family river cruises 2022

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Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – An Imperial Evening in a Viennese palace featuring dinner, music, dancing and more

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All gratuities to Tauck Directors, drivers, local guides and ship staff

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,019

Visit four countries on a 7-night cruise 

An Imperial Evening in a Vienna palace

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

World Travel. Family Discovery.

Selected as one of the "10 Best River Cruises" by Fodor's Travel... there is no better way to experience the heart of Europe with your family than on a leisurely Tauck Bridges Danube river tour and cruise aboard one of Tauck's custom-designed riverboats.

Tauck exclusive – imperial evening at palais pallavicini, our gala imperial evening at a private palace in vienna.

Fairy tales come true when you and your family dress up for a royal evening at a private palace in Vienna – the Baroque, 18th-century Palais Pallavicini – just for Tauck Bridges families that transports you to another time. Dinner is served in a ballroom gilded in gold and bathed in the glimmering light of crystal chandeliers. Dancers in traditional dress waltz into the ballroom while musicians play their instruments with regal precision and harmony. And those childhood dreams of meeting a prince or being a princess? This is where they become real.

Jam-packed family fun on every day

Our danube family river cruise has something for everyone.

Discovering new destinations like the locals do is the best way to learn about different cultures and traditions. From guided bicycle rides to "Sound of Music" karaoke to catacombs tours and a step back into the Middle Ages with a "knight tournament," our Danube family river cruise is designed to have a little something for everyone, and plenty to do as a whole family.

Making marzipan in Passau

A family marzipan making experience in riverside passau.

Marzipan is a sweet candy confection – traditionally made from sugar or honey and ground almonds, and often formed into pastries or shapes – that can be found around the world. Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and most regions of Europe all have marzipan-making traditions. And you'll discover Germany's love affair with this sweet concoction with a demonstration in Passau that lets you try your hand at making your own tasty tidbit in the shape of a face... very popular in this "city of three rivers."

The River of Kings – The Danube

We saw memorable and historical sites on a our danube trip but tauck managed to make it so much fun for our three generations traveling together..

Tauck Traveler Review

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Ship Specifications

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(Note: All Category 7 cabins are three-guest capacity suites with a pull-out couch)

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Eastbound: Munich → Budapest

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Westbound: Budapest → Munich

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. You are not required to obtain a visa to enter any of these countries for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy of each of the countries visited – Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary – to determine what travel documentation is required.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser temporarily to make copies.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN:  If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $659   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.

Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

Please advise your Tauck Director on tour if you or the children traveling with you have any serious allergies. Also, adults may want to bring along children's aspirin or medicines as a precaution, as access to these may be limited.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S., no other vaccinations are currently required for travel to Germany, Austria, Slovakia or Hungary. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary to determine whether additional vaccinations are required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

While a cruise on the Danube is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy this cruise, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets, and at many sites there are multiple stairs or steps; for the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

Your riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator connects the Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald decks. There is no elevator to the Sundeck. There is no chair lift between any of the decks. 

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate service animals on any river cruise for medical and legal reasons.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The climate along the Danube River is temperate and unpredictable. From June through August, the average high temperatures decrease as you travel west along the river and range from 69 to 79°F (21 to 26°C) and the average low temperatures range from 51 to 59°F (11 to 15°C). Rainfall amounts in this region remain fairly constant throughout the year, although late spring and early summer are generally the wettest seasons of the year. Opposite of temperature, rainfall increases as you travel west.

To read about current weather conditions, click here .

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• World's Best

The 10 Best River Cruise Lines in 2022

The best river cruises blend refined onboard accommodations with exciting itineraries along some of the world’s most memorable waterways.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite river cruise lines.

After pandemic-related challenges at the beginning of last year, river ships got back to what they do best: exploring inland waterways in Europe, the United States, and select other destinations around the world. Travel + Leisure readers enthusiastically returned, setting out on voyages both classic and new.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in six categories, including river cruising.

The top three in the river cruise lines were very close in their scores. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. 2 spot. "The itinerary was thoughtful as well as instructive," wrote one reader who traveled on the Joy . In the No. 3 spot is Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, with praise that included this rave from one voter who sailed on the Maria Theresa : "This was an exceptional cruise. The staff was excellent. I can't say enough about this cruise line and this ship."

Aqua Expeditions, with journeys on the Peruvian Amazon, ranked No. 4, thanks in part to the sophisticated onboard dining. "Its cuisine is rich in local products and designed by one of the most renowned chefs in Peru," noted one reader. Closer to home, No. 5 American Queen Voyages (formerly American Queen Steamboat Company) earned praise — especially from older adults — for its leisurely cruises on the Columbia, the Mississippi, the Ohio, and other U.S. waterways.

Top-ranked Viking does all the major riverways of Europe, with ships also on the Nile and the Mekong, and, new in 2022, on the Mississippi. Readers praised the line's value proposition and shore experiences that go beyond the norm. The "Thinking Man's vacation" is the way one reader who sailed on a Viking ship on the Rhine river put it.

Find the full list of the best river cruise lines — and more on what sets Viking apart — below.

