Ozjohnno

On the train trip from Paris to Lyon, do I assume correctly that you must take your luggage with you on the train? I'm thinking we'll want to limit our luggage to be able to handle this as easily as possible. Did it seem safe to leave luggage in the storage space at the end of your section of the train?

When we did a similar trip with Tauck they sent our luggage including carry-ons if you wished on to Lyon by truck and all we carried on board the train was a small bag for the pair of us. I would assume that most cruise companies would do a similar thing but perhaps you should contact them to get all the facts.

Our last two cruises have been all-inclusive, on Regent Seven Seas and Uniworld. We did wonder if included tips would affect the attitude of the crew and especially the guides in port. On both cruises, on lines that pride themselves (justifiably) on service, we experienced a uniformly high quality of sevice. We did tip our cabin attendants a little at the end of each trip but there was certainly no pressure to do so. We don't mind a charge for the optional special tours. The included tours offered enough choice that we so far have taken only one optional tour. Previously, it seemed we were among the few pax who tipped guides and drivers in port, and at first it seemed strange not to do so, but we got used to it quickly! It was nice not to have to try to have local currency available for the tips.

So what you're saying is that Uniworld is not really all-inclusive but it was all-inclusive enough for you?

I've traveled all-inclusive with Tauck and it was everything I wanted it to be.

In Australia we have consumer laws that prohibit companies claiming something then not delivering. In a case recently on these boards where a company claimed an all-inclusive cruise but then had optional tours that could be purchased could not be advertised down here as all-inclusive as it would breach the Act. In a company forum a very well respected company told us that "they were mainly inclusive". To me that's like being just a bit pregnant.

I like the all-inclusive concept because it eliminates "tipping" (it's included in the price) because "tipping" is totally foreign to me and I never want to embarrass myself or my Country by tipping incorrectly. I like it that Scylla staff are doing all that fine work because that's the way they're trained and not because they expect a tip. It's been our custom to give staff a small Australian token of either a small Koala or an Australian animal pin. I have many photos of the genuine smiles.

I like the fact that except for Laundry costs I don't have to put my hand in my pocket at cruise end to pay for "optional extras". If my wife and I feel like a pre-dinner drink we can order what we like. There is no optional Top Shelf items in a Tauck Bar. I was impressed that the wines served on my cruise was very good quality from very well recognised vineyards of the area and not a generic cruise company brand and they changed every day. Food and service on-board is very personal and subjective but I appreciated the time taken by Scylla staff to explain the food and wine make-up.

I appreciate the Tauck transfer system that picks you up and delivers you to either the airport, train station or a hotel whether you used Tauck air or not. I like the all-inclusive feature of being given a free night at a five star hotel either before or after the cruise. I like all that Tauck offers but I realise I may be in the minority here.

I've read many posts that do not like all-inclusive costing because it inhibits their freedom to be independent and do their own thing. To have the choice of how much they tip. To arrange their own transfers. Those people correctly believe that all the things I spoke about and more are included in and thus inflating the cruise price. No one should argue against that but in planning my holidays with Tauck I, as many do, research, research and research and I challenge those who do not like all-inclusive to do an honest after cruise costing and you'll be surprised, as my sister was, that the "optional extras" add up and in the end your cruise and mine were not that far apart in the end price.

I have no problem with those who prefer not to take an all-inclusive cruise because all cruises are the "best holidays in the World" irrespective of your favourite cruise line but please remember that as an old retired Australian media guy I will always argue that if some cruises by some companies have "options" then they are not all-inclusive. Down here, I repeat, you can't be a little bit pregnant.

My thanks to the OP for the opportunity to post in what should be an interesting topic. I look forward to the differing opinions.

Rod

HydroKitty....no I still have the brochure and it definitely was with Insight Vacations. The brochure was called Ancient Civilizations and the tour was called "Jewels of the Nile, Lake Nasser & Abu Simbel. We were going to be on 2 ships, one for Lake Nasser and 1 for the Nile if I remember correctly. I am waiting to hear back from our TA about doing it in 2016...it is still waiting to be crossed off my first spot on my bucket list!!!

This is the Insight tour we took in April 2008. We cruised on the Prince Abbas on Lake Nasser - the early morning departure from Abu Simbel was one of the highlights of the trip - and we were on the Miram on the Nile. This was one of the best trips we have taken. Our guide was first class and we were really well looked after. My only gripe with Insight is that they take you to quite a few of their "retail outlets" just a waste of valuable time.

I wish I could help because like you I enjoy some guided tours of art galleries or museums but some can be very boring. BTW by my reckoning if there are optional tours to be purchased then the cruise is not all-inclusive. Who are you cruising with as it seems to me the advertising for this cruise was misleading?

This may or may not throw some light onto why the trip is not all-inclusive. When we toured Egypt in 2008 we were on a very similar package/itinerary with Uniworld's brother company Insight Tours. It may have something to do with the way business is done in Egypt but our tour was sublet to an Egyptian company Star Tours. They supplied all the guides, buses etc. Our head guide was Egyptian. This meant that the home companies, in our case Insight's, usual conditions were not adhered to. We still had a very good time. May I also add that for trip the visit to Abu Simbel was included in the package. If there is a must see in Egypt it is definitely Abu Simbel.

