We thought the Tauck differences were evident in nearly every aspect of the ships operation. We met

RATINGS: RIVER CRUISES Cruises along the interior waterways in Europe, Africa, Asia, and even now in South America are hot. So hot in fact, that it is typical to find a particular sailing completely sold out as far out as six to eight months before sailings nowadays. River Cruises now represent the fastest-growing segment of the travel industry. Some of the leading contenders, such as Viking River, Ama Waterways, Tauck and Peter Deilmann, can t build new boats fast enough. Current shipyard orders are backlogged.The reasons seem obvious enough. Fewer than 200 passengers. All meals and shore excursions are included so the cost, in dollars, is a real value compared to independent travel relying on the dollar rate against the Euro.Each of the lines below is capable of providing a superior European River Boat experience. But like all other aspects of travel, there are qualitative differences.
Here is how we rate the products available to our North American Cruisers.  # 1 Tauck World Discovery Rating: 5 Stars+  . The Swiss Emerald is the best riverboat on the Danube. The newest in her fleet 118 guest Tauck Riverboat went into service in 2008. Luxury Suite cabins are just over 300 square the travel channel weekly tv schedule feet. Wines are included and Tauck offers the most comprehensive and best-managed sightseeing programs. Four Tauck Directors accompany each sailing. Pre and post hotel stays are part of the package. Tauck offers an expanded array of sailings in Europe, (including 15 day Amsterdam to Budapest) as well as China, Egypt (along the nile),and while they cost a bit more, they are the best on the waterways at the current time.
We thought the Tauck differences were evident in nearly every aspect of the ships operation. We met cruisers from one or two of Tauck s major competitors and they simply were not receiving the services that we were. The Tauck escorts made a world of difference. The other lines seem just to use local guides.
They somehow have the same quality the travel channel weekly tv schedule of service aboard the ship that we have always received on land-based Tauck Tours. Wine with dinner is nice touch as is the way gratuities are included. The lack of an early booking discount like Viking has is something of a disappointment.
We looked at other lines but we like the way Tauck packages in the hotel stays at either end. swayed us. We had been on two other river boat lines, Amadeus the travel channel weekly tv schedule and Uniglobe, and Tauck s guests, the travel channel weekly tv schedule onboard service, and crew was better the travel channel weekly tv schedule than anything the travel channel weekly tv schedule we had previously experienced.
Offering their guests a wonderfully unique river cruising experience, Uniworld Boutique Collection boast some of the finest in appointments and amenities. Certainly one of the most elegant the travel channel weekly tv schedule of river vessels afloat has to be the SS Antoinette, with it s most impressive 10 foot blue Strauss Baccarat chandelier from New York s famed Terrace on the Green, as well as the Brazilian Marble walls and floors reflecting a true air of grandur. Most assuredly a comfortable the travel channel weekly tv schedule yet luxurious way to travel Europe and the World. Some of their many fine standard services afforded include:
Luxuriously appointed riverview staterooms—many with French balconies —handcrafted Savoir® of England beds draped in lavish linens, European duvets, cashmere/wool blankets, along with a menu of pillow options, and other modern conveniences such as flat-screen televisions with satellite, a vanity, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual climate-control thermostat, direct-dial telephone, and bottled water in staterooms
Exclusive services and amenities in all suites  with butler service on the S.S. Antoinette and River Beatrice . All suites have extra amenities and services, including: bottle of wine upon arrival; flat-screen television with DVD player; slippers; refrigerator; daily fruit and cookie plate; and morning coffee and tea, continental breakfast, shoe shine, and free laundry services
A certified Global Master Chef , Bernhard Zorn , leading a professional culinary team in the preparation of gourmet cuisine using the freshest ingredients , which are often brought onboard from local farmers markets
NEW Choice is Yours shore excursions offering more sightseeing options for well-traveled guests. Including a "Go Active" program for more active guests, and "Gentle Walking" tours for a more relaxed pace.
AMA Waterways (formerly known as Amadeus) is one of the most talked-about companies on the rivers of Europe and Asia. In a relatively short time, the line has emerged as one of the leaders in the upscale category with the most modern fleet of ships cruising the European waterways. Although not in First Place in my ratings countdown, this river cruise the travel channel weekly tv schedule company is absolutely Hands Down MY PERSONAL FAVORATE when booking a River Cruise. And what I would rate Best Overall Value for your river cruise dollar!
