Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Typical starting price: $2,199 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $314 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail: Mississippi, Ohio/Tennessee/Cumberland, Columbia/Snake Rivers, Specialty Cruises: Music festivals, music of the '50s and '60s, bourbon, Cajun/Creole, wine, Kentucky Derby, Amenities (may vary per ship): Wi-Fi, bicycles for shore, library, fitness center, smoothie and juice bar, pool, sun deck, spa, fitness, hiking sticks, Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages (wine, local craft beer, spirits), in-room dining, one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, hop on hop off buses onshore, ground transfers, Wi-Fi, daily entertainment. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. Pro: The boats boast a boutique design and feel with unlimited premium spirits and wines. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? 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. All rights reserved. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. They are the least expensive, since we'd probably go cruise-only and make up our own land tour before/after, but the cabin seems pretty small, and we'd really like the option of bikes, which is offered on Tauck and AMA, but not on Viking or Avalon, as far as I can make out (please, correct me if I'm wrong). All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. 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. 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). Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. 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. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. 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. 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. 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. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama 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. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). Thanks for all the input. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. 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. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. Last minute changes OK. 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 . One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. We preferred the top floor. 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. 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. 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. Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. 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. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. 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. 1. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. 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. There are a fair amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itineraries, which are almost always awe-inspiring. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Because how you see the world matters. 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. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. If you are the type of passenger who doesn't want to reach for your wallet at the end of a trip, both lines are great choices. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. Grownups may enjoy adult-only dinners and wine tastings, and there is actually a nice variety of adult-exclusive sailings (generally when school is in session), which offer more sophisticated offerings. 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. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). It should be fun. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. 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. The itineraries would be suitable for older teens interested in culture and history, and the option of bike tours and independent exploration with the Scenic TailorMade devices mean they aren't forced into day after day of walking or bus tours. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. First, about Tauck. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. Powered by Invision Community. 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. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. It all boils down to what is important to you. 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. 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). Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. COVID-19 procedures are available here. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. 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. 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. Tauck also makes sure there's at least one special event in the evening per cruise, where passengers are taken to a castle, restaurant or historic venue for a private dinner or concert performance. While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. 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. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. "Free choice" dining allows you . Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. You'll Adore these Ships. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? When she's not out shopping, she's plotting her next trip to Disneyland, remodeling her 1920s bungalow, and hanging out with her tween and their new puppy. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. 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, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. 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. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. For us, 120-140 sq ft would just be too small. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. In Memphis, opt for The Elvis Experience with a tour of Graceland. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . Dinner is served to the table (although on Scenic, you'll have a buffet your first night onboard) and, on both lines, staff are attentive. 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. We believe that travel should be easy. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. In addition to food and drink with carefully curated cuisine reflective of the areas being visited many river cruises include land excursions, which is a huge advantage that adds tremendous value. Do they have bicycles? 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 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. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. 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. 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. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. 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. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. 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. It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. 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. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. 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. 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. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. We can chat later about other destinations. Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. 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. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon A View with a Room. 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. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. And yes, Sunny is her real name. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. 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 . 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. (Scenic has. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. We had cabin 308 (cat. Scenic also has special "TailorMade" devices that allow travelers to head out by themselves and follow GPS guided tours that are pre-programed into the personal audio systems. The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. View travel requirements for countries around the world. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. Started June 21, 2021, By 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. 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. Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain, Egypt, Peru, Mekong, India, Specialty cruises: Gen Z on the U (for families with teens), lectures, Christmas markets, Jewish heritage, Amenities (may vary per ship): Pool, spa, bicycles for land exploration, pillow menu, massage, library, flat-screen TVs, fitness center, wellness classes, airport transfers, laundry, Asprey bath products, Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages (including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water), most excursions, gratuities, Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. 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. While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. By Learn more. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. CC Help Jenn Expires February 28. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. 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. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. 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. 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.
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