avalon river cruises vs tauck
One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. And yes, Sunny is her real name. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. 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. While Tauck also has a Lagniappe event, as well as an offsite dinner, it's not as prominently promoted as the Scenic events; it's not even listed in the daily program. 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? Tauck vs AMA Waterways Compared | Travelstride By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. The food was delicious, service was excellent. 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. Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. 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. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. 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. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. Avalon River Cruises | Avalon Waterways River Cruises in Europe Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. 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. 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. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. 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. By Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. 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. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. ABC Cruiser, I was leaning towards the Heartland (Rivers and Castles) land and cruise itinerary with AMA before reading your review, and now I'm pretty sure that's what we'll go for. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. 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. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. 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. 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. Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. 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. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. 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. Which River Cruise Ship Should You Choose? Here Are the Key Differences Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. It should re-energize and transform. 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. 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. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. The 10 Best River Cruise Lines - Travel + Leisure 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. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Where they sail:Danube, Main (Rhine-Main-Danube canal), Moselle, Rhine, Specialty Cruises:Christmas market, Jewish heritage, tulip season, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Spa, gym, 24/7 in-suite dining, pantry snacks, pool, yoga, laundry, flat-screen TV with on-demand movies, Inclusions: All meals, 24-hour butler service, beverages (select wines, champagnes, spirits and coffee), Wi-Fi, ETRO and Caudalie products, a variety of complimentary shore excursions (some cost extra). You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. 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. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Started June 21, 2021, By Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. 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. 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. Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. Pros: The cabins are large and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. 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. We welcome your feedback. Learn more. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Choose Scenic for an all-inclusive river cruise that has more options for active and individually minded travelers. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 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. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. Expires February 28. There is no room service on Viking. 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). Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Typical starting price: $2,309 for 3 nights (per person based on double occupancy $796 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail:Mekong, Amazon, Indonesia, Amenities (may vary by ship): Pool, Jacuzzi, private or outdoor cinema, sun deck, gym, massage, library/game room, bikes for onshore use, snorkeling equipment and wet suits, scuba diving, laundry, internet (intermittent, depends on location), Inclusions: All meals, beverages (premium selected wines, and beer, non-alcoholic drinks), excursions with local guides, group transfers between the vessel on recommended flights. All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. Viking or Avalon? Crystal, Tauck, or Uniworld? - Wallace Pierson Travel 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. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Are They Defined? Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. It's easy to see the world's sights. She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. We operate independently from our advertising team. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. The Rivers They Cruise. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. Thanks for all the input. . Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. Best River Cruises: Viking, Avalon, Tauck, UniWorld - Insider Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. 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. One thing both lines have in common is that they use modern coaches branded with the line's logo and photos of the ships or exotic locations (making them easily identifiable in a crowd of coaches). I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. River Cruise Ships - Avalon Waterways Small Cruise Ships What category cabin did you have? COVID-19 procedures are available here. 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. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. 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 . After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. There's a salon that provides hair and nail services, as well as a small spa for massage treatments. 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. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. 2 spot. 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.). You'll Adore these Ships. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. 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. 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. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Viking also has an alternative restaurant, the Aquavit Lounge, but it's much more limited in its menu and only serves food during certain hours. They are more expensive, but do things first class. By The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. Scenic attracts more passengers in their 40s and 50s than you'll find on many vessels and, being Australian-owned, is not dominated by travelers from the United States. 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. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. We had cabin 308 (cat. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. 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. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). Scenic offers all passengers a limited 24-hour room service menu, with full in-suite dining for passengers in Royal and Royal Panorama Suites. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. 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. Choose Viking ifyou want a good introduction to a port without a lot of handholding, don't mind paying for special excursions and want the best berthing in town. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. 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. First, about Tauck. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. "Free choice" dining allows you . Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Typical starting price: $2,195 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $313 per night, all-inclusive), Where do they sail:Danube, Main (Germany), Rhine, Moselle, Rhne, Douro (Portugal), Seine, Bordeaux, Volga (Russia), Mekong (South East Asia), Irrawaddy (Myanmar), Specialty cruises: National Geographic, Christmas markets, Onboard amenities (may vary by ship):Laundry,wellness area, gym, massage services, hair salon, Wi-Fi, e-bikes, L'Occitane products, pillow menu, shoeshine, Inclusive: Meals, butler service, gratuities, transfers, excursions, beverages (with the exception of certain specialty wines and rare spirits), minibar fully restocked daily, chef-prepared picnics, 24-hour in-room dining, entertainment. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. Typical starting price: Starting at $2,299 per person for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $328 per night, all-inclusive). 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. Solo travelers will appreciate that there are dedicated Solo Traveler Suites with no surcharge for a non-double occupancy booking, which is unheard of with cruising. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. 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. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. It all boils down to what is important to you. (Scenic has its own lower-priced counterpart, Emerald Waterways.). Tauck vs. Viking River Cruises - Cruise Critic Avalon Waterways has used their 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Click here . Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. 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. In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. 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. Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. Wine plays a role on both ships, with regional varietals served at every meal. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Viking has built its name on destination immersion, and the company doesn't provide extras such as gyms, spas, bikes or pools on its ships. While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. 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.
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