With its fleet of more than 50 contemporary "longships" on rivers such as the Rhine, the Danube, and the Seine, plus additional ships in Europe, Egypt, and Vietnam, T+L's top-ranked river cruise line for 2022 is often praised for its steadiness. "Having traveled on seven Viking longships that are virtually indistinguishable from one another, I believe it's the consistency that makes Viking one of our favorite ways to travel," said one reader. The longships are light-filled floating boutique hotels with a Scandinavian-design aesthetic, indoor and outdoor dining, and herb gardens up on top. Viking's carefully crafted itineraries and "good value" also received praise from readers. "Met wonderful new friends. Absolutely outstanding service and terrific food," said one fan.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.77

More information: viking.com

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.60

More information: tauck.com

3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.31

More information: uniworld.com

4. Aqua Expeditions

Score: 93.27

More information: aquaexpeditions.com

5. American Queen Voyages (formerly American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines)

Score: 92.82

More information: aqvoyages.com

6. Grand Circle Cruise Line

Score: 90.64

More information: gct.com

7. AmaWaterways

Score: 90.12

More information: amawaterways.com

8. Avalon Waterways

Score: 89.88

More information: avalonwaterways.com

9. Vantage Deluxe World Travel

Score: 84.71

More information: vantagetravel.com

10. American Cruise Lines

Score: 81.17

More information: americancruiselines.com

Bon Voyage! France Family River Cruise 2022

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• Feel inspired... as you and your family stand on the top deck of ms Emerald with Provençal landscapes before you… in Paris
• where the streets are paved in history… on bicycle sightseeing… along the cobblestone streets of medieval Viviers… together.The best way to experience French joie de vivre is to do what the locals do... pedal past landmark Parisian sites on a bicycle ride... take a fast train to Lyon... board a boat for a River Rhône cruise... learn to cook like a gourmet chef at a culinary school... discover the art of making chocolat... have lunch at a private ranch in Provence with French cowboys... paint like van Gogh in Arles (using chocolate instead of oils!)... walk on a triple-decker Roman bridge in Avignon... play pétanque in Viviers...

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• Family Friendly

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• Kid-friendly activities

Trip includes

• TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Special visit to a private ranch in French cowboy country – La Camargue – for a hayride and traditional Provençal lunch Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,730 Gratuities to Tauck Cruise Director, Tauck Directors, drivers, local guides and ship staff Two-night stay in city-center Paris 5-night Rhône River cruise aboard ms Emerald An introduction to the game of pétanque, played with the locals A walk in Arles that traces the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh

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• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
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Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Tauck Reviews & Ratings

Other tauck reviews, nine tours and done.

Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done o...

Skip this cruise - not worth it

My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the...

Tauck/Aon terrible travel insurance

Tauck partners with Aon for travel insurance. We bought this insurance through Tauck specifically to cover us in case of a positive for test for Covid and could not ...

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Tour operator.

It's easy to see the world's sights. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We believe that travel should be easy. It should be fun. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. It should re-energize and transform. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Because how you see the world matters.

In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from Germany in search of the American dream. His determination and values were passed on to his son, Arthur Tauck, who would realize that dream. With ingenuity and an innovative spirit, Arthur started Tauck Motor Tours, a travel company that would give birth to a new industry. The first tour, through the back roads of New England, was created by this 27-year-old in 1925. It embodied the same successful formula used by Tauck today: do the right thing. Craft a life-enriching travel experience; provide it at a single all-inclusive price; ensure there is great value for money; and rely on recommendations of satisfied customers to build a following and grow the business.

Two elements that did change over the next 90+ years – and three generations of Taucks – were the scope of destinations served and the variety of modes of travel used. Today Tauck delivers life-enriching travel experiences to every corner of the globe, incorporating small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. What started as a New England motor coach tour company has truly evolved into an extraordinary global travel company. The fourth generation of Taucks is now involved in the company. While remarkable in any business, this seamless continuity across generations speaks to shared vision and values.

Throughout its history, the concept of “family” at Tauck has gone far beyond those sharing the surname to include hundreds of valued employees, and hundreds of thousands of loyal guests. The story of Tauck is the story of a unique American family company celebrating a passion for travel – a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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Best river cruises for families in 2022 and why you should take one

Author: Jeannine Williamson

Published on: 25 January 2022

Updated on: 11 May 2022

Family river cruises are increasingly in popularity and becoming more doable as cruise lines branch out. This is why you should consider river cruises for families in 2022.

Once upon a time, you would never hear the words “river cruising” and “families” spoken in the same sentence.

However, river cruises are no longer aimed at mature travellers and the past few years have seen an increasing number of family-friendly sailings designed to keep everyone happy; irrespective of their age.

Exploring fairy-tale castles on the Rhine , meeting French ‘cowboys’ on the Camargue, tracking down clues on a scavenger hunt in the Louvre Museum in Paris and making local specialities such as apple strudel in Vienna and pasta in Italy are some of the fun activities organised on multigenerational cruises.

Read on to find out more.

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Firstly, they enable families to spend quality time together. Unlike large ocean ships, where children can spend all day and evening in kids’ clubs while parents do their own thing, river vessels are much smaller.

Activities are designed to engage the whole family, be it going on a shore tour or heading off along the river bank on the fleet of bikes that are carried onboard. They’re also convenient and much less tiring than land tours.

- READ MORE: Top tips for taking a family cruise holiday - and surviving -

On a river cruise, families can explore multiple destinations and countries in the space of a week without constantly having to pack and unpack. Ships often sail in the night, with the thrill of waking up somewhere new the next day, and with the ever-changing scenery, there are no ‘boring’ days at sea.

Luxury river cruise lines such as Tauck and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection offer all-inclusive pricing covering meals, drinks, excursions and tips, so parents can easily budget and not have to worry about mounting expenses.

There are also some great family cruise deals on value-for-money line CroisiEurope .

European river cruises for families

A-rosa family river cruises.

In a first for river cruising A-ROSA is launching the first dedicated family river cruise vessel.

The line already has a reputation for relaxed family-friendly sailings and the 280-passenger A-ROSA SENA launching in May 2022 will take the concept to a new level. It will be the first European river cruise ship to have a dedicated family pool and a kids’ club.

- READ MORE: How to pick a river cruise cabin -

The pirate-themed Treasure Island includes a slide, climbing area, cave areas, craft and painting corners and a relaxation area with large cushions designed to look like stones.

The ship was created with families and multigenerational groups in mind and the entertainment programme will include treasure hunts, craft sessions, cocktail making and cinema experiences.

A-ROSA SENA will have 12 extra spacious family cabins that sleep up to five and mealtimes will feature a special children’s buffet for younger passengers while older children can put together their own favourite dishes at the main buffet if they prefer.

There is also a separate family area in the restaurant where families can eat together. The onboard experience will continue ashore with family-friendly excursions such as a trip to the Madurodam miniature park in the Netherlands and Chocolate Nation in Antwerp.

An added bonus for eco-conscious parents and children is that A-ROSA SENA is the first river vessel to feature ‘E-motion’ technology. The hybrid propulsion system enables the ship to switch to battery power when entering and leaving port, meaning arrivals and departures are silent and emission-free.

Lucia Rowe, Managing Director at A-ROSA River Cruises UK & Ireland said of the new ship: “We’ve been welcoming families onto our cruises since 2014, but with A-ROSA SENA we’ve moved things to a whole new level. We’ve taken the knowledge we’ve gained over the last few years on the needs and wants of families and incorporated it into the design of A-ROSA SENA from the outset.”

- READ MORE: Best world-class cultural cruises -

“She features numerous innovations when it comes to families cruising on the rivers of Europe, with the first dedicated kids’ club room on a river cruise ship where kids can let off steam, play, relax and get to know each other.

"There is also the children’s pool on the sundeck in addition to the main swimming pool, plus the family area, all the ingredients needed for the perfect family holiday. We know that the children cruising today are the cruisers of the future, and if they have a great time cruising with their parents and grandparents, I am convinced they will be cruisers for life.”

Family-friendly river cruise lines

Tauck was the main pioneer of family river cruises back in 2010 when it first introduced the Tauck Bridges programme with a sailing on the Danube. These all-inclusive itineraries have since been extended to take in the Rhine, Rhone and Seine .

Highlights of the Rhone cruise include a private visit to a ranch in the Camargue where families can meet some of the region’s famous white horses and the guardians, or Provencal cowboys, that look after them before watching a spectacular riding display.

The Rhine sailing includes a visit to Strasbourg and the chance to become French for a day, learning French phrases, joining a sing-a-long and savouring a chocolate tasting.

- READ MORE: Full list of new river cruise ships 2022 -

Uniworld family river cruises come under the line’s Generations Collection and operate on the Rhine, Danube and Italy’s River Po .

Also all-inclusive, they include shore excursions tailor-made for families and hosted by local experts, special children’s menus and a young travellers’ dining table reserved on certain nights for children and the two family hosts that accompany each cruise and oversee activities.

In addition to a young travellers’ lounge and games room, there are kids-only film nights with popcorn and a VIP ship tour with the ship’s captain or hotel manager.

Keep an eye out for CroisiEurope’s special Family Club deals which offer free cruises for youngsters under 16 on selected sailings in Portugal, Spain and Italy.

Children over five can also sleep in a cabin next to their parents and there are no expensive solo supplements for single parents. Family Club sailings also feature a children’s menu and onboard entertainment with hosts.

- READ MORE: Jane McDonald shares top cruise tips -

Away from designated family sailings, many lines accommodate children on their regular sailings. In particular, AmaWaterways ' family river cruises can be found onboard the AmaStella and AmaViola which both feature connecting cabins providing accommodation for families of up to five.

The line’s striking ship AmaMagna , which is twice the width of mainstream river vessels, offers spacious accommodation and public facilities that are ideal for families, including a swimming pool and theatre where youngsters can watch films and play video games.

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FAMILY FRIENDLY, MULTI-GENERATIONAL EUROPE RIVER CRUISES Connecting families and Europe together for lasting memories for those of all ages.

Today, we're going to talk about why river cruising, specifically, provides a wonderful opportunity for families to celebrate a special occasion together. Traveling as a family allows those of all ages to discover different cultures, lifestyles and cuisines from around the world, and it is hassle-free when enjoyed on a European river cruise. No longer are European river cruises a "no, no" for families. Family river cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Rhone and Saone are now available throughout the summer months on several excellent river cruise lines including: Tauck, Uniworld, and in a few cases, Avalon Waterways. We mention these three specific cruise lines because they're currently the only ones offering specific family river cruise departures during the summer. In some cases, depending on the age(s) of your children, you may not need to go on a specific family-focused cruise. Our river cruise experts will work with you to determine what your needs are so that you're comfortable in your selection process, and know the one selected is the right cruise for your family. The "family" friendly river cruise itineraries are the same as the non-family departures, but there are many added features for the younger set. These events or kid-friendly tours are not on normal cruises including medieval games, dinners at unique castles, chocolate tastings, bicycle rides, cooking classes, and more. In addition to many fun things for the kids, the normal tours are itinerary tours and are also available for older children and their parents to enjoy; parents can work with the ship's onboard cruise director to determine what is best for their children.

The two major lines that offer family-friendly departures, Tauck and Uniworld are also all-inclusive, which makes family river cruises even more affordable. Once on board, you AND your kids pay for absolutly nothing, not even tipping. And, on shore, everything is included as well, so you know up front what your costs are before you ever leave home. AmaWaterways has family-friendly balcony staterooms. In 2016 and 2017, AmaWaterways introduced a limited number of family-friendly balcony staterooms containing 3 guests on the AmaStella, AmaViola and AmaKristina. This was a first in the river cruise industry as most staterooms are generally designed for two people. There are only about 12 such staterooms on each of the new ships, so you do need to reserve very early as they are certainly in high demand. In addition to the triple berth staterooms, these ships also feature connecting staterooms, enabling a family of five to be as close as they need to be. The AmaSerena and AmaViola sail the Danube throughout the river cruise season. We think a family river cruise along one of these fabulous European rivers is a history lesson for all. The memories created when you visit to places like Heidelberg Castle, Strasbourg, Koln Cathedral, Amsterdam, Lyon, Budapest or Prague will last a lifetime. Imagine the dinner conversations after your family enjoys a concert in Vienna's Schonbrunn Castle, or walk the streets of the Champs Elysée in Paris? And best of all? You pack and unpack only once!. When we look back on life I would venture a guess that there are personal, family and travel memories that stand out to each of us. I remember family dinners, both with my folks and my kids that evoke many funny memories — you know like, “eat it or you can’t get up,” “drink your milk or no dessert,” and others. I especially remember one dinner in Honolulu at a prominent restaurant where my youngest son was suffering from a bit of jet lag. The family (9 or 10 of us) were talking when we heard a loud “thud.” As our eyes turned toward the end of the table, we saw him with head smack in the middle of his plate of food, sound asleep — what a picture that paints to this very day. For those fortunate enough to travel as a family, you know what I mean when I say, "traveling as a family creates some of the most enduring memories; memories that transcend the decades and last forever." So true.

Because river cruising is relatively new, the opportunities for family travel are a bit limited, but expanding each year. As we noted above, the two best companies — Uniworld and Tauck — provide family-friendly river cruises in Europe during the summer and winter break periods. Both lines offer 7-night Danube and Rhine River cruises geared to families of all ages, visiting places like Salzburg, Vienna , Durnstein, Budapest and Bratislava. Uniworld and Tauck also offer fun-filled 7-night river cruises in France , both with or without Paris land options. The first is an historical journey through Normandy, the second a delightful cruise on the Rhône through Provence. Imagine enjoying a private dinner in Vienna’s Schonbrunn Palace with the kids and grandkids, rafting in Bratislava or visiting Durnstein’s Kuenringerburg Castle, the place where Richard the Lion Heart was held for ransom at the end of the Crusades. Imagine the feeling when you see the kids and grand kids bike riding along the Danube or Rhône as the ship gently sails by — can it get any better? Many other special family-friendly excursions are included on all of these unique cruises. In addition, late Fall Holiday Markets , Christmas Time and New Year’s river cruises are also a great time to cruise as a family. If you’re traveling with eight or more family members, you can create your own family experience on any river cruise and enjoy exceptional group savings, too. But remember, because there are so few family-friendly river cruises, they do sell out quickly. So, don’t let your family be disappointed. The best way to get started and to make sure this is a vacation that will work for your family is either to request a quote as you view one of the family friendly river cruises, or even better, give one of our Personal Travel Planners a call soon to book your most memorable family vacation ever! At Premier, we are family river cruise experts. Most of our staff have cruised with their families, so we can honestly tell you what to expect and where to find the best value. Our travel agency specializes in river and small ship cruise vacations, no other agency in North America can say that; we know families better than anyone!

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. ©2010-2023 Premier River Cruises, LLC, a Travel of America Company. All rights reserved worldwide. CST #1015320-40.

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The Family Vacation Guide

9 of the Best US River Cruises for Families

posted by Charmaine Cortes on January 9, 2023 // last updated on February 28, 2023

Are you looking for a new and exciting way to spend your family vacation? Have you ever considered a river cruise?

American river cruises offer a unique and immersive way to explore the world with your loved ones. They provide the perfect opportunity to visit multiple destinations in a single trip while offering a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere than the traditional ocean cruise industry.

From the beautiful landscapes and charming towns along the river to the onboard amenities and activities. There’s something exciting for every member of the family to enjoy on a USA river cruise.

Plus, with various destinations, you can tailor your trip to suit your family’s particular interests and preferences.

River Cruises Target Audience

Top 9 american river cruises, frequently asked question.

Older retired or semi-retired people generally make up the majority of the passengers on river cruises. However, there has recently been a surge in younger couples and families who are also interested in these fun trips.

Younger couples find that the activities provided outside the ship are actually pretty fun, and they can only be reserved via the river cruise operator.

River cruises appeal to family vacations because they offer interesting activities for all age groups, from sunbathing on the sun deck to taking family bike trips.

You and your family have decided to avoid the hustle and bustle of an ocean cruise line for a more cozy and intimate river cruise instead. With many options to choose from in terms of river cruise lines and destinations to travel to, it can become overwhelming to make a final decision.

Below we have put together the nine best river cruise options and will explore what makes each unique and a possible match for your next family vacation.

1. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $2,000 to $23,000

Uniworld provides luxurious river cruises in historic locations throughout central Europe, France, Italy, Portugal, India, Egypt, and Peru. The 19 ships in its fleet are designed to resemble boutique hotels with their chic interiors, old-timey artwork, and specialty eateries.

The ships can accommodate 120 passengers on average, and the firm prides itself on having one of the most excellent staff-to-guest ratios in the river cruise business, roughly one crew member for every two passengers.

In addition to entertainment and enrichment programs, the river cruise line’s all-inclusive fares cover meals, alcoholic drinks, some excursions, gratuities, onboard fitness classes, and Wi-Fi. The top-notch food served onboard Uniworld ships is produced using regional ingredients acquired from the places on your itinerary.

Uniworld’s regular passengers are often in their 50s or 60s and come from North America, the UK, and Australia. At the same time, the river cruise company operates a few vessels specifically targeted at younger passengers. Making this better suited for more mature families.

