Tauck, Avalon, & Viking River Cruises | COMPARISON

[@bbearsmama]

Very helpful. When I was a teenager, I went to France with the French Club from my high school. It was a BLAST and so interesting! However, it was rather exhausting having to pack and unpack virtually every single day as we traveled throughout the country. The thought of being able to tour places while having a “floating hotel” is very enticing.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for sharing! We did a three day extension in Egypt in 2022 which involved three different hotels and living out of a suitcase. We were so happy to get to our ship.

[@DooWopKing2011]

Very informative for newcomers trying to choose a cruise line!

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks 😊

[@raymondmuench3266]

This seemed pretty balanced. Family members over three generations have used Tauck and raved about them, but your presenter doesn’t dismiss the positives of the others. Thanks to you and her.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

All the river cruise lines have positives and negatives. It’s Beth’s job as an expert to match clients to the one that best suits them. Tauck is top of the list for most travel advisors based on guest feedback and personal experience.

[@AllanGoldman-wb2mn]

I have been on a Tauck cruise. Everything she says is totally true.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Great to hear we are looking forward to sailing with them sometime.

[@tinplater]

Have completed three Viking river cruises (starting with Grand European) and our experiences were superb. No casino, no kids, great food and amazingly attentive and cheerful staff made each cruise a total delight. Can hardly wait for our Barcelona to Venice ocean cruise next year.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for sharing!

[@twtoombs]

Viking was world class service and food. The shore excursions were thoughtful and weighted by your capabilities. Our trip was beyond expectations.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Always like to hear that you had a great experience

[@cherylhumphrey2251]

I'm looking forward to my Viking River Cruise in July. What she is saying is actually reassuring and your comment is very comforting.

[@RichardSkokowski]

​@@cherylhumphrey2251 My wife and I experienced very good service on a Viking cruise on the Danube in 2022. There was always a Viking representative available--starting from our arrival at the airport right through to drop off at the airport at the end. Food was very good to excellent--I recommend that you try the regional specialty for dinner. I am an early riser so I liked the 24-hour coffee/snack stations. No one should fret about their room--we were in a "duck room" (lower deck) but when we wanted to see the scenery we just went up to the top deck or the lounge. You don't spend a lot of your waking hours in the room anyway. Overall, we had a very good experience with no unpleasant surprises and always felt very well taken care of. Of course, in 2022 it was "end-pandemic" time and there were great deals and the ship was only about 70% capacity but I do not expect Viking to drop their standards even with a full ship. Bon voyage!

[@twtoombs]

We were on the Viking Delling for the Romantic Danube cruise the end of November for the Christmas Markets, from Budapest to Nuremberg. Would do it again.

[@lesliedruss1245]

After watching this, very informative video where Bethe provided some very relevant information, we decided to call her office in Portland. We were surprised to find out that to engage them as our travel agent it would cost us $300. We’ve booked Cruises through travel agents in the past, and we were not charged a fee at all. We were under the impression that travel agents work on commission.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for the comment. Travel agents do earn commissions from suppliers, however what most folks are unaware of is that in recent years they have had to endure reductions in commissions from some suppliers and efforts by others to cut them out all together. Flights are a good example of that, most flights that have the best connections and cost for the client pay no commissions, not to mention the extra time required for flight changes and updates leading up to the travel day. Most top flight luxury travel agents are charging an engagement fee, which covers the hours of research they will put in to researching and curating a vacation for clients that both meets the clients expectations and ultimately provides the best value in addition to the pre travel meetings, during travel monitoring and post travel follow up. Ultimately it is up to the guest if to determine whether an engagement fee is worth it to them for the services of an expert when planning a complex trip that can cost up to 15000 per person or more, but most are not disappointed.

[@ABab-jf2jb]

We took the first river cruise to Rhine with Viking and are going to Danube in June. We planned on going to more cruises in the coming years before we are too old to travel. Thanks for your channel. Subscribed.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

You are most welcome we love what we do and love to travel. You will enjoy the Danube. You are never to old to travel as long as you have your health so enjoy your future adventures.

