Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. 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. Dinner is served to the table (although on Scenic, you'll have a buffet your first night onboard) and, on both lines, staff are attentive. 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. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. Powered by Invision Community. On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. Tauck is a much more deluxe experience, with alcohol and spirits included at all times, plus an in-room mini-bar stocked with bottled waters and sodas; all excursions; Wi-Fi; bikes onboard; gratuities; money to buy lunch in port; and special events such as dinner at a one- star Michelin restaurant. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. 1. 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. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. 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. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. We preferred the top floor. 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. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. 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. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. We had cabin 308 (cat. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. 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. 2 spot. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. 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. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? We believe that travel should be easy. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. 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. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. Since Aqua Expeditions ships are so much smaller than the average river cruise liner, they can visit more remote destinations and the excursions reflect that, from watching Amazonian pink dolphins to receiving a blessing from a Buddhist monk while traveling the Mekong. All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . 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.". Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. (Scenic has. 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. With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. 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. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Overall, the crowd is older and more sedate than you'd find on Scenic; the dance floor is rarely used on Tauck ships, while on Scenic, it's not unusual for dancing to occur if the right band is playing. 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). 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. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. Although Scenic does not have walkout verandas, all cabins except those on the lower deck have "sun lounge balconies," an innovation that is an integral part of the room. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. 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. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. Junior Suites are 240 to 250 square feet, two Royal Panorama Suites are 475 square feet and, on some ships, Royal Owners Suites are more than 500 square feet. On both lines, the excursions will include walking and coach tours of local towns and villages, visits to castles and historic monuments, and experiences such as wine tasting. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Pros: Adventures by Disney guides add a wonderful touch to each journey with storytelling, educational information, and goes above and beyond to ensure every guest has a great time. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. 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. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? 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. 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. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. These sleek ships generally host less than 200 passengers and go where giant cruise liners cannot, such as the Danube, Rhine, Rhne, Mekong, Mississippi, and Nile Rivers. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? A good mid-tier option is theRoyal Balcony suite, which comes with a great view and perks like daily fruit skewers, canapes, and petit fours. LauraS One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. 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. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. 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. It should be fun. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. 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. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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). 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. Tauck is a much more deluxe experience, with alcohol and spirits included at all times, plus an in-room mini-bar stocked with bottled waters and sodas; all excursions; Wi-Fi; bikes onboard;. 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. 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. The pours at lunch and dinner are generous, so if you're not a liquor drinker -- or don't like alcohol at all -- you might not need all the extras that Tauck provides. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. 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. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. 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. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . The best river cruises were selected based on the following criteria: Typical starting price: $724 for 3 nights (per person based on double occupancy $241 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, Seine, Moselle, Mekong, Nile, Rhne, Ganges, Main, Saone, Amazon (Peru), Specialty cruises: Photography, storytellers, wine, beer, culinary, garden, Christmas market, Jewish heritage. Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. 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. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. What category cabin did you have? Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? One thing both lines have in common is that they use modern coaches branded with the line's logo and photos of the ships or exotic locations (making them easily identifiable in a crowd of coaches). The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. 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. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. 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. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. While Scenic has casual dining in its River Cafe, it closes at 6 p.m. Arthur's can be a real boon, particularly if you've already snacked at a local cafe and want a simple nosh at night, instead of a full-blown three-course meal. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. There is a wide variety of cabin categories from a 350 square foot suite that sleeps four with a balcony to Category D, the most affordable cabin, which is about 170 square feet, sleeps two, and features small windows. The line is mostly known in the United States. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . 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. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. 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. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. 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). All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing. 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. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. CC Help Jenn 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. 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. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. Cabins are located across three decks and available in seven categories; the line claims the ship offers more suites than any other European river vessel. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. Riviera **: Riviera's beverage package, which includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner, ranges from $99 per person to $299 per person depending on the duration of the cruise. These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. 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). Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. 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. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. All rights reserved. These range from shoeshine, concierge service and restocking the mini-bar in Standard Suites, to packing and unpacking, arranging in-room cocktail drinks and even running a bath in the top suites. Tauck also makes sure there's at least one special event in the evening per cruise, where passengers are taken to a castle, restaurant or historic venue for a private dinner or concert performance. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. For us, 120-140 sq ft would just be too small. Thanks. 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. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. 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. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe.
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