Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. 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.". There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. 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. 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. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. 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. 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. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. 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? smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. 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. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! It's easy to see the world's sights. We preferred the top floor. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. 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. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Because how you see the world matters. A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. 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. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. On Viking, you can pay extra for a better bottle of wine, whereas Tauck has a wine cellar with some special bottles that are included in your fare (although they don't exactly volunteer these premier offerings; you have to ask). The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. 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. LauraS 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. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . 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. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. 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. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. While other river cruise cabins shove your bed against a wall for a view of the other wall, our Comfort Collection Beds SM beds face the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. 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. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. It should be fun. The shore excursions on the designated family cruises are kid-centric and could include visiting a castle and dressing up as a medieval knight one day, watching Hungarian cowboys perform, going on a treetop climb or visiting a salt mine. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. 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. 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. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). We welcome your feedback. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. 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. 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. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. 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). 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. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. 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. 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. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. A good mid-tier option is theRoyal Balcony suite, which comes with a great view and perks like daily fruit skewers, canapes, and petit fours. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. 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.). But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? Do they have bicycles? Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. The food was delicious, service was excellent. 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. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? Window cabins are 150 square feet to Viking's 135, and most of Tauck's cabins have a French balcony and are 225 square feet (while the standard on Viking is 205 square feet). On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Yes. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. Cabins are located across three decks and available in seven categories; the line claims the ship offers more suites than any other European river vessel. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. 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. CC Help Jenn Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). 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). Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. 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. AMA has a modern fleet like Avalon and offers a few things that Avalon does not and that we would enjoy including bicycles, in room free internet and movies, tables for two in the dining room, and an onboard masseuse. All rights reserved. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. 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). By 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. We operate independently from our advertising team. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . 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). Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. You'll Adore these Ships. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. 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. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. Started August 27, 2021, By Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. 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. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. 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 . On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. What category cabin did you have? Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. 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. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. 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. 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. But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. 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. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. 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. Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. 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. 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 water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it!