[@txmap]

Never too old to travel! When I was a college student on my way to study abroad in Spain, there was a lady boarding my flight who was in her 80s and in a wheelchair. She was on her way to Turkey-- travelling alone. She loved to travel and said she hadn't been to Turkey yet.💁‍♀ A lesson I'll never forget: If you have the money and mental acuity, don't let age and physical limitations stop you from exploring and experiencing new places.💓

[@julieperman]

My husband I went on our first river cruise on the Viking RA in Egypt. It is was specifically built to navigate the Nile, It was amazing! It Accommodating just 52 guests. You knew everyone by the end of the cruise. The room was large and beautiful and the food was great. We are booked on a Tauck river cruise The Blue Danube on the Ms. Savor long ship with 130 guest from Prague to Budapest. looking forward to seeing the difference between the two!

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for sharing! We loved Egypt and Jordan would go back so much to see.🗺️

[@jmcslater1]

A few thoughts on Viking and Tauck..We took our first river cruise last year- Viking Rhine with a few days extension in Switzerland. My husband thought cruising would be slow and boring and was so surprised at how active it was that he immediately wanted to sign back up! Viking experience was very good, casual, superb food, friendly staff and fellow cruisers- we loved it. However, Viking wants full $$ way too early, IMO, over a year ahead. It is not fully inclusive and most included excursions are walking tours. We paid extra for interesting outings. We were also never able to dine on Aquavit Terrace, so had every meal at 8-10 person tables in Dining Room. It would’ve been nice to have a break. We had a suite, but were unaware of any room service. We are big fans of Tauck land tours and trying our first Tauck River cruise next year. It’ll be interesting to compare the experiences. It’s true what your guest said about Tauck’s founder wanting a pleasant, low maintenance group of travelers. Our first Tauck correspondence said something similar- basically, try to leave your “issues” at home, bring your cheerful self and be considerate of others - great advice no matter how one travels.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for the mini review. You are going to enjoy Tauck.

[@orenwolfe6506]

On our several Viking cruises (Ocean and River), we have found that "When everything goes according to plan, ANYBODY can look good. When things do not go according to plan, Viking looks VERY good". Please discuss the lines ability to cope with disruptions in the plans.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Great topic stay tuned

[@dougmacmillan1712]

Good point. The weather in Europe has been unpredictable. This summer with big variations on river levels. As another poster pointed out VRC requires payment in full well before the cruise date. Anyone who is considering a river cruise should be aware that it can turn into a VERY expensive bus tour.

[@jlw1116Mfd]

We’ve taken 2 AMA cruises as well, they were just stellar with all excursions included each at 3 levels of activity at no extra cost. Our cruises had between 65 and 130 passengers. Friends who took the Viking cruise paid close to what we paid after they added on all the extras. It must be difficult to narrow experiences to only 3 cruise lines. But this was enlightening.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for the input.

[@margmayer-g2t]

Having been on several Viking cruises and two Tauck, my opinion is that Tauck is more expensive up front, but way superior. Also, there is no extra charge for beer, wine, spirits in the main lounge area. We were given 20E for lunch in town one day. They have E-bikes for some excursions and two levels (one a bit slower) for walking tours. Also, you can go to dinner at your leisure and not have to sit with others, if that's what you want. When you first arrive, you are put up in a luxury hotel with a cocktail party and a superb dinner. Many are still in travel clothes-no problem. Once you have traveled with Tauck, they have a perk called, "A gift of time." That simply means that you fly in a day earlier and they give you another night in that luxury hotel. Once each cruise they take you to a palace or castle for a cocktail party and a wonderful dinner. Men need a jacket for that night. If you book your air travel through Tauck, you don't pay when you book, but when you pay for the whole trip. Also, the Tauck insurance covers your airfare. It is true that you have to book very early. I have had to book a year early to secure my next trip.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for the mini review. Tauck is certainly top shelf.

[@25kmgb]

My wife and I just finished the Danube river cruise ending in Budapest with Tauck. Over the top fantastic experience. The ship was beautiful and our room was spacious with lots of storage space. The bathroom was also top notch. The larger room and fewer number of passengers made for a more intimate experience. This company really knows its clientele and makes sure you are all treated as a first class passenger. There was always a cruise director with us on the exceptional excursions making sure we never paid for anything (not even use of a restroom). Hotels at either end of the trip were 5 star. For a few more dollars we were treated to fabulous tours/events and our every need was attended to by super attentive friendly staff. The food was excellent and top notch local wines were always available. Really everything was always available. Best vacation travel experience we’ve ever had. When docked next to a competitors ship you really can’t see the difference. You did a great job highlighting the differences between cruise companies!

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for your mini review.

