TAUCK: Update on Flooding in Central Europe

As you are aware, high river levels have persisted in Central Europe, forcing unforeseen changes and challenges to our river cruises and land tours. We continue to monitor information from the affected areas and will provide updates as we get new information. We are committed to delivering the best travel experience possible, and as always, our guests’ security, safety and enjoyment are our utmost concerns.

Due to the unprecedented flooding throughout areas of Central Europe, we have decided to make the following necessary itinerary changes.

Unless otherwise notified, guests scheduled on June departures in Central Europe should assume that their journeys will be departing. If there is a need to alter or cancel any journeys, guests will be notified by Tauck’s Guest Relations Team via a personal call as soon as we are aware of changes.

Sincerely,

The Tauck Team

River Cruising Update

The following 2013 departures have been canceled:

• May 30 – The Blue Danube
  
• June 6 – The Blue Danube
  
• June 2 – Grand European Cruise
  
• June 2 – Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat
   
  
• June 14 – Budapest to the Black Sea – The surge of the Danube river is currently in Bratislava and is expected to pass Budapest Tuesday-Wednesday. The impact of the surge as it heads from Budapest to the Black Sea is unknown at this time, so the departure was canceled.
  

River Cruises operating with modifications:

June 7 – Rhine and Moselle – Our vessel, ms Swiss Jewel, is currently in Mannheim, several hours away. As a result, we will not be able to embark the ship as originally scheduled. Our first two nights will be spent at Swissôtel Le Plaza Basel; our welcome dinner will be held at a local restaurant the first evening. Day 2, we will be sightseeing in Basel and Lucerne as originally scheduled. Day 3, we plan to travel to Strasbourg for sightseeing and lunch and plan to embark ms Swiss Jewel in the evening.

For the latest updates from Tauck please visit www.tauck.com or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/taucktravel

Thanks for the update.

Terri

As high river levels have persisted in Central Europe, they have forced unforeseen changes and challenges to our river cruises and land tours. We continue to monitor information from our operations team and travel partners in the affected areas and will provide updates as we get new information.

We are committed to delivering the best travel experience possible, and as always, our guests’ security, safety and enjoyment are our top concerns.

Due to the unprecedented flooding throughout areas of Central Europe, we have decided to make the following necessary itinerary changes.

Sincerely,

The Tauck Team

River Cruise Update:

Blue Danube – June 13: This departure is operating as planned. The tour starts in Prague, which according our local partners has not been impacted in the areas we visit (Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague’s Old Town, and Hradcany). Other major sites we visit in Regensburg, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest were minimally affected. There are reports of some damage in Passau, Salzburg, Cesky Krumlov and Wachau Valley, but we believe can safely operate the departure and deliver the Tauck experience.

Rhine and Moselle – June 7: Our vessel, ms Swiss Jewel, was forced to stay in Mannheim, several hours away. As a result, we were not able to embark the ship as originally scheduled for the first night; guests will spend the night at Swissôtel Le Plaza Basel. As of earlier today, ms Swiss Jewel is now en route to Basel and we are hoping to resume our normal schedule.

We have cancelled following 2013 departures:

May 30 The Blue Danube-Eastbound

June 6 The Blue Danube- Westbound

June 2 Grand European Cruise- Southbound

June 2 Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat - Southbound

June 14 Budapest to the Black Sea-Eastbound*

*As the surge of the Danube River is expected to pass Budapest Monday or Tuesday, and the impact of the surge as it heads from Budapest to the Black Sea is unknown at this time, we have cancelled this departure.

Land Journey Update

Ultimate Alps and Dolomites – June 13, 20, 27

· No sightseeing modifications at this time

Romantic Germany – June 1, 15, 29

· No sightseeing modifications at this time

Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague – June 8

· Minor sightseeing modification at this time – guests could not walk on the Charles Bridge

Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague – Jewish Heritage Journey

· June 12 – Visit to Theresienstadt on Day 12 has been canceled, roads are flooded, and museums are closed. We have arranged an architectural tour of Prague and lunch in local restaurant.

· June 26 – Visit to Theresienstadt is pending further updates. Currently there is a 50% chance of operating as scheduled.

Imperial Europe: Budapest, Vienna and Prague – June 9, 19, 30

· Possible sightseeing modifications in CeskyKrumlov. We are in contact with our suppliers in the area and are will update.

