Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? Scenic and Tauck are both lines that carry lower passenger loads than most of their competitors and have put a significant effort into upgrading vessels. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. COVID-19 procedures are available here. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. 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. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. There is no room service on Viking. 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. Typical starting price: $2,309 for 3 nights (per person based on double occupancy $796 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Mekong, Amazon, Indonesia, Amenities (may vary by ship): Pool, Jacuzzi, private or outdoor cinema, sun deck, gym, massage, library/game room, bikes for onshore use, snorkeling equipment and wet suits, scuba diving, laundry, internet (intermittent, depends on location), Inclusions: All meals, beverages (premium selected wines, and beer, non-alcoholic drinks), excursions with local guides, group transfers between the vessel on recommended flights. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. Keep in mind that the itineraries are still destination-immersive, so you might not have as much time to use these as you think you will. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. In Portugal, visit the Burmester Cellars for a fine dining experience along with a traditional Fado musical accompaniment. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. We believe that travel should be easy. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. 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 moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. 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. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. 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. 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. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. We preferred the top floor. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. 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. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. 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. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. And yes, Sunny is her real name. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. 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. Email us at reviews@insider.com. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. In Europe, the Danube River and the Rhine River are two of the most popular cruises for first-time river cruisers. 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. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. 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. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Also check out Avalon rivercruises. Choose Viking ifyou are more a do-it-yourself person on shore and with tips, and don't mind paying for your Happy Hour and after-hours drinks. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. 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. As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. 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"). Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? 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 Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. 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. Viking also has optional shore excursions that it sells in some ports; these excursions generally are limited to small groups and take you into smaller venues or provide immersive experiences that expose passengers to a port's culture and traditions on a deeper, often hands-on, level. In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. 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. Some rooms have balconies. Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. 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. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. 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. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. You'll Adore these Ships. Tauck and Scenic include more in their fares than anyone else, with gratuities, all alcohol, transfers, choice of shore excursions, all dining and Wi-Fi included. AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. 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. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. One thing both lines have in common is that they use modern coaches branded with the line's logo and photos of the ships or exotic locations (making them easily identifiable in a crowd of coaches). Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. 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. 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. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. 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. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. 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. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. Tauck not only has a cruise director onboard its ship, but it has three additional Tauck guides who give the daily briefings, attend the shore excursions (although local experts actually give the tours), hand out spending money or give you a rose to place at the gravesite of a veteran in an American military cemetery. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. 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. For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Spacious ships carry between 84 and 130 guests, and since the single supplement is waived on select cabins, it's a good choice for solo travelers . There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. 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. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 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. The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. The entry-level cabin, the Petit Suite, is about 188 square feet is larger than most standard rooms, while the Deluxe Suite has French balconies, and opulent Explorer Suites boast large windows. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. Do they have bicycles? 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. 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. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. It should be fun. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? 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. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. They are more expensive, but do things first class. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. Learn more. 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. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). Read on for our look at .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}Viking River Cruises vs. Tauck and some ideas of why you should pick one over the other. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. 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. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. 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. 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. Started June 21, 2021, By 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. Wine plays a role on both ships, with regional varietals served at every meal. 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). Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Thanks. Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. 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. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. 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.