And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. 2 spot. 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. Started August 27, 2021, By Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon 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. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. In Memphis, opt for The Elvis Experience with a tour of Graceland. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. In contrast, Tauck-- an upscale tour line that offers river cruises -- is lesser-known; unless you're already familiar with the company's organized land vacations or seen its ships on Europe's rivers. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. 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. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. 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. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. 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. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. 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. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Are They Defined? You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. 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. Local entertainers will also come aboard to perform music, song and dance from the region. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. 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. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. 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. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. Expires February 28. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. 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. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). 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. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. 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. 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. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. 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. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. 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. Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? Also check out Avalon rivercruises. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. Here are the most popular tour operator comparisons that travelers make when planning for their next adventure: Top Tour Companies for Seniors Compared: Road Scholar vs Smithsonian Journeys Go Ahead Tours vs Trafalgar Tauck vs Odysseys Unlimited Trafalgar vs Globus Tauck vs Senior Discovery Tours Collette vs Trafalgar Tauck vs Alexander + Roberts 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. 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. 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. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Prices shown reflect discount. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. (Scenic has its own lower-priced counterpart, Emerald Waterways.). 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. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. 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). Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . A) next door to a junior suite.Being close to the entrance of the staircase, you do hear people going by your room in the morning. 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). Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? 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 availablehere. Started June 21, 2021, By On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. We welcome your feedback. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. 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. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. Scenic Sundowner events are cocktail parties at an unusual or particularly beautiful locale, while Scenic Enrich immersive activities may include a concert, performance or special dinner offsite. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Travelstride helps you search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned trips from 1,000+ companies. Do they have bicycles? Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. 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. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. CC Help Jenn But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. 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. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. "The itinerary was. 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. 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. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. 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 -. 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. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. Typical starting price: $3,990 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $570 per night, all-inclusive), Where do they sail:Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhne, Seine, Specialty Cruises: Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, music, family sailings, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Putting green, sun deck, minibar with complimentary water and soft drinks, Molton Brown toiletries, TV, Jacuzzi, Included: Meals, beverages (house wine, beer, and premium spirits available all day), gratuities, transfers upon arrival and departure, excursions. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. 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. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. 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. 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. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. 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. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. By Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. Guest lectures and performers also come aboard to highlight the destination, from Viennese opera to Portuguese fado, and local craft and culinary demonstrations are sprinkled throughout voyages as well, such as lace-making and Austrian apple strudel. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. 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? This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. 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. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates.