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Are you seeking the BEST overall river cruise line and a remarkable destination experience?
lf so, a luxurious Tauck River Cruise should be your choice! A Tauck river cruise is an extraordinary vacation alternative for those seeking a truly luxurious, all-inclusive river cruise. What "all-inclusive" means is that once aboard a Tauck river cruise ship, you'll pay for absolutely nothing — that's right, nothing, not even port taxes! That also means even Tauck's remarkablle, in-depth sightseeing, all gourmet meals, all alcoholic beverages, and even tipping (on board and ashore) is included in your price. Those are only a few of the many reasons why Tauck is well worth the relatively small difference you may spend for an exceptional Tauck luxury river cruise compared to other river cruise lines. We guarantee that when you get home, you'll say, "our Tauck river cruise was an outstanding experience and well worth what we spent... and more!"
Tauck is the perfect choice for those who enjoy the type of warm, personalized service that one experiences at some of the world's finest luxury resorts such as Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental or Rock Resorts, and is comparable to what one would enjoy aboard ocean cruise lines such as Silversea or Regent, except there are only 116-130 other pampered guests onboard.
While some may consider a Tauck European river cruise a bit on the pricey side, we’re confident that if Tauck fits your lifestyle and needs, you most certainly will return home understanding why the Tauck experience is such a unique and rewarding vacation... and most certainly not over-priced. By the way, the BEST way to be sure that Tauck is right for you is to speak with one of our experienced river cruise experts. They know Tauck and can provide you with first hand knowledge about Tauck to ensure that this is a perfect fit for you,your lifestyle, and the goals you've set for the river cruise.
Before we get further into the discussion of what sets Tauck apart from other river cruise lines, let's clarify one critical element about Tauck. We use the word luxury many times in conjunction with a Tauck river cruise. While the overall experience is luxurious in so many ways, one thing it is not is stuffy! The crew is warm and very attentive to your needs as are the shore excursion personnel and Tauck's three highly experienced cruise directors, but you will never feel like Tauck is "stuffy." In fact, one of the more common comments we get from returning guests is about one of the three cruise directors (most other ships have only 1) and how they have stayed in touch with them after the cruise.
In 2014, Tauck launched two new, ultra-luxurious Inspiration Class river cruise ships — the breathaking ms Inspire and ms Savor. Both vessels each accommodate 130 guests. These spectacular ships sail the Danube and Rhine, offering lucky guests even more balcony and suite choices than ever before. In 2015, Tauck launched one more luxury river ship — the Esprit — which is an exact copy of the Savor and Inspire. Demand for new river ships, especially Tauck's is incredibly strong and these newest ships sell out almost a year or more in advance. In reality, ALL of their ships sell out quickly so it is very important that you book at least 9 months in advance if you want a chance to sail aboard your favorite ship and itinerary.
These three ships have a truly revolutionary new stateroom design called "Loft Staterooms." There are only 8 on each ship, and they are on the lower passenger deck where traditionally the cabins only had one or two small windows to accommodate their proximity to the river. With Tauck's new "loft" design, they have opened up an entirely new meaning to luxury staterooms. Loft staterooms measure from 190 to 225sf in size and offer guests a most unusual loft area with table and chairs for your added viewing pleasure, the loft cabins are truly almost like a mini-suite. Unlike any other river ships, these "Loft" staterooms have floor to ceiling windows that are the full width of the stateroom. And, unlike ANY other river ship, the top level of windows in the loft staterooms actually open. We must say, they are incredible and a really nice alternative to a traditional French balcony, especially in the cooler weather months. Click HERE to see the Inspiration Class photo gallery that has a picture and floorplan of the new loft stateroom.
Are you a "Solo" Traveler?
If you are, you'll find comfort in knowing that in addition to everything being included on a Tauck cruise, there's absolutely NEVER a single supplement charge... NEVER! That's because Tauck recognizes the needs of 'solo' travelers and has set aside a number of riverview Category 1 staterooms just for solo travelers on ALL of its European river cruises. While many river cruise lines prefer not to take solo travelers, Tauck encourages you to sail with them (As an example: currently, all-inclusive prices for solo travelers can be as low as $2590 for one of the Holiday Market cruises). To find out more about why Tauck is so perfect for the 'solo' traveler, give one of our solo river cruise experts a call now! If it's your first river cruise, there's a lot to consider and our experts will work with you to ensure a perfect and hassle-free river cruise.
Click HERE to continue reading the article below.
As we mentioned above, if Tauck is in your river cruise future, please plan early as this year is sold out (Don't worry... next year's dates are now available for booking... and booking quickly!). With Tauck, we're extremely confident that your experience will always exceed your expectations. Tauck takes care of every little detail (including a no tipping required policy) and the most extensive and thorough complimentary shore excursion program of any of the major river cruise lines. Imagine: while others go to a music concert in Vienna, you enjoy a private evening concert (including dinner) at a private Viennese palace. Or, while other cruise line passengers scurry back to their ship for lunch, you enjoy lunch in the Roman grottoes of Chateau Neercanne.
