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Old 02-19-2016, 10:37 AM
Carla B Carla B is offline
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We have experience on both Tauck and GC. We took a Tauck cruise up the Rhine and Mosel. It was fabulous. Like another poster said, there's no need to open your purse again once you've paid for the trip. They arrange special events such as dinners and concerts in venues closed to the public. Our lunch in Luxembourg City was on Tauck - they gave each of us 20 Euros in cash. They even paid for the restroom stops.

Last summer we traveled on Grand Circle's Prague/Danube cruise. There are differences: GC accommodations are less luxurious, although still very comfortable; however, the public areas like the lounge and dining rooms are comparable. There are many optional excursions for which you pay on board, if you wish to take them. For instance, in Prague, GC sold a visit to the Prague Castle area. Instead we took the metro and saved many $$. We did take their optional day trip to Salzburg, well worth it.

The food on both GC and Tauck was wonderful. The complimentary wines on Tauck great, not so on GC. The crew and staff on both lines were very good, but I'd give the nod to GC for their cruise leaders, all very competent and knowledgeable about the countries in which they travel. GC also started including tips to local guides instead of making the passengers tip each guide.

For a satisfying and rewarding experience, I wouldn't hesitate to go with either line again. It's just how much you feel you want to spend.