2025, 2026, and 2027 Travel Plans - JUST A WISH LIST

Plans for 2025:

• March - Smoky Mountains (family) 
• March - Florida (family)
• July - Bentonville
• September - Seattle (Warren & Margot)
• September - Smoky Mountains (family)
• November - Douro River
• December - Rhine River

Plans for 2026:

• March - Smoky Mountains 
• March - Florida (family)
• May - Denver/Salt Lake City
• June - Chicago (family)
• July - Norway/Iceland
• October - Hudson River

Thoughts for 2027:

• March - Florida
• TBD - Scotland  
• TBD by Tauck - Morocco
• TBD by Tauck - Egypt/Jordan
• TBD by Tauck - Cambodia/Vietnam

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Compare Viking Rhine Christmas to Tauck Rhine Christmas.

This is a perfect matchup for your travel style. Both Viking and Tauck offer magical Rhine Christmas Market cruises, but they differ in tone, depth, and inclusivity. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide:

🎄 Itinerary Highlights

Feature	VIKING	TAUCK
Route	Amsterdam to Basel	Düsseldorf to Basel
Markets	Cologne, Rüdesheim, Strasbourg, Koblenz, Heidelberg	Cologne, Rüdesheim, Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, Strasbourg, Lucerne,
Unique Stops	Dordrecht, Middle Rhine castles	Mt. Pilatus gondola ride, Siegfried’s Musikkabinett, cookie-making demo

Viking focuses on scenic cruising and cultural immersion, with time at major markets like Cologne and Strasbourg.

Tauck adds exclusive experiences like a traditional German lunch in Heidelberg, a lecture on Alsatian storytelling, and a visit to Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus.

🛏️ Ship & Onboard Experience

Viking

•    Sleek Scandinavian design with heated bathroom floors and panoramic windows.
•    Entertainment includes local performers and enrichment lectures.
•    Dining is solid and enjoyable, with regional menus and optional Silver Spirits package.

Tauck

•    Ships like the ms Inspire offer spacious suites and elegant décor.
•    Fully all-inclusive: drinks, gratuities, excursions, and even tips for local guides.
•    Festive touches include onboard tree-trimming parties, glühwein tastings, and surprise gifts like euros for market shopping.

🧭 Excursions & Access

Viking

•    One included walking tour per port, with optional paid excursions.
•    Tours are informative but may feel time-constrained at markets. 

Tauck

•    Multiple guides per group for intimate, well-paced tours.
•    Private access to sites and curated experiences like wine tastings and storytelling lectures.

💬 Guest Feedback

Viking

•    Praised for ship quality and service.
•    Praised for ship quality and service.
•    Some guests wished for more evening market time and flexibility.

Tauck

•    Rave reviews for attention to detail, festive atmosphere, and seamless logistics.
•    Especially loved by seasoned travelers who value comfort and cultural depth.

If you're after maximum seasonal charm with curated experiences, Tauck delivers a more immersive and pampered holiday. But if you prefer a sleek, modern cruise with cultural highlights and flexibility, Viking is a strong contender.

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RIVERBOAT COMPARISON: TAUCK vs VIKING

As I discussed, Tauck is no longer my exclusive choice

•    Viking was awarded higher than Tauck in 2023 & 2024 with Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure, Cruise Critic, and Woman’s Health

•    In my past Tauck trips in Poland and Japan, Tauck did not meet their standard that I remembered.

With my planned trips with Viking (Christmas) and Tauck (Douro), I am curious about what I can expect. Using your 2024 Tauck Christmas on the Rhine and my 2025 Viking Christmas on the Rhine, we can compare.

Here is a comparison, as provided by my new AI travel adviser, CoPilot.

How does Viking Riverboat tours compare to Tauck Riverboat tours?

Viking and Tauck both offer exceptional river cruises, but they cater to slightly different styles of travel. Here's a breakdown to help you compare:

🛳️ Overall Vibe & Philosophy

•    Viking: Known for sleek Scandinavian design, destination-focused itineraries, and a relaxed onboard atmosphere. Appeals to independent-minded travelers who enjoy cultural immersion with a touch of luxury.

•    Tauck: Emphasizes exclusive access, all-inclusive luxury, and high-touch service. Ideal for travelers who want everything meticulously curated, with little to worry about.

🧭 Itineraries & Excursions

Viking

•    Offers popular routes like the Romantic Danube and Rhine Getaway.
•    Includes one excursion per port, with optional add-ons.
•    Excursions are well-organized but may involve larger groups.

Tauck

•    Features immersive itineraries with early or private access to sites (e.g., Giverny before public hours).
•    Excursions are often more intimate, with multiple tour directors onboard.
•    Includes land stays at luxury hotels before/after cruises.

🛏️ Ship & Cabin Experience

Feature	VIKING	TAUCK
Ship Design	Sleek, modern longships	Elegant ship with spacious cabins
Cabin Design	Varies; some rooms can feel tight	Larger bathrooms and walk-in closets
Amenities	Heated floors, mini-fridge, Wi-Fi	High-end touches, fewer flashy extras

🍽️ Dining & Inclusions
Viking

•    Regional cuisine with wine/beer at meals.

•    Optional Silver Spirits package for unlimited drinks.

Tauck

•    Fully all-inclusive: all meals, drinks, gratuities, excursions, even tips for local guides.

•    Often includes surprise treats like local currency for restrooms or special lunches.

💬 Guest Feedback
Viking

•    Praised for cultural depth and scenic routes.

•    Some complaints about docking logistics and water-level disruptions.

Tauck

•    Lauded for seamless service and thoughtful details.

•    Occasional critiques on value for money or missed excursions due to river conditions.

If you’re looking for maximum comfort with minimal planning, Tauck might be your match. 

But if you enjoy a bit more flexibility and modern flair, Viking could be the better fit. Want help narrowing it down based on a specific route or season? I’d love to dig deeper.

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