Popular Destinations

These are a few destinations that you can travel to on the Uniworld Boutique River cruises:

• South America

Depending on the ship and river cruise, stateroom amenities might range from marble baths to Egyptian cotton linens, French balconies, iPod docks, Nespresso coffee makers, rainfall showers, and more.

2. AmaWaterways

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $1,400 to $26,000

AmaWaterways is a family-owned company established in 2002. It has 26 modern riverboats with an average capacity of 150 guests. The line’s newest vessel, AmaMagdalena, will start sailing in 2023.

The river cruise company provides special themed sailings for guests with particular interests. It strives to give excursion-rich trips. Wine-themed river cruises are ideal for oenophiles who want to see some of Europe’s most well-known wine areas.

A concierge golf program will take travelers from renowned golf courses to famous golf courses.

AmaWaterways generally draws older North American tourists who love participating in physically active shore activities like walking or cycling. However, this river cruise service also accepts travelers from Australia and the United Kingdom.

Due to the variety of accommodation options offered by AmaWaterways, you should anticipate a mix of couples, families, and lone travelers.

These are a few destinations that you can travel to on the AmaWaterways River cruise line:

• South America(By 2024)

Staterooms are spacious, with bathrobes, slippers, soft bedding, and upscale toiletries. With AmaWaterways’ twin balcony design, which enables a complete step-out balcony and a French balcony with sliding glass doors, cabins can have up to two balconies. Visitors may access movies and music on demand, and in-room Wi-Fi is free.

3. American Queen Voyages

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $1,300 to $6,000

American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines amalgamated to establish American Queen Voyages in the fall of 2021. American Queen Voyages is based in North America and operates on a few US rivers, including the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland, as well as the Columbia and Snake rivers.

American Queen Voyages employs four authentic paddle wheelers to accommodate 150 to 400 people. All-inclusive sailings include Wi-Fi, unlimited drinks, unlimited guided tours, meals every day of your trip, and live daily onboard entertainment.

The main dining area, showroom, sun deck, poker rooms, and lounges are on board. The native food served onboard each cruise differs depending on the route. Making American Queen Voyages is perfect for families exploring new tastes and cultures.

These are a few destinations that you can travel to on the American Queen Voyages River cruise line:

• Canada(by 2023)
• Mississippi River

The staterooms on the American Queen Voyages come equipped with soft bedding, coffee machines, minifridges, TVs, and private balconies, making all river cruises onboard comfortable and enjoyable.

4. Viking River Cruises

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $2,000 to $11,000

One of the most well-known river cruise companies operating today, Viking, was founded in 1997. The Danube river, the Rhine river, the Douro river, and other important rivers in Europe are all traversed by Viking’s 60+ longships, which can transport anywhere from 75 to 250 passengers.

People may be familiar with Viking Ocean Cruises, which runs more extensive ocean journeys emphasizing lavish amenities and various enrichment activities. Viking river cruises follow a similar format with meals, daily walking tours, and Wi-Fi access included in the base price.

Additional features and activities include guest lectures, culinary classes, musical performances, libraries, outdoor decks, and shore excursions.

The majority of the passengers on the river cruise will speak English. Due to its higher price point, Viking often draws older passengers in the 55+ age range, and its cruises require passengers to be at least 18 years old.

These are a few destinations that you can travel to on the Viking River cruise line:

On Viking River Cruises ships, facilities including air conditioning, a TV, and a minibar are available in every accommodation. A desk, a seating space, and a safe may also be in certain rooms. The ship’s trip places inspired the interior design and furnishings, which were created to be cozy and welcoming.

5. American Cruise Lines

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $2,300 to $14,000

As its name suggests, American Cruise Lines only has USA river cruises, including Mississippi river cruises, that only two other cruise lines have on the itinerary.

American Cruise Lines visit locations in New England, the Hudson River, the Mississippi River, and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Other sites include Alaska, the Southeast coast, Florida, and the Puget Sound between Washington state and the Canadian border.

The fleet of 15 small ships and river vessels operated by American Cruise Lines includes modern riverboats, small coastal ships, and open paddle wheelers. The ships have a capacity of 100 to 190 people.

Sailing on American Cruise Lines includes flat-rate domestic airfare for all voyages, complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays, plus specific shore excursions and shoreside transportation.

These are the destinations that you can travel to on the American cruise line:

American Cruise lines staterooms can have up to three people can comfortably share a cabin, and all ships include single guestrooms exclusively for tourists. Picture windows, a large bathroom, and occasionally a private balcony may be found in every room.

6. Avalon Waterways

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $1,100 to $11,000

Avalon Waterways operate twenty riverboats along well-traveled waterways like the Danube river, Rhone river, Seine river, Nile river, Rhine river, Moselle river, Mekong river, and Ganges river. Avalon, which debuted in 2004, is notable for its expansive ships, referred to as Suite Ships.

Throughout the river cruise journey, A sun deck with beach chairs, whirlpools, a game area, several restaurants and bars, and a 24-hour self-serve coffee station are available to guests.

Depending on your interests and physical capabilities, you can choose from Classic, Active, or Discovery shore excursions, which range from regular tours with a local guide to trekking expeditions up a hilltop castle.

English-speaking travelers, mainly in their 50s and 60s, travel on Avalon Waterways from various nations. The train welcomes passengers eight years of age and older, making it perfect for a full family vacation.

These are a few destinations that you can travel to on American cruise lines:

The bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, offering panoramic views, and are among the biggest cabins in the river cruise business. Complimentary breakfast in bed, L’Occitane products, height-adjustable seating places, plenty of storage, and your option of a soft, medium, or firm mattress are just a few more cabin goodies.

