"The itinerary was. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. 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. 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. 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. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. 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. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. 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. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. One thing both lines have in common is that they use modern coaches branded with the line's logo and photos of the ships or exotic locations (making them easily identifiable in a crowd of coaches). Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). 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. 1. 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. Started June 21, 2021, By In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. Tauck vs AMA Waterways Compared | Travelstride While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. There are a fair amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itineraries, which are almost always awe-inspiring. Read on for our look at .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}Viking River Cruises vs. Tauck and some ideas of why you should pick one over the other. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. In addition to traditional ships, there are also sleek black U by Uniworld boats, which offer a modern take on river cruising with a younger demographic in mind. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. 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. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. 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. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. Tauck vs. Viking River Cruises - Cruise Critic Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. Tauck not only has a cruise director onboard its ship, but it has three additional Tauck guides who give the daily briefings, attend the shore excursions (although local experts actually give the tours), hand out spending money or give you a rose to place at the gravesite of a veteran in an American military cemetery. All rights reserved. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. If you're able to provide your travel agent's contact info, I may be able to work with him or her to recommend a cruise that is best for you. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. 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. 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. 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. Sunny Chanel is a freelance writer based in San Francisco who has written thousands of pieces on topics such as travel, parenting, pop culture, products, and entertainment for a variety of online sites. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. 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 . Some rooms have balconies. Avalon River Cruises | Avalon Waterways River Cruises in Europe On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. 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. In fact, there are many kid-friend amenities, such as cooking classes, a young travelers' lounge, and a game room complete with PlayStation, games, movies, and local treats. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. Click here . Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Scenic vs. Tauck Cruise Comparison | Cruise Critic Viking or Avalon? Crystal, Tauck, or Uniworld? - Wallace Pierson Travel We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. On both lines, the excursions will include walking and coach tours of local towns and villages, visits to castles and historic monuments, and experiences such as wine tasting. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. River Cruise Ships - Avalon Waterways Small Cruise Ships Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! 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. AmaWaterways Vs. Avalon Waterways River Cruises: 8 Key Differences The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. For each, passengers are divided into groups (around the same size on both lines) and have individual audio headsets that make it easy to hear the commentary without having to cluster around the guide. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. 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. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. 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). All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. It should re-energize and transform. 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. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. 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.". The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. 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. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. 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. And yes, Sunny is her real name. Learn more. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Which River Cruise Ship Should You Choose? Here Are the Key Differences On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. We welcome your feedback. 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. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? 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.). Last minute changes OK. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. Expires February 28. 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. Another thing that sets Tauck's newer ships apart: "loft" design cabins, which have a raised platform seating area that provides extra space in lower-level cabins. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. . 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. COVID-19 procedures are available here. The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. Every evening, the forward section of the lounge on Scenic ships becomes the Italian restaurant Portabellos (L'Amour on its French ships), and every passenger can dine here at least once during their cruise, at no additional cost. Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. Like most cruises, the food served is reflective of your destination's local cuisine and there is also a light menu and options for vegetarians, vegans, and kids. Tauck River Cruise or Viking River Cruise - Fodor's They are composed of floor-to-ceiling windows that drop down halfway at the flick of a switch, and the balconies can be shut off from the main cabin area with folding glass doors. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. CC Help Jenn A View with a Room. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. 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. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. 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). Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. 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The best river cruises were selected based on the following criteria: Typical starting price: $724 for 3 nights (per person based on double occupancy $241 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, Seine, Moselle, Mekong, Nile, Rhne, Ganges, Main, Saone, Amazon (Peru), Specialty cruises: Photography, storytellers, wine, beer, culinary, garden, Christmas market, Jewish heritage. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. 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. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. Avalon's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. View travel requirements for countries around the world. 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. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner?