The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. Typical starting price: $2,195 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $313 per night, all-inclusive), Where do they sail:Danube, Main (Germany), Rhine, Moselle, Rhne, Douro (Portugal), Seine, Bordeaux, Volga (Russia), Mekong (South East Asia), Irrawaddy (Myanmar), Specialty cruises: National Geographic, Christmas markets, Onboard amenities (may vary by ship):Laundry,wellness area, gym, massage services, hair salon, Wi-Fi, e-bikes, L'Occitane products, pillow menu, shoeshine, Inclusive: Meals, butler service, gratuities, transfers, excursions, beverages (with the exception of certain specialty wines and rare spirits), minibar fully restocked daily, chef-prepared picnics, 24-hour in-room dining, entertainment. Uniworld requires proof of COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests, except those under the age of 12, who must have a negative test result within 72 hours of embarkation. Besides stringing words together professionally, Sunny once co-founded a luxury subscription box, curated a whimsical pop-up shop in San Francisco called Treasure Hunters Club, and recently inherited a vinyl-only records store in San Francisco. 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. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? By Click here . They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. 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). Email us at reviews@insider.com. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. 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. 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? And yes, Sunny is her real name. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. 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. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. 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). Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. On both lines, the main restaurant setup is very similar, with buffets at breakfast and lunch plus live cooking stations and made-to-order menu items. Local entertainers will also come aboard to perform music, song and dance from the region. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. 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 lines operateChristmas market cruises. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. 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. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. 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. We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Both have hotel-style amenities, including high-tech TVs with entertainment on-demand and information channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, safes, included mini-bars that are replenished daily, hair dryers and designer bath products (L'Occitane on Scenic, Molton Brown on Tauck). Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. Expires February 28. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. 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. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. . Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. 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. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. It's easy to see the world's sights. 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. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. 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. 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. 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. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. (Scenic has its own lower-priced counterpart, Emerald Waterways.). All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. 2 spot. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. 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. 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. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. Thanks. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. 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. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. 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. We preferred the top floor. 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. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. LauraS Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. Love Scandinavian Design? Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. 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. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. 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. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. 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. For us, 120-140 sq ft would just be too small. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. 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 Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. 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. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. 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. Tauck's shore excursion program is a little more comprehensive (although oddly, the guides themselves and the berths where the ships dock aren't necessarily better. These are guided by local experts who know the history and culture; since Viking has so many river cruises going at any one time and provides a more stable stream of employment, the company is often able to scoop up some of the better guides in a town. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. 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. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. 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. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. While Scenic has casual dining in its River Cafe, it closes at 6 p.m. Arthur's can be a real boon, particularly if you've already snacked at a local cafe and want a simple nosh at night, instead of a full-blown three-course meal. Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. 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. CC Help Jenn On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. 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 makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. 1. 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 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"). Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Grownups may enjoy adult-only dinners and wine tastings, and there is actually a nice variety of adult-exclusive sailings (generally when school is in session), which offer more sophisticated offerings. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. 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. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. 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. Started August 27, 2021, By Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. By While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. 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. 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. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. 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. 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. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. 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. River cruise ships dock near city centers, enabling visitors to explore on their own or take advantage of the array of excursions organized by the cruise line, from going on a strenuous hike to touring a castle, or sipping wine at a vineyard. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. 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. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. All of the cruise lines selected offer intriguing and interesting excursions that are included in the price (except for the American Queen Steamboat Company), from a private tour of the Louvre to kayaking down the Mekong. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). 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. 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;. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. 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. We can chat later about other destinations. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. The Panorama Dining Room serves daily four-course la carte dinners along with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks, or guests can choose the more casual Panorama Bistro or Sky Grill. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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. 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 -. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. 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. The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. 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. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. While there are plenty of places to curl up with a book or play a game in the public spaces, a bevy of activities will lure you onshore. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. 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.