"Free choice" dining allows you . The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? By It all boils down to what is important to you. Wine plays a role on both ships, with regional varietals served at every meal. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. 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. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. 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. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Are They Defined? Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. 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. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. 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. Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. In Europe, the Danube River and the Rhine River are two of the most popular cruises for first-time river cruisers. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. Started August 27, 2021, By Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. If you are the type of passenger who doesn't want to reach for your wallet at the end of a trip, both lines are great choices. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. . Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. Click here . 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. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. 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. 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. What category cabin did you have? The line claims the ship offers more suites than any other European river vessel and these cabins -- while not true two-room suites -- are 300 square feet. 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 . (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. The line is mostly known in the United States. It should be fun. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. 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. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. 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. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. 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. 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. But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. 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. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. For example, guests staying in suites enjoy exclusive dining, priority reservations, and a private Captain's cocktail party, while those staying in standard rooms will lack many special perks. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. There is no room service on Viking. Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. 1. 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. 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. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. While Tauck also has a Lagniappe event, as well as an offsite dinner, it's not as prominently promoted as the Scenic events; it's not even listed in the daily program. Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. 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. 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? 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. Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain, Egypt, Peru, Mekong, India, Specialty cruises: Gen Z on the U (for families with teens), lectures, Christmas markets, Jewish heritage, Amenities (may vary per ship): Pool, spa, bicycles for land exploration, pillow menu, massage, library, flat-screen TVs, fitness center, wellness classes, airport transfers, laundry, Asprey bath products, Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages (including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water), most excursions, gratuities, Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. 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. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. A View with a Room. Venturing off the beaten path away from well-traveled highways is part of the appeal, as are the opportunities to savor a real taste of daily life along Europe's rivers. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing. Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. View travel requirements for countries around the world. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. I think they'd maybe be my first choice, and I know everything is included with them, but I like to get a bargain if I can. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. 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 handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. 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. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. 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. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. 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). Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? We can chat later about other destinations. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. 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. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. 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. 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. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). 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. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. COVID-19 procedures are available here. For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. Powered by Invision Community. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. 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. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. They are composed of floor-to-ceiling windows that drop down halfway at the flick of a switch, and the balconies can be shut off from the main cabin area with folding glass doors. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. 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. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. 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. 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. 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. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. 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. Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. They are more expensive, but do things first class. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio.
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