Budapest to Amsterdam River Cruise 2026
Hello, we’re looking to book our 4th excursion with Tauck and our first river boat tour (in the fall of 2026). Our first two were land tours in Europe and were 100% topnotch .. simply outstanding. Our third is a land tour in western US this coming fall. I’m seeking advice and opinions from anyone who has taking this river cruise either southbound (Amsterdam to Budapest) or northbound. How does it compare to any other river boat cruises you may have taken. What was the general condition of either the ms Treasurers or ms Espirit? Overall, did you enjoy the cruise, the food, the onboard activities, the excursions and the overall experience? And lastly, not that this really bothers us, but we are both in our early 60’s, what’s the average age range? Many thanks in advance for your feedback.
Comments
We were on the Treasure in April and the boat was great. They try to keep the level to a high standard. Food was great. Average age maybe a little older but we have never had an issue with ages. There will be people younger than you. We have done 5 river cruise with Tauck and are in our early 60s
I’ve done two different Tauck river cruises along portions of the Danube, not exactly the trip you’re doing though. I’d say you’ll likely be near the average age for the people on the tour. Perhaps just a bit below the average, that I’d guess to be mid-60s.
We're big fans of Tauck river cruises and this cruise was our 4th. Definitely a classic itinerary i.e. what you think of when you watch the Viking ads on TV. The Danube and the Upper Middle Rhine section are particularly scenic.
As for the ships, Scylla (the swiss company that actually owns them) are very good at updating them regularly. Things like new soft furnishings, keeping the tech up, comfortable beds, etc.
Regarding food, we've always been very happy with it. Breakfast and lunch are mostly buffets with plenty of choices. Dinner in the main dining room is sit down service. The menu changes every night with at least 4-5 main dish choices as well as basics like steak, salmon, chicken. There will be meat, fish, vegetarian, healthy, etc. They also feature regional dishes at lunch and dinner. The wine and spirits have always been good and unlike companies like Viking everything is included in the price. There is a casual dining venue called Arthurs for early continental breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's kind of kept evolving over the years so it's hard to say exactly what you'll have to chose from. It also has a very fancy multi function coffee machine and light snacks all day.
The crew on board is excellent especially considering all tipping is already included in the price. Tauck staff will include a cruise director (CD) and 2-3 tour directors depending on how many passengers. There will also be local guides.
Since Tauck started as a land tour operator, the off ship excursions continue that excellence. Re on board activities there will be the occasional entertainment group brought on board, a pianist nightly, sometimes a game or dance party in the lounge, lectures on different topics during daytime sailing, etc. The cabins have on demand movies to watch often specific to the tour. Nice options but certainly not what you'd find on a large ocean going vessel. No disco, no casino. The off ship excursions are the focus.
As for age range it will mostly be people 60 and up but there's always been younger travelers usually as part of a family group.
If you haven't already, I'd recommend reading lots of older posts here on the thread for this cruise as well as others. Life on board is pretty much the same from cruise to cruise.
I've been on 10 Tauck river cruises and will just agree with everything Claudia said. Have never been disappointed on any of the river cruises I've taken and loved all of them.
Age range is 60 and up but I have been on some where there were many people between 40 and 60.
I agree with the posters above. You won't be disappointed. Our first cruise was Budapest to Amsterdam in 2010. Since then we've done nine more European river cruises, with yet another scheduled for this Spring. In all, 19 trips, all with Tauck. Nuff said?
This itinerary travels through lots of locks (about 80 if I recall) to manage changes in elevation as you travel the Danube, the Main-Danube canal, the Main river and the Rhine. Many of the lock passages happen during night sailing, but you'll get your fill of the routine by the end of the trip. If you start in Budapest, you'll be moving upstream - i.e., against the Danube's flow. If you happen to have a room on the lowest deck it can be a bit of a start to look out the window and see a whole lot of fast-moving water going the opposite direction. And almost at eye level! Happy sailing.
Excellent! I appreciate the time you each took to respond to my query.