3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . 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. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. Choose Viking ifyou like dining alfresco. It all boils down to what is important to you. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. There is also Uniworld's Legendary Rhine & Moselle, 13 days. 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. Click here . Tauck also revamped its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reduced the capacity from 118 to 98. They are comfortable but not luxurious or particularly interesting. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. 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. The line's larger ships carry 169 passengers, while smaller vessels in France have 155 passengers. 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). They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. 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. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. View travel requirements for countries around the world. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. 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. 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. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. Cons: The ships aren't "Imagineered." In late March, Ange and Angela made a trip to Amsterdam to attend the Virtuoso Forum meeting. It should be fun. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. However, for me probably the highlight was the tours. 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. Keep in mind that the itineraries are still destination-immersive, so you might not have as much time to use these as you think you will. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. Because how you see the world matters. 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. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. Lower deck Standard Suites are 160 square feet, and Balcony Suites are between 205 and 250 square feet. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. Whats Included In All-Inclusive River Cruises? Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. There is a wide variety of cabin categories from a 350 square foot suite that sleeps four with a balcony to Category D, the most affordable cabin, which is about 170 square feet, sleeps two, and features small windows. While both lines have bikes onboard, Scenic utilizes them more, offering guided bike rides in most ports. The iconic river ships of No. 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. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. 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. A WORLD OF WATERWAYS The Rivers of Avalon Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. LauraS Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Back By Popular Demand: Whats Included On River Cruises? smalltowner, October 30, 2010 in River Cruising. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. This allows passengers to go at their own pace while still hearing the guide. We believe that travel should be easy. 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. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. You can also buy wine along the trip and have it served with your meal at no additional cost. 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. 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). When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. COVID-19 procedures are available here. We have only cruised with Avalon and the modern ships and large cabins were an important factor in our decision. I've been researching river cruises for August/September that include the Moselle River, which I think will visit smaller cities than cruises that travel strictly on the Danube. Comparing Stateroom Sizes On River Cruisers, Staterooms: River Cruisers vs. Cruise Ships, Rhne & Sane River Stateroom Size Comparisons, Rhine, Main & Danube River Stateroom Size Comparisons. "Free choice" dining allows you . Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,788. Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected. (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). Choose Tauck ifyou like a more intimate ship or want a multigenerational cruise. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline. 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. Another thing that sets the Inspiration class of ships apart: "loft" design cabins, which have a raised platform seating area that provides extra space in lower-level cabins. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . In river cruising, you often get what you pay for. 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. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. Book a cruise on American Queen Steamboat Company, Book a cruise on Adventures by Disney River Cruise, Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay asupplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. 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. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Choose Viking ifyou are more a do-it-yourself person on shore and with tips, and don't mind paying for your Happy Hour and after-hours drinks. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). Plus, get air rates starting at $599 per person from select gateways. (Scenic has. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. 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. Because the Inspiration ships are the same size as Viking ships with fewer passengers and cabins, the staterooms are larger. Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. It's easy to see the world's sights. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. 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. By A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. 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. They are also more likely to offer a hike or a strenuous walk than Tauck. In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won't find that here. I could use Scenic's $379.00 per day per . Uniworld: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? (The Longships are the same size, 443 feet, but carry 190). Itineraries balance organized activities with ample leisure time so guests can pursue their own interests. Choose Tauck for an all-inclusive river cruise with structured tours and concierge-style service. 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. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. River cruising is the most relaxing way to experience the joy of Europe's castles, villages and ruins. The large array of excursions has something for everyone from a cooking class to strenuous hikes, and visiting an ancient castle. 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). Most cabins also have a French balcony, which allows the rooms themselves to be larger while still letting in fresh air. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. Large private bathrooms include full showers and. One thing both lines have in common is that they use modern coaches branded with the line's logo and photos of the ships or exotic locations (making them easily identifiable in a crowd of coaches). AmaWaterways: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Scenic: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Started June 21, 2021, By These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship. 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. Last minute changes OK. This was our first riverboat cruise and we loved it! These cruises offer25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded). Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Scenic makes sure that its passengers have a variety of things to do in the evening. 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). 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. as well as other partner offers and accept our. 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. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. 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. Expect to pay $129 for the drink package on a weeklong cruise. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. 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;. Tauck has outdoor seats at Arthur's but there's no glass buffer, so it's a windier experience. COVID-19 procedures are available here. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. Powered by Invision Community. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed. 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. Choose Tauck ifyou're fine with a French balcony and want a larger standard cabin.