Alpine Adventure – June 16

· No sightseeing modifications at this time

With all due respect to your people on the ground in Europe, I find it hard to believe that there is only minimal impact in a place like Passau where they have had record floods and it has left a "metre of Mud"(as per GMT who lives in Passau) which in American measures is 3.28 feet and more rain expected for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

They expect the Danube to crest in Bratislava and Budapest on Sunday and Monday respectively and I find it had to imagine that this tour will really deliver a product that Tauck that considers "a Tauck experience".

I know your people are working hard around the clock but I really think they need to take another look at the June 13 departure.

Do you want happy cruisers or do you want the added expense of sending them home because you cannot complete the tour?

Maybe you need to read some of the other threads on this board.

With all due respect.

Terri

With all due respect to your people on the ground in Europe, I find it hard to believe that there is only minimal impact in a place like Passau where they have had record floods and it has left a "metre of Mud"(as per GMT who lives in Passau) which in American measures is 3.28 feet and more rain expected for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

They expect the Danube to crest in Bratislava and Budapest on Sunday and Monday respectively and I find it had to imagine that this tour will really deliver a product that Tauck that considers "a Tauck experience".

I know your people are working hard around the clock but I really think they need to take another look at the June 13 departure.

Do you want happy cruisers or do you want the added expense of sending them home because you cannot complete the tour?

Maybe you need to read some of the other threads on this board.

With all due respect.

Terri

Hi Terri,

We have a dedicated team that carefully monitors these situations and that while we too follow the many sources of media we rely on our experienced onsite staff members and suppliers to provide us with the status of the areas our tours visit. Preserving the guest experience is of our utmost importance and that in our decision making we want to ensure we do not compromise that experience.

Sincerely,

The Tauck Team

June 9 update:

No new updates to our previous Central Europe river cruise and land tour updates. We continue to monitor information from the affected areas and will update this information if necessary.

Rhine and Moselle – June 7 departure: Our vessel, ms Swiss Jewel, arrived in Basel this morning and our guests have embarked the ship. We are sailing towards Strasbourg as scheduled, and this itinerary is currently operating as planned. We continue to closely monitor the water levels, on both the Rhine and Moselle.

As you are aware, high river levels have persisted in Central Europe, forcing unforeseen changes and challenges to our river cruises and land tours. We continue to monitor information from the affected areas and will provide updates as we get new information. We are committed to delivering the best travel experience possible, and as always, our guests’ security, safety and enjoyment are our utmost concerns.

Due to the unprecedented flooding throughout areas of Central Europe, we have decided to make the following necessary itinerary changes.

Unless otherwise notified, guests scheduled on June departures in Central Europe should assume that their journeys will be departing. If there is a need to alter or cancel any journeys, guests will be notified by Tauck’s Guest Relations Team via a personal call as soon as we are aware of changes.

River Cruising Update

The Blue Danube – June 13: This departure is operating as planned. The tour starts in Prague, which according our local partners has not been impacted in the areas we visit (Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague’s Old Town, and Hradcany). Other major sites we visit in Regensburg, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest were minimally affected. There are reports of some damage in Passau, Salzburg, Cesky Krumlov and the Wachau Valley, but we believe we can safely operate the departure and deliver the Tauck experience.

The following 2013 departures have been canceled:

• May 30 – The Blue Danube
  
• June 6 – The Blue Danube
  
• June 2 – Grand European Cruise
  
• June 2 – Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat
  
• June 14 – Budapest to the Black Sea – As the surge of the Danube River is expected to pass Budapest Monday or Tuesday, and the impact of the surge as it heads from Budapest to the Black Sea is unknown at this time, we have cancelled this departure.
  

Land Journey Update

June 13, 20, 27 – Ultimate Alps and Dolomites – No sightseeing modifications at this time

June 1, 15, 29 – Romantic Germany – No sightseeing modifications at this time

June 8 – Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague –Minor sightseeing modification at this time – guests could not walk on the Charles Bridge

June 9, 19, 30 – Imperial Europe: Budapest, , Vienna and Prague – Possible sightseeing modifications in Cesky Krumlov. We are in contact with our suppliers in the area and are waiting for an update.

June 16 – Alpine Adventure – No sightseeing modifications at this time

Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague – Jewish Heritage Journey:

June 12 – Visit to Theresienstadt on Day 12 has been canceled, roads are flooded, and museums are closed. We have arranged an architectural tour of Prague and lunch in local restaurant.

June 26 – Visit to Theresienstadt is pending further updates. Currently there is a 50% chance of operating as scheduled.

