avalon river cruises vs tauck

River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. 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 -. 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. Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. 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. 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). But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . It's easy to see the world's sights. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon 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 cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. Tauck prides itself on offering off-the-beaten-track experiences in each destination, including multigenerational family tours that are curated to include itineraries for both kids and adults. Book a cruise on American Queen Steamboat Company, Book a cruise on Adventures by Disney River Cruise, Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. 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. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. 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. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. All rights reserved. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." 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. 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. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. 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 . Large private bathrooms include full showers and. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. Scenic Sundowner events are cocktail parties at an unusual or particularly beautiful locale, while Scenic Enrich immersive activities may include a concert, performance or special dinner offsite. (Scenic has. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). 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. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) 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. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. "The itinerary was. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. Keep in mind that the itineraries are still destination-immersive, so you might not have as much time to use these as you think you will. 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. Click the links in the right column to access current price comparisons among all major river cruise companies and for tips on how to save. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. 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. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. 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. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. 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. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. 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. Another thing that sets the Inspiration class of ships apart: "loft" design cabins, which have a raised platform seating area that provides extra space in lower-level cabins. Powered by Invision Community. Uniworld requires proof of COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests, except those under the age of 12, who must have a negative test result within 72 hours of embarkation. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. 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. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). We believe that travel should be easy. 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. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. The River Cafe offers light bites from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for everyone, while Table La Rive is an upscale Chef's Table for upper-deck passengers only. The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. 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. Email us at reviews@insider.com. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you inthe captains seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruisedown the worlds most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. 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. 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. Junior Suites are 240 to 250 square feet, two Royal Panorama Suites are 475 square feet and, on some ships, Royal Owners Suites are more than 500 square feet. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. Local entertainers will also come aboard to perform music, song and dance from the region. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. 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. River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. 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. It should be fun. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. River cruise ships dock near city centers, enabling visitors to explore on their own or take advantage of the array of excursions organized by the cruise line, from going on a strenuous hike to touring a castle, or sipping wine at a vineyard. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. 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. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger than full balcony cabins, while still letting in fresh air. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? 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. 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. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. CC Help Jenn While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. 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. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. Tauck recently renovated many of their ships, most of which carry just 84 or 98 guests, while a few larger boats accommodate a max of 130 guests. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. I've come up with 4 that I think might suit us, and I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has experienced any of them. All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. Click here . The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. 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. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. 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. Yes. 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. Guest lectures and performers also come aboard to highlight the destination, from Viennese opera to Portuguese fado, and local craft and culinary demonstrations are sprinkled throughout voyages as well, such as lace-making and Austrian apple strudel. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. Some sailings have Loft Suites, which are two stories with floor-to-ceiling windows and have two full bathrooms, a dining area, a lounge with a Queen sofa-bed, a balcony, and an upstairs bedroom. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? 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 sounds like it will be what we're looking for. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). 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. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). 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. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. Started June 21, 2021, By Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. 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. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. 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). They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? 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. Prices shown reflect discount. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). We were next to one of the Tauck river boats in Wurzburg last year and both my husband and I commented on how luxurious it looked next to ours, which was very nice and brand new at the time. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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. 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. 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. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. 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. 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. 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). Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. Viking also has an alternative restaurant, the Aquavit Lounge, but it's much more limited in its menu and only serves food during certain hours. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. Expires February 28. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. 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. 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. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. 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. It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou like open seating and want the choice of having room service and a true alternative dining venue where you can get casual, hot food. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. 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. 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.

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