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. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. 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. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. 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. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. 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. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. River Cruising Along The Rivers of France Whether the Seine, the Sane or the Rhne, on a river cruise with Tauck you'll feel it the moment you step ashore in village and towns - that palpable realization of the true meaning of joie de vivre, enjoyment of life. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Are They Defined? 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. They are more expensive, but do things first class. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. The river cruise division of Tauck is a relatively new component of the brand established in 1925 by Arthur Tauck, a true pioneer in the travel industry. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). 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. Like most cruises, the food served is reflective of your destination's local cuisine and there is also a light menu and options for vegetarians, vegans, and kids. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. 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. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. 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. The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. 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. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. Do they have bicycles? 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. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? Also check out Avalon rivercruises. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. 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. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. 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. Scenic vs. Tauck Cruise Comparison | Cruise Critic The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. They include all excursions, all gratuities to staff, cruise/tour directors (noting that most companies have one onboard but they have three) and even local guides. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? Wine plays a role on both ships, with regional varietals served at every meal. 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. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. 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. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Scenic also has special "TailorMade" devices that allow travelers to head out by themselves and follow GPS guided tours that are pre-programed into the personal audio systems. Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. 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). The food was delicious, service was excellent. Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. 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 Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. 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. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Last minute changes OK. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. 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. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. Learn more. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. 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. Expires February 28. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. There is no room service on Viking. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . The Panorama Dining Room serves daily four-course la carte dinners along with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks, or guests can choose the more casual Panorama Bistro or Sky Grill. Avalon's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). 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. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? RIVER CRUISE BRANDS - Harr Travel 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. 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. 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. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. 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. Viking River vs AmaWaterways vs Tauck River Cruises TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. 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. 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. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. Viking or Avalon? Crystal, Tauck, or Uniworld? - Wallace Pierson Travel As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . When it's open, there's still a buffer, so your hair and food don't blow around. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? 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.