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. Compare Avalon River Cruises vs Uniworld - Global Journeys While there, the ladies had the opportunity to experience seven ships from the leading River Cruise Companies. There is no room service on Viking. 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. 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;. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. 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. Viking has built its name on destination immersion, and the company doesn't provide extras such as gyms, spas, bikes or pools on its ships. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. Cons: Cocktails are pricey and not included; a martini or a Manhattan will set you back about $12 dollars. We believe that travel should be easy. The line also hands out cash country if the tour takes place over lunchtime and passengers need to buy something to eat. 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. Given the price point, the passengers seem more well-heeled on Tauck. There are a limited number of cruise choices and they do not sail in Europe. A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. QUICK STATS AVALON WATERWAYS 2004 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. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast. 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. Tauck just looked fabulous but, for us, the premium is not worth it as the additional inclusions are not important to us. River Cruise Advisor | Avid Cruiser | About | Terms & Full Disclosure | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe. 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. Finish with an Inside Passage cruise. Viking or Avalon? Crystal, Tauck, or Uniworld? - Wallace Pierson Travel