avalon river cruises vs tauck avalon river cruises vs tauck

3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . 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. What category cabin did you have? 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. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. Pros: The ships are smaller than most with just over 100 passengers and children are allowed. 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. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. 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. They also use the Quietvox system during excursions, where the tour guide speaks into a headset while passengers listen on receivers. 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. Egypt European River Cruises Europe River Cruise Route Guide Rhine River Cruise Port Guide Request Danube River Cruise Port Guide Request Europe River Cruise Companies Onboard Reviews French River Cruise Port Guide Request . And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. 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). And yes, Sunny is her real name. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. By 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. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. River Cruise Advisor's video reviews take two forms: ship and experience reviews, and Riverside Chats, more of a question and answer style video. I ask because we want to help you avoid single supplements. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. 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. You'll Adore these Ships. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show. 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. 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. Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. Thanks. 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. Concierges can arrange services while you're in port at various hotels or providers along the way. 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. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. I have a few specific questions which I can't seem to find answers for on the websites. 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. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. 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. These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours. I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. 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. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. 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. COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. Choose Tauck ifyou want an all-inclusive river cruise with more extras and a higher-end feel -- and don't mind paying for it. They are more expensive, but do things first class. Avalon's cabins are bigger than Tauck's but there is much that's not included with them, vs Tauck. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. There is no room service on Viking. 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. In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. 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). Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. 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. 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. Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. COVID-19 procedures are available here. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. 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. 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. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. By submitting your contact information, you agree that your email address may be shared with a travel expert who can help me find the perfect cruise for you. But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. 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. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. Whats the Best Choice for a Elbe River Cruise? They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. 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. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. When she's not out shopping, she's plotting her next trip to Disneyland, remodeling her 1920s bungalow, and hanging out with her tween and their new puppy. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. But it's only because we've taken such pride in bringing you river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony stateroom design, featuring beds with a view. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. Choose Viking ifyou want a true balcony and don't mind sacrificing space to do it. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. View travel requirements for countries around the world. A View with a Room. Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. Prices shown reflect discount. 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. Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. While there are plenty of places to curl up with a book or play a game in the public spaces, a bevy of activities will lure you onshore. The line is mostly known in the United States. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. 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. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. 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. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances. 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.". Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. Email us at reviews@insider.com. On the Rhne sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. Where they sail:Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain, Egypt, Peru, Mekong, India, Specialty cruises: Gen Z on the U (for families with teens), lectures, Christmas markets, Jewish heritage, Amenities (may vary per ship): Pool, spa, bicycles for land exploration, pillow menu, massage, library, flat-screen TVs, fitness center, wellness classes, airport transfers, laundry, Asprey bath products, Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages (including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water), most excursions, gratuities, Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. 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. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. Cons: TVs are small and the cabin design is basic. River cruising is an efficient way to travel visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. Dinner is served to the table and, on both lines, staff are very attentive. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. 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. 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. Stay at the 'Castle in the Rockies', and relish a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. Started August 27, 2021, By Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. 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. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. Is there a way of getting a discounted price with them? 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. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current andaway from the ordinary. Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. 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. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go.