Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. Avalon River Cruises | Avalon Waterways River Cruises in Europe Where they sail:Danube, Main (Rhine-Main-Danube canal), Moselle, Rhine, Specialty Cruises:Christmas market, Jewish heritage, tulip season, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Spa, gym, 24/7 in-suite dining, pantry snacks, pool, yoga, laundry, flat-screen TV with on-demand movies, Inclusions: All meals, 24-hour butler service, beverages (select wines, champagnes, spirits and coffee), Wi-Fi, ETRO and Caudalie products, a variety of complimentary shore excursions (some cost extra). 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. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. 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 like open seating and want the choice of having room service and a true alternative dining venue where you can get casual, hot food. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. Expires February 28. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? 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. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. 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). I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. Choose Tauck ifyou don't want any extra charges at all when you leave the ship, love the convenience of having everything set up for you or want the feeling of a more deluxe experience. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Are They Defined? 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. It should re-energize and transform. 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. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. 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. 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 -. Love Scandinavian Design? 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. 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. Started August 27, 2021, By Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. 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. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). It should be fun. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. Wine plays a role on both ships, with regional varietals served at every meal. 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. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Best River Cruises: Viking, Avalon, Tauck, UniWorld - Insider Because how you see the world matters. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. Click here . 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. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. 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. 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. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. We preferred the top floor. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). . (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Tauck vs Avalon Waterways Compared | Travelstride Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. 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. The shore excursions on the designated family cruises are kid-centric and could include visiting a castle and dressing up as a medieval knight one day, watching Hungarian cowboys perform, going on a treetop climb or visiting a salt mine. Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. There's a salon that provides hair and nail services, as well as a small spa for massage treatments. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? Compare Avalon River Cruises vs Uniworld - Global Journeys 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. We had cabin 308 (cat. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. Egypt European River Cruises Europe River Cruise Route Guide Rhine River Cruise Port Guide Request Danube River Cruise Port Guide Request Europe River Cruise Companies Onboard Reviews French River Cruise Port Guide Request . Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. RIVER CRUISE BRANDS - Harr Travel Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise - APT (15 Days From Calgary to Vancouver) 2 spot. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. 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. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. 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. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. 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. Viking provides a shore excursion daily, along with drinks with meals, in a casual environment, while Tauck is all-inclusive, with a fair number of luxurious extras. 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. The 10 Best River Cruise Lines - Travel + Leisure Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. For each, passengers are divided into groups (around the same size on both lines) and have individual audio headsets that make it easy to hear the commentary without having to cluster around the guide. 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. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. 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. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . I've been researching river cruises for August/September that include the Moselle River, which I think will visit smaller cities than cruises that travel strictly on the Danube. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. 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. View travel requirements for countries around the world. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. Avalon vs Tauck, AMA vs Viking - River Cruising - Cruise Critic Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. 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. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. River Cruises Guides | Tauck 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. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. Tauck vs AMA Waterways Compared | Travelstride Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. 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. And yes, Sunny is her real name. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. COVID-19 procedures are available here. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. Avalon Cruises - Avalon River Cruises 2021 2022 - Pavlus Travel Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! 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. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. Powered by Invision Community. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. It's easy to see the world's sights. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Started June 21, 2021, By 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. Click the links in the right column to access current price comparisons among all major river cruise companies and for tips on how to save. 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. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. 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. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. 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. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. 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. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. 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. Solo travelers will appreciate that there are dedicated Solo Traveler Suites with no surcharge for a non-double occupancy booking, which is unheard of with cruising. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. 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 is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. A View with a Room. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. 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. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. Tauck vs. Viking River Cruises - Cruise Critic Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group.
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