European River Cruises

[Pizzalady]

Anyone gone on a Tauck cruise?

[RedChariot]

Yes we just went on the Tauck ms Sapphire. We cruised the Seine River. Trip started in Versailles, on to Paris, Normandy, the French countryside and eventually ended in London. Extended trip in the beginning and end. 91 people were on the boat. Personal service. Everything top shelf. You won't be sorry.

[capecoralbill]

How does Tauck compare to Grand Circle Cruise Line, Avalon Waterways, and Viking Compare, anyone tried all three? I'm looking for a good price and decent quality, but do not have a large budget. Thanks, Bill

[Pizzalady]

Yes we just went on the Tauck ms Sapphire. We cruised the Seine River. Trip started in Versailles, on to Paris, Normandy, the French countryside and eventually ended in London. Extended trip in the beginning and end. 91 people were on the boat. Personal service. Everything top shelf. You won't be sorry.

Thanks Red Chariot. Was hoping to hear a good review. I want to take the Blue Danube trip.

[Pizzalady]

How does Tauck compare to Grand Circle Cruise Line, Avalon Waterways, and Viking Compare, anyone tried all three? I'm looking for a good price and decent quality, but do not have a large budget. Thanks, Bill

I researched Avalon and Viking. Do not know anything about Grand Circle. The itinerary for Tauck was exactly what I had in mind. I think they are more expensive as no deals seem to available unlike the other lines.

[WOODDA]

We went on the Danube with Tauck, it was incredible no other river cruise compares, do not expect to spend another dime, no tips, top shelf drinks any time, snacks at request, mini bar in room free, everyday several excursions to choose from, we went to a town far enough away we could not get back to ship for lunch, so they pass out 20 Euro bill per person to buy our on lunch.

[Pizzalady]

We went on the Danube with Tauck, it was incredible no other river cruise compares, do not expect to spend another dime, no tips, top shelf drinks any time, snacks at request, mini bar in room free, everyday several excursions to choose from, we went to a town far enough away we could not get back to ship for lunch, so they pass out 20 Euro bill per person to buy our on lunch.

WOW! Sounds like you had a great time! Any excursion REALLY stand out? Thank you for the info you have given me! I can't wait until I can start planning!

[Carla B]

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.

[784caroline]

Another river cruise company to consider is AMA Waterways. Its an American run company that offers top service food and wines. Senic and Tauck all offer great products but you pay a premium price.....in that price includes all the liquor you want or need for the cruise. Do you (or your spouse) really want to pay for all that extra liquor you will not drink every single day.???

You will get the same quality and service with AMA, practically everything was included except liquor and One excursion. Beer and wines were provided for lunch and dinner and the wines were of very good quality...ie French burgundy red. Even though all river cruises advertised all wine included with lunch and dinner believe me NOT ALL WINES ARE CREATED EQUALLY.

Berlitz last summer published a rating of river cruise ships and companies and AMA came out as one of the top affordable river cruise companies. We thoroughly enjoyed not only our cruise from Paris to Prague, but everything in between including personalized pick up at Paris and delivery in Prague in a limo (not having to wait for a big bus to fill up), and first class hotels that were centrally situated with easy access to metros and eating establishments.

[Pizzalady]

Thanks for the AMA info. Will have to check itineraries. Obviously lot more to consider.

[chachacha]

sent you a private message....whatever you choose i hope you have a great trip!

[REDCART]

Can anyone comment about cell phone service on a European river cruise. We believe all of the ships now have wi-fi. Does that mean your IPhone should work, or do you have to buy additional service from your cell phone carrier?

[Markam]

Can anyone comment about cell phone service on a European river cruise. We believe all of the ships now have wi-fi. Does that mean your IPhone should work, or do you have to buy additional service from your cell phone carrier?

As long has you have wifi service, you can use Skype of Viber without having to change your cell phone service. Personally, I have an OOMA and the voip service with it is seamless.

[Markam]

Another vote for AMA. We took one of theirs in France last fall and are taking another to Portugal in a few weeks.

They market primarily thru travel agents and not via mail, like Viking.

[Pizzalady]

Thanks for the input! Still comparing itineraries.