avalon river cruises vs tauck

Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. 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. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. 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. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. By We highlight products and services you might find interesting. 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). On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. 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. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. 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. 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. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? These are guided by local experts who know the history and culture; since Viking has so many river cruises going at any one time and provides a more stable stream of employment, the company is often able to scoop up some of the better guides in a town. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. There is no room service on Viking. 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. 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. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. CC Help Jenn Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. Pros: Adventures by Disney guides add a wonderful touch to each journey with storytelling, educational information, and goes above and beyond to ensure every guest has a great time. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. 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. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. It's easy to see the world's sights. LauraS Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. It should be fun. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. . Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. 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. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. 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. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. 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. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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? 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 . Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences. 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. We preferred the top floor. "The itinerary was. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. 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. Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. 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. 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. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. Visit a farm along Normandy's Cider Route to taste the region's elegantly crafted apple ciders and calvados, and see how they're made; in Normandy, cider is an art, like winemaking, centuries old. By Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. 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 also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. 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. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. 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;. 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. Do they have bicycles? 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. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. 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. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. It should re-energize and transform. 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. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. 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. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. The line is mostly known in the United States. You'll Adore these Ships. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. 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 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. 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. Thanks for all the input. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. Another thing that sets Tauck's newer ships apart: "loft" design cabins, which have a raised platform seating area that provides extra space in lower-level cabins. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. 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. 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.

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