ms Emerald Review

Tauck - Paris to Monte Carlo in Style.

Review for Europe River Cruise on ms Emerald
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Ozjohnno
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Aug 2014

We recently returned home from our 40th Anniversary adventure that included Tauck’s French Escapade from Paris to Monte Carlo. Everyone knows I’m a big Tauck fan and I found this cruise package to be up to their usual high standard but I have to say the trip really fizzled at the end in Monte Carlo. More on that later. This was our first “Package Cruise” and I have to admit that I wouldn’t do anything similar in the future. If we can afford to venture out again it would be on a river cruise only deal.

This adventure starts in Paris and Tauck put you up in the very opulent InterContinental Hotel le Grand where we were treated like royalty. The accommodation and meals were first class. Tauck’s three TD’s seemed to be everywhere and were always available to answer questions and point you to the right bus. Our time in Paris with all its included sightseeing was highlighted by our welcome dinner at Fouquet’s brasserie. Then it was off to Lyon via the very fast, high speed train. We travelled first class in airline type seats and Tauck even supplied us with chocolates on the journey.

Then came the part we really wanted to do and that’s river cruise. Our boat the Scylla crewed Swiss Emerald has just undergone a re-fit and looked and felt brand new. The partnership between Tauck and Scylla is perfect with these vessels specifically built for Tauck. This cruise was fully booked yet with only 118 passengers aboard you’d never know. There is always room to sit and talk and this lack of crowding is one of the main reasons I prefer Tauck over other all-inclusive companies that pack 169 people into a similar area. This cruise covered both the Saone and Rhone rivers with history and grandeur at every stop. Whilst some itineraries, Tauck included, are specifically designed for either wine tasting, food tasting or history cruises this one gave us something of everything.

Cabin Review

Cabin Cat5

This is a standard Tauck/Scylla cabin with a French Balcony. Whilst the specs tell you the area is only 150 square feet with all the space to store your clothes it seems a lot bigger. The bathroom is a one person at a time size but is well equipped, has enough space for all your bathroom things and comes with top class toiletries. Having a small fridge always stocked with your choice of beverages is always appreciated. With the small amount of time you spend in your cabin you'll not find fault with one on a Tauck/Scylla vessel.

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