While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. Please choose only one for now. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . In contrast, Tauck-- an upscale tour line that offers river cruises -- is lesser-known; unless you're already familiar with the company's organized land vacations or seen its ships on Europe's rivers. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. It's easy to see the world's sights. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. Pro: The boats boast a boutique design and feel with unlimited premium spirits and wines. Because how you see the world matters. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. You'll Adore these Ships. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Started August 27, 2021, By Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. 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. 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. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. 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, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. Click the links in the right column to access current price comparisons among all major river cruise companies and for tips on how to save. 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. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. 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. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 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. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. However, Crystal Cruises has some excursions that incur an added cost, and all of the American Queen Steamboat Company excursions are additional (although they do offer hop-on hop-off bus tours). Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. 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. 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. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. What category cabin did you have? Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. COVID-19 procedures are available here. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. 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. Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. Price Comparisons: A Look At Pricing Differentials For European River Cruises, How River Cruising Compares To Luxury Ocean Cruising, River Cruise Reviews, Viking River Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. 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. 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. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. 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. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. 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 -. 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. 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. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. 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). Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. 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. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. 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. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. 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. 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. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. 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. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . 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). Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. 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. It should re-energize and transform. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. 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. 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 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. Sunny Chanel is a freelance writer based in San Francisco who has written thousands of pieces on topics such as travel, parenting, pop culture, products, and entertainment for a variety of online sites. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. 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? Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. 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. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. 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. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. Email us at reviews@insider.com. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. Love Scandinavian Design? There are a fair amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itineraries, which are almost always awe-inspiring. 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. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. 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. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. A View with a Room. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. 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. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. Local entertainers will also come aboard to perform music, song and dance from the region. 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. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. For us, 120-140 sq ft would just be too small. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain, Egypt, Peru, Mekong, India, Specialty cruises: Gen Z on the U (for families with teens), lectures, Christmas markets, Jewish heritage, Amenities (may vary per ship): Pool, spa, bicycles for land exploration, pillow menu, massage, library, flat-screen TVs, fitness center, wellness classes, airport transfers, laundry, Asprey bath products, Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages (including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water), most excursions, gratuities, Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . 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. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. Do they have bicycles? Avalon's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). 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. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. 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. Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? 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. It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. 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. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. 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. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. 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. 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.