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Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. 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. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. Because how you see the world matters. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. 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. What category cabin did you have? 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. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . They are more expensive, but do things first class. 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. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. 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). 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. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". The Rivers They Cruise. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. 1. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. 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. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? 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 -. 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. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. It should re-energize and transform. 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. 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. The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. 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. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. Thanks for all the input. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. The food was delicious, service was excellent. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. 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. 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. 2 spot. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon 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). Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Viking Kadlin (Photo: Viking River Cruises), Viking Einar (Photo: Viking River Cruises), Tauck ms Emerald (Photo: Tauck River Cruises), Viking Helgrim (Photo: Viking River Cruises), P&O Cruises Reveals Nicole Sherzinger as Godmother of New Ship Arvia, Carnival Miracle Set to Become Fourth Carnival Ship to Sail From Galveston, Life at Sea Cruises Opens Sales for World's First Three-Year Cruise, Oceania Reveals Giada de Laurentiis as Godmother of New Ship Vista. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. 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. I've come up with 4 that I think might suit us, and I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has experienced any of them. It all boils down to what is important to you. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon 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. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. 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. Some rooms have balconies. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. 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. 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. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. 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. 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. The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. 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. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. Riviera **: Riviera's beverage package, which includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner, ranges from $99 per person to $299 per person depending on the duration of the 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. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. 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). 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. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. 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. 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. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . Email us at reviews@insider.com. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. 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). But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. 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. 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. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. 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. 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. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. There is no room service on Viking. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). 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. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. Started June 21, 2021, By River cruise ships dock near city centers, enabling visitors to explore on their own or take advantage of the array of excursions organized by the cruise line, from going on a strenuous hike to touring a castle, or sipping wine at a vineyard. Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. 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. . Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. 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. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. 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. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? 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. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. as well as other partner offers and accept our. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. 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. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. 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). In Europe, the Danube River and the Rhine River are two of the most popular cruises for first-time river cruisers. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. By On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. 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. 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 . 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. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? CC Help Jenn AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. Learn more. 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. While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? 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. 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. 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. For us, 120-140 sq ft would just be too small. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. Local entertainers will also come aboard to perform music, song and dance from the region. COVID-19 procedures are available here. We had cabin 308 (cat. 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. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. There is a wide variety of cabin categories from a 350 square foot suite that sleeps four with a balcony to Category D, the most affordable cabin, which is about 170 square feet, sleeps two, and features small windows. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. We believe that travel should be easy. 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. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. By 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? Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain's seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world's most memorable and mesmerizing waterways.