Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . 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. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. 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. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. 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. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. (Scenic has. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. "Free choice" dining allows you . Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. We had cabin 308 (cat. Tauck's shore excursion program is a little more comprehensive (although oddly, the guides themselves and the berths where the ships dock aren't necessarily better. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. Wine plays a role on both ships, with regional varietals served at every meal. Started June 21, 2021, By Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. 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. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. 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 open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? 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. Cabins with French balconies are 135 square feet and standard cabins with a true balcony are 205 square feet (balcony inclusive). COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . The line's revamped older ships have 49 cabins: eight measuring 150 square feet, four measuring 183 square feet, one measuring 182 square feet, 20 measuring 225 square feet and 14 suites measuring 300 square feet. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. 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. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. 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. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. A View with a Room. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. By For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. 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. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. 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. Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! Another thing that sets the Inspiration class of ships apart: "loft" design cabins, which have a raised platform seating area that provides extra space in lower-level cabins. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. 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. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. 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. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. 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). Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? If you are the type of passenger who doesn't want to reach for your wallet at the end of a trip, both lines are great choices. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. . Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. AMA has a modern fleet like Avalon and offers a few things that Avalon does not and that we would enjoy including bicycles, in room free internet and movies, tables for two in the dining room, and an onboard masseuse. CC Help Jenn Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? 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. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. The pours at lunch and dinner are generous, so if you're not a liquor drinker -- or don't like alcohol at all -- you might not need all the extras that Tauck provides. 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. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). Tauck's alternative restaurant, Arthur's, has evolved into a casual grill, with a menu offering everything from hamburgers and salads to pastas and steaks. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. 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. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. 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). 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. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. 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. 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. 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. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. 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. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. 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. 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). Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. Email us at reviews@insider.com. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon 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. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. In contrast, Tauck-- an upscale tour line that offers river cruises -- is lesser-known; unless you're already familiar with the company's organized land vacations or seen its ships on Europe's rivers. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. 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.". Cons: Entry-level cabins are small, at 150 square feet, and have just two small windows. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. Click here . Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. First, about Tauck. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? 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 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. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. 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. 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. On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? 2 spot. The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. 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. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. 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. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. They are more expensive, but do things first class. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? 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. Today, the company's assortment of upscale, highly inclusive tours, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises spans the globe. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. In Portugal, visit the Burmester Cellars for a fine dining experience along with a traditional Fado musical accompaniment. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. 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. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known.