What category cabin did you have? CC Help Jenn Learn more. 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. 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. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. 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. 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. Last minute changes OK. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. 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. Which River Cruise Ship Should You Choose? Here Are the Key Differences No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. Pros: The ships are smaller than most with just over 100 passengers and children are allowed. 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 -. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. A View with a Room. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. 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 You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Because how you see the world matters. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. Thanks for all the input. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. Email us at reviews@insider.com. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. COVID-19 procedures are available here. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. 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. 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. 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. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. 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. 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. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? Tauck vs Avalon Waterways Compared | Travelstride as well as other partner offers and accept our. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. River Cruise Ships - Avalon Waterways Small Cruise Ships On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? You'll Adore these Ships. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. 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. They are more expensive, but do things first class. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. 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. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. By Wine plays a role on both ships, with regional varietals served at every meal. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. 2 spot. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. Avalon vs Tauck, AMA vs Viking - River Cruising - Cruise Critic All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. 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. 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. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. The iconic river ships of No. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. By submitting your contact information, you agree that your email address may be shared with a travel expert who can help me find the perfect cruise for you. With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. 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. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. 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. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. 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 line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. If you are the type of passenger who doesn't want to reach for your wallet at the end of a trip, both lines are great choices. Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. Inclusions: All meals and drinks (regional wine, beer, soft drinks with lunch and dinner; sparkling wine with breakfast), Pros:You get to pick your own firmness of the beds and pillows. 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. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. On Tauck's four newer ships, you'll find 67 cabins: nine measuring 150 square feet, four measuring 190 square feet, 32 measuring 225 square feet and 22 suites measuring 300 square feet. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. 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. 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. The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver 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. A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. 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. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. We welcome your feedback. Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. 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. 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. 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.). Avalon Waterways River Cruises - 2023 & 2024 River Cruises 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. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. 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. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon In Europe, the Danube River and the Rhine River are two of the most popular cruises for first-time river cruisers. 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 - cruise only, or with Paris at beginning and Prague at the end to make 12 days, 4) Vikings' Vineyards & Vistas (Trier to Wurzburg, 7 days, or with Paris and Prague, like AMA above, called Cities of Light)- I did read Ruth's recent posting about that one. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. 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 also has an alternative restaurant, the Aquavit Lounge, but it's much more limited in its menu and only serves food during certain hours. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). 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 least one Tauck director comes on each shore excursion so if you want to ask what time the bus leaves for the umpteenth time or your Quietvox battery dies, help is a few steps away. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. 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. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. 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. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. 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. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. 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. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. For each, passengers are divided into groups (around the same size on both lines) and have individual audio headsets that make it easy to hear the commentary without having to cluster around the guide. 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. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. 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. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1224277, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions, C858B0A9-6769-424D-B129-59363EDAC023.jpeg, B5073042-BF8A-4EEC-BD19-0938D8732763.jpeg. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. For example, guests staying in suites enjoy exclusive dining, priority reservations, and a private Captain's cocktail party, while those staying in standard rooms will lack many special perks. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. 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. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. Another thing that sets the Inspiration class of ships apart: "loft" design cabins, which have a raised platform seating area that provides extra space in lower-level cabins. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. 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.
Has Elton John Cancelled His 2022 Tour,
Ja Marr Chase Post Game Interview,
Medstar Starport Login,
Who Is Neighbor Wars Tiktok Celebrity Neighbor,
Wanda Durant Best Friend,
Articles A
