However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. 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. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. 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. 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. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. 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. 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. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. 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. What category cabin did you have? Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. 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. Pros: The ships are smaller than most with just over 100 passengers and children are allowed. 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. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. 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. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). Ships offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes, although Tauck has more vegan and vegetarian options. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. 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. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. 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. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Click here . Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. 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. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. I've been researching river cruises for August/September that include the Moselle River, which I think will visit smaller cities than cruises that travel strictly on the Danube. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. 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. 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 . 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. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. Both have hotel-style amenities, including high-tech TVs with entertainment on-demand and information channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, safes, included mini-bars that are replenished daily, hair dryers and designer bath products (L'Occitane on Scenic, Molton Brown on Tauck). Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. 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. 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. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. 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. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? In contrast, Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer Inspiration-class vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship its size. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. 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. "The itinerary was. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. 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 cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. 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. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Yes. "Free choice" dining allows you . However, Crystal Cruises has some excursions that incur an added cost, and all of the American Queen Steamboat Company excursions are additional (although they do offer hop-on hop-off bus tours). Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. Inclusions: All meals and drinks (regional wine, beer, soft drinks with lunch and dinner; sparkling wine with breakfast), Pros:You get to pick your own firmness of the beds and pillows. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. 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. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. For us, 120-140 sq ft would just be too small. But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. And yes, Sunny is her real name. 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. Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. We preferred the top floor. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. Book a cruise on American Queen Steamboat Company, Book a cruise on Adventures by Disney River Cruise, Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. 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 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. But it's only because we've taken such pride in bringing you river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony stateroom design, featuring beds with a view. 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. In Europe, the Danube River and the Rhine River are two of the most popular cruises for first-time river cruisers. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. There's a salon that provides hair and nail services, as well as a small spa for massage treatments. 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. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. There are a fair amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itineraries, which are almost always awe-inspiring. Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. Thanks for all the input. 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. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. There are no pools on the ships except for those sailing the Egypt, Mississippi, and the Mekong lines. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. Started August 27, 2021, By Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. 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 handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. You'll Adore these Ships. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. 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. 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;. 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. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. Although Scenic does not have walkout verandas, all cabins except those on the lower deck have "sun lounge balconies," an innovation that is an integral part of the room. Email us at reviews@insider.com. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. Powered by Invision Community. A View with a Room. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. By The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. Comparing Stateroom Sizes On River Cruisers, Staterooms: River Cruisers vs. Cruise Ships, Rhne & Sane River Stateroom Size Comparisons, Rhine, Main & Danube River Stateroom Size Comparisons. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. 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. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. 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. A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? While in Russia, visit the Palace of Prince Vladimir for an exclusive concert and ballet performance inside the last Imperial palace to be built in St Petersburg. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. These range from shoeshine, concierge service and restocking the mini-bar in Standard Suites, to packing and unpacking, arranging in-room cocktail drinks and even running a bath in the top suites. 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. . Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. 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. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. On Tauck's four newer ships, you'll find 67 cabins: nine measuring 150 square feet, four measuring 190 square feet, 32 measuring 225 square feet and 22 suites measuring 300 square feet. 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. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. 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. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. 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.

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