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On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. Do they have bicycles? Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? 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. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. First, about Tauck. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. 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. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. 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. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. What category cabin did you have? Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Are They Defined? Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. Then, there are the ships inEgypt,China,Vietnam and Cambodia, which the line either owns or charters, and in 2023 Viking launches its first ship on the Mississippi. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . 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. Email us at reviews@insider.com. They are composed of floor-to-ceiling windows that drop down halfway at the flick of a switch, and the balconies can be shut off from the main cabin area with folding glass doors. CC Help Jenn Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. 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. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. Here are the most popular tour operator comparisons that travelers make when planning for their next adventure: Top Tour Companies for Seniors Compared: Road Scholar vs Smithsonian Journeys Go Ahead Tours vs Trafalgar Tauck vs Odysseys Unlimited Trafalgar vs Globus Tauck vs Senior Discovery Tours Collette vs Trafalgar Tauck vs Alexander + Roberts Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. 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. There are a fair amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itineraries, which are almost always awe-inspiring. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. Avalon's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Yes. The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. 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. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. 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. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. 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. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. 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. Cabins are located across three decks and available in seven categories; the line claims the ship offers more suites than any other European river vessel. Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. 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. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. 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. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. Scenic and Tauck are both lines that carry lower passenger loads than most of their competitors and have put a significant effort into upgrading vessels. They don't seem to be on Cruise Compete's site. 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. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. 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. 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. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. 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. Not only are Avalon Panorama Suites 30% larger than the industry standard . River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. Some rooms have balconies. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. 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. These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? 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. By Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system. My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? 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. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. 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). Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. 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. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. 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. "Free choice" dining allows you . Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. 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. 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. Its ship have suites with pullout sofas to accommodate third or fourth passengers. A View with a Room. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? Choose Tauck ifyou like open seating and want the choice of having room service and a true alternative dining venue where you can get casual, hot food. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. Prices shown reflect discount. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? 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. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. LauraS The line is mostly known in the United States. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. Beyond advertising budgets, the lines offer vastly different experiences.