Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. 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. Tauck vs. Viking River Cruises - Cruise Critic Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. They are the least expensive, since we'd probably go cruise-only and make up our own land tour before/after, but the cabin seems pretty small, and we'd really like the option of bikes, which is offered on Tauck and AMA, but not on Viking or Avalon, as far as I can make out (please, correct me if I'm wrong). Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. 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.". The Rivers They Cruise. It all boils down to what is important to you. 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. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. Which River Cruise Ship Should You Choose? Here Are the Key Differences We preferred the top floor. 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. Started August 27, 2021, By Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. 15 of the Best European River Cruises - Travel + Leisure On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. Tauck - Nile River Cruise 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. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Thanks. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? River Cruises Guides | Tauck By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. 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. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. "The itinerary was. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. 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. Comparing Stateroom Sizes On River Cruisers, Staterooms: River Cruisers vs. Cruise Ships, Rhne & Sane River Stateroom Size Comparisons, Rhine, Main & Danube River Stateroom Size Comparisons. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. The 10 Best River Cruise Lines - Travel + Leisure First, about Tauck. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Tauck River Cruise Experts | Learn About Tauck River Cruises Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. 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 also has special "TailorMade" devices that allow travelers to head out by themselves and follow GPS guided tours that are pre-programed into the personal audio systems. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. 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. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. When she's not out shopping, she's plotting her next trip to Disneyland, remodeling her 1920s bungalow, and hanging out with her tween and their new puppy. Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. 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. River Cruises: Avalon Waterways Tauck vs AMA Waterways Compared | Travelstride We welcome your feedback. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. Avalon Cruises - Avalon River Cruises 2021 2022 - Pavlus Travel The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. 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. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. 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. 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 alternative restaurant, Arthur's, has evolved into a casual grill, with a menu offering everything from hamburgers and salads to pastas and steaks. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. 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. Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). 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. Best River Cruises: Viking, Avalon, Tauck, UniWorld - Insider But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? The iconic river ships of No. Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. Where they sail:Danube, Main (Rhine-Main-Danube canal), Moselle, Rhine, Specialty Cruises:Christmas market, Jewish heritage, tulip season, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Spa, gym, 24/7 in-suite dining, pantry snacks, pool, yoga, laundry, flat-screen TV with on-demand movies, Inclusions: All meals, 24-hour butler service, beverages (select wines, champagnes, spirits and coffee), Wi-Fi, ETRO and Caudalie products, a variety of complimentary shore excursions (some cost extra). 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). Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. Ships offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes, although Tauck has more vegan and vegetarian options. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. 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. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. 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 moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. Choose Viking ifyou want a good introduction to a port without a lot of handholding, don't mind paying for special excursions and want the best berthing in town. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. Scenic vs. Tauck Cruise Comparison | Cruise Critic 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. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. 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. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Since Aqua Expeditions ships are so much smaller than the average river cruise liner, they can visit more remote destinations and the excursions reflect that, from watching Amazonian pink dolphins to receiving a blessing from a Buddhist monk while traveling the Mekong. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. 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. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. There's a salon that provides hair and nail services, as well as a small spa for massage treatments. Comparisons - River Cruise Advisor Window cabins are 150 square feet to Viking's 135, and most of Tauck's cabins have a French balcony and are 225 square feet (while the standard on Viking is 205 square feet). They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. 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. These range from shoeshine, concierge service and restocking the mini-bar in Standard Suites, to packing and unpacking, arranging in-room cocktail drinks and even running a bath in the top suites. The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. Guest lectures and performers also come aboard to highlight the destination, from Viennese opera to Portuguese fado, and local craft and culinary demonstrations are sprinkled throughout voyages as well, such as lace-making and Austrian apple strudel. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. By 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. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? 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.). 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. 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. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. 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. Viking River vs AmaWaterways vs Tauck River Cruises These sleek ships generally host less than 200 passengers and go where giant cruise liners cannot, such as the Danube, Rhine, Rhne, Mekong, Mississippi, and Nile Rivers. River Cruise Lines: World's Best 2021 - Travel + Leisure (Scenic has. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. Viking vs. Tauck vs. Uniworld vs. Avalon?? - Cruise Critic Community Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. AmaWaterways Vs. Avalon Waterways River Cruises: 8 Key Differences Then, there are the ships inEgypt,China,Vietnam and Cambodia, which the line either owns or charters, and in 2023 Viking launches its first ship on the Mississippi. 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. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. Last minute changes OK. 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. While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. Typical starting price: $,1999 for 7 nights (per person, based on double occupancy $285 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail: Danube, Rhine, Seine, Moselle, Douro (Portugal), Mekong, Egypt, Africa (river and rails), Columbia, Specialty cruises: Christmas markets, wine, Onboard amenities (may vary by ship): Wellness activities, Wi-Fi, sun deck, pool with swim-up bar, massages, hair salon, flat-screen TVs that also works like a computer with on-demand entertainment, Inclusive: All meals, drinks (unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast), tours at every destination, bikes and hikes, onboard entertainment. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. 1. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. 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. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Also check out Avalon rivercruises. Love Scandinavian Design? Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. 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. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit.
Amanda I Survived Carjacking,
Articles A
