Tauck, Avalon, & Viking River Cruises | COMPARISON

Editorial Summary

Travel expert Beth Schulberg provides a detailed comparison of three major river cruise lines: Tauck, Avalon Waterways, and Viking River Cruises. The discussion categorizes these lines by their level of inclusivity, ranging from Tauck, which is described as truly all-inclusive, to Viking, which is characterized as an a la carte option. Schulberg explains how these differences impact various aspects of the travel experience, including passenger capacity, stateroom sizes, and dining arrangements. For instance, Tauck offers more space with fewer passengers and includes amenities like room service and flexible dining times, whereas Viking has more passengers and lacks room service. The comparison extends to shore excursions, where Tauck provides high-end experiences like private museum tours, Avalon offers diverse categories such as active and discovery tours, and Viking provides a single included excursion with additional options available for purchase. Schulberg also breaks down the total cost of each cruise by factoring in gratuities, beverages, and excursions to provide a realistic financial outlook. The segment concludes with advice on booking during wave season and information regarding single supplements and deposit requirements.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.