Hope this helps.

That info is for Australian residents only, they are still accepting tourist cards!!

 

As long as the "Overseas" card has a "Chip"....

 

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I'm sorry Nana but if you closely check the legislation you will not find any reference to "Tourist Cards". I truly find it strange that you would expect a foreign nation such as Australia to have separate rules for its residents and foreign tourists.

Believe me! There is no way you'll have an opportunity to sign for any card purchase in Australia. No Pin - no sale.

Just to clarify - APT is not a travel agency but an Australian travel company. They offer both land and cruise holidays to Australians and New Zealanders. I have not seen or read that they are active in other countries. As Shorex correctly stated their river cruises are in partnership with AMA and are a little different as they make the cruise more inclusive for Australians by including gratuities and other perks. I looked into them when we last cruised in southern France but they had just enough things we didn't like for us to cruise with them.

I have noted this previously on these boards and I also realise that very few of you are planning a trip to Australia BUT if you are you should be aware that there is no longer a sign option down here for any Credit Card. All card transactions in Australia for both debit and credit cards are chip and pin. All pins down here are four digit. Just something else to remember when planning your next holiday.

Going to be on the AMASonata starting 12/17 and the Schonbrunn Palace option tour is 39 Euros and that includes the bus to/from the ship and a visit to the Christmas markets.

I must admit your statement surprised me as I thought AMA was one of the all-inclusive lines with no optional extras. Thanks for that. I've learnt something new ..... again.... :)

We did Amsterdam to Budapest in September 2011 with Tauck and had a great time. Tauck too is an all inclusive company with everything but your laundry costs included in the fare. The highlight for us (amongst many I should add) was the 5 course dinner and concert in the Palace Pallivacini in Vienna. There are many companies to choose from and I'm sure you'll really enjoy river cruising.

I'd like to suggest you have a look at the Tauck Bridges Tours that are specifically designed for children traveling with Adults. From what I've read they appear to be the ideal way for children to get a look at a bit of history without being overwhelmed and it seems the tours are designed to be fun for them as well as the adults. You'll find the relevant information on their website and if it appeals to you a brochure could be mailed out or downloaded.

I hope you find the right mix for your family.

I'm a known Tauck fan but to be honest there is very little to differentiate between Scenic, Uniworld and Tauck. Each have there selling points and for me the vast difference in the maximum numbers of people on board play a big role in my choice. When you are on the same size ship you just have to worry where space is taken away to accommodate 45+ extra passengers. That said I'm sure you'll enjoy your cruise whatever line you choose.

:confused:Hi, i booked a Rhine River Cruise with Tauck for next October. I never see any posts about Tauck. Anyone have any experience:confused: with this line, the Rhine cruise or the Inspire?

Thanks.

I have been a supporter and user of Tauck trips for a number of years now. I discovered them in 2010 whilst doing a search for river cruise companies that could be booked in Australia. My philosophy is simple even though there are a number of posters on this board that don't agree with me. I look for an all-inclusive holiday and to me that means absolutely nothing extra to pay after my final payment and that's what Tauck provides. They only have six boats cruising the rivers of Europe all made specifically for them and manned by the Swiss company Scylla. The Inspire is one of their new boats and I've not had the privilege to sail on her but I have no doubt you'll have a great trip. I truly believe that a Tauck cruise is unique in so many ways.

I don't want to write a page on my experiences with Tauck because that would bring out those that consider me a Tauck shill but if you have a specific question please just ask.

Rod

I feel for you and what you didn't get to experience all that was available in what is a beautiful part of France. I've never traveled with Viking and from all that I've read about their management practices these past 5 years I know I never will. When we cruised that area in August/September we realised by the number of different cruise lines doing business on the Rhone/Saone that this area is one of the boom places for river cruising. We were followed on our trip by just about every cruise company and when we were in Viviers I asked our local guide about Viking's absence and he told us they couldn't dock in the town area their new boats are too big and always docked some 20klms upstream and bussed their people into town. I'm glad we got to see this beautiful part of the world, taste its wines and eat its food.

I see Viking have stuck to their old policy of calling vouchers for a future cruise a refund.

This year we did a cruise in Southern France and visited many smaller towns and villages on the Rhone. The itineraries for the various companies may look similar but there are subtle differences. May I suggest you start in this area but I'm sure you'll receive good advice on a number of cruises in other areas that you may also find to your liking.

Rod

I was referring to the Suite Ships and that does include the Panorama that you sailed on. They do not have any cabins that are French balconies and are only 170 SF. Their cabins are as follows:

 

Window cabins = 172 SF

Suites - 300 SF

All others (French Balcony categories A, B, & P) - 200 SF

 

Your reasons for not choosing Tauck are mine also. I cannot justify the higher price when we want to do a lot of our own adventures after a brief included walking tour.

