These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. 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. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! They are more expensive, but do things first class. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. 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. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. "Free choice" dining allows you . The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. It sounds like it will be what we're looking for. Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music.". 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. 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. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. In Memphis, opt for The Elvis Experience with a tour of Graceland. During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. Scenic offers butler service to passengers in every cabin, with set services according to the cabin category. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. It all boils down to what is important to you. Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. Whats the Best Choice For A Rhine River Cruise? Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2022-23 River Cruises. Where they sail:Danube, Main (Rhine-Main-Danube canal), Moselle, Rhine, Specialty Cruises:Christmas market, Jewish heritage, tulip season, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Spa, gym, 24/7 in-suite dining, pantry snacks, pool, yoga, laundry, flat-screen TV with on-demand movies, Inclusions: All meals, 24-hour butler service, beverages (select wines, champagnes, spirits and coffee), Wi-Fi, ETRO and Caudalie products, a variety of complimentary shore excursions (some cost extra). Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? Also check out Avalon rivercruises. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. It's easy to see the world's sights. One step aboard our modern, luxurious SuiteShips with the grandest views in cruising and youll see how the tides they are a-changin. All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing. Tauck's alternative restaurant, Arthur's, has evolved into a casual grill, with a menu offering everything from hamburgers and salads to pastas and steaks. Avalon's vacations are categorized as deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). A View with a Room. They are owned by Globus and do a fantastic job. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. 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. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. Bike along the Danube River between Drnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. Tauck does have a few high-end extras onboard, including a fitness center, complimentary bikes and a plunge pool on the top deck. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. 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 . Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. 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. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. 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. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. The line is mostly known in the United States. 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. 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. 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. Started August 27, 2021, By 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). Pros:Having a butler on call is a big perk. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. For us, 120-140 sq ft would just be too small. 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). Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. Visit a farm along Normandy's Cider Route to taste the region's elegantly crafted apple ciders and calvados, and see how they're made; in Normandy, cider is an art, like winemaking, centuries old. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. They even pay the public restroom fee for you. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. The cruise lines are priced to start at $241 per night, depending on the time of year and the cruise line. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? Thanks. Do they only sell direct, and not through travel agents? You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. I was on the River Queen last year, and although the cabins are a bit small, they were well designed. 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. Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. 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 also destination-themed entertainment; for example, while sailing through Austria a musician is likely to play musical pieces from "The Sound of Music.". The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. (Scenic has. Viking is also an adults-only line, while Tauck was the pioneer of family river cruises through its Tauck Bridges program. 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. One place where Viking shines, however, is with its Explorer Suites. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. COVID-19 procedures are available here. 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.). Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? On all these journeys from the Ganges to the Rhne dining is a big part of the adventure. The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Tauck carries fewer passengers onboard so its tour groups are, by definition, smaller. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? It's a true gourmet experience, with well-thought-out and unusual wine pairings. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. Click here . 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. Compared to other bigger companies, the selection of river cruises is limited. Compare River Cruise Lines: Which Company Fits Where? 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. Only Tauck offers family cruising through its Tauck Bridges program. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. 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). The open dining time is a nice addition since many cruise lines have a set dining schedule. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. 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). COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. 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; gratuities; money to buy lunch in port; and special events such as dinner at a one- star Michelin restaurant. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) 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. 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. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. The shore excursions on the designated family cruises are kid-centric and could include visiting a castle and dressing up as a medieval knight one day, watching Hungarian cowboys perform, going on a treetop climb or visiting a salt mine. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. CC Help Jenn TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Started June 21, 2021, By The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 1. AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? CC Help Jenn Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. 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. 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. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Harmony of the Seas vs. Allure of the Seas. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. Cruise Critic named Avalon's staterooms the best in the business, and yes, we're blushing a bit. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. 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. Scenic operates 11 "Space-Ships" sailing on the main rivers ofEurope-- Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone and Seine, as well as Portugal's Douro. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. The boats are all relatively new, and can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. 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. It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1224277, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions, C858B0A9-6769-424D-B129-59363EDAC023.jpeg, B5073042-BF8A-4EEC-BD19-0938D8732763.jpeg. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Uniworld: 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.
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