Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. I've been researching river cruises for August/September that include the Moselle River, which I think will visit smaller cities than cruises that travel strictly on the Danube. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. 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. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. 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. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. Thanks for all the input. While there are plenty of places to curl up with a book or play a game in the public spaces, a bevy of activities will lure you onshore. The river cruise division of Tauck is a relatively new component of the brand established in 1925 by Arthur Tauck, a true pioneer in the travel industry. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? "Free choice" dining allows you . On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. Solstice vs. Millennium Class on Celebrity Cruises, Meraviglia Class vs. Seaside Class on MSC Cruises, Virtual Cabin Crawl: Symphony of the Seas Cruise Ship, 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. By Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Choose Viking ifyou are more a do-it-yourself person on shore and with tips, and don't mind paying for your Happy Hour and after-hours drinks. The iconic river ships of No. Email us at reviews@insider.com. Started August 27, 2021, By Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. 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. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 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. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. By The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. First, about Tauck. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. It all boils down to what is important to you. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. 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. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. 1. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. And yes, Sunny is her real name. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. 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. The line is mostly known in the United States. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. We welcome your feedback. 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.). 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. 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. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Are They Defined? These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. 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? 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.". 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. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. 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. As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. 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. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. 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. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. 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. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). Learn more. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. In Memphis, opt for The Elvis Experience with a tour of Graceland. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. Travelstride helps you search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned trips from 1,000+ companies. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). 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. COVID-19 procedures are available here. 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. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. (Scenic has. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. 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. 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. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. 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. We can chat later about other destinations. 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. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. Yes. 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. You'll Adore these Ships. Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. 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). It should re-energize and transform. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. 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 main restaurant setup is very similar on the lines, with buffets at breakfast and lunch plus live cooking stations and made-to-order menu items. 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. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. 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. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. Some of the shore excursion options are truly special, such as truffle hunting in Bordeaux, visiting Highclere Castle where "Downton Abbey" was shot or cognac blending in Camus. In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. There is no room service on Viking. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. Please choose only one for now. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. 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. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. 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. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. At 445 square feet, they are among the largest on the rivers with wraparound balconies, a separate bedroom and living room and another French balcony. 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. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. 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. Pro: The boats boast a boutique design and feel with unlimited premium spirits and wines. Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. 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. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. 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. 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. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. Started June 21, 2021, By 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. 2 spot. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? COVID-19 procedures are available here. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. 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. 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. 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. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. We preferred the top floor. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). 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. 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 Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? A View with a Room. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. 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. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. Typical starting price: $2,309 for 3 nights (per person based on double occupancy $796 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Mekong, Amazon, Indonesia, Amenities (may vary by ship): Pool, Jacuzzi, private or outdoor cinema, sun deck, gym, massage, library/game room, bikes for onshore use, snorkeling equipment and wet suits, scuba diving, laundry, internet (intermittent, depends on location), Inclusions: All meals, beverages (premium selected wines, and beer, non-alcoholic drinks), excursions with local guides, group transfers between the vessel on recommended flights. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, 17 Cruise Lines That Include Alcohol in Your Fare, 7 Challenging Cruise Ports We Can Help You Navigate. 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.