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. It all boils down to what is important to you. Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. 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. 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. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. Yes. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. 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. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. 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. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. River Cruises: Avalon Waterways Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you inthe captains seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruisedown the worlds most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. 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. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. Thanks. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. 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. I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . Viking vs. Tauck vs. Uniworld vs. Avalon?? - Cruise Critic Community Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. The main restaurant setup is very similar on the lines, with buffets at breakfast and lunch plus live cooking stations and made-to-order menu items. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. Thanks for all the input. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. 6 Best River Cruise Lines (2022) | TravelAwaits While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. 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. 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. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). "The itinerary was. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. The Most Popular Tour Operator Comparisons by Travelers - Travelstride COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? 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. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, 17 Cruise Lines That Include Alcohol in Your Fare, 7 Challenging Cruise Ports We Can Help You Navigate. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? We can chat later about other destinations. Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. Prices shown reflect discount. Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. 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. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Besides stringing words together professionally, Sunny once co-founded a luxury subscription box, curated a whimsical pop-up shop in San Francisco called Treasure Hunters Club, and recently inherited a vinyl-only records store in San Francisco. It's easy to see the world's sights. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. River Cruise Lines: World's Best 2021 - Travel + Leisure 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. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. 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 -. 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. 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.). Tauck vs AMA Waterways Compared | Travelstride 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . Love Scandinavian Design? 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. 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. 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. 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. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. 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. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . 2 spot. Without a doubt, the most visible presence in the river cruising world is Viking River Cruises, thanks to effective TV, radio and direct mail advertisements. We preferred the top floor. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. 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. 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. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. The 10 Best River Cruise Lines - Travel + Leisure CC Help Jenn Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. 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. 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. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. Tauck and Scenic include more in their fares than anyone else, with gratuities, all alcohol, transfers, choice of shore excursions, all dining and Wi-Fi included. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. 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. 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. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. 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. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. 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. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. LauraS We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1224277, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions, C858B0A9-6769-424D-B129-59363EDAC023.jpeg, B5073042-BF8A-4EEC-BD19-0938D8732763.jpeg. Choose Tauck 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. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. (Scenic has its own lower-priced counterpart, Emerald Waterways.). To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. 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. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. All rights reserved. Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. Travelstride helps you search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned trips from 1,000+ companies. Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. 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. Grownups may enjoy adult-only dinners and wine tastings, and there is actually a nice variety of adult-exclusive sailings (generally when school is in session), which offer more sophisticated offerings. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. Powered by Invision Community. 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. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids.
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