Scenic River Cruises vs Tauck River Cruises

Why should we cruise with Scenic?

We asked Scenic why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Scenic is proudly an Australian founded company setting the global standard for all inclusive luxury travel. We have delighted guests for more than 40 years with memorable journeys to fascinating locations across the world, delivering unsurpassed excellence in service, product quality and exclusive experiences. The guest is at the heart of everything we do, as we strive to provide continual innovation to enhance the guest experience in luxury river cruising, land tours and our state of the art expedition ocean cruising with Scenic Eclipse.
read more
The Scenic difference is the details, the unwavering commitment to anticipate our guests every need, from butler services, quality dining, wellness, Scenic Enrich and Scenic FreeChoice experiences. That is why so many of our past guests choose to travel with Scenic many times, to destinations around the globe with family and friends, trusting Scenic to create memories that will last a lifetime. We welcome you to enjoy the portfolio of Scenic luxury products and feel the difference of Scenic’s dedicated staff, who will look after you to the nth degree.

What rivers do Scenic explore?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Scenic from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Scenic's 5 star luxury river cruises are well known and popular in Australia and NZ. Scenic were the first to introduce balconies on their Scenic Space-Ships, which many clients love, but this comes at a cost to interior cabin space. Like many of the other premium river cruise Operators, look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. All inclusive, with Freechoice activities that allow you to choose what you want to do in each port, Scenic also offer a range of luxury additions (like your own Butler) depending on the cabin type select.

Launching in 2018 and with another ship in 2020, the Scenic Eclipse is Scenic's first foray read more into luxury all inclusive ocean cruising. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, these Discovery Yachts, are all inclusive with shore excursions involving Zodiacs, kayaks and e-bikes as well as the option (for an additional charge) to adventure out by helicopter and submarine!

Who are we likely to meet on a Scenic river cruise?

Mostly Australians and New Zealanders with international guests only introduced to Scenic over the last few years. Generally aged 50 and over, guests are predominantly couples, with solo travellers also well catered for.

Do Scenic river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Scenic welcomes solo travellers and offers special solo fares on selected river cruise departures, with open-seating dining and sociable shared spaces making it easy to meet other guests.

How inclusive are Scenic's river cruises?

All-inclusive fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, premium beverages throughout the day, butler service, WiFi, Scenic Enrich experiences, Scenic Freechoice excursions, gratuities and airport transfers on arrival and departure days.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

Extra costs include a small selection of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spiritsand spa and wellness treatments.

Do Scenic include shore excursions?

Yes. Scenic Freechoice excursions and Scenic Enrich experiences are included in the cruise fare.

What types of excusions are available?

Scenic Freechoice offers multiple excursions in many ports, often categorised as Active, Moderate or Relaxed, so guests can select options that suit their interests and mobility.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Activities can include live music, game nights, lectures, cultural entertainment, stretching classes, wellness activities, gym use, e-bikes in Europe and relaxation in ship-specific facilities such as Vitality Pools and Salt Therapy Lounges.

What are the cabins like on Scenic's river ships?

Scenic river ships offer a range of suites, from lower-deck accommodation to Balcony, Junior, Royal and Panorama-style suites depending on the ship. Balcony, Junior and Royal Suites feature Scenic's convertible Sun Lounge, and butler service is included for every suite.

Why should we cruise with Tauck?

We asked Tauck why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

We believe that when you travel, you should never settle for ordinary. You deserve to travel in good company, with someone who cares. We believe that good value sells itself – you should get what you pay for, and then some, in one upfront price with virtually everything included. Leave your worries at home; we take on all the planning, all the logistics. To you, it’s peace of mind travel, to us, it’s 90+ years of integrity.

Wherever we travel, we’re all about taking you to explore the world’s treasures….discover people and cultures you may not read more have known existed…and experience extraordinary, life-changing moments. Since 1925, we’ve built our company on the personal referrals and recommendations of our guests. We can think of no higher testament to our journeys and commitment to customer satisfaction – and no better way to tell you what we do than through their words.

What rivers do Tauck explore?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Tauck from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

New to the Australian market in 2017, Tauck actually began operating in the US more than 90 years ago. Today they offer premium river cruises, land tours, small ship cruises, family adventures and small group journeys around the world. Tauck are renowned for the quality and inclusiveness of their trips, whether on land or water, so you can almost leave your wallet at home – don’t actually do that – knowing most things are taken care of. While the majority of their guests come from North America, the feedback we’ve received from the Aussies and Kiwis we’ve arranged trips for has been overwhelmingly positive.

Who are we likely to meet on a Tauck river cruise?

Predominantly mature, well-travelled couples and solo travellers seeking a highly inclusive premium river cruise, with guests mainly from North America and other English-speaking markets.

Do Tauck river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Tauck waives the single supplement on Category 1 cabins on every European river cruise departure and also offers reduced solo pricing in selected higher categories.

How inclusive are Tauck's river cruises?

Highly inclusive fares cover accommodation, all onboard meals and snacks, unlimited beverages including premium spirits, all shore excursions, exclusive experiences, WiFi, transfers, port charges, taxes and all customary gratuities.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

You'll need to pay for spa treatments, laundry and valet services.

Do Tauck include shore excursions?

Yes. All shore excursions are included.

What types of excusions are available?

Tauck provides a choice of privately guided small-group excursions, exclusive cultural experiences and destination sightseeing, with an average of around 15 guests per local guide ashore.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

The onboard programme is relatively relaxed and destination-focused, with local musicians, singers and dancers, lectures, social activities and fitness facilities. The main emphasis remains on the destinations and extensive included sightseeing ashore.

What are the cabins like on Tauck's river ships?

Accommodation ranges from approximately 150 to 180-square-foot lower-category staterooms through to larger cabins and Tauck Suites of around 300 square feet. Many cabins have French balconies, and around two-thirds of Tauck's European riverboat cabins are at least 225 square feet.