Best Of
Re: Abercrombie & Kent - Comparison with Tauck
Honestly really getting tired of the constant put down of Tauck guests and the tours by Henrypoon. Serious if you find us so offensive and mundane, you should seek out exciting friends elsewhere. We aren’t here for your derogatory comments.
MS78
Re: Abercrombie & Kent - Comparison with Tauck
I'm not a foodie so I have never signed up for a tour because of the food. I'm interested in the itinerary and what I'll see and do on a tour.
So far, I haven't had any real issues with the food on any of the Tauck tours, although in India a lot of the cuisine is spiced (hot) more than I prefer. I'm sure the intent was to give us experience with the local cuisine and I accepted it as such, even though I didn't enjoy it that much.
If food is your major concern about a tour, you should search for foodie tours, or, at least, those tours that concentrate on the meals instead of the other things you’ll do on the tour.
[Added note: I can have a wonderful meal in my home town - there are restaurants of every ethnicity you can imagine. I don't need to travel halfway around the world for a meal. I travel half way around the world to see and do things that I can't see and do in my home town.]
[We're not foodies, but we were in Cremona many years back and went to Dal Pescatore Restaurant in a small town outside of Cremona. Highly rated, but VERY expensive. https://www.mikeandjudytravel.com/2015Italy-01.htm#DalPescatore ]
Re: Just finished the Nov. 15 Patagonia tour
The yearly COVID and flu updates have become routine for us. The RSV is still a one-time only inoculation—at least for now anyway.
I'm winding up my NYC holiday and was surprised to see how few masked people there were in the subways. We continue to wear masks in airports, on planes until boarding is complete and at theatrical performances—wherever large groups of people congregate. It's just a way of life now.
kfnknfzk
Re: Kempinski Ishtar Hotel
We just did the tour in October and we arrived 2 days early as did another couple who shared the ride from the airport. Our flights were delayed and instead of arriving at 10 pm we arrived at 7am. When we arrived at the hotel we were taken to our rooms fairly quickly, and the room was fabulous. I believe all the Tauck guests were in the same row overlooking the swimming pool with a gorgeous view of the Dead Sea and the West Bank. I was very impressed with the Kempinski as they tried so hard to make everything so nice. It is a beautiful resort and so relaxing. Don't miss a day at the spa-its amazing!!
Re: Abercrombie & Kent - Comparison with Tauck
Just returned in October from an A&K Greece land tour and it was phenomenal. Since Tauck does not have land tour to Greece, I thought it best to take A&K and was not disappointed. The food was better than I'd had on almost all my other Tauck trips. I think Tauck is often quantity, not quality when it comes to food. Must say, very disappointed with most of the food on Portugal tour and the food on the Swiss tour was awful. Italian destinations have proven to be good. The A&K tour guide was one of my favs although Maria on the Tauck Amalfi Coast tour remains my all-time favorite. No complaints about A&K. My hotel rooms were better with A&K as well. Tauck is less expensive and often better fits our schedules but I really liked A&K and was happy I decided to try them out.
Re: Abercrombie & Kent - Comparison with Tauck
You make me laugh, BKMD. It must be the NY connection.
I think MarketArt and I need to plan a trip together.
kfnknfzk
Re: Kempinski Ishtar Hotel
Nothing to do with the picture of Andrew Jackson you provide him? 😀
No, it was a woman and I think it was because of my good looks. She probably thought I was some movie star 
I encounter that problem often.
[BTW, men wake up, look into the mirror and say, "I get better looking every day!"]
Re: Switzerland Crown Jewel September 1
@maitcarmom - You don't go to a really high altitude. We essentially live at sea level and didn't have any problems - and I didn't hear of anyone who did.
But do be careful in the Ice Palace. You'll be walking on ice and it's slipery. There are slip-on that you can use with your shoes that will give you better traction
Side note, I'm from New Orleans, grew up there and went to school at LSU, but don't live there now.
Re: Christmas Eve/Day
Lynne_2024,
I can't speak to your tour, but we took the Yuletide cruise last December. There was an excursion on 24 Dec but not on Christmas Day. We were docked in Antwerp and were able to walk directly off the ship and into town on the 25th. If you happen to be docked at a port city with close proximity to town, I would think you could leave the ship at your leisure as we were able to do. You may even be invited to attend mass if you so desire.
Nonetheless, there were plenty of fun and festive onboard activities on the 24th. and 25th. This year, Hanukkah coincides with Christmas so there are sure to be many memories made! I bet the crew might even have dinners and activities celebrating both holidays—maybe even a potato latke demonstration!
Have a great time and please consider posting a review afterwards. Enjoy.
kfnknfzk
