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors.
The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. 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.
Avalon Waterways River Cruises - 2023 & 2024 River Cruises Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. 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. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. By 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. 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. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests.
Tauck River Cruise or Viking River Cruise - Fodor's 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. Yes. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. There is also destination-themed entertainment; for example, while sailing through Austria a musician is likely to play musical pieces from "The Sound of Music.". Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. For us, 120-140 sq ft would just be too small. And yes, Sunny is her real name.
Compare Avalon River Cruises vs Uniworld - Global Journeys A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. 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. 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. 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. 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. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. 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. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. 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.
The Most Popular Tour Operator Comparisons by Travelers - Travelstride Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. CC Help Jenn This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended.
Scenic vs. Tauck Cruise Comparison | Cruise Critic 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.
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