All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. 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. Tauck vs Avalon Waterways Compared | Travelstride Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. Learn more. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. 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. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? 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. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. 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. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. In Portugal, visit the Burmester Cellars for a fine dining experience along with a traditional Fado musical accompaniment. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. We believe that travel should be easy. 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. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. 9 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Shore Excursions, 12 Things You Don't Need to Take on a Cruise, Virtual Cabin Crawl: Symphony of the Seas Cruise Ship, How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. 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. 15 of the Best European River Cruises - Travel + Leisure Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. 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. 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. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. 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. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. (Scenic has. Viking provides a shore excursion daily, along with drinks with meals, in a casual environment, while Tauck is all-inclusive, with a fair number of luxurious extras. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. 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. AmaWaterways Vs. Avalon Waterways River Cruises: 8 Key Differences 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. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. A View with a Room. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. 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. 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. 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;. Tauck River Cruise or Viking River Cruise - Fodor's Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! On a similar seven-night June 2023 cruise on the Danube, Tauck is about $1,000 more expensive than Viking for a standard cabin (this can be even more as Viking offers a lot of promotional deals). Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. 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. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. 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. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. Avalon Cruises - Avalon River Cruises 2021 2022 - Pavlus Travel On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. Prices shown reflect discount. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. Tauck vs AMA Waterways Compared | Travelstride You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? 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 - cruise only, or with Paris at beginning and Prague at the end to make 12 days, 4) Vikings' Vineyards & Vistas (Trier to Wurzburg, 7 days, or with Paris and Prague, like AMA above, called Cities of Light)- I did read Ruth's recent posting about that one. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . (Scenic has its own lower-priced counterpart, Emerald Waterways.). Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. What category cabin did you have? The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. CC Help Jenn Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? 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. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. 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. Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. 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. 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. RIVER CRUISE BRANDS - Harr Travel Because how you see the world matters. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. There's a salon that provides hair and nail services, as well as a small spa for massage treatments. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. 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 . They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. 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. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. 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. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. River Cruise Ships - Avalon Waterways Small Cruise Ships Love Scandinavian Design? QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. 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 its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. Throughout the voyages, they feature special drinking and dining events for guests along with entertainment themed to the country you're visiting such as a string quartet or folk dancing. Avalon's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? Travelstride helps you search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned trips from 1,000+ companies. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. 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. 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. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. 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: $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. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). Tauck vs. Viking River Cruises - Cruise Critic 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. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. 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. 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. Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. Which River Cruise Ship Should You Choose? Here Are the Key Differences Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you inthe captains seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruisedown the worlds most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. Started August 27, 2021, By Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. River Cruise Reviews, Viking River Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. The Most Popular Tour Operator Comparisons by Travelers - Travelstride Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. Avalon Waterways River Cruises - 2023 & 2024 River Cruises Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. CC Help Jenn Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. Avalon River Cruises | Avalon Waterways River Cruises in Europe Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. Click the links in the right column to access current price comparisons among all major river cruise companies and for tips on how to save. Local entertainers will also come aboard to perform music, song and dance from the region. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. We welcome your feedback. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? Venturing off the beaten path away from well-traveled highways is part of the appeal, as are the opportunities to savor a real taste of daily life along Europe's rivers. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. 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. Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. 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. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition.