By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. 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. We believe that travel should be easy. All Inclusive French River Cruises 2023/2024 | Tauck We highlight products and services you might find interesting. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. 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. 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. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. 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. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. 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. 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. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. River cruising is a very different animal than "big ship" cruising - and I would hate to think that you booked 14+ days on a river boat - only to discover that you hated the the experience. 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. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. 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. Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. Email us at reviews@insider.com. 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? Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. 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. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . Where they sail:Danube, Main (Rhine-Main-Danube canal), Moselle, Rhine, Specialty Cruises:Christmas market, Jewish heritage, tulip season, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Spa, gym, 24/7 in-suite dining, pantry snacks, pool, yoga, laundry, flat-screen TV with on-demand movies, Inclusions: All meals, 24-hour butler service, beverages (select wines, champagnes, spirits and coffee), Wi-Fi, ETRO and Caudalie products, a variety of complimentary shore excursions (some cost extra). 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 . Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. 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. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. And yes, Sunny is her real name. Learn more. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. Yes. River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. 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. River Cruise Ships - Avalon Waterways Small Cruise Ships There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? 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. 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 Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. 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 dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. River Cruise Lines: World's Best 2021 - Travel + Leisure On a Viking river cruise, you receive a fair amount in your fare: a daily shore excursion with more elaborate options available for a fee; Wi-Fi; beer, wine and soda with meals and bottled water; and some entertainment and enrichment. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. Avalon Cruises - Avalon River Cruises 2021 2022 - Pavlus Travel Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. 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. Egypt European River Cruises Europe River Cruise Route Guide Rhine River Cruise Port Guide Request Danube River Cruise Port Guide Request Europe River Cruise Companies Onboard Reviews French River Cruise Port Guide Request . 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 Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. 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. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. By Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. 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. 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. Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. Normandy River Cruise 2023 / 2024 | Tauck Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). The line's revamped older ships have 49 cabins: eight measuring 150 square feet, four measuring 183 square feet, one measuring 182 square feet, 20 measuring 225 square feet and 14 suites measuring 300 square feet. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. First, about Tauck. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. All rights reserved. Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. 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. While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Avalon's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. View travel requirements for countries around the world. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. You'll Adore these Ships. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. 6 Best River Cruise Lines (2022) | TravelAwaits 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. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). There is a very low crew to guest ratio. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. While Tauck also has a Lagniappe event, as well as an offsite dinner, it's not as prominently promoted as the Scenic events; it's not even listed in the daily program. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. 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. Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. 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;. 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). Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. 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. Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise - APT (15 Days From Calgary to Vancouver) 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. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. 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. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. 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. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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 Scenic has casual dining in its River Cafe, it closes at 6 p.m. Arthur's can be a real boon, particularly if you've already snacked at a local cafe and want a simple nosh at night, instead of a full-blown three-course meal.