The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. 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. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. 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. 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. 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. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. 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. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. We had cabin 308 (cat. We operate independently from our advertising team. 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. 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. In Europe, the Danube River and the Rhine River are two of the most popular cruises for first-time river cruisers. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. 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. 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. They include all excursions, all gratuities to staff, cruise/tour directors (noting that most companies have one onboard but they have three) and even local guides. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. The line claims the ship offers more suites than any other European river vessel and these cabins -- while not true two-room suites -- are 300 square feet. There are a fair amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itineraries, which are almost always awe-inspiring. Powered by Invision Community. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. 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. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. 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: The ships aren't "Imagineered." Overall, the crowd is older and more sedate than you'd find on Scenic; the dance floor is rarely used on Tauck ships, while on Scenic, it's not unusual for dancing to occur if the right band is playing. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. 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. 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. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? 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. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. On both lines, the main restaurant setup is very similar, with buffets at breakfast and lunch plus live cooking stations and made-to-order menu items. 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. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain's seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world's most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. The food was delicious, service was excellent. There's a salon that provides hair and nail services, as well as a small spa for massage treatments. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. In terms of enrichment, both lines bring on local entertainers, although Scenic is more likely to bring on a band to play classic rock and music you can dance to, as opposed to folk performers. Thanks for all the input. In Portugal, visit the Burmester Cellars for a fine dining experience along with a traditional Fado musical accompaniment. Email us at reviews@insider.com. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. COVID-19 procedures are available here. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. "Free choice" dining allows you . There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. 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. Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. It's easy to see the world's sights. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. 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 than full balcony cabins, while still letting in fresh air. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. They are more expensive, but do things first class. Learn more. Pros: The ships are smaller than most with just over 100 passengers and children are allowed. "The itinerary was. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Because how you see the world matters. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. It should be fun. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. 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. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? 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. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. 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. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. 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 On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. 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. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. 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. (Scenic has its own lower-priced counterpart, Emerald Waterways.). COVID-19 procedures are available here. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. 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. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. 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. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. Solo travelers will appreciate that there are dedicated Solo Traveler Suites with no surcharge for a non-double occupancy booking, which is unheard of with cruising. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. 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. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. . 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. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. 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. CC Help Jenn 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. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. Viking has built its name on destination immersion, and the company doesn't provide extras such as gyms, spas, bikes or pools on its ships. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? CC Help Jenn For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. 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. While there are plenty of places to curl up with a book or play a game in the public spaces, a bevy of activities will lure you onshore. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . One of the Tauck tenets is "lagniappe," or a little something extra, such as a Champagne reception in the Baden-Baden casino or roses to put on the graves of veterans at an American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg. Tauck'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. 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. Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. 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. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. Some rooms have balconies. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. 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 -. Click here . Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? A View with a Room. Love Scandinavian Design? Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 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. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. 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. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. 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. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. 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). During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? We welcome your feedback. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. 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.