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Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. A View with a Room. Choose Viking ifyou don't need a gym or a lot of extras onboard. For its upper deck passengers, Scenic offers Table La Rive, a 10-person chef's table in the main dining room. The latter are true suites, with two rooms. 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. "Free choice" dining allows you . Both offer more inclusions than their competitors and both carry fewer passengers than most river lines, ensuring that service remains at a high standard. You'll pay about $1,000 more than lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon. 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. Onboard enrichment on both lines is based around the destinations visited. But no matter how different the motivation, Tauck river cruising has a way of bringing everyone of every age and generation together to share . All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge. For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice and menus are labeled for people with dietary restrictions. Both lines provide generous pours of wine during lunch and dinner, mostly regional varietals. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, 17 Cruise Lines That Include Alcohol in Your Fare, 7 Challenging Cruise Ports We Can Help You Navigate. Basically, if you need anything while you're off the ship, they are only a few steps away. 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. 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. Thanks for all the input. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. On Tauck, complimentary hot and cold canapes are passed during happy hour. These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. . For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle. Scenic and Tauck have many similarities, even if fans of one haven't heard of the other. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. 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. All told, the fleet stands at 70 (excluding ships not currently operating in Russia). Service was very good, rooms spacious, and I loved the French balcony and the in room internet too. 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. One nice perk: heated floors in the bathroom. Rest easy (literally) as you enjoy bigger views, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. The line sails on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Lower-deck rooms, which have a window, are 150 square feet. Both upscale river cruise lines were born out of well-established tour operators. 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. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Avalon River Cruises is recognized for their all suite concept. While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. By 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. 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. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. 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 -. Typical starting price: $3,990 for 7 nights (per person based on double occupancy $570 per night, all-inclusive), Where do they sail:Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhne, Seine, Specialty Cruises: Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, music, family sailings, Onboard amenities (varies by ship): Putting green, sun deck, minibar with complimentary water and soft drinks, Molton Brown toiletries, TV, Jacuzzi, Included: Meals, beverages (house wine, beer, and premium spirits available all day), gratuities, transfers upon arrival and departure, excursions. We enjoyed AMA in May when we took the Danube Cruise. Both Viking and Tauck have well-thought-out cabins with an understated decor. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. 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. 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. Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. 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). Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. The ships on both cruise lines offer a wide choice of dishes to suit all tastes, including healthy choices and simpler "always available" dishes. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages. 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. 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. Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. Choose Tauck ifyou like open seating and want the choice of having room service and a true alternative dining venue where you can get casual, hot food. Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines. We can chat later about other destinations. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. River cruising is a very different animal than "big ship" cruising - and I would hate to think that you booked 14+ days on a river boat - only to discover that you hated the the experience. Some ships on both lines have hot tubs or plunge pools on the top deck. Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. 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. 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. Viking has a top suite category that is pricier than anything you'd find on Tauck, however. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's free for everyone. Prices shown reflect discount. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. 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. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Rockies Icons and Alaska Cruise. First, about Tauck. Viking Longships carry 190 passengers and have 95 cabins. Limited-Time Offers on Avalon Cruises! Choose Viking ifyou want lots of itinerary choice. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. Their line U by Uniworld is curated for the "active" guest. There will be talks by the Tauck directors or lecturers hired by Viking and activities such as awine tasting. Tauck River Cruises: Is Tauck the Best River Cruise Line For You? 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. In France, enjoy a private visit to the Muse du Louvre in Paris. In terms of enrichment, both lines bring on local entertainers, although Scenic is more likely to bring on a band to play classic rock and music you can dance to, as opposed to folk performers. A-ROSA: What Are Its Smallest, Largest and Most Common Stateroom Sizes? deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified. Started June 21, 2021, By We preferred the top floor. 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. For passengers who like convenience, though, the extra money is worth it. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. Viking ships sail all of Europe's major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. Cons: Excursions cost extra, starting at around $79. The perfect combination of icons and lesser-known wonders. All cruise lines have new COVID-19 policies that prioritize the health and safety of guests. 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. 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. Scenic also has special "TailorMade" devices that allow travelers to head out by themselves and follow GPS guided tours that are pre-programed into the personal audio systems. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat. On these cruises, too, the restaurants have kid-friendly menus and casual dining options. Solo travelers will appreciate that there are dedicated Solo Traveler Suites with no surcharge for a non-double occupancy booking, which is unheard of with cruising. All are reputable river cruises companies with years of experience in river cruising. Viking does seem to pay a little more attention to making sure dishes are regional in nature. In Memphis, opt for The Elvis Experience with a tour of Graceland. Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. While Scenic has casual dining in its River Cafe, it closes at 6 p.m. Arthur's can be a real boon, particularly if you've already snacked at a local cafe and want a simple nosh at night, instead of a full-blown three-course meal. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. The Aquavit Lounge is glass-enclosed and it can open to the elements in nice weather. 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. 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. Whats the Best Choice for a Sane River Cruise? COVID-19 procedures are availablehere. Last minute changes OK. Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest. I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. Both cruise lines sail around Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 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. 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. The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat.