Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. Typical starting price: Starting at $3,499 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $499 per night, all-inclusive). (The amount varies from country to country, but it is generous and enough to buy a meal and drink). 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). Tauck has its headquarters in the United States, and most of its passengers are American, with a smattering of Brits and other nationalities. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. On both ships, there's a "secret cellar," with better vintages available if you ask. 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. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. Scenic also offers cruises inRussia,Vietnamand Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma). The iconic river ships of No. 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. 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. Viking also has six smaller "Baby Longships," which sail theDouro Riverin Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. In French balcony cabins, the beds generally face the window for better views. Pros:The boats have a small number of guests so they feel very intimate. 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. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. And yes, Sunny is her real name. Both AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways sail these rivers and have a wide variety of stops which can vary by cruise theme. 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). Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship of its size. All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from CRUISING ELEVATED.Innovative, transformative, original. 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. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate. But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. 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. There is no special programming for kids, and children under eight are not allowed to sail. Both lines offer passengers a choice of included excursions in every port. 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. 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. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. 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. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Many of the river cruise passengers will have taken land tours with the company. Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee): COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew. Expect to sail with Aussies, Brits and other English-speaking nationalities. The ships also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. LauraS 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. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars. Scenic ships have neither facilities for children nor specific family sailings, but kids 12 and older are welcome onboard. 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. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides. CC Help Jenn Save up to $2,800 per couple off the cruise price of Europe sailings. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. 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. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. If you have a travel agent, please consider contacting him or her first. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. 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. In contrast, Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer Inspiration-class vessels carrying 130 passengers -- the lowest number of passengers for a ship its size. We had cabin 308 (cat. 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. Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom. We operate independently from our advertising team. While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry. Why Take A Tauck River Cruise. As part of its company's commitment to making your time in port seamless without having to deal with worrisome currency issues, the line gives each passenger 20 euros to buy a meal when an excursion spans the lunch hour. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Started August 27, 2021, By 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. Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. It's easy to see the world's sights. AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. (Most newer river cruise ships in Europe are a standard 443 feet.) 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. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the 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. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm. On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace. In general, you'll find a less international crowd on Tauck than Viking, simply because the latter is better known. 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. Having fewer people on the same size ship does make a difference in terms of seating, service and overall vibe. Scenic has five cabin categories on its 85-cabin Space-Ships. 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. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice, and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Some rooms have balconies. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. Some sailings have Loft Suites, which are two stories with floor-to-ceiling windows and have two full bathrooms, a dining area, a lounge with a Queen sofa-bed, a balcony, and an upstairs bedroom. Whats the Best Choice for a MainRiver Cruise? This cabin is more expensive than anything on Tauck, but if you're a luxury lover who wants to take an itinerary only operated by Viking and not an upscale line, it might be a good substitute. 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. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. Both lines offer the type of amenities you'd expect on upscale ships. Some of the shore excursion options are truly special, such as truffle hunting in Bordeaux, visiting Highclere Castle where "Downton Abbey" was shot or cognac blending in Camus. These are all decorated in a modern, contemporary style and feel airy and spacious due to the liberal use of mirrors and reflective panels. Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily. Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways, Crystal, Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Tauck each supplied a ship for the special occasion. 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. 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. On Viking, everyone eats at the same time, which can create a "herding" effect that some people dislike. 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. Read on for our look at Scenic vs. Tauck. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Viking Kadlin (Photo: Viking River Cruises), Viking Einar (Photo: Viking River Cruises), Tauck ms Emerald (Photo: Tauck River Cruises), Viking Helgrim (Photo: Viking River Cruises), 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. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. Both Tauck and Scenic have fitness centers, complimentary bikes (the ones on Scenic are e-bikes and slightly better) and for-fee spas. 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. The core passengers for both lines are Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and passengers from other English-speaking companies, aged 50s to 70s. Toiletries are Viking's own,Freya, and they are lovely. We handle our own travel arrangements by choice and prefer to book our own hotels and make our own way to the boat. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. Both Tauck and Scenic are at the high end of river cruises, in terms of price and inclusions. Typical starting price: $4,599 for 7 days (per person based on double occupancy $657 per night, all-inclusive), Specialty cruises: Danube Christmas markets, Oktoberfest, Rhine food and wine, Seine National Geographic photography, Amenities (may vary by ship): High-speed Wi-Fi, gym, sun-deck, walking track, bikes for shore use, pool or whirlpool, fitness classes, salon, massage, Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages (local wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals), daily excursions, all gratuities onboard and at restaurants, daily cocktail hour, select meals off the ship during excursions, onboard entertainment. Excursion from Paris to Louis XIV's opulent . For example, European river cruises run fromMarch through December. 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. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. 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 -. About Viking - do they have open seating for dinner? 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. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. 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. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. Tauck differs in that the main restaurant is open seating, meaning you can go down and have dinner whenever you like. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? 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. 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. The difference comes with a significant impact on your wallet, particularly in the lower categories. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. They did not offer bikes which would have been nice, though not on our particular itinerary. Whats the Best Choice for a River Cruise in Bordeaux? 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. Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. We feature savings up to 50% off retail prices on European River and Mekong Cruises on . The reason why Scenic fans might not know Tauck, and vice versa, stems from the companies' headquarters. Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. "Free choice" dining allows you . 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. 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. Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. 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. Go to the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert. Inclusions: All meals and drinks (regional wine, beer, soft drinks with lunch and dinner; sparkling wine with breakfast), Pros:You get to pick your own firmness of the beds and pillows. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. There is no room service on Viking. The food was delicious, service was excellent. Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 55 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. There are a fair amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itineraries, which are almost always awe-inspiring. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors. Expires February 28. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. All rights reserved. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. 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 average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. A good mid-tier option is theRoyal Balcony suite, which comes with a great view and perks like daily fruit skewers, canapes, and petit fours. We found it to be quite inclusive and spent very little extra, except for tips and drinks at the bar. Inspired by you, they've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Choose Tauck ifyou want the feeling of five-star service while still having the freedom to explore. 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. 9 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Shore Excursions, 12 Things You Don't Need to Take on a Cruise, Virtual Cabin Crawl: Symphony of the Seas Cruise Ship, How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? 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. 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. On its ships in France, Scenic also offers onboard cooking demonstrations. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. Pro: The boats boast a boutique design and feel with unlimited premium spirits and wines. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. Uniworld has bicycles, and there is an included excursion every day, although there are also optional excursions. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. Pros: Tauck boasts exclusive cultural experiences that are truly unique. I'm not sure you will find Tauck discounted in many places. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. We have done 2 cruises - Paris/Normandy with Uniworld - and Blue Danube Discovery with AMA. 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. Whats the Best Choice For A RhneRiver Cruise? Tauck also carries bicycles onboard so if you want to spend time exploring paths along the rivers instead of taking a tour, you can. Prices shown reflect discount. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Throughout the voyages, they feature special drinking and dining events for guests along with entertainment themed to the country you're visiting such as a string quartet or folk dancing. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. It should be fun. 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. 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. deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Learn more. 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. 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.