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Black and Gold attire?

Sherrill

I like to not be dealing with things last minute, and will be doing the Douro with Lisbon and Madrid river cruise next month.

In a facebook Tauck cruise forum, there was talk of "black and gold" attire being requested/encouraged for some night. But no confirmation if that applied to the Douro cruise.

What does anyone know about this, and, more important for me, does apply specifically to the Douro River cruise?

TIA, you all are always so helpful.

Comments

Claudia Sails

I've read the same posts. Seems similar to last year when they were celebrating Tauck's big anniversary and we were encouraged to dress for the 1920s. Our final documents precruise had one short comment right before the recommended packing list. On our cruise maybe a dozen people bothered with this. After dinner the designated night there were decorations put up in the lounge, a photo booth set up for guests to use and a cake. I wouldn't over think this. If you have a black top or dress and a bit of gold bling go for it. If it isn't something you'd ever use again, I wouldn't bother.

kfnknfzk

Sherrill - I commented on this in another post. It is voluntary and you will not be denied entry if you do not wish to dress in black and gold. It is just Tauck’s way of adding some fun.

Just as the 1920s theme occurred on river cruises in 2025, it appears this will be the theme for 2026 although I don’t know the significance of choosing black and gold. That is my guess anyway.

Sherrill

Thanks Claudia and kfnknfsk (how did you pick that name???), I don't intend to stress about this, but do enjoy participating in activities. And if I can find easy outfits for hubs and me, we will have fun doing so.

Can you clarify if this was a "extra" night clothing and not the clothing for anything like the "formal" night?

MCD

The 1920s party was a separate night from the Captain's dinner. You could certainly wear the same black and gold clothing both nights. Few will notice, and no one will care. Just enjoy.

Claudia Sails

You could wear it multiple times or use as part of mix and match. No one cares if you repeat outfits. A black top with gold chain for the black/gold night but a scarf on a different one. The dress I wore for the 1920s was a $10 knit dress from Wal-Mart with some accessories. Easily changed with other accessories.

kfnknfzk

Sherrill - No need to stress at all. There are no “formal” nights other than the Chef’s Signature Dinner and formal wear is not required for that.

It might be more of a challenge for the men to dress in gold. My husband would just add a tie with some yellow/gold in it and his black tweed jacket. A simple black dress for me with gold accessories.

Make the best with what you have. Have fun with it!

kfnknfzk

I found some information…..

The black and gold event is a continuation of Tauck’s 100th anniversary and will occur throughout 2026 on riverboat journeys.

It is a casual event, will take place in the lounge, open to all guests whether they choose to wear the themed colors or not, a party with entertainment, cake, photo booth. Why black and gold? I do not know.

Based on the “casual” comment, I would modify my outfit to slacks/top/gold something. Hope this helps.

Sherrill

thank you both, and sorry for slow reply. Was on the road from florida (driving) and had laptop packed, and it stores my password for here.

Anyhow, yes, I think this is helping me to redirect my packing a little (had not been planning to do the black pant route). But all in all this may be a base for a better plan anyhow. Just glad to be aware.

Arrived home last night, there was a Tauck package at the door. Will open later today when we sort the mail. After 1600 miles, I did not feel like going through anything (still have to unpack the SUV as well.

kfnknfzk

Tauck has a knack for being gracious with their gifts and surprises. Have a great trip and be sure to post about your experience.

Claudia Sails

No worries Sherrill. Even when I'm home I prefer to use my pc for forum work. Way easier to type with a real keyboard.

Curious about the gift. Most of the fb posts I've seen show a lightweight tote and a zipper storage bag that snaps inside it. Useful, but then I have a ton of bags made and acquired.

British

We got those totes and saw some people using them on our last tour, interestingly those who had not taken a Tauck tour before. We have not used them yet.
My concern is when Tauck sends you a gift and it sits on your doorstep for two weeks because you are on vacation when it arrives for all to see you are not home.

Goddess

You don't have a trusted neighbor or friend or relative that can pick up packages for you while you are away?

British

Not when you don’t know that anything is due to be delivered. I try not to inconvenience friends or neighbors when I am on vacation.

AZCreeker

Always grateful for whatever gift Tauck sends. Going in a river cruise in July. We always have a cat sitter at the house when we travel, so no worries about sitting packages. No complaints here.

Maureen_George

We are leaving next week for the Lisbon/Douro/Madrid river cruise. For the black/gold night I am wearing a gold tank with a black jacket, keeping it simple. I bought my husband a gold paisley vest from Amazon for $30ish to wear with black slacks. For short money it was quite nice. We kept it simple but like to join in on the fun! Looking forward to this trip.

Sherrill

Maureen - clever idea on the men's vest. depending, I might steal that

To all discussing the package on the doorstep. We are snowbirds, and we do have someone that comes to collect mail and such, and of course, he came the day before we were surprised to get USPS email notifying of a delivery. If was only a couple days, and you can't easily see our front door, so we did not bother our neighbors.

Claudia and British - So, what was in the package? Yes, it was the tote with snap on pocket. One for each of us. We'll see if we bring or not. Have yet to finish unloading the SUV from the 1600 mile drive (spent two days visiting mom at assisted living facility). So I am slow on my Tauck preparations.

LindaMarie

The tote is very nice design, but really more for female. So my husband received nothing 😊. And I have 2 now. However, the carry case for the tote is quite nice and can be used by him for small stuff.