Travel Alert: Flooding in Europe

June 12 update:

High water levels continue to impact the rivers of Central Europe, forcing unforeseen changes and challenges to our river cruises and land tours. We continue to monitor information from the affected areas and are providing updates as conditions evolve. We are committed to delivering the best travel experience possible, and as always, our guests’ security, safety and enjoyment are our utmost concerns.

PLEASE NOTE:

· As you would expect, on-hold times for incoming calls are currently longer than normal, due to a higher volume of incoming calls and to the number of outgoing calls being made to guests traveling on impacted departures.

· To obtain the latest information in the most efficient manner possible, and to avoid experiencing frustration with extended on-hold times, we kindly suggest that you monitor this page for the most current updates.

· If you are scheduled to travel with Tauck and there is a need to alter or cancel your journey, you will be notified by Tauck’s Guest Relations Team via a personal call as soon as we are aware of changes.

· Unless otherwise notified, guests scheduled on June departures in Central Europe should assume that their journeys will be departing.

Impacted River Cruises:

UPDATED: Rhine and Moselle – June 7: High water levels on the Moselle River have prompted us to eliminate our scheduled sailing days along the river (Days 7-9). All regularly included sightseeing on Days 7-9 will still be offered, however, via daily motorcoach transport.

UPDATED: The Blue Danube – June 13: This itinerary begins in Prague, which according to our local partners, has not been impacted in the areas we visit (Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague’s Old Town, and Hradcany). At present, the most significant impact to this departure is the planned elimination of sightseeing in Passau as a result of flooding there. We continue to monitor conditions in Passau, and we stand ready to reinstate sightseeing there if possible. (We are also currently in the process of determining alternate sightseeing for the time normally spent in Passau.) Other major sites we visit in Regensburg, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest were only minimally affected. There are reports of some damage in Salzburg, Cesky Krumlov and the Wachau Valley, but impacts to the overall guest experience are anticipated to be minimal to modest.

The following 2013 departures have been canceled:

• May 30 – The Blue Danube
  
• June 6 – The Blue Danube
  
• June 2 – Grand European Cruise
  
• June 2 – Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat
  
• June 14 – Budapest to the Black Sea – As the surge of the Danube River is expected to pass Budapest Monday or Tuesday, and the impact of the surge as it heads from Budapest to the Black Sea is unknown at this time, we have cancelled this departure.
  

Impacted Land Journeys (no new updates as of 6/12)

June 13, 20, 27 – Ultimate Alps and Dolomites – No sightseeing modifications at this time

June 15, 29 – Romantic Germany – No sightseeing modifications at this time

June 8 – Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague –Minor sightseeing modification at this time – guests could not walk on the Charles Bridge

June 9, 19, 30 – Imperial Europe: Budapest, , Vienna and Prague – Possible sightseeing modifications in Cesky Krumlov. We are in contact with our suppliers in the area and are waiting for an update.

June 16 – Alpine Adventure – No sightseeing modifications at this time

Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague – Jewish Heritage Journey:

June 12 – Visit to Theresienstadt on Day 12 has been canceled, roads are flooded, and museums are closed. We have arranged an architectural tour of Prague and lunch in local restaurant.

June 26 – Visit to Theresienstadt is pending further updates. Currently there is a 50% chance of operating as scheduled.

Thank you for these updates.

Keith

TRAVEL ALERT UPDATE: FLOODING IN EUROPE

June 15 Update:

High water levels continue to impact the rivers of Central Europe, forcing unforeseen changes and challenges to our river cruises and land tours. We continue to monitor information from the affected areas and are providing updates as conditions evolve. We are committed to delivering the best travel experience possible, and as always, our guests’ security, safety and enjoyment are our utmost concerns.

PLEASE NOTE:

As you would expect, on-hold times for incoming calls are currently longer than normal, due to a higher volume of incoming calls and to the number of outgoing calls being made to guests traveling on impacted departures.

To obtain the latest information in the most efficient manner possible, and to avoid experiencing frustration with extended on-hold times, we kindly suggest that you monitor this page for the most current updates.

If you are scheduled to travel with Tauck and there is a need to alter or cancel your journey, you will be notified by Tauck’s Guest Relations Team via a personal call as soon as we are aware of changes.

Unless otherwise notified, guests scheduled on June departures in Central Europe should assume that their journeys will be departing.

Impacted River Cruises:

Rhine and Moselle – June 7: High water levels on the Moselle River have prompted us to eliminate our scheduled sailing days along the river (Days 7-9). All regularly included sightseeing on Days 7-9 will still be offered, however, via daily motorcoach transport.