We would be remiss if we didn't discuss one more very important factor that further distinguishes Tauck from most other brands — it is Tauck's reputation for leading the way in Family or multi-generational river cruise trips, called Tauck Bridges. While they're currently limited to a few summer departures on the Danube, Rhine, and in France on the Seine, Rhone and Saone, Tauck has mastered this emerging trend on the rivers. If you're thinking about a Family river cruise for a special occasion, or just a really cool way to enjoy Europe as a family, please reach out to our experts so we can tell you more about this remarkable experience.
No matter whether you're an experienced world traveler looking for an extraordinary destination or culinary experience, a timid traveler, or just demand exceptional quality and warm, personalized service, we know that Tauck is for you. They really do take care of all the details and even have a name for it — Tauck describes it as “do-it-for-you service,” we call it a European vacation experience for those who want to be seriously spoiled.
Tauck Tours and thus Tauck River Cruises may be the most well respected
deluxe tour operator in North America and that title is well justified.
The river cruise division of Tauck is a relatively new component of the brand established in 1925 by Arthur Tauck, a true pioneer in the travel industry. Starting with its first ever tour in a rented Studebaker, the 85 years since then have seen Tauck grow to become a world-wide company offering tours and cruises on six continents. Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, Tauck is still a family-run enterprise with the goal of providing exquisitely planned and fully inclusive land journeys and cruises that are life-enriching, inspirational and memorable.
Through partnerships with mainstream and luxury cruise lines, Tauck for many years offered all-inclusive, deluxe cruise packages. That changed in 2006 as Tauck took the plunge and launched its own fleet of deluxe European river cruise boats (they call them boats, not ships). Starting with one custom-designed vessel, Tauck now has six boats, the newest being the ms Savor and Inspire that we spoke about above. The original four Jewel class boats carry only 118 guests — the new Inspiration Class, 130 passengers — and all offer the finest onboard amenities and service available in Europe. (VIEW DECK PLANS: Jewel Class, Inspiration Class) One of our favorites, the ms Treasures cruises the Danube and Rhine Rivers highlighted by a 24-day Grand European Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. Tauck's custom-crafted riverboats represent the state-of-the-art in modern river cruising.
While the Tauck ships are like staying in a five-star deluxe hotel, we feel a more important point of differentiation between Tauck and many other river cruise lines is that Tauck has always focused on what we at Premier call “destination immersion.” Simply stated, they enable guests to truly experience European life through the eyes of the locals — not, per se, as an American tourist. How that translates to you, is that you actually don’t just go to the winery or local bakery… you see the artisans, meet them and then go behind the scenes with a local expert. You don’t just merely sip local wines; you go to the winery, meet with the winemaker and hear the ins and outs of how they make their wine and why their varietal is different from others in the region. As Tauck says, “It’s all about the experience,” and Tauck is guaranteed to create a lifetime of memories. We agree!
Another significant point of distinction between Tauck and many of its competitors is their use of the river cruise industry’s BEST Tour Directors. A Tauck Tour Director is completely knowledgeable about each destination, its history and its culture as well as shipboard life. Guests can relax knowing that they are accompanied by professionals who can be problem solvers, insiders with special insights, or just friends who will help transform a vacation into a memorable journey. More importantly, Tauck is the only river cruise company to include an onboard Tauck Tour Director for every 40 guests on every cruise program and they stay with you for your entire cruise — simply stated, they are more like your “personal concierge” onboard and ashore. In addition to the Directors, Tauck also employs many of the best English-speaking local guides for each destination you visit.
Tauck’s fleet of riverboats has consistently earned incredible praise from travel magazines, travel web sites, newspapers and more, including being named to Travel & Leisure magazine’s prestigious list of “World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Lines.” They consistently win awards because of what Tauck likes to call, the Tauck Difference. The Tauck Difference includes features such as: cabin accommodations for no more than 118 to 130 guests; 14 suites measuring 300 square feet; all other staterooms and junior suites measure from 150 to 183 square feet; 85% of all cabins feature floor to ceiling windows and French balconies; bicycles, a fitness center and an elevator are also on each Tauck ship.
The comforts and conveniences found on a Tauck ship rival those found in a deluxe hotel or fine five-star resort. Amenities abound and all staterooms and suites feature plasma TVs, mini-bar, safe, hair dryer, individual climate controls, L’Occitane toiletries and plush terry cloth robes and slippers. Culinary delights include complimentary wine with dinner, and complimentary beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Their ships also afford you the opportunity to dine in the alternative bistro café at no extra charge, and guests booking one of the 14 suites receive room service for breakfast.
Speaking of food, Tauck’s is excellent with a wide variety and selection of fresh regional specialties and, of course, menu items from back home as well. Meals are a combination of elegant buffet and table service for breakfast and lunch and impeccable table service for the evening meal. Weather permitting, seafood BBQ’s are offered up on many cruises and there is always (off the menu) a choice of grilled chicken, fish, or a great steak.
While the restaurant on all Tauck river ships is simply georgeous, you may prefer something a bit more intimate for a few nights. On Tauck, you can reserve your place in their very intimate (24-28 guests) boutique restaurant called either Arthur's (after Arthur Tauck), or the Bistro. The name varies by ship, but the quality of the service and cuisine does not. These are wonderful, intimate fine dining spots available at no additional charge on all Tauck river boats. In addition, the new ships have two additional small, intimate rooms holding only about 10-12 guests which Tauck refers to as "wine rooms." These can be reserved for small groups and Premier will be glad to do this for your cruise group.
Being true to their destination immersion concept, Tauck allows and encourages its guest to enjoy many lunches and/or dinners off the ship at no additional charge. From savoring a bouquet of locally harvested, hand-crafted German wines at a family owned vineyard in Cochem, to dining in a French manor house in the romantic Alsace region, or attending a Romanian folk show, complete with wine and lunch, no detail is too small to ensure that Tauck guests experience that sense of community that is the best part of vacation travel.
Continuing in this same venue... Tauck also offers extraordinary, themed culinary cruises crafted by Churchill and Turen Ltd. and we guarantee your taste buds will be treated to a new level of nirvana. In addition to special onboard culinary treats and wine pairings, Tauck exclusively includes a French cooking class at the Alain Ducasse culinary school. There is also a most intriguing tour in Paris called the “Joys of Chocolate,” hosted by Doutre-Roussel, author of The Chocolate Connoisseur. You’ll also enjoy a unique walking tour in Paris called the "Footsteps of Julia Child" which visits her favorite haunts, including Saint-Germain-des-Pres and a truly grand dinner at Fouquet’s, one of Paris' most “chic” brasseries. As part of the itinerary, there are numerous excursions to sample the local Beaujolais and other regional wines with the winemakers themselves.
Tauck’s all-inclusive philosophy means that most programs are offered as cruise-tour. As an example: guests booking the “Strasbourg to Prague Serenade” Rhine and Danube River itinerary will enjoy a complimentary two night stay in Strasbourg before their cruise and two nights in Prague after their cruise. You will enjoy your stay in a deluxe hotel with breakfast daily, tours and transfers to/from the ship, all included in your price. Other cruise-tour programs offer similar “included” pre and post land stays, always in deluxe, centrally located hotels. Of course, cruise only programs are available for those guests with limited travel time.
The heart of history meets the art of luxury travel aboard Tauck’s European river cruises along the Rhine River, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Ancient civilizations beckon along the enchanting Nile River in Egypt and China’s incredible Yangtze River on Tauck’s exotic cruise-tour programs. And for those in tune with gastronomy and wine, Tauck offers their “French Waterways and Vineyards” journey, sailing the lovely Rhône and Saône rivers round trip from Lyon with many special, included and exclusive Tauck shoreside events. To read about river cruises that focus on the culinary world, click here!
If you’re truly looking to see, touch, feel and experience a destination the way it should be experienced — in depth... If you’re looking for the most pampering river cruise vacation affording you the ultimate in quality, and ensures every detail is taken care of… (Okay, we can’t resist)... If you’re flat-out looking to be spoiled... then you should most certainly consider Tauck! And who better than Premier River Cruises to ensure your arrangements are made perfectly. Our Personal Travel Planners are accustomed to working with discriminating clients and can easily customize any trip to fit your personal preferences.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Unless otherwise noted, prices and offers are in USD, cruise only per person, based on double occupancy and do not include airfare, taxes or fees. The displayed prices are based on minimum category riverview window stateroom and applicable only to the sailing date(s) shown. Prices for other dates may vary based on the date and stateroom selected. Other than “Hot Deal” offers, price does not reflect any cruise line or Premier savings. Where Premier includes “prepaid tips” in an offer, it applies only to the cruise portion of the trip and not any land portion or shore excursions. To obtain the best price, please use the "Get Quote" button or call one of our river cruise and small ship cruise specialists. Certain discounts or prices may require full payment at the time of booking in order to be eligible. We urge you to book early as river and small ship cruises sell out almost a year in advance. Prices and availability may change without notice and are not guaranteed until a deposit is received and applied to your reservation. Call 1-855-255-1200, for complete details. We reserve the right to correct any informational or typographical errors. ©2010-2019 Premier River Cruises, LLC, a Travel of America Company. All rights reserved worldwide. CST #1015320-40.
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