7. Emerald Cruises

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $1,200 to $10,400

Emerald Cruises, formerly known as Emerald Waterways, offers river cruises on some of the most well-known rivers in Europe and Asia, including the Danube river, the Rhine river, the Douro river, and the Mekong river.

The cruise fee includes gratuities in the base price. It covers all meals, drinks with lunch and dinner, daily shore excursions, Emerald ACTIVE choices that are more physically demanding, Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment.

Emerald owns and runs nine boats that accommodate 84 to 180 guests each. The ships include large common areas and bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs.

Heated indoor pools, sun terraces, massage and wellness centers, and a selection of restaurants are all included in the common areas’ amenities. There are fitness courses on board, as well as various entertainment options. Cruisers can rent bicycles on land to tour old city cores.

These are a few destinations that you can travel to on the Emerald cruise lines:

Depending on the ship and its itinerary, the cabins aboard Emerald Cruises ships vary. Cruise ships often provide a variety of accommodation classifications, such as inner staterooms, oceanview cabins, and balcony staterooms, each of which may have a distinct set of features and facilities.

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $3,000 to $13,000

Tauck is a multifaceted travel firm that offers small-ship trips worldwide, land tours on all seven continents, small-group excursions for a maximum of 24 passengers at a time, family vacations, and, last but not least European river cruises.

On one of our nine riverboats, a cruise travels across famous rivers, including the Douro, Moselle, Rhine, Danube, and Rhone. All-inclusive rates include gratuities, refreshments, onboard entertainment, and wine tastings.

River Voyages with Tauck can accommodate up to 84 to 130 people. Excellent views are provided by the French balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows found in more than 80% of the cabins.

The river cruise amenities include a sun deck, putting green, enrichment activities like culinary demos, a fitness facility, and free bikes for onshore exploration outside your cabin.

These are a few destinations that you can travel to on the Tauck cruise lines:

Tauck’s accommodations are generally cozy and practical, with features like private bathrooms, air conditioning, and baggage storage. Stateroom and cabin sizes can differ, with some being bigger than others.

9. CroisiEurope Cruises

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $600 to $7,000

Since its founding in 1976, the French cruise company CroisiEurope has been operated by a family. This company has a fleet of 55 ships and barges that travels to 40 different nations, including Egypt, Cambodia, and Spain.

The company sails two specially designed ships in Lake Kariba in southern Africa, which is unusual for river cruises. Furthermore, CroisiEurope has a subsidiary that offers barge tours on six distinct French canals, including those in Burgundy and Provence, around the country.

The minimal onboard amenities keep the cruise ticket at a realistic cost. The cruise line aims to provide the finest value in the cruise business. French cuisine with a touch of local flavor is the focus of the cuisine in the main dining room, which is included in the price of the voyage.

A CroisiEurope cruise has a diverse mix of passengers, with significant contingents from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and North America. Depending on the itinerary and season, the cruise company hosts a mix of elderly couples, groups, and families and younger families.

Several different accommodation types are available on CroisiEurope’s ships, including standard cabins, luxury cabins, and suites on river cruises.

On board CroisiEurope’s ships, every place has air conditioning, a cozy bed, sheets, and towels. The firm also offers daily housekeeping services to preserve the cleanliness and upkeep of the cabins.

Do River Cruises Offer Wheelchair or Mobility Access?

Regarding wheelchair accessibility, river cruise ships fall short of ocean cruise ships. When docked, there will frequently be gangplank access and occasionally the need to walk up and over other boats.

Due to the ship’s hardware lacking expanded entrances or accessible restrooms, permanent wheelchair users will find river cruises challenging. When utilized on trips, wheelchairs are welcome if a person can only walk short distances.

What Precautions Should I Take in Terms of Safety?

It would be best if you weren’t concerned about anything in particular. Once you have boarded your ship and are comfortable, the Cruise Director will give you a thorough safety and navigational briefing in the comfort of the lounge.

Onboard, if you have any more inquiries, these will be addressed.

When is the Ideal Season to Go on Mississippi River Cruises?

The spring, from April to mid-June, in the fall, or during the holiday season, when temperatures are warm and humidity levels are lower than in the summer, is the finest time for river cruises on the upper Mississippi river.

American Queen Voyages, American Cruise Lines, and Viking River Cruises are among the only three cruise lines with the Mississippi river on their itinerary.

How Much do You Tip on river cruises?

Most river cruises incorporate gratuities. But, if yours didn’t, the recommended range is between $10 and $20 per person daily.

More about our TFVG Author

Charmaine Cortes

DISCOVER THE GENERATIONS COLLECTION Share the joys of river cruising with the entire family

All-inclusive family river cruises.

Every Uniworld Generations cruise includes special programs, events and excursions designed specifically for your world travelers in training.

Read a guest’s experience  >

SPECIAL GENERATIONS AMENITIES

Special generations amenities.

• Exciting shore excursions tailor-made for families and hosted by local experts
• Kid-friendly menus for each meal and unlimited beverages onboard
• Young Travelers’ Table, a special dining table reserved on certain nights just for our younger guests and Family Hosts
• Onboard activities just for kids, such as cooking classes and dessert-making with the ship’s chef and pastry chef
• Hands-on craft workshops tailored to the destinations you visit
• Young travelers’ lounge and game room, complete with PlayStation, games, movies, and local treats
• Two dedicated Family Hosts to oversee all activities for Junior Cruisers (ages 4 to 12 years) and Teen Cruisers (ages 13 to 17 years)
• Opportunities to “Live the Lingo” and learn words and phrases in other languages from our Family Hosts
• Kids-only movie nights, where kids can enjoy popcorn-fueled screenings of family-friendly films along with their new onboard friends and Family Hosts
• A special VIP ship tour with the Captain or Hotel Manager
• Complimentary bicycles, helmets. and Nordic walking sticks for use onshore
• Convenient departures scheduled during summer breaks

AVAILABLE ON SELECT DATES ON THESE ITINERARIES

Splendors of Egypt & the Nile (2024)

Cairo to Cairo | 12 days

For 12 adventure-filled days, experience Egypt and the Nile’s most wondrous sites in style and luxury. * Wander amongst the towering ruins of the Temple of Karnak, the world’s largest...

