Cons: While most river cruises include excursions, on Crystal, not all of the onshore adventures are free and may require an extra fee. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. 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. The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. 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. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. The staff was awesome, and the entire experience was great. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. 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. For each, passengers are divided into groups (around the same size on both lines) and have individual audio headsets that make it easy to hear the commentary without having to cluster around the guide. Expires February 28. 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. First, about Tauck. Normandy River Cruise 2023 / 2024 | Tauck Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. 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. 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. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. Avalon Cruises - Avalon River Cruises 2021 2022 - Pavlus Travel CC Help Jenn 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. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. Viking includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Typical starting price: $,1999 for 7 nights (per person, based on double occupancy $285 per night, all-inclusive), Where they sail: Danube, Rhine, Seine, Moselle, Douro (Portugal), Mekong, Egypt, Africa (river and rails), Columbia, Specialty cruises: Christmas markets, wine, Onboard amenities (may vary by ship): Wellness activities, Wi-Fi, sun deck, pool with swim-up bar, massages, hair salon, flat-screen TVs that also works like a computer with on-demand entertainment, Inclusive: All meals, drinks (unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast), tours at every destination, bikes and hikes, onboard entertainment. 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 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. The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. 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. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. Scenic vs. Tauck Cruise Comparison | Cruise Critic LauraS This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. The iconic river ships of No. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 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 -. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. Learn more. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. 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 Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. Love Scandinavian Design? In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Solstice vs. Millennium Class on Celebrity Cruises, Meraviglia Class vs. Seaside Class on MSC Cruises, Virtual Cabin Crawl: Symphony of the Seas Cruise Ship, 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. 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. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. 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. Tauck also makes sure there's at least one special event in the evening per cruise, where passengers are taken to a castle, restaurant or historic venue for a private dinner or concert performance. 15 of the Best European River Cruises - Travel + Leisure 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. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. 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. 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. 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.). Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? 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. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. Kids love the Junior Adventurer dinners or Disney movie nights, and there is also a Just Teens program with dinners and separate tour groups at various destinations. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? What category cabin did you have? Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. 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. 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. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? 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. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. 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;. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. Viking or Avalon? Crystal, Tauck, or Uniworld? - Wallace Pierson Travel 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. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. Click the links in the right column to access current price comparisons among all major river cruise companies and for tips on how to save. Comparisons - River Cruise Advisor Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. 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. If they cannot help you, then come back to continue the process. 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. 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. It should be fun. 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. Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . Besides stringing words together professionally, Sunny once co-founded a luxury subscription box, curated a whimsical pop-up shop in San Francisco called Treasure Hunters Club, and recently inherited a vinyl-only records store in San Francisco. It all boils down to what is important to you. "The itinerary was. Uniworld requires proof of COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests, except those under the age of 12, who must have a negative test result within 72 hours of embarkation. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. 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. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. 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. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, 17 Cruise Lines That Include Alcohol in Your Fare, 7 Challenging Cruise Ports We Can Help You Navigate. 1. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price.
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