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Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? LauraS 2 spot. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. 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. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. 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. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. 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. 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 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. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." 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. 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. There is no room service on Viking. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. 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. 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. Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. Travelstride helps you search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned trips from 1,000+ companies. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. 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. River cruising is a very different animal than "big ship" cruising - and I would hate to think that you booked 14+ days on a river boat - only to discover that you hated the the experience. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. 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. In 2023, they will launch Seven River Journeys which will cover seven rivers and 14 countries over the course of 45 nights (starting at $24,999 per person, double occupancy). 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. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. In fact, there are many kid-friend amenities, such as cooking classes, a young travelers' lounge, and a game room complete with PlayStation, games, movies, and local treats. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. 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. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. 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. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. 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. 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. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. In Europe, the Danube River and the Rhine River are two of the most popular cruises for first-time river cruisers. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? 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. 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. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. 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. On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. 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. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. Viking also has an alternative restaurant, the Aquavit Lounge, but it's much more limited in its menu and only serves food during certain hours. All rights reserved. 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. Started August 27, 2021, By Thanks. Yes. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). 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. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. 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. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. First, about Tauck. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. 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. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? as well as other partner offers and accept our. Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. Throughout the voyages, they feature special drinking and dining events for guests along with entertainment themed to the country you're visiting such as a string quartet or folk dancing. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. 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. Tauck prides itself on offering off-the-beaten-track experiences in each destination, including multigenerational family tours that are curated to include itineraries for both kids and adults. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. "Free choice" dining allows you . Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. 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. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. 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. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. 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 suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. Because how you see the world matters. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. It should re-energize and transform. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. We operate independently from our advertising team. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. 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. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. Riviera **: Riviera's beverage package, which includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner, ranges from $99 per person to $299 per person depending on the duration of the cruise. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. The River Cafe offers light bites from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for everyone, while Table La Rive is an upscale Chef's Table for upper-deck passengers only. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . You'll Adore these Ships. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. We believe that travel should be easy. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. 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.". River Cruising Along The Rivers of France Whether the Seine, the Sane or the Rhne, on a river cruise with Tauck you'll feel it the moment you step ashore in village and towns - that palpable realization of the true meaning of joie de vivre, enjoyment of life. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. 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). Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. In Portugal, visit the Burmester Cellars for a fine dining experience along with a traditional Fado musical accompaniment. They offer a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, so guests relish in lavish, five-star treatment and the boats have only about 15 to 20 cabins, meaning, no more than 30 to 40 guests per sailing. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. 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;. 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. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. The line claims the ship offers more suites than any other European river vessel and these cabins -- while not true two-room suites -- are 300 square feet. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. Inclusions: All meals and drinks (regional wine, beer, soft drinks with lunch and dinner; sparkling wine with breakfast), Pros:You get to pick your own firmness of the beds and pillows. 1. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. Prices shown reflect discount. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. 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. 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. It all boils down to what is important to you. 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. 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. Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising.