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. Some rooms have balconies. 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. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. 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. 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. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. Tauck River Cruise Experts | Learn About Tauck River Cruises Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Best River Cruises: Viking, Avalon, Tauck, UniWorld - Insider Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. Price Comparisons: A Look At Pricing Differentials For European River Cruises, How River Cruising Compares To Luxury Ocean Cruising, River Cruise Reviews, Viking River Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. 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. A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. Travelstride helps you search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned trips from 1,000+ companies. 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. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. They are more expensive, but do things first class. Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. Because how you see the world matters. Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. 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. They include all excursions, all gratuities to staff, cruise/tour directors (noting that most companies have one onboard but they have three) and even local guides. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. Sunny Chanel is a freelance writer based in San Francisco who has written thousands of pieces on topics such as travel, parenting, pop culture, products, and entertainment for a variety of online sites. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. While in Russia, visit the Palace of Prince Vladimir for an exclusive concert and ballet performance inside the last Imperial palace to be built in St Petersburg. Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? Tauck - Nile River Cruise It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. 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. 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. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. 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. We believe that travel should be easy. What category cabin did you have? Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. 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. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. 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. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. 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. 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. 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. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! 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. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. 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. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. 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. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. Last minute changes OK. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. 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. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. 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. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? 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. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. 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. 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. 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. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. 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. 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. 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. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. 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. 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. 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 Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. 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. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. Tauck vs AMA Waterways Compared | Travelstride At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. We preferred the top floor. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. Notable excursions included in the price: Typical starting price:$1,999 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $285 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, France, Douro (Portugal), Elbe (Germany), Russia, Ukraine, Mekong, Egypt, Mississippi, Specialty cruises: Mississippi holiday season, Christmas along the Elbe, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Library, walking track, sports deck, Wi-Fi, laundry, flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies, outdoor dining, putting green, Inclusions: All meals, drinks (house wines, beers, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner), one free shore excursion per port, onboard entertainment. 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 is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. The Rivers They Cruise. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. River Cruises: Avalon Waterways Lower Danube River Company Routes Comparison Dream Destinations Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. 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. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. River Cruises Guides | Tauck Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. 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. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. Pros: The ships are smaller than most with just over 100 passengers and children are allowed. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. When she's not out shopping, she's plotting her next trip to Disneyland, remodeling her 1920s bungalow, and hanging out with her tween and their new puppy. Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin.
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