Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. There are a fair amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itineraries, which are almost always awe-inspiring. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. It should re-energize and transform. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. 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. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. 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. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. Local entertainers will also come aboard to perform music, song and dance from the region. It all boils down to what is important to you. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. 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). Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. A View with a Room. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. Wine plays a role on both ships, with regional varietals served at every meal. 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. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. 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. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. You'll Adore these Ships. 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. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. Sunny Chanel is a freelance writer based in San Francisco who has written thousands of pieces on topics such as travel, parenting, pop culture, products, and entertainment for a variety of online sites. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain's seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world's most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. 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. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. 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. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. 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. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. 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;. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. 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. 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. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider In fact, there are many kid-friend amenities, such as cooking classes, a young travelers' lounge, and a game room complete with PlayStation, games, movies, and local treats. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 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. 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. Expires February 28. 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. 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. The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. 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. Some of the shore excursion options are truly special, such as truffle hunting in Bordeaux, visiting Highclere Castle where "Downton Abbey" was shot or cognac blending in Camus. 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. 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. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. Powered by Invision Community. 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. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. "Free choice" dining allows you . deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. Do they have bicycles? Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. Tauck is equally non-fussy, but the overall feel is a little more elegant. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. There is no room service on Viking. 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. 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? Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. 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. By submitting your contact information, you agree that your email address may be shared with a travel expert who can help me find the perfect cruise for you. Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. They are composed of floor-to-ceiling windows that drop down halfway at the flick of a switch, and the balconies can be shut off from the main cabin area with folding glass doors. We can chat later about other destinations. 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. 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. 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. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. And yes, Sunny is her real name. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. The shore excursions on the designated family cruises are kid-centric and could include visiting a castle and dressing up as a medieval knight one day, watching Hungarian cowboys perform, going on a treetop climb or visiting a salt mine. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. We operate independently from our advertising team. Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. The main restaurant setup is very similar on the lines, with buffets at breakfast and lunch plus live cooking stations and made-to-order menu items. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. 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 . 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. In Portugal, visit the Burmester Cellars for a fine dining experience along with a traditional Fado musical accompaniment. While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. Window cabins are 150 square feet to Viking's 135, and most of Tauck's cabins have a French balcony and are 225 square feet (while the standard on Viking is 205 square feet). If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. 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.). The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. Avalon offers many onboard presentations, including the celebrity-driven Storyteller Series, which is set to include the likes of Candace Bushnell ("Sex and the City"), Gillian Flynn ("Gone Girl"), Cheryl Strayed ("Wild"), and Diana Gabaldon (Outlander"). All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Are They Defined? Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive).