AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. Travelstride helps you search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned trips from 1,000+ companies. I think they'd maybe be my first choice, and I know everything is included with them, but I like to get a bargain if I can. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. 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. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. 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. LauraS Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. . Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. 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. The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. 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. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. 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. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. 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 Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. Some of the shore excursion options are truly special, such as truffle hunting in Bordeaux, visiting Highclere Castle where "Downton Abbey" was shot or cognac blending in Camus. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. It's easy to see the world's sights. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. 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. Thanks for all the input. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. Love Scandinavian Design? Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. 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. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. 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. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? 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 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. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. We had cabin 308 (cat. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. Because how you see the world matters. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. The main restaurant setup is very similar on the lines, with buffets at breakfast and lunch plus live cooking stations and made-to-order menu items. 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. 2 spot. All rights reserved. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Another thing that sets Tauck's newer ships apart: "loft" design cabins, which have a raised platform seating area that provides extra space in lower-level cabins. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. Book a cruise on American Queen Steamboat Company, Book a cruise on Adventures by Disney River Cruise, Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. 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. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. First, about Tauck. A View with a Room. There is no room service on Viking. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. 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. 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. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. 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. 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. The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. I've been researching river cruises for August/September that include the Moselle River, which I think will visit smaller cities than cruises that travel strictly on the Danube. Started June 21, 2021, By Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. 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. 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 ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. 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. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. 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. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. Scenic is based in Australia, and about half of the passengers on its river cruises are from Down Under (with the rest from other English-speaking countries such as New Zealand, the U.K., Canada and the U.S.). 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. 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. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. 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. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. By But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. 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. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon 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. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. 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. Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. It should re-energize and transform. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. 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. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. In terms of enrichment, both lines bring on local entertainers, although Scenic is more likely to bring on a band to play classic rock and music you can dance to, as opposed to folk performers. 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). During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. 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 offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. It all boils down to what is important to you. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. We were next to one of the Tauck river boats in Wurzburg last year and both my husband and I commented on how luxurious it looked next to ours, which was very nice and brand new at the time. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. 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.". 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. Started August 27, 2021, By Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. 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. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. 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. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. 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 does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. As part of its company's commitment to making your time in port seamless without having to deal with worrisome currency issues, the line gives each passenger 20 euros to buy a meal when an excursion spans the lunch hour. 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. In Europe, the Danube River and the Rhine River are two of the most popular cruises for first-time river cruisers. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. Some rooms have balconies. There are a fair amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itineraries, which are almost always awe-inspiring. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. We believe that travel should be easy. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. 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. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). CC Help Jenn Thanks. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. 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. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? 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. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). 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. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. 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.