Food is better than that found on many competitors including wine, beer, and sodas with all dinners, complimentary espresso s and cappuccino s, and daily champagne at breakfast, with daily replenished complimentary bottled water included.
AMA has designed very affordable Air programs and early booking incentives to help fuel its growth and launch of new ships. The line does the traditional Danube schedules but has also pioneered more creative itineraries such as Portugal and Spain and the Douro River Valley.
The line is also pioneering a new itinerary on the newly refurbished 92-Guest the travel channel weekly tv schedule La Marguerite, in Vietnam, and Cambodia, including Pre/Post offerings in China and Ho Chi Minh City. This unique Mekong River itinerary will enable guests to see Vietnam as well as the must see Angkor Wat in Cambodia. (See a video on AMA Waterways here)  . AMA s latest itinerary introduction the travel channel weekly tv schedule is a Fabulous AFRICAN Wilfelife viewing Safari and River Cruise the travel channel weekly tv schedule down the Chobe river. This sailing features a newly custom redesigned Zambezi Queen which is a truly first of it s kind eco friendly, solar powered river cruise vessel especially configured to leave the slightest footprint in this fragile eco environment possible. This is more like the cozy feel of a barge sailing as the ship only accomodates a maximum of 28 passengers. This is definately a must see and do sailing to a land that offers unparelled majestic wildlife and scenery. This sailing is certain to become one of the most sought after river cruises to be offered.
This is the riverboat firm owned by giant mainstream tour operator Globus. Their newest boats are the Tranquility and the tough-to-pronounce Imagery. Avalon is a well-managed company that has grown by 50% in the last 24 months. The line claims that its new Silent Drive System makes for a significantly quieter ride for guests. Early reports the travel channel weekly tv schedule indicate that the system is quieter. Routes include all of the main central European waterways with emphasis on packaging pre and post night tour stays. While Avalon is not five-star it continues to improve and the line is backed by one of the industry s largest and most stable brands.
The largest European River Boat company, Viking offers a mainstream product throughout western and eastern European Capitals. They also operate in Russia and they have two new boats offering comprehensive programs in China on the Yangtze. Viking River is reliable but customer service the travel channel weekly tv schedule standards are not up to some of their major competitors. . Air schedules can be less than desirable so guests may want to consider doing their own air. The onboard product is definitely upper class but those who have sailed on any of the top ten cruise lines in our traveltruth ratings are likely to be disappointed with both services and amenities. . The major criticism of Viking the travel channel weekly tv schedule River is the pace. Guests who do the line s China program will need a vacation when they return. the travel channel weekly tv schedule But if daily sightseeing in Europe is your thing, Viking represents the best cruise for the money provided you book early enough to take advantage of early booking discounts. Their China program is more upscale than the line s cruises within Europe.
When boats are full main dining room tables the travel channel weekly tv schedule seem close together. The observation lounge gets a bit claustrophobic in the evening when nearly everyone shows up for the port talk on the next port. Arrive early for best seats.
Food was fine but never really memorable. Breakfast and lunch buffets plus menu selections. Chilled sparkling wine for morning mimosas is provided but bar drinks start at about four Euros. We really liked the coffee and tea served aboard ship. The luncheon salad bar changed a bit each day, something we appreciated.
Dinner service was quite good and you can find, and stay with, a waiter team when you find a good one. Dinner begins at 7:00pm and the crowds form early. You get a choice of appetizers, soup, usually of the cream variety, salad, and a choice of two main courses. There are also two desserts to choose from. We were pleasantly surprised to find that one of the two entree options was always fish, the second rotated between beef or chicken. Several guests were complaining that the beef was undercooked. They are happy to take things back and cook them a bit more.
We absolutely loved our Viking River cruise in China, and couldn't imagine seeing as much any other way and the boat was truly beautiful. Good service and we loved their versions of Chinese food. Highly recommended.
1. They are/may not even be a stand alone cruise provider such as the actual the travel channel weekly tv schedule tour company provider that have entered into charter agreements with river boat owners. So you may have some real concerns to ponder like, refunds as a result of early cancellations by you or the tour provider. There are several horror stories you can read about on various internet review sites. Also, as is often the case with such providers they do not work with Cruise Counselors and Travel Agents, (people like me), so I have no real means of verifying how well they stand behind their product.
2. They may not provide English speaking crews such as many of them that you do not see listed here. This is a VERY IMPORTANT issue t