During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. 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. 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). deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. We operate independently from our advertising team. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. 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. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. These range from shoeshine, concierge service and restocking the mini-bar in Standard Suites, to packing and unpacking, arranging in-room cocktail drinks and even running a bath in the top suites. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). . 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. Last minute changes OK. 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. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. 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.). 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. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. It all boils down to what is important to you. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. "The itinerary was. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. While other river cruise cabins shove your bed against a wall for a view of the other wall, our Comfort Collection Beds SM beds face the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. 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. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. 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). Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. 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. 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. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? These sleek ships generally host less than 200 passengers and go where giant cruise liners cannot, such as the Danube, Rhine, Rhne, Mekong, Mississippi, and Nile Rivers. The iconic river ships of No. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. 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. 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. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Typical starting price: $3,990 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $570 per night, all-inclusive), Where do they sail:Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhne, Seine, Specialty Cruises: Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, music, family sailings, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Putting green, sun deck, minibar with complimentary water and soft drinks, Molton Brown toiletries, TV, Jacuzzi, Included: Meals, beverages (house wine, beer, and premium spirits available all day), gratuities, transfers upon arrival and departure, excursions. Scenic vs. Tauck Cruise Comparison | Cruise Critic Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. At 445 square feet, they are among the largest on the rivers with wraparound balconies, a separate bedroom and living room and another French balcony. 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. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. 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. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. 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. Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. Comparing Stateroom Sizes On River Cruisers, Staterooms: River Cruisers vs. Cruise Ships, Rhne & Sane River Stateroom Size Comparisons, Rhine, Main & Danube River Stateroom Size Comparisons. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. 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. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. 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.". Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Also check out Avalon rivercruises. 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. 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. All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. 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. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. Thanks for all the input. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. 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 The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. "Free choice" dining allows you . But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. 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. 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. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. Pros: The ships are smaller than most with just over 100 passengers and children are allowed. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Prices shown reflect discount. Compare Avalon River Cruises vs Uniworld - Global Journeys Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. AmaWaterways Vs. Avalon Waterways River Cruises: 8 Key Differences Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. There is no room service on Viking. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. 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. With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. 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. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. Lower Danube River Company Routes Comparison Dream Destinations 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. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. COVID-19 procedures are available here. The line's revamped older ships have 49 cabins: eight measuring 150 square feet, four measuring 183 square feet, one measuring 182 square feet, 20 measuring 225 square feet and 14 suites measuring 300 square feet. 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. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. Started August 27, 2021, By The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. 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. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. Thanks. Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. All Inclusive French River Cruises 2023/2024 | Tauck Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. 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. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. 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. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. The Most Popular Tour Operator Comparisons by Travelers - Travelstride Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). They even pay the public restroom fee for you. 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. We can chat later about other destinations. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. Tauck vs. Viking River Cruises - Cruise Critic COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. It's easy to see the world's sights. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. 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. Which River Cruise Ship Should You Choose? Here Are the Key Differences The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. All of the cruise lines selected offer intriguing and interesting excursions that are included in the price (except for the American Queen Steamboat Company), from a private tour of the Louvre to kayaking down the Mekong. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Fully stocked minibar, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, L'Occitane bath products, fitness center, free bicycles for use in select ports, whirlpool, library with books, cards, and board games. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. (Scenic has its own lower-priced counterpart, Emerald Waterways.). And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. 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 . Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. 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 . Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. 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). On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. 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. 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. 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. The Rivers They Cruise. By Started June 21, 2021, By Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Viking Kadlin (Photo: Viking River Cruises), Viking Einar (Photo: Viking River Cruises), Tauck ms Emerald (Photo: Tauck River Cruises), Viking Helgrim (Photo: Viking River Cruises), P&O Cruises Reveals Nicole Sherzinger as Godmother of New Ship Arvia, Carnival Miracle Set to Become Fourth Carnival Ship to Sail From Galveston, Life at Sea Cruises Opens Sales for World's First Three-Year Cruise, Oceania Reveals Giada de Laurentiis as Godmother of New Ship Vista. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. 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). Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. River Cruise Reviews, Viking River Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises 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. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Choose Viking ifyou want a good introduction to a port without a lot of handholding, don't mind paying for special excursions and want the best berthing in town. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard.