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avalon river cruises vs tauck
On Viking, Scandinavian design rules the day, with light wood tones and a modern, clean look throughout. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. 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. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). 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. 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. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. 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. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. 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. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. No other fleet of river cruise ships gives you a view of the world like Avalon. Because how you see the world matters. In Portugal, visit the Burmester Cellars for a fine dining experience along with a traditional Fado musical accompaniment. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. On Tauck's four Inspiration ships, you'll find 67 cabins, and 49 on its Jewel-class ships. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. 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. In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. The river cruise division of Tauck is a relatively new component of the brand established in 1925 by Arthur Tauck, a true pioneer in the travel industry. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). . There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. 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. The River Cafe offers light bites from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for everyone, while Table La Rive is an upscale Chef's Table for upper-deck passengers only. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. 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. You'll Adore these Ships. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. 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. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. 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. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you inthe captains seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruisedown the worlds most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. On both lines, the excursions will include walking and coach tours of local towns and villages, visits to castles and historic monuments, and experiences such as wine tasting. 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. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. There is one single cabin that is 129 square feet, and one wheelchair-accessible cabin. Both Tauck and Scenic boast spacious, contemporary cabins that are among the most comfortable in river cruising. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 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. It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. All rights reserved. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. Prices shown reflect discount. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. 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. Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. 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. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. 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 **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. 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. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. Tauck is a family-run company that has shown travelers the world since 1925. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. "The itinerary was. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. Learn more. 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. 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. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Con: There is a striking difference in style between standard cabins and suites, Knowing these more curated cabins exist might lessen your experience in entry-level rooms. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. 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. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. And yes, Sunny is her real name. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! 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. We preferred the top floor. 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. 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. 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. A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. 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. As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. The Rhine river, Moselle river , Danube river , Rhone river and the Seine River complete the Europe Map served by Avalon River Cruises. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. 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. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. Please choose only one for now. 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. 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 . Love Scandinavian Design? I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. 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. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. Powered by Invision Community. 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).