[@douglaskidd1359]

Viking still has the best pre-and post extensions.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Viking does a great job with extensions

[@ericammons9804]

Perhaps, but Avalon is more active & adventure themed. Bikes onboard and a wellness instructor + gym. Plus, in our panorama suite, the bed faces out towards the river. Over 200 sq ft, and bigger bathroom. Viking caters to an older crowd and it’s a cheaper feel. Amawaterways & Avalon are the best imo and they cater to a younger & more active passenger. Excursions included, as well as wine & beer with lunch & dinner. Great vlog btw👍

[@Starfish2145]

@@ericammons9804 that’s what I’ve read. I am probably going to do Avalon.

[@barryhaley7430]

We have done 3 cruises with AMA which has the drinks included at lunch and dinner. Even mimosas at breakfast😄. They also have a drinks included cocktail hour before dinner. All excursions are included. They provide Active,Regular and Gentle Walker. We have seen the Gentle Walker with only one guest. The ships are typically 140 passengers. Excellent. My typical bill at the end of the trip is about $80.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Forgot about the mimosas at breakfast 😀

[@LaurieBixler]

Filled with great information !

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertbeaty4088]

I have not seen an expectation of more formal dress for the dinners on tauck. casual slacks and a collared shirt have always sufficed and in my experience that is the most common dress for men. Ladies usually wear a casual dress or skirt for these events Dinners in a castle in Vienna or Prague, or a large venue (university club if my memory is correct) in Budapest. Also for extended pre or post cruise stay, The have excellent hotels, such as the Four Seasons Gresham Palace in Budapest . All of these are gold choices, but, in my opinion,Tauck is head and shoulders above the rest.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for the input. Tauck is outstanding by all accounts

[@veronicanolastname2467]

We've booked three Viking cruises for Thanksgiving of that year during their Labor Day sale. We've paid $199, $99 and $zero (yes, free) airfare and transfers. There's very limited availability of rooms. We've been waterline room (lower deck) two of the three cruises. But that's ok with us. We only shower, change and sleep in the rooms anyway.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for your input

[@larrykeitges5736]

We have been on two viking riverboat cruises with free air. Stayed in main cabin for under 2500 each including tips.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Excellent value

[@kathleenduffy3890]

I was on a Viking River Cruise a year ago. They absolutely have room service. for dining.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Interesting were you in a suite?

[@annmcg9781]

We’re looking at a river cruise which would be a first time for us. This was really helpful. Thanks.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@mrwonderful7740]

Look into Silver seas

[@emilymanhart368]

I booked an Avalon cruise when they were running a "single supplement waived" period. The only downside, it's still a year away before I sail!

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Excellent waiting is always the hard part😁

[@Starfish2145]

I’m looking at the same thing. Which trip are you going on?

[@patricksp71]

Having Just come back from a TAUCK BRIDGES Danube River Cruise, Which is the family river cruise, We looked at Adventures by Disney but that was 5 thousand more not thier ship, TAUCK, it’s thier ship, Guides etc. it really is 1st class, Top Shelf Beer Wine and Champagne (Local Wine was always offered at Dinner along with Local Beer) on Tauck, They made sure my son 11 was comfortable, they had game nights and a Pizza Party for Kids only at dinner, They had excursions planned for families, My son got to cut an apple with a sword, saw a Marionette show, The Formal night at the palace they had the Kids Dancing with each other. If was fantastic. I let the steward what Dinks we wanted in the mini fridge and it was full every day. You could either order off the menu or eat at the buffet and the buffet was geared more for the kids, Pizza, chicken nuggets, Spaghetti. They Chef had local sourced food and menu. The cabanara made with fresh pasta that was put in a cheese wheel after it was melted was amazing. I really felt like I was a 5 Star Hotel that followed use on the river.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

We are goin to interview Tauck stay tuned

[@gsharp7763]

What about when then promo offers airfare , do you have choice other than economy? How does it work and what’s the fine print?

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Normally when they offer free economy air you do have the option to upgrade to business class for a fee, depending on if they have availability in their air contract with the air provider. Airfare can be tricky so it is best to work with an experienced travel advisor to ensure you understand what you are signing up for.

