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. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. 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;. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. 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.). All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. 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. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? 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. 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). 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 suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. 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. 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. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. 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. River Cruise Ships - Avalon Waterways Small Cruise Ships Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. Tauck River Cruise Experts | Learn About Tauck River Cruises Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. The pours at lunch and dinner are generous, so if you're not a liquor drinker -- or don't like alcohol at all -- you might not need all the extras that Tauck provides. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. 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. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. Tauck also makes sure there's at least one special event in the evening per cruise, where passengers are taken to a castle, restaurant or historic venue for a private dinner or concert performance. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. Notable excursions included in the price: Typical starting price:$1,999 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $285 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, France, Douro (Portugal), Elbe (Germany), Russia, Ukraine, Mekong, Egypt, Mississippi, Specialty cruises: Mississippi holiday season, Christmas along the Elbe, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Library, walking track, sports deck, Wi-Fi, laundry, flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies, outdoor dining, putting green, Inclusions: All meals, drinks (house wines, beers, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner), one free shore excursion per port, onboard entertainment. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. The itineraries would be suitable for older teens interested in culture and history, and the option of bike tours and independent exploration with the Scenic TailorMade devices mean they aren't forced into day after day of walking or bus tours. 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. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. Viking River vs AmaWaterways vs Tauck River Cruises But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. 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. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. 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. Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) Like most cruises, the food served is reflective of your destination's local cuisine and there is also a light menu and options for vegetarians, vegans, and kids. Comparisons - River Cruise Advisor 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. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. Compare Avalon River Cruises vs Uniworld - Global Journeys Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). 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. 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. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. 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. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. River Cruising Along The Rivers of France Whether the Seine, the Sane or the Rhne, on a river cruise with Tauck you'll feel it the moment you step ashore in village and towns - that palpable realization of the true meaning of joie de vivre, enjoyment of life. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. 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. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. 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. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. They are smaller than traditional cruise ships and boast more tailored offerings, such as carefully curated cuisine that is reflective of the areas being visited. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. COVID-19 procedures are available here. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. 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. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. 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. She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. 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. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. 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. Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. 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. Avalon Cruises - Avalon River Cruises 2021 2022 - Pavlus Travel Best River Cruises: Viking, Avalon, Tauck, UniWorld - Insider The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. Choose Tauck ifyou like open seating and want the choice of having room service and a true alternative dining venue where you can get casual, hot food. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. Thanks. River Cruises Guides | Tauck 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. The Rivers They Cruise. For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind.
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