Ships: River Tosca, S.S. Sphinx

Country: Egypt

River: Nile

4.6 /5 (743 reviews)

Generations

December 14 21 28

Learn more Get a Quote

Castles along The Rhine (2024)

Basel to Amsterdam | 8 days

Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to...

Ships: River Queen, S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Victoria

Countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

River: Rhine

4.7 /5 (1865 reviews)

Authentic Danube & Prague (2024)

Vienna to Prague | 10 days

As your adventure starts, castles, stunning architecture and natural wonders ensue. Discover the old walled city of Nuremberg and its mesmerizing castles. Stroll through countless enchanting towns...

Ship: River Princess

Countries: Austria, Germany, Czech Republic

River: Danube

4.4 /5 (132 reviews)

Authentic Danube (2024)

Vienna to Nuremberg | 8 days

As your adventure starts, castles, stunning architecture, natural wonders and rich history ensue. Discover the old walled city of Nuremberg and its mesmerizing castles. Stroll through countless...

Countries: Austria, Germany

4.7 /5 (58 reviews)

Dutch Delight (2024)

Amsterdam to Amsterdam | 8 days

Windmills, colorful flowers, a rich art history, and more bikes than you can possibly imagine—the Netherlands is like nowhere else on earth. See the full spectrum of Dutch life, landscapes, and ...

Ship: River Queen

Country: Netherlands

4.3 /5 (47 reviews)

Splendors of Egypt & the Nile (2025)

December 13 20 27

Enchanting Danube (2025)

Budapest to Passau | 8 days

The shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River flow for thousands of miles through the very heart of Europe, silent witness to centuries of artistic achievement and historical events. This...

Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa

Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia

4.7 /5 (799 reviews)

Castles along The Rhine (2025)

Ships: S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Elisabeth, S.S. Victoria

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Russian River Cruises

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• Moscow — St. Petersburg
• Moscow — Astrakhan
• Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
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Moscow to Saint Petersburg

13 days – 12 nights

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Gold, Platinum  Airport transfer / Check-in at centrally located Marriott Aurora***** or Ararat Park Hyatt*****

Imperial : Private airport transfer / Check-in at the luxurious Four Seasons Moscow***** only a minute from the Kremlin and Red Square

Volga dream experience:

Gold: City Tour / Novodevichy Cemetery Imperial, Platinum:  City tour / Lunch in a Moscow City Skyscraper / Novodevichy Cemetery / Sparrow Hills

Meals: Breakfast

Platinum / Imperial

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Gold:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / GUM Department Store

Platinum:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / St. Basil’s Cathedral / GUM Department Store / Park Zaryadye

Gold:  Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Platinum:  Leo Tolstoy House-Museum in Hamovniki / Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gold, Platinum:  Town of Uglich / Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood

Volga dream experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class

Gold, Platinum:  Yaroslavl City Tour / Governor’s house 

Volga dream experience: Sun Deck Barbeque

Gold:  Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery  

Platinum:  Ferapontov Monastery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting

Gold, Platinum: Kizhi Island / Lake Onega

Volga dream experience: Piano Concert – Compositions by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

Gold, Platinum:  Svirstroy village / Local resident’s home / Local primary school

Volga dream experience: Farewell Dinner, Captain’s cocktail

Gold:  City Tour / Peter and Paul Fortress

Platinum:  City Tour / St. Isaac’s Cathedral / Canal boat / Yusupov Palace

Gold:  The State Hermitage Museum / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Platinum:  The State Hermitage Museum (Early Entrance!) / Gold Room / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Gold:  Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Platinum:  Faberge Museum / Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Meals: Breakfast / Imperial

Gold, Platinum, Imperial: Check-out / Airport transfer

Volga dream experience: -

The rates are set for a cruising season. The price is not dependent on the month within a selected year

Choose a date

View all months May July August

Choose Staterooms

All prices are per person based on double occupancy.

All rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Actual size of cabins can slightly differ within one category.

Request a quote

Journey: Volga Dream

Price per person: not specified

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Designed exclusively for you to prepare for your upcoming voyage, customize your travel experience, and manage your bookings. Sign in or create your account and get started today.

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The countdown to your departure has begun. You can complete your Guest Information Form, make payments, confirm cruise preferences, print your travel documents, book shore excursions and make dining reservations and spa appointments.

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Use My Viking Journey to fully customize your flight itinerary, including seat assignments, flight upgrades, or change your dates of travel and preferred airports. You can also add a stopover before or after your cruise and add flight preferences.

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Enjoy a virtual tour of your ship by exploring each deck, including the spacious public areas and your stateroom. Learn about our onboard amenities, dining venues, cultural enrichment programs and more.

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Browse & Book Shore Excursions

One complimentary excursion is included in every port of call. These thoughtfully curated experiences provide insights into local culture, history and attractions.

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Ultra-Luxury River Cruises

With Scenic, it’s more than an ultra-luxury river cruise, it’s a seamless journey from start to finish that places you at the heart of everything we do.

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Truly unforgettable experiences  await

Our river cruises take you to extraordinary regions, while immersing you in the rich history, local cultures, and culinary delicacies to create moments that will be cherished for years to come.

