avalon river cruises vs tauck avalon river cruises vs tauck

On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. 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. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner . There is a very low crew to guest ratio. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. 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. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. (I admit that I travelled solo, so I wasn't sharing with anyone else.). Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. 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. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. 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 is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. 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. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. She also happens to be a shopaholic whose personal mission is to find the coolest and best new things out there. Pros: The ships are smaller than most with just over 100 passengers and children are allowed. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. 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. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. They include all excursions, all gratuities to staff, cruise/tour directors (noting that most companies have one onboard but they have three) and even local guides. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). 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. The big differences are between the type of access to the outdoors and butler service. Without a doubt, the most visible presence in the river cruising world is Viking River Cruises, thanks to effective TV, radio and direct mail advertisements. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? Tauck - Nile River Cruise Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. Tauck not only has a cruise director onboard its ship, but it has three additional Tauck guides who give the daily briefings, attend the shore excursions (although local experts actually give the tours), hand out spending money or give you a rose to place at the gravesite of a veteran in an American military cemetery. Choose Viking ifyou want what has become the industry standard for river cruising, a semi-inclusive experience with a line that does more sailings on more rivers than anyone else. 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. These are guided by local experts who know the history and culture; since Viking has so many river cruises going at any one time and provides a more stable stream of employment, the company is often able to scoop up some of the better guides in a town. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. 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. 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. 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. One of the Tauck tenets is "lagniappe," or a little something extra, such as a Champagne reception in the Baden-Baden casino or roses to put on the graves of veterans at an American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg. Whats the Best Choice for a SeineRiver Cruise? Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. 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. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. 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. For example, guests staying in suites enjoy exclusive dining, priority reservations, and a private Captain's cocktail party, while those staying in standard rooms will lack many special perks. Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. The line reduced capacity on its five older vessels, which are smaller, bringing the passenger counts from 118 to 98. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. In Memphis, opt for The Elvis Experience with a tour of Graceland. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. 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. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. It all boils down to what is important to you. Because how you see the world matters. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. Love Scandinavian Design? The line claims the ship offers more suites than any other European river vessel and these cabins -- while not true two-room suites -- are 300 square feet. 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. 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. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. Typical starting price: $2,195 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $313 per night, all-inclusive), Where do they sail:Danube, Main (Germany), Rhine, Moselle, Rhne, Douro (Portugal), Seine, Bordeaux, Volga (Russia), Mekong (South East Asia), Irrawaddy (Myanmar), Specialty cruises: National Geographic, Christmas markets, Onboard amenities (may vary by ship):Laundry,wellness area, gym, massage services, hair salon, Wi-Fi, e-bikes, L'Occitane products, pillow menu, shoeshine, Inclusive: Meals, butler service, gratuities, transfers, excursions, beverages (with the exception of certain specialty wines and rare spirits), minibar fully restocked daily, chef-prepared picnics, 24-hour in-room dining, entertainment. Read on for our look at .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}Viking River Cruises vs. Tauck and some ideas of why you should pick one over the other. The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. 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. 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. Cons: This is the most expensive on our list, so it is an investment. Grownups may enjoy adult-only dinners and wine tastings, and there is actually a nice variety of adult-exclusive sailings (generally when school is in session), which offer more sophisticated offerings. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. Expires February 28. CC Help Jenn As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. 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. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? 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. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. Tauck will sell through TA's, but maybe not online ones. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. 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. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia. Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. 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. Tauck River Cruise or Viking River Cruise - Fodor's Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. You'll Adore these Ships. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Both lines operateChristmas market cruises. CC Help Jenn Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. We had cabin 308 (cat. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. 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. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. Started June 21, 2021, By Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. 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;. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. 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. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. 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. Avalon offers many onboard presentations, including the celebrity-driven Storyteller Series, which is set to include the likes of Candace Bushnell ("Sex and the City"), Gillian Flynn ("Gone Girl"), Cheryl Strayed ("Wild"), and Diana Gabaldon (Outlander"). They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. 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. We believe that travel should be easy. A View with a Room. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. 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. Tauck River Cruise Experts | Learn About Tauck River Cruises In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. 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. 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. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. 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.