avalon river cruises vs tauckavalon river cruises vs tauck

While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. 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 -. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. Last minute changes OK. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. 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. 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. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. 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. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. By Comparisons - River Cruise Advisor As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. Riviera **: Riviera's beverage package, which includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner, ranges from $99 per person to $299 per person depending on the duration of the cruise. 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. 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. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). Tauck and Scenic include more in their fares than anyone else, with gratuities, all alcohol, transfers, choice of shore excursions, all dining and Wi-Fi included. Normandy River Cruise 2023 / 2024 | Tauck You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. Window cabins are 150 square feet to Viking's 135, and most of Tauck's cabins have a French balcony and are 225 square feet (while the standard on Viking is 205 square feet). I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. Drinks are only complimentary during lunch and dinner and gratuities are not included in the price. The cabin window is wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling glass that stretches 11 feet wide and opens up 7 feet wide, thus basically turning your room into a veranda. We were next to one of the Tauck river boats in Wurzburg last year and both my husband and I commented on how luxurious it looked next to ours, which was very nice and brand new at the time. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. Also check out Avalon rivercruises. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? Avalon Waterways River Cruises - 2023 & 2024 River Cruises 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. There are a fair amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itineraries, which are almost always awe-inspiring. 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. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. 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. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. 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 The 10 Best River Cruise Lines - Travel + Leisure 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. Any input from people on this forum would be appreciated. Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. 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. Guest lectures and performers also come aboard to highlight the destination, from Viennese opera to Portuguese fado, and local craft and culinary demonstrations are sprinkled throughout voyages as well, such as lace-making and Austrian apple strudel. We preferred the top floor. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. On a similar seven-night June 2023 cruise on the Danube, Tauck is about $1,000 more expensive than Viking for a standard cabin (this can be even more as Viking offers a lot of promotional deals). Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. On Viking, you can pay extra for a better bottle of wine, whereas Tauck has a wine cellar with some special bottles that are included in your fare (although they don't exactly volunteer these premier offerings; you have to ask). In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. Pro: You'll save money as you won't have to pay to fly overseas. 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. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. The line is mostly known in the United States. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. While other river cruise cabins shove your bed against a wall for a view of the other wall, our Comfort Collection Beds SM beds face the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising. 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. 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. 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. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. Started June 21, 2021, By What category cabin did you have? Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. 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. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou don't want any extra charges at all when you leave the ship, love the convenience of having everything set up for you or want the feeling of a more deluxe experience. You'll Adore these Ships. The least expensive cabins are interior and have no windows. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. 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. Learn more. 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. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. 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. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. 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. Scenic vs. Tauck Cruise Comparison | Cruise Critic Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. View travel requirements for countries around the world. 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. Lower Danube River Company Routes Comparison Dream Destinations Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." And that is the very essence of our France river cruises. They are the least expensive, since we'd probably go cruise-only and make up our own land tour before/after, but the cabin seems pretty small, and we'd really like the option of bikes, which is offered on Tauck and AMA, but not on Viking or Avalon, as far as I can make out (please, correct me if I'm wrong). Avalon vs Tauck, AMA vs Viking - River Cruising - Cruise Critic River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. While Tauck also has a Lagniappe event, as well as an offsite dinner, it's not as prominently promoted as the Scenic events; it's not even listed in the daily program. Tauck's shore excursion program is a little more comprehensive (although oddly, the guides themselves and the berths where the ships dock aren't necessarily better. Special themes as culinary, bear, wine and Christmas themed itineraries are featured on Avalon Cruises. 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. Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. Tauck features a wide variety of itineraries, including themed river cruises and the Tauck Bridges sailings designed for families and multigenerational groups. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. 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. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. Tauck: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. I've come up with 4 that I think might suit us, and I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has experienced any of them. Thanks. 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 Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. Every cruise line considers dining to be a priority and serves fresh well-balanced meals served alongside regional wines, beers, and beverages. Avalon Waterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 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. 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. Prices shown reflect discount. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. RIVER CRUISE BRANDS - Harr Travel All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. However, Crystal Cruises has some excursions that incur an added cost, and all of the American Queen Steamboat Company excursions are additional (although they do offer hop-on hop-off bus tours). 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. Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. 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. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam 2 years ago with Avalon and it was the best vacation,most relaxing we ever. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. Viking or Avalon? Crystal, Tauck, or Uniworld? - Wallace Pierson Travel I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . River Cruises Guides | Tauck Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. 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. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. On its refurbished ships in France, Scenic has a salt room and a hair salon. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. COVID-19 procedures are available here. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. 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. 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. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. There is no room service on Viking. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. Pro: The boats boast a boutique design and feel with unlimited premium spirits and wines. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. 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. Avalon Waterways My cabin (#312) aboard Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River in Normandy. On both lines, the main restaurant setup is very similar, with buffets at breakfast and lunch plus live cooking stations and made-to-order menu items. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Both have hotel-style amenities, including high-tech TVs with entertainment on-demand and information channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, safes, included mini-bars that are replenished daily, hair dryers and designer bath products (L'Occitane on Scenic, Molton Brown on Tauck). Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? They offer a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, so guests relish in lavish, five-star treatment and the boats have only about 15 to 20 cabins, meaning, no more than 30 to 40 guests per sailing. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. What are the differences between Viking River Cruises & Uniworld River Cruises & AmaWaterways & Tauck & CroisiEurope & Riviera & Scenic? as well as other partner offers and accept our. (Scenic has. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. A View with a Room. These range from shoeshine, concierge service and restocking the mini-bar in Standard Suites, to packing and unpacking, arranging in-room cocktail drinks and even running a bath in the top suites. Scenic **: Inclusions are for all guests, regardless of ship or suite. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach. LauraS "The itinerary was. Tauck vs Avalon Waterways Compared | Travelstride 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. Viking River Cruises: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? 15 of the Best European River Cruises - Travel + Leisure
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