Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. 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. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. Lower Danube River Company Routes Comparison Dream Destinations I've come up with 4 that I think might suit us, and I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has experienced any of them. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. It's easy to see the world's sights. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? 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). 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. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) 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 -. 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. If you're able to provide your travel agent's contact info, I may be able to work with him or her to recommend a cruise that is best for you. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. 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. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. 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. The food was delicious, service was excellent. 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. 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. There's a salon that provides hair and nail services, as well as a small spa for massage treatments. Pros: The ships are smaller than most with just over 100 passengers and children are allowed. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. In Portugal, visit the Burmester Cellars for a fine dining experience along with a traditional Fado musical accompaniment. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. CC Help Jenn They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. 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. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. The line is mostly known in the United States. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). 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. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. Yes. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. 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. Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. 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. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. 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. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. 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. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. 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. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. 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). In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. 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. Avalon Waterways River Cruises - 2023 & 2024 River Cruises There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. 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. Tauck vs. Viking River Cruises - Cruise Critic The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. Featuring modern luxury ships, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, our clients love Avalon, and some of their river itineraries are our biggest sellers. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. Avalon offers many onboard presentations, including the celebrity-driven Storyteller Series, which is set to include the likes of Candace Bushnell ("Sex and the City"), Gillian Flynn ("Gone Girl"), Cheryl Strayed ("Wild"), and Diana Gabaldon (Outlander"). 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. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. First, about Tauck. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. 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. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. Love Scandinavian Design? The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. 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. A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. 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. 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. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. Email us at reviews@insider.com. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. Tauck - Nile River Cruise They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. 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.". 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. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain's seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world's most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. 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. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. Tauck River Cruise or Viking River Cruise - Fodor's And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. 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. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. 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. 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. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. The river cruise division of Tauck is a relatively new component of the brand established in 1925 by Arthur Tauck, a true pioneer in the travel industry. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. 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. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. They are more expensive, but do things first class. 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 entry-level cabin, the Petit Suite, is about 188 square feet is larger than most standard rooms, while the Deluxe Suite has French balconies, and opulent Explorer Suites boast large windows. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong.
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