avalon river cruises vs tauck

Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. By As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer. 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. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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;. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. 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. 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. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. 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. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. 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. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. 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. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. And yes, Sunny is her real name. Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. 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). 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 Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. 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. 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. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. All-Inclusive River Cruises: How Much Do You Save. 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. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. 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. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. 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. 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. While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. There is no room service on Viking. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. They are smaller than traditional cruise ships and boast more tailored offerings, such as carefully curated cuisine that is reflective of the areas being visited. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. 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. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. We welcome your feedback. Thanks. First, about Tauck. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. Prices shown reflect discount. Powered by Invision Community. I need to be able to contact Avalon, Scenic, Uniworld, Tauck directly to arrange terms of the lease of a vesssel, crew, with at least two meals per day provided. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. Viking also has optional shore excursions that it sells in some ports; these excursions generally are limited to small groups and take you into smaller venues or provide immersive experiences that expose passengers to a port's culture and traditions on a deeper, often hands-on, level. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. 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. 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. 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. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Scenic Sundowner events are cocktail parties at an unusual or particularly beautiful locale, while Scenic Enrich immersive activities may include a concert, performance or special dinner offsite. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. 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. We also considered the added value of all-inclusive perks. Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. 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. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the Tour: Treasures of the Mediterranean - Northbound 2019. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. 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. The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins. 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. 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.). Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. In Memphis, opt for The Elvis Experience with a tour of Graceland. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. There is a very low crew to guest ratio. 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. AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. 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. Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. 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. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. Expires February 28. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain's seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world's most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. 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. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. Choose Tauck ifonboard spa, beauty and fitness options are essential to your vacation. 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 only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. We preferred the top floor. 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. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. We operate independently from our advertising team. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? There's a salon that provides hair and nail services, as well as a small spa for massage treatments. Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. All of the cruise lines selected offer intriguing and interesting excursions that are included in the price (except for the American Queen Steamboat Company), from a private tour of the Louvre to kayaking down the Mekong. 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. 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. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. Pros: The ships are smaller than most with just over 100 passengers and children are allowed. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. Tauck prides itself on offering off-the-beaten-track experiences in each destination, including multigenerational family tours that are curated to include itineraries for both kids and adults. Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. 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. 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. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. 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. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Also check out Avalon rivercruises. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. 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. Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. paralyzed marilyn barnett, the morning hustle loreal,