Discover river cruising with Scenic, for unrivalled experiences

From the historic waterways of Europe to the mighty Mekong River in South East Asia, a Scenic 5-star river cruise is in a class of its own. Every detail has been taken care of to the Nth Degree by our world-class crew so you can enjoy the benefits of a truly all-inclusive journey.

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Holiday Magic: Danube Family River Cruise

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Uniquely Tauck

Experience with Tauck

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – An evening at a private Viennese palace – with dinner, entertainment, and a waltzing lesson

Tauck Value Includes

Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors, and Tauck Cruise Director

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,065

Visit to Oberndorf, birthplace of the carol "Silent Night"

Time to explore Mozart's Baroque, alpine hometown of Salzburg on your own

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

World Travel. Family Discovery.

Both the young and young at heart delight aboard a weeklong Danube river cruise filled with European holiday festivities onboard and ashore...

Oberndorf, home of "silent night", visit the town where "silent night" was born.

Legend has it that one of the world's most famous songs came to be because on Christmas Eve 1818, the organ of the church of St. Nicola in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria, was broken. Father Joseph Mohr, a young priest of the parish, approached the organist and local schoolmaster Franz Xaver Gruber with the words of a Christmas poem he had written two years before, and asked him if he could put the song to music for guitar, solo voices and choir. And so, the Christmas carol Stille Nacht (Silent Night) – with lyrics by Mohr and a melody by Gruber – was first performed at services that evening… an event you'll learn more about on your family's visit to Oberndorf and the memorial chapel that now commemorates the events of that famous Christmas Eve.

Making Gingerbread and Marzipan

Holiday gingerbread & marzipan making at passau's café simon.

Baking gingerbread… it's one of the best aromas of the holidays! Four generations of the Simon family have perfected the art of making gingerbread, and they'll show you how it's done during a lively demonstration at their Café Simon in riverside Passau. And Marzipan is a sweet candy confection – traditionally made from sugar or honey and ground almonds, and often formed into pastries or shapes – that can be found around the world. You'll also discover Germany's love affair with this sweet concoction with a demonstration at Café Simon that lets you try your hand at making your own tasty tidbit in the shape of a face... very popular in this "city of three rivers."

Bratislava's Old Town

Scavenger hunting and more in bratislava's fascinating old town.

Slovakia's capital city, Bratislava, is old... really old... but also very cool, with a pedestrian-only Old Town that has more than 17 centuries worth of stories to tell! On your family's visit, you'll enjoy some time-tested games that go back to the city's medieval days. And you'll embark on a interactive walking tour and scavenger hunt in the city, discovering fun facts about Bratislava's rich history on plaques adorning centuries-old buildings, and amidst some of the whimsical, modern bronze statues that seem to pop up in the city's streets where you least expect them – on benches or postal boxes... on the corners of buildings... even out of manholes!

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Welcome Aboard

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(Note: All Category 7 cabins are three-guest capacity suites with a pull-out couch)

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Eastbound: Munich → Budapest

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Westbound: Vienna → Munich

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Germany, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria. You are not required to obtain a visa for the short duration of this cruise.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact an embassy or consulate of Germany, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria to determine what travel documentation is required.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your cabin while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN:  If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $659   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage ― General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much stricter in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage ― General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or large items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small and is designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece and to carry only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not allow for access during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and inform us at time of booking.

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S. , no other vaccinations are currently required for travel to Germany, Slovakia, Hungary or Austria. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Info Center at 800-232-4636/800-CDC-INFO (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country , please contact an embassy or consulate of Germany, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria to determine what additional vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

While a cruise on the Danube is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy all the cruise has to offer, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets, and at many sites there are multiple stairs or steps. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

The riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator connects the Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald decks; there is no elevator to the Sundeck. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space. This policy includes e-cigarettes.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate service animals on any river cruise for medical and legal reasons.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

Weather and Travel Gear

The climate in December in Germany and Austria is seasonably cold. The average high and low temperatures are 38/28 °F (3/-2 °C). The amount of precipitation is approximately 1.25 in (31.75 mm).

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov .

We have partnered with New Headings, an experienced online provider of travel gear, to assist you in selecting the appropriate gear for this destination. Their Tauck-exclusive website is accessible at necessarygear.com . Please note that while Tauck has an affiliation with New Headings, this is only one option for travel gear. You may wish to look into other outfitters for your travel needs.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Expect cold weather; a thick coat and sweater for the sun deck and touring is recommended. comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps.

During evenings aboard the riverboat, dress is resort casual. Items such as slacks and collared shirts are appropriate for men. For women, slacks, a dress or a skirt and blouse are suitable. For dinner and throughout the evening, guests should refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, sandals, flip-flops or sneakers. Your journey also includes one or two special occasion dinners, where a sport coat and tie for gentlemen and a dress/pantsuit for ladies are suggested. (Your Tauck Director will advise you prior to those evenings.)

Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each riverboat cabin.

Valet laundry service is available on the riverboat for a fee. There is no valet dry cleaning available on the riverboat. Ironing facilities are available on the riverboat by request to the front desk. Category 7 suites feature their own irons and ironing boards.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. Due to local legal restrictions, no medications, even "over-the-counter," are sold on board the riverboat.

We recommend you pack the following items for your cruise on the Danube:

• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for onboard
• Warm, sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for onshore
• Casual daytime wear – slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• A warm winter coat
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your ship cabin while traveling

Each child 17 and under will be sent a complimentary backpack from Tauck Bridges! If the child resides in the continental United States, the backpack will be sent to his or her home approximately two weeks prior to the cruise departure date (please note backpacks cannot be sent to P.O. boxes). If the child resides outside of the continental U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, the backpack will be waiting on arrival at the first hotel on your itinerary.

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