(Scenic has its own lower-priced counterpart, Emerald Waterways.). 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. While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. LauraS Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. 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. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. 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. They are smaller than traditional cruise ships and boast more tailored offerings, such as carefully curated cuisine that is reflective of the areas being visited. The line is mostly known in the United States. 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 cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. 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. 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. Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. The iconic river ships of No. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. 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. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. 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. 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. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. 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. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. 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. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. 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. 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. We can chat later about other destinations. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. 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). The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. We preferred the top floor. 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. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. Email us at reviews@insider.com. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. 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). For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. 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. 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. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. Thanks. Thanks for all the input. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. 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. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. 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. Cabins are located across three decks and available in seven categories; the line claims the ship offers more suites than any other European river vessel. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. 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. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). 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. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. 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. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. 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. 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. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. Notable excursions included in the price: Typical starting price:$1,999 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $285 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, France, Douro (Portugal), Elbe (Germany), Russia, Ukraine, Mekong, Egypt, Mississippi, Specialty cruises: Mississippi holiday season, Christmas along the Elbe, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Library, walking track, sports deck, Wi-Fi, laundry, flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies, outdoor dining, putting green, Inclusions: All meals, drinks (house wines, beers, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner), one free shore excursion per port, onboard entertainment. I need to be able to contact Avalon, Scenic, Uniworld, Tauck directly to arrange terms of the lease of a vesssel, crew, with at least two meals per day provided. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 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. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! 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. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. Tauck not only has a cruise director onboard its ship, but it has three additional Tauck guides who give the daily briefings, attend the shore excursions (although local experts actually give the tours), hand out spending money or give you a rose to place at the gravesite of a veteran in an American military cemetery. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. 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. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. It's easy to see the world's sights. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. 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. Scenic and Tauck are both lines that carry lower passenger loads than most of their competitors and have put a significant effort into upgrading vessels. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. 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. 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. 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. Pros: The ships are smaller than most with just over 100 passengers and children are allowed. By A) next door to a junior suite.Being close to the entrance of the staircase, you do hear people going by your room in the morning. For us, 120-140 sq ft would just be too small. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 Do they have bicycles? Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. It should be fun. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. You'll Adore these Ships. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Tauck's alternative restaurant, Arthur's, has evolved into a casual grill, with a menu offering everything from hamburgers and salads to pastas and steaks. But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. There is no room service on Viking. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). 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. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. 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. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. 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. In contrast, Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer Inspiration-class vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship its size. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. All rights reserved. Featuring modern luxury ships, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, our clients love Avalon, and some of their river itineraries are our biggest sellers. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. 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. 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. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. 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.