The Blue Danube – June 13: This itinerary begins in Prague, which according to our local partners, has not been impacted in the areas we visit (Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague’s Old Town, and Hradcany). At present, the most significant impact to this departure is the planned elimination of sightseeing in Passau as a result of flooding there. We continue to monitor conditions in Passau, and we stand ready to reinstate sightseeing there if possible. (We are also currently in the process of determining alternate sightseeing for the time normally spent in Passau.) Other major sites we visit in Regensburg, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest were only minimally affected. There are reports of some damage in Salzburg, Cesky Krumlov and the Wachau Valley, but impacts to the overall guest experience are anticipated to be minimal to modest.

The following 2013 departures have been canceled:

May 30 – The Blue Danube

June 6 – The Blue Danube

June 2 – Grand European Cruise

June 2 – Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat

June 14 – Budapest to the Black Sea – As the surge of the Danube River is expected to pass Budapest Monday or Tuesday, and the impact of the surge as it heads from Budapest to the Black Sea is unknown at this time, we have cancelled this departure.

Land Journey Update

June 13, 20, 27 – Ultimate Alps and Dolomites – No sightseeing modifications at this time

June 1, 15, 29 – Romantic Germany – No sightseeing modifications at this time

June 8 – Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague – Minor sightseeing modification at this time – guests could not walk on the Charles Bridge

June 9, 19, 30 – Imperial Europe: Budapest, Vienna and Prague – Possible sightseeing modifications in Cesky Krumlov. We are in contact with our suppliers in the area and are waiting for an update.

June 16 – Alpine Adventure – No sightseeing modifications at this time

Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague – Jewish Heritage Journey:

June 12 – Visit to Theresienstadt on Day 12 has been canceled, roads are flooded, and museums are closed. We have arranged an architectural tour of Prague and lunch in local restaurant.

June 26 – Visit to Theresienstadt is pending further updates. Currently there is a 50% chance of operating as scheduled.

WE appreciate TAUCK posting here and keeping everyone up to date on the status of their cruises.

Terri

Travel Alert: Flooding in Europe

Update for June 19:

Water levels are decreasing in many areas of Central Europe subjected to recent flooding, although localized impacts to our river cruises and land tours remain. We continue to monitor affected areas and are providing updates as conditions evolve and new information becomes available to us. We are committed to delivering the best travel experience possible, and as always, our guests’ security, safety and enjoyment are our utmost concerns.

PLEASE NOTE:

• As you would expect, on-hold times for incoming calls are currently longer than normal, due to a higher volume of incoming calls and to the number of outgoing calls being made to guests traveling on impacted departures.
  
• To obtain the latest information in the most efficient manner possible, and to avoid experiencing frustration with extended on-hold times, we kindly suggest that you monitor this page for the most current updates.
  
• If you are scheduled to travel with Tauck and there is a need to alter or cancel your journey, you will be notified by Tauck’s Guest Relations Team via a personal call as soon as we are aware of changes.
  
• Unless otherwise notified, guests scheduled on June departures in Central Europe should assume that their journeys will be departing.
  

Impacted River Cruises:

NEW: The Black Sea to Budapest – June 21: High water levels continue to make their way toward the lower reaches of the Danube, preventing us from offering our guests a cruise experience there that meets Tauck’s standards. As a result, and after continued and careful analysis of conditions in the region, we have decided to cancel this departure. We are in the process of contacting impacted guests.

The Blue Danube – June 13: This itinerary is operating with changes to sailing times/duration, with added motorcoaching; most sightseeing preserved. Guests are being kept informed of all changes by our riverboat staff.

Rhine and Moselle – June 7: High water levels on the Moselle River prompted us to eliminate our scheduled sailing days along the river (Days 7-9). All regularly included sightseeing on Days 7-9 was still offered, however, via daily motorcoach transport.

The following 2013 departures were canceled:

• June 14 – Budapest to the Black Sea
  
• June 6 – The Blue Danube
  
• June 2 – Grand European Cruise
  
• June 2 – Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat
  
• May 30 – The Blue Danube
  

Land Journey Update

June 13, 20, 27 – Ultimate Alps and Dolomites – No sightseeing modifications at this time

June 1, 15, 29 – Romantic Germany – No sightseeing modifications at this time

June 8 – Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague –Minor sightseeing modification at this time – guests could not walk on the Charles Bridge

June 9, 19, 30 – Imperial Europe: Budapest, Vienna and Prague – Possible sightseeing modifications in Cesky Krumlov. We are in contact with our suppliers in the area and are waiting for an update.