[@bobcochran2890]

Viking has real verandas, which she said were small, and their veranda suites are really two-room suites. Also, they were very accommodating with food requests…allergies, vegetarian, etc. Viking also has all kinds of excursions, just like the others. Avalon is also very nice, although we missed the full veranda a lot. Talk may indeed be good, but she sounds like she gets paid more from Tauk.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

🤔

[@Traveler-nu8xc]

Nope, we have done Tauck multiple times and they are truly a step above. ALL inclusive not like Viking where we pick one excursion and that’s it.

[@carly4513]

My Son-in-law has been going on river cruises bi-annually with his family since he was young. He likes Viking but he says Tauck is definitely the best. I didn't think she was over-promoting Tauck.

[@robinhurley1158]

She is very misleading about Viking. I am finding this information to be very skewed. The info on the shore excursions is very misleading.

[@suelelievre5513]

Viking told us point blank that their kitchens were not equipped for guaranteed plant-based menu offerings. There might be some, but don't depend on it.

[@jacquelyns9709]

This was a great interview. I like that you covered solo cruisers. However, you left out information for mobility challenged individuals. I'm using a rollator walker. Do these riverboats have elevators and shore excursions that can accommodate me?

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Guests with mobility issues can be accommodated on some river cruise lines. That said your overall experience can be limited depending on the line and the port they are visiting and most importantly your limitations. It’s best to work with a travel advisor that understands the lines and your limitations so as to match you with the best experience. As for elevators there are elevators available on some ships but only they normally only allow for access to the sun deck. Another reason to work with a travel advisor.

[@erickdanielsson6710]

When is the best time of year to cruise? Have heard of high or low rivers, busing, also rainy and cold months.. Looking for information on the preceding. Thanks.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

We like the May June period.

[@bobinabuddy]

Trafalgar bus tour is great also

[@askarealtravelexpert]

We must reach out to them for an interview.

[@Traveler-nu8xc]

Aghhh we have been with them , Trafalgar, many times with mixed results. Hotels are often far away from city center so if you don’t do the optional there is nothing to do. they push shopping . We now use Tauck for river and Insight for land.

[@garyarndt7020]

Avalon is amazing

[@askarealtravelexpert]

We agree

[@michaelgore115]

very informative but what about SENIC and RIVERSIDE why where they not in the comparison ????

[@askarealtravelexpert]

It’s difficult to cram in all the great cruise lines in one interview did you see these ones on Riverside and Scenic River Cruise Lines Comparison Viking, Emerald & Scenic River Cruises CHOOSING THE BEST ONE kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZSthn9oi653irc kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaW3Yqx9bMiqeKssi=ttKzzAno2F0osh0z.

[@michaelgore115]

@@askarealtravelexpert thank you so much for your reply and links that helped a LOT !!!

[@phylispreston]

I have never paid more than $4000 for a Viking cruise, some with extra excursions, and all with airfare included.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Good deal

[@carolynschmidt6452]

If you are an older person who may have an unexpected medical event, can you get a refund or possibly buy trip insurance?

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Have a look at this interview Lola does a great job of explaining travel insurance it’s for Canada but the information is much the same if you are from the US. Travel Insurance Canada ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH-zhpuhbs-ZobM

[@PaulSchmidt-hy7ht]

You should have compared Tauck with AMA WATERWAYS and Scenic...better comparison..

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Agreed that would make a great comparison stay tuned.

[@prescottstudio_art]

I agree.

[@MariaDaniella64]

I'm planning our fist river cruise for 2026 and found this helpful. An area of concern for me is sea sickness. Has anyone experienced that on river cruising? Our ages are 66 and 60 and are active, no restrictions - not sure if that matters :))

[@Starfish2145]

Highly unlikely on a river cruise. They don’t have waves like the ocean.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

You don’t have wave motion to speak of, on the rivers so sea sickness is not a thing.

[@conniedelvigna9427]

I'm horribly prone to motion sickness, so I will never board an ocean vessel. However, I've done the 7-day steamboat cruise on the lower Mississippi River twice and felt great both times. Also, we did a 5-night river cruise on the Nile in Egypt, and I never experienced any issues. I'm the same age as you. So I say: Go for it!!

[@NancyWickerson-Harmer]

We loved Viking unfortunately my husband died before we could go on our next 2, both had been canceled for Covid. Having extreme difficulty getting money back.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

😔 So sorry to hear that about your husband. What difficulty are you having with refunds.

