Considering a Tauck river cruise
#1
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Considering a Tauck river cruise
For my husband's 80th birthday next year, we are considering a 24 day Tauck river cruise, Amsterdam to Bucharest (or vv). We like a ship with fewest number of passengers. SilverSeas was good for us years ago except for seasickness. We want to meet sophisticated, well educated and well traveled fellow passengers. From what I've read Tauck delivers the best informational talks and best shore events. Viking has a similar itinerary for about $3000 less. But from readers comments, if the trip goes smoothy, most passengers are pleased. If the trip runs into difficulty, Viking does not handle the unexpected (low water, etc) well at all and most passengers were unhappy. On the other hand, Tauck made good provisions for emergency itinerary changes and passengers felt well cared for.
So do we bite the bullet and go for Tauck? If so, should we take the early May cruise to avoid sumer crowds? Is it preferable to cruise east to west or west to east?
Thank you veteran cruise hands.
So do we bite the bullet and go for Tauck? If so, should we take the early May cruise to avoid sumer crowds? Is it preferable to cruise east to west or west to east?
Thank you veteran cruise hands.
#2
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So do we bite the bullet and go for Tauck? Simply put, YES. Tauck offers everything you are seeking and they are head and shoulders above the competition. FYI - A large percentage of their clients are repeat guests with many of them having taken between 10 and 20 Tauck tours. We met one couple who were on their 36th different tour with Tauck. We've recommended Tauck to a great many of our friends and all have had wonderful experiences.
If so, should we take the early May cruise to avoid sumer crowds? That's purely a personal decision. We did one River Cruise in July and one in September both were very enjoyable.
Is it preferable to cruise east to west or west to east? It doesn't make any difference. Pick the direction that works best for your particular schedule.
If so, should we take the early May cruise to avoid sumer crowds? That's purely a personal decision. We did one River Cruise in July and one in September both were very enjoyable.
Is it preferable to cruise east to west or west to east? It doesn't make any difference. Pick the direction that works best for your particular schedule.
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Tauck is simply the best all around. I've taken a Paris/Provence River cruise and a land tour of Spain with them. Both were exemplary in every way from five star hotels, to staffing of superior directors and guides to the highest caliber daily tours and activities. Compared to many other River cruise and land tour companies I've traveled with, there's no comparison. However, it does come down to cost. They are pricey, but you get your money's worth and more, IMHO.
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Keep in mind that a May cruise has greater opportunity for high water with more difficulty getting under bridges. I personally would not opt for a spring cruise. We had friends in mid May this past year that were trapped between two bridges and could not go anywhere.