avalon river cruises vs tauck

Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. 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). 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. For example, guests staying in suites enjoy exclusive dining, priority reservations, and a private Captain's cocktail party, while those staying in standard rooms will lack many special perks. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? 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. 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. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? Grownups may enjoy adult-only dinners and wine tastings, and there is actually a nice variety of adult-exclusive sailings (generally when school is in session), which offer more sophisticated offerings. 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. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. 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). Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. 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. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. 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. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. 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. 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. Do they have bicycles? Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. 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. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. We preferred the top floor. When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. COVID-19 procedures are available here. 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.). Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. 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. 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 than full balcony cabins, while still letting in fresh air. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. 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. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. The food was delicious, service was excellent. 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. 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. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. It's easy to see the world's sights. 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. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. 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. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Prices shown reflect discount. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. In addition to food and drink with carefully curated cuisine reflective of the areas being visited many river cruises include land excursions, which is a huge advantage that adds tremendous value. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. 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. 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. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. 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. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. 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. The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. Travelstride helps you search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned trips from 1,000+ companies. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. Started June 21, 2021, By deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. 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. Most cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows to save space in the cabin, and the most affordable is Category 1, which is about 150 square feet and has small windows and a little bathroom with a shower. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. 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. What category cabin did you have? 1. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. On a Viking river cruise, you receive a fair amount in your fare: a daily shore excursion with more elaborate options available for a fee; Wi-Fi; beer, wine and soda with meals and bottled water; and some entertainment and enrichment. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Yes. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. 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. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. 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. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. 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. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. 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. They offer a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, so guests relish in lavish, five-star treatment and the boats have only about 15 to 20 cabins, meaning, no more than 30 to 40 guests per sailing. Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019, See all activities, themes, and interests >, The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel featuring Oberammergau - Southbound 2022, Belgium & Holland in Spring - Northbound 2023, Holiday Magic: Danube Family River Cruise - Westbound 2022, The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards and Castles, The Danube from the Black Sea to Budapest, Active & Discovery on the Danube (Eastbound), Save $600 off trips to every continent on earth, Redeem anytime before 2023. The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. 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. 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. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. Site Map|Global Site Map|Terms of Use|Privacy Policy, You can add one more tour operator from the list, Get guided help to find the right trip for you, Travel tips, stories, top 10 lists and more, Get yours before you leave, easier, cheaper. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1224277, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions, C858B0A9-6769-424D-B129-59363EDAC023.jpeg, B5073042-BF8A-4EEC-BD19-0938D8732763.jpeg. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Price Comparisons: A Look At Pricing Differentials For European River Cruises, How River Cruising Compares To Luxury Ocean Cruising, River Cruise Reviews, Viking River Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. 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. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. We welcome your feedback. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. The best river cruises were selected based on the following criteria: Typical starting price: $724 for 3 nights (per person based on double occupancy $241 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, Seine, Moselle, Mekong, Nile, Rhne, Ganges, Main, Saone, Amazon (Peru), Specialty cruises: Photography, storytellers, wine, beer, culinary, garden, Christmas market, Jewish heritage. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. 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. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? "Free choice" dining allows you . 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. Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. 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"). Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. In Memphis, opt for The Elvis Experience with a tour of Graceland. I think they'd maybe be my first choice, and I know everything is included with them, but I like to get a bargain if I can. 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. 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. 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. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Since Aqua Expeditions ships are so much smaller than the average river cruise liner, they can visit more remote destinations and the excursions reflect that, from watching Amazonian pink dolphins to receiving a blessing from a Buddhist monk while traveling the Mekong. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. 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. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. 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. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). 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. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. Guest lectures and performers also come aboard to highlight the destination, from Viennese opera to Portuguese fado, and local craft and culinary demonstrations are sprinkled throughout voyages as well, such as lace-making and Austrian apple strudel. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. 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 . Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. 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 . 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. 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.". Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. 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.

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