[@edlynburk-soorani5885]

Elliot Confidential, consumer online travel newsletter, may be able to help. They have lists of corporate executives with telephone and email contacts so you can go directly up the ladder. If that fails, they may get directly involved. Keep a paper trail of all transactions, names, dates, and what was said to you. Once The Elliot group gets involved companies know they’re now in the hook to do the right thing or suffer the wrong public relations exposure. Getting refunds should never be that difficult

[@petepetersen7600]

What about AmaWaterways? What's your opinion?

[@askarealtravelexpert]

We are big fans of AmaWaterways. Sailed with them on the Rhine and the Nile

[@mrwonderful7740]

Thanks for video. Forget all these. Silver Seas is WONDERFUl. Tauck is very expensive. Viking you have to pay almost a year in advance. The cheapest but not the best.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Silversea is wonderful but they are ocean going not river cruising, tough to make a comparison.

[@karenmummert9346]

I have been on 2 Viking river cruises. One held under 100 people and the other was 120 - not even close to 190 as she stated

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Good to here but the Viking longships do have max capacity of up to 190

[@lesliedonnelly6596]

What about the Grand. Circle cruise line?

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Good point let us check into that.

[@htschultz]

Of course Avalon is going to be 40-50% more than Viking and Tauck is going to be 100% (double) Viking, for a similar itinerary/dates/state room.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

🤔

[@douglasmckinley-sr1507]

Do all three lines give the same commission percentage? Do they get commissions on drink packages? Shore excursions? Gratuities? Salespeople will always try to steer you to the choice that gives them the highest commissions. Why would someone NOT take the provided transfers?

[@Starfish2145]

You get what you pay for. Viking has the most people on each trip. Also less active and older passengers.

[@Charlie18tc]

This is full of half-truths. Viking has a wide array of room sizes from 700sf to 135sf. Truck is all complementary but it's built into the price. Viking gives you a free city tour but other tours cost 40 the 80 $. This video is very misleading.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

🤔

[@ellenebay3470]

My God...is this woman employed by Tauck? Seriously I know she get's commissions like my Travel Agent does but this was so blatant it makes me question anything she says. FYI I took a Viking Danube Cruise in 20`16 and thought it was fantastic.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

🤔

[@cherylhumphrey2251]

I'm not hearing that. She is basically saying you get what you pay for.

[@debbiedalke453]

Tauck is worth every penny! Class Act! We have gone with Tauck since 2003. Beth is just stating the facts

[@carole-f8x]

@ellenebay3470 I think she is just stating the facts. Maybe if you took a Tauck tour you would find that fantastic.

[@janethayes2653]

Viking is great, but Tauck is really all inclusive. She is letting you know the difference.

[@ptr1537]

Calling Viking cheap? You must have more disposable than most. You cant tell me that spas and massages are included in the Taulk all in cost. Taulk paid evaluator for sure. You imply that you only get fresh and hot food on TAULK at dinner. Give me a break.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

😕

[@PaulSchmidt-hy7ht]

Unfair comparison as tauck is luxury versus viking is basic cheap cruise .

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Tauck is definitely luxury ⛴

[@dougmacmillan1712]

I think they are pointing out what you get for the different levels. You are right about Viking being a basic cheap cruise. I hope those who watch PBS and see those Viking ads aren't sucked in and expect the cruise to look like that. Notice you never see more than two or three couples in a shot. The reality is that you'll be herded around in groups of 30 or more. We paid an extra $150.00 for a wine tasting excursion in the Moselle region. We were promised four wine tastings. We have been to numerous wine tasting both in the US and abroad, so we were expecting to go to four wineries. No, we were taken to a retail shop in the middle of a town. They had a basement with a few wine casks lying around and we tried four sips of their wine choices. We were then quickly hustled upstairs where they tried to sell us their very overpriced and mediocre quality wine. Even Viking's "cheap" cruises are expensive when you add in all the hidden costs. We travel independently and six months before we went with friends on the VRC Rhine cruise we went to the heart of Tuscany and stayed in an agriturismo. We were gone for the same length of time. We had a car and took Walks of Italy tours in Rome and Florence. Including our airfare, the VRC was THREE TIMES more expensive than our wonderful vacation in Chianti. Plus we didn't have to endure the several drunks and jerks that sailed with us.

[@lindamorgana2413]

OMG she definitely works for Tauck! Don’t say it’s an honest comparison. She just saying why to cruise Tauck.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

⛴️

[@samueljsmal8995]

Sigh