June 16 – Alpine Adventure – No sightseeing modifications at this time

Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague – Jewish Heritage Journey:

June 12 – Visit to Theresienstadt on Day 12 has been canceled, roads are flooded, and museums are closed. We have arranged an architectural tour of Prague and lunch in local restaurant.

June 26 – Operating as advertised.

Thanks for the update. According to sources on another thread, the Altenworth Locks will not reopen until 28 June.

Terri

Live Q&A Update on Tauck River Cruising - High water issues - facebook.com/taucktravel 2:00 - 2:30pm EST tomorrow (6/20). Join the live chat, ask questions, and hear the latest from the Tauck River Cruise Experts.

Live Q&A Update on Tauck River Cruising - High water issues - facebook.com/taucktravel 2:00 - 2:30pm EST tomorrow (6/20). Join the live chat, ask questions, and hear the latest from the Tauck River Cruise Experts.

This is great. I'm looking forward to joining the chat session. Thank you.

Terri

Travel Advisory: Danube River

Update for June 26:

Water levels have decreased in many areas of Central Europe that were subjected to recent flooding. However, the Altenwörth lock on the Danube River between Krems and Vienna remains closed due to damage sustained during the flooding. Earlier estimates from local authorities that the lock would reopen to traffic this week have proven to be inaccurate, and authorities currently estimate that the lock will now reopen on June 28th.

PLEASE NOTE:

As you would expect, on-hold times for incoming calls are currently longer than normal, due to a higher volume of incoming calls and to the number of outgoing calls being made to guests traveling on impacted departures.

To obtain the latest information in the most efficient manner possible, and to avoid experiencing frustration with extended on-hold times, we kindly suggest that you monitor this page for the most current updates.

If you are scheduled to travel with Tauck and there is a need to alter or cancel your journey, you will be notified by Tauck’s Guest Relations Team via a personal call as soon as we are aware of changes.

Unless otherwise notified, guests scheduled on June departures in Central Europe should assume that their journeys will be departing.

Impacted River Cruises:

Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure – June 22: The ongoing closure of the Altenwörth lock will prevent the ms Swiss Sapphire from arriving in Budapest for guest embarkation on June 22nd as planned. Guests will instead spend the night of June 22nd at the Budapest Marriott International hotel, and the two subsequent nights at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Vienna. Sightseeing for Days 1-3 will be accomplished via motorcoach, and only minimal impacts are anticipated. Guests will board the ms Swiss Sapphire on Day 4 and the remainder of the itinerary is expected to proceed normally.

Amsterdam to Budapest – June 19: It remains unclear whether the ongoing closure of the Altenwörth lock will impact this departure. The riverboat sailing on this departure, the ms Swiss Jewel, is scheduled to pass through the area on June 29, the day after the estimated reopening of the lock. If the lock reopens, and if traffic through the lock allows, there should be zero to minimal impact. If the lock does not reopen as planned, or if traffic through the lock causes significant delays, some or all of the final three days’ sightseeing may be motorcoach-based with associated hotel stays.

The Blue Danube – June 13: This itinerary is operating with changes to sailing times/duration, with added motorcoaching; most sightseeing preserved. Guests are being kept informed of all changes by our riverboat staff.

Rhine and Moselle – June 7: High water levels on the Moselle River prompted us to eliminate our scheduled sailing days along the river (Days 7-9). All regularly included sightseeing on Days 7-9 was still offered, however, via daily motorcoach transport.

The following 2013 departures were canceled:

June 21 – The Black Sea to Budapest

June 14 – Budapest to the Black Sea

June 6 – The Blue Danube

June 2 – Grand European Cruise

June 2 – Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat

May 30 – The Blue Danube

Thanks for the update. I am sorry not to see any information regarding July cruises, especially July 3 from Budapest to Amsterdam and the July 5 Blue Danube. Any updates on these?

Terri

Water levels have decreased across areas of Central Europe that were subjected to recent flooding. The Altenwörth lock on the Danube River between Krems and Vienna reopened early this morning local time, and we anticipate that all current and upcoming Tauck river cruises will operate normally.

Water levels have decreased across areas of Central Europe that were subjected to recent flooding. The Altenwörth lock on the Danube River between Krems and Vienna reopened early this morning local time, and we anticipate that all current and upcoming Tauck river cruises will operate normally.

Great news! Thanks for the update!