I'm continually amazed that you and others continue to bag Tauck based on false assumptions. After you've paid all your additional costs like your own transfers (when AMA already include them), hire private guides to "do your own thing" etc. Tauck are a fine value for money company that include everything in a price that is very comparable to Scenic, AMA and Uniworld and that's before you go and add on the things you and Caviargal like to do. I would strongly suggest that before you bag a river cruise company you should at least have tried their product.

And if it is not ready, they will hold your luggage for you until it is ready. I never take a nap after a over night trip to Europe although being able to shower and change clothes is wonderful. We usually try to get some exercise, check out the area we are staying in, and find a restaurant for dinner. After an early dinner, we go to bed around 9 or so. That way we are up at a normal time and ready to be on the schedule of the European country we are in.

I think all the answers to your questions can be supplied by the Hotel. Just send them an email and you'll find out easily and quickly. Ask them about early check-in, ask them if they can hold your luggage if the room is not ready, ask them if they have a place you can shower and freshen up. Like the punch line from a famous insurance commercial down here - Simplez!

Email the hotel and let them know that you will be arriving around 10.30am after a long flight and can they please let you know the earliest that you can check in.

 

We did this a month ago, we arrived in Heathrow at 7.30am and by the time we got to our hotel in London our room was ready.

 

It never hurts to ask.

Great advice. We too had an early arrival into Edinburgh before our tour and I had previously emailed the hotel a couple of weeks in advance to advise them of this and when we arrived our room was ready.

I have been on a b2b river cruise on the Rhine and Rhone with Avalon and swore I would never try another because we truly disliked this line. Time has passed and I do want to do the Danube and am now looking at Uniworld and Tauck. I appreciate reading all of the pros and cons of each. One question?? Do either of these cruise lines offer seating just for "two" persons or all they all the same where you must share tables every evening? I thought Tauck may do this but want to make sure prior to making a decision.

Tauck do not have seating for two in their main dining room but they do offer alternate dinning in their Lido Bistro which is at the stern. We and others ate there during our recent cruise and yes you can have a table for two. The Bistro menu is on display at the front desk every morning and as seating in the bistro is limited you have to make a booking. Hope this helps.

Yes, all alcohol (except a top shelf "Diamond" list) is included at all times on Uniworld, and many of the passengers on our cruise took full advantage of that.

 

My husband requested a beer with breakfast the first day (it's a tradition we started the first time we visited Germany), and there was always a glass at his place at breakfast before he was back from the buffet. Sometimes two, if the restaurant manager and the server didn't see each other getting it. So, it doesn't even matter if the bar is open.

Whilst some will see this as irrelevant on Tauck there is no "Top Shelf". From Moet all day, 15 year old single malts to the best of Vodka and Cognac Tauck serves it all. Call me picky but if there is a top shelf that is not included in the price then it's not an all-inclusive price.

We have cruised with Regent and Seabourn and I would certainly compare Tauck very favorably with these two. Actually I felt of the three the food on the Swiss Emerald was the best of the group.

I agree with you whole heartedly about the food on the Swiss Emerald. I was very impressed with the quality and presentation of all meals.

That's rather a mean-spirited reply. For one thing, my posting makes perfectly clear that "luxurious" is not really what we're looking for. I wonder why such gratuitous nastiness.

 

And, yes, I have read numerous times (by people who otherwise like Tauck very much) that land accommodations are often a big disappointment, that they are allotted completely unappealing "standard" rooms in an otherwise lovely hotel.

Sorry if my reply got up your nose but you keep repeating your reports of inferior Tauck rooms but without proof. Show me where these many, many reports are. I've been there as I stated and I think your information is wrong, plainly wrong and I repeat if a hotel room is what you base your cruise holiday expectations on then you're looking at the wrong type of holiday.

Ozjohnno: I had been thinking that Tauck would suit us very well (though I prefer a less homogeneous ship, i.e. one which has cruisers of many nationalities). The thing that I think will keep us from giving Tauck a try are all the reports about inferior accommodations in hotels. (We were thinking of doing a half land/half river tour.) Many, many people report that while Tauck uses quite good hotels, they invariably book one of the lowest category rooms for their guests. Also that it often happens that breakfasts, e.g., are not served in the main, very pleasant dining room, but in some little room off by itself. Quality of accommodations definitely does matter to us. Needn't be "luxurious," but when we travel we book one of the upper category rooms, not the lower.

 

Poss - I have no idea where the many, many come from that report that Tauck reserve the lowest category rooms comes from. Certainly not from what I've read here nor are they inferior. I've just returned from our cruise and the hotel room in the InterContinental le Grand in Paris was of the highest standard. A big room with a large bathroom and great views of Paris. The listed price behind the door for the room was 832 Euros per night. The breakfasts here were first class. At the Fairmont in Monte Carlo even though we were not impressed with the food, hardly Tauck's fault, we were impressed with our room. Again a big room with an outdoor patio that was beside a garden, hardly not low category. Some even had views of the harbour.

If your convinced that no room Tauck books for you will be luxurious enough for you then perhaps river cruising is not for you.

There were no tables for 2 in the main dining room on our Tauck cruise but you can dine in their Bistro and have an intimate dinner for two.