Tauck River Cruises vs Viking River Cruises

Compare the ships, onboard inclusions, pricing, shore excursions and popularity of river cruising with Tauck River Cruises and Viking River Cruises, to see which is the better fit for your next journey.
Tauck River Cruises

Tauck River Cruises

1 Reviews

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?

Africa Asia Canada & Alaska Europe South America UK & Ireland USA

Tauck snapshot

Total No. CruisesTotal No. River Cruises
53
DeparturesDepartures
249
Average cruise lengthAvg. cruise length
11 days
Average cabin price per dayAvg. price per day (by cabin type)
River View
$2,175
Balcony
$2,496
Suite
$2,673
DeparturesNo. of Ships
DeparturesAll-Inclusive Level

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.

Recent Tauck reviews

River cruising with Tauck from Germany to Vienna 4
, QLD, Australia, Dec 2019
Fantastic company and nice staff on board. We never had to ask for anything... it was all offered on a plate. Very good service and Global Journeys handled the booking and delivered all the required paperwork.

Tauck's most popular trips this month...

8 Day Christmas Markets Along the Danube - Eastbound (Tauck)
From
6,425pp
10 Day Rhine Connoisseur: Lake Geneva to Belgium - Northbound (Tauck)
From
11,276pp
9 Day Holland & Belgium in Spring - Southbound (Tauck)
Holland & Belgium in Spring - Southbound

9 Days Amsterdam to Brussels

From
8,702pp
8 Day Holiday Magic: Danube Family River Cruise - Eastbound (Tauck)
From
7,514pp
Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises

120 Reviews

Why should we cruise with Viking?

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

A Viking river cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Egypt, Asia, Europe or the Mississippi, our itineraries are designed to immerse you in the history and culture of each destination. With us, you could be exploring a local food market with our head chef one day and experiencing an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous museum the next.

Our state-of-the-art ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any kids or ‘nickel and diming’ on board. In fact, our fares include read more everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’.

Viking has 70 award-winning river ships sailing all over the world, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.

What rivers do Viking explore?

Asia Europe Mississippi Nile

Viking snapshot

Total No. CruisesTotal No. River Cruises
69
DeparturesDepartures
5,690
Average cruise lengthAvg. cruise length
11 days
Average cabin price per dayAvg. price per day (by cabin type)
River View
$864
Balcony
$1,189
Suite
$1,857
DeparturesNo. of Ships
DeparturesAll-Inclusive Level

Our thoughts...

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

Cruising along the rivers of Europe, you’re almost certain to pass a Viking Longship along the way. Viking boasts the world’s largest fleet of river ships, 99 and counting, and while their core market has traditionally been the US and Canada, an increasing number of travellers from Australia and New Zealand are also choosing Viking to explore the waterways of Europe, Asia and even the Mississippi.

Viking has created a style of ship and river cruising that simply works, and has replicated it consistently across its fleet and destinations. That means you can expect a familiar level of service, ship design and cruise inclusions, no matter where you're exploring.

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

Curious, culturally focused adult travellers seeking destination-rich river cruising, with an emphasis on history, art, food and local culture. Viking cruises are exclusively for guests aged 18 and over.

Do Viking river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Solo travellers can book Viking river cruises, and reduced single supplements are regularly offered on selected voyages and stateroom categories.

How inclusive are Viking's river cruises?

Fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, one shore excursion in every port, WiFi, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, 24-hour specialty coffee, tea and bottled water, port charges and enrichment activities. Onboard gratuities are included for Australian and New Zealand bookings, but not for North American bookings.

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

Additional costs can include optional shore excursions, alcoholic drinks outside meal times, premium beverages, laundry and gratuities for local guides and drivers.

Do Viking include shore excursions?

Yes. One complimentary shore excursion is included in every port of call.

What types of excusions are available?

Each port includes a complimentary guided excursion, with hundreds of optional excursions available across Viking's itineraries for travellers wanting additional cultural, culinary and active experiences.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Onboard activities can include destination lectures, port talks, cultural performances, live regional and classical music, craft and cooking demonstrations, films and a curated library. Many ships also have a walking track and other recreational spaces on the Sun Deck.

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

All staterooms are outside-facing with river views. Accommodation includes Standard Staterooms, French Balcony Staterooms, Veranda Staterooms and spacious Veranda and Explorer Suites, with suites generally offering separate living areas and private verandas.

Recent Viking reviews

River cruise 0
, WA, Australia, Aug 2026
Thank you so much Global Journeys, we had a wonderful time. Water level was a problem but Viking were beyond helpful and handled the situation very well considering it was beyond their control. Will certainly book with Global Journeys again, all in all very happy travellers.
Cruising and bussing from Basel to Paris 0
, SA, Australia, Aug 2026
Although we had some idea that parts of the River Rhine were impassable we ended up only cruising overnight from Basel to Strasbourg. Good hotel to start in Zurich although located a reasonable distance from the interesting parts of town. We were told, only when on board, that we would be mostly on a bus from Strasbourg to Koblenz. Viking did their read more best so that most tours came off. Most of the Mosel cruising was at night time which was a poor arrangement from Viking. Food on the two boats was repeated a couple of times and the staff were much less interested compared to previous Viking cruises. Viking have offered some refunds for future cruises and committed to paying for lunches (although this payment seems to take a long time in arriving). Great hotel in Paris with view of the Eifel Tower. We did not do the Viking tour in Paris and visited the Galeries Layfayette, Sacre Ceour and the Catacombs instead. Viking were excellent in pick up and drop off at both airports.
One of our very best holidays 0
, VIC, Australia, May 2026
After doing several ocean cruises, we did our first river cruise and it will not be the last. We really enjoyed the 15 days on the Danube and Rhine, sailing from Budapest to Amsterdam. Got to know most of the 180 odd passengers on the cruise and they were very friendly, outgoing and supportive. Cruising along the scenic Wachau Valley and the Mid-Rhine read more wine growing area and castles along the rivers were spectacular. The cruise staff took good care of us and obliged to all our requests.
Rhine Getaway 0
, AB, Canada, May 2026
Thank you for assisting us in booking our very first Viking river cruise. We had an amazing time and everything went smoothly.
Rhine/ Danube River Cruise 1
, ON, Canada, May 2026
We thoroughly enjoyed our 1st River Cruise (Viking) booked for us by Ethan. He was extremely prompt, patient and helpful in responding to our (many) questions and brought to our attention, the unexpected vaccine advice for one of the countries we were to visit. Our initial contact with Ethan was calm and encouraging; we were very late in deciding read more to try to go on this trip and he helped make the 'last minute' booking arrangements as stress free as possible. We appreciated his support and would readily contact him in the future.

Viking's most popular trips this month...

15 Day Grand European Tour (Viking)
Grand European Tour

15 Days Amsterdam to Budapest

From
5,581pp
15 Day Grand European Tour (Viking)
Grand European Tour

15 Days Budapest to Amsterdam

From
5,581pp
8 Day Rhine Getaway (Viking)
Rhine Getaway

8 Days Amsterdam to Basel

From
3,131pp
8 Day Romantic Danube (Viking)
Romantic Danube

8 Days Regensburg to Budapest

From
3,131pp
8 Day Chateaux, Rivers & Wine (Viking)
Chateaux, Rivers & Wine

8 Days Bordeaux to Bordeaux

From
4,307pp